SUN LIFE ASSURANCE CO OF CANADA US
POS AM, 1998-04-17
LIFE INSURANCE
Previous: DIVERSIFIED HISTORIC INVESTORS, 10-K, 1998-04-17
Next: PHOTOCOMM INC, PRE 14A, 1998-04-17



<PAGE>

As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 17, 1998

                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 33-31711

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

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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


                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 9
                                       TO


                                    FORM S-2
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                 --------------
                  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

             DELAWARE                           04-2461439
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF             (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
  INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)           IDENTIFICATION NO.)


       ONE SUN LIFE EXECUTIVE PARK, WELLESLEY HILLS, MASSACHUSETTS 02181
                                 (781) 237-6030
         (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING
            AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)


                                                         COPIES TO:
MARGARET HANKARD, SENIOR ASSOCIATE COUNSEL            DAVID N. BROWN, ESQ.
     SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF                   COVINGTON & BURLING
             CANADA (U.S.)                      1201 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE N.W.
      RETIREMENT PRODUCTS & SERVICES                       P.O. BOX 7566
           ONE COPLEY PLACE                           WASHINGTON, D.C. 20044
       BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116                      (202) 662-5238
           (617) 348-9600


 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
        INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

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


<PAGE>
               SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)


                   Post Effective Amendment No. 9 to
                   Registration Statement on Form S-2
                    Cross Reference Sheet Pursuant To
                       Regulation S-K, Item 501(b)


       Form S-2 Item Number
             and Caption                   Location in Prospectus; Caption
- --------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
 1.  Forepart of the Registration         Cover Pages
     Statement and Outside Front Cover
     Page of Prospectus

 2.  Inside Front and Outside Back        Cover Pages; Table of Contents
     Cover Pages of Prospectus

 3.  Summary Information, Risk Factors    Cover Pages (Summary); Expense Summary
     and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
     Charges

 4.  Use of Proceeds                      A Word About the Company, the Fixed
                                          Account,the Variable Account and the
                                          Mutual Funds

 5.  Determination of Offering Price      Not Applicable

 6.  Dilution                             Not Applicable

 7.  Selling Security Holders             Not Applicable

 8.  Plan of Distribution                 Distribution of the Contracts

 9.  Description of Securities to be      Cover Pages; A Word About the Company,
     Registered                           the Fixed Account, the Variable
                                          Account and the Mutual Funds; Purchase
                                          Payments and Contract Values During
                                          Accumulation Period; Cash Withdrawals,
                                          Withdrawal Charges and Market Value 
                                          Adjustment and Loan Provision; Other 
                                          Contractual Provisions

10.  Interests of Named Experts and       Not Applicable
     Counsel

11.  Information with Respect to         A Word About the Company, the Fixed 
     Registrant                          Account, the Variable Account and the
                                         Mutual Funds; Other Contractual
                                         Provisions; Additional Information
                                         About the Company; The Company's 
                                         Directors and Executive Officers; 
                                         Legal Proceedings; Legal Matters; 
                                         Financial Statements



<PAGE>

       Form S-2 Item Number
             and Caption                   Location in Prospectus; Caption
- --------------------------------------  --------------------------------------

12.  Incorporation of Certain            Cover Pages
     Information by Reference

13.  Disclosure of Commission Position   Not Applicable
     on Indemnification for Securities
     Act Liabilities


<PAGE>
                                    PART I
                      INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS



Attached hereto and made a part hereof is the Prospectus dated May 1, 1998.



<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                     MAY 1, 1998
 
(PASTEUP LOGO)
- ------------------------
COMBINATION FIXED/VARIABLE
GROUP ANNUITY FOR QUALIFIED
AND NON-QUALIFIED
RETIREMENT PLANS
ISSUED IN CONNECTION WITH
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.)
VARIABLE ACCOUNT D
                                                                      PROSPECTUS
- ---------------------------------------------------------
   
ISSUED BY
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
*ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS:
C/O RETIREMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES DIVISION
P.O. BOX 1024
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02103
    
 
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
ONE SUN LIFE EXECUTIVE PARK
WELLESLEY HILLS, MASSACHUSETTS 02181
(781) 237-6030
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The  master group  deferred annuity  contracts (the  "Contracts") offered by
this Prospectus are designed  for use in  connection with employer,  association
and  other group retirement plans which may qualify as retirement programs under
Section 401 (including Section 401(k)), Section 403, Sections 408(c), 408(k)  or
408(p)  of the  Internal Revenue Code  and non-qualified group  programs such as
payroll savings plans (collectively the "Plans"). A Contract may be entered into
by any employer,  association or other  bona fide group.  The Contracts  provide
that  annuity  payments will  begin  on a  selected  future date.  The Contracts
provide for  the accumulation  of values  on either  a variable  basis, a  fixed
basis,  or a fixed and variable basis and provide for fixed and variable annuity
payments as elected.
 
                                                        (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE  NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY  THE SECURITIES  AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS THE BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE  INVESTING
IN  A CONTRACT AND IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUSES OF
MFS/SUN LIFE  SERIES  TRUST (FOR  QUALIFIED  AND NON-QUALIFIED  CONTRACTS),  AND
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- WORLD GOVERNMENTS FUND, MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- BOND
FUND,  MFS-REGISTERED  TRADEMARK-  TOTAL  RETURN  FUND,  MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS
TRUST, MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH  STOCK FUND AND MFS-REGISTERED  TRADEMARK-
GROWTH   OPPORTUNITIES  FUND  (FOR  QUALIFIED  CONTRACTS  UNDER  TRUST/CUSTODIAL
ACCOUNTS ONLY). YOU SHOULD RETAIN ALL PROSPECTUSES FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
    
 
*ANY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO RECEIPT BY THE COMPANY MEANS RECEIPT AT THE
ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS SHOWN ABOVE.
<PAGE>
    Each Participant under a Contract will receive a Certificate evidencing such
Participant's coverage under the Contract.
 
    The entity which establishes this Contract on behalf of Participants will be
referred to in this  Prospectus as the "Owner,"  even though certain  retirement
programs  will be set up with a trustee  as legal owner of the assets. The Owner
of  this  Contract   is  responsible  for   providing  all  communications   and
instructions  concerning Participant Accounts  to Sun Life  Assurance Company of
Canada (U.S.) (the  "Company"). It  is important  to understand  that while  the
Owner  has  the  responsibility  for  transmitting  such  instructions  for each
Participant, the  Participant  may be  permitted  or required  to  make  certain
decisions  and elections under this  Contract, as specified by  the Owner in the
plan, trust or other  appropriate document. Thus,  where this Contract  provides
for selections and elections by the Owner, the Owner shall be solely responsible
for  giving such instructions to the Company, but the Owner shall have the right
to determine whether  Participants or others  make such elections  in the  first
instance.
 
    The  Owner of a Contract  may elect to have  Contract values accumulate on a
fixed basis in the Fixed  Account which pays interest at  a fixed rate which  is
guaranteed  for a  specific period (one  (1), three  (3), five (5)  or seven (7)
years) or on  a variable basis  in the  Variable Account, or  divided among  the
Fixed Account and the Variable Account.
 
   
    If the Owner elects to have Contract values accumulated on a variable basis,
Purchase  Payments are allocated to Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account D
(the "Variable  Account"),  a separate  account  of the  Company.  The  Variable
Account  uses its assets to purchase, at their net asset value, shares in one or
more of the following mutual funds selected  by the Owner from among a group  of
mutual  funds advised by Massachusetts  Financial Services Company, an affiliate
of   the   Company:   MFS-Registered    Trademark-/Sun   Life   Series    Trust;
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund; MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond
Fund;  MFS-Registered  Trademark-  Total  Return  Fund;  Massachusetts Investors
Trust; Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund; and MFS-Registered  Trademark-
Growth  Opportunities Fund (the  "Mutual Fund(s)" or "Fund(s)").  IN THE CASE OF
NON-TRUSTEED RETIREMENT PROGRAMS SUCH AS SECTION 403(b) TAX-SHELTERED  ANNUITIES
AND  NON-TAX-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION AND PAYROLL SAVINGS PLANS, PURCHASE
PAYMENTS ALLOCATED TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT MAY BE ALLOCATED ONLY TO MFS/SUN LIFE
SERIES TRUST. Each Mutual Fund pays its investment adviser certain fees  charged
against  the assets of  the Mutual Fund.  The value of  the variable portion, if
any, of the  Contract's Accumulation  Account, the value  of each  Participant's
Account  and the amount  of variable annuity  payments will vary  to reflect the
investment performance of the Mutual Fund(s)  selected and the deduction of  the
contract charges described under "How the Contract Charges Are Assessed" on page
26. (For more information about the Mutual Funds, see "The Mutual Funds" on page
16.)
    
 
   
    If  the Owner elects to  have Contract values accumulated  on a fixed basis,
Purchase Payments are allocated  to the Fixed Account.  The Company will  invest
Purchase Payments which are allocated to the Fixed Account in federal, state and
municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks, real estate
mortgages,  real estate  and certain  other investments  in accordance  with the
requirements established by applicable state insurance laws regarding the nature
and quality of  investments that may  be made by  life insurance companies  (See
"The  Fixed Account" on page 15). The Company  will credit interest at a rate of
not less  than four  percent  (4%) per  year,  compounded annually,  to  amounts
allocated  to the Fixed Account under  the Contracts and guarantee these amounts
at various interest rates  (the "Guarantee Rate") for  one (1), three (3),  five
(5)  or seven (7) years,  as elected by the Owner,  subject to the imposition of
any  applicable  withdrawal   charge,  market  value   adjustment,  or   account
administration  fee ("Account  Fee"). The Company  may not change  an Initial or
Subsequent Guarantee  Rate for  the balance  of the  Guarantee Period;  however,
future  Guarantee Rates cannot be  predicted and will be  determined at the sole
discretion of the  Company (subject  to the  minimum guarantee  of four  percent
(4%)).  Fixed Accumulation Units  in the Fixed  Account will be  credited to the
Contract's Accumulation Account. That part of the Contract relating to the Fixed
Account is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, but the Fixed Account is
not subject to the restrictions of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
    
 
   
    The Company does not deduct a  sales charge from Purchase Payments made  for
the  Contracts. However, if any part  of a Participant's Account is surrendered,
the Company will, with certain exceptions,
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
   
deduct from the  amount requested  a withdrawal charge  (which may  be deemed  a
contingent  deferred sales  charge). This  charge varies  from a  maximum of six
percent (6%) for Purchase Payments that have been in a Participant's Account for
less than  two (2)  years  to zero  (0)  for Payments  which  have been  in  the
Participant's  Account for seven (7) years. This charge is intended to reimburse
the Company  for expenses  relating  to the  distribution  of the  Contracts.  A
portion  of  a Participant's  Account  may be  withdrawn  each year  without any
withdrawal charge imposed by the Company, and after a Purchase Payment has  been
held  by the Company for seven (7)  years it may be withdrawn without imposition
of any withdrawal  charge by  the Company.  In addition,  after a  Participant's
Account  has been established for 12 years no withdrawal charges will be imposed
on  any  amounts  withdrawn.  Contracts  which  are  used  in  connection   with
tax-qualified  retirement  programs  ("Qualified Contracts")  also  have  a loan
provision  (See  "Withdrawal  Charges"   and  "Loans"  on   pages  23  and   25,
respectively).
    
 
   
    In  addition, if Fixed Accumulation  Units having a three  (3), five (5), or
seven (7)  year Guarantee  Period are  canceled to  effect a  full surrender  or
partial  withdrawal, a Market Value Adjustment will be imposed. The Market Value
Adjustment will  reflect  the  relationship  between  the  Current  Rate  for  a
Guarantee  Period of the same  duration as that of  the amount being surrendered
and the  Guarantee Rate  applicable to  the amount  being surrendered.  It  also
reflects the time remaining in the Guarantee Period. Generally, if the Guarantee
Rate  is lower than the  applicable Current Rate, the  application of the Market
Value Adjustment will result  in a lower payment  upon surrender. Similarly,  if
the  Guarantee Rate is higher than  the applicable Current Rate, the application
of the Market Value Adjustment will  result in a higher payment upon  surrender.
If  the  Current Rate  and the  Guarantee Rate  are the  same, the  Market Value
Adjustment is zero. IF A FULL SURRENDER IS REQUESTED WHEN THE GUARANTEE RATE  IS
LOWER  THAN  THE APPLICABLE  CURRENT RATE  THE MARKET  VALUE ADJUSTMENT  WILL IN
EFFECT REDUCE THE AMOUNT  OF INTEREST ALLOCATED TO  A PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT  AND
COULD  RESULT IN A CASH WITHDRAWAL PAYMENT IN AN AMOUNT IESS THAN TOTAL PURCHASE
PAYMENTS (NET OF DEDUCTIONS FOR CONTRACT CHARGES) (SEE "MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT"
ON PAGE 24).
    
 
    The Company reserves  the right to  defer the payment  of amounts  withdrawn
from  the Fixed Account for a period not  to exceed six (6) months from the date
written request for such withdrawal is received by the Company.
 
   
    Special  restrictions   on  withdrawals   apply  to   Contracts  used   with
Tax-Sheltered  Annuities established pursuant to  Section 403(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code (See "Section 403(b) Annuities" on page 23).
    
 
   
    In addition,  under  certain circumstances  withdrawals  may result  in  tax
penalties (See "Taxation of Annuities in General" on page 36).
    
 
   
    For  a discussion  of cash withdrawal  procedures see  "Cash Withdrawals" on
page 22.
    
 
   
    On each Account Anniversary  and on surrender  of the Participant's  Account
for  full value if it is not  surrendered on an Account Anniversary, the Company
will deduct  an  annual account  administration  fee ("Account  Fee")  from  the
Participant's  Account. After the Annuity Commencement Date the Account Fee will
be deducted pro rata from each annuity payment made during the year. The  amount
of  the Account Fee varies  from $12 to $25. These  charges are to reimburse the
Company  for  administrative  expenses  related   to  the  maintenance  of   the
Participant's Account (See "Account Fee" on page 26).
    
 
   
    The  Company also deducts a mortality and  expense risk charge at the end of
each Valuation Period at an annual rate ranging from 1.30% to 0.95% of the daily
net assets of the  Variable Account for mortality  and expense risks assumed  by
the Company (See "Charges Against the Variable Account for Mortality and Expense
Risks" on page 27).
    
 
   
    Total  annualized Purchase Payments allocated to a Participant's Account for
the first Account Year must  be at least $300 and  are payable in amounts of  at
least $25 per payment (See "Purchase Payments" on page 18).
    
 
    The  Contracts provide that  the Company may  modify the withdrawal charges,
Account Fee, mortality and expense risk charges, the tables used in  determining
the amount of the first monthly variable
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
annuity  payment and the formula used  to calculate the Market Value Adjustment,
provided that such modification shall  apply only with respect to  Participant's
Accounts  established  after  the  effective  date  of  such  modification  (See
"Modification" on page 34).
    
 
   
    Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be charged against the
Participant's Account (See "Premium Taxes" on page 27).
    
 
   
    Subject to certain conditions, and during the Accumulation Period, the Owner
may convert the value  of a designated number  of Fixed Accumulation Units  then
credited  to a Participant's Account into  other Fixed Accumulation Units having
an equal  aggregate  value but  having  a  different Guarantee  Period  or  into
Variable Accumulation Units of particular Sub-Accounts having an equal aggregate
value,  or convert  the value  of a  designated number  of Variable Accumulation
Units then credited to a Participant's Account into other Variable  Accumulation
Units   and/or  Fixed  Accumulation  Units  having  an  equal  aggregate  value.
Transfers/conversions involving Fixed  Accumulation Units with  three (3),  five
(5)  or  seven (7)  year Guarantee  Periods will  be subject  to a  Market Value
Adjustment (See "Conversion of Accumulation Units" on page 21).
    
 
   
    After the  Annuity Commencement  Date,  the Payee  may, subject  to  certain
restrictions,  exchange the  value of  a designated  number of  Variable Annuity
Units of particular Sub-Accounts then credited  to the Contract with respect  to
the particular Payee, for other Variable Annuity Units, the value of which would
be  such that the  dollar amount of an  annuity payment made on  the date of the
exchange would  be unaffected  by the  fact of  the exchange  (See "Exchange  of
Variable Annuity Units" on page 31).
    
 
   
    The  Company will vote Fund  shares held by the  Sub-Accounts at meetings of
shareholders of the Fund(s), but  will follow voting instructions received  from
persons  having the right to  give voting instructions. The  Owner is the person
having the right to give voting  instructions prior to the Annuity  Commencement
Date.  On or after the Annuity Commencement  Date the Payee is the person having
such voting rights. Any shares attributable  to the Company and Fund shares  for
which no timely voting instructions are received will be voted by the Company in
the  same  proportion as  the shares  for which  instructions are  received from
persons having such right (See "Voting of Fund Shares" on page 33).
    
 
   
    The Company will furnish Participants and other persons having voting rights
with certain reports and  statements, as described  under "Periodic Reports"  on
page  33. Such reports, other than  prospectuses, will not include the Company's
financial statements.
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
    The Company is subject to  the informational requirements of the  Securities
Exchange  Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"),  as amended, and in accordance therewith
files reports and other information  with the Securities and Exchange  Commision
(the  "Commission"). Such  reports and  other information  can be  inspected and
copied at the public  reference facilities of the  Commission at Room 1024,  450
Fifth  Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C. and at  the Commission's Regional Offices
located at 75 Park Place, New York, New York and the Northwestern Atrium Center,
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois. Copies of such materials
also can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at  450
Fifth  Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549  at prescribed rates. The Commission
maintains a Website that contains reports, proxy and information statements  and
other  information about the Company,  which files such documents electronically
with the Commission, at the following address: http:// www.sec.gov.
    
 
    The  Company   has   filed  registration   statements   (the   "Registration
Statements")  with the Commission  under the Securities Act  of 1933 relating to
the Contracts offered by  this Prospectus. This Prospectus  has been filed as  a
part  of the Registration Statements and does not contain all of the information
set forth in the Registration Statements and exhibits thereto, and reference  is
hereby made to such Registration Statements and exhibits for further information
relating  to the Company and the  Contracts. The Registration Statements and the
exhibits thereto may  be inspected  and copied, and  copies can  be obtained  at
prescribed rates, in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
   
    The  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the
Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 1998 heretofore filed by the Company
with the Commission  under the 1934  Act are incorporated  by reference in  this
Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Any statement contained in a document incorporated herein by reference shall
be deemed modified or superseded hereby to the extent that a statement contained
in  a later-filed document  or herein shall modify  or supersede such statement.
Any statement  so modified  or superseded  shall  not be  deemed, except  as  so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
    The  Company will furnish, without charge, to  each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a
copy of  the  documents  referred  to above  which  have  been  incorporated  by
reference in this Prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents (unless such
exhibits  are  specifically  incorporated  by  reference  in  this  Prospectus).
Requests for  such documents  should  be directed  to  the Secretary,  Sun  Life
Assurance  Company  of Canada  (U.S.), One  Sun  Life Executive  Park, Wellesley
Hills, Massachusetts 02181, telephone (781) 237-6030.
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   PAGE
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definitions                                                                                                              8
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Summary                                                                                                         10
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Condensed Financial Information--Accumulation Unit Values                                                               12
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus Is a Catalog of Facts                                                                                   13
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uses of the Contracts                                                                                                   13
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Word About the Company, the Variable Account, the Fixed Account and the Mutual Funds                                  13
    The Company                                                                                                         13
    The Variable Account                                                                                                14
    The Fixed Account                                                                                                   15
    The Mutual Funds                                                                                                    16
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase Payments and Contract Values During Accumulation Period                                                        18
    Purchase Payments                                                                                                   18
    Accumulation Account and Participant's Account                                                                      19
    Variable Accumulation Value                                                                                         19
    Fixed Accumulation Value                                                                                            20
    Conversion of Accumulation Units                                                                                    21
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Withdrawals, Withdrawal Charges, Market Value Adjustment and Loan Provision                                        22
    Cash Withdrawals                                                                                                    22
    Withdrawal Charges                                                                                                  23
    Section 403(b) Annuities                                                                                            23
    Market Value Adjustment                                                                                             24
    Loans (Qualified Contracts Only)                                                                                    25
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Benefit                                                                                                           25
    Death Benefit Provided by the Contracts                                                                             25
    Election and Effective Date of Election                                                                             25
    Payment of Death Benefit                                                                                            26
    Amount of Death Benefit                                                                                             26
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How the Contract Charges Are Assessed                                                                                   26
    Account Fee                                                                                                         26
    Premium Taxes                                                                                                       27
    Charges Against the Variable Account for Mortality and Expense Risks                                                27
    Withdrawal Charges                                                                                                  28
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annuity Provisions                                                                                                      28
    Annuity Commencement Date                                                                                           28
    Election--Change of Annuity Option                                                                                  29
    Annuity Options                                                                                                     29
    Determination of Annuity Payments                                                                                   30
    Fixed Annuity Payments                                                                                              30
    Variable Annuity Payments                                                                                           30
    Variable Annuity Unit Value                                                                                         31
    Exchange of Variable Annuity Units                                                                                  31
    Annuity Payment Rates                                                                                               31
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                         TABLE OF CONTENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   PAGE
<S>                                                                                                             <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Contractual Provisions                                                                                            32
    Payment Limits                                                                                                      32
    Owner                                                                                                               32
    Change of Ownership                                                                                                 32
    Designation and Change of Beneficiary                                                                               32
    Voting of Fund Shares                                                                                               33
    Periodic Reports                                                                                                    33
    Substituted Securities                                                                                              34
    Change in Operation of Variable Account                                                                             34
    Splitting Units                                                                                                     34
    Modification                                                                                                        34
    Discontinuance of New Participants                                                                                  35
    Custodian                                                                                                           35
    Right to Return Contract (Individual Retirement Accounts Only)                                                      35
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Tax Status                                                                                                      35
    Introduction                                                                                                        35
    Tax Treatment of the Company and the Variable Account                                                               35
    Taxation of Annuities in General                                                                                    36
    Qualified Retirement Plans                                                                                          38
    Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans                                                                                    38
    Tax-Sheltered Annuities                                                                                             38
    Individual Retirement Accounts                                                                                      39
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Optional Retirement Program                                                                                       39
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Administration of the Contracts                                                                                         39
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution of the Contracts                                                                                           39
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Information About the Company                                                                                40
    Selected Financial Data                                                                                             40
    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations                               40
    Liquidity                                                                                                           43
    Year 2000 Compliance                                                                                                43
    Recent Reorganization                                                                                               43
    Asset/Liability Management and Information about Market Risk                                                        44
    Sun Life of Canada                                                                                                  45
    Reinsurance                                                                                                         45
    Reserves                                                                                                            45
    Investments                                                                                                         46
    Competition                                                                                                         46
    Employees                                                                                                           46
    Properties                                                                                                          46
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's Directors and Executive Officers                                                                          46
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Regulation                                                                                                        49
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal Proceedings                                                                                                       50
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accountants                                                                                                             50
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration Statements                                                                                                 50
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Statements                                                                                                    50
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix A--Illustrative Examples of Calculations of Variable Accumulation Unit Value, Variable Annuity Unit
  Value and Variable Annuity Payment                                                                                    78
Appendix B--Withdrawals, Surrenders, Withdrawal Charges and Market Value Adjustment                                     80
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
    The following terms as used in this Prospectus have the indicated meanings:
 
Account  Years and  Account Anniversaries: The  first Account Year  shall be the
period of twelve (12) months plus a part of a month as measured from the Date of
Coverage for  each Participant  to the  first day  of the  calendar month  which
follows  the calendar  month of  coverage. All  Account Years  and Anniversaries
thereafter shall be twelve (12) month periods  based upon such first day of  the
calendar  month which follows  the calendar month of  coverage. If, for example,
the Date of Coverage is in March, the first Account Year will be determined from
the Date of  Coverage but will  end on the  last day of  March in the  following
year;  all other  Account Years and  all Account Anniversaries  will be measured
from April 1.
 
Accumulation Account: An account established for the Contract.
 
Accumulation Period: The period before the Annuity Commencement Date and  during
the lifetime of the Participant.
 
Accumulation Unit: A unit of measure used in the calculation of the value of the
Accumulation  Account  and the  Participant's Account.  There  are two  types of
Accumulation Units: Variable Accumulation Units and Fixed Accumulation Units.
 
*Annuitant: The Participant named in each Certificate.
 
Annuity Commencement Date:  The date on  which the first  annuity payment  under
each Certificate is to be made.
 
*Annuity Option: The method for making annuity payments.
 
Annuity  Unit: A unit of measure used in  the calculation of the second and each
subsequent variable annuity payment from the Variable Account.
 
Application: The  document  signed by  the  Owner  that serves  as  the  Owner's
application to the Company for the Contract.
 
*Beneficiary:  The person or  entity having the  right to the  death benefit set
forth in each Certificate.
 
Certificate: The document for each  Participant which evidences the coverage  of
the Participant under the Contract.
 
Company: Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).
 
Current  Rate: As of a particular date, the interest rate for a Guarantee Period
that would be credited on a compound  annual basis on Payments allocated to  the
Fixed  Account on that date. The Current  Rate for a particular Guarantee Period
is contained in a schedule of rates published by the Company from time to  time,
but  in no  event is the  Current Rate  less than four  percent (4%), compounded
annually.
 
Date of Coverage: The date on which the Participant's Account becomes effective.
 
Due Proof of Death: An original certified copy of an official death certificate,
an original certified copy of a decree  of a court of competent jurisdiction  as
to the finding of death, or any other proof satisfactory to the Company.
 
Fixed  Account: The Fixed  Account consists of  all assets of  the Company other
than those allocated to a separate account of the Company.
 
Fixed Annuity: An annuity with payments which do not vary as to dollar amount.
 
Guarantee Period: The  number of years  for which an  Initial Guarantee Rate  or
Subsequent  Guarantee Rate is credited.  This period may be  one (1), three (3),
five (5) or seven  (7) years, as elected  by the Owner. There  are two types  of
Guarantee  Periods:  an  Initial  Guarantee Period  and  a  Subsequent Guarantee
Period.
 
- ------------------------
* As specified in the Participant Enrollment Form, unless changed.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
Guarantee Rate:  The rate  of interest  credited by  the Company  on a  compound
annual  basis  during any  Initial or  Subsequent  Guarantee Period  on Payments
allocated to the Fixed Account.
 
Issue Date: The date on which a Contract becomes effective.
 
Net Loan Interest: Loan interest due the Company, minus any interest credited by
the Company on the principal amount of the loan and any unpaid interest thereon.
 
Non-Qualified Contract: A  Contract used  in connection with  a retirement  plan
which  does not  receive favorable federal  income tax  treatment under Sections
401, 403 or 408 of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
*Owner: An  employer, association  or  other bona  fide  group entitled  to  the
ownership  rights stated in the Contract and in whose name or names the Contract
is issued. The Owner may designate a  trustee or custodian of a retirement  plan
which meets the requirements of Section 401, Section 408(c) or Section 408(k) of
the  Internal Revenue Code to serve as legal  owner of Plan assets, but the term
"Owner," as  used herein,  shall refer  to the  organization entering  into  the
Contract.
 
Participant:  An  eligible  employee,  member  or  other  person  named  in  the
Certificate who  is  entitled to  benefits  under  the Plan  as  determined  and
reported to the Company by the Owner.
 
Participant Enrollment Form: The document signed by each Participant that serves
as his or her application for enrollment under the Contract.
 
Participant's  Account: An account established for each Participant to which net
Purchase Payments are credited in the form of Variable Accumulation Units and/or
Fixed Accumulation Units.
 
Payee: A recipient of annuity payments under the Contract. The term includes  an
Annuitant  or a Beneficiary who  becomes entitled to benefits  upon the death of
the Annuitant.
 
Plan: The retirement plan under which the Contract is issued.
 
Purchase Payment (Payment): An amount paid  to the Company as consideration  for
the benefits provided by the Contract.
 
Qualified  Contract: A Contract used in  connection with a retirement plan which
receives favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections 401, 403, 408(c),
408(k) or 408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code").
 
Receipt: Receipt by the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address shown  on
the cover of this Prospectus.
 
Sub-Account:  That portion of the Variable Account  which invests in shares of a
specific Mutual Fund or a specific series of MFS/Sun Life Series Trust.
 
*Successor Beneficiary: The person or persons named to become the Beneficiary if
the Beneficiary is not alive.
 
Valuation Period: The period of time from one determination of Accumulation Unit
and Annuity Unit values  to the next subsequent  determination of these  values.
Such  determination shall be made as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange
on each day the  Exchange is open for  trading and on such  other days on  which
there  is a  sufficient degree  of trading  in the  portfolio securities  of the
Variable Account so that the values of the Variable Account's Accumulation Units
and Annuity Units might be materially affected.
 
Variable Account: A  separate account of  the Company consisting  of assets  set
aside  by the Company, the investment performance of which is kept separate from
that of the general assets of the Company.
 
Variable Annuity: An  annuity with payments  which vary as  to dollar amount  in
relation to the investment performance of specified Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account.
 
- ------------------------
* As specified in the Participant Enrollment Form, unless changed.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                EXPENSE SUMMARY
 
    The  purpose  of the  following table  is to  help Owners,  Participants and
prospective purchasers  to understand  the costs  and expenses  that are  borne,
directly  and  indirectly,  by  Owners  and/or  Participants  WHEN  PAYMENTS ARE
ALLOCATED TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT. The  table reflects expenses of the  Variable
Account  as well as of the Funds.  The expense information for certain Funds has
been restated  to reflect  current fees.  The information  set forth  should  be
considered  together  with the  narrative provided  under  the heading  "How the
Contract  Charges  Are  Assessed"  in  this  Prospectus,  and  with  the  Funds'
prospectuses.  In addition  to the expenses  listed below, premium  taxes may be
applicable.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    MONEY       HIGH          CAPITAL        GOVERNMENT
                                                   MARKET       YIELD      APPRECIATION      SECURITIES
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                         SERIES      SERIES         SERIES           SERIES
- ------------------------------------------------  ---------   ---------   ---------------   -------------
<S>                                               <C>         <C>         <C>               <C>
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases.................      0             0               0               0
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of Purchase
  Payments withdrawn) (1)
  Years Payment in Participant's Account
    0-2.........................................        6%          6%                6%              6%
    3...........................................        5%          5%                5%              5%
    4...........................................        4%          4%                4%              4%
    5...........................................        3%          3%                3%              3%
    6...........................................        2%          2%                2%              2%
    7...........................................        1%          1%                1%              1%
    8...........................................        0%          0%                0%              0%
Exchange Fee....................................        0           0                 0               0
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE (2)                                              $25 per Contract
- ------------------------------------------------
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------
(as a percentage of average separate account assets)
Mortality and Expense Risk Fees (2).............        1.30%       1.30%             1.30%           1.30%
Other Fees and Expenses of the Separate
  Account.......................................        0.00%       0.00%             0.00%           0.00%
Total Separate Account Annual Expenses..........        1.30%       1.30%             1.30%           1.30%
FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------
(as a percentage of Fund average net assets)
Management Fees.................................        0.50%       0.75%             0.73%           0.55%
Other Expenses..................................        0.07%       0.09%             0.05%           0.08%
Total Fund Annual Expenses......................        0.57%       0.84%             0.78%           0.63%
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES                          MWG        MFB         MTR        MIT          MIG          MGO
- ------------------------------------------------  -------   ----------   -------   ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases.................       0        0             0            0            0            0
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of Purchase
  Payments withdrawn) (1)
  Years Payment in Participant's Account
    0-2.........................................      6%        6%           6%        6%           6%           6%
    3...........................................      5%        5%           5%        5%           5%           5%
    4...........................................      4%        4%           4%        4%           4%           4%
    5...........................................      3%        3%           3%        3%           3%           3%
    6...........................................      2%        2%           2%        2%           2%           2%
    7...........................................      1%        1%           1%        1%           1%           1%
    8...........................................      0%        0%           0%        0%           0%           0%
Exchange Fee....................................      0         0            0         0            0            0
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE (2)                                                     $25 per Contract
- ------------------------------------------------
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------
(as a percentage of average separate account assets)
Mortality and Expense Risk Fees (2).............      1.30%     1.30%        1.30%     1.30%        1.30%        1.30%
Other Fees and Expenses of the Separate
  Account.......................................      0.00%     0.00%        0.00%     0.00%        0.00%        0.00%
Total Separate Account Annual Expenses..........      1.30%     1.30%        1.30%     1.30%        1.30%        1.30%
FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------
(as a percentage of Fund average net assets)
Management Fees.................................      0.75%     0.41%        0.38%     0.22%        0.63%        0.39%
Other Expenses(3)...............................      0.60%     0.59%        0.55%     0.52%        0.08%        0.45%
Total Fund Annual Expenses......................      1.35%     1.00%        0.93%     0.74%        0.71%        0.84%
</TABLE>
    
 
                          (See footnotes on next page)
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------
(1)  A portion of the Participant's Account  may be withdrawn each year  without
     imposition  of any withdrawal charge, and after a Purchase Payment has been
     held by  the Company  for  seven years  it may  be  withdrawn free  of  any
     withdrawal charge.
 
(2)  The Annual Contract Fee ("Account Fee") and Mortality and Expense Risk Fees
     ("Asset  Charge") decline based on total  Purchase Payments credited to all
     Participant's Accounts under  a Contract in  accordance with the  following
     schedule:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PURCHASE PAYMENTS                                  ACCOUNT FEE   ASSET CHARGE
- -------------------------------------------------  -----------   ------------
<C>                     <S>                        <C>           <C>
          up to $250,000 .........................     $25             1.30%
  $250,000 to $1,499,999 .........................     $18             1.25%
$1,500,000 to $4,999,999 .........................     $15             1.10%
     $5,000,000 and over .........................     $12             0.95%
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(3) Other expenses include annualized fees assessed under the Distribution Plans
    adopted  pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
    Rule 12b-1 thereunder (See the Funds' prospectuses). The Distribution  Plans
    commenced on the following dates: MTR and MWG, October 1, 1989; MIT, January
    2, 1991; and MFB, MIG and MGO, March 1, 1991.
    
 
                                    EXAMPLE
 
    If you surrender your Contract at the end of the applicable time period, you
would  pay the following expenses  on a $1,000 investment,  assuming a 5% annual
return on assets:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR       3 YEARS      5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Money Market Series.....................................   $      73    $     104    $     128    $     219
High Yield Series.......................................          76          112          142          247
Capital Appreciation Series.............................          75          110          139          241
Government Securities Series............................          74          106          131          225
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund
  (MWG).................................................          81          127          168          298
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (MFB)...............          77          117          150          264
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (MTR).......          77          115          146          256
Massachusetts Investors Trust (MIT).....................          75          109          137          237
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (MIG).........          74          108          135          234
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund
  (MGO).................................................          76          112          142          247
</TABLE>
    
 
If you do NOT  surrender your Contract, or  if you annuitize at  the end of  the
applicable  time  period,  you would  pay  the  following expenses  on  a $1,000
investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            1 YEAR       3 YEARS      5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                          -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Money Market Series.....................................   $      19    $      59    $     101    $     219
High Yield Series.......................................          22           67          115          247
Capital Appreciation Series.............................          21           65          112          241
Government Securities Series............................          20           61          104          225
MFS-Registered Trademark- World Governments Fund
  (MWG).................................................          27           82          141          298
MFS-Registered Trademark- Bond Fund (MFB)...............          23           72          123          264
MFS-Registered Trademark- Total Return Fund (MTR).......          23           70          119          256
Massachusetts Investors Trust (MIT).....................          21           64          110          237
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Fund (MIG).........          20           63          108          234
MFS-Registered Trademark- Growth Opportunities Fund
  (MGO).................................................          22           67          115          247
</TABLE>
    
 
THE EXAMPLE  SHOULD  NOT  BE  CONSIDERED A  REPRESENTATION  OF  PAST  OR  FUTURE
EXPENSES, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
   
           CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION--ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES
    
 
   
    The  following information should  be read in  conjunction with the Variable
Accounts financial statements  appearing elsewhere  in this  Prospectus, all  of
which  has been audited  by Deloitte & Touche  LLP, independent certified public
accountants.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                1997                                                     1997
                                              ---------                                                ---------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>                                           <C>
MIT                                                      MWG
  Unit value                                             Unit value
    Beginning of period                       $ 33.9934  Beginning of period                           $ 21.7932
    End of period                             $ 44.1981  End of period                                 $ 21.6012
  Units outstanding end of period               668,603  Units outstanding end of period                  50,083
MIG                                                      CAS
  Unit value                                             Unit value
    Beginning of period                       $ 29.9956  Beginning of period                           $ 35.6224
    End of period                             $ 43.9157  End of period                                 $ 43.3190
  Units outstanding end of period               225,178  Units outstanding end of period                 680,351
MTR                                                      GSS
  Unit value                                             Unit value
    Beginning of period                       $ 29.9279  Beginning of period                           $ 18.7159
    End of period                             $ 33.2755  End of period                                 $ 20.1019
  Units outstanding end of period               759,684  Units outstanding end of period                 377,706
MGO                                                      HYS
  Unit value                                             Unit value
    Beginning of period                       $ 26.5992  Beginning of period                           $ 22.0500
    End of period                             $ 32.3990  End of period                                 $ 24.6550
  Units outstanding end of period               100,623  Units outstanding end of period                 161,891
MFB                                                      MMS
  Unit value                                             Unit value
    Beginning of period                       $ 19.3773  Beginning of period                           $ 15.2586
    End of period                             $ 21.1171  End of period                                 $ 15.8347
  Units outstanding end of period                86,309  Units outstanding end of period                 246,919
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                     THIS PROSPECTUS IS A CATALOG OF FACTS
 
    This Prospectus contains information about the master group deferred annuity
contract  (the "Contract") which provides fixed benefits, variable benefits or a
combination of  both  as  elected  by  the Owner.  It  describes  its  uses  and
objectives,  its benefits and costs, and the  rights and privileges of the Owner
and the  Participant.  It  also  contains information  about  the  Company,  the
Variable  Account, the Fixed Account and the Mutual Funds. It has been carefully
prepared in non-technical language to help you decide whether the purchase of  a
Contract  will fit  the needs of  your retirement plan.  We urge you  to read it
carefully and  retain it  for  future reference.  The Contract  has  appropriate
provisions  relating to variable and fixed  accumulation values and variable and
fixed annuity payments.  A Variable  Annuity and  a Fixed  Annuity have  certain
similarities. Both provide that Purchase Payments, less certain deductions, will
be  accumulated  prior  to  the Annuity  Commencement  Date.  After  the Annuity
Commencement Date, annuity payments will be  made to the Annuitant. The  Company
assumes  the  mortality  and expense  risks  under  the Contract,  for  which it
receives certain amounts. The significant difference between a Variable  Annuity
and  a Fixed Annuity  is that under  a Variable Annuity,  all investment risk is
assumed by the Owner and the Participant or Payee and the amounts of the annuity
payments vary with the investment performance  of the Variable Account; under  a
Fixed Annuity, the investment risk is assumed by the Company (except in the case
of early withdrawals (See "Cash Withdrawals" and "Market Value Adjustment")) and
the  amounts of the annuity  payments do not vary.  However, the Owner bears the
risk that the Guarantee Rate  to be credited on  amounts allocated to the  Fixed
Account  may not exceed the minimum guaranteed rate of four percent (4%) for any
Guarantee Period.
 
   
                             USES OF THE CONTRACTS
    
 
    The Contracts are designed for use in connection with retirement plans which
meet the requirements of  Section 401 (including  Section 401(k)), Section  403,
Section  408(c), Section 408(k) or Section  408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Effective May 1,1990, no new Contracts will be issued for use in connection with
deferred compensation plans  established pursuant  to Section 457  of the  Code.
Certain federal tax advantages are currently available to retirement plans which
qualify  as (1) self-employed  individuals' retirement plans  under Section 401;
(2) corporate or  association retirement  plans under Section  401; (3)  annuity
purchase  plans sponsored by  certain tax exempt  organizations or public school
systems under  Section 403(b);  and  (4) employer  or association  of  employees
individual  retirement  accounts under  Section  408(c), SEP-IRAs  under Section
408(k) and Simple Retirement  Accounts under Section  408(p). (See "Federal  Tax
Status").
 
    The   Contracts  are   also  designed   to  be   used  in   connection  with
non-tax-qualified deferred compensation and payroll savings plans.
 
    A  Contract  is  issued  to  the  Owner  covering  all  present  and  future
Participants. Each Participant receives a Certificate which evidences his or her
participation  in  the  Plan  established  by the  Owner.  For  the  purposes of
determining benefits under the Plan, a Participant's Account is established  for
each Participant.
 
                           A WORD ABOUT THE COMPANY,
          THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT, THE FIXED ACCOUNT AND THE MUTUAL FUNDS
 
THE COMPANY
 
   
    The  Company is  a stock life  insurance corporation  incorporated under the
laws of Delaware on  January 12, 1970. Its  Executive Office mailing address  is
One  Sun  Life  Executive Park,  Wellesley  Hills, Massachusetts  02181.  It has
obtained authorization to  do business  in forty-eight states,  the District  of
Columbia  and  Puerto Rico,  and  it is  anticipated  that the  Company  will be
authorized to do business in all states except New York. The Company issues life
insurance policies and individual and group annuities. The Company has formed  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary, Sun  Life Insurance and  Annuity Company  of New York,
which issues individual fixed  and combination fixed/variable annuity  contracts
and  group life  and long-term disability  insurance in New  York. The Company's
other  active  subsidiaries  are  Sun  Capital  Advisers,  Inc.,  a   registered
investment adviser, Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc., a registered broker-dealer
that acts as the general distributor of the contracts and other annuity and life
insurance contracts
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
   
issued   by  the  Company  and  its   affiliates,  Sun  Life  of  Canada  (U.S.)
Distributors, Inc.,  a  registered  broker-dealer and  investment  adviser,  New
London Trust, F.S.B., a federally chartered savings bank, and Sun Life Financial
Services  Limited,  which  provides  off-shore  administrative  services  to the
Company and Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Sun Life (Canada)).
    
 
   
    The Company  is a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of  Sun  Life of  Canada  (U.S.)
Holdings   Inc.  ("Life  Holdco"),  which,  on   December  18,  1997,  became  a
wholly-owned subsidiary  of  Sun  Life  Assurance  Company  of  Canada  --  U.S.
Operations  Holdings,  Inc.  ("U.S.  Holdco").  U.S.  Holdco  is  a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Sun Life (Canada), 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Sun Life (Canada) is a mutual life insurance company incorporated pursuant to an
Act of Parliament of Canada in 1865  and currently transacts business in all  of
the  Canadian provinces  and territories, all  U.S. states except  New York, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico,  the Virgin Islands, Great Britain,  Ireland,
Hong Kong, Bermuda and the Philippines.
    
 
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    The  basic objective of  a variable annuity contract  is to provide variable
annuity payments  which to  some degree  will be  responsive to  changes in  the
economic  environment,  including inflationary  forces and  changes in  rates of
return available from various types of investments. The Contract is designed  to
seek  to  accomplish  this  objective by  providing  that  the  variable annuity
payments (1) will  reflect the  investment performance of  the Variable  Account
with  respect to  amounts allocated to  the Variable Account  before the Annuity
Commencement Date,  and  (2) will  reflect  the investment  performance  of  the
Variable  Account after  that date. Since  the Variable Account  is always fully
invested in Fund(s) shares, its  investment performance reflects the  investment
performance  of  the Fund(s).  Values  of Fund(s)  shares  held by  the Variable
Account fluctuate and are subject to  the risks of changing economic  conditions
as  well as the risks inherent in the ability of the Fund(s)' management to make
necessary changes in the Fund(s)'  portfolios to anticipate changes in  economic
conditions. Therefore, the Owner bears the entire investment risk that the basic
objectives  of the Contract may not be realized, and that the adverse effects of
inflation may not  be lessened.  There can be  no assurance  that the  aggregate
amount of variable annuity payments will equal or exceed the aggregate amount of
Purchase  Payments made with  respect to a  particular Participant's Account for
the reasons described above or because of the premature death of a Payee.
 
   
    Another important feature of the Contracts related to their basic  objective
is  the Company's  promise that the  dollar amount of  variable annuity payments
made during the lifetime of the Payee(s)  will not be adversely affected by  the
actual mortality experience of the Company or by the actual expenses incurred by
the Company in excess of expense deductions provided for in the Contract.
    
 
    Sun  Life of Canada  (U.S.) Variable Account D  (the "Variable Account") was
established by the Company  on August 20,1985, pursuant  to a resolution of  its
Board of Directors. Under Delaware insurance law and the terms of the Contracts,
the  income, gains or losses of the  Variable Account are credited to or charged
against the assets of the Variable  Account without regard to the other  income,
gains  or  losses of  the  Company. These  assets are  held  in relation  to the
Contracts described in this Prospectus and such other variable annuity contracts
as may be issued by the Company and designated by it as providing benefits which
vary in  accordance with  the investment  performance of  the Variable  Account.
Although  the assets maintained in the Variable Account will not be charged with
any liabilities arising out of any other business conducted by the Company,  all
obligations  arising under the Contracts, including  the promise to make annuity
payments, are general corporate obligations of the Company.
 
    The Variable Account meets  the definition of a  separate account under  the
federal  securities laws and is registered as  a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company  Act  of 1940.  Registration  with the  Commission  does  not
involve supervision of the management or investment practices or policies of the
Variable Account or of the Company by the Commission.
 
   
    The  assets  of the  Variable Account  are  divided into  Sub-Accounts. Each
Sub-Account invests exclusively in Class A shares of a specific Mutual Fund  or,
in  the case of MFS/Sun  Life Series Trust, in shares  of a designated series of
the Fund. All amounts allocated to the Variable Account will be used to purchase
Fund(s) shares as designated by the Owner at their net asset value. Any and  all
distributions
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
made by the Fund(s) with respect to the shares held by the Variable Account will
be reinvested to purchase additional shares at their net asset value. Deductions
from  the Variable Account for cash  withdrawals, loans, annuity payments, death
benefits, Account  Fees, contract  charges against  the assets  of the  Variable
Account  for the  assumption of mortality  and expense risks  and any applicable
taxes will, in  effect, be made  by redeeming  the number of  Fund(s) shares  at
their  net asset value  equal in total value  to the amount  to be deducted. The
Variable Account will be fully invested in Fund(s) shares at all times.
 
THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
    The Fixed Account is  made up of  all of the general  assets of the  Company
other  than those allocated  to any separate account.  Purchase Payments will be
allocated to Guarantee Periods available in connection with the Fixed Account to
the extent elected at the time  of the establishment of a Participant's  Account
or  as subsequently  changed. The  Company will invest  the assets  of the Fixed
Account in those assets  chosen by the Company  and allowed by applicable  state
laws  regarding the nature and  quality of investments that  may be made by life
insurance companies and the percentage of their assets that may be committed  to
any  particular type of  investment. In general,  these laws permit investments,
within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state
and municipal obligations,  corporate bonds, preferred  and common stocks,  real
estate mortgages, real estate and certain other investments.
 
   
    The  Company  intends to  invest Purchase  Payments  allocated to  the Fixed
Account primarily in debt instruments, as follows: (1) Securities issued by  the
U.S.  Government or its  agencies or instrumentalities, which  issues may or may
not be guaranteed  by the  U.S. Government; (2)  Debt securities  which have  an
investment  grade,  at the  time  of purchase,  within  the four  highest grades
assigned by Moody's  Investors Services, Inc.  (Aaa, Aa, A  or Baa), Standard  &
Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA, A or BBB) or any other nationally recognized rating
service;  (3) Other debt instruments, including but not limited to, issues of or
guaranteed by  banks or  bank holding  companies and  other corporations,  which
obligations,  although not rated by Moody's or  Standard & Poor's, are deemed by
the Company's management to have an investment quality comparable to  securities
which  may be purchased as stated above; and (4) Other evidences of indebtedness
secured by mortgages  or deeds  of trust  representing liens  upon real  estate.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  the Company  may also  invest a  portion of the
Fixed Account in below investment grade debt instruments. Instruments rated  Baa
and/or  BBB or  lower normally  involve a  higher risk  of default  and are less
liquid than higher rated instruments. If the rating of an investment grade  debt
security  held by  the Company  is subsequently  downgraded to  below investment
grade, the decision to retain or dispose of the security will be made based upon
the  Company's  evaluation  of  the  individual  circumstances  surrounding  the
downgrading  and the prospects for continued deterioration, stabilization and/or
improvement.
    
 
    The Company  is not  obligated  to invest  amounts  allocated to  the  Fixed
Account  according  to any  particular strategy,  except as  may be  required by
applicable state  insurance  laws. Investment  income  from such  Fixed  Account
assets  will be allocated between the Company and all contracts participating in
the Fixed  Account,  including the  Contracts  offered by  this  Prospectus,  in
accordance with the terms of such contracts.
 
    Fixed  annuity payments made  to Annuitants under the  Contracts will not be
affected by  the mortality  experience (death  rate) of  persons receiving  such
payments or of the general population. The Company assumes this "mortality risk"
by  virtue of annuity rates incorporated in the Contract which cannot be changed
(except, as  described  under  "Modification,"  with  respect  to  Participants'
Accounts  established  after  the  effective  date  of  such  modification).  In
addition,  the  Company  guarantees  that  it  will  not  increase  charges  for
maintenance  of  the Contracts,  regardless of  its  actual expenses  (except as
described  under   "Modification"  with   respect  to   Participants'   Accounts
established after the effective date of such modification).
 
    Investment  income from the Fixed Account  allocated to the Company includes
compensation for mortality and expense risks borne by the Company in  connection
with contracts participating in the Fixed Account. The Company expects to derive
a profit from this compensation. The amount of such
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
investment  income allocated to the Contracts will vary from Guarantee Period to
Guarantee Period in  the sole discretion  of the Company.  However, the  Company
guarantees  that it will credit interest at a rate of not less than four percent
(4%) per year, compounded  annually, to amounts allocated  to the Fixed  Account
under  the Contract. The Company may credit interest at a rate in excess of four
(4%) per year; however, the Company is  not obligated to credit any interest  in
excess  of four  percent (4%)  per year.  There is  no specific  formula for the
determination of  excess  interest  credits.  Such  credits,  if  any,  will  be
determined by the Company based on information as to expected investment yields.
Some  of the  factors that  the Company may  consider in  determining whether to
credit interest  to  amounts allocated  to  the  Fixed Account  and  the  amount
thereof,  are general economic  trends, rates of  return currently available and
anticipated on the  Company's investments, regulatory  and tax requirements  and
competitive factors. The Company's general investment strategy will be to invest
amounts  allocated to the Fixed Account  in investment-grade debt securities and
mortgages using immunization strategies with respect to the applicable Guarantee
Periods. This  includes,  with  respect  to investments  and  average  terms  of
investments,  using dedication (cash flow  matching) and/or duration matching to
minimize the Company's  risk of not  achieving the rates  it is crediting  under
Initial and Subsequent Guarantee Periods in volatile interest rate environments.
ANY  INTEREST CREDITED TO  AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE  FIXED ACCOUNT lN SUBSEQUENT
GUARANTEE PERIODS IN EXCESS OF FOUR PERCENT (4%) PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED  IN
THE  SOLE DISCRETION OF  THE COMPANY. THE  OWNER ASSUMES THE  RISK THAT INTEREST
CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT  ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED  THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE  OF
FOUR PERCENT (4%) FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR.
 
   
    The  Company is aware of  no statutory limitations on  the maximum amount of
interest it  may  credit,  and the  Company's  Board  of Directors  has  set  no
limitations.  However, inherent in the Company's  exercise of discretion in this
regard is the equitable allocation  of distributable earnings and surplus  among
its various policyholders and contract owners and to its sole stockholder.
    
 
THE MUTUAL FUNDS
 
    The  Company  will allocate  each Purchase  Payment  to either  the Variable
Account, the Fixed Account or both the Variable Account and the Fixed Account in
accordance with the instructions  of the Owner.  Purchase Payments allocated  to
the  Variable Account are  used to purchase,  at net asset  value, shares of the
Mutual Fund(s)  described below,  as specified  by  the Owner.  IN THE  CASE  OF
NON-TRUSTEED RETIREMENT PROGRAMS, SUCH AS SECTION 403(b) TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES
AND  NON-QUALIFIED  DEFERRED COMPENSATION  AND  PAYROLL SAVINGS  PLANS, PURCHASE
PAYMENTS AILOCATED TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT MAY BE ALLOCATED ONLY TO SUB-ACCOUNTS
INVESTING IN SHARES OF ONE OR MORE SERIES OF MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-/SUN  LIFE
SERIES TRUST.
 
    The  Owner designates the Fund(s) to which Purchase Payments attributable to
the Contract are to be allocated. Allocation of Purchase Payments or transfer of
Participant's Account values from one Fund to another may be changed or effected
by the Owner pursuant  to such terms  and conditions as may  be imposed by  each
Fund, in addition to those set forth in the Contract.
 
    The  investment  adviser  of  each  of  the  Funds,  Massachusetts Financial
Services Company ("MFS"), is paid fees by the Funds for its services pursuant to
investment advisory agreements. MFS, a Delaware corporation, is an affiliate  of
the Company. MFS also serves as investment adviser to the other funds in the MFS
Family  of  Funds  and  to certain  other  investment  companies  established or
distributed by  MFS and/or  the  Company. MFS  Institutional Advisers,  Inc.,  a
wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  MFS,  provides  investment  advice  to substantial
private clients. MFS and its predecessor  organizations have a history of  money
management  dating from 1924. MFS operates as an autonomous organization and the
obligation  of  performance  with  respect   to  the  investment  advisory   and
underwriting  agreements  is  solely  that of  MFS.  The  Company  undertakes no
obligation in this respect.
 
   
    A summary of  the investment  objectives of each  Fund is  contained in  the
description  below. More  detailed information with  regard to  the Funds, their
investment objectives, policies and restrictions and their expenses may be found
in the current  prospectuses of  the Funds  and their  Statements of  Additional
Information  which may be  obtained by calling  1-800-752-7215. A prospectus for
each Fund  must accompany  this Prospectus  and should  be read  in  conjunction
herewith.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-/SUN LIFE SERIES TRUST
    
   
    MFS-Registered  Trademark-/Sun Life  Series Trust  (the "Series  Trust"), an
open-end investment management company  registered under the Investment  Company
Act  of 1940,  is composed of  twenty-six independent  portfolios of securities,
each of which  has separate investment  objectives and policies.  Shares of  the
Series  Trust are issued in twenty-six series,  each corresponding to one of the
portfolios. Shares of four (4) of  these series are available for investment  by
Owners  of the  Contracts offered  by this  Prospectus. Each  Sub-Account of the
Variable Account invests exclusively  in shares of  one such series.  Additional
portfolios  may be added to  the Series Trust which may  or may not be available
for investment by the Variable Account. Shares of the Series Trust will be  sold
only  to separate accounts established by the Company and its affiliates to fund
benefits under variable life insurance and variable annuity products,  including
the  Contracts.  Certain  risks involved  in  funding benefits  under  both life
insurance and annuity contracts  are discussed in the  prospectus of the  Series
Trust under the caption "Management of the Series Fund."
    
 
   
    (1)  MONEY MARKET  SERIES ("MMS")  will seek  maximum current  income to the
extent consistent with stability of principal by investing exclusively in  money
market  instruments maturing in less than thirteen (13) months. An investment in
this series is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. There  can
be no assurance that the series will be able to maintain a stable asset value of
$1.00 per share.
    
 
    (2)  HIGH YIELD  SERIES ("HYS")  will seek  high current  income and capital
appreciation by  investing primarily  in  fixed income  securities of  U.S.  and
foreign  issuers which may be in the lower rated categories or unrated (commonly
known as "junk bonds") and which  may include equity features. These  securities
generally  involve greater volatility of price  and risk to principal and income
and less liquidity than  securities in the higher  rated categories. Any  person
contemplating  allocating  Purchase  Payments to  the  Sub-Account  investing in
shares of the High Yield Series should review the risk disclosure in the  Series
Trust prospectus carefully and consider the investment risks involved.
 
    (3)  CAPITAL APPRECIATION SERIES  ("CAS") will seek  capital appreciation by
investing in securities of all types, with a major emphasis on common stocks.
 
   
    (4) GOVERNMENT  SECURITIES  SERIES  ("GSS") will  seek  current  income  and
preservation  of capital by investing  in U.S. Government and Government-related
Securities.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- WORLD GOVERNMENTS FUND ("MWG")
    
   
    The objectives  of MWG  are  to seek  preservation  and growth  of  capital,
together   with  moderate  current  income  through  a  professionally  managed,
internationally diversified portfolio consisting  primarily of debt  securities,
and, to a lesser extent, equity securities.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- BOND FUND ("MFB")
    
    MFB  invests  a  major portion  of  its  assets in  "investment  grade" debt
securities. Its primary investment  objective is to provide  as high a level  of
current  income as is believed to be  consistent with prudent investment risk. A
secondary objective is to protect shareholders' capital.
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- TOTAL RETURN FUND ("MTR")
    
   
    MTR's  primary  investment  objective  is  to  obtain  above-average  income
consistent  with  what  its  management believes  to  be  prudent  employment of
capital. While current income is the  primary objective, the Fund believes  that
there  also should be a reasonable opportunity for growth of capital and income,
since many  securities offering  a better-than-average  yield may  also  possess
growth  potential. Under  normal market conditions,  at least 25%  of the Fund's
assets will be invested in fixed income securities and at least 40% and no  more
than 75% of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities.
    
 
   
MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS TRUST ("MIT")
    
    The objectives of MIT are to provide reasonable current income and long-term
growth  of capital and income. The Fund is believed to constitute a conservative
medium for that portion of capital which an investor wishes to have invested  in
securities  considered to be of high or improving investment quality. The assets
of the Fund  are normally invested  in common stocks  or securities  convertible
into common
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
stocks.  However, the Fund may  hold its assets in  cash or invest in commercial
paper, repurchase agreements or other forms of debt securities either to provide
reserves for  future purchases  of common  stock or  as a  defensive measure  in
certain economic environments.
 
   
MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK FUND ("MIG")
    
   
    The  investment objective of  MIG is to provide  long-term growth of capital
and future income (rather than current income). To achieve this objective it  is
the  policy  of the  Fund  to keep  its  assets, except  working  cash balances,
invested in the common stocks, or securities convertible into common stocks,  of
companies  believed  by  the Fund's  management  to  possess better-than-average
prospects  for  long-term  growth.  Emphasis  is  placed  on  the  selection  of
progressive, well-managed companies.
    
 
   
MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND ("MGO")
    
   
    MGO's investment objective is to seek growth of capital. Dividend income, if
any,  is a consideration incidental to the objective of capital growth. The Fund
maintains a flexible  approach towards types  of companies as  well as types  of
securities,   depending  upon   the  economic   environment  and   the  relative
attractiveness of the various securities markets. Generally, emphasis is  placed
upon companies believed to possess above average growth opportunities.
    
 
        PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD
 
PURCHASE PAYMENTS
(1) PLACE, AMOUNT AND FREQUENCY
 
    All  Purchase Payments are to be paid  to the Company at its Annuity Service
Mailing Address.
 
   
    Completed Contract  application forms,  together with  the initial  Purchase
Payment,  are  forwarded  to  the Company  for  acceptance.  Upon  acceptance, a
Contract  and  Certificate(s)  are  issued  to  the  Owner  and  Participant(s),
respectively,  and the initial Purchase Payment is credited to the Participant's
Account(s) in the form of Accumulation Units. The initial Purchase Payment  must
be  applied within two (2) business days of the Company's receipt of a completed
application. The Company  may retain  the Purchase Payment  for up  to five  (5)
business  days while  attempting to complete  an incomplete  application. If the
application  cannot  be  made  complete  within  five  (5)  business  days,  the
prospective  Participant will be informed  of the reasons for  the delay and the
Purchase Payment will be returned immediately unless the prospective Participant
specifically consents to the Company's retaining the Purchase Payment until  the
application  is made complete. Thereafter, Purchase  Payments must be applied by
the Company  to  the Participant's  Account  within  two (2)  business  days  of
receipt.  Subsequent Purchase Payments  are applied at the  end of the Valuation
Period during which they are received by the Company.
    
 
    The amount of  Purchase Payments  may vary;  however, the  Company will  not
accept Purchase Payments to be allocated to a Participant's Account which, on an
annualized  basis,  are less  than $300  for  the first  Account Year,  and each
Purchase Payment must be at  least $25. In addition,  the prior approval of  the
Company  is required before it will accept  a Purchase Payment which would cause
the value of a  Participant's Account to  exceed $1,000,000. lf  the value of  a
Participant's  Account exceeds $1,000,000, no  additional Purchase Payments will
be accepted without the prior approval of the Company.
 
   
    A Participant's  Account  shall be  continued  automatically in  full  force
during  the lifetime of  the Participant until the  Annuity Commencement Date or
until the Participant's  Account is  withdrawn or the  Contract is  surrendered.
Unless  the Owner has surrendered the  Contract or the Participant's Account has
been withdrawn, Purchase Payments may be made at any time during the life of the
particular Participant and before such Participant's Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
(2) ALLOCATION OF NET PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
   
    The net Purchase Payment is that portion of a Purchase Payment which remains
after deduction of any applicable premium tax or similar tax. Each net  Purchase
Payment will be allocated to either the
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
Fixed Account or to Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account or to both Sub-Accounts
and the Fixed Account in accordance with the allocation factors specified in the
Participant Enrollment Form, or as subsequently changed.
    
 
    The  allocation factors for  new Payments between the  Fixed Account and the
Variable Account and among the Sub-Accounts may  be changed by the Owner at  any
time by giving written notice of the change to the Company. Any change will take
effect  with the first Purchase Payment received with or after receipt of notice
of the change  by the  Company and will  continue in  effect until  subsequently
changed.
 
ACCUMULATION ACCOUNT AND PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT
 
    The  Company will  establish an Accumulation  Account for  each Contract and
will maintain  the  Accumulation Account  during  the Accumulation  Period.  The
Contract's  Accumulation Account value for any  Valuation Period is equal to the
sum of the  variable accumulation values,  if any, plus  the fixed  accumulation
values,  if  any, of  all  Participants' Accounts  under  the Contract  for that
Valuation Period.
 
    The Company  will establish  a Participant's  Account for  each  Participant
under  a  Contract  and  will  maintain  the  Participant's  Account  during the
Accumulation Period. The Participant's Account value for any Valuation Period is
equal to the  sum of the  variable accumulation  value, if any,  plus the  fixed
accumulation  value, if  any, of  the Participant's  Account for  that Valuation
Period.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE
(1) CREDITING VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
    Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by  the Company, all or that portion,  if
any,  of  the  net Purchase  Payment  to  be allocated  to  any  Sub-Accounts in
accordance with the  allocation factors  will be credited  to the  Participant's
Account  in the  form of Variable  Accumulation Units. The  number of particular
Variable Accumulation Units to be credited is determined by dividing the  dollar
amount allocated to the particular Sub-Account by the Variable Accumulation Unit
value  for the particular Sub-Account for  the Valuation Period during which the
Purchase Payment is received by the Company.
 
(2) VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
 
    The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account was established at
$10.00 for  the  first  Valuation  Period of  the  particular  Sub-Account.  The
Variable  Accumulation  Unit  value  for  the  particular  Sub-Account  for  any
subsequent  Valuation  Period  is  determined   by  methodology  which  is   the
mathematical  equivalent of multiplying the Variable Accumulation Unit value for
the particular Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the
Net Investment  Factor  for  the  particular  Sub-Account  for  such  subsequent
Valuation  Period. The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account for
any Valuation Period is  the value determined  as of the  end of the  particular
Valuation  Period and may  increase, decrease or remain  the same from Valuation
Period to  Valuation  Period  in  accordance  with  the  Net  Investment  Factor
described below. For a hypothetical example of the calculation of the value of a
Variable Accumulation Unit, see Appendix A.
 
(3) VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    The  variable accumulation  value of a  Contract, if any,  for any Valuation
Period is equal  to the  sum of  the value  of all  Variable Accumulation  Units
credited  to all  Participant's Accounts under  the Contract  for such Valuation
Period.
 
    The variable accumulation value of a Participant's Account, if any, for  any
Valuation  Period is equal to the sum  of the value of all Variable Accumulation
Units credited to the Participant's Account for such Valuation Period.
 
(4) NET INVESTMENT FACTOR
 
    The Net Investment  Factor is  an index  applied to  measure the  investment
performance  of a  Sub-Account from  one Valuation Period  to the  next. The Net
Investment Factor may be  greater or less  than or equal  to one; therefore  the
value of a Variable Accumulation Unit may increase, decrease or remain the same.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    The  Net Investment Factor  for any Sub-Account for  any Valuation Period is
determined by dividing (a) by (b) and then subtracting (c) from the result where
 
    (a) is the net result of:
 
        (1) the  net  asset  value of  a  Fund  share held  in  the  Sub-Account
           determined as of the end of the Valuation Period, plus
 
        (2)  the per share amount of any dividend or other distribution declared
           by the  Fund  issuing the  shares  held  in the  Sub-Account  if  the
           "ex-dividend" date occurs during the Valuation Period, plus or minus
 
        (3)  a per  share credit  or charge  with respect  to any  taxes paid or
           reserved for by  the Company  during the Valuation  Period which  are
           determined  by the Company to be attributable to the operation of the
           Sub-Account (no  federal income  taxes are  applicable under  present
           law).
 
    (b)  is  the  net  asset value  of  a  Fund share  held  in  the Sub-Account
       determined as of the end of the preceding Valuation Period; and
 
    (c) is the risk  charge factor determined by  the Company for the  Valuation
       Period  to  reflect the  charge for  assuming  the mortality  and expense
       risks.
 
FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE
(1) INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT GUARANTEE PERIODS
 
    The Owner elects  an Initial Guarantee  Period of one  (1), three (3),  five
(5),  or seven (7) years or any  combination thereof. The period(s) elected will
determine the  Initial Guarantee  Rate(s) and  the Purchase  Payment or  portion
thereof   allocated  to  the  particular  Initial  Guarantee  Period  (less  any
surrenders, loans and applicable premium taxes,  if any,) will earn interest  at
the Initial Guarantee Rate during the Initial Guarantee Period.
 
    Unless a Participant's Account is surrendered, a Subsequent Guarantee Period
will automatically commence at the end of an Initial Guarantee Period or another
Subsequent  Guarantee Period.  Each Subsequent Guarantee  Period will  be of the
same duration as the previous Initial or Subsequent Guarantee Period unless  the
Owner elects, within the thirty (30) day period prior to the end of the previous
Initial  or Subsequent Guarantee Period, a different Subsequent Guarantee Period
from among those Subsequent  Guarantee Periods being offered  by the Company  at
such  time. The Guarantee Rate for the Guarantee Period automatically applied in
these circumstances may  be higher or  lower than the  Guarantee Rate for  other
Guarantee  Periods.  The Owner  will  not receive  prior  written notice  of the
Guarantee Rate for any Guarantee Period automatically applied and a Market Value
Adjustment will  be applied  to any  amounts withdrawn  from the  Fixed  Account
(except  in  the case  of  the death  of the  Participant  prior to  the Annuity
Commencement Date or annuitization over a period of at least five (5) years).
 
(2) CREDITING FIXED ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
    Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by  the Company, all or that portion,  if
any,  of  the net  Purchase  Payment to  be allocated  to  the Fixed  Account in
accordance with  the allocation  factor will  be credited  to the  Participant's
Account  in the form  of Fixed Accumulation Units.  Fixed Accumulation Units are
established and valued separately for the one (1), three (3), five (5) and seven
(7) year Guarantee Periods. The number of particular Fixed Accumulation Units to
be credited is determined by dividing the dollar amount allocated to a Guarantee
Period by the  Fixed Accumulation  Unit value of  the particular  type of  Fixed
Accumulation  Unit for the Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payment is
received by the Company.
 
(3) FIXED ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
 
    The Fixed Accumulation Unit value for  each type of Fixed Accumulation  Unit
is established at $10.00 for the first Valuation Period of the calendar month in
which  a  Purchase Payment  is credited  to the  Participant's Account  and will
increase for  each  successive Valuation  Period  as interest  is  accrued.  All
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
Participants'  Accounts  established  in  a  particular  calendar  month  for  a
particular Guarantee  Period and  at  a particular  Initial Guarantee  Rate,  as
specified  in advance by the Company from time to time, will use the same series
of Fixed Accumulation Unit values throughout the Initial Guarantee Period.
 
    At the end  of the  Initial Guarantee  Period the  Fixed Accumulation  Units
credited to a Participant's Account will be exchanged for a second type of Fixed
Accumulation  Unit with an equal aggregate value.  The value of this second type
of Fixed Accumulation Unit will increase  for each Valuation Period during  each
Subsequent  Guarantee Period as interest is  accrued at the Subsequent Guarantee
Rate which shall have been determined by  the Company prior to the first day  of
each Subsequent Guarantee Period.
 
(4) FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    The  fixed accumulation  value of a  Participant's Account, if  any, for any
Valuation Period is equal  to the sum  of the values  of all Fixed  Accumulation
Units credited to the Participant's Account for such Valuation Period.
 
(5) INITIAL AND SUBSEQUENT GUARANTEE RATES
 
   
    The  Company periodically  will establish applicable  Initial and Subsequent
Guarantee Rates for the four Guarantee Periods. Current Rates may be changed  by
the  Company frequently or infrequently depending on interest rates available to
the Company and other  factors as described below,  but once established,  rates
will  be  guaranteed for  the respective  Guarantee Periods.  Fixed Accumulation
Units will be subject to any applicable withdrawal charge and/or Account Fee and
may be subject  to a  market value adjustment  on surrender  or withdrawal  (See
"Market Value Adjustment").
    
 
    The  Company will  credit interest to  the fixed portion  of a Participant's
Account at  a rate  of not  less than  four percent  (4%) per  year,  compounded
annually. Once the Initial or Subsequent Guarantee Rate applicable to a specific
Fixed Accumulation Unit is established by the Company, it may not be changed for
the balance of the Guarantee Period.
 
    The  Company has  no specific formula  for determining the  rate of interest
that it will declare as an Initial or Subsequent Guarantee Rate, as these  rates
will  be reflective of interest rates available on the types of debt instruments
in which the Company intends to invest Purchase Payments allocated to the  Fixed
Account  (See "The  Fixed Account"). In  addition, the  Company's management may
consider other factors in determining Initial or Subsequent Guarantee Rates  for
a   particular  duration  including:  regulatory  and  tax  requirements;  sales
commissions and administrative expenses borne  by the Company; general  economic
trends; and competitive factors.
 
    The  Owner bears the risk that the  Guarantee Rate to be credited on amounts
allocated to the Fixed
Account may not exceed the minimum guaranteed rate of four percent (4%) for  any
Guarantee Period.
 
CONVERSION OF ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
    During  the Accumulation Period the Owner may, upon written request received
by the Company, convert the value  of a designated number of Fixed  Accumulation
Units  then credited  to a Participant's  Account into  other Fixed Accumulation
Units having an equal aggregate value but having a different Guarantee Period or
into Variable  Accumulation Units  of particular  Sub-Accounts having  an  equal
aggregate  value,  or  convert the  value  of  a designated  number  of Variable
Accumulation Units  then  credited  to  the  Participant's  Account  into  other
Variable  Accumulation  Units and/or  Fixed Accumulation  Units having  an equal
aggregate value. These transfers/conversions shall,  however, be subject to  the
following  conditions: (1) not more than twelve  (12) conversions may be made in
any Account Year; and (2) the value  of Accumulation Units converted may not  be
less  than $1,000 unless all  of the Fixed Accumulation  Units and/or all of the
Variable  Accumulation  Units  of  a  particular  Sub-Account  credited  to  the
Participant's  Account are  being converted.  IN ADDITION, TRANSFERS/CONVERSIONS
INVOLVING FIXED ACCUMULATION UNITS  WITH THREE (3), FIVE  (5) OR SEVEN (7)  YEAR
GUARANTEE  PERIODS WILL  BE SUBJECT  TO A  MARKET VALUE  ADJUSTMENT (SEE "MARKET
VALUE ADJUSTMENT"  ON PAGE  23),  AND TRANSFERS/CONVERSIONS  INVOLVING  VARIABLE
ACCUMULATION  UNITS SHALL  BE SUBJECT  TO SUCH  TERMS AND  CONDITIONS AS  MAY BE
IMPOSED BY EACH FUND.  The conversion will be  made using the Accumulation  Unit
values  for  the Valuation  Period during  which the  request for  conversion is
received by  the Company.  Under  current tax  law there  will  not be  any  tax
liability to the Owner if the Owner makes a conversion of Accumulation Units.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
         CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES, MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
                               AND LOAN PROVISION
 
CASH WITHDRAWALS
 
    At  any time before the Annuity Commencement Date and during the lifetime of
the Participant, the Owner may elect  to receive a cash withdrawal payment  from
the  Company. Any such election  shall specify the amount  of the withdrawal and
will be  effective  on  the  date  that it  is  received  by  the  Company.  For
withdrawals  in excess of $5,000, the signature  of the Owner must be guaranteed
by a member firm  of the New York,  American, Boston, Midwest, Philadelphia,  or
Pacific  Stock Exchange, or by a commercial bank (not a savings bank) which is a
member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or, in certain cases, by  a
member  firm of the  National Association of Securities  Dealers, Inc. which has
entered into an appropriate agreement with the Company. This requirement may  be
waived  by the Company.  In some cases,  for example requests  by a corporation,
partnership,  agent   or  fiduciary,   the  Company   will  require   additional
documentation of a customary nature.
 
    The  Owner may  request a  full surrender  or a  partial withdrawal.  A full
surrender will result in  a cash withdrawal  payment equal to  the value of  the
Participant's  Account  at the  end  of the  Valuation  Period during  which the
election becomes effective less  the Account Fee  and any applicable  withdrawal
charge  and/or unpaid  Net Loan  Interest, plus  or minus  any applicable Market
Value Adjustment.  A  request  for  a partial  withdrawal  will  result  in  the
cancellation  of Accumulation Units with an  aggregate value equal to the dollar
amount requested, and the  Participant will receive  the specified amount,  less
any  applicable Account  Fee and  any withdrawal  charge and/or  unpaid Net Loan
Interest and plus or minus any applicable Market Value Adjustment. If a  partial
withdrawal  is requested which would leave a Participant's Account value of less
than the Account Fee,  then such partial  withdrawal will be  treated as a  full
surrender. Partial withdrawals may be restricted by the maximum loan limitation.
The  Account Fee  and any  applicable withdrawal  charge and/or  unpaid Net Loan
Interest will be deducted from the Participant's Account before the  application
of the Market Value Adjustment.
 
   
    UNLESS   INSTRUCTED  TO  THE   CONTRARY,  the  Company   will  cancel  Fixed
Accumulation  Units   and  Variable   Accumulation  Units   of  the   particular
Sub-Accounts  in the same proportion that  the total value of Fixed Accumulation
Units and  Variable  Accumulation  Units of  the  particular  Sub-Accounts  then
credited  to the  Participant's Account bear  to the value  of the Participant's
Account at the  end of the  Valuation Period during  which the election  becomes
effective.  Since Fixed Accumulation Units  with a three (3),  five (5) or seven
(7) year Guarantee Period are subject  to a Market Value Adjustment in  addition
to any applicable withdrawal charge, an Owner electing a cash withdrawal payment
should  carefully  consider  whether Fixed  Accumulation  Units  and/or Variable
Accumulation Units should be canceled to provide the requested payment.
    
 
    The Company,  upon request,  will advise  the Owner  or Participant  of  the
amounts  that  would be  payable in  the event  of a  full surrender  or partial
withdrawal.
 
    Any cash withdrawal payment will be paid within seven (7) days from the date
the election becomes
effective, except  as the  Company may  be permitted  to defer  such payment  in
accordance  with  the  Investment  Company  Act  of  1940  and  applicable state
insurance law.  Deferral  of amounts  withdrawn  from the  Variable  Account  is
currently  permissible only  (1) for  any period (a)  during which  the New York
Stock Exchange is closed other than customary week-end and holiday closings,  or
(b)  during  which trading  on  the New  York  Stock Exchange  is  restricted as
determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, (2) for any period  during
which  an emergency exists as a result  of which (a) disposal of securities held
by the  Fund(s) is  not reasonably  practicable,  or (b)  it is  not  reasonably
practicable  to determine the value of the net  assets of the Fund(s) or (3) for
such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by order permit
for the protection of security holders. The Company reserves the right to  defer
the  payment of  amounts withdrawn from  the Fixed  Account for a  period not to
exceed six  (6) months  from the  date written  request for  such withdrawal  is
received by the Company.
 
    Since  the Qualified Contracts offered by  this Prospectus will be issued in
connection with retirement  plans which  meet the requirements  of Section  401,
Section 403, Section 408(c), Section 408(k) and
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
Section  408(p) of the  Internal Revenue Code,  reference should be  made to the
terms of the particular retirement plan  for any limitations or restrictions  on
cash  withdrawals.  For  special  restrictions  applicable  to  withdrawals from
Contracts used  with Tax-Sheltered  Annuities  established pursuant  to  Section
403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, see "Section 403(b) Annuities" below.
 
   
    A  cash  withdrawal  under  either  a  Qualified  Contract  or Non-Qualified
Contract offered by this Prospectus  also may result in  a tax penalty. The  tax
consequences of a cash withdrawal payment under both Qualified and Non-Qualified
Contracts should be carefully considered (See "Federal Tax Status").
    
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
    If a cash withdrawal payment is made, a withdrawal charge may be assessed by
the  Company.  Up  to ten  percent  (10%)  of Purchase  Payments  credited  to a
Participant's Account for  less than  seven (7) years  may be  withdrawn in  any
Account  Year on a  non-cumulative basis without the  imposition of a withdrawal
charge. Amounts withdrawn from a Participant's Account in excess of ten  percent
(10%)  will be subject to a withdrawal charge assessed against Purchase Payments
credited to the Participant's Account (not against the accumulated value of  the
Participant's Account) as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         NUMBER OF
     YEARS PAYMENTS IN
   PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT         WITHDRAWAL CHARGE
- ---------------------------  -------------------------
<S>                          <C>
                 1                          6%
                 2                          6%
                 3                          5%
                 4                          4%
                 5                          3%
                 6                          2%
                 7                          1%
                 8                          0%
</TABLE>
 
    To  effect a  full surrender  or partial  withdrawal, the  oldest previously
unliquidated Payment will be deemed to have been liquidated first, then the next
oldest and so forth. Once all  Payments have been withdrawn, additional  amounts
withdrawn will be attributed to accumulated value.
 
    No  withdrawal charge is imposed upon amounts withdrawn from a Participant's
Account to provide a death benefit or to purchase an annuity (provided that  the
payment  under the Annuity Option elected is over  a period of at least five (5)
years), nor is  any withdrawal  charge imposed  upon amounts  withdrawn after  a
Participant's  Account has been established  for twelve (12) years, irrespective
of when  a Purchase  Payment  or a  cash withdrawal  payment  is made.  Also  no
withdrawal charge is imposed upon the conversion of Accumulation Units. HOWEVER,
EXCEPT  IN THE CASE  OF DEATH OR  ANNUITIZATION, ALL WITHDRAWALS  FROM THE FIXED
ACCOUNT OF AMOUNTS WITH A THREE (3), FIVE (5) OR SEVEN (7) YEAR GUARANTEE PERIOD
ARE SUBJECT TO A MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT  AS DESCRIBED BELOW IN ADDITION TO  ANY
APPLICABLE WITHDRAWAL CHARGES.
 
    In  no  event  shall the  aggregate  withdrawal charges  assessed  against a
Participant's Account exceed six percent (6%) of the aggregate Purchase Payments
made to a  Participant's Account.  The Company may,  upon notice  to the  Owner,
modify  the withdrawal charges provided that  such modification shall apply only
to  Participants'  Accounts  established  after  the  effective  date  of   such
modification.
 
   
    For illustrative examples of withdrawals, surrenders, withdrawal charges and
the market value adjustment, see Appendix B.
    
 
SECTION 403(b) Annuities
 
    The  Internal  Revenue Code  imposes restrictions  on cash  withdrawals from
Contracts used with Section  403(b) Annuities. In order  for these Contracts  to
receive  tax deferred treatment, the Contract must provide that cash withdrawals
of  amounts  attributable   to  salary  reduction   contributions  (other   than
withdrawals  of Accumulation  Account value as  of December  31, 1988 ("Pre-1989
Account Value")) may be made  only when the Contract  Owner attains age 59  1/2,
separates  from service with the employer,  dies or becomes disabled (within the
meaning  of  Section  72(m)(7)  of  the  Code).  These  restrictions  apply   to
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
any  growth or interest on  or after January 1,  1989 on Pre-1989 Account Value,
salary reduction contributions made on or after January 1, 1989, and any  growth
or interest on such contributions ("Restricted Account Value").
 
   
    Withdrawals  of  Restricted Account  Value are  also  permitted in  cases of
financial hardship,  but  only  to  the extent  of  contributions;  earnings  on
contributions  cannot be  withdrawn for  hardship reasons.  While specific rules
defining hardship have not  been issued by the  Internal Revenue Service, it  is
expected  that to qualify  for a hardship  distribution, the Owner  must have an
immediate and heavy bona fide financial need and lack other resources reasonably
available to satisfy the  need. Hardship withdrawals (as  well as certain  other
premature  withdrawals) will be subject  to a ten percent  (10%) tax penalty, in
addition to any withdrawal  charge applicable under  the Contract (See  "Federal
Tax  Status"). Under certain circumstances the 10%  tax penalty may not apply if
the withdrawal is made to pay medical expenses.
    
 
   
    Under the  terms of  a particular  Section  403(b) plan,  the Owner  may  be
entitled  to transfer all or a portion  of the Accumulation Account value to one
or  more  alternative  funding  options.  Contract  Owners  should  consult  the
documents  governing  their plan  and the  person who  administers the  plan for
information as to such investment alternatives.
    
 
    For information on the  federal income tax withholding  rules that apply  to
distributions  from Qualified Contracts (including Section 403(b) Annuities) see
"Federal Tax Status".
 
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
    Any cash withdrawal from the Fixed Account of amounts with a three (3), five
(5) or  seven (7)  year  Guarantee Period  will be  subject  to a  Market  Value
Adjustment ("MVA"), except in the case of payment of a guaranteed death benefit,
or  in the  event of  annuitization over a  payout period  of at  least five (5)
years. The MVA will be applied to the amount being withdrawn after deduction  of
any applicable Account Fee, withdrawal charge and/or unpaid Net Loan Interest.
 
    The  MVA  will reflect  the relationship  between the  Current Rate  for the
Guarantee Period  of  the  amount  being  surrendered  and  the  Guarantee  Rate
applicable  to the amount being surrendered. It also reflects the time remaining
in the Guarantee  Period. Generally,  if the Guarantee  Rate is  lower than  the
applicable  Current Rate, then the application of the MVA will result in a lower
payment upon surrender.  Similarly, if  the Guarantee  Rate is  higher than  the
applicable  Current Rate,  the application  of the MVA  will result  in a higher
payment upon surrender. If the Current Rate and the Guarantee Rate are the same,
then the MVA is zero.
 
    The Market  Value  Adjustment  is  determined  by  the  application  of  the
following formula:
 
       .75 (A-B) x C/12 where:
 
       A  =  interest  rate  being  credited  to  the  amount  being surrendered
       (Guarantee Rate);
 
       B = the  rate the Company  has established  at the time  of surrender  on
       allocations  to  Initial or  Subsequent Guarantee  Periods with  the same
       Guarantee Period as that of the amount being surrendered (Current  Rate);
       and
 
       C  = the  months remaining  in the Guarantee  Period of  the amount being
       surrendered.
 
    For example, assume Purchase Payments are allocated to the Fixed Account for
a Guarantee Period of five (5) years and the Guarantee Rate is five percent (5%)
per year. Assume at the  end of three (3) years  this amount is surrendered.  If
the  Current  Rate for  five (5)  years is  four percent  (4%), then  the amount
payable after application of the  MVA will increase. On  the other hand, if  the
Current  Rate is higher than the Guarantee  Rate, for example, six percent (6%),
the application of  the MVA will  cause a  decrease in the  amount payable  upon
surrender.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    Since  current yields are based in part upon the investment yields available
to the Company, the effect of the MVA  will be closely related to the levels  of
such  yields.  It  is  possible, therefore,  that  should  such  yields increase
significantly from  the  time  Purchase  Payments are  allocated  to  the  Fixed
Account, with the application of the MVA, Account Fee, withdrawal charges and/or
unpaid  Net Loan Interest the  amount payable upon surrender  could be less than
the original Purchase Payment.
 
    The Company may, upon notice to the Owner, modify the MVA formula,  provided
that  such modification shall  apply only to  Participants' Accounts established
after the effective date of such modification.
 
    See Appendix C for additional illustrations of the application of the MVA.
 
LOANS (QUALIFIED CONTRACTS ONLY)
 
    Loans will be permitted (to the  extent permitted by Plans) UNDER  QUALIFIED
CONTRACTS  ONLY.  The maximum  loan amount  is the  amount determined  under the
Company's maximum loan formula for qualified  plans. The minimum loan amount  is
$1,000.  Loans will be secured by a security interest in the Contract. Loans are
subject to  applicable  retirement program  legislation  and their  taxation  is
determined under the Federal income tax laws. The amount borrowed may be subject
to  the  Market  Value  Adjustment  described  above.  A  negative  Market Value
Adjustment will result  in a  higher effective  loan interest  rate. The  amount
borrowed  will be transferred to a  fixed minimum guarantee accumulation account
in the Company's general  account where it will  accrue interest at a  specified
rate  below the then current loan interest  rate established by the Company. The
latter rate is the maximum fixed  interest rate established by state  regulatory
authorities. Generally, loans must be repaid within five (5) years.
 
    The  amount of the death benefit, the amount payable on a full surrender and
the amount applied to provide an  annuity on the Annuity Commencement Date  will
be  reduced to reflect any unpaid Net  Loan Interest. Partial withdrawals may be
restricted by the maximum loan limitation.
 
    The tax consequences  of a  loan from  the Contract  (or the  pledge of  the
Contract  as collateral for a loan) should be carefully considered (See "Federal
Tax Status").
 
    Additional information  regarding loans  under Qualified  Contracts will  be
provided by the Company upon request.
 
                                 DEATH BENEFIT
 
   
DEATH BENEFIT PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTS
    
 
   
    In  the  event  of  the  death  of  the  Participant  prior  to  the Annuity
Commencement Date, the Company will pay  a death benefit to the Beneficiary.  If
there  is  no  designated  Beneficiary  living  on  the  date  of  death  of the
Participant, the Company will, upon  receipt of Due Proof  of Death of both  the
Participant  and the designated  Beneficiary, pay the death  benefit in one lump
sum to the estate of the Participant. If the death of the Participant occurs  on
or  after the Annuity Commencement Date, no  death benefit will be payable under
the Contract except as may be provided under the Annuity Option elected.
    
 
ELECTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ELECTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Participant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Owner may elect to have the value of the Participant's Account applied
under one  or more  Annuity Options  to effect  a Variable  Annuity or  a  Fixed
Annuity or a combination of both for the Beneficiary as Payee after the death of
the  Participant. If no election of a  method of settlement of the death benefit
by the  Owner  is in  effect  on  the date  of  death of  the  Participant,  the
Beneficiary  may elect (a)  to receive the death  benefit in the  form of a cash
payment; or (b) to have the value of the Participant's Account applied under one
or more of the Annuity Options (on the Annuity Commencement Date described under
"Payment of Death Benefit") to effect a Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a
combination of  both for  the Beneficiary  as Payee.  Either election  described
above  may be made by filing with the Company a written election in such form as
the Company may require.  Any election of  a method of  settlement of the  death
benefit  by the  Owner (or by  the Participant,  as permitted by  the Plan) will
become effective on the date  it is received by the  Company. Any election of  a
method  of  settlement  of the  death  benefit  by the  Beneficiary  will become
effective on the later of: (a) the date the election is received by the Company;
or (b) the date due proof of the death of
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
the Participant and any required release or consent from any inheritance  taxing
authority  or surviving spouse, if applicable, is received by the Company. If an
election by the  Beneficiary is not  received by the  Company within sixty  (60)
days  following  the date  due proof  of the  death of  the Participant  and any
required release or consent is received by the Company, the Beneficiary will  be
deemed  to have elected a cash payment as of  the last day of the sixty (60) day
period.
 
    In all cases, no  Participant or Beneficiary shall  be entitled to  exercise
any  rights that  would adversely  affect the  treatment of  the Contract  as an
annuity contract under the Internal Revenue Code.
 
    Reference should be made to the terms of the particular retirement plan  and
any  applicable legislation for any limitations  or restrictions on the election
of a method of settlement and payment of the death benefit.
 
PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
   
    If the death benefit is to be paid in cash to the Beneficiary, payment  will
be  made within seven (7) days of the  date the election becomes effective or is
deemed to become effective, except as the Company may be permitted to defer  any
such payment of amounts derived from the Variable Account in accordance with the
Investment  Company Act of 1940. If the death  benefit is to be paid in one lump
sum to the estate of the deceased Participant, payment will be made within seven
(7) days  of  the date  due  proof  of the  death  of the  Participant  and  the
Beneficiary  is received by the Company. If  settlement under one or more of the
Annuity Options  is elected  by  the Owner  with  respect to  the  Participant's
Account,  the Annuity  Commencement Date  will be  the first  day of  the second
calendar month following the date due proof of the death of the Participant  and
the  Beneficiary, if any, is received by the Company. In the case of an election
by the Beneficiary, the Annuity Commencement Date  will be the first day of  the
second  calendar month following the effective  date of the election. An Annuity
Commencement Date later than that described above may be elected by an Owner  or
a Beneficiary subject to certain restrictions (See "Annuity Commencement Date").
    
 
AMOUNT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
    The  death benefit is equal to the greater of the value of the Participant's
Account or  total  Purchase Payments  made  with respect  to  the  Participant's
Account,  minus the sum of all withdrawals  and loans. The death benefit will be
reduced by any  unpaid Net  Loan Interest. No  Market Value  Adjustment will  be
applied  to amounts derived from the Fixed Account. The Accumulation Unit values
used in determining the amount of the  death benefit will be the values for  the
Valuation  Period during  which due  proof of  the death  of the  Participant is
received by  the  Company  if  settlement  is  elected  by  the  Owner  (or  the
Participant,  if permitted by the Plan) under one or more of the Annuity Options
or, if  no election  by  the Owner  is  in effect,  either  the values  for  the
Valuation  Period during  which an  election by  the Beneficiary  either becomes
effective or is deemed effective, or the values for the Valuation Period  during
which  due  proof  of the  death  of  both the  Participant  and  the designated
Beneficiary is received by the Company if the amount of the death benefit is  to
be paid in one sum to the deceased Participant's estate.
 
                     HOW THE CONTRACT CHARGES ARE ASSESSED
 
    As  more fully described  below, charges under the  Contract offered by this
Prospectus are  assessed in  three ways:  (1) as  deductions for  administrative
expenses  and,  if applicable,  for premium  taxes; (2)  as charges  against the
assets of  the Variable  Account for  the assumption  of mortality  and  expense
risks;  and (3)  as withdrawal charges  (contingent deferred  sales charges). In
addition, certain  deductions  are made  from  the  assets of  the  Fund(s)  for
investment  management fees and expenses. These  fees and expenses are described
in the Funds' prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information.
 
ACCOUNT FEE
 
    Each year  on  the  Account  Anniversary,  the  Company  deducts  from  each
Participant's  Account an annual  account administration fee  ("Account Fee") to
reimburse it  for  administrative expenses  relating  to the  Contract  and  the
Participant's  Account. If the Participant's Account is surrendered for its full
value on other than the Account Anniversary, the Account Fee will be deducted in
full at the time of  such surrender. The Account Fee  will be deducted in  equal
amounts from the Fixed Account and each Sub-Account in which the Participant has
Accumulation   Units   at  the   time  of   such   deduction.  On   the  Annuity
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
Commencement Date, the value of the  Participant's Account will be reduced by  a
proportionate  amount of the Account Fee to reflect the time elapsed between the
last Account Anniversary and the day before the Annuity Commencement Date. After
the Annuity Commencement Date,  the Account Fee will  be deducted pro rata  from
each annuity payment made during the year.
 
    The amount of the Account Fee assessed against each Participant's Account is
based  on total Purchase Payments credited to all Participants' Accounts under a
Contract in accordance with the following schedule:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   PURCHASE PAYMENTS      ACCOUNT FEE
- ------------------------  -----------
<S>                       <C>
up to $250,000                $25
$250,000 to $1,499,999        $18
$1,500,000 to $4,999,999      $15
$5,000,000 and over           $12
</TABLE>
    
 
   
    The level of Purchase Payments credited to all Participants' Accounts  under
a  Contract is reviewed semi-annually and the Account Fee to be assessed against
Participants' Accounts during the next six (6) month period is determined.  Once
Purchase  Payments credited to all Participants' Accounts under a Contract reach
a level  which produces  a lower  Account  Fee, the  Account Fee  applicable  to
existing  Participants'  Accounts  under  the  Contract  will  not  be increased
irrespective of  subsequent withdrawals  from Participants'  Accounts under  the
Contract.  The Contract  provides that  the Company  may modify  the Account Fee
provided that such modification shall  apply only with respect to  Participants'
Accounts  established  after  the  effective  date  of  such  modification  (See
"Modification").
    
 
PREMIUM TAXES
 
   
    A deduction, when applicable, is made for premium or similar state or  local
taxes.  The amount of such applicable tax  varies by jurisdiction and is subject
to change by the legislature or other authority. In many jurisdictions, there is
no premium tax at all. The Company  believes that such premium taxes or  similar
taxes  currently range from  0% to 3.50%.  For more complete  information, a tax
adviser should be consulted. It is currently the policy of the Company to deduct
the tax  from the  amount applied  to provide  an annuity  at the  time  annuity
payments  commence; however, the Company reserves the right to deduct such taxes
on or after the date they are incurred.
    
 
CHARGES AGAINST THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT FOR MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISKS
 
    The mortality  risk  assumed by  the  Company arises  from  the  contractual
obligation  to continue to make annuity payments to each Annuitant regardless of
how long the  Annuitant lives and  regardless of  how long all  annuitants as  a
group  live. This  assures each annuitant  that neither the  longevity of fellow
annuitants nor an improvement in life expectancy generally will have an  adverse
effect  on the amount  of any annuity  payment received under  the Contract. The
Company assumes this mortality risk by virtue of annuity rates incorporated into
the Contract  which  cannot be  changed  except with  respect  to  Participants'
Accounts established after the effective date of such change, as provided in the
section  of this Prospectus entitled "Modification." The expense risk assumed by
the Company is the risk that the administrative charges provided in the Contract
may be insufficient to cover  the actual total administrative expenses  incurred
by the Company.
 
    For  assuming these risks,  the Company makes a  deduction from the Variable
Account at the end of each Valuation Period during both the Accumulation  Period
and  after annuity payments begin. The amount  of this deduction is based on all
Variable Accumulation  Units  credited to  a  Participant's Account  or  on  all
Variable Annuity Units credited to a Participant's Account, as the case may be.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    The  rate of this deduction  varies and is based  on total Purchase Payments
credited to all Participants' Accounts under  a Contract in accordance with  the
following schedule:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   PURCHASE PAYMENTS      ASSET CHARGE
- ------------------------  ------------
<S>                       <C>
up to $250,000                  1.30%
$250,000 to $1,499,999          1.25%
$1,500,000 to $4,999,999        1.10%
$5,000,000 and over             0.95%
</TABLE>
 
   
    The  level of Purchase Payments credited to all Participants' Accounts under
a Contract is reviewed semi-annually and the  asset charge for the next six  (6)
month  period  is  determined.  The  rate  of  this  deduction  may  be  changed
semi-annually by the Company but  in no event may it  exceed 1.30% on an  annual
basis   except  as  provided   in  the  section   of  this  Prospectus  entitled
"Modification." Once Purchase  Payments credited to  all Participants'  Accounts
under  a Contract reach a  level which produces a  lower asset charge, the asset
charges applicable to  existing Participants' Accounts  under the Contract  will
not  be  increased  irrespective of  subsequent  withdrawals  from Participants'
Accounts under the  Contract. The  Company does not  believe it  is feasible  to
identify  precisely  that  portion of  the  deduction applicable  to  either the
mortality risk or expense risk, but estimates that a reasonable allocation would
be 0.80% for the mortality  risk at all asset  charge levels, and 0.50%,  0.45%,
0.30%  or 0.15% for the expense risk with respect to the asset charges described
above. If  the  deduction  is insufficient  to  cover  the actual  cost  of  the
mortality  and  expense  risk  undertaking,  the  Company  will  bear  the loss.
Conversely, if the  deduction proves more  than sufficient, the  excess will  be
profit  to the Company and  would be available for  any proper corporate purpose
including, among other  things, payment  of distribution  expenses. The  Company
will  recoup its expected costs associated with registering and distributing the
Contracts by the assessment of the withdrawal charges (contingent deferred sales
charges). However, the withdrawal charges may prove to be insufficient to  cover
actual  distribution expenses. If this  is the case, the  deficiency will be met
from the Company's  general corporate  funds which may  include amounts  derived
from the mortality and expense risk charges.
    
 
    The  Contract  provides  that  the Company  may  modify  the  asset charges;
however, such  modification  shall  apply only  with  respect  to  Participants'
Accounts  established  after  the  effective  date  of  such  modification  (See
"Modification").
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
   
    No deduction for sales  charges is made from  Purchase Payments. However,  a
withdrawal  charge (i.e., a contingent  deferred sales charge), when applicable,
will be used to  cover certain expenses  relating to the  sale of the  Contract,
including commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs of preparation of sales
literature   and  other  promotional  costs   and  acquisition  expenses.  Gross
commissions paid on the sale  of these contracts are not  more than 5.5% of  the
Purchase Payments (See "Cash Withdrawals" and "Withdrawal Charges").
    
 
                               ANNUITY PROVISIONS
 
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
   
    Annuity  payments  will  begin on  the  Annuity Commencement  Date  which is
selected by the Owner (or by the  Participant, if permitted by the Plan) at  the
time  the Participant's  Account is established.  This date may  be changed from
time to time by the Owner by written notice to the Company, provided that notice
of each change is received by the Company at least thirty (30) days prior to the
then current Annuity Commencement Date and the new Annuity Commencement Date  is
a  date which is:  (1) at least  thirty (30) days  after the date  notice of the
change is received by  the Company; (2) the  first day of a  month; and (3)  not
later  than the first  day of the  first month following  the Participant's 85th
birthday, unless otherwise restricted in the case of a Qualified Contract by the
particular retirement plan or by applicable law. In most situations, current law
requires that the  Annuity Commencement Date  under a Qualified  Contract be  no
later  than April 1 following the year the Annuitant reaches age 70 1/2 (or, for
Qualified Contracts other than  IRAs, no later than  April 1 following the  year
the Annuitant retires, if later
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
   
than the year the Annuitant reaches age 70 1/2), and the terms of the particular
retirement plan may impose additional limitations. The Annuity Commencement Date
may  also be  changed by an  election of an  Annuity Option as  described in the
Death Benefit section of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
    On the Annuity Commencement Date the Participant's Account will be  canceled
and  its adjusted value will  be applied to provide an  annuity under one of the
options described below. No withdrawal charge or Market Value Adjustment will be
applied:  (1)  if  annuitization  occurs   after  the  twelfth  (12th)   Account
Anniversary;  or (2) provided that payment is over a period of at least five (5)
years. The asset charge applied after annuity payments begin will be the same as
that in effect for the Participant's  Account on the Annuity Commencement  Date.
NO  PAYMENTS MAY BE REQUESTED UNDER THE CONTRACT'S CASH WITHDRAWAL PROVISIONS ON
OR AFTER THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE AND NO CASH WITHDRAWAL WILL BE  PERMITTED
EXCEPT AS MAY BE AVAILABLE UNDER THE ANNUITY OPTION ELECTED.
    
 
    Since  the Contracts offered by this Prospectus will be issued in connection
with retirement  plans which  meet the  requirements of  Section 401  (including
Section  401(k)), Section 403, Section 408(c),  Section 408(k) or Section 408(p)
of the Internal Revenue Code as well as non-qualified deferred compensation  and
payroll  savings plans, reference should be made  to the terms of the particular
Plan for any limitations or restrictions on the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
ELECTION--CHANGE OF ANNUITY OPTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Participant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Owner (or the Participant, if  permitted by the Plan) may, subject  to
the  age limitation on period certain or fixed periods, elect one or more of the
Annuity Options  described below,  or such  other settlement  option as  may  be
agreed  to by the Company, for the Annuitant as Payee. The Owner may also change
any election, but written notice of any  election or change of election must  be
received  by  the  Company  at  least thirty  (30)  days  prior  to  the Annuity
Commencement Date. If  no election is  in effect on  the 30th day  prior to  the
Annuity Commencement Date, Annuity Option B, for a Life Annuity with 120 monthly
payments certain will be deemed to have been elected.
 
    Any  election  may  specify the  proportion  of  the adjusted  value  of the
Participant's Account to be applied to  the Fixed Account and the  Sub-Accounts.
In  the event the election does not so specify, then the portion of the adjusted
value of the Participant's Account  to be applied to  the Fixed Account and  the
Sub-Accounts  will be determined on a pro rata basis from the composition of the
Participant's Account on the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
    Annuity Options  may also  be elected  by the  Owner or  the Beneficiary  as
provided in the Death Benefit section of this Prospectus.
 
    Reference  should be made to the terms of the particular retirement plan and
any applicable legislation for  any limitations or  restrictions on the  options
which may be elected.
 
    NO  CHANGE OF  ANNUITY OPTION  IS PERMITTED  AFTER THE  ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT
DATE.
 
ANNUITY OPTIONS
 
    No lump sum settlement option is available under the Contract. The Owner may
surrender the  Contract prior  to the  Annuity Commencement  Date; however,  any
applicable  surrender charge will  be deducted from  the cash withdrawal payment
and a Market Value Adjustment, if appropriate, will be applied.
 
    Annuity Options A, B and C are  available to provide either a Fixed  Annuity
or  a Variable Annuity. Annuity Options D and  E are available only to provide a
Fixed Annuity.
 
    Annuity Option A.   Life Annuity:  Monthly  payments during the lifetime  of
the  Payee. This option offers  a higher level of  monthly payments than Annuity
Options B or C because  no further payments are payable  after the death of  the
Payee  and there is no  provision for a death  benefit payable to a Beneficiary.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
It would be possible for only one variable annuity payment to be made under this
option if the  Payee died before  the due  date of the  second variable  annuity
payment, two if the Payee died before the due date of the third variable annuity
payment, etc.
 
    Annuity  Option B.  Life  Annuity with 60, 120,  180 or 240 Monthly Payments
Certain:  Monthly payments during the lifetime of the Payee and in any event for
sixty (60), one hundred  twenty (120), one hundred  eighty (180) or two  hundred
forty  (240) months certain as elected. The  election of a longer period certain
results in smaller monthly payments than would  be the case if a shorter  period
certain  were elected. In the event of the death of the Payee under this option,
the Contract provides that in certain circumstances, the discounted value of the
remaining payments,  if  any,  will be  calculated  and  paid in  one  sum.  The
discounted  value  for  variable  annuity payments  will  be  based  on interest
compounded annually at the assumed interest rate of four percent (4%).
 
    Annuity Option C.   Joint and  Survivor Annuity:   Monthly payments  payable
during the joint lifetime of the Payee and a designated second person and during
the  lifetime of  the survivor.  During the  lifetime of  the survivor, variable
monthly payments, if any, will be determined using the percentage chosen at  the
time  of election  of this  option of the  number of  each type  of Annuity Unit
credited to the Contract with respect  to the Payee and fixed monthly  payments,
if  any,  will be  equal to  the same  percentage of  the fixed  monthly payment
payable during the joint lifetime of the Payee and the designated second person.
It would be possible for only one variable annuity payment to be made under this
option if the Payee and  the designated person died before  the due date of  the
second  variable annuity payment,  two if they  died before the  due date of the
third variable annuity payment, etc.
 
    *Annuity Option D.   Fixed Payments for a  Specified Period Certain:   Fixed
monthly payments for a specified period of time, as elected. In the event of the
death  of the  Payee under  this option, the  Contract provides  that in certain
circumstances, the discounted value of the  remaining payments, if any, will  be
calculated  and paid in one sum. The discounted  value, if any, will be based on
the interest rate initially used in determining the amount of each payment.
 
    *Annuity Option E.   Fixed Payments:   The amount  applied to provide  fixed
payments in accordance with this option will be held by the Company at interest.
Fixed  payments will be made in such amounts  and at such times as may be agreed
upon with the Company  and will continue  until the amount  held by the  Company
with  interest is exhausted. The final payment will be for the balance remaining
and may be  less than the  amount of  each preceding payment.  Interest will  be
credited  yearly  on  the amount  remaining  unpaid  at a  rate  which  shall be
determined by the Company  from time to  time but which shall  not be less  than
four  percent (4%) per year  compounded annually. The rate  so determined may be
changed at any time and as often as may be determined by the Company,  provided,
however,  that the rate may not be reduced more frequently than once during each
calendar year.
 
DETERMINATION OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
   
    On the Annuity Commencement Date the Participant's Account will be  canceled
and  its adjusted value will be applied to provide a Variable Annuity or a Fixed
Annuity or a combination of both. The adjusted value will be equal to the  value
of  the Participant's  Account for the  Valuation Period  which ends immediately
preceding the Annuity Commencement  Date, reduced by  any applicable premium  or
similar  taxes, a proportionate  amount of the  Account Fee to  reflect the time
elapsed between the  last Account  Anniversary and  the day  before the  Annuity
Commencement  Date and any  applicable withdrawal charge  and/or unpaid Net Loan
Interest and plus or minus any applicable Market Value Adjustment.
    
 
FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    The dollar  amount of  each  fixed annuity  payment  will be  determined  in
accordance  with the Annuity Payment Rates found in the Contract which are based
on a minimum guaranteed interest rate of four
 
- ------------------------
   
* The election of this Annuity Option may result in the imposition of a  penalty
  tax.
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
percent (4%) per year, or, if more favorable to the Payee(s), in accordance with
the  Single Premium Immediate  Settlement Rates published by  the Company and in
use on the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
   
    The dollar amount of the first  variable annuity payment will be  determined
in  accordance with the  Annuity Payment Rates  found in the  Contract which are
based on an assumed interest  rate of four percent  (4%) per year, unless  these
rates are changed (See "Modification"). All variable annuity payments other than
the first are determined by means of Annuity Units credited to the Contract with
respect  to the particular Payee. The number  of Annuity Units to be credited in
respect of a particular  Sub-Account is determined by  dividing that portion  of
the  first  variable annuity  payment attributable  to  that Sub-Account  by the
Annuity Unit value of that Sub-Account at the end of the Valuation Period  which
ends  immediately preceding the Annuity Commencement Date. The number of Annuity
Units of each particular  Sub-Account credited to the  Contract with respect  to
the  particular Payee then remains fixed unless  an exchange of Annuity Units is
made as described  below. The  dollar amount  of each  variable annuity  payment
after  the first may increase, decrease or  remain constant, and is equal to the
sum of the amounts determined  by multiplying the number  of Annuity Units of  a
particular  Sub-Account credited to the Contract  with respect to the particular
Payee by the Annuity Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for the Valuation
Period which ends immediately preceding the due date of each subsequent payment.
If the net investment return on the  assets of the Variable Account is the  same
as  the assumed interest  rate of four  percent (4%) per  year, variable annuity
payments will remain  level. If the  net investment return  exceeds the  assumed
interest  rate variable annuity payments will increase and, conversely, if it is
less than the assumed interest rate the payments will decrease.
    
 
    For a hypothetical example of the calculation of a Variable Annuity Payment,
see Appendix A.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY UNIT VALUE
 
    The Annuity Unit value  for each Sub-Account was  established at $10.00  for
the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The Annuity Unit value
for the particular Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined
by  multiplying the  Annuity Unit value  for the particular  Sub-Account for the
immediately preceding  Valuation  Period  by  the  Net  Investment  Factor  (See
"Variable  Accumulation  Value,  Net  Investment  Factor")  for  the  particular
Sub-Account for the current Valuation  Period and then multiplying that  product
by  a factor to  neutralize the assumed  interest rate of  four percent (4%) per
year used to  establish the  Annuity Payment Rates  found in  the Contract.  The
factor is 0.99989255 for a one day Valuation Period.
 
    For  a hypothetical example  of the calculation  of the value  of a Variable
Annuity Unit, see Appendix A.
 
EXCHANGE OF VARIABLE ANNUITY UNITS
 
    After the  Annuity Commencement  Date the  Payee may,  by filing  a  written
request  with the Company, exchange the value of a designated number of Variable
Annuity Units  of particular  Sub-Accounts then  credited to  the Contract  with
respect  to the particular Payee into other Variable Annuity Units, the value of
which would be such  that the dollar  amount of an annuity  payment made on  the
date  of the exchange would  be unaffected by the fact  of the exchange. No more
than twelve (12) exchanges may be made within each Account Year.
 
    Exchanges may be made  only within the Variable  Account. Exchanges will  be
made  using the Annuity  Unit values for  the Valuation Period  during which any
request for exchange is received by the Company.
 
ANNUITY PAYMENT RATES
 
    The Contract contains unisex annuity  payment rates for each Annuity  Option
described  in  this Prospectus.  The rates  show, for  each $1,000  applied, the
dollar amount of: (a)  the first monthly Variable  Annuity payment based on  the
assumed  interest  rate  of  four  percent  (4%);  and  (b)  the  monthly  Fixed
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
Annuity payment, when this payment is  based on the minimum guaranteed  interest
rate  of four percent (4%)  per year. These rates may  be changed by the Company
with respect to Participants' Accounts  established after the effective date  of
such change (See "Modification").
 
   
    The  annuity payment rates may vary  according to the Annuity Option elected
and the adjusted age  of the Payee.  The Contract also  describes the method  of
determining  the  adjusted  age  of  the  Payee.  The  mortality  table  used in
determining the  annuity payment  rates for  Options A,  B, and  C is  the  1971
Individual  Annuitant Mortality Table with ages  reduced by one year for Annuity
Commencement  Dates  occurring   during  the  1980s,   two  years  for   Annuity
Commencement Dates occurring during the 1990s, etc.
    
 
                          OTHER CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS
 
PAYMENT LIMITS
 
    Purchase Payments credited to a Participant's Account on an annualized basis
for  the first  Account Year  must total at  least $300  and must  be payable in
amounts of at least $25 per Payment.  These minimums may, however, be waived  by
the  Company. In addition, the prior approval  of the Company is required before
it will accept a Purchase Payment which would cause the value of a Participant's
Account to exceed $1,000,000.  If the value of  a Participant's Account  exceeds
$1,000,000,  no additional Purchase Payments will  be accepted without the prior
approval of the Company. Purchase Payments may be made annually,  semi-annually,
quarterly,  monthly or  on any  other frequency  acceptable to  the Company. The
Owner may increase  or decrease the  amount of Purchase  Payments or change  the
frequency  of payment. The Owner is  not obligated to continue Purchase Payments
in the  amount or  frequency elected.  There  are no  penalties for  failure  to
continue  to make  Purchase Payments. While  the Contract  and the Participant's
Account are in force,  Purchase Payments may  be made at any  time prior to  the
Annuity Commencement Date.
 
OWNER
 
    The  Contract shall belong to the  Owner. All Contract rights and privileges
may be exercised  by the Owner  without the  consent of the  Participant or  the
Beneficiary or any other person, except as the Owner may have provided under the
Plan  or  other  appropriate  documents.  Such  rights  and  privileges  may  be
exercised, with respect to a particular Participant, only during the lifetime of
the Participant and prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, except as  otherwise
provided  in the Contract. Each  Participant becomes the Payee  on and after the
Annuity Commencement Date. The Beneficiary becomes the Payee on the death of the
Participant.
 
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
 
    Ownership of a Qualified Contract may not be transferred except to: (1)  the
Participant  or Beneficiary; (2) a trustee or  successor trustee of a pension or
profit sharing  trust which  is  qualified under  Section  401 of  the  Internal
Revenue  Code; (3)  the employer  of the  Annuitant provided  that the Qualified
Contract after  transfer is  maintained under  the terms  of a  retirement  plan
qualified  under Section 403(a) of the Internal  Revenue Code for the benefit of
the Annuitant;  (4)  the  trustee  of  an  individual  retirement  account  plan
qualified  under Section 408 of  the Internal Revenue Code;  or (5) as otherwise
permitted from time to  time by laws and  regulations governing the  retirement,
deferred  compensation or other  programs for which the  Contract may be issued.
Subject to  the foregoing,  a  Qualified Contract  may  not be  sold,  assigned,
transferred,  discounted or pledged as collateral for  a loan or as security for
the performance of an obligation  or for any other  purpose to any person  other
than the Company.
 
    The  Owner  of a  Non-Qualified  Contract may  change  the ownership  of the
Contract during the lifetime of any Participant and prior to the last  remaining
Participant's  Annuity Commencement Date, although such change may result in the
imposition of tax (See "Federal Tax Status--Taxation of Annuities in  General").
A  change  of ownership  will  not be  binding  upon the  Company  until written
notification is received by the Company. Once received by the Company the change
will be effective as of the date on  which the request for change was signed  by
the Owner, but the change will be without prejudice to the Company on account of
any  payment made  or any  action taken  by the  Company prior  to receiving the
change. The Company may require that the signature of the Owner be guaranteed by
a member firm
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
of the  New  York, American,  Boston,  Midwest, Philadelphia  or  Pacific  Stock
Exchange,  or by a commercial bank (not a savings bank) which is a member of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or, in certain cases, by a member firm  of
the  National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc. which has entered into an
appropriate agreement with the Company.
 
DESIGNATION AND CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY
 
    The Beneficiary designation contained in a Participant Enrollment Form  will
remain  in effect until changed.  The interest of any  Beneficiary is subject to
the particular Beneficiary surviving the Participant.
 
    Subject to the rights  of an irrevocably  designated Beneficiary, the  Owner
(or  the  Participant,  as permitted  by  the  Plan) may  change  or  revoke the
designation of a  Beneficiary at  any time while  the Participant  is living  by
filing  with the Company a written beneficiary designation or revocation in such
form as the Company may  require. The change or  revocation will not be  binding
upon the Company until it is received by the Company. When it is so received the
change  or revocation will be effective as  of the date on which the beneficiary
designation or  revocation  was signed  by  the  Owner or  the  Participant,  as
applicable,  but  the change  or  revocation will  be  without prejudice  to the
Company on account of any payment made or any action taken by the Company  prior
to receiving the change or revocation.
 
    Reference  should be made to the terms of the particular retirement plan and
any applicable legislation for any restrictions on the beneficiary designation.
 
VOTING OF FUND SHARES
 
   
    The Company will vote  Fund shares held by  the Sub-Accounts at meetings  of
shareholders  of the  Fund(s) or in  connection with  similar solicitations, but
will follow voting instructions received from  persons having the right to  give
voting  instructions. The Owner  is the person  having the right  to give voting
instructions prior to  the Annuity Commencement  Date. On or  after the  Annuity
Commencement  Date the Payee is the person having such voting rights. Any shares
attributable to  the  Company  and  Fund  shares  for  which  no  timely  voting
instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as
the shares for which instructions are received from Owners and Payees.
    
 
    Owners  of Contracts held pursuant  to Plans may be  subject to other voting
provisions of the  particular Plan and  of the Investment  Company Act of  1940.
Employees who contribute to Plans which are funded by the Contracts are entitled
to  instruct the Owners  as to how to  instruct the Company  to vote the Fund(s)
shares attributable  to their  contributions. Such  Plans may  also provide  the
additional  extent, if any, to which the Owners shall follow voting instructions
of persons with rights under the  Plans. If no voting instructions are  received
from  any such  person with respect  to a particular  Participant's Account, the
Owner may instruct the Company as to how  to vote the number of Fund shares  for
which instructions may be given.
 
    Neither  the Variable Account nor  the Company is under  any duty to provide
information concerning the  voting instruction  rights of persons  who may  have
such  rights under Plans,  other than rights afforded  by the Investment Company
Act of 1940,  nor any duty  to inquire as  to the instructions  received or  the
authority  of Owners or others to instruct  the voting of Fund shares. Except as
the Variable Account or  the Company has actual  knowledge to the contrary,  the
instructions  given  by Owners  and  Payees will  be  valid as  they  affect the
Variable Account, the Company  and any others  having voting instruction  rights
with respect to the Variable Account.
 
    All  Fund proxy material,  together with an  appropriate form to  be used to
give voting instructions, will be provided  to each Owner and each Payee  having
the  right to  give voting  instructions at  least ten  (10) days  prior to each
meeting of the  shareholders of the  particular Fund. The  number of  particular
Fund  shares as to which each such  person is entitled to give instructions will
be determined by the Company on a date  not more than ninety (90) days prior  to
each  such  meeting.  Prior to  the  Annuity  Commencement Date,  the  number of
particular Fund  shares as  to which  voting instructions  may be  given to  the
Company  is determined by dividing the value of all of the Variable Accumulation
Units of  the particular  Sub-Account credited  to the  Contract's  Accumulation
Account by the net asset value of one particular Fund share as of the same date.
On  or after the Annuity Commencement Date, the number of particular Fund shares
as to which such instructions may be given by a Payee is determined by  dividing
the
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
reserve  held by the Company in the particular Sub-Account for the Contract with
respect to the  particular Payee by  the net  asset value of  a particular  Fund
share  as of the same  date. After the Annuity  Commencement Date, the number of
the particular  Fund shares  as to  which a  Payee is  entitled to  give  voting
instructions will generally decrease due to the decrease in the reserve.
 
PERIODIC REPORTS
 
   
    The  Company will send the  Owner and the Participant,  at least once during
each Account and/or  Contract Year,  a statement  showing the  number, type  and
value  of Accumulation Units  or Annuity Units  credited to the  Contract or the
Participant's Account as the case may  be, which statement shall be accurate  as
of  a date not more than  two (2) months previous to  the date of mailing. These
periodic  statements  contain  important  information  concerning  Participant's
Account  transactions with respect  to a Contract.  It is the  obligation of the
Participant to  review  each such  statement  carefully  and to  report  to  the
Company,  at  the address  or telephone  number provided  on the  statement, any
errors or discrepancies in the information  presented therein within 60 days  of
the date of such statement. Unless the Company receives notice of any such error
or discrepancy from the participant within such time period, the Company may not
be responsible for correcting the error. In addition, every person having voting
rights will receive such reports or prospectuses concerning the Variable Account
and  the particular Fund(s) as may be  required by the Investment Company Act of
1940 and the Securities Act of 1933. The Company will also send such  statements
reflecting   transactions  in  the  Contract's  Accumulation  Account  and  each
Participant's  Account  as  may  be  required  by  applicable  laws,  rules  and
regulations.
    
 
SUBSTITUTED SECURITIES
 
   
    Shares  of  any of  the particular  Funds  may not  always be  available for
purchase by the Sub-Accounts of the  Variable Account or the Company may  decide
that  further investment in any  such Fund's shares is  no longer appropriate in
view of the purposes of the Variable Account. In either event, shares of another
registered open-end investment company may  be substituted both for Fund  shares
already purchased by the Variable Account and/or as the security to be purchased
in the future provided that these substitutions have been approved, if required,
by  the Securities  and Exchange  Commission. In  the event  of any substitution
pursuant to this provision, the Company may make appropriate endorsement to  the
Contract to reflect the substitution.
    
 
CHANGE IN OPERATION OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    At  the  Company's election  and subject  to any  necessary vote  by persons
having the right to give instructions with respect to the voting of Fund  shares
held  by the Sub-Accounts, the Variable Account  may be operated as a management
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or it may be deregistered under
the Investment  Company Act  of 1940  in  the event  registration is  no  longer
required.  Deregistration  of  the Variable  Account  requires an  order  by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. In the event of any change in the  operation
of  the  Variable  Account pursuant  to  this  provision, the  Company  may make
appropriate endorsement to  the Contract  to reflect  the change  and take  such
other action as may be necessary and appropriate to effect the change.
 
SPLITTING UNITS
 
    The  Company reserves the  right to split  or combine the  value of Variable
Accumulation Units, Fixed Accumulation Units, Annuity  Units or any of them.  In
effecting any such change of unit values, strict equity will be preserved and no
change  will have a material  effect on the benefits  or other provisions of the
Contract.
 
MODIFICATION
 
    Upon notice to the Owner, or to the Payee(s) during the annuity period,  the
Contract  may be modified by the Company  if such modification: (i) is necessary
to make the Contract or the Variable  Account comply with any law or  regulation
issued  by a governmental agency to which the Company or the Variable Account is
subject; or (ii) is necessary to assure continued qualification of the  Contract
under  the Internal  Revenue Code  or other  federal or  state laws  relating to
retirement annuities or annuity  contracts; or (iii) is  necessary to reflect  a
change    in   the   operation   of   the   Variable   Account   or   the   Sub-
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
   
Account(s) (See "Change  in Operation  of Variable Account");  or (iv)  provides
additional  Variable Account  and/or fixed accumulation  options; or  (v) as may
otherwise be in the  best interests of the  Owners, Participants, or Payees,  as
applicable.  In  the  event  of  any such  modification,  the  Company  may make
appropriate endorsement to the Contract to reflect such modification.
    
 
    In addition, upon notice to  the Owner the Contract  may be modified by  the
Company  to change the  withdrawal charges, Account  Fees, mortality and expense
risk charges, the  tables used in  determining the amount  of the first  monthly
Variable  Annuity and Fixed  Annuity payments and the  formula used to calculate
the Market Value Adjustment provided that such modification shall apply only  to
Participant  Accounts established after the effective date of such modification.
In order to exercise its modification rights in these particular instances,  the
Company  must notify the Owner of such modification in writing. The notice shall
specify the effective  date of such  modification which must  be at least  sixty
(60)  days following the  date of mailing  of the notice  of modification by the
Company. All of the  charges and the  annuity tables which  are provided in  the
Contract  prior  to any  such modification  will  remain in  effect permanently,
unless improved by the Company, with respect to Participant Accounts established
prior to the effective date of such modification.
 
DISCONTINUANCE OF NEW PARTICIPANTS
 
    The Company, by giving thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the  Owner,
may  limit or  discontinue the  acceptance of  new Participant  Enrollment Forms
under a Contract.  Such limitation  or discontinuance  shall have  no effect  on
rights  or benefits with respect to  any Participant's Account established prior
to the effective date of such limitation or discontinuance.
 
CUSTODIAN
 
    The Company is  the Custodian  of the assets  of the  Variable Account.  The
Company  will purchase Fund shares at net asset value in connection with amounts
allocated to the particular Sub-Account  in accordance with the instructions  of
the  Owner and redeem Fund shares at net  asset value for the purpose of meeting
the contractual obligations of the Variable Account, paying charges relative  to
the  Variable Account  or making  adjustments for  annuity reserves  held in the
Variable Account.
 
RIGHT TO RETURN CONTRACT (INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS ONLY)
 
   
    Under  the  Internal  Revenue  Code  an  Owner  establishing  an  Individual
Retirement  Account  ("IRA")  must  be  furnished  with  a  disclosure statement
containing  certain  information  about   the  Contract  and  applicable   legal
requirements.  This statement must be furnished on or before the date the IRA is
established. If the Owner is furnished with such disclosure statement before the
seventh (7th) day preceding the date the IRA is established, the Owner will  not
have any right of revocation. If the disclosure statement is furnished after the
seventh  (7th) day preceding  the establishment of  the IRA, then  the Owner may
revoke the Contract any time  within seven (7) days  after the Issue Date.  Upon
such  revocation,  the Company  will refund  all Purchase  Payments made  by the
Owner.
    
 
                               FEDERAL TAX STATUS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    The Contracts described in this Prospectus are designed for use by employer,
association and other group  retirement plans under  the provisions of  Sections
401  (including Section 401(k)), 403, 408(c),  408(k) and 408(p) of the Internal
Revenue Code (the "Code"),  as well as  certain non-qualified retirement  plans,
such  as payroll savings plans.  The ultimate effect of  federal income taxes on
the Contract's Accumulation  Account and the  Participant's Account, on  annuity
payments  and  on  the  economic  benefit to  the  Owner,  the  Participant, the
Annuitant, the Payee or  the Beneficiary may  depend upon the  type of Plan  for
which  the  Contract  is  purchased  and  a  number  of  different  factors. The
discussion contained herein is  general in nature, is  based upon the  Company's
understanding  of current  federal income  tax laws  (including recently enacted
amendments), and is not intended as tax advice. Congress has the power to  enact
legislation   affecting  the  tax  treatment  of  annuity  contracts,  and  such
legislation could be  applied retroactively  to Contracts  purchased before  the
date  of enactment. Also, because the Internal  Revenue Code, as amended, is not
in   force   in   the   Commonwealth    of   Puerto   Rico,   some    references
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
herein  will not be  applicable to Contracts  issued in Puerto  Rico. Any person
contemplating the purchase of a Contract should consult a qualified tax adviser.
THE COMPANY DOES NOT MAKE ANY GUARANTEE REGARDING THE TAX STATUS, FEDERAL, STATE
OR LOCAL, OF ANY CONTRACT OR ANY TRANSACTION INVOLVING THE CONTRACTS.
 
TAX TREATMENT OF THE COMPANY AND THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    The Company is taxed  as a life insurance  company under the Code.  Although
the  operations of the Variable Account  are accounted for separately from other
operations of the Company for purposes of federal income taxation, the  Variable
Account is not separately taxable as a regulated investment company or otherwise
as a taxable entity separate from the Company. Under existing federal income tax
laws,  the  income and  capital gains  of  the Variable  Account, to  the extent
applied to  increase  reserves under  the  Contracts,  are not  taxable  to  the
Company.
 
TAXATION OF ANNUITIES IN GENERAL
 
   
    Generally,  no taxes are imposed on the increases in the value of a Contract
until a distribution occurs, either as annuity payments under the Annuity Option
elected or in the  form of cash  withdrawals or lump-sum  payments prior to  the
Annuity  Commencement  Date.  Corporate Owners  and  other Owners  that  are not
natural persons  (other than  the estate  of a  decedent Owner)  are subject  to
current  taxation  on  the  annual  increase in  the  value  of  a Non-Qualified
Contract's Accumulation Account. This  rule does not  apply where a  non-natural
person  holds the Contract as  agent for a natural person  (such as where a bank
holds a Contract as  trustee under a trust  agreement). This provision does  not
apply  to earnings accumulated where the Annuity Commencement Date occurs within
one year of the Date of Coverage. This provision applies to earnings on Purchase
Payments made after February 28,1986.
    
 
    The following discussion of annuity  taxation applies only to  contributions
(and  attributable earnings)  made to  Non-Qualified Contracts  after August 13,
1982. If  an Owner  has made  contributions before  August 14,  1982 to  another
annuity  contract and exchanges  that contract for the  Contract offered by this
Prospectus, then different tax  treatment will apply  to the contributions  (and
attributable  earnings) made  before August  14, 1982.  For example, non-taxable
principal may be  withdrawn before taxable  earnings and the  ten percent  (10%)
penalty tax for early withdrawal is not applicable.
 
    The Code is unclear in its application to a group annuity contract where the
Owner  is  distinct  from the  individuals  with  respect to  whom  the Contract
benefits are accumulated  (the Participants).  The following  discussion is  the
Company's  best understanding  of the  operation of the  Code in  the context of
group contracts. However, Owners and Participants should consult a qualified tax
adviser.
 
    For Contracts offered  by this  Prospectus (other than  Contracts issued  in
exchange  for contracts issued prior to August 14, 1982, as described above), in
the case  of a  Non-Qualified Contract  a partial  cash withdrawal  (that is,  a
withdrawal  of less than the entire value  of the Participant's Account) must be
treated first as a withdrawal from  the increase in the Participant's  Account's
value  over the Contract's cost basis. The amount of the withdrawal so allocable
will be  includible in  the Participant's  income. Similarly,  if a  Participant
receives a loan under a Contract or if part or all of a Participant's Account is
assigned  or pledged  as collateral for  a loan, the  amount of the  loan or the
amount assigned or pledged  must be treated as  if withdrawn from the  Contract.
(For Non-Qualified Contracts entered into after October 21, 1988 (or any annuity
contract  entered  into  on  or  before  such  date  that  is  exchanged  for  a
Non-Qualified Contract issued after  such date), any  withdrawal or loan  amount
that is includible in the Participant's income will increase the Contract's cost
basis.  Repayment of a loan or payment of interest on a loan will not affect the
Contract's cost basis. For these  purposes the Participant's Account value  will
not  be reduced by the amount of any loan, assignment or pledge of the Contract.
In  addition,  all   non-qualified  deferred  annuity   certificates  or   other
non-qualified  deferred annuity contracts that are  issued by the Company to the
same Participant during any  calendar year will be  treated as a single  annuity
contract.  Therefore, the proceeds of a withdrawal from, or assignment or pledge
of, one or more such contracts or  certificates will be fully includible in  the
Participant's  income to the extent of  the aggregate excess of the accumulation
account values over the cost bases of all such contracts or certificates entered
into during the calendar year.)
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    The taxable portion of a cash withdrawal or a lump-sum payment prior to  the
Annuity  Commencement Date is  subject to tax  at ordinary income  rates. In the
case of payments after  the Annuity Commencement Date  under the Annuity  Option
elected,  a  portion of  each payment  generally is  taxable at  ordinary income
rates. The  nontaxable portion  is determined  by applying  to each  payment  an
"exclusion  ratio" which is the  ratio that the Participant's  cost basis in the
Contract bears to the Payee's expected return under the Contract. The  remainder
of the payment is taxable.
 
    The total amount that a Payee may exclude from income through application of
the "exclusion ratio" is limited to the cost basis in the Contract. If the Payee
survives  for his full life expectancy, and thereby recovers the entire basis in
the Contract, any subsequent annuity payment after basis recovery will be  fully
taxable  as income. Conversely, if the Payee dies prior to recovering the entire
basis, he will be  allowed a deduction  on his final income  tax return for  the
amount  of the unrecovered basis. This  limitation applies to distributions made
under a Contract with an Annuity Commencement Date after December 31, 1986.
 
    In the  case  of  Non-Qualified  Contracts,  taxable  cash  withdrawals  and
lump-sum  payments will be subject to a ten percent (10%) penalty, except in the
circumstances described  below.  This ten  percent  (10%) penalty  also  affects
certain  annuity  payments.  In  a situation  where  this  penalty  applies, the
recipient's tax  for the  tax year  in which  the amount  is received  shall  be
increased  by an amount equal to ten percent  (10%) of the portion of the amount
which is includible in the recipient's gross income. The circumstances in  which
this penalty will not apply are distributions which are: (a) made upon the death
of the Participant; or (b) allocable to Purchase Payments made before August 14,
1982.  Further, in the case  of Contracts issued prior  to January 18, 1985, the
ten percent (10%) penalty on taxable cash withdrawals and lump-sum distributions
will not apply if the amount withdrawn  is allocable to a Purchase Payment  made
prior  to the  preceding ten (10)  year period.  For this purpose,  a "first in,
first out" rule is used, so that  the earliest Purchase Payment with respect  to
which  amounts have not been previously fully allocated will be deemed to be the
source of the amount.
 
    In the case of Non-Qualified Contracts,  if the Participant dies before  the
Annuity  Commencement Date the entire value of the Participant's Account must be
either (1) distributed  within five (5)  years after  the date of  death of  the
Participant,  or (2) distributed over some  period not greater than the expected
life of the designated Beneficiary,  with annuity payments beginning within  one
(1) year after the date of death of the Participant. If a Payee dies on or after
the  Annuity Commencement Date  and before the  entire Participant's Account has
been distributed, the remaining  portion of such accumulation,  if any, must  be
distributed  at least as rapidly  as the method of  distribution then in effect.
These distribution  requirements will  not apply  where the  Beneficiary is  the
spouse of the Participant; rather, in such a case, the Contract may be continued
in  the name  of the spouse  as Participant or  Payee. In the  case of Contracts
issued prior to January 18, 1985,  these rules regarding distributions upon  the
death  of  the Participant  or  the Annuitant  will not  apply.  In the  case of
Contracts issued after  April 22,  1987, a change  in the  Participant would  be
treated as the death of the Participant. Distributions required due to the death
of  the Participant  will not  be subject  to the  ten percent  (10%) penalty on
premature distributions. A purchaser of a Qualified Contract should refer to the
terms of the  applicable retirement  plan and  contact a  tax adviser  regarding
distribution requirements upon the death of the Participant.
 
    A  transfer  of  a  Non-Qualified  Contract  by  gift  (other  than  to  the
Participant's spouse) is treated as the receipt by the Participant of income  in
an  amount equal to the  excess of the cash  surrender value over the Contract's
cost basis. This provision applies to Contracts issued after April 22, 1987.
 
    In the case of Qualified Contracts,  distributions made prior to age 59  1/2
generally are subject to a ten percent (10%) penalty tax, although this tax will
not  apply in certain  circumstances. Certain distributions,  known as "eligible
rollover distributions," if  rolled over to  certain other qualified  retirement
plans  (either directly or after being distributed to the Participant or Payee),
are not taxable until distributed from the  plan to which they are rolled  over.
In  general, an eligible rollover distribution is any taxable distribution other
than a distribution that is part of a series of payments made for life or for  a
specified period of ten
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
years or more. Owners, Participants, Annuitants, Payees and Beneficiaries should
seek  qualified advice about the tax consequences of distributions, withdrawals,
rollovers and payments under the retirement  plans in connection with which  the
Contracts are purchased.
 
   
    The  Company will withhold  and remit to  the U.S. Government  a part of the
taxable portion  of each  distribution made  under a  Non-Qualified Contract  or
under  a Qualified Contract issued for use with an individual retirement account
unless the  Participant or  Payee provides  his or  her taxpayer  identification
number to the Company and notifies the Company (in the manner prescribed) before
the  time of the distribution that the  Participant or Payee chooses not to have
any amounts withheld.
    
 
   
    In  the  case  of  distributions  from  a  Qualified  Contract  (other  than
distributions  from  a Contract  issued for  use  with an  individual retirement
account), the Company or the plan  administrator must withhold and remit to  the
U.S.   Government  20%  of  each  distribution  that  is  an  eligible  rollover
distribution (as defined above) unless the Participant or Payee elects to make a
direct rollover of the distribution to another qualified retirement plan that is
eligible to receive the rollover. If a distribution from a Qualified Contract is
not an eligible rollover distribution, then the Participant or Payee can  choose
not  to have amounts withheld as described above for Non-Qualified Contracts and
Qualified Contracts issued for use with individual retirement accounts.
    
 
    Amounts  withheld  from  any  distribution  may  be  credited  against   the
Participant's  or  Payee's federal  income  tax liability  for  the year  of the
distribution.
 
    The  Internal  Revenue  Service   has  issued  regulations  that   prescribe
investment  diversification  requirements  for  mutual  fund  series  underlying
nonqualified variable  contracts.  Contracts  that  do  not  comply  with  these
regulations  do not  qualify as annuities  for income tax  purposes. The Company
believes that each series of the Series Fund complies with the regulations.
 
   
    The preamble to the regulations states that the Internal Revenue Service may
promulgate guidelines under which a variable contract will not be treated as  an
annuity for tax purposes if the owner has excessive control over the investments
underlying  the contract. It  is not known  whether such guidelines,  if in fact
promulgated, would have retroactive effect.  If guidelines are promulgated,  the
Company  will take  any action  (including modification  of the  Contract or the
Variable Account) necessary to comply with the guidelines.
    
 
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
 
   
    The Qualified Contracts described  in this Prospectus  are designed for  use
with   several  types  of  qualified   retirement  plans.  Following  are  brief
descriptions of various types of qualified  retirement plans and the use of  the
Qualified  Contracts  in  connection  therewith.  The  tax  rules  applicable to
participants in such qualified  retirement plans vary according  to the type  of
plan  and its  terms and  conditions. Therefore,  no attempt  is made  herein to
provide more than general information about  the use of the Qualified  Contracts
with  the various types  of qualified retirement  plans. Participants under such
plans as well as Owners, Annuitants, Payees and Beneficiaries are cautioned that
the rights of any person to any benefits under these plans may be subject to the
terms and  conditions of  the  plans themselves,  regardless  of the  terms  and
conditions  of  the Qualified  Contracts issued  in connection  therewith. These
terms and conditions may include restrictions on, among other things, ownership,
transferability, assignability,  contributions  and  distributions.  Any  person
contemplating  the purchase of  a Qualified Contract  should consult a qualified
tax advisor.  In  addition,  Owners,  Participants,  Payees,  Beneficiaries  and
administrators  of qualified retirement plans  should consider and consult their
tax advisor  concerning whether  the Death  Benefit payable  under the  Contract
affects  the  qualified status  of their  retirement  plan. Following  are brief
descriptions of various types of qualified  retirement plans and the use of  the
Qualified Contracts in connection therewith.
    
 
PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS
 
    Sections 401(a), 401(k) and 403(a) of the Code permit business employers and
certain  associations  to  establish  various  types  of  retirement  plans  for
employees. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 eliminated  most
differences  between  qualified retirement  plans of  corporations and  those of
self-employed individuals. The Contract may be purchased by those who would have
been covered under
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
the rules governing old H.R.  10 (Keogh) Plans, as  well as by corporate  plans.
Such  retirement plans  may permit  the purchase  of the  Qualified Contracts to
provide benefits  under the  plans.  Employers intending  to use  the  Qualified
Contracts  in  connection  with  such  plans  should  seek  qualified  advice in
connection therewith.
 
TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES
 
    Section 403(b) of the Code permits public school employees and employees  of
certain  types of charitable, educational and scientific organizations specified
in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code  to purchase annuity contracts and, subject  to
certain  limitations, exclude the amount of  purchase payments from gross income
for tax purposes.  These annuity  contracts are  commonly referred  to as  "Tax-
Sheltered  Annuities." Purchasers of  the Qualified Contracts  for such purposes
should seek  qualified  advice as  to  eligibility, limitations  on  permissible
amounts of Purchase Payments and tax consequences of distributions.
 
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
 
    Sections  219 and 408 of the  Code permit eligible individuals to contribute
to an  individual  retirement  program, including  Simplified  Employee  Pension
Plans,  Employer/Association  of  Employees  Established  Individual  Retirement
Account Trusts and Simple Retirement Accounts, known as an Individual Retirement
Account ("IRA"). These IRA's are subject  to limitations on the amount that  may
be  contributed,  the  persons  who  may  be  eligible,  and  on  the  time when
distributions may commence. In addition,  certain distributions from some  other
types  of retirement  plans may  be placed  on a  tax-deferred basis  in an IRA.
Contracts are  offered by  this Prospectus  for IRA  Trusts, but  not for  IRA's
established  as "Individual  Retirement Annuities"  under Section  408(b) of the
Code. Sale  of the  Contracts  for use  with IRA's  may  be subject  to  special
requirements  imposed  by  the  Internal  Revenue  Service.  Purchasers  of  the
Contracts for such purposes will be provided with such supplementary information
as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service or other appropriate  agency,
and  will have the right  to revoke the Contract  under certain circumstances as
described in the section of this Prospectus entitled "Right to Return Contract."
 
                       TEXAS OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM
 
    Under the terms of the Optional  Retirement Program, if a participant  makes
the  required contribution the State of Texas will contribute a specified amount
to the participant's retirement account. If a participant does not commence  the
second  year of participation  in the plan  as a "faculty  member" as defined in
Title 110B of the State of Texas  Statutes, the Company will return the  state's
contribution.  If a participant  does begin a second  year of participation, the
employer's first year contributions will then  be applied as a Purchase  Payment
under the Qualified Contract, as will the employer's subsequent contributions.
 
    The  Attorney General of the State of  Texas has ruled that under Title 110B
of the State of  Texas Statutes, withdrawal benefits  of contracts issued  under
the   Optional  Retirement  Program  are  available  only  in  the  event  of  a
participant's  death,  retirement,  termination  of  employment  due  to   total
disability,  or other termination of employment in a Texas public institution of
higher education. A participant will not, therefore, be entitled to exercise the
right of  withdrawal  in order  to  receive the  cash  values credited  to  such
participant  under the Qualified Contract unless one of the foregoing conditions
has been  satisfied. The  value of  such Qualified  Contracts may,  however,  be
transferred   to  other  contracts  or  other  carriers  during  the  period  of
participation in the Program.
 
                        ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
    The Company  performs  certain  administrative  functions  relating  to  the
Contracts, the Participant's Accounts, and the Variable Account. These functions
include,  among other things, maintaining the  books and records of the Variable
Account and  the Sub-Accounts,  and maintaining  records of  the name,  address,
taxpayer  identification number, Contract  number, Participant's Account number,
type of Contract issued to each Owner, the status of the Contract's Accumulation
Account and each Participant's Account and other pertinent information necessary
to the administration and operation of the Contracts.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
                         DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
   
    The offering of the Contracts is  continuous. The Contracts will be sold  by
licensed  insurance agents in  those 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. and  who have  entered  into
distribution  agreements  with  the  Company and  the  General  Distributor. The
Contracts will be distributed by Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Clarendon"),
One Sun Life Executive Park,  Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181, the  General
Distributor,  a wholly-owned subsidiary of  the Company. Clarendon is registered
as a broker-
    
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
   
dealer with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Clarendon also
acts as the general distributor of other individual and group combination
fixed/variable annuity contracts issued by the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York, and variable
life insurance contracts issued by the Company. Commissions and other
distribution compensation will be paid by the Company and will not be more than
5.5% of Purchase Payments. During 1995, 1996 and 1997 approximately $431,302,
$381,758 and $312,588, respectively, was paid to and retained by Clarendon in
connection with the distribution of the Contracts.
    
 
                    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
    The following selected financial data for the Company should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in this
Prospectus beginning on page 51.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1997            1996            1995            1994            1993
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
                                                                     (IN 000'S)
Revenues
  Premiums, annuity deposits and
   other revenue.................  $    2,513,741  $    2,131,939  $    1,883,901  $    1,997,525  $    2,443,310
  Net investment income and
   realized gains................         301,524         312,870         315,966         312,583         311,322
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                        2,815,265       2,444,809       2,199,867       2,310,108       2,754,632
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Benefits and expenses
  Policyholder benefits..........       2,469,215       2,149,145       1,995,208       2,102,290       2,515,320
  Other expenses.................         206,066         175,342         150,937         186,892         232,365
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                        2,675,281       2,324,487       2,146,145       2,289,182       2,747,685
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Operating gain...................         139,984         120,322          53,722          20,926           6,947
Federal income tax expense
  (benefit)......................          10,742          (2,702)         17,807          19,469           3,691
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Net income.......................  $      129,242  $      123,024  $       35,915  $        1,457  $        3,256
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Assets...........................  $   15,927,045  $   13,621,952  $   12,359,683  $   10,117,822  $    9,179,090
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Surplus notes....................  $      565,000  $      315,000  $      650,000  $      335,000  $      335,000
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
See Item 1 for the effect of the reinsurance agreements on net income.
See Note 1 to financial statements for changes in accounting principles and
reporting.
See discussion under Recent Reorganization, below.
 
   
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
    
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
ASSETS
 
    For management purposes, it is the Company's practice to segment its general
account to facilitate the matching of assets and liabilities; nonetheless, all
general account assets stand behind all general account liabilities. A majority
of the Company's assets are income producing investments. Particular attention
is paid to the quality of these assets.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
    The Company's bond holdings consist of a diversified portfolio of both
public and private issues. It is the Company's policy to acquire only investment
grade securities. Private placements are rated internally with reference to the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation issued by
the NAIC Securities Valuation Office. The overall quality of the Company's bond
portfolio remains high. At December 31, 1997, 4.6% of the Company's holdings of
bonds were rated below investment grade (i.e. below NAIC rating "1" or "2").
 
    The Company holds real estate primarily because such investments
historically have offered better yields over the long-term than fixed income
investments. Real estate investments are used to enhance the yield and due to
their long term nature are matched with products with long-term liability
durations. Properties for which market value is lower than cost adjusted for
depreciation (book value) are reported at market value. During 1997, the change
in the difference between the market value and book value for properties
reported at market value was $3,377,000.
 
    Significant attention has been given to insurance companies' exposure to
mortgage loans secured by real estate. The Company had a mortgage portfolio of
$684,035,000 at December 31, 1997, representing 19.8% of cash and invested
assets. At December 31, 1996, mortgage loans represented 26.9% of cash and
invested assets. The Company underwrites commercial mortgages with a maximum
loan to value ratio of 75%. The Company, as a rule, invests only in properties
that are almost fully leased. The portfolio is diversified by region and by
property type. The level of arrears in the portfolio is substantially below the
industry average. At December 31, 1997, the Company's portfolio did not contain
any mortgage loans which were 60 days or more in arrears, which compares
favorably to the most recent industry delinquency ratio published by the
American Council of Life Insurance of 1.35%. The expense in the year for the
provision for losses and for losses on foreclosures was $711,000.
 
    In the normal course of business, the Company makes commitments to purchase
investments at a future date. As of December 31, 1997 the Company had
outstanding mortgage commitments of $12,300,000 which will be funded during
1998.
 
    On December 24, 1997, the Company transferred all of its outstanding shares
of MFS to its parent, Life Holdco, in the form of a dividend, valued at
$159,722,000. This dividend included an intercompany tax receivable of
$91,000,000. As a result of this transaction, the Company also realized a
$21,195,000 capital gain of undistributed earnings. See "Recent Reorganization,"
below, for a discussion of the effect of this transaction on ongoing operations.
 
LIABILITIES
 
    The majority of the Company's liabilities consist of reserves for life
insurance and annuity contracts and deposit funds.
 
CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
 
    Total capital stock and surplus of the Company was $832,695,000 at December
31, 1997. The Company issued surplus notes during 1997 totaling $250,000,000 to
its parent, Life Holdco. The Company's management considers its surplus position
to be adequate.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
 
    Net income from operations after dividends to policyholders and before
federal income taxes decreased by $2.9 million for the year ending December 31,
1997 as compared to December 31, 1996. Net income associated with the
reinsurance agreements with the ultimate parent increased $2.1 million in 1997.
The net income improvement in the reinsured business results primarily from
improved investment performance. Prior to reinsurance, earnings from the life
line of business remained relatively flat. The earnings of the Company's
retirement products and services line, which markets combination fixed/variable
annuities, decreased $5.0 million. During 1997, the Company focused its
marketing efforts on its fixed/variable annuity sales and discontinued sales of
its group pension contracts.
 
    Total income increased by $347.9 million for the year ended December 31,
1997 as compared to December 31, 1996. Sales of combination fixed/variable
annuities (net of annuitizations) increased by
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
$527.4 million primarily due to the introduction in late 1996, of a dollar cost
averaging (DCA) sales program. This program credits a bonus rate of interest on
the fixed annuity deposit during the first year. Purchase payments allocated to
the DCA program are deposited into the fixed account and systematically
transferred to the variable sub-accounts during the following year. Reinsurance
had the effect of increasing income by approximately $8.9 million. Premiums and
annuity considerations decreased by $6.6 million reflecting decreased
annuitizations. Sales of group pension guaranteed interest contracts decreased
by $133 million. Net investment income decreased by $33.5 million reflecting
both the decrease in the general account invested assets and $9.2 million
decrease in dividends from subsidiaries.
 
    Benefits and expenses increased by $346.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997 as compared to December 31, 1996. Reinsurance had the effect
of increasing benefits and expenses by $2.7 million. Death benefits, annuity
payments and surrender benefits and other fund withdrawals increased by $338.4
million primarily as a result of increased surrenders and withdrawals from
separate account contracts for which the surrender charge had expired. Policy
reserves decreased by $23 million, reflecting decreased annuitizations and lower
increases in reserves for minimum death benefit guarantees. The decrease in
liability for premium and other deposit funds of $55.3 million reflects higher
surrenders of contracts described above. Commissions increased by $22.8 million,
reflecting the increase in total sales of combination fixed/variable annuities.
General expenses increased by $9.9 million reflecting an increase in salaries
due to staff increases associated with increased sales and non-recurring costs
associated with moving the retirement products and services facility to a new
location. Transfers to separate accounts increased by $53.9 million, reflecting
increased exchange activity out of the fixed account into the separate account,
associated with the DCA activity.
 
    See "Recent Reorganization," below, for a discussion of the effect on
ongoing operations of the Company's transfer of its shares of MFS.
 
1996 COMPARED TO 1995
 
    Net income from operations after dividends to policyholders and before
federal income taxes increased by $61.1 million for the year ending December 31,
1996 as compared to December 31, 1995. Net income associated with the
reinsurance agreements with the SLOC increased by $23.9 million in 1996. The net
income improvement in the reinsured business results from improved mortality
experience, improved investment performance and fewer significant death claims
in 1996 as compared to 1995. Prior to reinsurance, earnings from the life line
of business remained relatively flat. The remaining $37.2 million increase is
attributable to the Company's retirement products and services line of business,
which markets combination fixed/variable annuities and group pension guaranteed
investment contracts. The decline in interest rates during 1995 resulted in the
split of these combination fixed/variable annuity sales to change from 45% fixed
and 55% variable in 1995 to 25% fixed and 75% variable in 1996. In addition,
total gross sales increased by $235.9 million in 1996 as compared to 1995. The
declining interest rate environment and strong market performance in 1995
resulted in unrealized gains on assets held in the separate accounts, which
generated a substantial increase in fees calculated as a percentage of the
separate account net assets, which are then transferred to the general account.
The declining interest rates also resulted in increases in reserves due to the
increase in the market value adjustment provision of certain fixed annuities.
The resultant reserve increases were in excess of the unrealized gains causing
strain on the 1995 earnings. In 1996, interest rates increased, resulting in a
reduction in the unrealized gains on assets held in the separate accounts and a
corresponding reduction in reserves and a release of some of the reserve strain
incurred in 1995. The earnings on these market value adjusted products fluctuate
as the change in the market value of the assets do not move precisely in tandem
with the change in the market value of the liabilities.
 
    Total income increased by $239.4 million for the year ended December 31,
1996 as compared to December 31, 1995. Sales of combination fixed/variable
annuities (net of annuitizations) increased by $282.7 million primarily due to
an increase in variable sales held in the separate accounts. This increase in
variable sales was driven by strong performance in the stock market. Reinsurance
had the effect of increasing income by approximately $9.4 million. Premiums and
annuity considerations increased by $8.2 million reflecting increased
annuitizations. Considerations from supplementary contracts increased by
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
$1.2 million. Sales of group pension guaranteed investment contracts decreased
by $53 million as this market remained highly competitive and sensitive to small
changes in guaranteed interest rates. Net investment income decreased by $9.1
million, reflecting a decrease in the general account invested assets.
 
    Benefits and expenses increased by $178.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 as compared to December 31, 1995. Reinsurance had the effect
of decreasing benefits and expenses by $14.5 million. Deaths, annuity payments
and surrender benefits and other fund withdrawals increased by $438.9 million as
a result of increased surrenders of fixed annuities for which interest rate
guarantee periods have expired as well as withdrawals from the separate
accounts. Policy reserves increased by $9.4 million, reflecting increased
annuitizations and increased reserves for minimum death benefit guarantees. The
decrease in liability for premium and other deposit funds of $405.9 reflects
lower interest rates and higher surrenders of contracts described above.
Commissions increased by $21.8 million, reflecting the increase in total sales
of combination fixed/variable annuities. General expenses increased by $2.6
million reflecting an increase in salaries due to staff increases and retainer
fees. Transfers to separate accounts increased by $126.8 million, reflecting
increased exchange activity out of the general account into the separate
accounts.
 
LIQUIDITY
 
    The Company's cash inflow consists primarily of premiums on insurance and
annuity products, income from investments, repayments of investment principal
and sales of investments. The Company's cash outflow is primarily to meet death
and other maturing insurance and annuity contract obligations, to pay out on
contract terminations, to fund investment commitments and to pay normal
operating expenses and taxes. Cash outflows are met from the normal net cash
inflows.
 
    The Company segments its business internally in order to better manage
projected cash inflows and outflows within each segment. Targets for money
market holdings are established for each segment, which in the aggregate meet
the day to day cash needs of the Company. If greater liquidity is required,
government issued bonds, which are highly liquid, are sold to provide the
necessary funds. Government and publicly traded corporate bonds comprise 58% of
the Company's long-term bond holdings.
 
    Management believes that the Company's sources of liquidity are more than
adequate to meet its anticipated needs.
 
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
 
    The Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations could
be materially and adversely affected by the failure of its systems and
applications (or those either provided or operated by third-parties) to properly
operate or manage dates beyond the year 1999. However, the Company has
investigated the nature and extent of the work necessary to render its computer
systems capable of processing beyond the turn of the century ("Year 2000
compliant"), and has made substantial progress toward achieving this goal,
including upgrading and/or replacing existing systems. The Company expects that
its principal systems will be Year 2000 compliant by the end of 1998, leaving
1999 for extensive testing. While it is believed that these efforts do involve
substantial costs, the Company closely monitors associated costs and continues
to evaluate associated risks based on actual testing. Based on available
information, the Company believes that it will be able to manage its total Year
2000 transition without a material adverse effect on its business operations,
financial condition, or results of operations.
 
RECENT REORGANIZATION
 
    Effective December 24, 1997, the Company and its ultimate parent, Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada ("SLOC"), reorganized the corporate structure of a
part of their United States business operations, by completing, with the
approval of the Delaware Insurance Department, the establishment of a two-tier
holding company structure. In connection with this reorganization, Massachusetts
Financial Services Company ("MFS"), the registered investment adviser that
serves as adviser to the MFS Family of Funds, including the MFS/Sun Life Series
Trust and the Compass Variable Accounts, is no longer a subsidiary of the
Company, but remains under the control of Sun Life of Canada through two other
wholly-owned holding company subsidiaries. On December 24, 1997, the Company's
stock in MFS was transferred via a dividend
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
to the Company's immediate parent, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.
There is no change in directors, officers, or day-to-day management of any of
the companies within this holding company system and, in the case of MFS, its
executive officers continue to report to the Chairman of Sun Life of Canada.
 
    MFS, which was acquired by the Company in 1982, has approximately
$70,200,000,000 under management as of December 31, 1997. For the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company's Statutory Statements of
Operations reflected earnings attributable to the operations of MFS of
$80,114,000 (which includes dividends from MFS of $33,110,000, an income tax
benefit of $25,809,000, and a realized gain of $21,195,000), $79,263,000, and
$58,599,000, respectively. The reorganization is not expected to have any
significant effect on the ongoing operations of MFS or the Company. However,
future net income of the Company will not include the results of operations of
MFS.
 
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
    The following discussion about the Company's risk management activities
includes "forward-looking statements" that involve risk and uncertainties.
 
    Assets within the general account are segmented by product or groups of
products. This allows the Company to better manage assets relative to
liabilities. Asset management for each segment is conducted within the context
of an investment policy, reviewed each quarter with business unit managers to
ensure that investment policy remains appropriate, taking into account a
segment's liability characteristics. The review of investment policy includes
cash flow estimates, liquidity requirements and targets for asset mix, duration
and quality.
 
    Market risks associated with investment portfolios supporting products that
are funded by separate accounts where results are not guaranteed and where the
policyholder assumes the risks are not included in this discussion.
 
    All of the Company's assets are held for other than trading purposes and
generally fixed interest rate liabilities are supported by well diversified
portfolios of fixed interest investments including publicly issued and privately
placed bonds and commercial mortgage loans. Public bonds can include Treasuries,
corporates, money market instruments, Mortgage Backed Securities and Asset
Backed Securities. Credit risk is managed by the Company's underwriting
standards which have resulted in high average quality portfolios. For example,
the Company does not purchase below investment grade securities. Also, as a
result of investment policy, there is no foreign currency, commodity or equity
price risk exposure in the portfolios. However, changes in the level of domestic
interest rates will impact the market value of fixed interest assets and
liabilities. The management of interest rate risk exposure and immunization
strategies are discussed below.
 
    Immunization strategies which minimize the loss from wide fluctuations in
interest rates are pursued in segments where the bulk of the liabilities arise
from the sale of products containing interest rate guarantees for certain terms.
These strategies are supported by investment and asset liability analytical
software acquired from outside vendors. The significant features of the
immunization framework include: an economic or market value basis for both
assets and liabilities; an option pricing methodology; the use of effective
duration and convexity to measure price sensitivity; the use of key rate
durations (KRDs) to capture interest rate exposure to different parts of the
yield curve and manage non-parallel curve movements; and active portfolio
management, including the use of derivatives (e.g., interest rate swaps) for
portfolio restructuring.
 
    An Interest Rate Risk Committee meets monthly and after reviewing the
duration reports for various portfolios, market conditions and forecasts, the
committee develops asset management strategies for interest sensitive
portfolios. These strategies may involve managing assets to small intentional
mismatches, either at the total effective duration level or at certain KRDs but,
in any event, the overall duration gap between interest sensitive assets and
liabilities is managed within a tolerance range of +/- 0.25 effective duration.
 
    The estimates presented here are from computer model simulations which,
because they are predictions about the future, contain a certain degree of
uncertainty. For example, there are algorithms for
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
assumptions about policyholder behavior and asset cash flows and consequently
estimates of duration and market values which may or may not represent what
actually will occur. Also there is no provision in the estimates to incorporate
any management decisions which might be taken to mitigate against adverse
results. The Company is sufficiently comfortable with its interest rate risk
management process to feel the exposure to interest rate changes will not
materially affect the near-term financial position, results of operations or
cash flows of the Company.
 
    The Company's fixed interest investments had an aggregate fair value at
December 31, 1997 of $3,276,174,000. Certain of the Company's general account
liabilities of $3,682,582,000 are categorized as financial instruments. The
portion of the liabilities so categorized had a carrying value of $1,958,229,000
and a fair value of $1,985,106,000 at December 31, 1997. Using its modeling and
analytical software the Company performed sensitivity analysis of its financial
instruments at December 31, 1997. Assuming an immediate increase of 100 basis
points in interest rates the net hypothetical decrease in the fair value of the
Company's assets is estimated to be $108,000,000. A corresponding decrease in
the fair value of the liabilities categorized as financial instruments is
estimated to be $56,000,000 at December 31, 1997.
 
SUN LIFE OF CANADA
 
    On January 27, 1998, the Company's ultimate parent, SLOC, announced that its
Board of Directors had requested management to develop a plan to convert from a
mutual life insurance company into a publicly traded stock company through
demutualization. Management has put in place a full time task force which,
together with a worldwide team of actuarial, financial, and legal advisers, has
begun work on a plan. The Board of Directors will decide later in 1998 whether
to proceed with demutualization, following the completion of such plan.
Demutualization would require regulatory approval and approval by policyholders
of SLOC. Based on information known to date, the potential demutualization of
SLOC is not expected to have any significant impact on the Company.
 
REINSURANCE
 
    The Company has agreements with SLOC which provide that SLOC will reinsure
the mortality risks of the individual life insurance contracts previously sold
by the Company. Under these agreements basic death benefits and supplementary
benefits are reinsured on a yearly renewable term basis and coinsurance basis,
respectively. Reinsurance transactions under these agreements in 1997 had the
effect of decreasing net income from operations by $1,381,000.
 
    Effective January 1, 1991 the Company entered into an agreement with SLOC
under which certain individual life insurance contracts issued by SLOC were
reinsured by the Company on a 90% coinsurance basis. Also effective January 1,
1991 the Company entered into an agreement with SLOC which provides that SLOC
will reinsure the mortality risks in excess of $500,000 per policy for the
individual life insurance contracts assumed by the Company in the reinsurance
agreement described above. Death benefits are reinsured on a yearly renewable
term basis. These agreements had the effect of increasing income from operations
by approximately $37,050,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997.
 
    The life reinsurance assumed agreement requires the reinsurer to withhold
funds in an amount equal to the reserves assumed.
 
    The Company has also executed reinsurance agreements with unaffiliated
companies. These agreements provide reinsurance of certain individual life
insurance contracts on a modified coinsurance basis under which all deficiency
reserves are ceded; as well as reinsurance for variable universal life on a
yearly renewable term basis for which the Company has a maximum retention of
$2,000,000.
 
RESERVES
 
    In accordance with the life insurance laws and regulations under which the
Company operates, it is obligated to carry on its books, as liabilities,
actuarially determined reserves to meet its obligations on its outstanding
contracts. Reserves are based on mortality tables in general use in the United
States and are computed to equal amounts that, with additions from premiums to
be received, and with interest on such reserves compounded annually at certain
assumed rates, will be sufficient to meet the Company's policy obligations at
their maturities or in the event of an insured's death. In the accompanying
Financial Statements, these reserves are determined in accordance with statutory
regulations.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
INVESTMENTS
 
    Of the Company's total assets of $15.9 billion at December 31, 1997, 71.7%
consisted of unitized and non-unitized separate account assets, 12.0% were
invested in bonds and similar securities, 4.3% in mortgages, 0.7% in
subsidiaries, 0.6% in real estate, and the remaining 10.7% in cash and other
assets.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The Company is engaged in a business that is highly competitive because of
the large number of stock and mutual life insurance companies and other entities
marketing insurance products. According to the most recent Best's Review,
Life-Health Edition, as of December 31, 1996 the Company ranked 38th among all
life insurance companies in the United States based upon total assets. Its
ultimate parent company, SLOC, ranked 19th. Best's Insurance Reports,
Life-Health Edition, 1997, assigned the Company and SLOC its highest
classification, A++, as of December 31, 1996. This rating was affirmed by A.M.
Best on November 24, 1997. Standard & Poor's and Duff & Phelps have assigned the
Company and SLOC their highest ratings for claims paying ability, AAA. Moody's
Investor Service, Inc. has assigned the Company an unsolicited rating of Aa1 for
financial strength.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    The Company and SLOC have entered into a Service Agreement which provides
that the latter will furnish the Company, as required, with personnel as well as
certain services and facilities on a cost reimbursement basis. As of December
31, 1997 the Company had 317 direct employees who are employed at its Principal
Executive Office in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts and its Retirement Products &
Services Division in Boston, Massachusetts.
 
PROPERTIES
 
    The Company occupies office space owned by it and leased to SLOC, and
certain unrelated parties for lease terms not exceeding five years.
 
                 THE COMPANY'S DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The directors and principal officers of the Company are listed below,
together with information as to their ages, dates of election and principal
business occupations during the last five years (if other than their present
business occupations). Except as otherwise indicated, the directors and officers
of the Company who are associated with Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
and/or its subsidiaries have been associated with Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada for more than five years either in the position shown or in other
positions.
 
JOHN D. MCNEIL, 64, Chairman and Director (1982*)
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1J9
 
    He is Chairman and a Director of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and
Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; a Director of Massachusetts
Financial Services Company; Chairman and a Trustee of MFS/Sun Life Series Trust;
Chairman and a Member of the Boards of Managers of Money Market Variable
Account, High Yield Variable Account, Capital Appreciation Variable Account,
Government Securities Variable Account, World Governments Variable Account,
Total Return Variable Account and Managed Sectors Variable Account; and a
Director of Shell (Canada) Limited and Canadian Pacific, Ltd.
 
DONALD A. STEWART, 51, President and Director (1996*)
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1J9
 
    He is President and a Director of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and
Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; and a Director of
Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Massachusetts Casualty Insurance
Company and Sun Life Financial Services Limited.
 
- ------------------------
* Year Elected Director
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
   
DAVID D. HORN, 56, Director (1985*)
56 Pinckney Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
    
 
   
    He was formerly Senior Vice President and General Manager for the United
States of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, retiring in December 1997. He is
a Director of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; a Trustee of
MFS/Sun Life Series Trust; and a Member of the Boards of Managers of Money
Market Variable Account, High Yield Variable Account, Capital Appreciation
Variable Account, Government Securities Variable Account, World Governments
Variable Account, Total Return Variable Account and Managed Sectors Variable
Account.
    
 
   
ANGUS A. MACNAUGHTON, 66, Director (1985*)
Metro Tower, Suite 1170
950 Tower Lane
Foster City, California 94404
    
 
    He is President of Genstar Investment Corporation and a Director of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York,
Canadian Pacific, Ltd., Varian Associates, Inc., Diversified Collection
Services, Inc., the San Francisco Opera, and Barrick Gold Corporation.
 
   
JOHN S. LANE, 63, Director (1991*)
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1J9
    
 
    He is Senior Vice President, Investments of Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada; and a Director of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York.
 
RICHARD B. BAILEY, 71, Director (1983*)
500 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
 
    He is a Director of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York and a
Director/Trustee of certain Funds in the MFS Family of Funds.
 
   
M. COLYER CRUM, 65, Director (1986*)
104 Westcliff Street
Weston, Massachusetts 02193
    
 
   
    He is Professor Emeritus of the Harvard Business School; and a Director of
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of
New York, Cambridge Bancorp, Cambridge Trust, Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust,
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Capital Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government Reserves,
Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund,
MuniVest California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniVest Florida Fund, Inc., MuniVest
Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniVest New Jersey Fund, Inc., MuniYield Florida
Insured Fund, MuniYield Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New Jersey
Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield Pennsylvania Fund, and Phaeton International N.V.
Prior to July, 1996, he was a Professor at the Harvard Business School.
    
 
   
S. CAESAR RABOY, 61, Senior Vice President, Deputy General Manager and Director
(1996*)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
   
    He is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Manager for the United States
of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada; Senior Vice President and a Director of
Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; Vice President and a
Director of Sun Life Financial Services Limited; and a Director of Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc. and Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc.
    
 
- ------------------------
* Year Elected Director
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
   
JAMES M.A. ANDERSON, 48, Vice President, Investments (1998)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
   
    He is Vice President, Investments, of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
and Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; President and a Director
of Sun Capital Advisers, Inc.; Vice President and a Director of Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services
Holdings, Inc., and Sun Canada Financial Co.; Vice President, Investments, and a
Director of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc; and a Director of
Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company, New London Trust, F.S.B., and Sun
Benefit Services Company, Inc.
    
 
ROBERT A. BONNER, 53, Vice President, Individual Insurance (1986)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
    He is Vice President, Individual Insurance for the United States of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada.
 
   
C. JAMES PRIEUR, 47, Senior Vice President, General Manager and Director (1998*)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
    He is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the United States of Sun
Life Assurance Company of Canada; Senior Vice President and a Director of Sun
Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; Chairman and a Director of Sun
Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc. and Sun Capital Advisers, Inc.;
President and a Director of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc., Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada -- U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., Sun Canada Financial Co., Sun
Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc., and Sun Benefit Services Company; and a
Director of Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc. and Massachusetts Casualty
Insurance Company.
 
L. BROCK THOMSON, 56, Vice President and Treasurer (1974)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
   
    He is Vice President, Portfolio Management for the United States of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada; Vice President and Treasurer of Sun Life of Canada
(U.S.) Distributors, Inc., Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc., Sun Life
Insurance and Annuity Company of New York, and Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc.;
and Assistant Treasurer of Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company.
    
 
ROBERT P. VROLYK, 44, Vice President and Actuary (1986)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
   
    He is Vice President, Finance of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada; Vice
President, Controller and Actuary of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of
New York; Vice President and a Director of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings,
Inc., Sun Canada Financial Co., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc.,
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., Sun Life Assurance
Company of Canada -- U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc.; Vice President, Treasurer
and a Director of Sun Capital Advisers, Inc.; Treasurer and a Director of Sun
Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc.; and a Director of Clarendon Insurance
Agency, Inc., and Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc.
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
MARGARET SEARS MEAD, 47, Assistant Vice President and Secretary (1996)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
   
    She is Assistant Vice President and Counsel for the United States of Sun
Life Assurance Company of Canada; Assistant Vice President and Secretary of Sun
Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; and Secretary of Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc., Sun
Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., Sun Life Assurance
Company of Canada -- U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
SPE 97-1, Inc., Sun Canada Financial Co., and Sun Capital Advisers, Inc., and
Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc.; and Assistant Secretary of Clarendon
Insurance Agency, Inc.
    
 
    The directors, officers and employees of the Company are covered under a
commercial blanket bond and a liability policy. The directors, officers and
employees of Massachusetts Financial Services Company and Clarendon Insurance
Agency, Inc. are covered under a fidelity bond and errors and omissions policy.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    All of the executive officers of the Company also serve as officers of Sun
Life Assurance Company of Canada and receive no compensation directly from the
Company. Allocations have been made as to such officers' time devoted to duties
as executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. The allocated cash
compensation of all executive officers of the Company as a group for services
rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries during 1997
totalled $824,000.
 
    Directors of the Company who are also officers of Sun Life Assurance Company
of Canada or its affiliates receive no compensation in addition to their
compensation as officers of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada or its
affiliates. Messrs. Bailey, Crum and MacNaughton receive compensation in the
amount of $8,000 per year, plus $1,000 for each meeting attended, plus expenses.
 
    No shares of the Company are owned by any executive officer or director. The
Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings,
Inc., One Sun Life Executive Park, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181, which
is in turn a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada --
U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance
Company of Canada.
 
                                STATE REGULATION
 
    The Company is subject to the laws of the State of Delaware governing life
insurance companies and to regulation by the Commissioner of Insurance of
Delaware. An annual statement is filed with the Commissioner of Insurance on or
before March 1st in each year relating to the operations of the Company for the
preceding year and its financial condition on December 31st of such year. Its
books and records are subject to review or examination by the Commissioner or
his agents at any time and a full examination of its operations is conducted at
periodic intervals.
 
    The Company is also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of the
other states and jurisdictions in which it is licensed to operate. The laws of
the various jurisdictions establish supervisory agencies with broad
administrative powers with respect to licensing to transact business, overseeing
trade practices, licensing agents, approving policy forms, establishing reserve
requirements, fixing maximum interest rates on life insurance policy loans and
minimum rates for accumulation of surrender values, prescribing the form and
content of required financial statements and regulating the type and amounts of
investments permitted. Each insurance company is required to file detailed
annual reports with supervisory agencies in each of the jurisdictions in which
it does business and its operations and accounts are subject to examination by
such agencies at regular intervals.
 
    In addition, many states regulate affiliated groups of insurers, such as the
Company, its parent and its affiliates, under insurance holding company
legislation. Under such laws, inter-company transfers of assets and dividend
payments from insurance subsidiaries may be subject to prior notice or approval,
depending on the size of such transfers and payments in relation to the
financial positions of the companies involved.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
    Under insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurers doing business
therein can be assessed (up to prescribed limits) for policyholder losses
incurred by insolvent companies. The amount of any future assessments of the
Company under these laws cannot be reasonably estimated. However, most of these
laws do provide that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would
threaten an insurer's own financial strength and many permit the deduction of
all or a portion of any such assessment from any future premium or similar taxes
payable.
 
    Although the federal government generally does not directly regulate the
business of insurance, federal initiatives often have an impact on the business
in a variety of ways. Current and proposed federal measures which may
significantly affect the insurance business include employee benefit regulation,
removal of barriers preventing banks from engaging in the insurance business,
tax law changes affecting the taxation of insurance companies, the tax treatment
of insurance products and its impact on the relative desirability of various
personal investment vehicles.
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
    There are no pending legal proceedings affecting the Variable Account. The
Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in various kinds of routine litigation
which, in management's judgment, is not of material importance to their
respective total assets or material with respect to the Variable Account.
 
                                  ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
    The financial statements of the Variable Account for the year ended December
31, 1997 and the statutory financial statements of the Company for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 included in this Prospectus have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
reports appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the reports of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENTS
 
   
    Registration statements (the "Registration Statements") have been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities
Act of 1933 as amended, with respect to the Contracts offered by this
Prospectus. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in
the Registration Statements and the exhibits filed as part of the Registration
Statements, to all of which reference is hereby made for further information
concerning the Variable Account, the Fixed Account, the Company, the Series
Fund, the Contract and the Certificates. Statements found in this Prospectus as
to the terms of the Contracts, the Certificates and other legal instruments are
summaries, and reference is made to such instruments as filed.
    
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The financial statements of the Company which are included in this
Prospectus should be considered only as bearing on the ability of the Company to
meet its obligations with respect to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account and
with respect to the death benefit and the Company's assumption of the mortality
and expense risks. They should not be considered as bearing on the investment
performance of the Series Fund shares held in the Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account. The Variable Account value of the interests of Owners, Participants,
Annuitants, Payees and Beneficiaries under the Contracts is affected primarily
by the investment results of the Series Fund. The financial statements of the
Variable Account reflect units outstanding and expenses incurred under the
Contracts and other contracts participating in the Variable Account which impose
certain contract charges that are different from those imposed under the
Contracts.
 
                              -------------------
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT D
 
STATEMENT OF CONDITION-- December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 ASSETS:
 <S>                                         <C>         <C>           <C>
   Investments in mutual funds:                Shares        Cost         Value
                                             ----------  ------------  ------------
     Massachusetts Investors Trust
      ("MIT")*.............................   2,566,191  $ 35,973,786  $ 44,954,184
     Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock
      Fund ("MIG")*........................   1,260,336    14,191,936    15,655,513
     MFS Total Return Fund ("MTR")*........   2,367,141    34,452,574    37,448,566
     MFS Growth Opportunities Fund
      ("MGO")*.............................     310,025     4,100,632     4,315,629
     MFS Bond Fund ("MFB")*................     203,087     2,652,888     2,765,166
     MFS World Governments Fund ("MWG")*...     197,529     2,229,092     2,141,903
     MFS/Sun Life Series Trust:
       Capital Appreciation Series
        ("CAS")............................   1,238,336    38,570,681    49,704,867
       Government Securities Series
        ("GSS")............................     924,758    11,626,944    12,059,410
       High Yield Series ("HYS")...........     623,498     5,418,842     6,054,623
       Money Market Series ("MMS").........   6,341,994     6,341,994     6,341,994
                                                         ------------  ------------
                                                         $155,559,369  $181,441,855
                                                         ------------
                                                         ------------
 
<CAPTION>
 LIABILITIES:
 <S>                                         <C>         <C>           <C>
   Payable to sponsor................................................         1,358
                                                                       ------------
         Net Assets..................................................  $181,440,497
                                                                       ------------
                                                                       ------------
</TABLE>
 
NET ASSETS:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Applicable to Owners of
                                     Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts  Reserve for
                                     -----------------------------------   Variable
                                       Units    Unit Value     Value       Annuities      Total
                                     ---------  ----------  ------------  -----------  ------------
 <S>           <C>                   <C>        <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>
    MIT-Level  2...................    668,603   $  44.1981 $ 29,541,406    $ --       $ 29,541,406
    MIT-Level  3...................    347,926      44.5374   15,412,778      --         15,412,778
    MIG-Level  2...................    225,178      43.9157    9,888,833      --          9,888,833
    MIG-Level  3...................    118,801      48.5502    5,766,680      --          5,766,680
    MTR-Level  2...................    759,684      33.2755   25,226,540      --         25,226,540
    MTR-Level  3...................    403,015      30.3501   12,221,632      --         12,221,632
    MTR-Level  4...................         17      23.1768          394      --                394
    MGO-Level  2...................    100,623      32.3990    3,278,893      --          3,278,893
    MGO-Level  3...................     29,668      34.7993    1,036,736      --          1,036,736
    MFB-Level  2...................     86,309      21.1171    1,853,463      --          1,853,463
    MFB-Level  3...................     41,360      21.3778      911,703      --            911,703
    MWG-Level  2...................     50,083      21.6012    1,081,666      --          1,081,666
    MWG-Level  3...................     55,415      19.1324    1,060,237      --          1,060,237
    CAS-Level  2...................    680,351      43.3190   29,464,142     129,273     29,593,415
    CAS-Level  3...................    431,268      46.0988   19,875,434       7,478     19,882,912
    CAS-Level  4...................      5,247      44.9674      228,881      --            228,881
    GSS-Level  2...................    377,706      20.1019    7,590,175       3,257      7,593,432
    GSS-Level  3...................    225,343      19.5696    4,411,356       4,816      4,416,172
    GSS-Level  4...................      2,450      19.3101       47,992      --             47,992
    HYS-Level  2...................    161,891      24.6550    3,991,546       2,929      3,994,475
    HYS-Level  3...................     89,331      22.9753    2,053,428       4,455      2,057,883
    HYS-Level  4...................        102      22.4774        2,292      --              2,292
    MMS-Level  2...................    246,919      15.8347    3,904,270       2,712      3,906,982
    MMS-Level  3...................    158,492      14.7470    2,335,608      --          2,335,608
    MMS-Level  4...................      6,803      14.4723       99,492      --             99,492
                                                            ------------  -----------  ------------
         Net Assets.......................................  $181,300,730    $154,920   $181,440,497
                                                            ------------  -----------  ------------
                                                            ------------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
*Investments are made in Class A shares of the Fund.
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT D
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS-- Year Ended December 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MIT          MIG          MTR          MGO          MFB           MWG
                                           Sub-Account  Sub-Account  Sub-Account  Sub-Account  Sub-Account   Sub-Account
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
 <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
 INCOME AND EXPENSES:
   Dividend income and capital gain
    distributions received...............  $ 3,576,267  $ 2,503,163  $ 4,775,114  $   540,786  $    314,816  $  102,827
   Mortality and expense risk charges....      584,251      179,472      528,249       53,591        48,523      31,794
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
       Net investment income.............  $ 2,992,016  $ 2,323,691  $ 4,246,865  $   487,195  $    266,293  $   71,033
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):
   Realized gains (losses) on investment
    transactions:
     Proceeds from sales.................  $29,532,831  $ 7,350,937  $27,407,019  $ 1,943,627  $  3,888,216  $1,453,186
     Cost of investments sold............   21,338,109    6,174,599   23,014,779    1,441,879     3,748,442   1,473,275
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
       Net realized gains (losses).......  $ 8,194,722  $ 1,176,338  $ 4,392,240  $   501,748  $    139,774  $  (20,089)
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
   Net unrealized appreciation
    (depreciation) on investments:
     End of year.........................  $ 8,980,397  $ 1,463,577  $ 2,995,992  $   214,997  $    112,279  $  (87,189)
     Beginning of year...................    7,387,121     (734,918)   3,660,194      339,931       131,161      (5,732)
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
       Change in unrealized appreciation
        (depreciation)...................  $ 1,593,276  $ 2,198,495  $  (664,202) $  (124,934) $    (18,882) $  (81,457)
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
     Realized and unrealized gains
      (losses)...........................  $ 9,787,998  $ 3,374,833  $ 3,728,038  $   376,814  $    120,892  $ (101,546)
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
 INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM
  OPERATIONS.............................  $12,780,014  $ 5,698,524  $ 7,974,903  $   864,009  $    387,185  $  (30,513)
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               CAS          GSS          HYS          MMS
                                           Sub-Account  Sub-Account  Sub-Account  Sub-Account     Total
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 <S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
 INCOME AND EXPENSES:
   Dividend income and capital gain
    distributions received...............  $ 4,746,173  $ 1,501,159  $   647,242  $   520,316  $ 19,227,863
   Mortality and expense risk charges....      619,019      214,567       96,313      118,704     2,474,483
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
       Net investment income.............  $ 4,127,154  $ 1,286,592  $   550,929  $   401,612  $ 16,753,380
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):
   Realized gains on investment
    transactions:
     Proceeds from sales.................  $22,063,515  $15,612,388  $ 5,935,864  $15,510,305  $130,697,888
     Cost of investments sold............   15,738,062   15,549,778    5,420,620   15,510,305   109,409,848
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
       Net realized gains................  $ 6,325,453  $    62,610  $   515,244  $   --       $ 21,288,040
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
   Net unrealized appreciation on
    investments:
     End of year.........................  $11,134,186  $   432,466  $   635,781  $   --       $ 25,882,486
     Beginning of year...................   10,533,155      452,216      666,274      --         22,429,402
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
       Change in unrealized
        appreciation.....................  $   601,031  $   (19,750) $   (30,493) $   --       $  3,453,084
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
     Realized and unrealized gains.......  $ 6,926,484  $    42,860  $   484,751  $   --       $ 24,741,124
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM
  OPERATIONS.............................  $11,053,638  $ 1,329,452  $ 1,035,680  $   401,612  $ 41,494,504
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                           -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT D
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            MIT                        MIG                        MTR
                                                        Sub-Account                Sub-Account                Sub-Account
                                                 --------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------
                                                         Year Ended                 Year Ended                 Year Ended
                                                        December 31,               December 31,               December 31,
                                                 --------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------
                                                     1997          1996         1997         1996          1997          1996
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income........................  $  2,992,016  $  4,320,604  $ 2,323,691  $ 3,076,432  $  4,246,865  $  4,866,763
  Net realized gains (losses)..................     8,194,722     1,322,346    1,176,338     (187,382)    4,392,240     2,787,930
  Net unrealized gains (losses)................     1,593,276     4,752,859    2,198,495     (390,114)     (664,202)   (1,349,654)
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
      Increase in net assets from operations...  $ 12,780,014  $ 10,395,809  $ 5,698,524  $ 2,498,936  $  7,974,903  $  6,305,039
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
PARTICIPANT TRANSACTIONS:
  Accumulation Activity:
    Purchase payments received.................  $  7,414,274  $  8,484,377  $ 1,659,301  $ 2,166,246  $  6,596,639  $  9,144,366
    Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
     Fixed Account.............................       926,030       818,874      277,942       44,987    (1,493,129)   (1,402,954)
    Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations,
     and contract charges......................   (26,661,131)  (15,324,516)  (5,570,136)  (3,595,513)  (25,159,273)  (17,519,924)
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
      Net accumulation activity................  $(18,320,827) $ (6,021,265) $(3,632,893) $(1,384,280) $(20,055,763) $ (9,778,512)
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
  Annuitization Activity:
    Adjustments to annuity reserve.............  $    --       $        214  $   --       $   --       $    --       $        217
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
      Net annuitization activity...............  $    --       $        214  $   --       $   --       $    --       $        217
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
  Decrease in net assets from participant
   transactions................................  $(18,320,827) $ (6,021,051) $(3,632,893) $(1,384,280) $(20,055,763) $ (9,778,295)
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
    Increase (decrease) in net assets..........  $ (5,540,813) $  4,374,758  $ 2,065,631  $ 1,114,656  $(12,080,860) $ (3,473,256)
NET ASSETS:
  Beginning of year............................    50,494,997    46,120,239   13,589,882   12,475,226    49,529,426    53,002,682
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
  End of year..................................  $ 44,954,184  $ 50,494,997  $15,655,513  $13,589,882  $ 37,448,566  $ 49,529,426
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                            MG0                        MFB                        MWG
                                                        Sub-Account                Sub-Account                Sub-Account
                                                 --------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------
                                                         Year Ended                 Year Ended                 Year Ended
                                                        December 31,               December 31,               December 31,
                                                 --------------------------  ------------------------  --------------------------
                                                     1997          1996         1997         1996          1997          1996
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income........................  $    487,195  $    408,265  $   266,293  $   336,345  $     71,033  $     43,609
  Net realized gains (losses)..................       501,748       255,782      139,774      (79,670)      (20,089)     (231,857)
  Net unrealized gains (losses)................      (124,934)      185,013      (18,882)    (109,340)      (81,457)      306,316
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
      Increase (decrease) in net assets from
       operations..............................  $    864,009  $    849,060  $   387,185  $   147,335  $    (30,513) $    118,068
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
PARTICIPANT TRANSACTIONS:
  Accumulation Activity:
    Purchase payments received.................  $    671,571  $    757,184  $   614,719  $   822,947  $    410,460  $    490,349
    Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
     Fixed Account.............................        19,958           361     (247,713)    (213,342)     (339,526)     (178,620)
    Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations,
     and contract charges......................    (1,534,890)   (1,699,049)  (3,388,353)  (1,301,908)   (1,019,371)   (1,256,945)
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
      Net accumulation activity................  $   (843,361) $   (941,504) $(3,021,347) $  (692,303) $   (948,437) $   (945,216)
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
    Increase (decrease) in net assets..........  $     20,648  $    (92,444) $(2,634,162) $  (544,968) $   (978,950) $   (827,148)
NET ASSETS:
  Beginning of year............................     4,294,981     4,387,425    5,399,328    5,944,296     3,120,853     3,948,001
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
  End of year..................................  $  4,315,629  $  4,294,981  $ 2,765,166  $ 5,399,328  $  2,141,903  $  3,120,853
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
                                                 ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT D
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS-- continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      CAS                         GSS                         HYS
                                                  Sub-Account                 Sub-Account                 Sub-Account
                                           --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------
                                                   Year Ended                  Year Ended                 Year Ended
                                                  December 31,                December 31,               December 31,
                                           --------------------------  --------------------------  -------------------------
                                               1997          1996          1997          1996         1997          1996
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
 <S>                                       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income.................  $  4,127,154  $  3,233,560  $  1,286,592  $  1,046,631  $   550,929  $    596,805
   Net realized gains....................     6,325,453     2,669,928        62,610       307,873      515,244       145,630
   Net unrealized gains (losses).........       601,031     2,455,689       (19,750)   (1,354,993)     (30,493)      179,227
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
       Increase (decrease) in net assets
        from operations..................  $ 11,053,638  $  8,359,177  $  1,329,452  $       (489) $ 1,035,680  $    921,662
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
 PARTICIPANT TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received..........  $  6,447,175  $  6,939,855  $  2,574,283  $  3,634,713  $ 1,164,890  $  1,337,369
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts
      and Fixed Account..................       865,318     1,007,214    (1,799,091)   (2,176,253)    (275,269)     (690,101)
     Withdrawals, surrenders,
      annuitizations, and contract
      charges............................   (18,586,687)   (7,071,186)  (13,777,389)   (5,692,379)  (5,055,478)   (1,364,716)
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
       Net accumulation activity.........  $(11,274,194) $    875,883  $(13,002,197) $ (4,233,919) $(4,165,857) $   (717,448)
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations......................  $    --       $    102,853                $    --                    $    --
     Annuity payments and contract
      charges............................       (12,103)       (8,376)       (2,042)       (2,033)      (1,847)       (1,716)
     Adjustments to annuity reserve......        (7,554)          365          (170)          (82)         (12)          (40)
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
       Net annuitization activity........  $    (19,657) $     94,842  $     (2,212) $     (2,115) $    (1,859) $     (1,756)
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
   Increase (decrease) in net assets from
    participant transactions.............  $(11,293,851) $    970,725  $(13,004,409) $ (4,236,034) $(4,167,716) $   (719,204)
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
     Increase (decrease) in net assets...  $   (240,213) $  9,329,902  $(11,674,957) $ (4,236,523) $(3,132,036) $    202,458
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year.....................    49,945,421    40,615,519    23,732,553    27,969,076    9,186,686     8,984,228
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
   End of year...........................  $ 49,705,208  $ 49,945,421  $ 12,057,596  $ 23,732,553  $ 6,054,650  $  9,186,686
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
                                           ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -----------  ------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                      MMS
                                                  Sub-Account                     Total
                                           --------------------------  ----------------------------
 
                                                   Year Ended                   Year Ended
                                                  December 31,                 December 31,
                                           --------------------------  ----------------------------
                                               1997          1996          1997           1996
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
 <S>                                       <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income.................  $    401,612  $    521,549  $  16,753,380  $  18,450,563
   Net realized gains....................       --            --          21,288,040      6,990,580
   Net unrealized gains (losses).........       --            --           3,453,084      4,675,003
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
       Increase (decrease) in net assets
        from operations..................  $    401,612  $    521,549  $  41,494,504  $  30,116,146
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
 PARTICIPANT TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received..........  $  1,325,566  $  2,033,183  $  28,878,878  $  35,810,589
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts
      and Fixed Account..................       210,852     2,860,850     (1,854,628)        71,016
     Withdrawals, surrenders,
      annuitizations, and contract
      charges............................    (8,920,064)   (7,496,733)  (109,672,772)   (62,322,869)
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
       Net accumulation activity.........  $ (7,383,646) $ (2,602,700) $ (82,648,522) $ (26,441,264)
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations......................  $    --       $    --       $    --        $     102,853
     Annuity payments and contract
      charges............................          (221)         (222)       (16,213)       (12,347)
     Adjustments to annuity reserve......            (9)          (16)        (7,745)           658
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
       Net annuitization activity........  $       (230) $       (238) $     (23,958) $      91,164
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
   Increase (decrease) in net assets from
    participant transactions.............  $ (7,383,876) $ (2,602,938) $ (82,672,480) $ (26,350,100)
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
     Increase (decrease) in net assets...  $ (6,982,264) $ (2,081,389) $ (41,177,976) $   3,766,046
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year.....................    13,324,346    15,405,735    222,618,473    218,852,427
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
   End of year...........................  $  6,342,082  $ 13,324,346  $ 181,440,497  $ 222,618,473
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
                                           ------------  ------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1) ORGANIZATION
 
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account D (the "Variable Account"), a
separate account of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), the Sponsor,
was established on August 20, 1985 as a funding vehicle for the variable portion
of group combination fixed/variable annuities. The Variable Account is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust.
 
The assets of the Variable Account are divided into Sub-Accounts. Each
Sub-Account is invested in shares of a specific mutual fund or series thereof
selected by contract owners from among available mutual funds (the "Funds")
advised by Massachusetts Financial Services Company (MFS), an affiliate of the
Sponsor.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT D
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- continued
 
(2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  GENERAL
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  INVESTMENT VALUATIONS
 
    Investments in the Funds are recorded at their net asset value. Realized
gains and losses on sales of shares of the Funds are determined on the
identified cost basis. Dividend income and capital gain distributions received
by the Sub-Accounts are reinvested in additional Fund shares and are recognized
on the ex-dividend date.
 
Exchanges between Sub-Accounts requested by contract owners are recorded in the
new Sub-Account upon receipt of the redemption proceeds.
 
  FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
 
    The operations of the Variable Account are part of the operations of the
Sponsor and are not taxed separately. The Variable Account is not taxed as a
regulated investment company. The Sponsor qualifies for the federal income tax
treatment granted to life insurance companies under Subchapter L of the Internal
Revenue Code. Under existing federal income tax law, investment income and
capital gains earned by the Variable Account on contract owner reserves are not
subject to tax.
 
(3) CONTRACT CHARGES
 
A mortality and expense risk charge is deducted from the Variable Account at the
end of each valuation period for the mortality and expense risks assumed by the
Sponsor. These deductions are transferred periodically to the Sponsor. The rate
of this deduction varies based on total purchase payments credited to all
participants' accounts under a contract as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Mortality
                                               and Expense
  Level             Purchase Payments          Risk Charge
- ----------  ---------------------------------  ------------
<C>         <S>                                <C>
        1   $      up to $250,000                  1.30 %
        2   250,000 to 1,499,999                   1.25 %
        3   1,500,000 to 4,999,999                 1.10 %
        4   5,000,000 and over                     0.95 %
</TABLE>
 
Since 1987 the Sponsor has reduced the Level 1 mortality and expense risk charge
to 1.25% and, therefore, has been accounting for all Level 1 units as Level 2
units.
 
Each year on the account anniversary, an account administration fee is deducted
from the participant's account to cover administrative expenses relating to the
contract and the participant's account. The amount of the fee varies from $12 to
$25 and is based on total purchase payments credited to all participants'
accounts under a contract. After the annuity commencement date the account fee
is deducted pro rata from each annuity payment made during the year.
 
The Sponsor does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments. However, a
withdrawal charge (contingent deferred sales charge) may be deducted to cover
certain expenses relating to the sale of the contract. In no event shall the
aggregate withdrawal charges exceed 6% of the purchase payments made under the
contract.
 
(4) ANNUITY RESERVES
 
Annuity reserves are calculated using the 1983 Individual Annuitant Mortality
Table and an assumed interest rate of 4%. Required adjustments to the reserve
are accomplished by transfers to or from the Sponsor.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT D
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- continued
 
(5) UNIT ACTIVITY FROM PARTICIPANT TRANSACTIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Units Transferred        Units Withdrawn,
                   Units Outstanding                      Between Sub-Accounts      Surrendered and         Units Outstanding
                   Beginning of Year    Units Purchased    and Fixed Account           Annuitized              End of Year
                 --------------------- ----------------- ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------
                      Year Ended          Year Ended           Year Ended              Year Ended               Year Ended
                     December 31,        December 31,         December 31,            December 31,             December 31,
                 --------------------- ----------------- ----------------------  ----------------------  ------------------------
 Sub-Accounts       1997       1996      1997     1996      1997        1996        1997        1996        1997         1996
 --------------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------
 <S>             <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
 MIT-Level   2    1,035,562  1,325,017  119,997  213,227    (78,771)   (137,127)   (408,185)   (365,555)     668,603    1,035,562
 MIT-Level   3      374,426    317,412   56,588   54,820     87,556     146,277    (170,644)   (144,083)     347,926      374,426
 MIT-Level   4      101,111     59,347   20,016   20,336     13,893      22,513    (135,020)     (1,085)     --           101,111
 MIG-Level  2       286,668    382,429   24,657   52,364     (6,604)    (39,167)    (79,543)   (108,958)     225,178      286,668
 MIG-Level  3       146,881    108,010   18,311   23,827      9,095      35,946     (55,486)    (20,902)     118,801      146,881
 MIG-Level  4         7,527      4,837      995      696      5,279       2,133     (13,801)       (139)     --             7,527
 MTR-Level  2     1,220,754  1,642,626  122,825  250,489    (95,836)   (147,071)   (488,059)   (525,290)     759,684    1,220,754
 MTR-Level  3       447,243    423,134   69,668   71,193     59,761     116,241    (173,657)   (163,325)     403,015      447,243
 MTR-Level  4       212,122    177,310   45,961   56,047    (11,935)    (16,491)   (246,131)     (4,744)          17      212,122
 MGO-Level  2       128,456    172,600   14,964   26,515     (2,534)     (6,753)    (40,263)    (63,906)     100,623      128,456
 MGO-Level  3        27,750     21,847    6,533    3,963      3,047       5,491      (7,662)     (3,551)      29,668       27,750
 MGO-Level  4         3,601      2,467      641      684       (624)        578      (3,618)       (128)     --             3,601
 MFB-Level  2       119,172    157,192   13,246   20,762     (6,694)    (16,500)    (39,415)    (42,282)      86,309      119,172
 MFB-Level  3        74,041     78,816    7,182    8,920     (1,215)     11,059     (38,648)    (24,754)      41,360       74,041
 MFB-Level  4        98,114     90,684   12,307   17,356     (5,773)     (7,565)   (104,648)     (2,361)     --            98,114
 MWG-Level 2         80,813    128,962    7,813   11,616    (14,242)     (8,539)    (24,301)    (51,226)      50,083       80,813
 MWG-Level 3         70,547     67,461   13,242   13,383     (2,198)         28     (26,176)    (10,325)      55,415       70,547
 CAS-Level  2       779,654    834,945   78,476  117,027    (28,613)    (21,021)   (149,166)   (151,297)     680,351      779,654
 CAS-Level  3       408,890    362,964   55,556   62,771     45,603      36,328     (78,781)    (53,173)     431,268      408,890
 CAS-Level  4       178,569    143,089   22,562   27,585       (180)     15,496    (195,704)     (7,601)       5,247      178,569
 GSS-Level  2       496,576    726,698   51,339   87,437    (55,743)   (142,794)   (114,466)   (174,765)     377,706      496,576
 GSS-Level  3       344,849    309,543   43,387   48,880      7,712     109,394    (170,605)   (122,968)     225,343      344,849
 GSS-Level  4       454,901    494,152   43,269   66,642    (48,251)    (86,710)   (447,469)    (19,183)       2,450      454,901
 HYS-Level  2       177,022    213,240   20,630   27,922     (9,930)    (20,980)    (25,831)    (43,160)     161,891      177,022
 HYS-Level  3        97,148     99,034    8,624    8,703      9,157       5,818     (25,598)    (16,407)      89,331       97,148
 HYS-Level  4       163,622    160,381   23,922   31,305    (11,531)    (19,915)   (175,911)     (8,149)         102      163,622
 MMS-Level 2        364,557    530,592   52,788   84,555     32,929     139,608    (203,355)   (390,198)     246,919      364,557
 MMS-Level 3        281,464    265,443   19,839   31,809     11,873      88,273    (154,684)   (104,061)     158,492      281,464
 MMS-Level 4        271,307    296,406   15,511   23,924    (31,926)    (34,336)   (248,089)    (14,687)       6,803      271,307
</TABLE>
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Participants in Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account D
  and the Board of Directors of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.):
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of condition of Sun Life of Canada
(U.S.) Variable Account D (the "Variable Account") as of December 31, 1997, the
related statements of operations for the year then ended and the statements of
changes in net assets for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996. These
financial statements are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities held at December 31, 1997 by correspondence with the
custodian. 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, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Variable Account as of December 31,
1997, the results of its operations and the changes in its net assets for the
respective stated periods in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 6, 1998
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF ADMITTED ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND
CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997            1996
                                                                              --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                           <C>             <C>
ADMITTED ASSETS
    Bonds                                                                     $    1,910,699  $    2,170,103
    Common stocks                                                                    117,229         144,043
    Mortgage loans on real estate                                                    684,035         938,932
    Properties acquired in satisfaction of debt                                       22,475          23,391
    Investment real estate                                                            78,426          76,995
    Policy loans                                                                      40,348          40,554
    Cash and short-term investments                                                  544,418         148,059
    Other invested assets                                                             55,716          51,378
    Premiums and annuity considerations due and uncollected                            9,203          11,282
    Investment income due and accrued                                                 39,279          68,191
    Receivable from parent, subsidiaries and affiliates                               28,825          40,829
    Funds withheld on reinsurance assumed                                            982,653         878,798
    Other assets                                                                       1,841           1,343
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    General account assets                                                         4,515,147       4,593,898
    Separate account assets
      Unitized                                                                     9,068,021       6,919,219
      Non-unitized                                                                 2,343,877       2,108,835
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total Admitted Assets                                                     $   15,927,045  $   13,621,952
                                                                              --------------  --------------
                                                                              --------------  --------------
LIABILITIES
    Aggregate reserve for life policies and contracts                         $    2,188,243  $    2,099,980
    Supplementary contracts                                                            2,247           2,205
    Policy and contract claims                                                         2,460           2,108
    Policyholders' dividends and coupons payable                                      32,500          27,500
    Liability for premium and other deposit funds                                  1,450,705       1,898,309
    Surrender values on cancelled policies                                               215              72
    Interest maintenance reserve                                                      33,830          28,675
    Commissions to agents due or accrued                                               2,826           3,245
    General expenses due or accrued                                                    7,202           4,654
    Transfers from Separate Accounts due or accrued                                 (284,078)       (232,743)
    Taxes, licenses and fees accrued, excluding federal income taxes                     105             342
    Federal income taxes due or accrued                                               58,073          49,479
    Unearned investment income                                                            34              19
    Amounts withheld or retained by company as agent or trustee                           47              27
    Remittances and items not allocated                                                1,363           1,359
    Borrowed money                                                                   110,142          58,000
    Asset valuation reserve                                                           47,605          53,911
    Payable for securities                                                            27,104          22,177
    Other liabilities                                                                  1,959           7,561
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    General account liabilities                                                    3,682,582       4,026,880
    Separate account liabilities
      Unitized                                                                     9,067,891       6,919,094
      Non-unitized                                                                 2,343,877       2,108,835
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total liabilities                                                             15,094,350      13,054,809
                                                                              --------------  --------------
CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
    Capital stock par value $1,000; Authorized, 10,000 shares;
       issued and outstanding, 5,900 shares                                            5,900           5,900
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Surplus notes                                                                    565,000         315,000
    Gross paid in and contributed surplus                                            199,355         199,355
    Unassigned funds                                                                  62,440          46,888
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Surplus                                                                          826,795         561,243
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total capital stock and surplus                                                  832,695         567,143
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total Liabilities, Capital Stock and Surplus                              $   15,927,045  $   13,621,952
                                                                              --------------  --------------
                                                                              --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1997        1996        1995
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
 <S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
 INCOME:
     Premiums and annuity considerations   $  270,700  $  282,466  $  279,407
     Deposit-type funds                     2,155,298   1,775,230   1,545,542
     Considerations for supplementary
      contracts without life
      contingencies and dividend
      accumulations                             1,615       2,340       1,088
     Net investment income                    270,249     303,753     312,872
     Amortization of interest maintenance
      reserve                                   1,166       1,557       1,025
     Net gain from operations from
      Separate Accounts                             5          --          --
     Other income                              86,123      71,903      57,864
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total                                  2,785,156   2,437,249   2,197,798
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
 BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:
     Death benefits                            17,284      12,394      15,317
     Annuity benefits                         148,135     146,654     140,497
     Surrender benefits and other fund
      withdrawals                           1,854,004   1,507,263   1,074,396
     Interest on policy or contract funds         699       2,205         739
     Payments on supplementary contracts
      without life contingencies and of
      dividend accumulations                    1,687       2,120       1,888
     Increase in aggregate reserves for
      life and accident and health
      policies and contracts                  127,278     162,678     171,975
     Increase (decrease) in liability for
      premium and other deposit funds        (447,603)   (392,348)     13,553
     Increase (decrease) in reserve for
      supplementary contracts without
      life contingencies and for dividend
      and coupon accumulations                     42         327        (663)
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total                                  1,701,526   1,441,293   1,417,702
     Commissions on premiums and annuity
      considerations (direct business
      only)                                   132,700     109,894      88,037
     Commissions and expense allowances
      on reinsurance assumed                   17,951      18,910      22,012
     General insurance expenses                47,102      37,206      34,580
     Insurance taxes, licenses and fees,
      excluding federal income taxes            7,790       8,431       7,685
     Increase (decrease) in loading on
      and cost of collection in excess of
      loading on deferred and uncollected
      premiums                                    523         901      (1,377)
     Net transfers to separate accounts       734,373     678,663     551,784
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total                                  2,641,965   2,295,298   2,120,423
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net gain from operations before
      dividends to policyholders and
      federal income taxes                    143,191     141,951      77,375
     Dividends to policyholders                33,316      29,189      25,722
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net gain from operations after
      dividends to policyholders and
      before federal income taxes             109,875     112,762      51,653
     Federal income tax expense (benefit)
      (excluding tax on capital gains)         10,742      (2,702)     17,807
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net gain from operations after
      dividends to policyholders and
      federal income taxes and before
      realized capital gains                   99,133     115,464      33,846
     Net realized capital gains less
      capital gains tax and transfers to
      the interest maintenance reserve         30,109       7,560       2,069
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
 NET INCOME                                $  129,242  $  123,024  $   35,915
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
 
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997        1996        1995
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
Capital and surplus, beginning of year                      $  567,143  $  792,452  $  455,489
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income                                                     129,242     123,024      35,915
Change in net unrealized capital gains                           1,153      (1,715)      2,009
Change in non-admitted assets and related items                   (463)         67      (2,270)
Change in reserve on account of change in valuation basis       39,016          --          --
Change in asset valuation reserve                                6,306     (11,812)    (13,690)
Other changes in surplus in Separate Accounts Statement             --         100      (4,038)
Change in surplus notes                                        250,000    (335,000)    315,000
Dividends to stockholder                                      (159,722)         --          --
Miscellaneous gains in surplus                                      20          27       4,037
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Net change in capital and surplus for the year                 265,552    (225,309)    336,963
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Capital and surplus, end of year                            $  832,695  $  567,143  $  792,452
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1997         1996         1995
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 <S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
 Cash Provided
   Premiums, annuity considerations and
     deposit funds received                 $ 2,427,554  $ 2,059,577  $ 1,826,456
   Considerations for supplementary
     contracts and dividend accumulations
     received                                     1,615        2,340        1,088
   Net investment income received               323,199      324,914      374,398
   Other income received                         81,701       88,295       25,348
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total receipts                               2,834,069    2,475,126    2,227,290
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
   Benefits paid (other than dividends)       2,020,615    1,671,483    1,231,936
   Insurance expenses and taxes paid
     (other than federal income and
     capital gains taxes)                       203,650      172,015      150,463
   Net cash transferred to Separate
     Accounts                                   785,708      755,605      568,188
   Dividends paid to policyholders               28,316       22,689       17,722
   Federal income tax (recoveries)
     payments (excluding tax on capital
     gains)                                       1,397      (15,363)     (20,655)
   Other--net                                       699        2,205          739
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total payments                               3,040,385    2,608,634    1,948,393
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net cash from operations                      (206,316)    (133,508)     278,897
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
   Proceeds from long-term investments
     sold, matured or repaid (after
     deducting taxes on capital gains of
     $750,449, $1,554,873 and $8,610,951)     1,343,803    1,768,147    1,658,655
   Issuance of surplus notes                    250,000     (335,000)     315,000
   Other cash provided                          117,297      147,956      419,446
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total cash provided                          1,711,100    1,581,103    2,393,101
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Cash Applied
   Cost of long-term investments acquired       773,721    1,318,880    1,749,714
   Other cash applied                           334,704      177,982      796,207
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total cash applied                           1,108,425    1,496,862    2,545,921
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net change in cash and short-term
   investments                                  396,359      (49,267)     126,077
 Cash and short term investments
 Beginning of year                              148,059      197,326       71,249
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 End of year                                $   544,418  $   148,059  $   197,326
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
GENERAL
 
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) (the "Company") is incorporated as a
life insurance company and is engaged in the sale of individual variable life
insurance, individual fixed and variable annuities, group fixed and variable
annuities and group pension contracts. The Company also underwrites a block of
individual life insurance business through a reinsurance contract with the
Company's ultimate parent, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada ("SLOC"). SLOC
is a mutual life insurance company.
 
Effective May 1, 1997, the Company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the newly
established Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc. ("Life Holdco"). On
December 18, 1997, Life Holdco became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada - U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc. ("US Holdco"). US
Holdco is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SLOC. Prior to December 18, 1997 Life
Holdco was a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of SLOC.
 
The Company, which is domiciled in the State of Delaware, prepares its financial
statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the State of Delaware Insurance Department. Prescribed accounting
practices include practices described in a variety of publications of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), as well as state laws,
regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted accounting practices
encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The permitted accounting
practices adopted by the Company are not material to the financial statements.
Prior to 1996, statutory accounting practices were recognized by the insurance
industry and the accounting profession as generally accepted accounting
principles for mutual life insurance companies and stock life insurance
companies wholly-owned by mutual life insurance companies. In April 1993, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an interpretation (the
"Interpretation"), that became effective in 1996, which changed the previous
practice of mutual life insurance companies (and stock life insurance companies
that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of mutual life insurance companies) with
respect to utilizing statutory basis financial statements for general purposes,
in that it will no longer allow such financial statements to be described as
having been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP"). Consequently, these financial statements prepared in conformity with
statutory accounting practices as described above, vary from and are not
intended to present the Company's financial position, results of operations or
cash flow in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. (See Note
19 for further discussion relative to the Company's basis of financial statement
presentation.) The effects on the financial statements of the variances between
the statutory basis of accounting and GAAP, although not reasonably
determinable, are presumed to be material.
 
INVESTED ASSETS AND RELATED RESERVES
 
Bonds are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premium or accrual of
discount. Investments in non-insurance subsidiaries are carried on the equity
basis. Investments in insurance subsidiaries are carried at their statutory
surplus values. Mortgage loans acquired at a premium or discount are carried at
amortized values and other mortgage loans are carried at the amounts of the
unpaid balances. Real estate investments are carried at the lower of cost
adjusted for accumulated depreciation or appraised value, less encumbrances.
Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair
value. Depreciation of buildings and improvements is calculated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the property, generally
40 to 50 years.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES (CONTINUED):
POLICY AND CONTRACT RESERVES
 
The reserves for life insurance and annuity contracts, developed by accepted
actuarial methods, have been established and maintained on the basis of
published mortality tables using assumed interest rates and valuation methods
that will provide reserves at least as great as those required by law and
contract provisions.
 
INCOME AND EXPENSES
 
For life and annuity contracts, premiums are recognized as revenues over the
premium paying period, whereas commissions and other costs applicable to the
acquisition of new business are charged to operations as incurred.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
 
The Company has established unitized separate accounts applicable to various
classes of contracts providing for variable benefits. Contracts for which funds
are invested in separate accounts include variable life insurance and individual
and group qualified and non-qualified variable annuity contracts.
 
Assets and liabilities of the separate accounts, representing net deposits and
accumulated net investment earnings less fees, held primarily for the benefit of
contract holders, are shown as separate captions in the financial statements.
Assets held in the separate accounts are carried at market value.
 
The Company has also established a non-unitized separate account for amounts
allocated to the fixed portion of certain combination fixed/variable deferred
annuity contracts. The assets of this account are available to fund general
account liabilities and general account assets are available to fund liabilities
of this account.
 
Gains (losses) from mortality experience and investment experience of the
separate accounts, not applicable to contract owners, are transferred to (from)
the general account. Accumulated gains (losses) that have not been transferred
are recorded as a payable (receivable) to (from) the general account. Amounts
payable to the general account of the Company were $284,078,000 in 1997 and
$232,743,000 in 1996.
 
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND REPORTING
 
Prior to 1996, dividends paid to the Company by its subsidiaries and the
undistributed gains (losses) of those subsidiaries were included in net income
of the Company. For Annual Statement reporting, dividends were (and continue to
be) reported in net income while undistributed gains (losses) are reported
directly to surplus (as a separate component of unassigned surplus). As a
result, net income as reported in these financial statements is $2.5 million
less than net income reported in the Annual Statement in 1995. Effective for
1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for investments in
subsidiaries to conform with a preferable prescribed statutory accounting
practices used in the preparation of its Annual Statement. As a result of the
change, $5.7 million in undistributed losses of subsidiaries are reported
directly as a separate component of unassigned surplus rather than being
included in net income for the year ended December 31, 1996. The amounts as
reported in prior years have not been restated.
 
As described more fully in Note 10, during 1997 the Company changed certain
assumptions used in determining actuarial reserves.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES (CONTINUED):
OTHER
 
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to amounts as
presented in the current year.
 
2.  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES:
The Company owns all of the outstanding shares of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity
Company of New York ("Sun Life (N.Y.)"), Massachusetts Casualty Insurance
Company ("MCIC"), Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc. (formerly Sun
Investment Services Company) ("Sundisco"), New London Trust, F.S.B. ("NLT"), Sun
Life Financial Services Limited, ("SLFSL"), Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc.
("Sunbesco"), Sun Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Sun Capital"), and Sun Life Finance
Corporation ("Sunfinco").
 
On October 30, 1997, the Company established a wholly-owned special purpose
corporation, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc. (SPE 97-1). SPE 97-1 was
organized for the purpose of engaging in activities incidental to securitizing
mortgage loans.
 
Prior to December 24, 1997, the Company owned 93.6% of the outstanding shares of
Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS"). On December 24, 1997, the
Company transferred all of its shares of MFS to Life Holdco in the form of a
dividend valued at $159,722,000. As a result of this transaction the Company
realized a gain of $21,195,000 of undistributed earnings.
 
MFS, a registered investment adviser, serves as investment adviser to the mutual
funds in the MFS family of funds as well as certain mutual funds and separate
accounts established by the Company. The MFS Asset Management Group provides
investment advice to substantial private clients.
 
On December 31, 1997, the Company purchased all of the outstanding shares of
Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Clarendon") from MFS.
 
Sun Life (N.Y.) is engaged in the sale of individual fixed and variable annuity
contracts and group life and disability insurance contracts in the State of New
York. MCIC issues only individual disability income policies. Sundisco is a
registered investment adviser and broker-dealer. NLT is a federally chartered
savings bank. SLFSL serves as the marketing administrator for the distribution
of the offshore products of SLOC, an affiliate. Sun Capital is a registered
investment adviser. Sunfinco and Sunbesco are currently inactive. Clarendon is a
registered broker-dealer that acts as the general distributor of certain annuity
and life insurance contracts issued by the Company and its affiliates.
 
On December 23, 1997, the Company issued a $110,000,000 note to US Holdco at an
interest rate of 5.80%, which is scheduled for repayment on March 1, 1998, and
is included in borrowed money. A $110,000,000 note was also issued by MFS on
December 23, 1997 to the Company at an interest rate of 5.85% due on March 1,
1998 and is included in cash and short-term investments.
 
On December 31, 1996, the Company issued a $58,000,000 note to SLOC which was
repaid on February 10, 1997 at an interest rate of 5.70%. Also on December 31,
1996, the Company was issued a $58,000,000 note by MFS at an interest rate of
5.76%. This note was repaid to the Company on February 10, 1997. On December 31,
1997 and 1996 the Company had an additional $20,000,000 in notes issued by MFS,
scheduled to mature in 2000.
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
2.  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED):
During 1997, 1996, and 1995, the Company contributed capital in the following
amounts to its subsidiaries:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997            1996           1995
                                                                     --------------  --------------  ------------
<S>                                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>
MCIC                                                                 $    2,000,000  $   10,000,000  $  6,000,000
SLFSL                                                                     1,000,000       1,500,000            --
SPE 97-1                                                                 20,377,000              --            --
</TABLE>
 
Summarized combined financial information of the Company's subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for the years then ended, follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                                         1997           1996           1995
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                     (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
Intangible assets                                                    $           0  $       9,646  $      12,174
Other assets                                                             1,190,951      1,376,014      1,233,372
Liabilities                                                             (1,073,966)    (1,241,617)    (1,107,264)
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Total net assets                                                     $     116,985  $     144,043  $     138,282
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Total revenues                                                       $     750,364  $     717,280  $     570,794
Operating expenses                                                        (646,896)      (624,199)      (504,070)
Income tax expense                                                         (43,987)       (42,820)       (31,193)
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Net income                                                           $      59,481  $      50,261  $      35,531
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
3.  BONDS:
Investments in debt securities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                             GROSS        GROSS      ESTIMATED
                                                             AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED       FAIR
                                                                COST         GAINS      (LOSSES)       VALUE
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
Long-term bonds:
    United States government and government agencies and
     authorities                                            $    126,923   $   5,529    $      --   $    132,452
    States, provinces and political subdivisions                  22,361       2,095           --         24,456
    Public utilities                                             398,939      35,338          (91)       434,186
    Transportation                                               214,130      22,000         (390)       235,740
    Finance                                                      157,891       5,885         (120)       163,656
    All other corporate bonds                                    990,455      52,678       (5,456)     1,037,677
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total long-term bonds                                  1,910,699     123,525       (6,057)     2,028,167
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Short-term bonds:
    U.S. Treasury Bills, bankers acceptances and
     commercial paper                                            431,032          --           --        431,032
    Affiliates                                                   110,000          --           --        110,000
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total short-term bonds                                   541,032          --           --        541,032
Total bonds                                                 $  2,451,731   $ 123,525    $  (6,057)  $  2,569,199
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
3.  BONDS (CONTINUED):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                             GROSS        GROSS      ESTIMATED
                                                             AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED       FAIR
                                                                COST         GAINS      (LOSSES)       VALUE
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
Long-term bonds:
    United States government and government agencies and
     authorities                                            $    267,756   $  12,272    $  (8,927)  $    271,101
    States, provinces and political subdivisions                   2,253          20           --          2,273
    Foreign governments                                           18,812       1,351           --         20,163
    Public utilities                                             415,641      24,728       (1,223)       439,146
    Transportation                                               167,937      14,107       (2,243)       179,801
    Finance                                                      290,024       7,914         (472)       297,466
    All other corporate bonds                                  1,007,680      42,338      (14,496)     1,035,522
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total long-term bonds                                  2,170,103     102,730      (27,361)     2,245,472
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Short-term bonds:
    U.S. Treasury Bills, bankers acceptances and
     commercial paper                                             88,754          --           --         88,754
    Affiliates                                                    58,000          --           --         58,000
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total short-term bonds                                   146,754          --           --        146,754
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total bonds                                                 $  2,316,857   $ 102,730    $ (27,361)  $  2,392,226
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of bonds at December 31, 1997 are
shown below by contractual maturity. Expected maturities will differ from
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations with or without call and/or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                                       --------------------------
                                                                                        AMORTIZED     ESTIMATED
                                                                                           COST       FAIR VALUE
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>           <C>
                                                                                               (IN 000'S)
Maturities:
    Due in one year or less                                                            $    699,548  $    700,280
    Due after one year through five years                                                   533,901       541,382
    Due after five years through ten years                                                  270,607       286,651
    Due after ten years                                                                     735,624       821,002
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
                                                                                          2,239,680     2,349,315
    Mortgage-backed securities                                                              212,051       219,884
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
Total bonds                                                                            $  2,451,731  $  2,569,199
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments in debt securities during
1997, 1996, and 1995 were $980,264,000, $1,554,016,000, and $1,510,553,000,
gross gains were $10,732,000, $16,975,000, and $24,757,000 and gross losses were
$2,446,000, $10,885,000, and $5,742,000, respectively.
 
Bonds included above with an amortized cost of approximately $2,578,000 and
$2,060,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were on deposit with
governmental authorities as required by law.
 
4.  SECURITIES LENDING:
The Company has a securities lending program operated on its behalf by the
Company's primary custodian, Chase Manhattan of New York. The custodian has
indemnified the Company against losses arising from this
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
4.  SECURITIES LENDING (CONTINUED):
program. The total par value of securities out on loan was $0 and $51,537,000 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 respectively. Income resulting from this program was
$200,000, $137,000 and $2,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
 
5.  MORTGAGE LOANS:
The Company invests in commercial first mortgage loans throughout the United
States. The Company monitors the condition of the mortgage loans in its
portfolio. In those cases where mortgages have been restructured, appropriate
allowances for losses have been made. In those cases where, in management's
judgment, the mortgage loans' values are impaired, appropriate losses are
recorded.
 
The following table shows the geographical distribution of the mortgage loan
portfolio.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                           ----------------------
                                                                                              1997        1996
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
California                                                                                 $  119,122  $  154,272
Massachusetts                                                                                  58,981      79,929
Michigan                                                                                       42,912      57,119
New York                                                                                       45,696      67,742
Ohio                                                                                           51,862      75,405
Pennsylvania                                                                                   97,949     115,584
Washington                                                                                     54,948      75,819
All other                                                                                     212,565     313,062
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                           $  684,035  $  938,932
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
The Company has restructured mortgage loans totaling $26,284,000 and $29,261,000
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, against which there are allowances
for losses of $3,026,000 and $5,893,000, respectively.
 
Mortgage loans from Sun Life (U.S.)'s portfolio with an approximate book value
of $53,188,000 were included in a transaction also involving loans from the
portfolios of other SLOC entities with an aggregate book value of $256 million,
whereby such loans were securitized for sale to the public markets.
 
The Company has made commitments of mortgage loans on real estate into the
future. The outstanding commitments for these mortgages amount to $12,300,000
and $9,800,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
6.  INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                   -------------------------------
                                                                                     1997       1996       1995
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                             (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
Net realized gains (losses)
Bonds                                                                              $   2,882  $   5,631  $   3,935
Common stock of affiliates                                                            21,195         --         --
Mortgage loans                                                                         3,837        763        292
Real estate                                                                            2,912        599        391
Other invested assets                                                                   (717)       567     (2,549)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   $  30,109  $   7,560  $   2,069
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):
Common stock of affiliates                                                         $  (2,894) $  (5,739) $      --
Mortgage loans                                                                         1,524       (600)    (1,574)
Real estate                                                                            3,377      4,624      3,583
Other invested assets                                                                   (854)        --         --
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   $   1,153  $  (1,715) $   2,009
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
Realized capital gains and losses on bonds and mortgages which relate to changes
in levels of interest rates are charged or credited to an interest maintenance
reserve ("IMR") and amortized into income over the remaining contractual life of
the security sold. The net realized capital gains credited to the interest
maintenance reserve were $6,321,000 in 1997, $7,710,000 in 1996, and $12,714,000
in 1995. All gains and losses are transferred net of applicable income taxes.
 
7.  NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
Net investment income consisted of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                              ----------------------------------
                                                                                 1997        1996        1995
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                          (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Interest income from bonds                                                    $  188,924  $  178,695  $  205,445
Income from investment in common stock of affiliates                              41,181      50,408      35,403
Interest income from mortgage loans                                               76,073      92,591      99,766
Real estate investment income                                                     17,161      16,249      14,979
Interest income from policy loans                                                  3,582       2,790       2,777
Other                                                                               (193)      1,710       2,672
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
    Gross investment income                                                      326,728     342,443     361,042
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Interest on surplus notes and notes payable                                      (42,481)    (23,061)    (31,813)
Investment expenses                                                              (13,998)    (15,629)    (16,357)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Net investment income                                                         $  270,249  $  303,753  $  312,872
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
8.  DERIVATIVES:
The Company uses derivative instruments for interest risk management purposes,
including hedges against specific interest rate risk and to minimize the
Company's exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company's use of
derivatives has included U.S. Treasury futures, conventional interest rate
swaps, and forward spread lock interest rate swaps.
 
In the case of interest rate futures, gains or losses on contracts that qualify
as hedges are deferred until the earliest of the completion of the hedging
transaction, determination that the transaction will no longer take place, or
determination that the hedge is no longer effective. Upon completion of the
hedge, where it is impractical to allocate gains (losses) to specific hedged
assets or liabilities, gains (losses) are deferred in IMR and amortized over the
remaining life of the hedged assets. At December 31, 1997 and 1996 there were no
futures contracts outstanding.
 
In the case of interest rate and foreign currency swap agreements and forward
spread lock interest rate swap agreements, gains or losses on terminated swaps
are deferred in IMR and amortized over the shorter of the remaining life of the
hedged asset or the remaining term of the swap contract. The net differential to
be paid or received on interest rate swaps is recorded monthly as interest rates
change.
 
Options are used to hedge the stock market interest exposure in the mortality
and expense risk charges and guaranteed minimum death benefit features of the
Company's variable annuities. The Company's open positions are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SWAPS OUTSTANDING
                                                                                       AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                                 ---------------------------------
                                                                                      NOTIONAL       MARKET VALUE
                                                                                 PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS   OF POSITIONS
                                                                                 ------------------  -------------
                                                                                            (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>
Conventional interest rate swaps                                                    $     80,000       $  (2,891)
Foreign currency swap                                                                      1,700             208
Forward spread lock swaps                                                                 50,000             274
Asian Put Option S & P 500                                                                70,000             693
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SWAPS OUTSTANDING
                                                                                       AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                                 ---------------------------------
                                                                                      NOTIONAL       MARKET VALUE
                                                                                 PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS   OF POSITIONS
                                                                                 ------------------  -------------
                                                                                            (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>
Conventional interest rate swaps                                                    $    429,000       $  (2,443)
Foreign currency swap                                                                      2,100              70
Forward spread lock swaps                                                                 50,000             (50)
</TABLE>
 
The market value of swaps is the estimated amount that the Company would receive
or pay on termination or sale, taking into account current interest rates and
the current credit worthiness of the counterparties. The Company is exposed to
potential credit loss in the event of non-performance by counterparties. The
counterparties are major financial institutions and management believes that the
risk of incurring losses related to credit risk is remote.
 
9.  LEVERAGED LEASES:
The Company is a lessor in a leveraged lease agreement entered into on October
21, 1994, under which equipment having an estimated economic life of 25-40 years
was leased for a term of 9.75 years. The Company's equity investment represented
22.9% of the purchase price of the equipment. The balance of
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
9.  LEVERAGED LEASES (CONTINUED):
the purchase price was furnished by third-party long-term debt financing,
collateralized by the equipment and non-recourse to the Company. At the end of
the lease term, the Master Lessee may exercise a fixed price purchase option to
purchase the equipment.
 
The Company's net investment in leveraged leases is composed of the following
elements:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                 31,
                                                                                        ----------------------
                                                                                           1997        1996
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                                              (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                     <C>         <C>
Lease contracts receivable                                                              $   92,605  $  101,244
Less non-recourse debt                                                                     (92,589)   (101,227)
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                                                16          17
Estimated residual value of leased assets                                                   41,150      41,150
Less unearned and deferred income                                                          (10,324)    (11,501)
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
Investment in leveraged leases                                                              30,842      29,666
Less fees                                                                                     (163)       (188)
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
Net investment in leveraged leases                                                      $   30,679  $   29,478
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
The net investment is included as an other invested asset.
 
10. REINSURANCE:
The Company has agreements with SLOC which provide that SLOC will reinsure the
mortality risks of the individual life insurance contracts sold by the Company.
Under these agreements basic death benefits and supplementary benefits are
reinsured on a yearly renewable term basis and coinsurance basis, respectively.
Reinsurance transactions under these agreements had the effect of decreasing
income from operations by approximately $1,381,000, $1,603,000 and $2,184,000
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
Effective January 1, 1991, the Company entered into an agreement with SLOC under
which certain individual life insurance contracts issued by SLOC were reinsured
by the Company on a 90% coinsurance basis. During 1997 SLOC changed certain
assumptions used in determining the gross and the ceded reserve balance. The
Company reflected the effect of the changes in assumptions to its assumed
reserves as a direct credit to surplus. The effect of the change was a
$39,016,000 decrease in reserves. Also, effective January 1, 1991, the Company
entered into an agreement with SLOC which provides that SLOC will reinsure the
mortality risks in excess of $500,000 per policy for the individual life
insurance contracts assumed by the Company in the reinsurance agreement
described above. Such death benefits are reinsured on a yearly renewable term
basis. These agreements had the effect of increasing income from operations by
approximately $37,050,000, $35,161,000 and $11,821,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1997,1996 and 1995, respectively. The life reinsurance assumed
agreement requires the reinsurer to withhold funds in amounts equal to the
reserves assumed.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
10. REINSURANCE (CONTINUED):
The following are summarized pro-forma results of operations of the Company for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 before the effect of
reinsurance transactions with SLOC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        ----------------------------------------
                                                                            1997          1996          1995
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                       (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Income:
    Premiums, annuity deposits and other revenues                       $  2,230,980  $  1,858,145  $  1,619,337
    Net investment income and realized gains                                 300,669       312,870       315,967
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
    Subtotal                                                               2,531,649     2,171,015     1,935,304
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
Benefits and Expenses:
    Policyholder benefits                                                  2,240,597     1,928,720     1,760,917
    Other expenses                                                           187,591       155,531       130,302
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
    Subtotal                                                               2,428,188     2,084,251     1,891,219
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
Income from operations                                                  $    103,461  $     86,764  $     44,085
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
The Company has an agreement with an unrelated company which provides
reinsurance of certain individual life insurance contracts on a modified
coinsurance basis and under which all deficiency reserves related to these
contracts are reinsured. Reinsurance transactions under this agreement had the
effect of decreasing income from operations by $2,658,000 in 1997, $46,000 in
1996, and by $1,599,000 in 1995.
 
11. WITHDRAWAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANNUITY ACTUARIAL RESERVES AND DEPOSIT
LIABILITIES:
The withdrawal characteristics of general account and separate account annuity
reserves and deposits are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                                        -----------------------------
                                                                                            AMOUNT       % OF TOTAL
                                                                                        --------------  -------------
                                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                     <C>             <C>
Subject to discretionary withdrawal-with adjustment:
    With market value adjustment                                                        $    3,415,394          25%
    At book value less surrender charges (surrender charge >5%)                              7,672,211          57
    At book value (minimal or no charge or adjustment)                                       1,259,698           9
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal provision                                            1,164,651           9
                                                                                        --------------         ---
Total annuity actuarial reserves and deposit liabilities                                $   13,511,954         100%
                                                                                        --------------         ---
                                                                                        --------------         ---
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                                        -----------------------------
                                                                                            AMOUNT       % OF TOTAL
                                                                                        --------------  -------------
                                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                     <C>             <C>
Subject to discretionary withdrawal-with adjustment:
    With market value adjustment                                                        $    3,547,683          31%
    At book value less surrender charges (surrender charge >5%)                              5,626,117          48
    At book value (minimal or no charge or adjustment)                                       1,264,586          11
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal provision                                            1,218,157          10
                                                                                        --------------         ---
Total annuity actuarial reserves and deposit liabilities                                $   11,656,543         100%
                                                                                        --------------         ---
                                                                                        --------------         ---
</TABLE>
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
12. RETIREMENT PLANS:
The Company participates with SLOC in a non-contributory defined benefit pension
plan covering essentially all employees. The benefits are based on years of
service and compensation.
 
The funding policy for the pension plan is to contribute an amount which at
least satisfies the minimum amount required by ERISA; currently the plan is
fully funded. The Company is charged for its share of the pension cost based
upon its covered participants. Pension plan assets consist principally of
separate accounts of SLOC.
 
The Company's share of the group's accrued pension cost at December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 was $593,000, $446,000 and $420,000, respectively. The Company's
share of net periodic pension cost was $146,000, $27,000 and $3,000, for 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
The Company also participates with SLOC and certain affiliates in a 401(k)
savings plan for which substantially all employees are eligible. The Company
matches, up to specified amounts, employees' contributions to the plan. Company
contributions were $259,000, $233,000 and $185,000 for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
 
In addition to pension benefits, the Company provides certain health, dental,
and life insurance benefits ("post-retirement benefits") for retired employees
and dependents. Substantially all employees may become eligible for these
benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company, or
retire early upon satisfying an alternate age plus service condition. Life
insurance benefits are generally set at a fixed amount.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of
the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                       ---------------------------------------
                                                        CARRYING AMOUNT   ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
                                                       -----------------  --------------------
                                                                     (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>
ASSETS:
Bonds                                                    $   2,451,731       $    2,569,199
Mortgages                                                      684,035              706,975
LIABILITIES:
Insurance reserves                                       $     123,128       $      123,128
Individual annuities                                           307,668              302,165
Pension products                                             1,527,433            1,561,108
Derivatives                                                         --               (1,716)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                       ---------------------------------------
                                                        CARRYING AMOUNT   ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
                                                       -----------------  --------------------
                                                                     (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>
ASSETS:
Bonds                                                    $   2,316,857       $    2,392,226
Mortgages                                                      938,932              958,909
LIABILITIES:
Insurance reserves                                       $     122,606       $      122,606
Individual annuities                                           373,488              367,878
Pension products                                             1,911,284            1,922,602
Derivatives                                                         --               (2,423)
</TABLE>
 
The major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of
financial instruments are as follows:
 
The fair values of short-term bonds are estimated to be the amortized cost. The
fair values of long-term bonds which are publicly traded are based upon market
prices or dealer quotes. For privately placed bonds, fair values are estimated
by taking into account prices for publicly traded bonds of similar credit risk
and maturity and repayment and liquidity characteristics.
 
The fair values of the Company's general account insurance reserves and
liabilities under investment-type contracts (insurance, annuity and pension
contracts that do not involve mortality or morbidity risks) are estimated using
discounted cash flow analyses or surrender values. Those contracts that are
deemed to have short-term guarantees have a carrying amount equal to the
estimated market value.
 
The fair values of mortgages are estimated by discounting future cash flows
using current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with
similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.
 
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are estimated using the
process described in Note 8.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
14. STATUTORY INVESTMENT VALUATION RESERVES:
The asset valuation reserve ("AVR") provides a reserve for losses from
investments in bonds, stocks, mortgage loans, real estate and other invested
assets with related increases or decreases being recorded directly to surplus.
 
Realized capital gains and losses on bonds and mortgages which relate to changes
in levels of interest rates are charged or credited to an interest maintenance
reserve ("IMR") and amortized into income over the remaining contractual life of
the security sold.
 
The tables shown below present changes in the major elements of the AVR and IMR.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1997                  1996
                                                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                                                         AVR        IMR        AVR        IMR
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           (IN 000'S)            (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Balance, beginning of year                                            $  53,911  $  28,675  $  42,099  $  25,218
Net realized investment gains, net of tax                                17,400      6,321      3,160      5,011
Amortization of net investment gains                                         --     (1,166)        --     (1,557)
Unrealized investment gains (losses)                                     (2,340)        --      1,502         --
Required by formula                                                     (21,366)        --      7,150          3
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Balance, end of year                                                  $  47,605  $  33,830  $  53,911  $  28,675
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
15. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Federal income taxes are calculated for the consolidated group based upon
amounts determined to be payable as a result of operations within the current
year. No provision is recognized for timing differences which may exist between
financial statement and taxable income. Such timing differences include
reserves, depreciation and accrual of market discount on bonds. Cash payments
for federal income taxes were approximately $31,000,000, $19,264,000 and
$12,429,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
16. SURPLUS NOTES AND NOTES RECEIVABLE (PAYABLE):
On December 22, 1997, the Company issued a $250,000,000 surplus note to Life
Holdco. This note has an interest rate of 8.625% and is due on or after November
6, 2027.
 
On May 9, 1997, the Company issued a short-term note of $600,000,000 to Life
Holdco at an interest rate of 5.10%, which was extended at various interest
rates. This note was repaid on December 22, 1997.
 
The Company had issued and outstanding surplus notes to SLOC with an aggregate
carrying value of $335,000,000, during the period 1982 through January 16, 1996
at interest rates between 7.25% and 10%. The Company repaid all principal and
interest associated with these surplus notes on January 16, 1996.
 
On December 19, 1995 the Company issued surplus notes totaling $315,000,000 to
an affiliate, Sun Canada Financial Co., at interest rates between 5.75% and
7.25%. Of these notes, $157,500,000 will mature in the year 2007 and
$157,500,000 will mature in the year 2015. Interest on these notes is payable
semi-annually.
 
Principal and interest on surplus notes are payable only to the extent that the
Company meets specified requirements regarding free surplus exclusive of the
principal amount and accrued interest, if any, on these notes and with the
consent of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner. In addition, with regard to
surplus notes outstanding through January 16, 1996, subsequent to December 31,
1994 interest payments required
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
16. SURPLUS NOTES AND NOTES RECEIVABLE (PAYABLE) (CONTINUED):
the consent of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner. Payment of principal and
interest on the notes issued in 1995 and in 1997 also requires the consents of
the Delaware Insurance Commissioner and Canadian Office of the Superintendent of
Financial Institutions.
 
The Company obtained the required consents and expensed $42,481,000, $23,061,000
and $31,813,000 for interest on surplus notes and notes payable for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
17. MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE CONTRACTS:
The Company has an agreement with SLOC which provides that SLOC will furnish, as
requested, personnel as well as certain services and facilities on a
cost-reimbursement basis. Expenses under this agreement amounted to
approximately $15,997,000 in 1997, $20,192,000 in 1996, and $20,293,000 in 1995.
 
18. RISK-BASED CAPITAL:
Effective December 31, 1993 the NAIC adopted risk-based capital requirements for
life insurance companies. The risk-based capital requirements provide a method
for measuring the minimum acceptable amount of adjusted capital that a life
insurer should have, as determined under statutory accounting practices, taking
into account the risk characteristics of its investments and products. The
Company has met the minimum risk-based capital requirements at December 31, 1997
and 1996.
 
19. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES:
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared on the basis of
statutory accounting practices which, prior to 1996, were considered by the
insurance industry and the accounting profession to be in accordance with GAAP
for mutual life insurance companies. The primary differences between statutory
accounting practices and GAAP are described as follows. Under statutory
accounting practices, financial statements are not consolidated and investments
in subsidiaries are shown at net equity value. Accordingly, the assets,
liabilities and results of operations of the Company's subsidiaries are not
consolidated with the assets, liabilities and results of operations,
respectively, of the Company. Changes in net equity value of the common stock of
the Company's United States life insurance subsidiaries are directly reflected
in the Company's surplus. Changes in the net equity value of the common stock of
all other subsidiaries are directly reflected in the Company's Asset Valuation
Reserve. Dividends paid by subsidiaries to the Company are included in the
Company's net investment income.
 
Other differences between statutory accounting practices and GAAP include the
following: statutory accounting practices do not recognize the following assets
or liabilities which are reflected under GAAP - deferred policy acquisition
costs, deferred federal income taxes and statutory non-admitted assets. Asset
Valuation Reserves and Interest Maintenance Reserves are established under
statutory accounting practices but not under GAAP. Methods for calculating real
estate depreciation and investment valuation allowances differ under statutory
accounting practices and GAAP. Actuarial assumptions and reserving methods
differ under statutory accounting practices and GAAP. Premiums for universal
life and investment type products are recognized as income for statutory
purposes and as deposits to policyholders' accounts for GAAP.
 
Because the Company's management uses financial information prepared in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada in the normal
course of business, the management of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
(U.S.) has determined that the cost of complying with Statement No. 120
"Accounting and Reporting by Mutual Insurance Enterprises and by Insurance
Enterprises for Certain Long
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
19. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES (CONTINUED):
Duration Participating Contracts" exceed the benefits that the Company, or the
users of its financial statements, would experience. Consequently, the Company
has elected not to apply such standards in the preparation of these financial
statements.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
 
We have audited the accompanying statutory statements of admitted assets,
liabilities, and capital stock and surplus of Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada (U.S.) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statutory
statements of operations, changes in capital stock and surplus, and cash flow
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
As described more fully in Notes 1 and 19 to the financial statements, the
Company prepared these financial statements using accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of Delaware,
which practices differ from generally accepted accounting principles. The
effects on the financial statements of the variances between the statutory basis
of accounting and generally accepted accounting principles, although not
reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the admitted assets, liabilities, and capital stock and
surplus of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flow for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 on the basis of accounting
described in Notes 1 and 19.
 
However, because of the effects of the matter discussed in the second preceding
paragraph, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above do not
present fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, the
financial position of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) as of December
31, 1997 and 1996 or the results of its operations or its cash flow for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.
 
As management has stated in Note 19, because the Company's management uses
financial information prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Canada in the normal course of business, the management of
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) has determined that the cost of
complying with Statement No. 120 would exceed the benefits that the Company, or
the users of its financial statements, would experience. Consequently, the
Company has elected not to apply such standards in the preparation of these
financial statements.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 5, 1998
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
   
                                   APPENDIX A
                             ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
    
 
   
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE CALCULATIONS:
    
 
   
    Suppose the net asset value of a Fund share at the end of the current
valuation period is $18.38; at the end of the immediately preceding valuation
period was $18.32; the valuation period is one day; no dividends or
distributions caused Fund shares to go "ex-dividend" during the current
valuation period. $18.38 divided by $18.32 is 1.00327511. Subtracting the one
day risk factor for mortality and expense risks of .00003539 (the daily
equivalent of the current maximum charge of 1.3% on an annual basis) gives a net
investment factor of 1.00323972. If the value of the variable accumulation unit
for the immediately preceding valuation period had been 14.5645672, the value
for the current valuation period would be 14.6117523 (14.5645672 X 1.00323972).
    
 
   
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF VARIABLE ANNUITY UNIT VALUE CALCULATIONS:
    
 
   
    Suppose the circumstances of the first example exist, and the value of an
annuity unit for the immediately preceding valuation period had been 12.3456789.
If the first variable annuity payment is determined by using an annuity payment
based on an assumed interest rate of 4% per year, the value of the annuity unit
for the current valuation period would be 12.3843446 (12.3456789 X 1.00323972
(the Net Investment Factor) X 0.99989255). 0.99989255 is the factor, for a one
day valuation period, that neutralizes the assumed interest rate of four percent
(4%) per year used to establish the Annuity Payment Rates found in the Contract.
    
 
   
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENT CALCULATIONS:
    
 
   
    Suppose that a Participant's Account is credited with 8,756.4321 variable
accumulation units of a particular Sub-Account but is not credited with any
fixed accumulation units; that the variable accumulation unit value and the
annuity unit value for the particular Sub-Account for the valuation period which
ends immediately preceding the annuity commencement date are 14.5645672 and
12.3456789, respectively; that the annuity payment rate for the age and option
elected is $6.78 per $1,000; and that annuity unit value on the day prior to the
second variable annuity payment date is 12.3843446. The first variable annuity
payment would be $865.57 (8,765.4321 X 14.564572 X 6.78 divided by 1,000). The
number of annuity units credited would be 70.1112 ($865.57 divided by
12.3456789) and the second variable annuity payment would be $868.28 (70.1112 X
12.3843446).
    
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
   
                                   APPENDIX B
  WITHDRAWALS, SURRENDERS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
    
 
A.  FIXED ACCOUNT--3, 5 AND 7 YEAR GUARANTEE PERIODS:
 
For the purposes of this illustration, the following assumptions have been made:
 
    1.   100% of Purchase Payments have  been allocated to the Fixed Account and
       the Owner has elected Initial Guarantee Periods of five (5) years.
 
    2.  The date of full surrender or partial withdrawal is the last day of  the
       12th month following the Date of Coverage.
 
    3.   The Guarantee Rate being credited on Payments allocated to the five (5)
       year Guarantee Period on the date of full surrender or partial withdrawal
       is 4.40%.
 
    4.  The Account Fee is $25.
 
PLEASE REFER TO THE TABLE BELOW.
 
                                    TABLE 1*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 1     2       3         4        5       6              7              8            9          10
- ---  ------  -----   ---------  -----   ------  -------------------   ------   --------------   -------------
<S>  <C>     <C>     <C>        <C>     <C>     <C>                   <C>      <C>              <C>
 1   $  100  4.25%   $  104.25   --     $ 0.00  $   104.25($79.25)    -0.45%   -($0.47)(-$0.36) $103.78($78.89)
 2      100  4.25       103.90  6.00%     4.80       99.10            -0.46    -(0.46)          98.64
 3      100  4.50       103.75  6.00      6.00       97.75             0.31      0.31           98.06
 4      100  4.50       103.38  6.00      6.00       97.38             0.32      0.31           97.69
 5      100  4.70       103.13  6.00      6.00       97.13             0.98      0.95           98.08
 6      100  4.70       102.74  6.00      6.00       96.74             0.99      0.96           97.70
 7      100  4.70       102.35  6.00      6.00       96.35             1.01      0.98           97.33
 8      100  4.50       101.88  6.00      6.00       95.88             0.34      0.33           96.20
 9      100  4.50       101.50  6.00      6.00       95.50             0.35      0.33           95.83
10      100  4.50       101.13  6.00      6.00       95.13             0.36      0.34           95.46
11      100  4.50       100.75  6.00      6.00       94.75             0.36      0.34           95.09
12      100  4.40       100.37  6.00      6.00       94.37             0.00      0.00           94.37
     ------          ---------          ------  ----------                     --------------   -------------
     $1,200          $1,229.11          $64.80  $ 1,164.31                     $ 3.92           $1,168.23
     ------          ---------          ------  ----------                     --------------   -------------
     ------          ---------          ------  ----------                     --------------   -------------
                                                ($1,139.31)                    ($4.03)          ($1,143.34)
</TABLE>
 
*See next page for Explanation of Columns
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
EXPLANATION OF COLUMNS IN TABLE 1.
 
COLUMNS 1 AND 2:
 
Represent Payments and Payment amounts,  respectively. Each Payment of $100  was
made on the first (1st) day of each month for one year (12 payments).
 
COLUMN 3:
 
Represents the Initial Guarantee Rate being credited to each Payment.
 
COLUMN 4:
 
Represents  the value of each  Payment on the date  of full surrender or partial
withdrawal before  the imposition  of  any Withdrawal  Charge and  Market  Value
Adjustment.
 
COLUMN 5:
 
Represents  the Withdrawal Charge percentage that  is applied to each Payment on
the date of full surrender or partial withdrawal.
 
The percentage is 6% for Payments 2-12  because these Payments have been in  the
Account  for less than  one year. No  Withdrawal Charge is  imposed on Payment 1
because up to ten percent (10%) of Payments credited to a Participant's  Account
may  be withdrawn each Account  Year without imposition of  this charge. In this
example, 10% represents (10% x $1,200) = $120. The 10% amount is applied to  the
oldest  previously unliquidated Payment, then the next oldest and so forth. This
results in no  Withdrawal Charge  being imposed on  Payment 1  and a  Withdrawal
Charge imposed on $80 of Payment 2.
 
COLUMN 6:
 
Represents  the  amount of  Withdrawal  Charge imposed  on  each Payment.  It is
calculated by  multiplying the  Payment in  Column 2  by the  Withdrawal  Charge
percentage in Column 5.
 
For example, the Withdrawal Charge imposed on Payment 8 = $100 X 6% = $6.00.
 
The  Withdrawal Charge imposed on Payment 2 = ($100 - $20) X 6% = $4.80. The $20
represents the portion of the Payment  on which no Withdrawal Charge is  imposed
as described under the explanation of Column 5 above.
 
COLUMN 7:
 
Represents  the value of each Payment in Column  4 on the date of full surrender
or partial withdrawal after the imposition of the Withdrawal Charge in Column 6.
 
In the case of  a full surrender,  the Account Fee is  deducted from the  oldest
unliquidated  payment. This deduction is reflected in the Table by the amount in
parentheses beside Column 7, $79.25.
 
COLUMN 8:
 
Represents the Market Value Adjustment (MVA) percentage applied to the value  of
each  Payment  on  the  date  of  full  surrender  or  partial  withdrawal after
imposition of the Withdrawal Charge.
 
FOR EXAMPLE:
 
The MVA% applied to Payment 3 = .75 (A - B) X C/12
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Where          A          =      The Guarantee Rate of the Payment being surrendered (Column 3)
                          =      4.50%,
               B          =      The Guarantee Rate being credited to Payments allocated to the five (5)
                                 year
                                 Guarantee Period on the date of full surrender or partial withdrawal
                          =      4.40% and
               C          =      The number of months remaining in the Guarantee Period of the Payment
                                 being
                                 surrendered
                          =      60 (5 years) - 10
                          =      50
MVA%                      =      .75 (A - B) X C/12
                          =      .75 (4.50 - 4.40) X 50/12
                          =      .75 (.10) X 50/12
                          =      .31%
</TABLE>
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
COLUMN 9:
 
Represents the dollar amount of the MVA.  For each Payment, it is determined  by
multiplying the value in Column 7 by the MVA percentage in Column 8.
 
For example, the MVA for Payment 3
 
<TABLE>
<C>        <S>        <C>        <C>
    =      Column 7       X      Column 9
    =      $97.75         X      .31%
    =      $0.31
</TABLE>
 
COLUMN 10:
 
Represents  the values  of Payments  on the  date of  full surrender  or partial
withdrawal after deducting the Withdrawal Charge and either deducting or  adding
the  MVA. For any Payment,  the amount in Column 10  is determined by adding the
amounts in Columns 7 and 9.
 
In each of  Columns 9  and 10,  the amounts  in parentheses,  -$.36 and  $78.89,
respectively,  reflect the deduction of  the Account Fee, in  the case of a full
surrender.
 
FULL SURRENDER:
 
The total of  Column 10, in  parentheses ($1,143.34), reflects  the amount of  a
full  surrender after imposition  of Withdrawal Charges,  Account Fee and Market
Value Adjustments.
 
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL:
 
The sum of amounts in Column 10 for as many payments as are liquidated  reflects
the amount of a partial withdrawal.
 
For  example, if $1,000 of Payments were withdrawn, the amount of the withdrawal
would be the sum of the amounts in Column 10 for Payments 1 through 10 which  is
$978.77.
 
B.  VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND FIXED ACCOUNT--1 YEAR GUARANTEE PERIOD (NO MARKET VALUE
    ADJUSTMENT APPLICABLE):
 
For the purposes of this illustration, the following assumptions have been made:
 
    1.   Purchase Payments  have been allocated to  either the Variable Account,
       the Fixed Account-- one (1) Year Guarantee Period or to a combination  of
       both.
 
    2.   The date  of full surrender  or partial withdrawal  is during the ninth
       (9th) Account Year.
 
PLEASE REFER TO THE TABLE BELOW.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        TABLE 2*
               1          2          3          4           5           6
           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  ---------
<S>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
               1      $   1,000  $   1,000  $       0          0%   $       0
               2          1,200      1,200          0           0           0
               3          1,400      1,280        120           1        1.20
               4          1,600          0      1,600           2       32.00
               5          1,800          0      1,800           3       54.00
               6          2,000          0      2,000           4       80.00
               7          2,000          0      2,000           5      100.00
               8          2,000          0      2,000           6      120.00
               9          2,000          0      2,000           6      120.00
                      ---------  ---------  ---------               ---------
                      $  15,000  $   3,480  $  11,520               $  507.20
                      ---------  ---------  ---------               ---------
                      ---------  ---------  ---------               ---------
</TABLE>
 
* See next page for Explanation of Columns
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
EXPLANATION OF COLUMNS IN TABLE 2
 
COLUMNS 1 AND 2:
 
Represent Payments  and  amounts of  Payments.  Each  Payment was  made  at  the
beginning of each Account Year.
 
COLUMN 3:
 
Represents  the  amounts  that  may  be  withdrawn  without  the  imposition  of
withdrawal charges, as follows:
 
a)  Payments 1 and 2, $1,000 and $1,200, respectively, have been credited to the
    Participant's Account for more than seven (7) years.
 
b)  $1,280 of Payment  3 represents 10% of Payments  that have been credited  to
    the  Participant's Account for less than seven  (7) years. The 10% amount is
    applied to the  oldest unliquidated  Payment, then  the next  oldest and  so
    forth.
 
COLUMN 4:
 
Represents the amount of each Payment that is subject to a withdrawal charge. It
is  determined by subtracting the amount in  Column 3 from the Payment in Column
2.
 
COLUMN 5:
 
Represents the withdrawal charge percentages imposed on the amounts in Column 4.
 
COLUMN 6:
 
Represents the withdrawal charge  imposed on each Payment.  It is determined  by
multiplying the amount in Column 4 by the percentage in Column 5.
 
For example, the withdrawal charge imposed on Payment 8
 
<TABLE>
<C>        <S>
    =      Payment 8 Column 4 X Payment 8 Column 5
 
    =      $2,000 X 6%
 
    =      $120
</TABLE>
 
FULL SURRENDER:
 
The  total  of Column  6,  $507.20, represents  the  total amount  of withdrawal
charges imposed on Payments in this illustration.
 
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL:
 
The sum of amounts in Column 6  for as many Payments as are liquidated  reflects
the withdrawal charges imposed in the case of a partial withdrawal.
 
For  example, if $7,000 of Payments (Payments 1,  2, 3, 4 and 5) were withdrawn,
the amount of  the withdrawal charges  imposed would  be the sum  of amounts  in
Column 6 for Payments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 which is $87.20.
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
   
                           SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
                           ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS:
                           C/O RETIREMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
                           P.O. BOX 1024
                           BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02103
    
 
   
                           GENERAL DISTRIBUTOR
                           Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc.
                           One Sun Life Executive Park
                           Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
                           LEGAL COUNSEL
                           Covington & Burling
                           1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                           P.O. Box 7566
                           Washington, D.C. 20044
 
                           AUDITORS
                           Deloitte & Touche LLP
                           125 Summer Street
                           Boston, Massachusetts 02110
 
                           COG-1 5/98
<PAGE>
                                   PART II
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS.

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution


         Not applicable.


Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

     Article 8 of the By-Laws of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) 
provides for indemnification of directors and officers as follows:

    "Section 8.01 (a).  Every person who is or was a director, officer or 
employee of this corporation or of any other corporation which he served at 
the request of this corporation and in which this corporation owns or owned 
shares of capital stock or of which it is or was a creditor shall have a 
right to be indemnified by this corporation against all liability and 
reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with or resulting from any 
claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he may become involved as a party 
or otherwise by reason of his being or having been a director, officer or 
employee of this corporation or such other corporation, provided (1) said 
claim, action, suit or proceeding shall be prosecuted to a final 
determination and he shall be vindicated on the merits, or (2) in the absence 
of such a final determination vindicating him on the merits, the board of 
directors shall determine that he acted in good faith and in a manner he 
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the 
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no 
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; said determination to 
be made by the board of directors acting through a quorum of disinterested 
directors, or in its absence on the opinion of counsel.

    (b)  For purposes of the preceding subsection: (1) "liability and 
reasonable expenses" shall include but not be limited to reasonable counsel 
fees and disbursements, amounts of any judgment, fine or penalty, and 
reasonable amounts paid in settlement; (2) "claim, action, suit or 
proceeding" shall  include every such  claim, action, suit or proceeding, 
whether civil or criminal, derivative or otherwise, administrative, judicial 
or legislative, any appeal relating thereto, and shall include any reasonable 
apprehension or threat of such a claim, action, suit or proceeding; (3) a 
settlement, plea of nolo contendere, consent judgment, adverse civil 
judgment, or conviction shall not of itself create a presumption that the 
conduct of the person seeking indemnification did not meet the standard of 
conduct set forth in subsection (a)(2) hereof.

                                     II-1


<PAGE>
      (c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following limitations shall 
apply with respect to any action by or in the right of the Corporation: (1) 
no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as 
to which the person seeking indemnification shall have been adjudged to be 
liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the 
corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the 
State of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall 
determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in 
view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and  
reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of 
Chancery or such other court shall deem proper; and (2) indemnification shall 
extend only to reasonable expenses, including reasonable counsel's fees and 
disbursements.

    (d)  The right of indemnification shall extend to any person otherwise 
entitled to it under this by-law whether or not that person continues to be a 
director, officer or employee of this corporation or such other corporation 
at the time such liability or expense shall be incurred.  The right of 
indemnification shall extend to the legal representative and heirs of any 
person otherwise entitled to indemnification.  If a person meets the 
requirements of this by-law with respect to some matters in a claim, action, 
suit or proceeding, but not with respect to others, he shall be entitled to 
indemnification as the former.  Advances against liability and expenses may 
be made by the corporation on terms fixed by the board of directors subject 
to an obligation to repay if indemnification proves unwarranted.

    (e)  This by-law shall not exclude any other rights of indemnification or 
other rights to which any director, officer or employee may be entitled to by 
contract, vote of the stockholders or as a matter of law. If any clause, 
provision or application of this section shall be determined to be invalid, 
the other clauses, provisions or applications of this section shall not be 
affected but shall remain in full force and effect.  The provisions of this 
by-law shall be applicable to claims, actions, suits or proceedings made or 
commenced after the adoption hereof, whether arising from acts or omissions 
to act occurring before or after the adoption hereof.

    (f)  Nothing contained in this by-law shall be construed to protect any 
director or officer of the corporation against any liability to the 
corporation or its security holders to which he would otherwise be subject by 
reason of wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless 
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office."

                                     II-2

<PAGE>

Item 16. Exhibits

Exhibits:


Exhibit
Number                Description             Method of Filing

 1         Underwriting Agreement                *
 3(a)      Certificate of Incorporation          **
 3(b)      By-laws                               **
 4(a)      Combination Fixed/Variable Group
             Annuity Contract                    ***
 4(b)      Certificate to be used in con-
             nection with Contract filed as
             Exhibit 4(a)                        ***
23         Independent Auditors' Consent         ****
24         Financial Data Schedules              *****
25         Powers of Attorney                    ****


*      Incorporated herein by reference from Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to 
       the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form N-4,
       File No. 333-37907, filed on January 16, 1998.

**     Incorporated herein by reference from the Registration Statement of the 
       Registrant on Form N-4, File No. 333-37907, filed on October 14, 1997.

***    Incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement of the 
       Registrant on Form N-4, File No. 2-99958, filed on April 17, 1998.

****   Filed herewith.

*****  Previously filed.

Item 17. Undertakings

      (a)     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
   
         (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being 
      made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

              (i)  To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of 
          the Securities Act of 1933;

              (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising 
          after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most 
          recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in 
         the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set 
         forth in the registration statement;

                                     II-3

<PAGE>
              (iii) To include any material information with respect to the 
         plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration 
         statement or any material change to such information in the 
         registration statement;

              Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and a(1)(ii) do 
         not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, 
         and the information required to be included in a post-effective 
         amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed 
         by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in
         the registration statement.

         (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 
    Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be 
    deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities 
    offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be 
    deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

         (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post- effective 
    amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at 
    the termination of the offering.

    The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of 
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of 
the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of 
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and where applicable, each filing of an 
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the 
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement 
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such 
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering 
thereof.

    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities 
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons 
of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the 
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed 
in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for 
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the 
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling 
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or 
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in 
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless 
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling 
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and 
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

                                     II-4

<PAGE>
                                  SIGNATURES



     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the 
Registrant, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), certifies that it 
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for 
filing on Form S-2 and has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to 
its Registration Statement on Form S-2 to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, on the 16th day of April, 1998.



                                  Sun Life Assurance Company of
                                  Canada (U.S.)
                                   
                                  (Registrant)


                                  By:*    /s/ JOHN D. McNEIL   
                                       -------------------------  
                                              John D. McNeil
                                              Chairman



    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this 
Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the Registration Statement has been signed by
the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



    SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE    



*  /s/ JOHN D. McNEIL            Chairman and Director
- --------------------------     (Principal Executive Officer)  April 16, 1998
   John D. McNeil
 
*  /s/  ROBERT P. VROLYK          Vice President and Actuary
- ----------------------------       (Principal Financial
     Robert P. Vrolyk              & Accounting Officer)      April 16, 1998

*  /s/ RICHARD B. BAILEY                Director              April 16, 1998
- ----------------------------
     Richard B. Bailey

- --------------------
* By Margaret Hankard pursuant to Power of Attorney filed herewith.


                                     II-5

<PAGE>

    SIGNATURE                           TITLE                    DATE    



*   /s/ M. COLYER CRUM
- -------------------------------         Director            April 16, 1998
       M. Colyer Crum

*   /s/ DONALD A. STEWART         President and Director
- -------------------------------
      Donald A. Stewart

*   /s/ DAVID D. HORN                     Director          April 16, 1998
- --------------------------------          
        David D. Horn                   

*   /s/ JOHN S. LANE                      Director          April 16, 1998
- --------------------------------
        John S. Lane

*   /s/ ANGUS A. MacNAUGHTON              Director          April 16, 1998
- --------------------------------
     Angus A. MacNaughton

*   /s/ S. CAESAR RABOY            Senior Vice President    April 16, 1998
- --------------------------------    and Deputy General      
        S. Caesar Raboy             Manager and Director

*   /s/ C. JAMES PRIEUR            Senior Vice President    April 16, 1998
- --------------------------------    and General Manager      
        C. James Prieur                 and Director

- -----------------------
*   By Margaret Hankard pursuant to Power of Attorney filed 
    herewith.

                                     II-6

<PAGE>
                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number                                              

23       Independent Auditors' Consent
25       Powers of Attorney


                                  II-7


<PAGE>
                                                   Exhibit 23

                    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



     We consent to the use in Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to the 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of 
Canada (U.S.) (Reg. No. 33-31711) of our report dated February 6, 1998
accompanying the financial statements of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account D and to the use of our report dated February 5, 1998 accompanying the 
financial statements of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) 
appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of such Registration Statement, 
and to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated February 5, 1998 
appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sun Life Assurance Company of 
Canada (U.S.) for the year ended December 31, 1997.

     We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Condensed 
Financial Information -- Accumulation Unit Values" and "Accountants" in such 
Prospectus.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts


April 17, 1998



<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Robert P. Vrolyk, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  Robert P. Vrolyk
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Robert P. Vrolyk

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that John D. McNeil, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  John D. McNeil
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     John D. McNeil

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that John S. Lane, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  John S. Lane
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     John S. Lane

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Donald A. Stewart, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  Donald A. Stewart
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Donald A. Stewart

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Angus A. MacNaughton, whose 
signature appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, 
Margaret Sears Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his 
attorneys-in-fact, each with the power of substitution, for him in any and 
all capacities, to sign a Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life 
Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments 
thereto, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in 
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby 
ratifying and confirming all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his 
substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  Angus A. MacNaughton
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Angus A. MacNaughton

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that S. Caesar Raboy, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  S. Caesar Raboy
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     S. Caesar Raboy

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that M. Colyer Crum, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  M. Colyer Crum
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     M. Colyer Crum

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that David D. Horn, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  David D. Horn
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     David D. Horn

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that C. James Prieur, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  C. James Prieur
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     C. James Prieur

March 23, 1998





<PAGE>



                SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY



       KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Richard B. Bailey, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with 
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada 
(U.S.) (Reg. No. 033-31711), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


                                                     /s/  Richard B. Bailey
                                                     ---------------------------
                                                     Richard B. Bailey

March 23, 1998








© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission