NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT
497, 1996-09-06
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<PAGE>
 
                               ZENITH ACCUMULATOR
                     INDIVIDUAL VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                                   ISSUED BY
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                               ONE MADISON AVENUE
                            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10010
 
                               DESIGNATED OFFICE:
                       NEW ENGLAND LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                              501 BOYLSTON STREET
                          BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116
                                 (617) 578-2000
 
  This prospectus offers individual flexible and single purchase payment
variable annuity contracts (the "Contracts") that are currently intended for
individual use, for use with certain retirement plans that qualify for tax
benefited treatment under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), and for use
with plans and trusts not qualifying under the Code for tax benefited
treatment. The Contracts are no longer being offered for use with Section
403(b) plans subject to ERISA and are only available on a limited basis to
Section 401(k) plans. See "Retirement Plans Offering Federal Tax Benefits" for
more information. This prospectus also describes Contracts originally issued by
New England Mutual Life Insurance Company ("The New England") that have become
Contracts of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company ("MetLife" or the "Company")
as a result of the merger of The New England with and into the Company, with
the Company surviving. All purchase payments made under the Contracts may be
allocated to The New England Variable Account (the "Variable Account"), a
separate investment account of the Company.
 
  Assets of the Variable Account are invested in shares of certain Series of
the New England Zenith Fund and certain portfolios of the Variable Insurance
Products Fund (collectively, the "Eligible Funds"). See "Investments of the
Variable Account." The owner of a Contract chooses the Eligible Fund(s) in
which the purchase payments are invested and may change the Eligible Fund(s)
selected at any time. Any one or a combination of the following Eligible Funds
may be selected:
 
Loomis Sayles                 Loomis Sayles               Salomon Brothers
 Small Cap                     Avanti Growth               Strategic Bond
 Series                        Series                      Opportunities
                              Davis Venture                Series
Draycott                       Value Series               Back Bay Advisors
 International                Westpeak Growth              Bond Income Series
 Equity Series                 and Income                 Salomon Brothers
                               Series                      U.S. Government
Overseas                                                   Series
 Portfolio                    Equity-Income
                               Portfolio                  Back Bay Advisors
Alger Equity                                               Money Market Series
 Growth Series                Loomis Sayles
                               Balanced Series
Capital Growth
 Series
 
  A Fixed Account option is also available in states that have approved this
option. (See "The Fixed Account" for more information.) Special limits apply to
                                                        -----------------------
transfers of Contract Value to and from the Fixed Account.
- ---------------------------------------------------------
  This prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Contracts that
a prospective investor ought to know before investing. The prospectus should be
read carefully and retained for future reference.
  Certain additional information about the Contracts is contained in a
Statement of Additional Information dated August 30, 1996, as it may be
supplemented from time to time, which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. The Table of
Contents of the Statement of Additional Information appears on page A-43 of
this prospectus. The Statement of Additional Information is available without
charge and may be obtained by writing to New England Securities Corporation
("New England Securities"), 399 Boylston St., Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
  New England Securities, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, serves as
principal underwriter for the Variable Account.
 
     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.
 
                The date of this Prospectus is August 30, 1996.
 
  THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT VALID UNLESS IT IS ACCOMPANIED OR PRECEDED BY CURRENT
PROSPECTUSES FOR THE NEW ENGLAND ZENITH FUND AND THE VARIABLE INSURANCE
PRODUCTS FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
 
  AN INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AND IS NOT FEDERALLY
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
OR ANY OTHER AGENCY, AND INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF
PRINCIPAL.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                       OF
                                 THE PROSPECTUS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
<S>                                                                        <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS......................... A- 4
HIGHLIGHTS................................................................ A- 5
EXPENSE TABLE............................................................. A- 7
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES.................................................. A-12
HOW THE CONTRACT WORKS.................................................... A-14
THE COMPANY............................................................... A-15
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT...................................................... A-15
INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT....................................... A-15
    New England Zenith Fund............................................... A-15
    Variable Insurance Products Fund...................................... A-17
    Investment Advice..................................................... A-17
    Substitution of Investments........................................... A-18
GUARANTEED OPTION......................................................... A-18
THE CONTRACTS............................................................. A-18
    Purchase Payments..................................................... A-18
    Allocation of Purchase Payments....................................... A-19
    Contract Value and Accumulation Unit Value............................ A-19
    Payment on Death Prior to Annuitization .............................. A-20
    Transfer Privilege.................................................... A-22
    Dollar Cost Averaging................................................. A-22
    Surrenders............................................................ A-22
    Systematic Withdrawals................................................ A-23
    Loan Provision for Certain Tax Benefited Retirement Plans............. A-23
    Disability Benefit Rider.............................................. A-25
    Suspension of Payments................................................ A-25
    Ownership Rights...................................................... A-25
    Requests and Elections................................................ A-26
    Ten Day Right to Review............................................... A-26
ADMINISTRATION CHARGES, CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE AND OTHER
 DEDUCTIONS............................................................... A-26
    Administration Charges................................................ A-26
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge..................................... A-27
    Contingent Deferred Sales Charge...................................... A-27
    Premium Tax Charges................................................... A-29
    Other Expenses........................................................ A-29
    Charges Under Contracts Purchased by Exchanging a Fund I or Preference
     Contract............................................................. A-29
ANNUITY PAYMENTS.......................................................... A-30
    Election of Annuity................................................... A-30
    Annuity Options....................................................... A-30
AMOUNT OF VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS....................................... A-31
    Minimum Annuity Payments.............................................. A-32
    Proof of Age, Sex and Survival........................................ A-32
RETIREMENT PLANS OFFERING FEDERAL TAX BENEFITS............................ A-32
FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS................................................. A-33
    Tax Status of the Company and the Variable Account.................... A-33
    Taxation of the Contracts............................................. A-33
    Special Rules for Annuities Purchased for Annuitants Under Retirement
     Plans Qualifying for Tax Benefited Treatment......................... A-34
    Special Rules for Annuities Used by Individuals or with Plans and
     Trusts Not Qualifying Under the Code for Tax Benefited Treatment..... A-36
    Tax Withholding....................................................... A-37
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
VOTING RIGHTS.............................................................. A-37
DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACTS.................................................. A-37
THE FIXED ACCOUNT.......................................................... A-38
    General Description of the Fixed Account............................... A-38
    Contract Value and Fixed Account Transactions.......................... A-38
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS....................................................... A-39
INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE INFORMATION.......................................... A-40
APPENDIX A: Consumer Tips.................................................. A-42
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
               GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
 
  ACCOUNT--A sub-account of the Variable Account or the Fixed Account.
 
  ACCUMULATION UNIT--An accounting device used to calculate the Contract Value
prior to the Maturity Date.
 
  ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE--The value of an Accumulation Unit, determined as of
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the
Exchange is open. The Accumulation Unit Value of a sub-account reflects the
net investment experience of the underlying Eligible Fund and daily deductions
for the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge and Administration Asset Charge.
 
  ADMINISTRATION ASSET CHARGE--A charge deducted daily from the assets of each
sub-account of the Variable Account to cover the Company's cost of providing
certain administrative services relating to the Contracts and the Variable
Account. On an annualized basis, the charge equals .40% of daily net assets.
 
  ADMINISTRATION CONTRACT CHARGE--A $30 charge deducted annually from the
Contract Value to cover the Company's cost of providing certain administrative
services relating to the Contracts and the Variable Account.
 
  ANNUITANT--The person on whose life the Contract is issued.
 
  ANNUITIZATION--Application of proceeds under the Contract to an annuity
option on the Maturity Date or upon an earlier surrender of the Contract.
 
  ANNUITY UNIT--An accounting device used to calculate the dollar amount of
annuity payments.
 
  BENEFICIARY--The person designated to receive any benefits under a Contract
if the Annuitant dies before the Maturity Date.
 
  CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--A charge deducted upon certain full and
partial surrenders and applications of Contract proceeds to certain annuity
payment options prior to the Maturity Date.
 
  CONTRACT DATE--The date shown as the Contract Date in the Contract.
 
  CONTRACT OWNER--The person so designated in the application or as
subsequently changed.
 
  CONTRACT VALUE--On or before annuitization, the value obtained by
multiplying the number of Accumulation Units credited to the Contract by the
appropriate current Accumulation Unit Value. Under Contracts that permit
Contract loans, the Contract Value also includes the amount of Contract Value
transferred to the Company's general account as a result of a loan and any
interest credited on that amount. Under Contracts with the Fixed Account
option, the Contract Value also includes the amount of Contract Value
allocated to the Fixed Account.
 
  CONTRACT YEAR--A twelve month period commencing with the Contract Date and
with each Contract anniversary thereafter.
 
  DEATH PROCEEDS (prior to annuitization)--The amount payable by the Company
prior to annuitization, upon receipt of due proof of death of the Contract
Owner and election of payment. The Death Proceeds are guaranteed to be no less
than the purchase payments made, adjusted for any previous surrenders. The
Death Proceeds will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding Contract loan
plus accrued interest.
 
  DESIGNATED OFFICE--The Company's Designated Office for receipt of purchase
payments, loan repayments, requests and elections, and communications
regarding death of the Annuitant is New England Life Insurance Company,
located at 501 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, (617) 578-2000.
 
  ELIGIBLE FUNDS--The mutual fund portfolios in which the Variable Account
invests. Eligible Funds currently available consist of twelve Series of the
New England Zenith Fund and two portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products
Fund. Purchase payments applied to the Variable Account may be invested in
shares of one or more of these Series and portfolios, as described in
"Investments of the Variable Account." Two additional Series of the New
England Zenith Fund are Eligible Funds for Contracts issued before May 1,
1995. See "Investments of the Variable Account--New England Zenith Fund."
 
  FIXED ACCOUNT--A part of the Company's general account to which net purchase
payments may be allocated under certain Contracts. The Fixed Account provides
guarantees of principal and interest. Special limits apply to transfers of
                                      ------------------------------------
Contract Value to and from the Fixed Account. See "Contract Value and Fixed
- ---------------------------------------------
Account Transactions."
 
  MATURITY DATE--The date on which annuity payments are to commence, as stated
in the application or as subsequently deferred.
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
  MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE--A charge deducted daily from the assets
of each sub-account of the Variable Account to compensate the Company for
assuming certain mortality and expense risks under the Contracts. On an
annualized basis, the charge equals .95% of daily net assets.
 
  NET PURCHASE PAYMENT--A purchase payment, less any premium tax and any
premium for the disability benefit rider, if applicable, deducted before
allocation to the accounts.
 
  PAYEE--Any person or entity entitled to receive payment in one sum or under
an annuity payment option. The term includes (i) an Annuitant, (ii) a
Beneficiary or contingent Beneficiary who becomes entitled to payments upon
death of the Annuitant, and (iii) in the event of surrender or partial
surrender of the Contract, the Contract Owner.
 
  PREMIUM TAX--A tax charged by a state on purchase payments.
 
  PURCHASE PAYMENTS--Amounts paid to the Company for investment in the
Contract.
 
  SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS--A method of distributing your Contract Value which
involves a series of partial surrenders.
 
  TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW--Within 10 days of your receipt of an issued
Contract you may return it to the Company or its agent for cancellation. Upon
cancellation of the Contract, the Company will refund all your purchase
payments (or, if required by state law, the Contract Value plus any premium
taxes deducted from the purchase payments).
 
  VARIABLE ACCOUNT--A separate investment account of the Company designated as
The New England Variable Account. The Variable Account is divided into sub-
accounts, each of which invests in shares of one of the Eligible Funds.
 
  VARIABLE ANNUITY--An annuity providing for payments varying in amount in
accordance with the investment experience of the assets of a separate
investment account.
 
                                  HIGHLIGHTS
 
  This prospectus describes Contracts under which net purchase payments are
allocated to the Variable Account. If the Fixed Account is available under
your Contract, you may allocate net purchase payments or transfer all or part
of your Contract Value to that account. For a description of the Fixed
Account, the rules regarding transactions which involve the Fixed Account
(such as special restrictions on transfers of Contract Value to and from the
         -------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed Account), and the way in which the Fixed Account affects the Contract
- -------------
Value, see "The Fixed Account." You should review "The Fixed Account"
carefully before allocating purchase payments or Contract Value to that
account.
 
TAX DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITIES:
 
  Taxation of earnings under variable annuities is generally deferred until
amounts are withdrawn or distributions are made. The deferral of taxes on
earnings under variable annuities is designed to encourage long-term personal
savings and supplemental retirement plans.
 
THE CONTRACT:
 
  The Zenith Accumulator is a variable annuity that provides for variable
payments to commence at the Maturity Date. The Contract Owner may, however,
surrender the Contract and apply the proceeds to an annuity payment option at
an earlier date. Annuity payments generally are made on a monthly basis and
will vary in amount according to the annuity payment option selected and the
investment results of the underlying Eligible Fund(s). (See "Annuity
Payments.") Contracts issued since August 30, 1996 are issued by the Company.
Contracts issued before August 30, 1996 were issued by The New England. See
"The Merger of The New England Into the Company."
 
PURCHASE PAYMENTS:
 
  Under current rules, the minimum initial purchase payment for flexible
payment Contracts issued in connection with tax-benefited retirement plans
other than individual retirement accounts under Section 408(a) of the Code or
individual retirement annuities under Section 408(b) of the Code (both
referred to as "IRAs") is $50. For flexible payment Contracts issued in
connection with IRAs, the Company currently requires a minimum initial
purchase payment of $2,000, although the Company requires a minimum initial
payment of $100 if monthly payments are to be withdrawn from your bank
checking account or TNE Cash Management Account, a service known as the Master
Service Account arrangement ("MSA"). For all other flexible payment Contracts,
the minimum initial purchase payment is $5,000, although the Company requires
a minimum initial payment of $100 if monthly payments are to be made through
MSA. The Company may consent to lower initial purchase payments in certain
situations. Additional purchase payments must be at least $25, although the
Company currently requires minimum additional purchase payments to be at least
$50 if they are made through a group billing arrangement (also known as a
"list-bill" arrangement) and $100 per month if they are made through MSA. The
Company reserves the right to limit the amount of purchase payments in any
Contract Year. Except with the consent of the Company, the minimum purchase
payment for a single payment Contract is $2,000 for Contracts issued in
connection with IRAs and $5,000 for all other Contracts, and the maximum
purchase payment for a single payment Contract is $1,000,000. (See "Purchase
Payments.")
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
OWNERSHIP:
 
  The Contracts may be purchased and owned by the Annuitant, the employer, a
trust, a custodian or any entity specified in an eligible employee benefit
plan, except that where a Contract is issued under Section 408(b) or,
generally, under Section 403(b) of the Code, the Contract Owner must be the
Annuitant. The Contracts are currently intended for use with the following
retirement plans which offer Federal tax benefits; plans qualified under
Section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code ("Qualified Plans"), certain annuity
plans under Section 403(b) of the Code ("TSA Plans"), IRAs, simplified
employee pension plans and salary reduction simplified employee pension plans
under Section 408(k) of the Code ("SEPs" and "SARSEPs"), eligible deferred
compensation plans under Section 457 of the Code ("Section 457 Plans"), and
governmental plans within the meaning of Section 414(d) of the Code
("Governmental Plans"). See "Retirement Plans Offering Federal Tax Benefits."
The Contracts are only available on a limited basis to plans qualified under
Section 401(k) of the Code and are no longer being offered to TSA Plans
subject to ERISA. See "Retirement Plans Offering Federal Tax Benefits."
 
  The Company relies on instructions from trustees and custodians who, as
Contract Owners, may exercise certain rights under the Contracts on behalf of
plan participants. In any event, references to "you" in this prospectus refer
to the Contract Owner or to plan participants who may be entitled to instruct
their trustee or custodian with regard to the exercise of these rights. (See
"Ownership Rights.")
 
INVESTMENT OPTIONS:
 
  You may allocate net purchase payments to the Eligible Funds or to the Fixed
Account (if available under your Contract). Your Contract Value may be
distributed among no more than 10 accounts (including the Fixed Account) at
any time.
 
  You may change the Eligible Fund(s) in which you invest future purchase
payments. It is the Company's position that, under current tax law, you may
also transfer Contract Value between Eligible Funds without incurring federal
income tax consequences. (See "Requests and Elections" and "Transfer
Privilege.") Currently the Company allows 12 transfers free of charge per
Contract Year prior to annuitization. Additional transfers are subject to a
charge of $10 per transfer. After variable annuity payments begin, you may
make one transfer per year without the consent of the Company. The amount of
Contract Value transferred must be a minimum of $25 (or, if less, the amount
of Contract Value held in the sub-account from which the transfer is made).
Special limits apply to transfers of Contract Value to and from the Fixed
Account. See "The Fixed Account" for a description of transfers involving that
account.
 
CHARGES:
 
  No sales charges are deducted from purchase payments before they are
invested in the Contract. In certain states, applicable state premium taxes
are deducted from purchase payments. Where state law requires, the Company
deducts premium taxes from Contract Value at the date annuity payments
commence. (See "Premium Tax Charges.") As compensation for its assumption of
mortality and expense risks, the Company deducts an amount equal to an annual
rate of .95% of the daily net assets of the Variable Account. The Company
deducts an amount equal to an annual rate of .40% of the daily net assets of
the Variable Account for administrative expenses and also imposes an annual
administrative charge of $30 against each Contract.
 
  A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be imposed on certain full and
partial surrenders and applications of proceeds to certain annuity payment
options prior to the Maturity Date. (See "Administration Charges, Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge and Other Deductions.") In no event will the total
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge exceed 8% of the first $50,000 of purchase
payments made under the Contract and 6.5% of the amount of purchase payments
in excess of $50,000.
 
TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW:
 
  Within 10 days (or more where required by applicable state insurance law) of
your receipt of a Contract you may return it to the Company at its Designated
Office for cancellation. The Company will refund all purchase payments made
under the Contract (or, if required by state law or regulation, the Contract
Value plus any premium taxes deducted from the purchase payments). (See "Ten
Day Right to Review.")
 
PAYMENT ON DEATH PRIOR TO ANNUITIZATION:
 
  The Contract provides a payment to the Beneficiary if the Annuitant dies
prior to annuitization. The amount provided to the Beneficiary is guaranteed
not to be less than the purchase payments made under the Contract (adjusted
for previous surrenders and reduced by any outstanding Contract loan balance).
(See "'Payment on Death Prior to Annuitization.")
 
SURRENDERS:
 
  Surrenders of the Contract for all or a portion of the Contract Value are
generally permitted upon written request at any time prior to annuitization so
long as, after a partial surrender, the remaining Contract Value is at least
$500. (See
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
"Surrenders." Special rules apply if the Contract is subject to a loan.) The
Federal tax laws impose penalties upon, and in some cases prohibit, certain
premature distributions from the Contracts before or after the date on which
the annuity payments are to begin. (See "Federal Income Tax Status.") A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be imposed in connection with certain
Contract surrenders and applications of proceeds to certain annuity payment
options prior to the Maturity Date. Up to 10% of the Contract Value may be
surrendered without sales charge in any one Contract Year. (See
"Administration Charges, Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Other
Deductions" for more information.)
 
THE MERGER OF THE NEW ENGLAND INTO THE COMPANY:
 
  On August 30, 1996, The New England merged with and into the Company. Upon
consummation of the merger, The New England's separate corporate existence
ceased by operation of law, and the Company assumed legal ownership of all of
the assets of The New England, including the Account and its assets. As a
result of the merger, the Company also has become responsible for all of The
New England's liabilities and obligations, including those created under
Contracts initially issued by The New England and outstanding on the date of
the merger. Such Contracts have thereby become variable contracts funded by a
separate account of the Company, and each owner thereof has become a
contractholder of the Company. The Company does not expect the merger to have
any adverse tax consequences on owners of Contracts originally issued by The
New England. See "The Company" for more information.
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                 EXPENSE TABLE
 
                               VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>
CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES(1)
    Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of
     purchase payments)....................................          0%
    Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(2) (as a        8% of first $50,000
     percentage of total purchase payments)................    6.5% of excess
    Transfer Fee(3)........................................          $ 0
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE
    Administration Contract Charge (per Contract)(4).......          $30
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES(5)
(as percentage of average net assets)
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge......................         .95%
    Administration Asset Charge............................         .40%
                                                             -------------------
        Total Separate Account Annual Expenses.............         1.35%
</TABLE>
 
                            NEW ENGLAND ZENITH FUND
 
OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS AFTER CURRENT EXPENSE CAP OR EXPENSE
DEFERRAL)(6)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          LOOMIS                                          LOOMIS
                          SAYLES                   ALGER                  SAYLES    DAVIS     WESTPEAK
                           SMALL     DRAYCOTT     EQUITY      CAPITAL     AVANTI   VENTURE     GROWTH
                            CAP    INTERNATIONAL  GROWTH      GROWTH      GROWTH    VALUE    AND INCOME
                          SERIES   EQUITY SERIES  SERIES      SERIES      SERIES    SERIES     SERIES
                         --------- ------------- --------- ------------- -------- ---------- ----------
<S>                      <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>      <C>        <C>
Management Fee..........   1.00%        .90%       .75%        .64%        .70%      .75%       .70%
Other Expenses..........      0%        .40%       .15%        .06%        .15%      .15%       .15%
                           -----       -----       ----        ----        ----      ----       ----
  Total Series Operating
   Expenses.............   1.00%       1.30%       .90%        .70%        .85%      .90%       .85%
<CAPTION>
                                                              SALOMON
                                                             BROTHERS    BACK BAY  SALOMON    BACK BAY
                         WESTPEAK     LOOMIS     BACK BAY    STRATEGIC   ADVISORS  BROTHERS   ADVISORS
                           STOCK      SAYLES     ADVISORS      BOND        BOND      U.S.      MONEY
                           INDEX     BALANCED     MANAGED  OPPORTUNITIES  INCOME  GOVERNMENT   MARKET
                         SERIES(7)    SERIES     SERIES(7)    SERIES      SERIES    SERIES     SERIES
                         --------- ------------- --------- ------------- -------- ---------- ----------
<S>                      <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>      <C>        <C>
Management Fee..........    .25%        .70%       .50%        .65%        .40%      .55%       .35%
Other Expenses..........    .15%        .15%       .14%        .20%        .15%      .15%       .15%
                           -----       -----       ----        ----        ----      ----       ----
  Total Series Operating
   Expenses.............    .40%        .85%       .64%        .85%        .55%      .70%       .50%
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
EXAMPLE (NOTE: The examples shown below are entirely hypothetical. Although
they are based on the expenses shown in the expense table above, the examples
are not representations of past or future performance or expenses. Actual
performance and/or expenses may be more or less than shown.(8)) For purchase
payments allocated to each of the Series indicated
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
You would pay the following direct and indirect
 expenses on a $1,000 purchase payment assuming
 1) 5% annual return on the underlying Series
 and 2) that a contingent deferred sales charge
 would apply at the end of each time period
 because you either surrender your Contract or
 elect to annuitize under a non-life contingency 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
 option:                                         ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
  Loomis Sayles Small Cap....................... $85.05 $130.43 $177.55 $292.03
  Draycott International Equity.................  87.87  138.88  191.68  320.73
  Alger Equity Growth...........................  84.11  127.59  172.79  282.24
  Capital Growth................................  82.23  121.89  163.20  262.36
  Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth...................  83.64  126.17  170.41  277.31
  Davis Venture Value...........................  84.11  127.59  172.79  282.24
  Westpeak Growth and Income....................  83.64  126.17  170.41  277.31
  Westpeak Stock Index..........................  79.40  113.26  148.61  231.70
  Loomis Sayles Balanced........................  83.64  126.17  170.41  277.31
  Back Bay Advisors Managed.....................  81.66  120.17  160.30  256.31
  Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities.  83.64  126.17  170.41  277.31
  Back Bay Advisors Bond Income.................  80.81  117.58  155.94  247.16
  Salomon Brothers U.S. Government..............  82.23  121.89  163.20  262.36
  Back Bay Advisors Money Market................  80.34  116.14  153.50  242.03
<CAPTION>
You would pay the following direct and indirect
 expenses on a $1,000 purchase payment assuming
 1) 5% annual return on the underlying Series
 and 2) that no contingent deferred sales charge
 would apply at the end of each time period
 because you either do not surrender your
 Contract or you elect to annuitize under a      1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
 variable life contingency option(9):            ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
  Loomis Sayles Small Cap....................... $25.13 $ 77.24 $131.90 $280.59
  Draycott International Equity.................  28.13   86.17  146.71  309.63
  Alger Equity Growth...........................  24.13   74.24  126.91  270.69
  Capital Growth................................  22.13   68.22  116.86  250.57
  Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth...................  23.63   72.74  124.41  265.70
  Davis Venture Value...........................  24.13   74.24  126.91  270.69
  Westpeak Growth and Income....................  23.63   72.74  124.41  265.70
  Westpeak Stock Index..........................  19.12   59.11  101.57  219.56
  Loomis Sayles Balanced........................  23.63   72.74  124.41  265.70
  Back Bay Advisors Managed.....................  21.53   66.40  113.82  244.45
  Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities.  23.63   72.74  124.41  265.70
  Back Bay Advisors Bond Income.................  20.62   63.67  109.25  235.20
  Salomon Brothers U.S. Government..............  22.13   68.22  116.86  250.57
  Back Bay Advisors Money Market................  20.12   62.15  106.69  230.01
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
                       VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
 
OPERATING EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)(10)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        EQUITY-
                                                             OVERSEAS   INCOME
                                                             PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO
                                                             --------- ---------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
Management Fee..............................................   .76%      .51%
Other Expenses..............................................   .15%      .10%
                                                               ----      ----
  Total Portfolio Operating Expenses........................   .91%      .61%
</TABLE>
 
EXAMPLE (NOTE: The examples shown below are entirely hypothetical. Although
they are based on the expenses shown in the expense table above, the examples
are not representations of past or future performance or expenses. Actual
performance and/or expenses may be more or less than shown.(11)) For purchase
payments allocated to each of the Portfolios indicated
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
You would pay the following direct and indirect
 expenses on a $1,000 purchase payment assuming
 1) 5% annual return on the underlying
 Portfolio and 2) that a contingent deferred
 sales charge would apply at the end of each
 time period because you either surrender your
 Contract or elect to annuitize under a non-     1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
 life contingency option:                        ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
  Overseas Portfolio...........................  $84.20 $127.87 $173.27 $283.23
  Equity-Income Portfolio......................   81.38  119.30  158.85  253.27
<CAPTION>
You would pay the following direct and indirect
 expenses on a $1,000 purchase payment assuming
 1) 5% annual return on the underlying
 Portfolio and 2) that no contingent deferred
 sales charge would apply at the end of each
 time period because you either do not
 surrender your Contract or you elect to
 annuitize under a variable life contingency     1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
 option(12):                                     ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
  Overseas Portfolio...........................  $24.23 $ 74.54 $127.41 $271.69
  Equity-Income Portfolio......................   21.23   65.49  112.30  241.38
</TABLE>
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
 
- --------
NOTES:
 (1) Premium tax charges are not shown. The amount of premium tax, if any, is
     deducted from purchase payments or, in any state which so requires, from
     the Contract Value on the date of annuitization. Currently, the Company
     deducts premium tax from purchase payments in two states and at
     annuitization in one state. (See "Premium Tax Charges.")
 (2) Although the Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is expressed here
     as a percentage of purchase payments, ordinarily any applicable
     Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be calculated as a percentage of
     Contract Value. No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will apply after a
     Contract reaches its Maturity Date and, prior to the Maturity Date, up to
     10% of the Contract Value may be surrendered in any one Contract Year
     without charge. The maximum possible charge, as a percentage of Contract
     Value, occurs in the first Contract Year. As a percentage of Contract
     Value, the applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge reduces after each
     Contract Year to 0% by the eleventh Contract Year. In no event will the
     total Contingent Deferred Sales Charge exceed 8% of the first $50,000 of
     purchase payments made under the Contract and 6.5% of the amount of
     purchase payments in excess of $50,000. (See "Contingent Deferred Sales
     Charge.")
 (3) The Company currently charges $10 for each transfer in excess of twelve
     per Contract Year, and reserves the right to impose a charge of $10 on
     each transfer in excess of four per year.
 (4) This charge is not imposed after annuitization of the Contract. As a
     percentage of the average Contract Value in the Variable Account, this
     fee equals .13%, based on an average Contract Value of approximately
     $22,521 over the period from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1995.
 (5) These charges are not imposed after annuitization if annuity payments are
     made on a fixed basis.
 (6) For each of these Series other than the Capital Growth Series, Total
     Series Operating Expenses are based on the amount of such expenses
     applied against assets at December 31, 1995, after giving effect to a
     voluntary expense cap or expense deferral in effect for 1996. For the
     Loomis Sayles Small Cap Series, Total Series Operating Expenses take into
     account a voluntary cap on expenses by TNE Advisers, Inc. ("TNE
     Advisers"), the Series' investment adviser, which will bear all expenses
     that exceed 1.00% of average daily net assets. In the absence of this cap
     or any other expense reimbursement arrangement, Total Series Operating
     Expenses for the Loomis Sayles Small Cap Series for the year ended
     December 31, 1995 would have been 1.91%. Total Series Operating Expenses
     for the Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth, Westpeak Growth and Income, Westpeak
     Stock Index, Back Bay Advisors Managed, Back Bay Advisors Bond Income and
     Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series are after giving effect to a
     voluntary expense cap. For each of these Series, TNE Advisers will bear
     those expenses (other than the management fee) that exceed 0.15% of
     average daily net assets. Without this cap or any other expense
     reimbursement arrangement, Total Series Operating Expenses for the Loomis
     Sayles Avanti Growth, Westpeak Growth and Income, Westpeak Stock Index
     and Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series for the year ending December
     31, 1995 would have been 1.06%, 1.06%, .54% and .51%, respectively. For
     the six other Series shown, the Total Series Operating Expenses are after
     giving effect to a voluntary expense deferral. Under the deferral,
     expenses which exceed a certain limit are paid by TNE Advisers in the
     year in which they are incurred and transferred to the Series in a future
     year when actual expenses of the Series are below the limit. The limit on
     expenses for each of these Series is: 1.30% of average daily net assets
     for the Draycott International Equity Series; .90% of average daily net
     assets for the Alger Equity Growth and Davis Venture Value Series; .85%
     of average daily net assets for the Loomis Sayles Balanced and Salomon
     Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities Series; and .70% of average daily
     net assets for the Salomon Brothers U.S. Government Series. Absent the
     expense deferral, Total Series Operating Expenses for these Series for
     the year ended December 31, 1995 would have been: 3.12% for the Draycott
     International Equity Series, 2.45% for Alger Equity Growth Series, 1.51%
     for Davis Venture Value Series, 1.85% for Loomis Sayles Balanced Series,
     2.44% for Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities Series and 2.90%
     for Salomon Brothers U.S. Government Series. The expense cap and deferral
     arrangements are voluntary and may be terminated at any time. (See
     attached prospectus of New England Zenith Fund for more complete
     information.)
 (7) The Back Bay Advisors Managed Series and Westpeak Stock Index Series are
     not Eligible Funds for Contracts purchased after May 1, 1995.
 (8) In these examples, the average Administration Contract Charge of .13% has
     been used. (See (4), above.)
 (9) The same would apply if you elect to annuitize under a fixed life
     contingency option unless your Contract has been in effect less than five
     years, in which case the expenses shown in the first three columns of the
     preceding example would apply. (See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.")
 
                                     A-10
<PAGE>
 
(10) Total Portfolio Operating Expenses for the Variable Insurance Products
     Portfolios are based on the amount of such expenses incurred during the
     most recent fiscal year applied against assets at December 31, 1995. (See
     prospectus of Variable Insurance Products Fund for more complete
     information.)
(11) In these examples, the average Administration Contract Charge of .13% has
     been used. (See (4), above.)
(12) The same would apply if you elect to annuitize under a fixed life
     contingency option unless your Contract has been in effect less than five
     years, in which case the expenses shown in the first three columns of the
     preceding example would apply. (See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.")
 
  The preceding table lists the charges and expenses incurred with respect to
purchase payments invested under the Contracts. The items listed include
charges deducted from purchase payments, charges assessed against Variable
Account assets, and charges deducted from the assets of each of the Eligible
Funds. The examples assume that the entire purchase payment was allocated
initially to a single sub-account without any subsequent transfers. The
purpose of the table is to assist you in understanding the various costs and
expenses you will bear, directly and indirectly, as a Contract Owner.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                     A-11
<PAGE>
 
                           ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES
 
         (FOR AN ACCUMULATION UNIT OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD)
 
                       THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   LOOMIS                DRAYCOTT                                                  ALGER
                   SAYLES              INTERNATIONAL                                              EQUITY              CAPITAL
                  SMALL CAP               EQUITY                 OVERSEAS                         GROWTH               GROWTH
                    SUB-                   SUB-                    SUB-                            SUB-                 SUB-
                   ACCOUNT                ACCOUNT                ACCOUNT                          ACCOUNT             ACCOUNT
                  ---------            -------------            ----------                       ---------            --------
                   5/2/94*    1/1/95     10/31/94*     1/1/95    10/1/93*    1/1/94     1/1/95   10/31/94*   1/1/95   9/16/88*
                     TO         TO          TO           TO         TO         TO         TO        TO         TO        TO
                  12/31/94   12/31/95    12/31/94     12/31/95   12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95  12/31/94   12/31/95  12/31/88
                  --------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------
<S>               <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value
   at beginning
   of period....      1.000      0.959       1.000        1.024      1.458      1.532      1.538     1.000      0.956   4.645
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......      0.959      1.219       1.024        1.073      1.532      1.538      1.664     0.956      1.402   4.612
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......  2,988,971 13,533,326   2,916,120   11,062,106 10,878,551 43,034,544 41,273,183 1,857,319 24,163,685 439,393
<CAPTION>
                   1/1/89     1/1/90     1/1/91     1/1/92     1/1/93     1/1/94     1/1/95
                     TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO
                  12/31/89   12/31/90   12/31/91   12/31/92   12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95
                  --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>               <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value
   at beginning
   of period....      4.612      5.950      5.666      8.608      7.978      9.050      8.298
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......      5.950      5.666      8.608      7.978      9.050      8.298     11.300
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......  5,337,778 12,591,788 21,719,884 33,645,983 40,091,665 43,592,961 41,663,900
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   LOOMIS
                   SAYLES                           DAVIS               WESTPEAK
                   AVANTI                          VENTURE               GROWTH                          EQUITY-
                   GROWTH                           VALUE              AND INCOME                        INCOME
                    SUB-                            SUB-                  SUB-                            SUB-
                   ACCOUNT                         ACCOUNT              ACCOUNT                          ACCOUNT
                  ---------                       ---------            ----------                       ---------
                  10/1/93*    1/1/94     1/1/95   10/31/94*   1/1/95    10/1/93*    1/1/94     1/1/95   10/1/93*    1/1/94
                     TO         TO         TO        TO         TO         TO         TO         TO        TO         TO
                  12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95  12/31/94   12/31/95   12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95  12/31/93   12/31/94
                  --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S>               <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value
   at beginning
   of period....      1.125      1.137      1.119     1.000      0.963     1.105       1.132      1.103     1.980      1.992
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......      1.137      1.119      1.439     0.963      1.323     1.132       1.103      1.486     1.992      2.104
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......  4,515,611 15,572,344 19,773,057 3,499,719 19,608,688 3,359,317  16,092,325 21,168,965 5,649,743 25,852,849
<CAPTION>
                             WESTPEAK
                               STOCK
                               INDEX
                               SUB-
                             ACCOUNT**
                             ---------
                    1/1/95    8/1/92*    1/1/93     1/1/94     1/1/95
                      TO        TO         TO         TO         TO
                   12/31/95  12/31/92   12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95
                  ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>               <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value
   at beginning
   of period....       2.104     1.592      1.644      1.780      1.775
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......       2.804     1.644      1.780      1.775      2.398
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......  38,010,655 2,583,607 11,017,884 14,282,355 15,539,608
</TABLE>
 
- -----
 * Date these sub-accounts were first available.
** These sub-accounts are only available through Contracts purchased prior to
   May 1, 1995.
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   LOOMIS              BACK BAY
                   SAYLES              ADVISORS
                  BALANCED              MANAGED
                    SUB-                 SUB-
                   ACCOUNT             ACCOUNT**
                  ---------            ---------
                  10/31/94    1/1/95   9/21/88*   1/1/89     1/1/90     1/1/91     1/1/92     1/1/93     1/1/94     1/1/95
                     TO         TO        TO        TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO
                  12/31/94   12/31/95  12/31/88  12/31/89   12/31/90   12/31/91   12/31/92   12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95
                  --------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>               <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   beginning of
   period.......      1.000      0.997    1.042      1.063      1.250      1.272      1.508      1.588      1.733      1.691
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......      0.997      1.227    1.063      1.250      1.272      1.508      1.588      1.733      1.691      2.190
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......  1,736,189 10,987,597  731,349  9,179,207 18,099,540 26,478,398 41,588,546 60,696,659 61,961,278 56,145,463
<CAPTION>
                     SALOMON
                    BROTHERS
                    STRATEGIC
                      BOND
                  OPPORTUNITIES
                      SUB-
                     ACCOUNT
                  -------------
                    10/31/94*
                       TO       1/1/95 TO
                    12/31/94    12/31/95
                  ------------- ---------
<S>               <C>           <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   beginning of
   period.......        1.000       0.984
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......        0.984       1.159
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......    1,124,133   6,132,563
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  BACK BAY                                                                              SALOMON
                  ADVISORS                                                                              BROTHERS
                    BOND                                                                                  U.S.
                   INCOME                                                                              GOVERNMENT
                    SUB-                                                                                  SUB-
                  ACCOUNT                                                                               ACCOUNT
                  --------                                                                             ----------
                  10/5/88*  1/1/89     1/1/90     1/1/91     1/1/92     1/1/93     1/1/94     1/1/95   10/31/94*
                     TO       TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO     1/1/95 TO
                  12/31/88 12/31/89   12/31/90   12/31/91   12/31/92   12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95   12/31/94  12/31/95
                  -------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S>               <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   beginning of
   period.......    1.630      1.634      1.810      1.930      2.247      2.398      2.664      2.540    1.000       1.004
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......    1.634      1.810      1.930      2.247      2.398      2.664      2.540      3.037    1.004       1.139
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......  299,002  4,287,540 10,139,527 17,797,335 28,871,719 41,939,487 41,657,182 42,231,987  910,020   4,495,184
<CAPTION>
                  BACK BAY
                  ADVISORS
                   MONEY
                   MARKET
                    SUB-
                  ACCOUNT
                  --------
                  9/29/88*  1/1/89     1/1/90     1/1/91     1/1/92     1/1/93     1/1/94     1/1/95
                     TO       TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO         TO
                  12/31/88 12/31/89   12/31/90   12/31/91   12/31/92   12/31/93   12/31/94   12/31/95
                  -------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S>               <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
1. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   beginning of
   period.......    1.384      1.408      1.518      1.620      1.697      1.738      1.766      1.811
2. Accumulation
   Unit Value at
   end of
   period.......    1.408      1.518      1.620      1.697      1.738      1.766      1.811      1.889
3. Number of
   Accumulation
   Units
   outstanding
   at end of
   period.......  915,605  7,661,069 21,629,006 26,322,938 26,759,532 25,016,975 30,220,356 33,015,018
</TABLE>
- ----
 *Date these sub-accounts were first available.
**These sub-accounts are only available through Contracts purchased prior to
 May 1, 1995.
  Information on units and unit values is useful because they affect the
calculation of Contract Values. The value of a Contract is determined by
multiplying the number of Accumulation Units in each sub-account credited to
the Contract by the Accumulation Unit Value of the sub-account. The
Accumulation Unit Value of a sub-account depends in part on the net investment
experience of the Eligible Fund in which it invests. See "Contract Value and
Accumulation Unit Value" for more information.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
 
                             HOW THE CONTRACT WORKS
 
   PURCHASE PAYMENT                                       DAILY DEDUCTION FROM
                                                                 ASSETS
  . You can make a               CONTRACT VALUE          
    one-time                                              . Mortality and     
    investment or             . Payments are                expense risk      
    establish an                allocated to your           charge of 0.95% on
    ongoing investment          choice, within              an annual basis is
    program.                    limits, of                  deducted from the 
                                Eligible Funds              Contract Value    
                                and/or the Fixed            daily.             
                                Account.                                      
                                                          . Administration    
                              . The Contract Value          Asset Charge of   
   CHARGES FROM PAYMENT         reflects purchase           0.40% on annual   
                                payments,                   basis is deducted 
  . Premium tax                 investment                  from the Contract 
    charge may                  experience,                 Value daily.       
    apply.                      interest payments,  
                                partial                   . Investment        
  . Premium for                 surrenders, loans           advisory fees are 
    disability                  and Contract                deducted from the 
    benefit rider,              charges.                    Eligible Fund     
    if elected.                                             Values daily.      
                              . The Contract Value                            
                                invested in the                               
                                Eligible Fund is           ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE 
                                not guaranteed.                                
                                                          . $30 Administration 
                              . Earnings are                Contract Charge is 
  ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS           accumulated free            deducted from the  
                                of any current              Contract Value on  
  . Anytime                     income taxes (see           each anniversary   
    (subject to                 page A-33).                 while Contract is  
    Company                                                 in-force, other    
    limits).                  . You may change the          than under an      
                                allocation of               annuity payment    
  . Minimum $25.                future payments,            option. A pro rata 
                                within limits, at           portion is         
                                any time.                   deducted on full   
                                                            surrender and at   
                              . Prior to                    annuitization.     
                                annuitization, you  
         LOANS                  may transfer                                 
                                Contract Value             SURRENDER CHARGE   
  . Are available               among accounts,                               
    to participants             within limits, up         . Consists of       
    of certain tax              to twelve times             Contingent        
    qualified                   per Contract Year           Deferred Sales    
    pension plans               without charge              Charge (see page  
    (see page A-                (special limits             A-27).           
    23).                        apply to transfers  
                                of Contract Value   
                                to and from the     
                                Fixed Account).      
                         
                              . Allocations of               
                                payments and                PREMIUM TAX CHARGE 
      SURRENDERS                transfers of                                   
                                Contract Value            . Where applicable,  
  . Up to 10% of                must comply with            is deducted from   
    Contract Value              the rule that               purchase payments  
    can be surren-              Contract Value may          (currently in      
    dered each year             be allocated among          Kentucky and South 
    without                     no more than ten            Dakota) or from    
    incurring                   accounts,                   Contract Value     
    surrender                   including the               when annuity       
    charges,                    Fixed Account, at           payments commence  
    subject to any              any time.                   (currently in      
    applicable tax                                          North Carolina).    
    law restrictions.                                                       
                                                                            
  . Surrenders                                                              
    will be                                                                 
    taxable.                 RETIREMENT BENEFITS 
                                                            ADDITIONAL BENEFITS 
  . Prior to age             . Lifetime income                               
    59 1/2 a 10%               options.                   . You pay no taxes   
    penalty tax                                             on your investment 
    may apply.               . Fixed and/or                 as long as it      
                               variable payout              remains in the     
                               options.                     Contract.           
 
    DEATH PROCEEDS           . Premium tax charge         . Contract may be
                               may apply.                   surrendered at any
  . Guaranteed not                                          time for its
    to be less                                              Contract Value,
    than your                                               less any
    total                                                   applicable
    contribution                                            Contingent
    to your                                                 Deferred Sales
    Contract net                                            Charge (subject to
    of any prior                                            any applicable tax
    surrenders and                                          law restrictions).
    outstanding                                             
    loans.                                                . If the Contract    
                                                            contains the      
  . Death proceeds                                          disability benefit
    pass to the                                             rider and the     
    beneficiary                                             Annuitant becomes 
    without                                                 totally disabled, 
    probate.                                                monthly benefits  
                                                            will be provided.  

 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
  The Company is a mutual life insurance company whose principal office is at
One Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010. The Company was organized in 1866
under the laws of the State of New York and has engaged in the life insurance
business under its present name since 1868. It operates as a life insurance
company in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and all
provinces of Canada. The Company has over $177 billion in assets under
management.
 
  Contracts issued before August 30, 1996 were issued by The New England. On
August 30, 1996, The New England merged with and into the Company, which
thereby acquired the Variable Account and assumed the liabilities and
obligations under the Contracts outstanding on that date.
 
  New England Life Insurance Company ("NELICO"), which was a subsidiary of The
New England and became a subsidiary of the Company as a result of the Merger,
provides administrative services for the Contracts and the Variable Account
pursuant to an administrative services agreement with the Company. These
administrative services include maintenance of Contract Owner records and
accounting, valuation, regulatory and reporting services. NELICO, located at
501 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, is the Company's Designated
Office for receipt of Purchase Payments, loan repayments, requests and
elections, and communications regarding death of the Annuitant, as further
described below.
 
                             THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
  The Variable Account was established by The New England as a separate
investment account pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts law on July 15,
1987, and is registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. The Variable Account became a separate account of the
Company, subject to New York law, pursuant to the merger of The New England
with and into the Company. The Variable Account meets the definition of a
"separate account" under Federal securities laws.
 
  Applicable law provides that the assets in the Variable Account equal to the
reserves and other contract liabilities of the Variable Account shall not be
chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business the Company may
conduct. The Company believes this means that the assets of the Variable
Account equal to its reserves and other contract liabilities are not available
to meet the claims of the Company's general creditors and may only be used to
support the Contract Values under the Contracts. The income and realized and
unrealized capital gains or losses of the Variable Account are credited to or
charged against the Variable Account without regard to other income, gains or
losses of the Company. All obligations arising under the Contracts are,
however, general corporate obligations of the Company.
 
  Purchase payments are allocated within the Variable Account to one or more
of the sub-accounts as you elect. The value of Accumulation Units credited to
your Contract and the amount of the variable annuity payments depend on the
investment experience of the Eligible Fund(s) that you select. The Company
does not guarantee the investment performance of the Variable Account. Thus,
you bear the full investment risk for all amounts contributed to the Variable
Account.
 
                      INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
  Purchase payments applied to the Variable Account will be invested in one or
more of the Eligible Funds listed below, at net asset value without deduction
of any sales charge, in accordance with the selection you make in your
application. You may change your selection of Eligible Funds for future
purchase payments at any time without charge. (See "Requests and Elections.")
You also may transfer previously invested amounts among the Eligible Funds,
subject to certain conditions. (See "Transfer Privilege.") Your Contract Value
may be distributed among no more than 10 accounts (including the Fixed
Account) at any time. The Company reserves the right to add or remove Eligible
Funds from time to time as investments for the Variable Account. See
"Substitution of Investments."
 
NEW ENGLAND ZENITH FUND: Currently, there are twelve Series of the New England
Zenith Fund that are Eligible Funds under the Contracts offered by this
prospectus. Two additional Series, the Back Bay Advisors Managed Series and
the Westpeak Stock Index Series, described below, are Eligible Funds only for
Contracts issued before May 1, 1995.
 
                                     A-15
<PAGE>
 
LOOMIS SAYLES SMALL CAP SERIES
 
  The Loomis Sayles Small Cap Series seeks long-term capital growth from
investments in common stocks or their equivalent. The Series invests primarily
in stocks of small capitalization companies with good earnings growth
potential that its subadviser believes are undervalued by the market.
Typically, such companies have market capitalization of less than $1 billion,
have better than average growth rates at below average price/earnings ratios,
and have strong balance sheets and cash flows.
 
DRAYCOTT INTERNATIONAL EQUITY SERIES
 
  The Draycott International Equity Series seeks total return from long-term
growth of capital and dividend income, primarily through investment in
international equity securities.
 
ALGER EQUITY GROWTH SERIES
 
  The Alger Equity Growth Series seeks long-term capital appreciation. The
Series' assets will be invested primarily in a diversified, actively managed
portfolio of equity securities, primarily of companies having a total market
capitalization of $1 billion or greater.
 
CAPITAL GROWTH SERIES
 
  The Capital Growth Series seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment primarily in equity securities of companies whose earnings are
expected to grow at a faster rate than the United States economy. Most of the
Capital Growth Series' investments are normally in common stocks.
 
LOOMIS SAYLES AVANTI GROWTH SERIES
 
  The Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth Series seeks long-term growth of capital.
The Series normally will invest primarily in equity securities of companies
with medium and large capitalization (capitalization of $1 billion to $5
billion and over $5 billion, respectively), but will also invest a portion of
its assets in equity securities of companies with relatively small market
capitalization (under $1 billion).
 
DAVIS VENTURE VALUE SERIES (FORMERLY VENTURE VALUE SERIES)
 
  The Davis Venture Value Series seeks growth of capital. The Series will
primarily invest in domestic common stocks that the Series' subadviser
believes have capital growth potential due to factors such as undervalued
assets or earnings potential, product development and demand, favorable
operating ratios, resources for expansion, management abilities,
reasonableness of market price, and favorable overall business prospects. The
Series will generally invest predominantly in equity securities of companies
with market capitalizations of at least $250 million.
 
WESTPEAK GROWTH AND INCOME SERIES (FORMERLY WESTPEAK VALUE GROWTH SERIES)
 
  The Westpeak Growth and Income Series seeks long-term total return (capital
appreciation and dividend income) through investment in equity securities.
Emphasis will be given to both undervalued securities ("value" style) and
securities of companies with growth potential ("growth" style).
 
WESTPEAK STOCK INDEX SERIES
 
  The Westpeak Stock Index Series is an Eligible Fund only for Contracts
issued before May 1, 1995. The Series seeks to provide results that correspond
to the composite price and yield performance of United States publicly traded
common stocks. The Series currently seeks to achieve its objective by
attempting to duplicate the composite price and yield performance of the
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index.
 
LOOMIS SAYLES BALANCED SERIES
 
  The Loomis Sayles Balanced Series seeks reasonable long-term investment
return from a combination of long-term capital appreciation and moderate
current income. The Series is "flexibly managed" in that sometimes it invests
more heavily
 
                                     A-16
<PAGE>
 
in equity securities and at other times it invests more heavily in fixed-
income securities, depending on its subadviser's view of the economic and
investment outlook.
 
BACK BAY ADVISORS MANAGED SERIES
 
  The Back Bay Advisors Managed Series is an Eligible Fund only for Contracts
issued before May 1, 1995. The Series seeks to provide a favorable total
investment return through investment in a diversified portfolio of common
stocks and fixed income securities. These investments will be made in
proportions that the Series' subadviser deems appropriate for an investor who
wishes to invest in a portfolio containing a diversified mix of assets. It is
expected that more often than not the investment portfolio of the Series will
contain a higher proportion of common stocks than of notes and bonds, and a
higher proportion of notes and bonds than of money market instruments.
 
SALOMON BROTHERS STRATEGIC BOND OPPORTUNITIES SERIES
 
  The Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities Series seeks a high level
of total return consistent with preservation of capital. Assets will be
allocated among U.S. Government obligations, mortgage backed securities,
domestic and foreign corporate debt and sovereign debt securities rated
investment grade (BBB or higher by S&P or Baa or higher by Moody's) (or
unrated but deemed to be of equivalent quality in the subadviser's judgment)
and domestic and foreign corporate debt and sovereign debt securities rated
below investment grade. Depending on market conditions, the Series may invest
without limit in below investment grade fixed-income securities. Securities of
below investment grade quality are considered high yield, high risk securities
and are commonly known as "junk bonds."
 
BACK BAY ADVISORS BOND INCOME SERIES
 
  The Back Bay Advisors Bond Income Series seeks to provide a high level of
current income consistent with protection of capital and moderate investment
risk through investment primarily in U.S. Government and corporate bonds.
 
SALOMON BROTHERS U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
 
  The Salomon Brothers U.S. Government Series seeks to provide a high level of
current income consistent with preservation of capital and maintenance of
liquidity. The Series invests primarily in debt obligations (including
mortgage backed securities) issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
agencies, or derivative securities (such as collateralized mortgage
obligations) backed by such securities.
 
BACK BAY ADVISORS MONEY MARKET SERIES
 
  The Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series seeks the highest possible level
of current income consistent with preservation of capital. The Series invests
in a variety of high quality money market instruments.
 
VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND:
OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO
 
  The Overseas Portfolio seeks long-term growth of capital primarily through
investments in foreign securities.
 
EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
 
  The Equity-Income Portfolio seeks reasonable income by investing primarily
in income-producing equity securities.
 
INVESTMENT ADVICE
 
  The Capital Growth Series receives investment advice from Capital Growth
Management Limited Partnership ("CGM"), an affiliate of the Company. TNE
Advisers, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the Company, serves as investment
adviser for the remaining Series of the New England Zenith Fund. Each of these
Series also has a subadviser. The Back Bay Advisors Managed Series, Back Bay
Advisors Bond Income Series and Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series receive
investment subadvisory services from Back Bay Advisors, L.P., an indirect
subsidiary of the Company. The Westpeak Growth and Income Series and Westpeak
Stock Index Series receive investment subadvisory services from Westpeak
Investment Advisors, L.P., an indirect subsidiary of the Company. The Loomis
Sayles Small Cap Series, Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth
 
                                     A-17
<PAGE>
 
Series and Loomis Sayles Balanced Series receive investment subadvisory
services from Loomis Sayles & Company, L.P., an indirect subsidiary of the
Company. The Draycott International Equity Series receives investment
subadvisory services from Draycott Partners, Ltd. The Alger Equity Growth
Series receives investment subadvisory services from Fred Alger Management,
Inc. The Davis Venture Value Series receives investment subadvisory services
from Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. The Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond
Opportunities Series and Salomon Brothers U.S. Government Series receive
investment subadvisory services from Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc.
More complete information on each Series of the New England Zenith Fund is
contained in the attached New England Zenith Fund prospectus, which you should
read carefully before investing, as well as in the New England Zenith Fund's
Statement of Additional Information, which may be obtained free of charge by
writing to New England Securities, 399 Boylston St., Boston, Massachusetts,
02116.
 
  The Overseas Portfolio and the Equity-Income Portfolio receive investment
advice from Fidelity Management & Research Company. More complete information
on the Equity-Income and Overseas Portfolio of the Variable Insurance Products
Fund is contained in the prospectus of that Fund, which you should read
carefully before investing, as well as in the Variable Insurance Products
Fund's Statement of Additional Information, which may be obtained free of
charge by writing to Fidelity Distributors Corporation, 82 Devonshire Street,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02109.
 
SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
 
  If investment in the Eligible Funds or a particular Series or Portfolio is
no longer possible or in the judgment of the Company becomes inappropriate for
the purposes of the Contract, the Company may substitute another Eligible Fund
or Funds without your consent. Substitution may be made with respect to both
existing investments and the investment of future purchase payments. However,
no such substitution will be made without any necessary approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                               GUARANTEED OPTION
 
  Net purchase payments may also be allocated to the Fixed Account option in
states that have approved the Fixed Account option. The Fixed Account is a
part of the Company's general account and provides guarantees of principal and
interest. (See "The Fixed Account" for more information.)
 
                                 THE CONTRACTS
 
  The Contracts provide that purchase payments will be invested by the Company
in the Eligible Fund(s) you select and that, after annuitization, the Company
will make variable annuity payments on a monthly basis, unless you elect
otherwise. You assume the risk of investment gain or loss in that the value of
your Contract before annuitization and, in the case of a variable payment
option, the annuity payments after annuitization will vary with the investment
performance of those Eligible Funds in which your Contract is invested.
 
PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
  Under current rules, the minimum initial purchase payment for flexible
payment Contracts issued in connection with tax-benefited retirement plans
other than individual retirement accounts under Section 408(a) of the Code or
individual retirement annuities under Section 408(b) of the Code (both
referred to as "IRAs") is $50. For flexible payment Contracts issued in
connection with IRAs, the Company currently requires a minimum initial
purchase payment of $2,000, although the Company requires a minimum initial
payment of $100 if monthly payments are to be withdrawn from your bank
checking account or TNE Cash Management Account, a service known as the Master
Service Account arrangement ("MSA"). For all other flexible payment Contracts,
the minimum initial purchase payment is $5,000, although the Company requires
a minimum initial payment of $100 if monthly payments are to be made through
MSA. The Company may consent to lower initial purchase payments in certain
situations. Additional purchase payments must be at least $25, although the
Company currently requires minimum additional purchase payments to be at least
$50 if they are made through a group billing arrangement (also known as a
"list-bill" arrangement) and $100 per month if they are made through MSA. The
Company reserves the right to limit the amount of purchase payments under a
Contract in any Contract Year to three times the anticipated annual
contribution that you specify in your Contract application. The Company
currently limits anticipated annual contributions to $100,000, so that the
maximum amount you may contribute in any Contract Year is $300,000, or three
times your specified anticipated annual contribution, if less. Except with the
consent of the Company, the minimum purchase payment for a single payment
Contract is $2,000 for Contracts issued in connection with IRAs and $5,000 for
all
 
                                     A-18
<PAGE>
 
other Contracts, and the maximum purchase payment for a single payment
contract is $1,000,000. Payments in addition to the required minimum purchase
payment may also be made on a single payment Contract, subject to the minimums
set forth above. The Company reserves the right to limit purchase payments
made in any Contract Year or in total under a single payment Contract.
 
  The Company will determine whether to approve applications for new
Contracts, and will apply initial purchase payments under new Contracts not
later than 2 business days after a completed application (including the
initial purchase payment) is received at the Company's Designated Office. If
an application is not complete upon receipt, the Company will apply the
initial purchase payment not later than 2 business days after it is completed.
If an incomplete application is not completed within 5 days after the Company
receives it, however, the Company will inform the applicant of the reasons for
the delay and will refund any purchase payment unless the applicant consents
to allow the Company to retain the purchase payment until the application is
made complete. The Company reserves the right to reject any application.
 
ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
  Net purchase payments are converted into Accumulation Units of the sub-
accounts you select, subject to the limitation that Contract Value may be
allocated among no more than 10 accounts, including the Fixed Account, at any
time. The number of Accumulation Units of each sub-account to be credited to
the Contract is determined by dividing the net purchase payment by the
Accumulation Unit Value for the selected sub-accounts next determined
following receipt of the purchase payment at the Company's Designated Office
(or, in the case of the initial purchase payment, next determined following
approval of the Contract application). In the case of an initial purchase
payment to be made by exchanging a variable annuity contract issued by New
England Variable Annuity Fund I (a "Fund I contract") or New England
Retirement Investment Account (a "Preference contract"), the payment will be
applied using the Accumulation Unit Value next determined following approval
of the Contract application and receipt of the proceeds of the Fund I or
Preference contract.
 
CONTRACT VALUE AND ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
 
  The value of a Contract is determined by multiplying the number of
Accumulation Units credited to the Contract by the appropriate Accumulation
Unit Values. As described below, the Accumulation Unit Value of each sub-
account depends on the net investment experience of its corresponding Eligible
Fund and reflects fees and expenses borne by the Eligible Fund as well as
charges assessed against sub-account assets. The Accumulation Unit Value of
each sub-account was set at $1.00 on or about the date on which shares of the
corresponding Eligible Fund first became available to investors. The
Accumulation Unit Value is determined as of the close of regular trading on
the New York Stock Exchange on each day during which the Exchange is open for
trading by multiplying the last-determined Accumulation Unit Value by the net
investment factor determined as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on that day. To determine the net investment factor for any sub-
account, the Company takes into account the change in net asset value per
share of the Eligible Fund held in the sub-account as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on that day from the net asset value most recently
determined, the amount of dividends or other distributions made by that
Eligible Fund since the previous determination of net asset value per share,
and daily deductions for the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge and
Administration Asset Charge, equal, on an annual basis, to 1.35% of the
average daily net asset value of the sub-account. The formula for determining
the net investment factor is described under the caption "Net Investment
Factor" in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
  The net investment factor may be greater or less than one, depending in part
upon the investment performance of the Eligible Fund which is the underlying
investment of the sub-account, and you bear this investment risk. The net
investment results are also affected by the deductions from sub-account assets
for the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge and Administration Asset Charge.
 
  Under a Contract with the Fixed Account option, the total Contract Value
includes the amount of Contract Value held in the Fixed Account. Under a
Contract that permits Contract loans, the Contract Value also includes the
amount of Contract Value transferred to the Company's general account (but
outside of the Fixed Account) as a result of a loan and any interest credited
on that amount. Interest earned on the amount held in the general account as a
result of a loan will be credited to the Contract's sub-accounts annually in
accordance with the allocation instructions in effect for purchase payments
under your Contract on the date of the crediting. (See "Loan Provision for
Certain Tax Benefited Retirement Plans.")
 
                                     A-19
<PAGE>
 
PAYMENT ON DEATH PRIOR TO ANNUITIZATION
 
  If the Annuitant dies after annuitization, the amount payable, if any, will
be as specified in the annuity payment option selected. Prior to
annuitization, the Contract's Death Proceeds are payable to the Beneficiary if
the Company receives due proof of death of: (1) the Contract Owner; or (2) the
Annuitant, in the case of a Contract that is not owned in an individual
capacity.
 
  The Contract's Death Proceeds at any time are the greater of: (1) the sum of
all purchase payments adjusted for any partial surrenders; or (2) the current
Contract Value. For this purpose, the current Contract Value is the value next
determined after the later of the date when the Company receives at the
Designated Office: (1) due proof of death; or (2) an election of continuation
of the Contract (if available) or of payment either in one sum or under an
annuity payment option.
 
  Death Proceeds will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding loan plus
accrued interest. (See "Loan Provision for Certain Tax Benefited Retirement
Plans.")
 
OPTIONS FOR DEATH PROCEEDS
 
  The Death Proceeds, reduced by the amount of any outstanding loan plus
accrued interest, will be paid in a lump sum or will be applied to provide one
or more of the fixed or variable methods of payment available. (See "Annuity
Options.") The Contract Owner may elect the form of payment during his or her
lifetime (or during the Annuitant's lifetime, if the Contract is not owned in
an individual capacity). Such an election, particularly in the case of
Contracts issued in connection with retirement plans qualifying for tax
benefited treatment, is subject to any applicable requirements of Federal tax
law. If the Contract Owner has not made such an election, payment will be in a
single sum, unless the Beneficiary elects an annuity payment option within 90
days after receipt by the Company of due proof of the Annuitant's death or
elects to apply the amount payable under the Contract to purchase a new
Contract. Whether and when such an election is made could affect when the
Death Proceeds are deemed to be received under the tax laws.
 
  The Company also intends to make Beneficiary Continuation and Spousal
Continuation provisions available under the Contracts, subject to any
necessary state approvals. Under these provisions, an eligible Beneficiary
would also have the option of continuing the Contract, as further described
below. IF EITHER BENEFICIARY OR SPOUSAL CONTINUATION APPLIES TO A CONTRACT,
AND AN ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARY DOES NOT MAKE AN ELECTION OF CONTINUATION OF THE
CONTRACT OR OF PAYMENT EITHER IN ONE SUM OR UNDER AN ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION
WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER THE COMPANY RECEIVES DUE PROOF OF DEATH, THE CONTRACT
WILL BE CONTINUED UNDER THE APPLICABLE CONTINUATION PROVISION.
 
  For non-tax qualified plans, the Code requires that if the Contract Owner
(or, if applicable, the Annuitant) dies prior to annuitization, the Death
Proceeds must be either: (1) distributed within five years after the date of
death; or (2) applied to a payment option payable over the life (or over a
period not exceeding the life expectancy) of the Beneficiary, provided further
that payments under the payment option must begin within one year of the date
of death. There are comparable rules for distributions on the death of the
Annuitant under tax qualified plans; however, if the Beneficiary under a tax
qualified Contract is the Annuitant's spouse, the Code generally allows
distributions to begin by the year in which the Annuitant would have reached
age 70 1/2 (which may be more or less than five years after the Annuitant's
death). See "Taxation of the Contracts--Special Rules for Annuities Purchased
for Annuitants Under Retirement Plans Qualifying for Tax Benefited Treatment--
Distributions from the Contract."
 
  If a Contract Owner (or, if applicable, the Annuitant) dies on or after
annuitization, the remaining interest in the Contract must be distributed at
least as quickly as under the method of distribution in effect on the date of
death.
 
 --BENEFICIARY CONTINUATION
 
  In keeping with the Code's general requirement that Death Proceeds must be
distributed within five years after the death of the Contract Owner (or, if
applicable, the Annuitant), the Beneficiary Continuation provision permits a
Beneficiary to hold his or her share of the Death Proceeds (as determined
after the Death Proceeds have been reduced by the amount of any outstanding
loan plus accrued interest) in the Contract and to continue the Contract for a
period ending five years after the date of death, provided that the
Beneficiary's share of the Death Proceeds meets the Company's published
minimum (currently $5,000 for non-tax qualified Contracts and $2,000 for tax
qualified Contracts). THE CONTRACT CANNOT BE CONTINUED FOR ANY BENEFICIARY
WHOSE SHARE OF THE DEATH PROCEEDS DOES NOT MEET THE MINIMUM.
 
  The Beneficiary has 90 days after the date the Company receives due proof of
death to make an election with respect to his or her share of the Death
Proceeds. The Beneficiary may elect either: (1) payment in a single sum; (2)
application to a
 
                                     A-20
<PAGE>
 
permitted annuity payment option with payments to begin within one year of the
date of death; or (3) Beneficiary Continuation, provided that the
Beneficiary's share of the Death Proceeds meets the Company's published
minimum. IF THE BENEFICIARY DOES NOT MAKE AN ELECTION WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER THE
COMPANY RECEIVES DUE PROOF OF DEATH, THE CONTRACT WILL BE CONTINUED UNDER THE
BENEFICIARY CONTINUATION PROVISION FOR A PERIOD ENDING FIVE YEARS AFTER THE
DATE OF DEATH. IF BENEFICIARY CONTINUATION IS NOT AVAILABLE BECAUSE THE
BENEFICIARY'S SHARE OF THE DEATH PROCEEDS DOES NOT MEET THE COMPANY'S
PUBLISHED MINIMUM, HOWEVER, THE DEATH PROCEEDS WILL BE PAID IN A SINGLE SUM
UNLESS THE BENEFICIARY ELECTS AN ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER
THE COMPANY RECEIVES DUE PROOF OF DEATH.
 
  If the Contract is continued under the Beneficiary Continuation provision,
the Death Proceeds (reduced by the amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued
interest) become the Contract Value on the date the continuation is effected,
and will be allocated among the accounts in the same proportion as they had
been prior to the continuation. In addition, the Beneficiary will have the
right to make transfers and fully or partially surrender his or her Contract
Value, and no contingent deferred sales charge will apply. The Beneficiary
cannot, however, make additional purchase payments, take loans or exercise the
dollar cost averaging feature. Five years from the date of death of the
Contract Owner (or, if applicable, the Annuitant), the Company will pay the
Beneficiary's Contract Value to the Beneficiary. If the Beneficiary dies
during that five year period, the Beneficiary's death benefit will be the
Beneficiary's Contract Value on the date when the Company receives due proof
of the Beneficiary's death.
 
 --SPECIAL OPTIONS FOR SPOUSES
 
  Under the Spousal Continuation provision, the Contract may be continued
after the death of the Contract Owner (or the Annuitant, in the case of a
Contract that is not owned in an individual capacity) if the Contract
identifies the deceased spouse as the Contract Owner (or, if applicable, the
Annuitant) and the surviving spouse as the primary Beneficiary. In that case,
the surviving spouse can elect one of the following three options within 90
days after the Company receives due proof of death of the Contract Owner (or,
if applicable, the Annuitant). The surviving spouse may elect: (1) to receive
the Death Proceeds (reduced by the amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued
interest) either in one sum or under a permitted payment option; (2) to
continue the Contract under the Beneficiary Continuation provision; or (3) to
continue the Contract under the Spousal Continuation provision with the
surviving spouse as the Contract Owner (or, if applicable, the Annuitant). IF
THE SURVIVING SPOUSE DOES NOT MAKE AN ELECTION WITHIN 90 DAYS AFTER THE
COMPANY RECEIVES DUE PROOF OF DEATH, THE CONTRACT WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE
CONTINUED UNDER THE SPOUSAL CONTINUATION PROVISION, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE
SURVIVING SPOUSE WILL FOREGO THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE THE DEATH PROCEEDS AT THAT
TIME.
 
  A surviving spouse who elects Beneficiary Continuation under a Contract that
is qualified for tax-benefited treatment under the Code must begin to receive
distributions from the Contract by the earlier of: (1) five years from the
date of death; and (2) the year in which the Contract Owner (or, if
applicable, the Annuitant) would have reached age 70 1/2.
 
  Under the Spousal Continuation provision, all terms and conditions of the
Contract that applied prior to the death will continue to apply, regardless of
whether or not the Contract is qualified for tax benefited treatment under the
Code, except that:
 
    a. The surviving spouse will not be permitted to make additional purchase
  payments or take loans under Contracts issued in connection with a
  retirement plan qualifying for tax benefited treatment under Section 401 or
  403 of the Internal Revenue Code; and
 
    b. The Maturity Date will be reset to a later date, if necessary, based
  on the age of the surviving spouse. The Maturity Date cannot be reset to an
  earlier date. In the event the Maturity Date is reset, the new Maturity
  Date will be the date when the surviving spouse reaches the maximum
  maturity age under applicable state law. In most states, the maximum
  maturity age is 95, but the maximum maturity age is 85 in New York and
  Pennsylvania.
 
  The Spousal Continuation provision will not be available if, at the time of
the Contract Owner's death, the surviving spouse is older than the maximum
maturity age under applicable state law. In addition, the Spousal Continuation
provision will not be available if, at the original Maturity Date, the
surviving spouse would be older than the maximum maturity age under applicable
state law.
 
  If a Contract is subject to a loan at the time the Contract Owner (or, if
applicable, the Annuitant) dies, and the Contract is continued under the
Spousal Continuation provision, the amount of the outstanding loan plus
accrued interest will be treated as a taxable distribution from the Contract
to the deceased Contract Owner, and the Contract Value will be reduced
accordingly.
 
 
                                     A-21
<PAGE>
 
TRANSFER PRIVILEGE
 
  It is the position of the Company that you may transfer your Contract Value
among accounts without incurring adverse federal income tax consequences. It
is not clear, however, whether the Internal Revenue Service will limit the
number of transfers between sub-accounts and/or the Fixed Account in an
attempt to limit the Contract Owner's incidents of ownership in the assets
used to support the Contract. See "Taxation of the Contracts--Special Rules
for Annuities Used By Individuals or with Plans and Trusts not Qualifying
Under the Code for Tax Benefited Treatment." The Company currently allows 12
free transfers per Contract Year prior to annuitization. Additional transfers
are subject to a $10 charge per transfer. The Company reserves the right to
impose a charge of $10 on each transfer in excess of four per year and to
limit the number of transfers. After variable annuity payments have commenced,
you may make one transfer per year without the consent of the Company, and the
Fixed Account is not available under variable payment options. All transfers
are subject to the requirement that the amount of Contract Value transferred
be at least $25 (or, if less, the amount of Contract Value held in the sub-
account from which the transfer is made) and that, after the transfer is
effected, Contract Value be allocated among not more than ten accounts,
including the Fixed Account. Transfers will be accomplished at the relative
net asset values per share of the particular Eligible Funds next determined
after the request is received by the Company's Designated Office. See
"Requests and Elections" for information regarding transfers made by written
request and by telephone.
 
  For special rules regarding transfers involving the Fixed Account, see "The
Fixed Account." Transfers out of the Fixed Account are limited as to timing,
frequency and amount.
 
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
  The Company offers an automated transfer privilege referred to here as
dollar cost averaging. Under this feature you may request that a certain
amount of your Contract Value be transferred on the same day each month, prior
to annuitization, from any one account of your choice (excluding the Fixed
Account) to one or more of the other accounts (excluding the Fixed Account)
subject to the limitation that Contract Value may not be allocated to more
than 10 accounts, including the Fixed Account, at any time. Currently, a
minimum of $100 must be transferred to each account that you select under this
feature. Transfers made under the dollar cost averaging program will not be
counted against the twelve transfers per year which may be made free of
charge. You may cancel your use of the dollar cost averaging program at any
time prior to the monthly transfer date. (See Appendix A for more information
about Dollar Cost Averaging.) Requests related to your use of the dollar cost
averaging program should be sent to the Designated Office.
 
SURRENDERS
 
  Prior to annuitization, you may surrender the Contract for all or part of
the Contract Value (reduced by the amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued
interest.) (See "Loan Provision for Certain Tax Benefited Retirement Plans.")
This right is subject to any restrictions on surrender under applicable laws
relating to employee benefit plans or under the terms of the plans themselves.
The election to surrender must be in a form conforming to the Company's
administrative procedures and must be received at the Company's Designated
Office prior to the earlier of the Maturity Date or the Annuitant's death. You
may receive the proceeds in cash or apply them to an annuity payment option.
If you wish to apply the proceeds to a payment option, you must so indicate in
your surrender request; otherwise you will receive the proceeds in a lump sum
and may be taxed on them as a full distribution. Payment of surrender proceeds
normally will be made within 7 days, subject to the Company's right to suspend
payments under certain circumstances. (See "Suspension of Payments.") The
Federal tax laws impose penalties upon, and in some cases prohibit, certain
premature distributions from the Contracts before or after the date on which
annuity payments are to begin. (See "Federal Income Tax Status.") No surrender
is permitted in connection with a Contract issued pursuant to the Optional
Retirement Program of the University of Texas System prior to the plan
participant's death, retirement, or termination of employment in all Texas
public institutions of higher education.
 
  On receipt of an election to surrender, the Company will cancel the number
of Accumulation Units necessary to equal the dollar amount of the surrender
request. On a full surrender, any applicable Administration Contract Charge
will be deducted from this amount. Any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge will be deducted from this amount on a full or partial surrender. Also,
any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be imposed upon the
application of proceeds to an annuity payment option unless you elect (a) a
variable life income option (payment options 2, 3 or 6 as described under
"Annuity Options") or (b) for Contracts that have been in force at least five
years, a fixed life income payment option (comparable to payment options 2, 3
or 6 as described under "Annuity Options" but on a fixed basis). (See
 
                                     A-22
<PAGE>
 
"Administration Charges, Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Other
Deductions" and "Annuity Options."') A partial surrender will reduce the
Contract Value in the sub-accounts in proportion to the amount of Contract
Value in each sub-account, unless you request otherwise. Surrenders and
related charges will be based on Accumulation Unit Values next determined
after the election is received at the Company's Designated Office or, if
surrender proceeds are to be applied to an annuity payment option, at such
later date as may be specified in the request for surrender. After a partial
surrender, the remaining Contract Value must be at least $500 (unless the
Company consents to a lesser amount) or, if the Contract is subject to an
outstanding loan, the remaining unloaned Contract Value must be at least 10%
of the total Contract Value after the partial surrender or $500, whichever is
greater (unless the Company consents to a lesser amount). If the requested
partial surrender would not satisfy this requirement, at the Contract Owner's
option either the amount of the partial surrender will be reduced or the
transaction will be treated as a full surrender and any applicable Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge will be deducted from the proceeds.
 
  Any surrender may result in adverse tax consequences. You are advised to
consult a qualified tax advisor as to the consequences of such a distribution.
(See "Federal Income Tax Status.")
 
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS
 
  The Systematic Withdrawal feature available under the Contracts allows the
Contract Owner to have a portion of the Contract Value withdrawn automatically
at regularly scheduled intervals prior to annuitization. The application for
the Systematic Withdrawal feature specifies the applicable terms and
conditions of the program. Systematic Withdrawals are processed on the same
day each month, depending on your election. If the New York Stock Exchange is
closed on the day when the withdrawal is to be made, the withdrawal will be
processed on the next business day. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will
apply to amounts received under the Systematic Withdrawal program in the same
manner as it applies to other partial surrenders and surrenders of Contract
Value. (See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.") Of course, continuing to make
purchase payments under the Contract while you are making Systematic
Withdrawals means that you could incur any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge on the withdrawals at the same time that you are making the new
purchase payments. The Federal tax laws may include systematic withdrawals in
the Contract Owner's gross income in the year in which the withdrawal occurs
and will impose a penalty of 10% on certain systematic withdrawals which are
premature distributions.
 
LOAN PROVISION FOR CERTAIN TAX BENEFITED RETIREMENT PLANS
 
  Contract loans are available to participants under TSA Plans that are not
subject to ERISA, to trustees of Qualified Plans and to fiduciaries of TSA
Plans subject to ERISA in those states where the insurance department has
approved the currently applicable Contract loan provision. (The Contracts are
only available on a limited basis to plans qualified under Section 401(k) of
the Code and are no longer being offered to TSA Plans subject to ERISA. See
"Retirement Plans Offering Federal Tax Benefits.")
 
  The Department of Labor has issued regulations (the "ERISA regulations")
governing plan participant loans under retirement plans subject to ERISA.
Generally, the ERISA regulations will apply to retirement plans that qualify
under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Code and employer-sponsored TSA Plans
(generally those to which employers make contributions not attributable to
salary reduction agreements). YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYER ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
DETERMINING WHETHER YOUR PLAN IS SUBJECT TO AND COMPLIES WITH THE ERISA
REGULATIONS ON PARTICIPANT PLAN LOANS.
 
  It is the responsibility of the trustee of a Qualified Plan or fiduciary of
a TSA Plan subject to ERISA to ensure that the proceeds of a Contract loan are
made available to a participant under a separate plan loan agreement, the
terms of which comply with all the plan qualification requirements including
the requirements of the ERISA regulations on plan loans. Therefore, the plan
loan agreement may differ from the Contract loan provisions and, if you are a
participant in a Qualified Plan or a TSA Plan subject to ERISA, you should
consult with the fiduciary administering the plan loan program to determine
your rights and obligations with respect to plan loans.
 
  The ERISA regulations contain requirements for plan loans relating to their
maximum amount, availability, and other matters. Among the rules are the
requirements that the loan bear a reasonable rate of interest, be adequately
secured, provide a reasonable repayment schedule, and be made available on a
basis that does not discriminate in favor of employees who
 
                                     A-23
<PAGE>
 
are officers or shareholders or who are highly compensated. These regulations
may change from time to time. Failure to comply with these requirements may
result in tax penalties under the Code and under ERISA.
 
  One of the current requirements of the ERISA regulations is that the plan
must charge a "commercially reasonable" rate of interest for plan loans. The
Contract loan interest rate may not be considered "commercially reasonable"
within the meaning of the ERISA regulations, and it is the responsibility of
the plan fiduciary to charge the participant any additional interest under the
plan loan agreement which may be necessary to make the overall rate charged
comply with the regulation. The ERISA regulations also currently require that
a loan be adequately secured, but provide that not more than 50% of the
participant's vested account balance under the plan may be used as security
for the loan. A Contract loan is secured by the portion of the Contract Value
which is held in the Company's general account as a result of the loan. The
plan fiduciary must ensure that the Contract Value held as security under the
Contract, plus any additional portion of the participant's vested account
balance which is used as security under the plan loan agreement, does not
exceed 50% of the participant's total vested account balance under the plan.
 
  The amount of any loan may not exceed the maximum loan amount as determined
under the Company's maximum loan formula. The effect of a loan on your
Contract is that a portion of the Contract Value equal to the amount of the
loan will be transferred to the Company's general account and will earn
interest (which is credited to the Contract) at the effective rate of 4 1/2%
per year. This earned interest will be credited to the Contract's sub-accounts
(and, if available under your Contract, to the Fixed Account) annually in
accordance with the allocation instructions in effect for purchase payments
under your Contract on the date of the crediting. Interest charged on the loan
will be 6 1/2% per year. Depending on the Company's interpretation of
applicable law and on the Company's administrative procedures, the interest
rates charged and earned on loaned amounts may be changed (for example, to
provide for a variable interest rate) with respect to new loans made. The
Company may also establish a minimum loan amount. Because the amount moved to
the general account as a result of the loan does not participate in the
Variable Account's investment experience, a Contract loan can have a permanent
effect on the Contract Value and Death Proceeds.
 
  The Company will not permit more than one loan at a time on any Contract
except where state regulators require otherwise. In addition, the Code
provides that the total amount of loans under all your retirement plans may
not at any one time exceed $50,000 less the highest outstanding loan balance
in the preceding 12 months, subject, however, to a smaller maximum, if
applicable, of the greater of: (1) $10,000; or (2) 50% of the value of your
nonforfeitable, accrued benefits. Loans must be repaid within 5 years except
for certain loans used for the purchase of a principal residence, which must
be repaid within 20 years. Repayment of the principal amount and interest on
the loan will be required in equal monthly installments by means of repayment
procedures established by the Company. Contract loans are subject to
applicable retirement program laws and their taxation is determined under the
Code. Under current practice, if a Contract loan installment repayment is not
made, the Company (unless restricted by law) may make a full or partial
surrender of the Contract in the amount of the unpaid installment repayment on
the Contract loan or, if there is a default on the Contract loan, in an amount
equal to the outstanding loan balance (plus any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge and $30 Administration Contract Charge in each case). (A default
on the loan is defined in the loan application and includes, among other
things, nonpayment of three consecutive or a total of five installment
repayments, or surrender of the Contract.) An installment repayment of less
than the amount billed will not be accepted. A full or partial surrender of
the Contract to repay all or part of the loan may result in serious adverse
tax consequences for the plan participant (including penalty taxes) and may
adversely affect the qualification of the plan or Contract. The trustee of a
Qualified Plan or a TSA Plan subject to ERISA will be responsible for
reporting to the IRS and advising the participant of any tax consequences
resulting from the reduction in the Contract Value caused by the surrender and
for determining whether the surrender adversely affects the qualification of
the plan. In the case of a TSA Plan not subject to ERISA, the Company will
report the surrender to the IRS as a taxable distribution under the Contract.
 
  The Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations in December of
1995, which, if finalized in their present form, would require that if the
repayment terms of a loan are not satisfied after the loan has been made due
to a failure to make a loan repayment as scheduled, including any applicable
grace period, the balance of the loan would be deemed to be distributed. If
the loan is treated as a distribution under Code Section 72(p), the proposed
regulations state that the amount so distributed is to be treated as a taxable
distribution subject to the normal rules of Code Section 72, if the
participant's interest in the plan includes after-tax contributions (or other
tax basis). A deemed distribution would also be a distribution for purposes of
the 10 percent tax in Code Section 72(t) and the excise tax on excess
distributions under Section 4980A.
 
                                     A-24
<PAGE>
 
However, a deemed distribution under Section 72(p) would not be treated as an
actual distribution for purposes of Code Section 401, the rollover and income
averaging provisions of Section 402 and the distribution restrictions of
Section 403(b).
 
  Partial surrenders will be restricted by the existence of a loan and, after
any partial surrender, the remaining unloaned Contract Value must be at least
10% of the total Contract Value after the partial surrender or $500, whichever
is greater (unless the Company consents to a lesser amount). If a partial
surrender by the Company to enforce the loan repayment schedule would reduce
the unloaned Contract Value below this amount, the Company reserves the right
to surrender the entire Contract and apply the Contract Value to the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, the $30 Administration Contract Charge and
the amount owed to the Company under the loan. If at any time an excess
Contract loan exists (that is, the Contract loan balance exceeds the Contract
Value), the Company has the right to terminate the Contract.
 
  Unless you request otherwise, Contract loans will reduce the amount of the
Contract Value in the sub-accounts (and, if available under your Contract, in
the Fixed Account) in proportion to the Contract Value then in each sub-
account (and in the Fixed Account). If any portion of the Contract loan was
attributable to Contract Value in the Fixed Account, then an equal portion of
each loan repayment will have to be allocated to the Fixed Account. (For
example, if 50% of the loan was attributable to your Fixed Account Contract
Value, then 50% of each loan repayment will be allocated to the Fixed
Account). Unless you request otherwise, a repayment will be allocated to the
sub-accounts in the same proportions to which the loan was attributable to the
sub-accounts. (Under certain loans made prior to the date of this prospectus
and loans made in South Carolina, repayments will be allocated, unless you
request otherwise, according to the allocation instructions in effect for
purchase payments under your Contract, pursuant to the terms of the applicable
Contract loan endorsement.)
 
  The amount of the death proceeds, the amount payable upon surrender of the
Contract and the amount applied on the Maturity Date to provide annuity
payments will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding Contract loan plus
accrued interest. In these circumstances, the amount of the outstanding
contract loan plus accrued interest generally will be taxed as a taxable
distribution.
 
  The tax and ERISA rules relating to participant loans under tax benefited
retirement plans are complex and in some cases unclear, and they may vary
depending on the individual circumstances of each loan. The Company strongly
recommends that you, your employer and your plan fiduciary consult a qualified
tax advisor regarding the currently applicable tax and ERISA rules before
taking any action with respect to loans.
 
  The Company will provide further information regarding loans upon request.
 
DISABILITY BENEFIT RIDER
 
  A disability benefit rider may be purchased, provided that the Annuitant
satisfies any applicable underwriting standards. This feature is available
only if you are under age 60 when your contract is issued and if you plan to
make regular annual contributions to the Contract. If the Annuitant becomes
totally disabled, the rider provides that the Company will make monthly
purchase payments under the Contract, subject to the terms and conditions of
the rider.
 
SUSPENSION OF PAYMENTS
 
  The Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the payment of any
amounts due under the Contract or transfers of Contract Values between sub-
accounts when permitted under applicable Federal laws, rules and regulations.
Current Federal law permits such suspension or postponement if: (a) the New
York Stock Exchange is closed (other than for customary weekend and holiday
closings); (b) trading on the Exchange is restricted; (c) an emergency exists
such that it is not reasonably practicable to dispose of securities held in
the Variable Account or to determine the value of its assets; or (d) the
Securities and Exchange Commission by order so permits for the protection of
securities holders. Conditions described in (b) and (c) will be decided by or
in accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
OWNERSHIP RIGHTS
 
  During the Annuitant's lifetime, all rights under the Contract are vested
solely in the Contract Owner unless otherwise provided. Such rights include
the right to change the Beneficiary, to change the payment option, to assign
the Contract (subject to the restrictions referred to below), and to exercise
all other rights, benefits, options and privileges conferred by the Contract
or allowed by the Company. Transfer of ownership of the Contract under an
ERISA "Pension Plan" to a non-spousal beneficiary may require spousal consent.
 
                                     A-25
<PAGE>
 
  Qualified Plans and certain TSA Plans and IRAs with sufficient employer
involvement are deemed to be "Pension Plans" under ERISA and are, therefore,
subject to rules under the Retirement Equity Act of 1984. These rules require
that benefits from annuity contracts purchased by a Pension Plan and
distributed to or owned by a participant be provided in accordance with
certain spousal consent, present value and other requirements which are not
enumerated in the Contract. Thus, the tax consequences of the purchase of the
Contracts by Pension Plans should be considered carefully.
 
  Those Contracts offered by the prospectus which are designed to qualify for
the favorable tax treatment described below under "Federal Income Tax Status"
contain restrictions on transfer or assignment, reflecting requirements of the
Code which must be satisfied in order to assure continued eligibility for such
tax treatment. In accordance with such requirements, ownership of such a
Contract may not be changed and the Contract may not be sold, assigned or
pledged as collateral for a loan or for any other purpose except under certain
limited circumstances. A Contract Owner contemplating a sale, assignment or
pledge of the Contract should carefully review its provisions and consult a
qualified tax adviser.
 
  If Contracts offered by this prospectus are used in connection with deferred
compensation plans or retirement plans not qualifying for favorable Federal
tax treatment, such plans may also restrict the exercise of rights by the
Contract Owner. A Contract Owner should review the provisions of any such
plan.
 
REQUESTS AND ELECTIONS
 
  Requests for transfers or reallocation of future purchase payments may be
made by telephone or written request (which may be telecopied) to the Company
at its Designated Office. Written requests for such transfers or changes of
allocation must be in a form acceptable to the Company. To request a transfer
or change of allocation by telephone, please contact your registered
representative, or contact the Company's Designated Office at 1-800-777-5897
between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. Requests for
transfer or reallocation by telephone will be automatically permitted. The
Company (or any servicer acting on its behalf) will use reasonable procedures
such as requiring certain identifying information from the caller, tape
recording the telephone instructions, and providing written confirmation of
the transaction, in order to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Any telephone instructions reasonably believed by the
Company (or any servicer acting on its behalf) to be genuine will be your
responsibility, including losses arising from any errors in the communication
of instructions. As a result of this policy, you will bear the risk of loss.
If the Company (or any servicer acting on its behalf) does not employ
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone
are genuine, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
transactions. All other requests and elections under a Contract must be in
writing signed by the proper party, must include any necessary documentation
and must be received at the Company's Designated Office to be effective. If
acceptable to the Company, requests or elections relating to Beneficiaries and
ownership will take effect as of the date signed unless the Company has
already acted in reliance on the prior status. The Company is not responsible
for the validity of any written request or election.
 
TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW
 
  Within 10 days (or more where required by applicable state insurance law) of
your receipt of an issued Contract you may return it to the Company at its
Designated Office for cancellation. Upon cancellation of the Contract, the
Company will refund all your purchase payments. If required by the insurance
law or regulations of the state in which your Contract is issued, however, the
Company will return to you an amount equal to the sum of (1) any difference
between the purchase payments made and the amounts allocated to the Variable
Account and (2) the Contract Value.
 
                      ADMINISTRATION CHARGES, CONTINGENT
                  DEFERRED SALES CHARGE AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
 
ADMINISTRATION CHARGES
 
  The Company is responsible for administering the Contracts and the Variable
Account. The Company's administrative services include issuing Contracts,
maintaining Contract Owner records and accounting, valuation, regulatory and
reporting services. To cover the cost of these services, the Company receives
two Administration Charges equal, on an annual basis, to $30 per Contract plus
 .40% of the daily net assets of each sub-account. The Administration Charges
will be deducted
 
                                     A-26
<PAGE>
 
from each sub-account in the ratio of your interest therein to your total
Contract Value. In addition, the Company charges a transfer fee for certain
transfers of Contract Value between accounts, as described below.
 
  The annual $30 Administration Contract Charge is deducted from the Contract
Value on each Contract anniversary for the prior Contract Year and will be
deducted on a pro rata basis at annuitization or at the time of a full
surrender if the annuitization or surrender occurs on a date other than a
Contract anniversary. In those instances in which two Contracts are issued to
permit the funding of a spousal IRA, the Administration Contract Charge will
be imposed only on the Contract to which the larger purchase payments have
been allocated in the Contract application.
 
  The Administration Asset Charge is equal to an annual rate of .40% of net
assets and is computed and deducted on a daily basis from each sub-account. As
a percentage of net assets, this charge will not increase over the life of a
Contract, but the total dollar amount of the charge will vary depending on the
level of net assets. The Administration Asset Charge will continue to be
assessed after annuitization if annuity payments are made on a variable basis.
There is not necessarily a relationship between the amount of this charge
imposed on a given Contract and the amount of expenses that may be
attributable to that Contract. (See "Annuity Payments.")
 
  Prior to annuitization, the Company also imposes a transfer fee of $10 for
each transfer of Contract Value in excess of 12 per Contract Year. The Company
reserves the right to impose a transfer fee of $10 on each transfer in excess
of 4 per Contract Year and to limit the number of transfers.
 
  The Company does not expect the Administration Charges and transfer fee to
exceed the actual costs (including overhead costs) of administering the
Contracts. The Company periodically will monitor the Administration Charges
and transfer fee to determine whether they exceed the actual cost of providing
administrative services for the Contracts.
 
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
 
  The Company deducts a Mortality and Expense Risk Charge from the Variable
Account as compensation for assuming the mortality and expense risks under the
Contract. By assuming the expense risk under the Contract, the Company
guarantees that the dollar amount of the Administration Contract Charge and
the amount of the Administration Asset Charge as a percentage of Contract
Value will not increase over the life of a Contract, regardless of the actual
expenses. By assuming the mortality risk, the Company guarantees that,
although annuity payments will vary according to the performance of the
investments you select, annuity payments 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
in the Contract that cannot be changed. The Company also assumes the risk of
making a minimum death benefit payment if the Annuitant dies prior to
annuitization. (See "Payment on Death Prior to Annuitization.")
 
  The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge is computed and deducted on a daily
basis from the assets in each sub-account attributable to the Contracts. The
charge is at an annual rate of .95% of the daily net assets of each such sub-
account, of which .60% represents a mortality risk charge and .35% represents
an expense risk charge. The Mortality and Expense Risk Charge as a percentage
of Contract Value will not increase over the life of a Contract. The Mortality
and Expense Risk Charge will continue to be assessed after annuitization if
annuity payments are made on a variable basis. (See "Annuity Payments.")
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
 
  The Company does not make any deductions for sales expenses from purchase
payments at the time of purchase. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, when
applicable, is intended to assist the Company in covering its expenses
relating to the sale of the Contracts, including commissions, preparation of
sales literature and other promotional activity. The Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge may not cover the full amount of the sales expenses over the lives of
the Contracts. To the extent such expenses are not covered by the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge, they will be recovered from the Company's general
account, including any income derived from the Mortality and Expense Risk
Charge.
 
  No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will apply after a Contract reaches its
Maturity Date. You select a Maturity Date when applying for your Contract. The
Maturity Date selected must be at least 10 years after issue of the Contract.
Under current rules, the Company may consent to issue a Contract with a
Maturity Date less than 10 years after issue, provided that the Contract Owner
is an employer-sponsored pension plan through which Contracts were purchased
prior to May 1, 1994. (See "Election of Annuity" for more information.) A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be imposed in the event of
 
                                     A-27
<PAGE>
 
certain partial and full surrenders and applications of proceeds to certain
payment options prior to the Maturity Date. Up to 10% of the Contract Value on
the date of surrender may be surrendered without charge in any one Contract
Year. If there is more than one partial surrender in a Contract Year, the
amount that may be surrendered without charge is 10% of the Contract Value on
the date of the first partial surrender during such year. No charge will be
imposed for payments made upon death or application of proceeds to variable
life income payment options (payment options 2, 3 or 6 as described under
"Annuity Options" below) prior to the Maturity Date. If the Contract has been
in force for five years, no charge will be applied upon the election of a
fixed life income payment option (comparable to payment options 2, 3 or 6 as
described under "Annuity Options" below but on a fixed basis). The Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge will be applied upon the election of other forms of
payment prior to the Maturity Date. Any such election will be treated as a
full surrender for purposes of calculating the applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applied will equal the
following amounts if the transaction occurs in the years indicated:
 
                    PERCENTAGE OF CONTRACT VALUE WITHDRAWN
             (AFTER FREE WITHDRAWAL OF 10% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                CONTRACT YEAR
            --------------------------------------------------------------
             1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9   10   11 AND AFTER
             -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -    -   --   ------------
      <S>   <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>  <C>
            6.5% 6.0% 5.5% 5.0% 4.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.0% 2.0% 1.0%      0%
</TABLE>
 
  In cases where the Company has consented to issue a Contract with less than
10 years to the Maturity Date, the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be
calculated as though the year of the Maturity Date is the tenth Contract Year
(and the preceding Contract Year is the ninth year, and so forth) resulting in
a lower percentage charge for each Contract Year shown in the table above.
 
  In no event will the total Contingent Deferred Sales Charge exceed 8% of the
first $50,000 of purchase payments made under the Contract and 6.5% of the
amount of purchase payments in excess of $50,000. (For persons who purchased a
Contract prior to May 1, 1994 and who were age 50 or above at issue, a
different Contingent Deferred Sales Charge scale may apply. The applicable
scale is indicated on the schedule page of the Contract.)
 
  The following example illustrates the circumstances under which the maximum
sales load would apply. It is hypothetical only and is not intended to suggest
that these performance results would necessarily be achieved. For historical
performance results see the tables starting on page II-4 of the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
EXAMPLE: Assume that you purchased a Contract with a $10,000 single purchase
         payment and that you surrendered the Contract during the second
         Contract Year when the Contract Value had grown to $15,000.
 
     Using the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge schedule in the chart
     above, the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge would be: 6% X (90% of
     $15,000), or $810. However, because this is larger than the maximum
     allowable charge (8% of the $10,000 purchase payment), your actual
     Contingent Deferred Sales Charge would be only $800.
 
  In the event that tax law requires you to take distributions of Contract
Value prior to the Maturity Date, they may be subject to the Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge to the extent they exceed 10% of the Contract Value in a
Contract Year, as described above. (See "Federal Income Tax Status--Taxation
of the Contracts.")
 
  In the case of a partial surrender, the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is
deducted from the Contract Value remaining after the Contract Owner has
received the amount requested and is a percentage of the total amount
withdrawn. For example, if you requested a partial surrender of $100 (after
previously surrendering 10% of the Contract Value free of charge in that
Contract Year) and the applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge was 5%, the
total amount of Contract Value withdrawn in that transaction would be $105.26.
After giving effect to a partial surrender, including deduction of the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, the remaining Contract Value must be at
least $500 (unless the Company consents to a lesser amount) or, if the
Contract is subject to an outstanding loan, the remaining unloaned Contract
Value must be at least 10% of the total Contract Value after the partial
surrender or $500, whichever is greater (unless the Company consents to a
lesser amount). If the requested partial surrender would not satisfy this
requirement, at the Contract Owner's option either the amount of the partial
surrender will be reduced or the transaction will be treated as a full
surrender and the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge deducted from the proceeds.
The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is deducted from the sub-accounts in the
same proportion as the Contract Value that you requested to be surrendered.
 
                                     A-28
<PAGE>
 
  The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be waived in connection with an
exchange by a Contract Owner of one Zenith Accumulator Contract for another
Zenith Accumulator Contract.
 
PREMIUM TAX CHARGES
 
  Various states impose a premium tax on annuity purchase payments received by
insurance companies. The Company may deduct these taxes from purchase payments
and currently does so for Contracts subject to the insurance tax law of
Kentucky and South Dakota. Certain states may require the Company to pay the
premium tax at annuitization rather than when purchase payments are received.
In those states the Company may deduct the premium tax, calculated as a
percentage of Contract Value, on the date when annuity payments are to begin.
Currently, the Company follows this procedure for Contracts subject to the
insurance tax law of North Carolina. The maximum premium tax currently
deducted by the Company is 2%. The Company may in the future deduct premium
taxes under Contracts subject to the insurance tax laws of other states, or
the applicable premium tax rates may change.
 
  Surrender of a Contract may result in a credit against the premium tax
liability of the Company in certain States. In such event, the surrender
proceeds will be increased by the amount of such tax credit.
 
  Premium tax rates are subject to being changed by law, administrative
interpretations or court decisions. Premium tax amounts will depend on, among
other things, the state of residence of the Annuitant and the insurance tax
law of the state.
 
OTHER EXPENSES
 
  A deduction for an investment advisory fee is made from, and certain other
expenses are paid out of, the assets of each Eligible Fund. (See "Expense
Table.") The prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information of the
Eligible Funds describe these deductions and expenses.
 
CHARGES UNDER CONTRACTS PURCHASED BY EXCHANGING A FUND I OR PREFERENCE
CONTRACT
 
  If a Contract is purchased by exchanging a variable annuity contract issued
by New England Variable Annuity Fund I (a "Fund I contract") or New England
Retirement Investment Account (a "Preference contract"), the sales charges
will be calculated as described below. There will be no Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge on the transfer of assets from a Fund I or Preference contract to
a Zenith Accumulator Contract.
 
  A Contract issued in exchange for a Fund I contract will have no Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge. No further purchase payments will be permitted to be
made under a Contract purchased by exchanging a Fund I contract. If you
purchase a Contract by exchanging a Fund I contract and you also hold or
acquire another Zenith Accumulator Contract, the $30 Administration Contract
Charge will only be imposed on one of the Contracts. Total asset-based charges
(including the investment advisory fee) under Fund I contracts currently equal
approximately 1.35%.
 
  A Contract issued in exchange for a Preference contract will have no
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Although Preference contracts were
originally issued subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, there are no
longer any Preference contracts subject to such a charge. Preference contracts
have asset-based charges of 1.25% for mortality and expense risks, but do not
have an asset-based administration charge. Preference contracts impose a $30
annual administration charge.
 
  If you are contemplating an exchange of a Fund I or Preference contract for
a Zenith Accumulator Contract, you should compare the charges deducted under
your existing contract and under the Zenith Accumulator Contract for mortality
and expense risk charges, administrative charges and investment advisory fees.
 
                                     A-29
<PAGE>
 
                               ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
ELECTION OF ANNUITY
 
  When applying for a Contract, you select the Maturity Date and an annuity
payment option. The Maturity Date selected must be at least 10 years after
issue of the Contract. Under current rules, the Company may consent to issue a
Contract with a Maturity Date less than 10 years after issue, provided that
the Contract Owner is an employer-sponsored pension plan through which
Contracts were purchased prior to May 1, 1994. Such Contracts are only
available, however, to Annuitants who are age 50 or over at the time of issue.
In addition, the applications for such Contracts must satisfy the Company's
suitability guidelines and, in the case of Annuitants between the ages of 50
and 58 1/2 at the time of issue, the Maturity Date must be no earlier than the
date at which the Annuitant would reach age 59 1/2. Once a Maturity Date is
selected, you cannot change it to an earlier date. However, you may surrender
the Contract at any time before the Maturity Date and apply the surrender
proceeds to an annuity payment option. At any time before the Maturity Date,
you may elect to defer the Maturity Date, but you must obtain Company consent
to defer if on the later Maturity Date the age of the Annuitant at his or her
nearest birthday would be more than seventy-five. You may change the annuity
payment option at any time prior to the Maturity Date. You may elect to have
annuity payments under a Contract made on a variable basis or on a fixed
basis, or you may designate a portion to be paid on a variable basis and a
portion on a fixed basis. If you select payments on a fixed basis, the amount
of Contract Value applied to the fixed payment option (net of any applicable
charges described under "Administration Charges, Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge and Other Deductions") will be transferred to the general account of
the Company, and the annuity payments will be fixed in amount and duration by
the annuity payment option selected, the age of the Payee and, for Contracts
issued in New York or Oregon for use in situations not involving an employer-
sponsored plan, by the sex of the Payee. (See "Amount of Variable Annuity
Payments.")
 
  Requests to defer the Maturity Date, change payment options or make other
elections relating to annuity payments should be sent to the Designated
Office. Contracts acquired by retirement plans qualifying for tax benefited
treatment may be subject to various requirements concerning the time by which
benefit payments must commence, the period over which such payments may be
made, the annuity payment options that may be selected, and the minimum annual
amounts of such payments. Penalty taxes or other adverse tax consequences may
occur upon failure to meet such requirements.
 
ANNUITY OPTIONS
 
  Prior to annuitization, you may elect, subject to any applicable
restrictions of Federal tax law, to have payments made under any of the
annuity payment options provided in the Contract. Any such election depends
upon written notice to (and, for variable annuity payment options to begin
during the first Contract Year, consent of) the Company. Requests relating to
annuity payment options should be sent to the Designated Office. In the event
of your death, without having made an election of an annuity payment option,
the beneficiary can elect any of the available options listed below, subject
to applicable Federal tax law restrictions. Payments will begin on the
Maturity Date, as stated in your application or as subsequently deferred, or,
in the case of a full surrender as otherwise specified. Pursuant to your
election, the Company shall apply all or any part designated by you of the
value of your Contract, less any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
and Administration Contract Charge, to any one of the annuity payment options
described below.
 
  Prior to annuitization (but only if the Annuitant is living), you may elect
to apply all or any part of the Death Proceeds under any one of the annuity
payment options listed below or in any other manner agreeable to the Company.
 
  The total amount of the Contract Value or Death Proceeds which may be
applied to provide annuity payments will be reduced by the amount of any
outstanding loan plus accrued interest. (See "Loan Provision for Certain Tax
Benefited Retirement Plans.")
 
  The Contract provides for the variable annuity payment options listed below.
Due to tax law restrictions, however, only options 1, 2, 3 and 6 are available
on a variable payment basis.
 
    First Option: Variable Income for a Specified Number of Years.* The
  Company will make variable monthly payments for the number of years
  elected, which may not be more than 30 except with the consent of the
  Company.
 
    Second Option: Variable Life Income. The Company will make variable
  monthly payments which will continue: while the Payee is living**; while
  the Payee is living but for at least ten years; or while the Payee is
  living but for at least twenty years. (The latter two alternatives are
  referred to as Variable Life Income with Period Certain Option.)
 
                                     A-30
<PAGE>
 
    Third Option: Variable Life Income, Installment Refund. The Company will
  make variable monthly payments during the life of the Payee but for a
  period at least as long as the nearest whole number of months calculated by
  dividing the amount applied to this Option by the amount of the first
  monthly payment.
 
    Fourth Option: Investment.* The Company will hold the proceeds applied to
  this Option as a fixed number of Accumulation Units during the life of the
  Payee or some other agreed-upon period and, at the death of the Payee or
  the end of the specified period, the value of the Accumulation Units will
  be paid in one sum.
 
    Fifth Option: Specified Amount of Income.* The Company will make monthly
  payments in the amount elected. Payments will continue until the balance is
  fully paid out or until the death of the Payee, at which time any balance
  will be paid in one sum.
 
    Sixth Option: Variable Life Income for Two Lives. The Company will make
  variable monthly payments which will continue: while either of two Payees
  is living (Joint and Survivor Variable Life Income)**, while either of two
  Payees is living but for at least 10 years (Joint and Survivor Variable
  Life Income, 10 Years Certain); while two Payees are living, and, after the
  death of one while the other is still living, two-thirds to the survivor
  (Joint and 2/3 to Survivor Variable Life Income).**
 
- ----------
 
* Application of proceeds under this option upon surrender will result in the
  imposition of any applicable charge described under "Contingent Deferred
  Sales Charge."
** IT IS POSSIBLE UNDER THIS OPTION TO RECEIVE ONLY ONE VARIABLE ANNUITY
   PAYMENT IF THE PAYEE DIES (OR PAYEES DIE) BEFORE THE DUE DATE OF THE SECOND
   PAYMENT OR TO RECEIVE ONLY TWO VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS IF THE PAYEE DIES
   (OR PAYEES DIE) BEFORE THE DUE DATE OF THE THIRD PAYMENT, AND SO ON.
 
  Comparable fixed payment options are also available for all of the options
described above except Option 4. In addition, other annuity payment options
(including other periods certain) may be available from time to time, and you
should consult the Company as to their availability. If you do not elect an
annuity payment option by the Maturity Date, variable payments under the
Contract will be made while the Payee is living but for at least ten years.
(This is the Second Option: Variable Life Income with Period Certain.) If
installments under an annuity payment option are less than $20, the Company
can change the payment intervals to 3, 6 or 12 months in order to increase
each payment to at least $20.
 
  The Payee under the first, fourth, or fifth variable payment option may
withdraw the commuted value of the payments certain. The commuted value of
such payments is calculated based on the assumed interest rate under the
Contract. (See "Amount of Variable Annuity Payments.") After the death of the
Payee under the second or third variable payment option or the surviving Payee
under the sixth variable payment option, a Payee named to receive any unpaid
payments certain may withdraw the commuted value of the payments certain. If
the fifth option is elected as a fixed payment option, the Payee can be given
the right to withdraw all or part of the amounts remaining under the payment
option.
 
  The availability of certain annuity payment options may be restricted on
account of Company policy and Federal tax law, which among other things, may
restrict payment to the life expectancy of the payee.
 
  The Company continues to assess the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge after
the Maturity Date if annuity payments are made under any variable annuity
payment option, including an option not involving a life contingency and under
which the Company bears no mortality risk.
 
                      AMOUNT OF VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
  At the Maturity Date (or any other application of proceeds to a payment
option), the Contract Value (reduced by any applicable charges and by any
outstanding loan plus accrued interest) is applied toward the purchase of
monthly annuity payments. The amount of monthly variable payments will be
determined on the basis of (i) annuity purchase rates not lower than the rates
set forth in the Life Income Tables contained in the Contract that reflect the
Payee's age, (ii) the assumed interest rate selected, (iii) the type of
payment option selected, and (iv) the investment performance of the Eligible
Funds selected. (The Fixed Account is not available under variable payment
options.)
 
                                     A-31
<PAGE>
 
  The annuity purchase rates are used to calculate the basic payment level
purchased by the Contract Value. These rates vary according to the age of the
Payee. The higher the Payee's age at annuitization, the greater the basic
payment level under options involving life contingencies, because the Payee's
life expectancy and thus the period of anticipated income payments will be
shorter. With respect to Contracts issued in New York or Oregon for use in
situations not involving an employer-sponsored plan, purchase rates used to
calculate the basic payment level will also reflect the sex of the Payee.
Under such Contracts, a given Contract Value will produce a higher basic
payment level for a male Payee than for a female Payee, reflecting the greater
life expectancy of the female Payee. If the Contract Owner has selected an
annuity payment option that provides for a refund at death of the Payee or
that guarantees that payments will be made for the balance of a period of a
certain number of years after the death of the Payee, the Contract Value will
purchase lower monthly benefits.
 
  The dollar amount of the initial variable annuity payment will be at the
basic payment level. The assumed interest rate under the Contract will affect
both this basic payment level and the amount by which subsequent payments
increase or decrease. Each payment after the first will vary with the
difference between the net investment performance of the sub-accounts selected
and the assumed interest rate under the Contract. If the actual net investment
rate exceeds the assumed interest rate, the dollar amount of the annuity
payments will increase. Conversely, if the actual rate is less than the
assumed interest rate, the dollar amount of the annuity payments will
decrease. If actual investment performance is equal to the assumed interest
rate, the monthly payments will remain level.
 
  Unless otherwise provided, the assumed interest rate will be at an annual
rate of 3.5%. You may select as an alternative an annual assumed interest rate
of 0% or, if allowed by applicable law or regulation, 5%. A higher assumed
interest rate will produce a higher first payment, a more slowly rising series
of subsequent payments when the actual net investment performance exceeds the
assumed interest rate, and a more rapid drop in subsequent payments when the
actual net investment performance is less than the assumed interest rate.
 
  You may, even after variable annuity payments have commenced, direct that
all or a portion of your investment in one sub-account be transferred to
another sub-account of the Variable Account in the manner provided under
"Transfer Privilege."
 
MINIMUM ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
  Annuity payments will be made monthly. But if any payment would be less than
$20, the Company may change the frequency so that payments are at least $20
each.
 
PROOF OF AGE, SEX AND SURVIVAL
 
  The Company may require proof of age, sex (if applicable) and survival of
any person upon the continuation of whose life annuity payments depend.
 
  The foregoing descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to
the Statement of Additional Information and to the Contract, which contains
detailed information about the various forms of annuity payment options
available, and other matters also of importance.
 
                RETIREMENT PLANS OFFERING FEDERAL TAX BENEFITS
 
  The Federal tax laws provide for a variety of retirement plans offering tax
benefits. These plans, which may be funded through the purchase of the
individual variable annuity contracts offered in this prospectus, include:
 
    1. Plans qualified under Section 401(a), 401(k), or 403(a) of the Code
  ("Qualified Plans") (At this time, the Contracts are only available on a
  limited basis to plans qualified under Section 401(k). Contracts are not
  being offered to 401(k) plans unless such plans already own Contracts on
  participants.);
 
    2. Annuity purchase plans adopted by public school systems and certain
  tax-exempt organizations pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code ("TSA
  Plans") which are funded solely by salary reduction contributions and which
  are not otherwise subject to ERISA (The Contracts are no longer being
  offered through TSA Plans that are subject to ERISA.);
 
    3. Individual retirement accounts adopted by or on behalf of individuals
  pursuant to Section 408(a) of the Code and individual retirement annuities
  purchased pursuant to Section 408(b) of the Code (both of which may be
  referred to as "IRAs"), including simplified employee pension plans and
  salary reduction simplified employee pension plans, which are specialized
  IRAs that meet the requirements of Section 408(k) of the Code ("SEPs" and
  "SARSEPs");
 
                                     A-32
<PAGE>
 
    4. Eligible deferred compensation plans (within the meaning of Section
  457 of the Code) for employees of state and local governments and tax-
  exempt organizations ("Section 457 Plans"); and
 
    5. Governmental plans (within the meaning of Section 414(d) of the Code)
  for governmental employees, including Federal employees ("Governmental
  Plans").
 
  An investor should consult a qualified tax or other advisor as to the
suitability of a Contract as a funding vehicle for retirement plans qualifying
for tax benefited treatment, as to the rules underlying such plans and as to
the state and Federal tax aspects of such plans. At this time, the Contracts
are not being offered to plans qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code
unless such plans already own Contracts on participants, and are no longer
being offered through TSA Plans that are subject to ERISA. The Company will
not provide all the administrative support appropriate for 401(k) plans or TSA
Plans subject to ERISA. Accordingly, the Contract should NOT be purchased for
use with such plans.
 
  A summary of the Federal tax laws regarding contributions to, and
distributions from, the above tax benefited retirement plans may be found
below under the heading "Special Rules for Annuities Purchased for Annuitants
Under Retirement Plans Qualifying for Tax Benefited Treatment." It should be
understood that should a tax benefited retirement plan lose its qualification
for tax-exempt status, employees will lose some of the tax benefits described
herein.
 
  In the case of certain TSA Plans under Section 403(b)(1) of the Code and
IRAs purchased under Section 408(b) of the Code, the individual variable
annuity contracts offered in this prospectus comprise the retirement "plan"
itself. These Contracts will be endorsed, if necessary, to comply with Federal
and state legislation governing such plans, and such endorsements may alter
certain Contract provisions described in this prospectus. Refer to the
Contracts and any endorsements for more complete information.
 
                           FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
 
  The following discussion is intended as a general description of the Federal
income tax aspects of the Contracts. It is not intended as tax advice. For
more complete information, you should consult a qualified tax advisor.
 
TAX STATUS OF THE COMPANY AND THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
  The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. The
Variable Account and its operations are part of the Company's total operations
and are not taxed separately. Under current law no taxes are payable by the
Company on the investment income and capital gains of the Variable Account.
Such income and gains will be retained in the Variable Account and will not be
taxable until received by the Annuitant or the Beneficiary in the form of
annuity payments or other distributions.
 
  The Contracts provide that the Company may make a charge against the assets
of the Variable Account as a reserve for taxes which may relate to the
operations of the Variable Account.
 
TAXATION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
  The variable annuity contracts described in this prospectus are considered
annuity contracts the taxation of which is governed by the provisions of
Section 72 of the Code. As a general proposition, Section 72 provides that
Contract Owners are not subject to current taxation on increases in the value
of the Contracts resulting from earnings or gains on the underlying mutual
fund shares until they are received by the Annuitant or Beneficiary in the
form of annuity payments. (Exceptions to this rule are discussed below under
"Special Rules for Annuities Used by Individuals or with Plans and Trusts Not
Qualifying Under the Code for Tax Benefited Treatment.")
 
  Under the general rule of Section 72, to the extent there is an "investment"
in the Contract, a portion of each annuity payment is excluded from gross
income as a return of such investment. The balance of each annuity payment is
includible in gross income and taxable as ordinary income. In general,
earnings on all contributions to the Contract and contributions made to a
Contract which are deductible by the contributor will not constitute an
"investment" in the Contract under Section 72.
 
                                     A-33
<PAGE>
 
(A) SPECIAL RULES FOR ANNUITIES PURCHASED FOR ANNUITANTS UNDER RETIREMENT
PLANS QUALIFYING FOR TAX BENEFITED TREATMENT
 
  Set forth below is a summary of the Federal tax laws applicable to
contributions to, and distributions from, retirement plans that qualify for
Federal tax benefits. Such plans are defined above under the heading
"Retirement Plans Offering Federal Tax Benefits." You should understand that
the following summary does not include everything you need to know regarding
such tax laws.
 
  The Code provisions and the rules and regulations thereunder regarding
retirement trusts and plans, the documents which must be prepared and executed
and the requirements which must be met to obtain favorable tax treatment for
them are very complex. Some retirement plans are subject to distribution and
other requirements that are not incorporated into our Contract administration
procedures. Owners, participants and beneficiaries are responsible for
determining that contributions, distributions and other transactions with
respect to the Contracts comply with applicable law. A person contemplating
the purchase of a Contract for use with a retirement plan qualifying for tax
benefited treatment under the Code should consult a qualified tax advisor as
to all applicable Federal and state tax aspects of the Contracts and, if
applicable, as to the suitability of the Contracts as investments under ERISA.
 
(I) PLAN CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS
 
QUALIFIED PLANS, SEPS, SARSEPS AND GOVERNMENTAL PLANS
 
  Statutory limitations on contributions to Qualified Plans, SEPs, SARSEPs and
Governmental Plans may limit the amount of money that may be contributed to
the Contract in any Contract Year. Any purchase payments attributable to such
contributions are tax deductible to the employer and are not currently taxable
to the Annuitants for whom the Contracts are purchased. The contributions to
the Contract and any increase in Contract Value attributable to such
contributions are not subject to taxation until payments from the Contract are
made to the Annuitant or his/her Beneficiaries.
 
TSA PLANS
 
  Purchase payments attributable to TSA Plans are not includible within the
Annuitant's income to the extent such purchase payments do not exceed certain
statutory limitations, including the "exclusion allowance." The exclusion
allowance is a calculation which takes into consideration the Annuitant's
includible compensation, number of years of service, and prior years of
contributions. For more information, the Annuitant should obtain a copy of IRS
Publication 571 on TSA Programs for Employees of Public Schools and Certain
Tax Exempt Organizations which will better assist the Annuitant in calculating
the exclusion allowance and other limitations to which he or she may be
subject for any given tax year. Any purchase payments attributable to
permissible contributions under Code Section 403(b) (and earnings thereon) are
not taxable to the Annuitant until amounts are distributed from the Contract.
However, these payments may be subject to FICA (Social Security) taxes.
 
IRAS, SEPS, SARSEPS
 
  The maximum tax deductible purchase payment which may be contributed each
year to an IRA is the lesser of $2,000 or 100 percent of includible
compensation if the taxpayer is not covered under an employer plan. A spousal
IRA is available if the taxpayer and spouse file a joint return and the spouse
earns no compensation (or elects to be treated as earning no compensation) and
is not yet age 70 1/2. The maximum tax deductible purchase payment which a
taxpayer may make to his or her own IRA and a spousal IRA, combined, is the
lesser of $2,250 or 100 percent of compensation of the working spouse. If
covered under an employer plan, taxpayers are permitted to make deductible
purchase payments; however, the deductions are phased out and eventually
eliminated, on a pro rata basis, for adjusted gross income between $25,000 and
$35,000 for an individual, between $40,000 and $50,000 for a married couple
filing jointly and between $0 and $10,000 for a married person filing
separately. A taxpayer may also make nondeductible purchase payments. However,
the total of deductible and nondeductible purchase payments may not exceed the
limits described above for deductible payments. An IRA is also the vehicle
that receives contributions to SEPs and SARSEPs. Maximum contributions
(including elective deferrals) to SEPs and SARSEPs are currently limited to
the lesser of 15% of compensation (generally up to $150,000 for 1996) or
$30,000. For more information concerning the contributions to IRAs, SEPs and
SARSEPs, you should obtain a copy of IRS Publication 590 on Individual
Retirement Accounts. In addition to the above, an individual may make a
"rollover" contribution into an IRA with the proceeds of certain distributions
(as defined in the Code) from a Qualified Plan.
 
                                     A-34
<PAGE>
 
SECTION 457 PLANS
 
  Generally, under a Section 457 Plan, an employee or executive may defer
income under a written agreement in an amount equal to the lesser of 33 1/3%
of includible compensation or $7,500. The amounts so deferred (including
earnings thereon) by an employee or executive electing to contribute to a
Section 457 Plan are includible in gross income only in the tax year in which
such amounts are paid or made available to that employee or executive or
his/her Beneficiary. Once contributed to the plan, any Contracts purchased
with employee contributions remain the sole property of the employer and may
be subject to the general creditors of the employer. The employer retains all
ownership rights to the Contract including voting and redemption rights which
may accrue to the Contract(s) issued under the plan.
 
(II) DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE CONTRACT
 
MANDATORY WITHHOLDING ON CERTAIN DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  After January 1, 1993, many distributions called "eligible rollover
distributions" from Qualified Plans and from many TSA Plans will be subject to
automatic withholding by the plan or payor at the rate of 20%. Withholding can
be avoided by arranging a direct transfer of the eligible rollover
distribution to a Qualified Plan, TSA or IRA.
 
QUALIFIED PLANS, TSA PLANS, IRAS, SEPS, AND SARSEPS AND GOVERNMENTAL PLANS
 
  Payments made from the Contracts held under a Qualified Plan, TSA Plan, IRA,
SEP, SARSEP or Governmental Plan are taxable under Section 72 of the Code as
ordinary income, in the year of receipt. Any amount received in surrender of
all or part of the Contract Value prior to annuitization will, subject to
restrictions and penalties discussed below, also be included in income in the
year of receipt. If there is any "investment" in the Contract, a portion of
each amount received is excluded from gross income as a return of such
investment. Distributions or withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to
a penalty tax of 10% of the amount includible in income. This penalty tax does
not apply: (i) to distributions of excess contributions or deferrals; (ii) to
distributions made on account of the Annuitant's death, retirement, disability
or early retirement at or after age 55; (iii) when distribution from the
Contract is in the form of an annuity over the life or life expectancy of the
Annuitant (or joint lives or life expectancies of the Annuitant and his or her
Beneficiary); or (iv) when distribution is made pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order. In the case of IRAs, SEPs and SARSEPs, the
exceptions for distributions on account of early retirement at or after age 55
or made pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order do not apply. A tax-
free rollover may be made once each year among individual retirement
arrangements subject to the conditions and limitations described in the Code.
 
  If the Annuitant dies before distributions begin, distributions must be
completed within five years after death, unless payments begin within one year
after death and are made over the life (or life expectancy) of the
Beneficiary. If the Annuitant's spouse is the Beneficiary, distributions need
not begin until the Annuitant would have reached age 70 1/2. If the Annuitant
dies after annuity payments have begun, payments must continue to be made at
least as rapidly as payments made before death.
 
  With respect to TSA Plans, elective contributions to the Contract made after
December 31, 1988 and any increases in Contract Value after that date may not
be distributed prior to attaining age 59 1/2, termination of employment, death
or disability. Contributions (but not earnings) made after December 31, 1988
may also be distributed by reason of financial hardship. These restrictions on
withdrawal will not apply to the Contract Value as of December 31, 1988. These
restrictions are not expected to change the circumstances under which
transfers to other investments which qualify for tax free treatment under
Section 403(b) of the Code may be made.
 
  Annuity payments, periodic payments or annual distributions must commence by
April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which the Annuitant attains
age 70 1/2. In the case of a Governmental Plan, these distributions must begin
by the later of the date determined by the preceding sentence or April 1 of
the calendar year following the year in which the Annuitant retires. Each
annual distribution must equal or exceed a "minimum distribution amount" which
is determined by minimum distribution rules under the plan. A penalty tax of
up to 50% of the amount which should be distributed may be imposed by the IRS
for failure to distribute the required minimum distribution amount. Other tax
penalties may apply to aggregate annual distributions in excess of $150,000.
 
  Other restrictions with respect to election, commencement, or distribution
of benefits may apply under the Contracts or under the terms of the Qualified
Plans in respect of which the Contracts are issued.
 
                                     A-35
<PAGE>
 
SECTION 457 PLANS
 
  When a distribution under a Contract held under a Section 457 Plan is made
to the Annuitant, such amounts are taxed as ordinary income in the year in
which received. The plan must not permit distributions prior to the
Annuitant's separation from service (except in the case of unforeseen
emergency).
 
  Generally, annuity payments, periodic payments or annual distributions must
commence by April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which the
Annuitant attains age 70 1/2 and meet other distribution requirements. Minimum
distributions under a Section 457 Plan may be further deferred if the
Annuitant remains employed with the sponsoring employer. Each annual
distribution must equal or exceed a "minimum distribution amount" which is
determined by distribution rules under the plan. If the Annuitant dies before
distributions begin, the same special distribution rules apply in the case of
Section 457 Plans as apply in the case of Qualified Plans, TSA Plans, IRAs,
SEPs, SARSEPs and Governmental Plans. These rules are discussed above in the
immediately preceding section of this prospectus.
 
  (B) SPECIAL RULES FOR ANNUITIES USED BY INDIVIDUALS OR WITH PLANS AND TRUSTS
NOT QUALIFYING UNDER THE CODE FOR TAX BENEFITED TREATMENT
 
  For a Contract held by an individual, any increase in the accumulated value
of the Contract is not taxable until amounts are received, either in the form
of annuity payments as contemplated by the Contract or in a full or partial
lump sum settlement of the Company's obligations to the Contract Owner.
 
  Under Section 72(u) of the Code, however, Contracts held by other than a
natural person (i.e. those held by a corporation or certain trusts) generally
will not be treated as an annuity contract for Federal income tax purposes.
This means a Contract Owner who is not a natural person will have to include
in income any increase during the taxable year in the accumulated value over
the investment in the Contract.
 
  Section 817(h) of the Code requires the investments of the Variable Account
to be "adequately diversified" in accordance with Treasury Regulations.
Failure to do so means the variable annuity contracts described herein will
cease to qualify as annuities for Federal income tax purposes. Regulations
specifying the diversification requirements have been issued by the Department
of the Treasury, and the Company believes it complies fully with these
requirements. The Company believes that the Contracts meet other existing
requirements relating to the degree of Contract Owner control over
investments, including purchase payment allocation and transfer privileges.
However, neither the IRS nor the Secretary of the Treasury has issued any
rulings or regulations on this subject. Such rulings or regulations, if
adopted, could include additional requirements that are not reflected in the
Contracts. For example, the rulings or regulations could require the Company
to impose limitations on a Contract Owner's right to transfer between the
Eligible Funds. Moreover, any such rulings or regulations could also apply to
tax benefited retirement plans. The Company believes any such additional
requirements would apply only after the effective date of such rulings or
regulations.
 
  Any amount received in a surrender of all or part of the Contract Value
(including an amount received as a systematic withdrawal) prior to
annuitization will be included in gross income to the extent of any increases
in the value of the Contract resulting from earnings or gains on the
underlying mutual fund shares.
 
  The Code also imposes a ten percent penalty tax on amounts received under a
Contract, before or after annuitization, which are includible in gross income.
The penalty tax will not apply to any amount received under the Contract (1)
after the Contract Owner has attained age 59 1/2, (2) after the death of the
Contract Owner, (3) after the Contract Owner has become totally and
permanently disabled, (4) as one of a series of substantially equal periodic
payments made for the life (or life expectancy) of the Contract Owner or the
joint lives (or life expectancies) of the Contract Owner and a Beneficiary,
(5) if the Contract is purchased under certain types of retirement plans or
arrangements, (6) allocable to investments in the Contract before August 14,
1982, or (7) if the Contract is an immediate annuity contract.
 
  In the calculation of any increase in value for contracts entered into after
October 4, 1988, all annuity contracts issued by the Company or its affiliates
to the same Contract Owner within a calendar year will be treated as one
contract.
 
  If the Contract Owner dies, the tax law requires certain distributions from
the Contract. (See "Payment on Death Prior to Annuitization.") Generally, such
amounts are includible in the income of the recipient as follows: (1) if
distributed in a lump sum, they are taxed in the same manner as a full
surrender as described above; or (2) if distributed under an Annuity Option,
they are taxed in the same manner as Annuity payments, as described above.
 
                                     A-36
<PAGE>
 
  A transfer of ownership of a Contract, the designation of an Annuitant,
Payee or other Beneficiary who is not also an Owner, the selection of certain
Maturity Dates, or the exchange of a Contract may result in certain tax
consequences that are not discussed herein. Anyone contemplating any such
designation, transfer, assignment, selection, or exchange should contact a
competent tax advisor with respect to the potential tax effects of such a
transaction.
 
TAX WITHHOLDING
 
  The Code and the laws of certain states require tax withholding on
distributions made under annuity contracts, unless the recipient has made an
election not to have any amount withheld. The Company provides recipients with
an opportunity to instruct it as to whether taxes are to be withheld.
 
                                 VOTING RIGHTS
 
  The Company is the legal owner of the Eligible Fund shares held in the
Variable Account and has the right to vote those shares at meetings of the
Eligible Fund shareholders. However, to the extent required by Federal
securities law, the Company will give you, as Contract Owner, the right to
instruct the Company how to vote the shares that are attributable to your
Contract.
 
  Prior to annuitization, the number of votes as to which you have a right of
instruction is determined by applying your percentage interest in a sub-
account to the total number of votes attributable to the sub-account. After
annuitization, the number of votes attributable to your Contract is determined
by applying the percentage interest reflected by the reserve for your Contract
to the total number of votes attributable to the sub-account. After
annuitization the votes attributable to your Contract decrease as reserves
underlying the Contract decrease.
 
  Contract Owners who are entitled to give voting instructions and the number
of shares as to which they have a right of instruction will be determined as
of the record date for the meeting. All Eligible Fund shares held in any sub-
account of the Variable Account, or any other registered (or to the extent
voting privileges are granted by the issuing insurance company, unregistered)
separate accounts of the Company or any affiliate for which no timely
instructions are received will be voted for, against, or withheld from voting
on any proposition in the same proportion as the shares held in that sub-
account for all policies or contracts for which voting instructions are
received.
 
  All Eligible Fund shares held by the general investment account (or any
unregistered separate account for which voting privileges are not extended) of
the Company or its affiliates will be voted in the same proportion as the
aggregate of (i) the shares for which voting instructions are received and
(ii) the shares that are voted in proportion to such voting instructions.
 
  The SEC requires the Eligible Fund Boards of Trustees to monitor events to
identify conflicts that may arise from the sale of shares to variable life and
variable annuity separate accounts of affiliated and, if applicable,
unaffiliated insurance companies. Conflicts could arise as a result of changes
in state insurance law or Federal income tax law, changes in investment
management of any portfolio of the Eligible Funds, or differences between
voting instructions given by variable life and variable annuity contract
owners, for example. If there is a material conflict, the Boards of Trustees
will have an obligation to determine what action should be taken, including
the removal of the affected sub-account(s) from the Eligible Fund(s), if
necessary. If the Company believes any Eligible Fund action is insufficient,
the Company will consider taking other action to protect Contract Owners.
There could, however, be unavoidable delays or interruptions of operations of
the Variable Account that the Company may be unable to remedy.
 
  Each Contract Owner is a policyholder of the Company and is entitled to vote
at the Company's Annual Meeting of Policyholders.
 
                           DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRACTS
 
  New England Securities, the principal underwriter of the Contracts, is a
broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a
member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Commissions of
3% of purchase payments will be paid by the Company to the New England
Securities registered representative involved in the sale of a Contract if the
Maturity Date selected at issue is ten or more years after issue of the
Contract. Lower commissions will be paid if the Maturity Date selected at
issue is less than ten years after issue. A maximum override of .75% of
purchase payments made after the first Contract Year will be paid by the
Company to the general agent involved in the transaction.
 
                                     A-37
<PAGE>
 
  New England Securities may enter into selling agreements with other broker-
dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 whose
representatives are authorized by applicable law to sell variable annuity
contracts. Commissions paid to such broker-dealers will not exceed 3% of
purchase payments. Commissions will be paid through the registered broker-
dealer, which may also be reimbursed for all or part of the expenses incurred
by the broker-dealer in connection with the sale of the Contracts.
 
                               THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
  A Fixed Account option is included under Contracts issued in those states
where it has been approved by the state insurance department. You may allocate
net purchase payments and may transfer Contract Value in the Variable Account
to the Fixed Account, which is part of the Company's general account. The
Fixed Account offers diversification to a Variable Account contract, allowing
the Contract Owner to protect principal and earn, at least, a guaranteed rate
of interest.
 
  Because of exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in the Fixed
Account have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, and neither
the Fixed Account nor the general account has been registered as an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Therefore, neither the
general account, the Fixed Account nor any interests therein are generally
subject to the provisions of these Acts, and the Company has been advised that
the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission does not review
disclosures relating to the general account. Disclosures regarding the Fixed
Account may, however, be subject to certain generally applicable provisions of
the Federal securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of
statements made in prospectuses.
 
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
  The Company's general account consists of all assets owned by the Company
other than those in the Variable Account and the Company's other separate
accounts. The Company has sole discretion over the investment of assets in the
general account, including those in the Fixed Account. Contract Owners do not
share in the actual investment experience of the assets in the Fixed Account.
Instead, the Company guarantees that Contract Values in the Fixed Account will
be credited with interest at an effective annual net rate of at least 4.5% or
3%, depending on the date when your Contract was issued. The Company is not
obligated to credit interest at a rate higher than the minimum guaranteed rate
applicable to your Contract, although in its sole discretion it may do so. The
Company declares the current interest rate for the Fixed Account periodically.
Contract Values in the Fixed Account will be credited with interest daily.
 
  The Company has the right to modify its method of crediting interest. Under
its current method, any net purchase payment or portion of Contract Value
allocated to the Fixed Account will earn interest at the declared annual rate
in effect on the date of the allocation. On each Contract Anniversary, the
Company will determine a portion, from 0% to 100%, of your Contract Value in
the Fixed Account which will earn interest at the Company's declared annual
rate in effect on the Contract Anniversary. The effective interest rate
credited at any time to your Contract Value in the Fixed Account will be a
weighted average of all the Fixed Account rates for your Contract. (See
"Contract Value and Fixed Account Transactions" below for a description of the
interest rate which will be applied to Contract loan repayments allocated to
the Fixed Account.)
 
CONTRACT VALUE AND FIXED ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
 
  A Contract's total Contract Value will include its Contract Value in the
Variable Account, its Contract Value in the Fixed Account and, for Contracts
under which Contract loans are available, any of its Contract Value held in
the Company's general account (but outside the Fixed Account) as a result of a
Contract loan.
 
  The annual $30 Administration Contract Charge will be deducted
proportionately from the Contract Value in the Fixed Account and in the
Variable Account. Unless you request otherwise, a partial surrender or
Contract loan will reduce the Contract Value in the sub-accounts of the
Variable Account and the Fixed Account proportionately. Except as described
below, amounts in the Fixed Account are subject to the same rights and
limitations as are amounts in the Variable Account with respect to transfers,
surrenders, partial surrenders and Contract loans. The following special rules
apply to transfers and Contract loan repayments involving the Fixed Account.
 
                                     A-38
<PAGE>
 
  You may transfer amounts from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account once
each year within 30 days after the Contract anniversary. The amount of
Contract Value which may be transferred from the Fixed Account is limited to
the greater of 25% of the Contract Value in the Fixed Account and $1,000,
except with the consent of the Company. Also, after the transfer is effected,
Contract Value may not be allocated among more than ten of the accounts,
including the Fixed Account. The Company intends to restrict transfers of
Contract Value into the Fixed Account in the following circumstances: (1) for
the remainder of a Contract Year if an amount is transferred out of the Fixed
Account in that same Contract Year; (2) if the interest rate which would be
credited to the transferred amount would be equivalent to an annual effective
rate of 3%; or (3) if the total Contract Value in the Fixed Account equals or
exceeds a maximum amount established by the Company.
 
  If any portion of a Contract loan was attributable to Contract Value in the
Fixed Account, then an equal portion of each loan repayment must be allocated
to the Fixed Account. (For example, if 50% of the loan was attributable to
your Fixed Account Contract Value, then 50% of each loan repayment will be
allocated to the Fixed Account.) See "Loan Provision for Certain Tax Benefited
Retirement Plans." The rate of interest for each loan repayment applied to the
Fixed Account will be the lesser of: (1) the effective interest rate for your
Contract on the date the loan repayment is applied to the Fixed Account; and
(2) the current Fixed Account interest rate set by the Company in advance for
that date.
 
  The Company reserves the right to delay transfers, surrenders, partial
surrenders and Contract loans from the Fixed Account for up to six months.
 
                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The financial statements of the Variable Account, the Company and New
England Mutual Life Insurance Company may be found in the Statement of
Additional Information.
 
                                     A-39
<PAGE>
 
                       INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE INFORMATION
 
  The Company may advertise performance by illustrating hypothetical average
annual total returns for each sub-account of the Variable Account, based on
the actual investment experience of the Eligible Funds since their inception
and for the one, five, and ten year periods ending with the date of the
illustration. Calculations of average annual total return are based on the
assumption that a single investment of $1,000 was made at the beginning of
each period illustrated. Average annual total return calculations reflect
changes in the net asset values of the Eligible Funds plus the reinvestment of
dividends from net investment income and of distributions from net realized
gains, if any. The calculations also reflect the deduction of the Mortality
and Expense Risk Charge and the Administration Asset Charge. They also reflect
annual deductions for the $30 Administration Contract Charge, and the
deduction of any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applicable at the end of the
period illustrated. The calculations do not reflect the effect of any premium
tax charge, which applies in certain states, and which would reduce the
results shown. The average annual total return is the annual compounded rate
of return which would produce the surrender value at the end of the period
illustrated. See "Calculation of Performance Data" in the Statement of
Additional Information for average annual total returns as of December 31,
1995 and more information about how they are calculated.
 
  The Company may also illustrate how the average annual total return for a
five year period was determined by illustrating the average annual total
return for each year in the five year period ending with the date of the
illustration. Such illustrations are based on the same assumptions and reflect
the same expenses and deductions described in the preceding paragraph. See
"Calculation of Performance Data" in the Statement of Additional Information
for an example of this type of illustration and more information about how
average annual total returns are calculated.
 
  The Company may illustrate what would have been the growth and value of a
single $10,000 purchase payment for the Contract if it had been invested in
each of the Eligible Funds on the first day of the first month after those
Eligible Funds commenced operations. These illustrations show Contract Value
and surrender value, calculated in the same manner as when they are used to
arrive at average annual total return, as of the end of each year, ending with
the date of the illustration. The surrender values reflect the deduction of
any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, but do not reflect the
deduction of any premium tax charge. These illustrations may also show annual
percentage changes in Contract Value and surrender value, cumulative returns,
and annual effective rates of return. The difference between the Contract
Value or surrender value at the beginning and at the end of each year is
divided by the beginning Contract Value or surrender value to arrive at the
annual percentage change. The cumulative return is determined by taking the
difference between the $10,000 investment and the ending Contract Value or
surrender value and dividing it by $10,000. The annual effective rate of
return is calculated in the same manner as average annual total return. See
"Calculation of Performance Data" in the Statement of Additional Information
for examples of these illustrations and more information about how they are
calculated.
 
  The Variable Account may update the performance history of one or more of
its sub-accounts on a quarterly basis by illustrating the one, five, and ten
year values (or since inception, if less) of a single $10,000 purchase payment
invested at the beginning of such periods using the same method of calculation
described in the preceding paragraph, but using the periods ending with the
date of the quarterly illustration. Such illustrations will show the Contract
Value at the end of the period and the cumulative return and annual effective
rate of return for the period. The illustration may also include the
cumulative return and annual effective rate of return of an appropriate
securities index and the Consumer Price Index for the same period.
 
  The Company may illustrate what would have been the change in value of a
$100 monthly purchase payment plan if the monthly payments had been invested
in each of the Eligible Funds on the first day of each month starting with the
first day of the first month after those Eligible Funds commenced operations.
These illustrations show cumulative payments, Contract Value and surrender
value as of the end of each year, ending with the date of the illustration.
Surrender values reflect the deduction of any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge. The illustrations also show annual effective rates of return,
which represent the compounded annual rates that the hypothetical purchase
payments would have had to earn in order to produce the Contract Value and
surrender value as of the date of the illustration. See "Calculation of
Performance Data" in the Statement of Additional Information for examples of
these illustrations and more information about how they are calculated.
 
 
                                     A-40
<PAGE>
 
  The Variable Account may make available illustrations showing historical
Contract Values and the annual effective rate of return, based upon
hypothetical purchase payment amounts and frequencies, which can be selected
by the client. The method of calculation described in the preceding paragraph
will be used, but the illustration will reflect the effect of any premium tax
charge applicable in the state where the illustration is delivered. The
beginning date of the illustration can be selected by the client. Contract
Values will be shown as of the end of each calendar year in the period and as
of the end of the most recent calendar quarter.
 
  Historical investment performance may also be illustrated by showing the
percentage change in the Accumulation Unit Value and annual effective rate of
return of a sub-account without reflecting the deduction of any Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge, premium tax charge, or the annual $30 Administration
Contract Charge, all of which have the effect of reducing historical
performance. The percentage change in unit value and annual effective rate of
return of each sub-account may be shown from inception of the Eligible Fund to
the date of the report and for the year-to-date, one year, five year, and ten
year periods ending with the date of the report. The percentage change in unit
value and annual effective rate of return also may be compared with the
percentage change and annual effective rate for the Dow Jones Industrial
Average and S&P 500 Stock Index, as well as other unmanaged indices of stock
and bond performance and the Consumer Price Index, as described in the
Statement of Additional Information in the Notes to the illustration of Annual
Percentage Change in Contract Value and Annual Percentage Change in Surrender
Value for a $10,000 Single Purchase Payment Contract. The percentage change is
calculated by dividing the difference in unit or index values at the beginning
and end of the period by the beginning unit or index value. See the Statement
of Additional Information for a description of the method for calculating the
annual effective rate of return in this illustration.
 
  From time to time the Company may advertise (in sales literature or
advertising material) performance rankings of the sub-accounts of the Variable
Account assigned by independent services, such as Variable Annuity Research
and Data Services ("VARDS"). VARDS monitors and ranks the performance of
variable annuity accounts on an industry-wide basis in each of the major
categories of investment objectives. The performance analysis prepared by
VARDS ranks accounts on the basis of total return calculated using
Accumulation Unit Values. Thus, the effect of the Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge and Administration Contract Charge assessed under the Contracts is not
taken into consideration.
 
  From time to time, articles discussing the Variable Account's investment
experience, performance rankings and other characteristics may appear in
national publications. Some or all of these publishers or ranking services
(including, but not limited to, Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and
Morningstar) may publish their own rankings or performance reviews of variable
contract separate accounts, including the Variable Account. References to,
reprints or portions of reprints of such articles or rankings may be used by
the Company as sales literature or advertising material and may include
rankings that indicate the names of other variable contract separate accounts
and their investment experience.
 
                                     A-41
<PAGE>
 
                                  APPENDIX A
 
                                 CONSUMER TIPS
 
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
  Dollar cost averaging allows a person to take advantage of the historical
long-term stock market results, assuming that they continue, although it does
not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. If an investor follows a
program of dollar cost averaging on a long-term basis and the stock fund
selected performs at least as well as the S&P 500 has historically, it is
likely although not guaranteed that the price at which shares are surrendered,
for whatever reason, will be higher than the average cost per share.
 
  An investor using dollar cost averaging invests the same amount of money in
the same professionally managed fund at regular intervals over a long period
of time. Dollar cost averaging keeps an investor from investing too much when
the price of shares is high and too little when the price is low. When the
price of shares is low, the money invested buys more shares. When it is high,
the money invested buys fewer shares. If the investor has the ability and
desire to maintain this program over a long period of time (for example, 20
years), and the stock fund chosen follows the historical upward market trends,
the price at which the shares are sold should be higher than their average
cost. The price could be lower, however, if the fund chosen does not follow
these historical trends.
 
  Investors contemplating the use of dollar cost averaging should consider
their ability to continue the on-going purchases so that they can take
advantage of periods of low price levels.
 
DIVERSIFICATION
 
  Diversifying investment choices can enhance returns, by providing a wider
opportunity for safe returns, and reduce risks, by spreading the chance of
loss. Holding a single investment requires of that investment a safe return
because a loss may risk the entire investment. By diversifying, on the other
hand, an investor can more safely take a chance that some investments will
under-perform and that others will over-perform. Thus an investor can
potentially earn a better-than-average rate of return on a diversified
portfolio than on a single safe investment. This is because, although portions
of a diversified investment may be totally lost, other portions may perform at
above-average rates that more than compensate for the loss.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
<TABLE>
 <C>                       <S>
 Toll-free telephone       --A recording of daily unit values is available by
  service:                  calling 1-800-333-2501.
                           --Fund transfers and changes of future purchase
                            payment allocations can be made by calling 1-800-
                            777-5897.
 Written Communications:   --All communications and inquiries regarding address
                            changes, premium payments, billing, fund transfers,
                            surrenders, loans, maturities and any other
                            processing matters relating to your Contract should
                            be directed to:
                            New England Annuities
                            P.O. Box 642
                            Back Bay Annex
                            Boston, Mass 02116
</TABLE>
 
                                     A-42
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                      OF
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           -----
<S>                                                                        <C>
HISTORY...................................................................  II-3
SERVICES RELATING TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE CONTRACTS...............  II-3
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS...................................................  II-3
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA...........................................  II-4
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR..................................................... II-20
ANNUITY PAYMENTS.......................................................... II-20
HYPOTHETICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF ANNUITY INCOME PAYOUTS...................... II-21
HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF ANNUITY INCOME PAYOUTS........................ II-25
EXPERTS................................................................... II-28
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................. II-28
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................................................... II-28
APPENDIX A................................................................ II-93
</TABLE>
 
  If you would like to obtain a copy of the Statement of Additional
Information, please complete the request form below and mail to:
 
  New England Securities Corporation
  399 Boylston Street
  Boston, Massachusetts 02116
 
 ...............................................................................
 
            Please send a copy of the Statement of Additional
            Information of The New England Variable Account to:
 
            ------------------------------------------------------
                                     Name
            ------------------------------------------------------
                                    Street
            ------------------------------------------------------
            City                     State                     Zip
 
                                     A-43
<PAGE>
 
                       THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT
                              ZENITH ACCUMULATOR
                     INDIVIDUAL VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                 ISSUED BY METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                   (PART B)
                                AUGUST 30, 1996
 
  This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. This Statement
of Additional Information relates to the Prospectus dated August 30, 1996 and
should be read in conjunction therewith. A copy of the Prospectus may be
obtained by writing to New England Securities Corporation ("New England
Securities") 399 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           -----
<S>                                                                        <C>
History...................................................................  II-3
Services Relating to the Variable Account and the Contracts...............  II-3
Performance Comparisons...................................................  II-3
Calculation of Performance Data...........................................  II-4
Net Investment Factor..................................................... II-20
Annuity Payments.......................................................... II-20
Hypothetical Illustrations of Annuity Income Payouts...................... II-21
Historical Illustrations of Annuity Income Payouts........................ II-25
Experts................................................................... II-28
Legal Matters............................................................. II-28
Financial Statements...................................................... II-28
Appendix A................................................................ II-93
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
 
                                    HISTORY
 
  The New England Variable Account (the "Variable Account") is a separate
account of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (the "Company"). The Variable
Account was originally a separate account of New England Mutual Life Insurance
Company ("The New England"), and became a separate account of the Company when
The New England merged with and into the Company on August 30, 1996.
 
          SERVICES RELATING TO THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE CONTRACTS
 
  Auditors. Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., located at One International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109, conducts an annual audit of the Variable
Account's financial statements.
 
  Administrative Services Agreement. Pursuant to an administrative services
agreement between New England Life Insurance Company ("NELICO") and the
Company, NELICO serves as the Designated Office for servicing the Contracts
and performs certain other administrative services for the Company relating to
the Variable Account and the Contracts. NELICO is compensated for these
services based on the expenses it incurs in providing them. NELICO was a
wholly-owned subsidiary of The New England before it merged into the Company,
and became a subsidiary of the Company as a result of the merger.
 
  Principal Underwriter. New England Securities Corporation ("New England
Securities"), an indirect subsidiary of the Company, serves as principal
underwriter for the Variable Account pursuant to a distribution agreement with
the Company. The Contracts are offered continuously and are sold by NELICO's
life insurance agents and insurance brokers who are registered representatives
of New England Securities. Contracts also may be sold by registered
representatives of broker-dealers that have selling agreements with New
England Securities. The Company pays commissions, none of which are retained
by New England Securities, to the registered representatives involved in
selling Contracts.
 
                            PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS
 
  Articles and releases, developed by the Company, the Eligible Funds (as
defined in the Prospectus) and other parties, about the Account or the
Eligible Funds regarding performance, rankings, statistics and analyses of the
Account's, the individual Eligible Funds' and fund groups' asset levels and
sales volumes, statistics and analyses of industry sales volumes and asset
levels, and other characteristics may appear in publications, including, but
not limited to, those publications listed in Appendix A to this Statement. In
particular, some or all of these publications may publish their own rankings
or performance reviews including the Account or the Eligible Funds. References
to or reprints of such articles may be used in the Company's promotional
literature. Such literature may refer to personnel of the advisers, who have
portfolio management responsibility, and their investment style. The
references may allude to or include excerpts from articles appearing in the
media.
 
  The advertising and sales literature of the Contract and the Account may
refer to historical, current and prospective economic trends and may include
historical and current performance and total returns of investment
alternatives.
 
  In addition, sales literature may be published concerning topics of general
investor interest for the benefit of registered representatives and
prospective Contractholders. These materials may include, but are not limited
to, discussions of college planning, retirement planning, reasons for
investing and historical examples of the investment performance of various
classes of securities, securities markets and indices.
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
                        CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA
 
  The tables below illustrate hypothetical average annual total returns for
each sub-account for the periods shown, based on the actual investment
experience of the Eligible Funds during those periods. The tables do not
represent what may happen in the future.
 
  The Variable Account was not established until July, 1987. The Contracts
were not available until September, 1988. The Capital Growth, Back Bay
Advisors Bond Income and Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series commenced
operations on August 26, 1983. The Westpeak Growth and Income and Loomis
Sayles Avanti Growth Series commenced operations on April 30, 1993. The
Equity-Income Portfolio commenced operations on October 9, 1986, and the
Overseas Portfolio commenced operations on January 28, 1987. The Loomis Sayles
Small Cap Series commenced operations on May 2, 1994. The other Zenith Fund
Series (Loomis Sayles Balanced, Draycott International Equity, Salomon
Brothers U.S. Government, Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities, Davis
Venture Value, and Alger Equity Growth) commenced operations on October 31,
1994.
 
  Calculations of average annual total return are based on the assumption that
a single investment of $1,000 was made at the beginning of each period shown.
The figures do not reflect the effect of any premium tax charges, which apply
in certain states, and which would reduce the results shown.
 
  The average annual total return is related to surrender value and is
calculated as follows. The amount of the assumed $1,000 purchase payment for a
Contract issued at the beginning of the period is divided by the Accumulation
Unit Value of each sub-account at the beginning of the period shown to arrive
at the number of Accumulation Units purchased. The number of Accumulation
Units is reduced on each Contract anniversary to reflect deduction of the
annual $30 Administration Contract Charge from the Contract Value. Each such
$30 deduction reduces the number of units held under the Contract by an amount
equal to $30 divided by the Accumulation Unit Value on the date of the
deduction. The total number of units held under the Contract at the beginning
of the last Contract Year covered by the period shown is multiplied by the
Accumulation Unit Value on December 31, 1995 to arrive at the Contract Value
on that date.* This Contract Value is then reduced by the applicable
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and by the portion of the $30 Administration
Contract Charge which would be deducted upon surrender on December 31, 1995 to
arrive at the surrender value. The average annual total return is the annual
compounded rate of return which would produce the surrender value on December
31, 1995. In other words, the average annual total return is the rate which,
when added to 1, raised to a power reflecting the number of years in the
period shown, and multiplied by the initial $1,000 investment, yields the
surrender value at the end of the period. The average annual total returns
assume that no premium tax charge has been deducted.
- --------
 * In the illustrations that follow, the calculations are based on the
   Accumulation Unit Values for the next business day following December 31,
   1995, which was a Sunday.
 
                          AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Loomis Sayles Small Cap Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 18.41%
      Since Inception..................................................  5.91%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Draycott International Equity Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... -2.83%
      Since Inception.................................................. -1.30%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Overseas Portfolio:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                                <C>
      1 Year............................................................  .78%
      5 Years........................................................... 3.15%
      Since Inception................................................... 2.89%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Alger Equity Growth Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 38.07%
      Since Inception.................................................. 24.86%
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Capital Growth Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 27.45%
      5 Years.......................................................... 11.79%
      10 Years......................................................... 19.37%
      Since Inception.................................................. 20.72%
  For purchase payment allocated to the Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth Series:
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 20.47%
      Since Inception..................................................  9.69%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Davis Venture Value Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 27.55%
      Since Inception.................................................. 18.96%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Westpeak Growth and Income Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 25.12%
      Since Inception.................................................. 11.00%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Equity-Income Portfolio:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 24.01%
      5 Years.......................................................... 16.73%
      Since Inception..................................................  9.33%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Loomis Sayles Balanced Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 14.24%
      Since Inception.................................................. 11.15%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond
Opportunities Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                                <C>
      1 Year............................................................ 9.02%
      Since Inception................................................... 5.47%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Back Bay Advisors Bond Income Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... 10.53%
      5 Years..........................................................  6.09%
      10 Years.........................................................  6.17%
      Since Inception..................................................  7.36%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Salomon Brothers U.S. Government
Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                                <C>
      1 Year............................................................ 4.53%
      Since Inception................................................... 3.65%
</TABLE>
 
  For purchase payment allocated to the Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                       PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1995
                       -------------------------------
      <S>                                                               <C>
      1 Year........................................................... -4.20%
      5 Years..........................................................  -.59%
      10 Years.........................................................  1.98%
      Since Inception..................................................  2.84%
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
  Information is available illustrating the impact of fund performance on
annuity payouts.
 
  The following chart illustrates how the average annual total return was
determined for the five year period ending December 31, 1995 for the sub-
account investing in the Capital Growth Series based on the assumptions used
in the above table. The units column below shows the number of accumulation
units hypothetically purchased by the $1000 investment in the Capital Growth
Series in the first year (assuming that no premium tax is deducted). The units
are reduced on each Contract anniversary to reflect the deduction of the $30
Administration Contract Charge.
 
  The unit values of the sub-accounts reflect the change in the net asset
value of the underlying Eligible Funds plus the reinvestment of dividends from
net investment income and of distributions from net realized gains, if any.
The unit values also reflect the deduction of the Mortality and Expense Risk
Charge as well as the Administration Asset Charge.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      AVERAGE
                                         UNIT    CONTRACT SURRENDER ANNUAL TOTAL
DATE                           UNITS     VALUE    VALUE     VALUE      RETURN
- ----                          -------- --------- -------- --------- ------------
<S>                           <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>
December 31, 1990............ 176.4959  5.665855 $1000.00
December 31, 1991............ 173.0106  8.607664  1489.22 $1408.80     40.88%
December 31, 1992............ 169.2503  7.978068  1350.29  1283.45     13.29%
December 31, 1993............ 165.9352  9.049554  1501.64  1434.07     12.77%
December 31, 1994............ 162.2928  8.236304  1336.69  1282.56      6.42%
December 31, 1995............ 159.6482 11.343893  1811.03  1745.84     11.79%
</TABLE>
 
  The following charts illustrate what would have been the growth and value of
a $10,000 purchase payment for a Contract if it had been invested in each of
the Eligible Funds on the first day of the first month after those Eligible
Funds became available: September 1, 1983 in the case of the Back Bay Advisors
Money Market, Back Bay Advisors Bond Income and Capital Growth Series;
November 1, 1986 in the case of the Equity-Income Portfolio; February 1, 1987
in the case of the Overseas Portfolio; May 1, 1993 in the case of the Westpeak
Value Growth and Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth Series; May 2, 1994 in the case
of the Loomis Sayles Small Cap Series; and November 1, 1994 for the other
Zenith Fund Series. The figures shown do not reflect the deduction of any
premium tax charge. During the period when the Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge applies, the percentage return on surrender value from year to year
(after the 1st year) will be greater than the percentage return on Contract
Value for the same years. This is because the percentage return on surrender
value reflects not only investment experience but also the annual reduction in
the applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. In the first chart, the
Contract Value and surrender value on each date shown are calculated in the
manner described in the preceding illustrations of average annual total
return, assuming that no premium tax charge is deducted.
 
  In the second and third charts, the difference between the Contract Value or
surrender value at the beginning and at the end of each year is divided by the
beginning Contract Value or surrender value to arrive at the annual percentage
change. The cumulative return information set forth in these charts is
determined by taking the difference between the $10,000 investment and the
ending Contract Value or surrender value and dividing it by $10,000. The
annual effective rate of return in this illustration is calculated in the same
manner as the average annual total return described in the preceding
illustration, assuming that no premium tax charge is deducted.
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
                   $10,000 SINGLE PURCHASE PAYMENT CONTRACT
 ISSUED SEPTEMBER 1, 1983 (FOR SUB-ACCOUNTS INVESTING IN CAPITAL GROWTH, BACK
         BAY ADVISORS BOND INCOME AND BACK BAY ADVISORS MONEY MARKET)
       (EQUITY-INCOME: NOVEMBER 1, 1986 AND OVERSEAS: FEBRUARY 1, 1987)
   (WESTPEAK GROWTH AND INCOME AND LOOMIS SAYLES AVANTI GROWTH: MAY 1, 1993)
                    (LOOMIS SAYLES SMALL CAP: MAY 2, 1994)
                 (OTHER ZENITH FUND SERIES: NOVEMBER 1, 1994)
                              INVESTMENT RESULTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                                            
                                                             CONTRACT VALUE(1)        
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                      
                    LOOMIS                                                   LOOMIS              WESTPEAK             
                    SAYLES     DRAYCOTT                 ALGER                SAYLES     DAVIS     GROWTH              
                     SMALL   INTERNATIONAL             EQUITY    CAPITAL     AVANTI    VENTURE     AND      EQUITY-   
                      CAP       EQUITY      OVERSEAS   GROWTH     GROWTH     GROWTH     VALUE     INCOME     INCOME   
                   --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- 
<S>                <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        
As of December                                                                                                       
31:                                                                                                                  
 1983............                                               $10,444.58                                            
 1984............                                                10,236.94                                            
 1985............                                                16,941.07                                            
 1986............                                                32,597.59                                 $ 9,812.08 
 1987............                          $ 9,346.53            49,085.06                                   9,540.79 
 1988............                           10,073.52            44,124.36                                  11,446.14 
 1989............                           12,284.55            57,258.18                                  13,468.76 
 1990............                           11,946.44            54,167.35                                  11,089.00 
 1991............                           12,697.26            82,257.93                                  14,349.01 
 1992............                           11,157.37            76,208.53                                  16,515.02 
 1993............                           15,079.90            86,412.36 $11,306.07           $11,357.58  19,244.53 
 1994............  $9,512.13  $10,196.29    15,027.29 $9,561.73  78,619.20  10,972.12 $9,657.56  11,004.10  20,270.09 
 1995............  12,155.60   10,746.82    16,425.77 14,212.45 108,251.60  14,265.95 13,279.91  14,848.16  27,147.11 

<CAPTION> 

                   --------------------------------------------------------   
                                SALOMON                                       
                               BROTHERS     BACK BAY   SALOMON    BACK BAY    
                    LOOMIS     STRATEGIC    ADVISORS   BROTHERS   ADVISORS    
                    SAYLES       BOND         BOND       U.S.      MONEY      
                   BALANCED  OPPORTUNITIES   INCOME   GOVERNMENT   MARKET     
                   --------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ----------   
<S>                <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>          
As of December                                                                
31:                                                                           
 1983............                          $10,322.81            $10,267.54   
 1984............                           11,453.60             11,175.37   
 1985............                           13,388.02             11,905.91   
 1986............                           15,137.28             12,515.01   
 1987............                           15,242.32             13,122.58   
 1988............                           16,250.76             13,896.84   
 1989............                           17,982.33             14,945.51   
 1990............                           19,151.99             15,916.87   
 1991............                           22,256.32             16,648.79   
 1992............                           23,723.05             17,018.60   
 1993............                           26,326.57             17,259.26   
 1994............  $9,956.78   $9,817.20    25,012.44 $10,026.51  17,679.32   
 1995............  12,291.47   11,577.43    29,943.73  11,348.95  18,403.95    
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                                            
                                                         SURRENDER VALUE(1)       
                   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                      
                    LOOMIS                                                   LOOMIS              WESTPEAK             
                    SAYLES     DRAYCOTT                 ALGER                SAYLES     DAVIS     GROWTH              
                     SMALL   INTERNATIONAL             EQUITY    CAPITAL     AVANTI    VENTURE     AND      EQUITY-   
                      CAP       EQUITY      OVERSEAS   GROWTH     GROWTH     GROWTH     VALUE     INCOME     INCOME   
                   --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- 
<S>                <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        
As of December                                                                                                       
31:                                                                                                                  
 1983............                                               $ 9,824.16                                            
 1984............                                                 9,674.68                                            
 1985............                                                16,131.07                                            
 1986............                                                31,787.59                                 $ 9,233.37 
 1987............                          $ 8,773.87            48,275.06                                   9,020.86 
 1988............                            9,503.54            43,314.36                                  10,874.80 
 1989............                           11,650.33            56,448.18                                  12,857.89 
 1990............                           11,382.59            53,357.35                                  10,635.10 
 1991............                           12,156.63            81,447.93                                  13,827.62 
 1992............                           10,729.19            75,512.75                                  15,989.95 
 1993............                           14,578.25            86,402.36 $10,625.83           $10,674.33  18,720.06 
 1994............  $8,936.84   $9,595.10    14,594.80 $8,997.66  78,609.20  10,360.71 $9,087.88  10,390.96  19,900.32 
 1995............  11,480.28   10,161.77    16,103.10 13,440.24 108,241.60  13,540.78 12,558.07  14,094.78  26,897.83 

<CAPTION> 

                   -------------------------------------------------------- 
                                SALOMON                                     
                               BROTHERS     BACK BAY   SALOMON    BACK BAY  
                    LOOMIS     STRATEGIC    ADVISORS   BROTHERS   ADVISORS  
                    SAYLES       BOND         BOND       U.S.      MONEY    
                   BALANCED  OPPORTUNITIES   INCOME   GOVERNMENT   MARKET   
                   --------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 
<S>                <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        
As of December                                                              
31:                                                                         
 1983............                          $ 9,709.52            $ 9,657.47 
 1984............                           10,825.65             10.562.44 
 1985............                           12,715.81             11,307.06 
 1986............                           14,446.55             11,942.28 
 1987............                           14,615.41             12,581.52 
 1988............                           15,656.09             13,386.91 
 1989............                           17,406.21             14,465.04 
 1990............                           18,625.16             15,477.39 
 1991............                           21,845.89             16,339.29 
 1992............                           23,499.64             16,855.52 
 1993............                           26,316.57             17,249.26 
 1994............  $9,369.60   $9,238.19    25,002.44 $9,435.25   17,669.32 
 1995............  11,623.00   10,947.52    29,993.73 10,731.37   18,383.95  
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>
 
                 ANNUAL PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN CONTRACT VALUE(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            LOOMIS                                                   LOOMIS
                            SAYLES     DRAYCOTT                 ALGER                SAYLES    DAVIS
                            SMALL    INTERNATIONAL             EQUITY     CAPITAL    AVANTI   VENTURE
                             CAP        EQUITY     OVERSEAS    GROWTH      GROWTH    GROWTH    VALUE
                          ---------- ------------- -------- ------------- -------- ---------- --------
<S>                       <C>        <C>           <C>      <C>           <C>      <C>        <C>
As of December 31:
 1983...................                                                     4.45%
 1984...................                                                    -1.99
 1985...................                                                    65.49
 1986...................                                                    92.42
 1987...................                             -6.53%                 50.58
 1988...................                              7.78                 -10.11
 1989...................                             21.95                  29.77
 1990...................                             -2.75                  -5.40
 1991...................                              6.28                  51.86
 1992...................                            -12.13                  -7.35
 1993...................                             35.16                  13.39    13.06%
 1994...................    -4.88%        1.96%      -0.35      -4.38%      -9.02    -2.95     -3.42%
 1995...................    27.79         5.40        9.31      48.64       37.69    30.02     37.51
Cumulative Return.......    21.56         7.47       64.26      42.12      982.52    42.66     32.80
Annual Effective Rate of
 Return.................    12.43         6.38        5.72      35.24       21.29    14.24     27.59
<CAPTION>
                                                               SALOMON
                                                              BROTHERS    BACK BAY  SALOMON   BACK BAY
                           WESTPEAK                 LOOMIS    STRATEGIC   ADVISORS  BROTHERS  ADVISORS
                            GROWTH      EQUITY-     SAYLES      BOND        BOND      U.S.     MONEY
                          AND INCOME    INCOME     BALANCED OPPORTUNITIES  INCOME  GOVERNMENT  MARKET
                          ---------- ------------- -------- ------------- -------- ---------- --------
<S>                       <C>        <C>           <C>      <C>           <C>      <C>        <C>
As of December 31:
 1983...................                                                     3.23%              2.68%
 1984...................                                                    10.95               8.84
 1985...................                                                    16.89               6.54
 1986...................                 -1.88%                             13.07               5.12
 1987...................                 -2.76                               0.69               4.85
 1988...................                 19.97                               6.62               5.90
 1989...................                 17.67                              10.66               7.55
 1990...................                -17.67                               6.50               6.50
 1991...................                 29.40                              16.21               4.60
 1992...................                 15.10                               6.59               2.22
 1993...................    13.58%       16.53                              10.97               1.41
 1994...................    -3.11         5.33       -0.43%     -1.83%      -4.99     0.27%     2.43
 1995...................    34.93        33.93       23.45      17.93       19.72    13.19      4.10
Cumulative Return.......    48.48       171.47       22.91      15.77      199.44    13.49     84.04
Annual Effective Rate of
 Return.................    15.97        11.51       19.39      13.40        9.29    11.48      5.07
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              LEHMAN
                                                           INTERMEDIATE
                                                           GOVERNMENT/
                                       DOW JONES  S&P 500   CORPORATE   CONSUMER
                                       INDUSTRIAL  STOCK       BOND      PRICE
                                       AVERAGE(2) INDEX(3)   INDEX(4)   INDEX(5)
                                       ---------- -------- ------------ --------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>
As of December 31:
 1983................................      5.89%     1.71%      4.50%     1.07%
 1984................................      1.30      6.22      14.38      3.95
 1985................................     33.55     31.64      18.05      3.80
 1986................................     27.10     18.62      13.12      1.10
 1987................................      5.48      5.21       3.67      4.43
 1988................................     16.14     16.50       6.78      4.42
 1989................................     32.19     31.59      12.76      4.65
 1990................................     -1.00     -3.12       9.17      6.11
 1991................................     24.19     30.34      14.63      3.06
 1992................................      7.39      7.61       7.17      2.90
 1993................................     16.97     10.06       8.79      2.75
 1994................................      5.06      1.31      -1.95      2.78
 1995................................     36.83     37.45      15.31      2.54
Cumulative Return....................    557.53    471.03     230.41     53.19
Annual Effective Rate of Return......     16.50     15.17      10.18      3.52
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>
 
                 ANNUAL PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN SURRENDER VALUE(1)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          LOOMIS                                          LOOMIS
                          SAYLES    DRAYCOTT             ALGER            SAYLES   DAVIS
                          SMALL   INTERNATIONAL          EQUITY  CAPITAL  AVANTI  VENTURE
                           CAP       EQUITY     OVERSEAS GROWTH  GROWTH   GROWTH   VALUE
                          ------  ------------- -------- ------  -------  ------  -------
<S>                       <C>     <C>           <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
As of December 31:
 1983...................                                          -1.76%
 1984...................                                          -1.52
 1985...................                                          66.73
 1986...................                                          97.06
 1987...................                         -12.26%          51.87
 1988...................                           8.32          -10.28
 1989...................                          22.59           30.32
 1990...................                          -2.30           -5.48
 1991...................                           6.80           52.65
 1992...................                         -11.74           -7.29
 1993...................                          35.87           14.42    6.26%
 1994...................  -10.63%     -4.05%       0.11  -10.02%  -9.02   -2.50    -9.12%
 1995...................   28.46       5.91       10.33   49.37   37.70   30.69    38.18
Cumulative Return.......   14.80       1.62       61.03   34.40  982.42   35.41    25.58
Annual Effective Rate of
 Return.................    8.64       1.39        5.49   28.91   21.29   12.03    21.61
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SALOMON
                                                         BROTHERS    BACK BAY  SALOMON   BACK BAY
                           WESTPEAK            LOOMIS    STRATEGIC   ADVISORS  BROTHERS  ADVISORS
                            GROWTH   EQUITY-   SAYLES      BOND        BOND      U.S.     MONEY
                          AND INCOME INCOME   BALANCED OPPORTUNITIES  INCOME  GOVERNMENT  MARKET
                          ---------- -------  -------- ------------- -------- ---------- --------
<S>                       <C>        <C>      <C>      <C>           <C>      <C>        <C>
As of December 31:
 1983...................                                               -2.90%             -3.43%
 1984...................                                               11.50               9.37
 1985...................                                               17.46               7.05
 1986...................              -7.67%                           13.61               5.62
 1987...................              -2.30                             1.17               5.35
 1988...................              20.55                             7.12               6.40
 1989...................              18.24                            11.18               8.05
 1990...................             -17.29                             7.00               7.00
 1991...................              30.02                            17.29               5.57
 1992...................              15.64                             7.57               3.16
 1993...................     6.74%    17.07                            11.99               2.34
 1994...................    -2.65      6.30    -6.30%      -7.62%      -4.99    -5.65%     2.44
 1995...................    35.64     35.16    24.05       18.50       19.72    13.74      4.10
Cumulative Return.......    40.94    168.98    16.23        9.48      199.34     7.31     83.94
Annual Effective Rate of
 Return.................    13.72     11.39    13.79        8.08        9.29     6.25      5.06
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              LEHMAN
                                                           INTERMEDIATE
                                                           GOVERNMENT/
                                       DOW JONES  S&P 500   CORPORATE   CONSUMER
                                       INDUSTRIAL  STOCK       BOND      PRICE
                                       AVERAGE(2) INDEX(3)   INDEX(4)   INDEX(5)
                                       ---------- -------- ------------ --------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>      <C>          <C>
As of December 31:
 1983................................      5.89%     1.71%      4.50%     1.07%
 1984................................      1.30      6.22      14.38      3.95
 1985................................     33.55     31.64      18.05      3.80
 1986................................     27.10     18.62      13.12      1.10
 1987................................      5.48      5.21       3.67      4.43
 1988................................     16.14     16.50       6.78      4.42
 1989................................     32.19     31.59      12.76      4.65
 1990................................     -1.00     -3.12       9.17      6.11
 1991................................     24.19     30.34      14.63      3.06
 1992................................      7.39      7.61       7.17      2.90
 1993................................     16.97     10.06       8.79      2.75
 1994................................      5.06      1.31      -1.95      2.78
 1995................................     36.83     37.45      15.31      2.54
Cumulative Return....................    557.53    471.03     230.41     53.19
Annual Effective Rate of Return......     16.50     15.17      10.18      3.52
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-9
<PAGE>
 
- ----------
NOTES:
(1) The Contract Value, surrender value and annual percentage change figures
    assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions. The
    Contract Value figures are net of all deductions and expenses except
    premium tax. Each surrender value shown equals the Contract Value less any
    applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and a pro rata portion of the
    annual $30 Administration Contract Charge. (See "Administration Charges,
    Contingent Deferred Sales and Other Deductions.") 1983 figures for the
    Capital Growth, Back Bay Advisors Bond Income and Back Bay Advisors Money
    Market Series are from September 1 through December 31, 1983. The 1986
    figure for the Equity-Income Portfolio is from November 1, 1986 through
    December 31, 1986; the 1987 figure for the Overseas Portfolio is from
    February 1, 1987 through December 31, 1987. The 1993 figures for the
    Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth and Westpeak Growth and Income Series are from
    May 1, 1993 through December 31, 1993. The 1994 figure for the Loomis
    Sayles Small Cap Series is from May 2, 1994 through December 31, 1994. The
    1994 figures for the other Zenith Fund Series are from November 1, 1994
    through December 31, 1994.
(2) The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index of 30 large
    industrial stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The annual
    percentage change figures have been adjusted to reflect reinvestment of
    dividends. 1983 figures are from September 1 through December 31, 1983.
(3) The S&P 500 Stock Index is an unmanaged weighted index of the stock
    performance of 500 industrial, transportation, utility and financial
    companies. The annual percentage change figures have been adjusted to
    reflect reinvestment of dividends. 1983 figures are from September 1
    through December 31, 1983.
(4) The Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Bond Index is a subset of the
    Lehman Government/Corporate Bond Index covering all issues with maturities
    between 1 and 10 years which is comprised of taxable, publicly issued,
    non-convertible debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
    Government or its agencies and another Lehman Index that is comprised of
    taxable, fixed rate publicly issued, investment grade non-convertible
    corporate debt obligations. 1983 figures are from September 1 through
    December 31, 1983.
(5) The Consumer Price Index, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor
    Statistics, is a statistical measure of changes, over time, in the prices
    of goods and services. 1983 figures are from September 1 through December
    31, 1983.
 
                                     II-10
<PAGE>
 
  The chart below illustrates what would have been the change in value of a
$100 monthly investment in each of the Eligible Funds if monthly purchase
payments for a Contract had been made on the first day of each month starting
with September 1, 1983 for the Capital Growth, Back Bay Advisors Bond Income
and Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series; November 1, 1986 for the Equity-
Income Portfolio; February 1, 1987 for the Overseas Portfolio; May 1, 1993 for
the Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth and Westpeak Growth and Income Series; May 2,
1994 for the Loomis Sayles Small Cap Series; and November 1, 1994 for the
Draycott International Equity, Alger Equity Growth, Davis Venture Value,
Loomis Sayles Balanced, Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities and
Salomon Brothers U.S. Government Series. The figures shown do not reflect the
deduction of any premium tax charge, and only surrender values, not Contract
Values, reflect the deduction of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge. Each purchase payment is divided by the Accumulation Unit Value of
each sub-account on the date of the investment to calculate the number of
Accumulation Units purchased. The total number of units under the Contract is
reduced on each Contract anniversary as a result of the $30 Administration
Contract Charge, as described in the illustrations of average annual total
return. The Contract Value and the surrender value are calculated according to
the methods described in the preceding examples. The annual effective rate of
return in this illustration represents the compounded annual rate that the
hypothetical purchase payments shown would have had to earn in order to
produce the Contract Value and surrender value illustrated on December 31,
1995. In other words, the annual effective rate of return is the rate which,
when added to 1 and raised to a power equal to the number of months for which
the payment is invested divided by twelve, and multiplied by the payment
amount, for all monthly payments, would yield the contract value or surrender
value on the ending date of the illustration.
 
                              INVESTMENT RESULTS
  SEPTEMBER 1, 1983--DECEMBER 31, 1995 (CAPITAL GROWTH, BOND INCOME AND MONEY
                                MARKET SERIES)
 (NOVEMBER 1, 1986--DECEMBER 31, 1995 FOR EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO AND FEBRUARY
              1, 1987--DECEMBER 31, 1995 FOR OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO)
      (MAY 2, 1994--DECEMBER 31, 1995 FOR LOOMIS SAYLES SMALL CAP SERIES)
    (NOVEMBER 1, 1994--DECEMBER 31, 1995 FOR ALL OTHER ZENITH FUND SERIES)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 


                                                   Contract Value
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------
                                 LOOMIS                                                   
                                 SAYLES     DRAYCOTT                 ALGER                
                   CUMULATIVE     SMALL    INTERNATIONAL              EQUITY    CAPITAL    
                   PAYMENTS*       CAP        EQUITY      OVERSEAS    GROWTH     GROWTH    
                   ----------    --------- ------------- ----------- --------- ----------- 
<S>                <C>           <C>       <C>           <C>         <C>       <C>         
As of December                                                                            
31:                                                                                       
 1983............   $   400                                                    $   408.55  
 1984............     1,600                                                      1,652.90  
 1985............     2,800                                                      4,286.49  
 1986............     4,000                                                      9,785.53  
 1987............     5,200                              $ 1,004.85             15,914.69  
 1988............     6,400                                2,337.75             15,465.64  
 1989............     7,600                                4,204.39             21,368.41  
 1990............     8,800                                5,221.07             21,339.67  
 1991............    10,000                                6,776.73             33,870.55  
 1992............    11,200                                7,031.48             32,583.40  
 1993............    12,400                               10,871.79             38,213.23  
 1994............    13,600       $776.30     $203.73     11,984.99   $196.35   35,878.20  
 1995............    14,800      2,339.76    1,444.82     14,372.45  1,676.26   50,780.60  
Annual Effective                                                                           
Rate of Return...                   19.16%       5.16%         6.47%    32.46%      18.54% 
<CAPTION>                      
                                                              CONTRACT VALUE
                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    LOOMIS              WESTPEAK                           SALOMON      BACK BAY    SALOMON    BACK BAY
                    SAYLES     DAVIS     GROWTH                LOOMIS      BROTHERS     ADVISORS    BROTHERS   ADVISORS
                    AVANTI    VENTURE     AND      EQUITY-     SAYLES   STRATEGIC BOND    BOND        U.S.      MONEY
                    GROWTH     VALUE     INCOME     INCOME    BALANCED  OPPORTUNITIES    INCOME    GOVERNMENT   MARKET
                   ---------- --------- --------- ----------- --------- -------------- ----------- ---------- -----------
<S>                <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>
As of December     
31:                
 1983............                                                                      $   404.51             $   406.73
 1984............                                                                        1,720.39               1,673.10
 1985............                                                                        3,304.00               2,998.89
 1986............                                 $   195.01                             4,981.88               4,361.45
 1987............                                   1,212.40                             6,207.06               5,787.75
 1988............                                   2,691.26                             7,827.20               7,353.43
 1989............                                   4,391.26                             9,909.41               9,143.25
 1990............                                   4,714.30                            11,804.98              10,968.40
 1991............                                   7,417.83                            15,034.52              12,691.67
 1992............                                   9,828.50                            17,270.47              14,180.13
 1993............  $  847.63            $ 848.54   12,716.94                            20,402.48              15.585.77
 1994............   2,000.60   $198.56  1,997.99   14,615.73   $200.66      $196.45     20,560.58    $200.74   17,181.74
 1995............   3,920.45  1,641.50  4,068.94   20,969.03  1,549.93     1,510.09     25,920.26   1,474.16   19,112.51
Annual Effective   
Rate of Return...      15.40%    28.32%    18.37%      13.58%    17.46%       12.68%         8.68%      8.60%       4.03%
</TABLE>
- -----
  * Cumulative payments as of December 31, 1995 would be $11,000 for Equity-
    Income, $10,700 for Overseas, $3,200 for Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth and
    Westpeak Growth and Income, $2,000 for Loomis Sayles Small Cap, and $1,400
    for each of the other Zenith Fund series.
 
                                     II-11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Surrender Value
                                  -------------------------------------------------------- 
                                                                                          
                                   LOOMIS     DRAYCOTT                 ALGER              
                   CUMULATIVE      SAYLES   INTERNATIONAL             EQUITY    CAPITAL   
                   PAYMENTS*      SMALL CAP    EQUITY      OVERSEAS   GROWTH     GROWTH   
                   ----------     --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- 
<S>                <C>            <C>       <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        
As of December                                                                           
31:                                                                                      
 1983............   $   400                                                    $   375.23 
 1984............     1,600                                                      1,554.18 
 1985............     2,800                                                      4,064.80 
 1986............     4,000                                                      9,455.53 
 1987............     5,200                               $   920.18            15,488.69 
 1988............     6,400                                 2,185.50            14,943.64 
 1989............     7,600                                 3,970.13            20,750.41 
 1990............     8,800                                 4,959.86            20,753.77 
 1991............    10,000                                 6,475.88            33,251.06 
 1992............    11,200                                 6,751.84            32,280.23 
 1993............    12,400                                10,502.69            38,203.23 
 1994............    13,600       $  712.06   $  187.11    11,634.64 $  180.15  35,868.20 
 1995............    14,800        2,194.49    1,362.07    14,086.74  1,581.01  50,770.60 
Annual Effective                                                                         
Rate of Return...                    11.03%      -4.32%        6.03%    21.08%     18.54% 
<CAPTION>
                                                                Surrender Value
                   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    LOOMIS             WESTPEAK                                           BACK BAY               BACK BAY
                    SAYLES     DAVIS    GROWTH               LOOMIS        SALOMON        ADVISORS    SALOMON    ADVISORS
                    AVANTI    VENTURE     AND     EQUITY-    SAYLES   BROTHERS STRATEGIC    BOND    BROTHERS US   MONEY
                    GROWTH     VALUE    INCOME     INCOME   BALANCED  BOND OPPORTUNITIES   INCOME      GOVT       MARKET
                   --------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ------------------ ---------- ----------- ----------
<S>                <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>                <C>        <C>         <C>     
As of December     
31:                
 1983............                                                                        $   371.43             $   373.52
 1984............                                                                          1,618.03               1,573.30
 1985............                                                                          3,130.95               2,840.94
 1986............                                $   178.90                                4,748.14               4,155.63
 1987............                                  1,142.20                                5,946.08               5,543.75
 1988............                                  2,553.29                                7,535.78               7,079.07
 1989............                                  4,188.87                                9,587.58               8,845.55
 1990............                                  4,518.57                               11,476.52              10,662.52
 1991............                                  7,145.96                               14,754.08              12,453.40
 1992............                                  9,514.06                               17,105.13              14,042.59
 1993............  $  779.21           $  780.07  12,368.71                               20,392.48              15,575.77
 1994............   1,873.64 $  182.24  1,871.18  14,347.74 $  184.22     $  180.25       20,550.58  $  184.29   17,171.74
 1995............   3,707.38  1,548.13  3,848.52  20,775.35  1,461.50      1,423.81       25,910.26   1,389.83   19,102.51
Annual Effective   
Rate of Return...     11.04%    17.19%    13.94%     13.39%     7.08%         2.73%           8.68%     -1.16%       4.03%
</TABLE>
- -----
  * Cumulative payments as of December 31, 1995 would be $11,000 for Equity-
    Income, $10,700 for Overseas, $3,200 for Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth and
    Westpeak Growth and Income, $2,000 for Loomis Sayles Small Cap, and $1,400
    for each of the other Zenith Fund series.
 
                                     II-12
<PAGE>
 
  As discussed in the prospectus in the third to the last paragraph of the
section entitled "Investment Experience Information," the Variable Account may
illustrate historical investment performance by showing the percentage change
in unit value and the annual effective rate of return of each sub-account of
the Variable Account for every calendar year since inception of the
corresponding Eligible Funds to the date of the illustration and for the 10, 5
and 1 year periods and the year-to-date period ending with the date of the
illustration. Examples of such illustrations follow. Such illustrations do not
reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales Charge or the annual $30
Administration Contract Charge. The method of calculating the percentage
change in unit value is described in the prospectus under "Investment
Experience Information." The annual effective rate of return in these
illustrations is calculated by dividing the unit value at the end of the
period by the unit value at the beginning of the period, raising this quantity
to the power of 1/n (where n is the number of years in the period), and then
subtracting 1.
 
  Set forth on the following pages are illustrations of the percentage change
in unit value information and annual effective rate of return information
discussed above that may appear in the Variable Account's Annual and Semi-
Annual Reports and in other illustrations of historical investment
performance. Such illustrations do not reflect the impact of any Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
                      LOOMIS SAYLES SMALL CAP SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
May 1, 1994................................................          1     --
December 31, 1994..........................................   0.951213   -4.9%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.219149   28.2%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1 year, 8 months ended December 31, 1995.....................  21.9%     12.6%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  28.2%     28.2%
</TABLE>
 
                   DRAYCOTT INTERNATIONAL EQUITY SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
October 31, 1994...........................................          1     --
December 31, 1994..........................................   1.019591    2.0%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.077837    5.7%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1 year, 2 months ended December 31, 1995.....................   7.8%     6.6%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................   5.7%     5.7%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Unit values do not reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
 
                                     II-13
<PAGE>
 
                             OVERSEAS SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
January 28, 1987...........................................   1.000000      --
December 31, 1987..........................................    .934480    -6.6%
December 31, 1988..........................................   1.010547     8.1%
December 31, 1989..........................................   1.235990    22.3%
December 31, 1990..........................................   1.204901    -2.5%
December 31, 1991..........................................   1.283814     6.5%
December 31, 1992..........................................   1.130753   -11.9%
December 31, 1993..........................................   1.532303    35.5%
December 31, 1994..........................................   1.529809    -0.2%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.675625     9.5%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
7 years, 11 months ended December 31, 1995...................  67.6%     6.0%
5 years ended December 31, 1995..............................  39.1%     6.8%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................   9.5%     9.5%
</TABLE>
 
                        ALGER EQUITY GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
October 31, 1994...........................................          1     --
December 31, 1994..........................................   0.942751   -5.7%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.404202   48.9%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1 year, 2 months ended December 31, 1995.....................  40.4%     33.8%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  48.9%     48.9%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Unit values do not reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
                                     II-14
<PAGE>
 
                          CAPITAL GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
August 26, 1983............................................   1.000000      --
December 31, 1983..........................................   1.083495     8.3%
December 31, 1984..........................................   1.065136    -1.7%
December 31, 1985..........................................   1.766488    65.8%
December 31, 1986..........................................   3.402150    92.6%
December 31, 1987..........................................   5.125504    50.7%
December 31, 1988..........................................   4.610685   -10.0%
December 31, 1989..........................................   5.985984    29.8%
December 31, 1990..........................................   5.665855    -5.3%
December 31, 1991..........................................   8.607664    51.9%
December 31, 1992..........................................   7.978068    -7.3%
December 31, 1993..........................................   9.049554    13.4%
December 31, 1994..........................................   8.236304    -9.0%
December 31, 1995..........................................  11.343893    37.7%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
12 years, 4 months ended December 31, 1995................... 1,034.4%   21.7%
10 years ended December 31, 1995.............................   542.2%   20.4%
5 years ended December 31, 1995..............................   100.2%   14.9%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................    37.7%   37.7%
</TABLE>
 
                    LOOMIS SAYLES AVANTI GROWTH SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
April 30, 1993.............................................   1.000000     --
December 31, 1993..........................................   1.137039   13.7%
December 31, 1994..........................................   1.106525   -2.7%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.442289   30.3%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
2 years, 8 months ended December 31, 1995....................  44.2%     14.7%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  30.3%     30.3%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Unit values do not reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
                                     II-15
<PAGE>
 
                        DAVIS VENTURE VALUE SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
October 31, 1994...........................................          1     --
December 31, 1994..........................................    0.96572   -3.4%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.331068   37.8%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1 year, 2 months ended December 31, 1995.....................  33.1%     27.8%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  37.8%     37.8%
</TABLE>
 
                    WESTPEAK GROWTH AND INCOME SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
April 30, 1993.............................................   1.000000     --
December 31, 1993..........................................   1.132111   13.2%
December 31, 1994..........................................   1.099884   -2.8%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.487750   35.3%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
2 years, 8 months ended December 31, 1995....................  48.8%     16.0%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  35.3%     35.3%
</TABLE>
 
                           EQUITY-INCOME SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
October 9, 1986............................................   1.000000      --
December 31, 1986..........................................    .998929    -0.1%
December 31, 1987..........................................    .974348    -2.5%
December 31, 1988..........................................   1.171943    20.3%
December 31, 1989..........................................   1.382175    17.9%
December 31, 1990..........................................   1.141297   -17.4%
December 31, 1991..........................................   1.480005    29.7%
December 31, 1992..........................................   1.706687    15.3%
December 31, 1993..........................................   1.991856    16.7%
December 31, 1994..........................................   2.101033     5.5%
December 31, 1995..........................................   2.817175    34.1%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Unit values do not reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
                                     II-16
<PAGE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                             IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                              VALUE     RATE
                                                             -------- ---------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
9 years, 2 months ended December 31, 1995...................  181.7%    11.9%
5 years ended December 31, 1995.............................  146.8%    19.8%
1 year ended December 31, 1995..............................   34.1%    34.1%
</TABLE>
 
                      LOOMIS SAYLES BALANCED SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
October 31, 1994...........................................          1     --
December 31, 1994..........................................   0.995641   -0.4%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.232234   23.8%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1 year, 2 months ended December 31, 1995.....................  23.2%     19.6%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  23.8%     23.8%
</TABLE>
 
           SALOMON BROTHERS STRATEGIC BOND OPPORTUNITIES SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
October 31, 1994...........................................          1     --
December 31, 1994..........................................   0.981684   -1.8%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.160788   18.2%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1 year, 2 months ended December 31, 1995.....................  16.1%     13.6%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  18.2%     18.2%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Unit values do not reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
                                     II-17
<PAGE>
 
                   BACK BAY ADVISORS BOND INCOME SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         ACCUMULATION     %
     DATE                                                 UNIT VALUE   CHANGE
     ----                                                ------------ ---------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>
August 26, 1983.........................................   1.000000       --
December 31, 1983.......................................   1.025551      2.6%
December 31, 1984.......................................   1.141109     11.3%
December 31, 1985.......................................   1.337005     17.2%
December 31, 1986.......................................   1.514752     13.3%
December 31, 1987.......................................   1.528314      0.9%
December 31, 1988.......................................   1.632495      6.8%
December 31, 1989.......................................   1.809536     10.8%
December 31, 1990.......................................   1.930406      6.7%
December 31, 1991.......................................   2.246568     16.4%
December 31, 1992.......................................   2.397657      6.7%
December 31, 1993.......................................   2.663825     11.1%
December 31, 1994.......................................   2.533842     -4.9%
December 31, 1995.......................................   3.036590     19.8%
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<CAPTION>
                                                           % CHANGE    ANNUAL
                                                           IN UNIT    EFFECTIVE
                                                            VALUE       RATE
                                                         ------------ ---------
<S>                                                      <C>          <C>
12 years, 4 months ended December 31, 1995..............     203.7%      9.4%
10 years ended December 31, 1995........................     127.1%      8.5%
5 years ended December 31, 1995.........................      57.3%      9.5%
1 year ended December 31, 1995..........................      19.8%     19.8%
</TABLE>
 
                 SALOMON BROTHERS U.S. GOVERNMENT SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
October 31, 1994...........................................          1     --
December 31, 1994..........................................   1.002614    0.3%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.137909   13.5%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
1 year, 2 months ended December 31, 1995.....................  13.8%     11.7%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................  13.5%     13.5%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Unit values do not reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
                                     II-18
<PAGE>
 
                  BACK BAY ADVISORS MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNT
 
                     ANNUAL PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            ACCUMULATION   %
     DATE                                                    UNIT VALUE  CHANGE
     ----                                                   ------------ ------
<S>                                                         <C>          <C>
August 26, 1983............................................   1.000000     --
December 31, 1983..........................................   1.028062    2.8%
December 31, 1984..........................................   1.122053    9.1%
December 31, 1985..........................................   1.198477    6.8%
December 31, 1986..........................................   1.262853    5.4%
December 31, 1987..........................................   1.327245    5.1%
December 31, 1988..........................................   1.408658    6.1%
December 31, 1989..........................................   1.518070    7.8%
December 31, 1990..........................................   1.619846    6.7%
December 31, 1991..........................................   1.697425    4.8%
December 31, 1992..........................................   1.738206    2.4%
December 31, 1993..........................................   1.765866    1.6%
December 31, 1994..........................................   1.811950    2.6%
December 31, 1995..........................................   1.889333    4.3%
</TABLE>
 
       PERCENT CHANGE IN UNIT VALUE AND ANNUAL EFFECTIVE RATE OF RETURN*
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              % CHANGE  ANNUAL
                                                              IN UNIT  EFFECTIVE
                                                               VALUE     RATE
                                                              -------- ---------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
12 years, 4 months ended December 31, 1995...................  88.9%     5.3%
10 years ended December 31, 1995.............................  57.6%     4.7%
5 years ended December 31, 1995..............................  16.6%     3.1%
1 year ended December 31, 1995...............................   4.3%     4.3%
</TABLE>
- --------
* Unit values do not reflect the impact of any Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge or the annual $30 Administration Contract Charge.
 
                                     II-19
<PAGE>
 
                             NET INVESTMENT FACTOR
 
  The net investment factor ("Net Investment Factor") for each sub-account is
determined on each day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading as follows:
 
    (1) The net asset value per share of the Eligible Fund held in the sub-
  account determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
  Exchange on a particular day;
 
    (2) Plus the per share amount of any dividend or capital gains
  distribution made by the Eligible Fund since the close of regular trading
  on the New York Stock Exchange on the preceding trading day;
 
    (3) Is divided by the net asset value per share of the Eligible Fund as
  of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the
  preceding trading day; and
 
    (4) Finally, the daily charges for the Administration Asset Charge and
  Mortality and Expense Risk Charge that have accumulated since the close of
  regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on the preceding trading day
  are subtracted. (See "Administration Charges, Contingent Deferred Sales
  Charge and Other Deductions" in the prospectus.) On an annual basis, the
  total deduction for such charges equals 1.35% of the daily net asset value
  of the Variable Account.
 
 
                               ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
  At annuitization, the Contract Value is applied toward the purchase of
monthly variable annuity payments. The amount of these payments will be
determined on the basis of (i) annuity purchase rates not lower than the rates
set forth in the Life Income Tables contained in the Contract that reflect the
age of the Payee at annuitization, (ii) the assumed interest rate selected,
(iii) the type of payment option selected, and (iv) the investment performance
of the Eligible Fund selected.
     
  When a variable payment option is selected, the Contract proceeds will be
applied at annuity purchase rates, which vary depending on the particular
option selected and the age of the Payee, to calculate the basic payment level
purchased by the Contract Value. With respect to Contracts issued in New York
or Oregon for use in situations not involving an employer-sponsored plan,
annuity purchase rates used to calculate the basic payment level will also
reflect the sex of the Payee when the payment option involves a life
contingency. The impact of the choice of option and the sex and age of the
Payee on the level of annuity payments is described in the prospectus under
"Amount of Variable Annuity Payments."      
 
  The amount of the basic payment level is determined by applying the
applicable annuity purchase rate to the amount applied from each sub-account
to provide the annuity. This basic payment level is converted into annuity
units, the number of which remains constant. Each monthly annuity payment is
in an amount equal to that number of annuity units multiplied by the
applicable annuity unit value for that payment (described below). The
applicable annuity unit value for each sub-account will change from day to day
depending upon the investment performance of the sub-account, which in turn
depends upon the investment performance of the Eligible Fund in which the sub-
account invests.
     
  The selection of an assumed interest rate ("Assumed Interest Rate") will
affect both the basic payment level and the amount by which subsequent
payments increase or decrease. The basic payment level is calculated on the
assumption that the Net Investment Factors applicable to the Contract will be
equivalent on an annual basis to a net investment return at the Assumed
Interest Rate. If this assumption is met following the date any payment is
determined, then the amount of the next payment will be exactly equal to the
amount of the preceding payment. If the actual Net Investment Factors are
equivalent to a net investment return greater than the Assumed Interest Rate,
the next payment will be larger than the preceding one; if the actual Net
Investment Factors are equivalent to a net investment return smaller than the
Assumed Interest Rate, then the next payment will be smaller than the
preceding payment. The definition of the Assumed Interest Rate, and the effect
of the level of the Assumed Interest Rate on the amount of monthly payments is
explained in the prospectus under "Amount of Variable Annuity Payments."      
 
  The number of annuity units credited under a variable payment option is
determined as follows:
 
  (1) The proceeds under a deferred Contract, or the net purchase payment
under an immediate Contract (at such time as immediate Contracts may be made
available), are applied at the Company's annuity purchase rates for the
selected
 
                                     II-20
<PAGE>
 
Assumed Interest Rate to determine the basic payment level. (The amount of
Contract Value or Death Proceeds applied will be reduced by any applicable
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Administration Contract Charge and the
amount of any outstanding loan plus accrued interest.)
 
  (2) The number of annuity units is determined by dividing the amount of the
basic payment level by the applicable annuity unit value(s) next determined
following the date of application of proceeds (in the case of a deferred
Contract) or net purchase payment (in the case of an immediate Contract.)
 
  The dollar amount of the initial payment will be at the basic payment level
(if the initial payment is due more than 14 days after the proceeds are
applied, the Company will add interest to that initial payment.) The dollar
amount of each subsequent payment is determined by multiplying the number of
annuity units by the applicable annuity unit value which is determined at
least 14 days before the payment is due.
 
  The value of an annuity unit for each sub-account depends on the Assumed
Interest Rate and on the Net Investment Factors applicable at the time of
valuation. The initial annuity unit values were set at $1.00 effective on or
about the date on which shares of the corresponding Eligible Funds were first
publicly available. The Net Investment Factor and, therefore, changes in the
value of an annuity unit under a variable payment option, reflect the
deduction of the Mortality and Expense Risk Charge and Administration Asset
Charge. (See "Net Investment Factor" above.)
 
  The annuity unit value for each sub-account is equal to the corresponding
annuity unit value for the sub-account previously determined multiplied by the
applicable Net Investment Factor for that sub-account for the New York Stock
Exchange trading day then ended, and further multiplied by the assumed
interest factor ("Assumed Interest Factor") for each day of the valuation
period. The Assumed Interest Factor represents the daily equivalent of the
Contract's annual Assumed Interest Rate. In the calculation of annuity unit
values, the Assumed Interest Factor has the effect of reducing the Net
Investment Factor by an amount equal to the daily equivalent of the Contract's
Assumed Interest Rate. The result of this adjustment is that if the Net
Investment Factor for a valuation period is greater (when expressed as an
annual net investment return) than the Assumed Interest Rate, the annuity unit
value will increase. If the Net Investment Factor for the period is less (when
expressed as an annual net investment return) than the Assumed Interest Rate,
the annuity unit value will decrease. At an Assumed Interest Rate of 3.5%, the
Assumed Interest Factor is .9999058. Assumed Interest Factors for other
Assumed Interest Rates are computed on a consistent basis.
 
  An illustration of annuity income payments under various hypothetical and
historical rates appear below. The monthly equivalents of the hypothetical
annual net returns of 0%, 5.73%, 6%, 8% and 10% shown in the tables at pages
II-23 and II-24 are 0%, 0.47%, 0.49%, 0.64% and 0.80%.
 
             HYPOTHETICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF ANNUITY INCOME PAYOUTS
 
  The following tables have been prepared to show how variable annuity income
payments under the Contract change with investment performance over an
extended period of time. The tables illustrate how monthly annuity income
payments would vary over time if the return on assets in the selected
portfolios were a uniform gross annual rate of 0%, 5.73%, 6%, 8% or 10%. The
values would be different from those shown if the returns averaged 0%, 5.73%,
6%, 8% or 10%, but fluctuated over and under those averages throughout the
years.
 
  The tables reflect the daily charge to the sub-accounts for assuming
mortality and expense risks, which is equivalent to an annual charge of .95%
and the daily administrative charge which is equivalent to an annual charge of
0.40%. The amounts shown in the tables also take into account the Eligible
Funds' management fees and operating expenses which are assumed to be at an
annual rate of .78% of the average daily net assets of the Eligible Funds.
Actual fees and expenses of the Eligible Funds associated with your Contract
may be more or less than .78%, will vary from year to year, and will depend on
how you allocate your Contract Value. See the section in your current
prospectus entitled "Expense Table" for more complete details. The monthly
annuity income payments illustrated are on a pre-tax basis. The federal income
tax treatment of annuity income considerations is generally described in the
section of your current prospectus entitled "Federal Income Tax Status."
 
                                     II-21
<PAGE>
 
  The tables show both the gross rate and the net rate. The difference between
gross and net rates represents the 1.35% for mortality and expense risk and
administrative charges and the assumed .78% for investment management and
operating expenses. Since these charges are deducted daily from assets, the
difference between the gross and net rate is not exactly 2.14%.
 
  Two tables follow. The first table assumes that 100% of the Contract Value
is allocated to a variable annuity income option, the second assumes that 50%
of the Contract Value is placed under a fixed annuity income option, using the
fixed crediting rate the Company offered on the fixed annuity income option at
the date of the illustration. Both illustrations assume that the final value
of the accumulation account is $100,000 and is applied at age 65 to purchase a
life annuity for a guaranteed period of 10 years certain and life thereafter.
 
  When part of the Contract Value has been allocated to the fixed annuity
income option, the guaranteed minimum annuity income payment resulting from
this allocation is also shown. The illustrated variable annuity income
payments are determined through the use of standard mortality tables and an
assumed interest rate of 3.5% per year. Thus, actual performance greater than
3.5% per year will result in increasing annuity income payments and actual
performance less than 3.5% per year will result in decreasing annuity income
payments. The Company offers alternative Assumed Interest Rates from which you
may select. Fixed annuity income payments remain constant. Initial monthly
annuity income payments under a fixed annuity income payout are generally
higher than initial payments under a variable income payout option.
 
  These tables show the monthly income payments for several hypothetical
constant assumed interest rates. Of course, actual investment performance will
not be constant and may be volatile. Actual monthly income amounts would
differ from those shown if the actual rate of return averaged the rate shown
over a period of years, but also fluctuated above or below those averages for
individual contract years. Upon request, and when you are considering an
annuity income option, the Company will furnish a comparable illustration
based on your individual circumstances.
 
                                     II-22
<PAGE>
 
                         ANNUITY PAY-OUT ILLUSTRATION
                            (100% VARIABLE PAYOUT)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>           <C>                                  <C>
ANNUITANT:                John Doe      GROSS AMOUNT OF CONTRACT VALUE:      $100,000
SEX:                      Unisex        DATE OF ILLUSTRATION:                  1/1/96
ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED:  Life Income with 10 Years Certain*
FREQUENCY OF INCOME PAY-  Monthly
 MENTS:
</TABLE>
 
FIXED MONTHLY ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT FOR AGE 65 BASED ON CURRENT RATES, IF
100% FIXED ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED: $661.00
 
ILLUSTRATIVE AMOUNTS BELOW ASSUME THAT 100% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE IS ALLOCATED
TO VARIABLE PAYOUT.
 
ASSUMED INTEREST RATE AT WHICH MONTHLY VARIABLE PAYMENTS REMAIN
CONSTANT: 3.50%
 
VARIABLE MONTHLY ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT ON THE DATE OF THE
ILLUSTRATION: $581.00
 
MONTHLY INCOME PAYMENTS WILL VARY WITH INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. NO MINIMUM
DOLLAR AMOUNT IS GUARANTEED.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            AMOUNT OF FIRST MONTHLY PAYMENT IN YEAR SHOWN
                                  WITH AN ASSUMED RATE OF RETURN OF:
                            ----------------------------------------------
                      GROSS    0%     5.73%      6%       8%       10%
PAYMENT  CALENDAR     ----- ----------------- -------- -------- ----------
 YEAR      YEAR   AGE NET**  -2.11%   3.50%    3.77%    5.72%     7.68%
- -------  -------- --- ----- ----------------- -------- -------- ----------
<S>      <C>      <C> <C>   <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
   1       1996    65         581.00   581.00   581.00   581.00     581.00
   2       1997    66         549.52   581.00   582.50   593.49     604.48
   3       1998    67         519.75   581.00   583.99   606.24     628.90
   4       1999    68         491.59   581.00   585.50   619.27     654.32
   5       2000    69         464.96   581.00   587.00   632.58     680.76
  10       2005    74         351.93   581.00   594.50   703.54     829.87
  15       2010    79         266.38   581.00   602.29   782.46   1,011.65
  20       2015    84         201.63   581.00   610.08   870.23   1,233.25
</TABLE>
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE ASSUMED RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL
DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE CONTRACT OWNER AND THE VARIOUS RATES OF RETURN OF THE PORTFOLIOS SELECTED.
THE AMOUNT OF THE INCOME PAYMENT WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THAT SHOWN IF THE
ACTUAL PERFORMANCE AVERAGED THE ASSUMED RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT YEARS. SINCE IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT PERFORMANCE WILL
FLUCTUATE FROM MONTH TO MONTH, MONTHLY INCOME (BASED ON THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT)
WILL ALSO FLUCTUATE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY THE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS
THAT THIS HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
- --------
* Income payments are made during the Annuitant's lifetime. If the Annuitant
  dies before payments have been made for the 10 Year Certain Period, payments
  will be continued for the balance of the Certain Period. The cumulative
  amount of income payments received under the annuity depends on how long the
  Annuitant lives after the Certain Period. An annuity pools the mortality
  experience of Annuitants. Annuitants who die earlier, in effect, subsidize
  the payments for those who live longer.
 
** The illustrated Net Assumed Rates of Return reflect the deduction of
   average fund expenses and the 1.35% Mortality and Expense Risk and
   Administration Asset Charges from the Gross Rates of Return.
 
                                     II-23
<PAGE>
 
                         ANNUITY PAY-OUT ILLUSTRATION
                       (50% VARIABLE--50% FIXED PAYOUT)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>           <C>                             <C>
ANNUITANT:                John Doe      GROSS AMOUNT OF CONTRACT VALUE: $100,000
SEX:                      Unisex        DATE OF ILLUSTRATION:             1/1/96
ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED:  Life Income with 10 Years Certain*
FREQUENCY OF INCOME PAY-  Monthly
 MENTS:
</TABLE>
 
FIXED MONTHLY ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT FOR AGE 65 BASED ON CURRENT RATES, IF
100% FIXED ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED: $661.00
 
ILLUSTRATIVE AMOUNTS BELOW ASSUME THAT 50% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE IS ALLOCATED
TO VARIABLE PAYOUT AND 50% TO FIXED PAYOUT
 
ASSUMED INTEREST RATE AT WHICH MONTHLY VARIABLE PAYMENTS REMAIN
CONSTANT: 3.50%
 
MONTHLY INCOME PAYMENTS WILL VARY WITH INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE, BUT WILL NEVER
BE LESS THAN: $330.50. THE MONTHLY GUARANTEED PAYMENT OF $330.50 IS BEING
PROVIDED BY THE $50,000 APPLIED UNDER THE FIXED ANNUITY OPTION.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              AMOUNT OF FIRST MONTHLY PAYMENT IN YEAR SHOWN
                                   WITH AN ASSUMED RATE OF RETURN OF:
                            -------------------------------------------------
                      GROSS    0%       5.73%      6%        8%        10%
PAYMENT  CALENDAR     ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
 YEAR      YEAR   AGE NET**  -2.11%     3.50%     3.77%     5.72%     7.68%
- -------  -------- --- ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>      <C>      <C> <C>   <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
   1       1996    65          621.00    621.00    621.00    621.00    621.00
   2       1997    66          605.26    621.00    621.75    627.24    632.74
   3       1998    67          590.37    621.00    622.50    633.62    644.95
   4       1999    68          576.29    621.00    623.25    640.13    657.66
   5       2000    69          562.98    621.00    624.00    646.79    670.88
  10       2005    74          506.47    621.00    627.80    682.27    745.44
  15       2010    79          463.69    621.00    631.64    721.73    836.33
  20       2015    84          431.31    621.00    635.54    765.61    947.13
</TABLE>
 
IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT THE ASSUMED RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE ARE ILLUSTRATIVE
ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE PERFORMANCE.
ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL
DEPEND ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY
THE CONTRACT OWNER AND THE VARIOUS RATES OF RETURN OF THE PORTFOLIOS SELECTED.
THE AMOUNT OF THE INCOME PAYMENT WOULD BE DIFFERENT FROM THAT SHOWN IF THE
ACTUAL PERFORMANCE AVERAGED THE ASSUMED RATES OF RETURN SHOWN ABOVE OVER A
PERIOD OF YEARS, BUT ALSO FLUCTUATED ABOVE OR BELOW THOSE AVERAGES FOR
INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT YEARS. SINCE IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT PERFORMANCE WILL
FLUCTUATE FROM MONTH TO MONTH, MONTHLY INCOME (BASED ON THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT)
WILL ALSO FLUCTUATE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE MADE BY THE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS
THAT THIS HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE CAN BE ACHIEVED FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR
SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
- --------
* Income payments are made during the Annuitant's lifetime. If the Annuitant
  dies before payments have been made for the 10 Year Certain Period, payments
  will be continued for the balance of the Certain Period. The cumulative
  amount of income payments received under the annuity depends on how long the
  Annuitant lives after the Certain Period. An annuity pools the mortality
  experience of Annuitants. Annuitants who die earlier, in effect, subsidize
  the payments for those who live longer.
 
** The illustrated Net Assumed Rates of Return apply only to the variable
   portion of the monthly payment and reflect the deduction of average fund
   expenses and the 1.35% Mortality and Expense Risk and Administration Asset
   Charges from the Gross Rate of Return.
 
                                     II-24
<PAGE>
 
              HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF ANNUITY INCOME PAYOUTS
 
  The following tables have been prepared to show how variable annuity income
payments under the Contract change with investment performance over an
extended period of time. In comparison with hypothetical illustrations based
on a uniform annual rate of return, the table uses historical annual returns
to illustrate that monthly annuity income payments vary over time based on
fluctuations in annual returns.
 
  The tables reflect the daily charge to the sub-accounts for assuming
mortality and expense risks, which is equivalent to an annual charge of .95%
and the daily administrative charge which is equivalent to an annual charge of
 .40%. The amounts shown in the tables also take into account the actual
Eligible Funds' management fees and operating expenses. Actual fees and
expenses of the Eligible Funds associated with your Contract may be more or
less than the historical fees, will vary from year to year, and will depend on
how you allocate your Contract Value. See the section in your current
prospectus entitled "Expense Table" for more complete details. The monthly
annuity income payments illustrated are on a pre-tax basis. The federal income
tax treatment of annuity income considerations is generally described in the
section of your current prospectus entitled "Federal Income Tax Status."
 
  The following tables assume that 100% of the Contract Value is allocated to
a variable annuity income option, that the final value of the accumulation
account is $100,000 and is applied at age 65 to purchase a life annuity for a
guaranteed period of 10 years certain and life thereafter. The table assumes
that the Annuitant was age 65 in 1983, the year of inception for the Capital
Growth, Back Bay Advisors Bond Income and Back Bay Advisors Money Market
Series, and that the Annuitant's age had increased by the time the other
Eligible Funds became available. The historical variable annuity income
payments are based on an assumed interest rate of 3.5% per year. Thus, actual
performance greater than 3.5% per year resulted in an increased annuity income
payment and actual performance less than 3.5% per year resulted in a decreased
annuity income payment. The Company offers alternative Assumed Interest Rates
(AIR) from which you may select: 0% and 5%. An AIR of 0% will result in a
lower initial payment than a 3.5% or 5% AIR. Similarly, an AIR of 5% will
result in a higher initial premium than a 0% or 3.5% AIR.
 
  The table illustrates the amount of the first monthly payment for each year
shown. During each year, the monthly payments would vary to reflect
fluctuations in the actual rate of return on the Eligible Funds. Upon request,
and when you are considering an annuity income option, the Company will
furnish a comparable illustration based on your individual circumstances.
 
                                     II-25
<PAGE>
 
                    ANNUITY PAY-OUT HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION
                            (100% VARIABLE PAYOUT)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>           <C>                             <C>
ANNUITANT:                John Doe      GROSS AMOUNT OF CONTRACT VALUE: $100,000
SEX:                      Unisex        DATE OF ILLUSTRATION:             1/1/96
ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED:  Life Income with 10 Years Certain*
FREQUENCY OF INCOME PAY-  Monthly
 MENTS:
</TABLE>
 
FIXED MONTHLY ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT BASED ON CURRENT RATES, IF 100% FIXED
ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED: FOR AGE 65: $661; FOR AGE 68: $699; FOR AGE 69: $713;
AND FOR AGE 75: $806.
 
ILLUSTRATIVE AMOUNTS BELOW ASSUME THAT 100% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE IS ALLOCATED
TO VARIABLE PAYOUT.
 
ASSUMED INTEREST RATE AT WHICH MONTHLY VARIABLE PAYMENTS REMAIN
CONSTANT: 3.50%
 
MONTHLY INCOME PAYMENTS WILL VARY WITH INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. NO MINIMUM
DOLLAR AMOUNT IS GUARANTEED.
 
              AMOUNT OF FIRST MONTHLY PAYMENT IN YEAR SHOWN WITH 
                    100% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE INVESTED IN:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           LOOMIS          WESTPEAK
                       LOOMIS     DRAYCOTT               ALGER             SAYLES   DAVIS   GROWTH
PAYMENT  CALENDAR      SAYLES   INTERNATIONAL FIDELITY  EQUITY    CAPITAL  AVANTI  VENTURE    AND
 YEAR      YEAR   AGE SMALL CAP    EQUITY     OVERSEAS  GROWTH    GROWTH   GROWTH   VALUE   INCOME
- -------  -------- --- --------- ------------- -------- ---------  -------  ------- ------- ---------
<S>      <C>      <C> <C>       <C>           <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>
   1       1983    65                                            $  581.00
   2       1984    66                                               601.36
   3       1985    67                                               569.73
   4       1986    68                                               912.93
   5       1987    69                         $642.00             1,698.78
   6       1988    70                          581.39             2,472.75
   7       1989    71                          599.19             2,149.71
   8       1990    72                          721.30             2,679.54
   9       1991    73                          676.06             2,465.18
  10       1992    74                          695.98             3,618.49
  11       1993    75                          592.22             3,240.10 $747.00         $  747.00
  12       1994    76  $765.00     $765.00     775.38  $  765.00  3,550.97  829.98 $765.00    826.38
  13       1995    77   733.73      778.70     751.89     737.42  3,145.80  789.05  732.39    778.25
  14       1996    78   901.19      788.57     786.11   1,045.27  4,139.22  980.46  972.43  1,012.42
</TABLE>
 
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE RESULTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT REPRESENT PAST
PERFORMANCE AND ARE NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RETURNS. THE PERFORMANCE RESULTS
OF A CONTRACT MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER
OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY THE CONTRACT OWNER
AND THE VARIOUS RATES OF RETURN OF THE PORTFOLIOS SELECTED. SINCE IT IS HIGHLY
LIKELY THAT PERFORMANCE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM MONTH TO MONTH, MONTHLY INCOME
(BASED ON THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT) WILL ALSO FLUCTUATE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE
MADE BY THE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS THAT THESE HISTORICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED
FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
THE PAYMENTS IN THIS ILLUSTRATION ARE NET OF ALL CHARGES: MORTALITY AND
EXPENSE RISK CHARGE AND ADMINISTRATION ASSET CHARGE (1.35%), MANAGEMENT FEES
AND OTHER EXPENSES (These may vary from year to year. The following expenses
are for the year ended December 31, 1995 after giving effect to current
expense caps or deferrals: 1.00% Loomis Sayles Small Cap, 1.30% Draycott
International Equity, 0.90% Alger Equity Growth, 0.70% Capital Growth, 0.85%
Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth, 0.90% Davis Venture Value, 0.85% Westpeak Growth
and Income, 0.40% Westpeak Stock Index, 0.85% Loomis Sayles Balanced, 0.64%
Back Bay Managed, 0.86% Salomon Strategic Bond Opportunities, 0.55% Back Bay
Bond Income, 0.70% Salomon US Government and 0.50% Back Bay Money Market
Series.)
- --------
* Income payments are made during the Annuitant's lifetime. If the Annuitant
  dies before payments have been made for the 10 Year Certain Period, payments
  will be continued for the balance of the Certain Period. The cumulative
  amount of income payments received under the annuity depends on how long the
  Annuitant lives after the Certain Period. An annuity pools the mortality
  experience of Annuitants. Annuitants who die earlier, in effect, subsidize
  the payments for those who live longer.
 
                                     II-26
<PAGE>
 
                    ANNUITY PAY-OUT HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION
                            (100% VARIABLE PAYOUT)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>           <C>                             <C>
ANNUITANT:                John Doe      GROSS AMOUNT OF CONTRACT VALUE: $100,000
SEX:                      Unisex        DATE OF ILLUSTRATION:             1/1/96
ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED:  Life Income with 10 Years Certain*
FREQUENCY OF INCOME PAY-  Monthly
 MENTS:
</TABLE>
 
FIXED MONTHLY ANNUITY INCOME PAYMENT BASED ON CURRENT RATES, IF 100% FIXED
ANNUITY OPTION SELECTED: FOR AGE 76: $823.
 
ILLUSTRATIVE AMOUNTS BELOW ASSUME THAT 100% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE IS ALLOCATED
TO VARIABLE PAYOUT.
 
ASSUMED INTEREST RATE AT WHICH MONTHLY VARIABLE PAYMENTS REMAIN
CONSTANT: 3.50%
 
MONTHLY INCOME PAYMENTS WILL VARY WITH INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE. NO MINIMUM
DOLLAR AMOUNT IS GUARANTEED.
 
              AMOUNT OF FIRST MONTHLY PAYMENT IN YEAR SHOWN WITH 
                    100% OF THE CONTRACT VALUE INVESTED IN:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SALOMON
                      FIDELITY  WESTPEAK   LOOMIS              STRATEGIC   BACK BAY   SALOMON   BACK BAY
PAYMENT  CALENDAR      EQUITY-    STOCK    SAYLES  BACK BAY      BOND        BOND       U.S.     MONEY
 YEAR      YEAR   AGE  INCOME     INDEX   BALANCED  MANAGED  OPPORTUNITIES  INCOME   GOVERNMENT  MARKET
- -------  -------- --- --------  --------- -------- --------- ------------- --------- ---------- --------
<S>      <C>      <C> <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>           <C>       <C>        <C>
   1       1983    65                                                      $  581.00            $581.00
   2       1984    66                                                         593.85             589.21
   3       1985    67                                                         637.34             621.82
   4       1986    68 $  626.00                                               721.50             641.71
   5       1987    69    615.48 $  642.00          $  642.00                  789.77             653.31
   6       1988    70    580.03    545.85             617.60                  769.90             663.40
   7       1989    71    678.42    605.30             644.48                  795.21             679.85
   8       1990    72    758.88    750.98             731.61                  851.26             708.06
   9       1991    73    612.74    686.15             719.75                  877.02             730.20
  10       1992    74    767.71    853.12             824.49                  986.14             739.29
  11       1993    75    855.28    872.44             838.49                1,016.77             731.38
  12       1994    76    964.44    912.49 $765.00     884.40    $765.00     1,091.45  $765.00    717.90
  13       1995    77    984.32    879.55  758.20     833.68     748.36     1,005.44   763.51    711.52
  14       1996    78  1,267.62  1,147.99  901.95   1,043.17     851.64     1,161.63   837.15    716.92
</TABLE>
 
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE RESULTS CONTAINED IN THIS REPORT REPRESENT PAST
PERFORMANCE AND ARE NOT INDICATIVE OF FUTURE RETURNS. THE PERFORMANCE RESULTS
OF A CONTRACT MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND ON A NUMBER
OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY THE CONTRACT OWNER
AND THE VARIOUS RATES OF RETURN OF THE PORTFOLIOS SELECTED. SINCE IT IS HIGHLY
LIKELY THAT PERFORMANCE WILL FLUCTUATE FROM MONTH TO MONTH, MONTHLY INCOME
(BASED ON THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT) WILL ALSO FLUCTUATE. NO REPRESENTATION CAN BE
MADE BY THE COMPANY OR THE FUNDS THAT THESE HISTORICAL RETURNS CAN BE ACHIEVED
FOR ANY ONE YEAR OR SUSTAINED OVER ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
 
THE PAYMENTS IN THIS ILLUSTRATION ARE NET OF ALL CHARGES: MORTALITY AND
EXPENSE RISK CHARGE AND ADMINISTRATION ASSET CHARGE (1.35%), MANAGEMENT FEES
AND OTHER EXPENSES (These may vary from year to year. The following expenses
are for the year ended December 31, 1995 after giving effect to current
expense caps or deferrals: 1.00% Loomis Sayles Small Cap, 1.30% Draycott
International Equity, 0.90% Alger Equity Growth, 0.70% Capital Growth, 0.85%
Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth, 0.90% Davis Venture Value, 0.85% Westpeak Growth
and Income, 0.40% Westpeak Stock Index, 0.85% Loomis Sayles Balanced, 0.64%
Back Bay Managed, 0.86% Salomon Strategic Bond Opportunities, 0.55% Back Bay
Bond Income, 0.70% Salomon US Government and 0.50% Back Bay Money Market
Series.)
- --------
* Income payments are made during the Annuitant's lifetime. If the Annuitant
  dies before payments have been made for the 10 Year Certain Period, payments
  will be continued for the balance of the Certain Period. The cumulative
  amount of income payments received under the annuity depends on how long the
  Annuitant lives after the Certain Period. An annuity pools the mortality
  experience of Annuitants. Annuitants who die earlier, in effect, subsidize
  the payments for those who live longer.
 
                                     II-27
<PAGE>
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The financial statements of The New England Variable Account included in
this Statement of Additional Information have been included herein in reliance
on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on
the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The
financial statements of New England Mutual Life Insurance Company as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995 included in this Statement of Additional Information, have
been included herein in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing. The financial statements of Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing herein
and have been so included in reliance upon such report given upon the
authority of such firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The Selected Pro
Forma Financial Information for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company as of
March 31, 1996 and 1995 and December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for the three-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the years ended December 31,
1995, 1994 and 1993 has not been audited. The interim financial statements of
New England Mutual Life Insurance Company and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company as of March 31, 1996 and for the three-month periods ended March 31,
1996 and 1995 have not been audited.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  Legal matters in connection with the Contracts described in this
registration statement have been passed on by Christopher P. Nicholas,
Associate General Counsel of the Company. Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan,
Washington, D.C., have acted as special counsel on certain matters relating to
the Federal securities laws.
 
                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
  The financial statements of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company included
herein should be considered only as bearing upon the ability of Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company to meet its obligations under the Contracts.
 
  The current financial statements of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company are
those as of the end of the first quarter of the most recent fiscal year.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company generally does not prepare financial
statements for publication more often than annually and believes that any
incremental benefit to prospective Contract Owners that may result from
preparing and delivering more current financial statements, though unaudited,
does not justify the additional cost that would be incurred. In addition,
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company represents that there have been no adverse
changes in its financial condition or operations between the end of the most
current fiscal year and the date of this Statement of Additional Information.
 
                                     II-28
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Contract Owners of The New England Variable Account 
 of New England Mutual Life Insurance Company:
 
  We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of The
New England Variable Account (comprised of Capital Growth Sub-Account, Bond
Income Sub-Account, Money Market Sub-Account, Stock Index Sub-Account, Managed
Sub-Account, Avanti Growth Sub-Account, Value Growth Sub-Account, Small Cap
Sub-Account, U.S. Government Sub-Account, Balanced Sub-Account, Equity Growth
Sub-Account, Strategic Equity Opportunities Sub-Account, International Equity
Sub-Account, Venture Value Sub-Account, Strategic Bond Opportunities Sub-
Account, Equity-Income Sub-Account and Overseas Sub-Account) of New England
Mutual Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995, and the related
statements of operations and changes in net assets for each of the periods
indicated therein. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the respective
aforementioned sub-accounts comprising The New England Variable Account of New
England Mutual Life Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995, and the results
of their operations and changes in their net assets for each of the periods
indicated therein, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 10, 1996
 
                                     II-29
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                      STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
                               DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            SHARES      COST
                                           --------- -----------
<S>                                        <C>       <C>         <C>
Assets
 Investments in sub-accounts, at value
  (Note 1)
 New England Zenith Fund:
  Capital Growth Series................... 1,258,104 425,752,551 $  471,310,987
  Back Bay Advisors Bond Income Series.... 1,181,542 126,293,603    128,398,149
  Back Bay Advisors Money Market Series...   621,555  62,155,541     62,155,541
  Westpeak Stock Index Series.............   372,783  30,169,678     37,311,834
  Back Bay Advisors Managed Series........   752,838 100,890,586    123,104,083
  Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth Series......   199,949  24,158,859     28,480,776
  Westpeak Value Growth Series............   222,813  26,327,839     31,485,697
  Loomis Sayles Small Cap Series..........   139,060  14,905,092     16,517,490
  Salomon Brothers U. S. Government
   Series.................................   464,297   5,001,681      5,125,841
  Loomis Sayles Balanced Series........... 1,129,635  12,663,761     13,499,138
  Alger Equity Growth Series.............. 2,459,802  31,101,011     33,920,671
  Draycott International Equity Series.... 1,105,333  11,342,222     11,882,324
  Venture Value Series.................... 1,982,704  22,783,400     25,973,420
  Strategic Bond Opportunities Series.....   655,654   6,943,183      7,113,844
 Variable Insurance Products Fund:
  Equity-Income Portfolio................. 5,537,941  88,467,562    106,716,114
  Overseas Portfolio...................... 4,032,795  64,286,754     68,759,147
 Total investments in sub-accounts, at value....................  1,171,755,056
 Dividends receivable...........................................        272,325
                                                                 --------------
    Total assets................................................  1,172,027,381
Liabilities
  Due New England Mutual Life Insurance Company (Note 3)........      1,253,736
                                                                 --------------
    Total liabilities...........................................      1,253,736
                                                                 --------------
    Net Assets.................................................. $1,170,773,645
                                                                 ==============
Net Assets consist of:
  Net Assets attributable to variable annuity contracts......... $1,168,447,892
  Annuity reserves (Note 1).....................................      2,325,753
                                                                 ==============
    Net Assets.................................................. $1,170,773,645
                                                                 ==============
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-30
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    MONEY      STOCK                    AVANTI     VALUE       SMALL       U.S.
                         CAPITAL        BOND        MARKET     INDEX                    GROWTH     GROWTH       CAP     GOVERNMENT
                          GROWTH       INCOME        SUB-       SUB-       MANAGED       SUB-       SUB-        SUB-       SUB-
                       SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT   ACCOUNT    ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT   ACCOUNT    ACCOUNT     ACCOUNT    ACCOUNT
                       ------------  -----------  ---------- ----------  -----------  ---------- ----------  ---------- ----------
<S>                    <C>           <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Income:
  Dividends........... $ 61,393,666  $ 7,809,464  $3,193,371 $1,097,015  $ 5,402,954  $  876,570 $1,559,445  $  731,826  $181,533
Expenses:
  Mortality and
   expense risk
   charge.............    4,145,909    1,120,784     548,042    312,433    1,107,776     224,195    237,064      93,901    25,698
  Administrative
   charge.............    2,351,488      595,815     289,446    164,795      594,621     119,082    122,857      46,446    11,641
                       ------------  -----------  ---------- ----------  -----------  ---------- ----------  ----------  --------
      Total expenses..    6,497,397    1,716,599     837,488    477,228    1,702,397     343,277    359,921     140,347    37,339
                       ------------  -----------  ---------- ----------  -----------  ---------- ----------  ----------  --------
  Net investment
   income (loss)......   54,896,269    6,092,865   2,355,883    619,787    3,700,557     533,293  1,199,524     591,479   144,194
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
  Net unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation) on
   investments:
    Beginning of
     period...........  (13,792,491) (12,611,187)        --  (1,015,569)    (464,277)    284,338   (102,566)     21,060    (6,498)
    End of period.....   45,558,436    2,104,546         --   7,142,155   22,213,497   4,321,917  5,157,858   1,612,398   124,160
                       ------------  -----------  ---------- ----------  -----------  ---------- ----------  ----------  --------
  Net change in
   unrealized
   appreciation.......   59,350,927   14,715,733         --   8,157,724   22,677,774   4,037,579  5,260,424   1,591,338   130,658
  Realized gain (loss)
   on investments.....   10,882,593     (306,084)        --     676,562    2,922,683     811,989    581,379     248,107    37,281
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain on
   investments........   70,233,520   14,409,649         --   8,834,286   25,600,457   4,849,568  5,841,803   1,839,445   167,939
                       ------------  -----------  ---------- ----------  -----------  ---------- ----------  ----------  --------
  Net increase in net
   assets resulting
   from operations.... $125,129,789  $20,502,514  $2,355,883 $9,454,073  $29,301,014  $5,382,861 $7,041,327  $2,430,924  $312,133
                       ============  ===========  ========== ==========  ===========  ========== ==========  ==========  ========
</TABLE>
- -----
* From January 1, 1995 through June 8, 1995 (liquidation date).
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-31
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    EQUITY    STRATEGIC*                  VENTURE      STRATEGIC
                        BALANCED    GROWTH      EQUITY     INTERNATIONAL   VALUE         BOND
                          SUB-       SUB-    OPPORTUNITIES    EQUITY        SUB-     OPPORTUNITIES EQUITY-INCOME  OVERSEAS
                        ACCOUNT    ACCOUNT    SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT   ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT
                       ---------- ---------- ------------- ------------- ----------  ------------- ------------- -----------
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>
Income:
  Dividends........... $  483,666 $  963,904   $    (34)     $126,154    $  567,519    $453,174     $ 4,924,430  $   513,466
Expenses:
  Mortality and
   expense risk
   charge.............     73,201    167,537      8,848        79,455       144,621      42,222         793,678      636,341
  Administrative
   charge.............     33,754     79,088      4,577        39,333        70,765      20,316         411,212      353,958
                       ---------- ----------   --------      --------    ----------    --------     -----------  -----------
      Total expenses..    106,955    246,625     13,425       118,788       215,386      62,538       1,204,890      990,299
                       ---------- ----------   --------      --------    ----------    --------     -----------  -----------
  Net investment
   income (loss)......    376,711    717,279    (13,459)        7,366       352,133     390,636       3,719,540     (476,833)
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
  Net unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation) on
   investments:
    Beginning of
     period...........      3,932     20,167     (1,169)       51,678          (826)    (24,404)        452,793   (1,159,395)
    End of period.....    835,377  2,819,660        --        540,103     3,190,020     170,662      18,248,552    4,472,393
                       ---------- ----------   --------      --------    ----------    --------     -----------  -----------
  Net change in
   unrealized
   appreciation.......    831,445  2,799,493      1,169       488,425     3,190,846     195,066      17,795,759    5,631,788
  Realized gain (loss)
   on investments.....    209,127    844,654     48,522        85,869       497,297     143,946       1,497,805        2,755
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain on
   investments........  1,040,572  3,644,147     49,691       574,294     3,688,143     339,012      19,293,564    5,634,543
                       ---------- ----------   --------      --------    ----------    --------     -----------  -----------
  Net increase in net
   assets resulting
   from operations.... $1,417,283 $4,361,426   $ 36,232      $581,660    $4,040,276    $729,648     $23,013,104  $ 5,157,710
                       ========== ==========   ========      ========    ==========    ========     ===========  ===========
<CAPTION>
                          TOTAL
                       -------------
<S>                    <C>
Income:
  Dividends........... $ 90,278,123
Expenses:
  Mortality and
   expense risk
   charge.............    9,761,705
  Administrative
   charge.............    5,309,194
                       -------------
      Total expenses..   15,070,899
                       -------------
  Net investment
   income (loss)......   75,207,224
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
  Net unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation) on
   investments:
    Beginning of
     period...........  (28,344,414)
    End of period.....  118,511,734
                       -------------
  Net change in
   unrealized
   appreciation.......  146,856,148
  Realized gain (loss)
   on investments.....   19,184,485
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain on
   investments........  166,040,633
                       -------------
  Net increase in net
   assets resulting
   from operations.... $241,247,857
                       =============
</TABLE>
- -----
* From January 1, 1995 through June 8, 1995 (liquidation date).
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-32
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     MONEY
                         CAPITAL         BOND        MARKET      STOCK                    AVANTI       VALUE       SMALL
                          GROWTH        INCOME        SUB-       INDEX       MANAGED      GROWTH      GROWTH        CAP
                       SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT    ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT SUB-ACCOUNT SUB-ACCOUNT*
                       ------------  ------------  ---------- -----------  -----------  ----------- ----------- ------------
<S>                    <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
Income:
  Dividends........... $ 16,141,838  $  7,299,850  $1,919,131 $   657,808  $ 4,168,736   $ 91,335    $ 307,113    $ 4,382
Expenses:
  Mortality and
   expense risk
   charge.............    3,538,106     1,029,517     462,196     214,713    1,007,073    115,339      111,211      2,275
  Administrative
   charge.............    2,108,245       559,505     248,161     114,776      549,222     56,525       53,569      1,289
                       ------------  ------------  ---------- -----------  -----------   --------    ---------    -------
      Total expenses..    5,646,351     1,589,022     710,357     329,489    1,556,295    171,864      164,780      3,564
                       ------------  ------------  ---------- -----------  -----------   --------    ---------    -------
  Net investment
   income (loss)......   10,495,487     5,710,828   1,208,774     328,319    2,612,441    (80,529)     142,333        818
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
  Net unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation) on
   investments:
    Beginning of
     period...........   34,524,589    (3,830,338)        --     (909,889)   5,782,072     49,197        6,373
    End of period.....  (13,792,491)  (12,611,187)        --   (1,015,569)    (464,277)   284,338     (102,566)    21,060
                       ------------  ------------  ---------- -----------  -----------   --------    ---------    -------
  Net change in
   unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation).....  (48,317,080)   (8,780,849)        --     (105,680)  (6,246,349)   235,141     (108,939)    21,060
  Realized gain (loss)
   on investments.....    4,708,714    (2,313,257)        --     (229,664)     948,291    (71,748)     (51,427)    (7,471)
                       ------------  ------------  ---------- -----------  -----------   --------    ---------    -------
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments........  (43,608,366)  (11,094,106)        --     (335,344)  (5,298,058)   163,393     (160,366)    13,589
                       ------------  ------------  ---------- -----------  -----------   --------    ---------    -------
  Net increase
   (decrease) in net
   assets resulting
   from operations.... $(33,112,879) $ (5,383,278) $1,208,774 $    (7,025) $(2,685,617)  $ 82,864    $ (18,033)   $14,407
                       ============  ============  ========== ===========  ===========   ========    =========    =======
<CAPTION>
                           U.S.
                        GOVERNMENT
                       SUB-ACCOUNT*
                       ------------
<S>                    <C>
Income:
  Dividends...........   $ 8,440
Expenses:
  Mortality and
   expense risk
   charge.............       339
  Administrative
   charge.............       161
                       ------------
      Total expenses..       500
                       ------------
  Net investment
   income (loss)......     7,940
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
  Net unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation) on
   investments:
    Beginning of
     period...........
    End of period.....    (6,498)
                       ------------
  Net change in
   unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation).....    (6,498)
  Realized gain (loss)
   on investments.....       178
                       ------------
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments........    (6,320)
                       ------------
  Net increase
   (decrease) in net
   assets resulting
   from operations....   $ 1,620
                       ============
</TABLE>
- -----
* From October 31, 1994 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 1994
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-33
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   STRATEGIC                                STRATEGIC
                                       EQUITY       EQUITY     INTERNATIONAL   VENTURE        BOND        EQUITY-
                         BALANCED      GROWTH    OPPORTUNITIES    EQUITY        VALUE     OPPORTUNITIES   INCOME     OVERSEAS
                       SUB-ACCOUNT* SUB-ACCOUNT* SUB-ACCOUNT*  SUB-ACCOUNT*  SUB-ACCOUNT* SUB-ACCOUNT*  SUB-ACCOUNT SUB-ACCOUNT
                       ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- ----------- -----------
<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>
Income:
  Dividends...........   $ 7,335      $ 3,419       $ 7,425       $ 8,419      $ 9,908      $ 12,559    $1,644,035  $   119,103
Expenses:
  Mortality and
   expense risk
   charge.............     1,143        1,098         1,566         2,323        2,485           671       325,252      463,078
  Administrative
   charge.............       535          567           789         1,335        1,417           320       157,368      232,869
                         -------      -------       -------       -------      -------      --------    ----------  -----------
      Total expenses..     1,678        1,665         2,355         3,658        3,902           991       482,620      695,947
                         -------      -------       -------       -------      -------      --------    ----------  -----------
  Net investment
   income (loss)......     5,657        1,754         5,070         4,761        6,006        11,568     1,161,415     (576,844)
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
  Net unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation) on
   investments:
    Beginning of
     period...........                                                                                      65,209      444,859
    End of period.....     3,932       20,167        (1,169)       51,678         (826)      (24,404)      452,793   (1,159,395)
                         -------      -------       -------       -------      -------      --------    ----------  -----------
  Net change in
   unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation).....     3,932       20,167        (1,169)       51,678         (826)      (24,404)      387,584   (1,604,254)
  Realized gain (loss)
   on investments.....       630       (1,364)       (2,844)        1,613       (2,314)         (130)       41,649      630,288
                         -------      -------       -------       -------      -------      --------    ----------  -----------
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments........     4,562       18,803        (4,013)       53,291       (3,140)      (24,534)      429,233     (973,966)
                         -------      -------       -------       -------      -------      --------    ----------  -----------
  Net increase
   (decrease) in net
   assets resulting
   from operations....   $10,219      $20,557       $ 1,057       $58,052      $ 2,866      $(12,966)   $1,590,648  $(1,550,810)
                         =======      =======       =======       =======      =======      ========    ==========  ===========
<CAPTION>
                          TOTAL
                       -------------
<S>                    <C>
Income:
  Dividends........... $ 32,410,836
Expenses:
  Mortality and
   expense risk
   charge.............    7,278,385
  Administrative
   charge.............    4,086,653
                       -------------
      Total expenses..   11,365,038
                       -------------
  Net investment
   income (loss)......   21,045,798
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments:
  Net unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation) on
   investments:
    Beginning of
     period...........   36,132,072
    End of period.....  (28,344,414)
                       -------------
  Net change in
   unrealized
   appreciation
   (depreciation).....  (64,476,486)
  Realized gain (loss)
   on investments.....    3,651,144
                       -------------
  Net realized and
   unrealized gain
   (loss) on
   investments........  (60,825,342)
                       -------------
  Net increase
   (decrease) in net
   assets resulting
   from operations.... $(39,779,544)
                       =============
</TABLE>
- -----
* From October 31, 1994 (commencement of operations) through December 31,
  1994.
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-34
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     CAPITAL         BOND         MONEY        STOCK                     AVANTI        VALUE        SMALL
                      GROWTH        INCOME       MARKET        INDEX       MANAGED       GROWTH       GROWTH         CAP
                   SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...  $ 54,896,269  $  6,092,865  $ 2,355,883  $   619,787  $  3,700,557  $   533,293  $ 1,199,524  $   591,479
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 on investments..    70,233,520    14,409,649          --     8,834,286    25,600,457    4,849,568    5,841,803    1,839,445
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Increase in net
 assets derived
 from investment
 activities......   125,129,789    20,502,514    2,355,883    9,454,073    29,301,014    5,382,861    7,041,327    2,430,924
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........    42,486,003    14,019,688   28,469,210    3,173,681     7,685,082    5,370,355    5,402,352    4,957,159
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....   (27,655,356)   (2,304,605) (15,090,128)     996,126    (7,629,638)   1,445,231    2,431,924    6,481,877
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......   (27,943,021)   (8,693,504)  (7,342,847)  (1,540,134)   (8,273,166)  (1,036,652)    (979,455)    (221,411)
 Annuity
 benefits........    (2,930,635)   (1,064,852)    (766,722)    (170,677)   (2,900,142)    (133,280)    (201,808)     (15,080)
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....   (16,043,009)    1,956,727    5,269,513    2,458,996   (11,117,864)   5,645,654    6,653,013   11,202,545
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......   109,086,780    22,459,241    7,625,396   11,913,069    18,183,150   11,028,515   13,694,340   13,633,469
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........   361,715,993   105,800,952   54,742,120   25,357,935   104,786,250   17,422,245   17,757,704    2,866,714
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........  $470,802,773  $128,260,193  $62,367,516  $37,271,004  $122,969,400  $28,450,760  $31,452,044  $16,500,183
                   ============  ============  ===========  ===========  ============  ===========  ===========  ===========
<CAPTION>
                      U.S.
                   GOVERNMENT
                   SUB-ACCOUNT
                   ------------
<S>                <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...  $  144,194
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 on investments..     167,939
                   ------------
 Increase in net
 assets derived
 from investment
 activities......     312,133
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........   2,992,966
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....     995,071
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......     (78,421)
 Annuity
 benefits........     (14,694)
                   ------------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....   3,894,922
                   ------------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......   4,207,055
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........     913,450
                   ------------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........  $5,120,505
                   ============
</TABLE>
- -----
* From January 1, 1995 through June 8, 1995 (liquidation date).
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-35
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              STRATEGIC*                                STRATEGIC
                                  EQUITY        EQUITY     INTERNATIONAL   VENTURE        BOND        EQUITY-
                    BALANCED      GROWTH     OPPORTUNITIES    EQUITY        VALUE     OPPORTUNITIES    INCOME      OVERSEAS
                   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT
                   -----------  -----------  ------------- ------------- -----------  ------------- ------------  -----------
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...  $   376,711  $   717,279   $   (13,459)  $     7,366  $   352,133   $  390,636   $  3,719,540  $  (476,833)
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 on investments..    1,040,572    3,644,147        49,691       574,294    3,688,143      339,012     19,293,564    5,634,543
                   -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------   ------------  -----------
 Increase in net
 assets derived
 from investment
 activities......    1,417,283    4,361,426        36,232       581,660    4,040,276      729,648     23,013,104    5,157,710
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........    7,247,051   11,437,079       396,904     4,200,572    7,906,925    3,112,591     20,254,001    9,572,080
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....    3,520,100   16,787,152    (2,257,051)    4,320,379   11,022,083    2,262,193     13,063,570   (8,388,928)
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......     (417,868)    (422,550)      (20,417)     (262,457)    (375,358)    (104,653)    (3,678,451)  (3,414,558)
 Annuity
 benefits........      (12,315)     (51,955)       (1,972)       44,178      (17,782)         798       (448,238)    (423,431)
                   -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------   ------------  -----------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....   10,336,968   27,749,726    (1,882,536)    8,302,672   18,535,868    5,270,929     29,190,882   (2,654,837)
                   -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------   ------------  -----------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......   11,754,251   32,111,152    (1,846,304)    8,884,332   22,576,144    6,000,577     52,203,986    2,502,873
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........    1,730,618    1,775,395     1,846,304     2,985,363    3,369,739    1,105,978     54,396,592   66,182,267
                   -----------  -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------   ----------   ------------  -----------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........  $13,484,869  $33,886,547           --    $11,869,695  $25,945,883   $7,106,555   $106,600,578  $68,685,140
                   ===========  ===========   ===========   ===========  ===========   ==========   ============  ===========
<CAPTION>
                       TOTAL
                   ---------------
<S>                <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...  $   75,207,224
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 on investments..     166,040,633
                   ---------------
 Increase in net
 assets derived
 from investment
 activities......     241,247,857
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........     178,683,699
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......     (64,804,923)
 Annuity
 benefits........      (9,108,607)
                   ---------------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....     104,770,169
                   ---------------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......     346,018,026
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........     824,755,619
                   ---------------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........  $1,170,773,645
                   ===============
</TABLE>
- -----
* From January 1, 1995 through June 8, 1995 (liquidation date).
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-36
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     CAPITAL         BOND         MONEY        STOCK                     AVANTI        VALUE        SMALL
                      GROWTH        INCOME       MARKET        INDEX       MANAGED       GROWTH       GROWTH         CAP
                   SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT   SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT*
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
<S>                <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...  $ 10,495,487  $  5,710,828  $ 1,208,774  $   328,319  $  2,612,441  $   (80,529) $   142,333   $      818
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....   (43,608,366)  (11,094,106)         --      (335,344)   (5,298,058)     163,393     (160,366)      13,589
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------   ----------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 investment
 activities......   (33,112,879)   (5,383,278)   1,208,774       (7,025)   (2,685,617)      82,864      (18,033)      14,407
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........    69,901,835    22,590,120   31,205,171    7,404,591    19,869,342    8,659,783    9,491,976      588,965
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....   (19,536,473)  (16,288,777) (15,566,703)    (605,559)  (11,636,780)   3,876,549    4,732,520    2,276,007
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......   (16,246,066)   (5,302,140)  (4,840,426)    (843,560)   (5,193,700)    (317,232)    (206,676)     (12,849)
 Other...........    (2,102,112)   (1,534,426)  (1,441,322)    (198,787)     (777,491)     (14,145)     (45,203)         184
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------   ----------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....    32,017,184      (535,223)   9,356,720    5,756,685     2,261,371   12,204,955   13,972,617    2,852,307
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------   ----------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......    (1,095,695)   (5,918,501)  10,565,494    5,749,660      (424,246)  12,287,819   13,954,584    2,866,714
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........   362,811,688   111,719,453   44,176,626   19,608,275   105,210,496    5,134,426    3,803,120          --
                   ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------  -----------  -----------   ----------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........  $361,715,993  $105,800,952  $54,742,120  $25,357,935  $104,786,250  $17,422,245  $17,757,704   $2,866,714
                   ============  ============  ===========  ===========  ============  ===========  ===========   ==========
<CAPTION>
                       U.S.
                    GOVERNMENT
                   SUB-ACCOUNT*
                   ------------
<S>                <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...    $  7,940
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....      (6,320)
                   ------------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 investment
 activities......       1,620
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........     284,470
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....     627,459
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......          (9)
 Other...........         (90)
                   ------------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....     911,830
                   ------------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......     913,450
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........         --
                   ------------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........    $913,450
                   ============
</TABLE>
- -----
* From October 31, 1994 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 1994
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-37
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                      STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
                 FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               STRATEGIC                                STRATEGIC
                                   EQUITY       EQUITY     INTERNATIONAL   VENTURE        BOND        EQUITY-
                     BALANCED      GROWTH    OPPORTUNITIES    EQUITY        VALUE     OPPORTUNITIES   INCOME      OVERSEAS
                   SUB-ACCOUNT* SUB-ACCOUNT* SUB-ACCOUNT*  SUB-ACCOUNT*  SUB-ACCOUNT* SUB-ACCOUNT*  SUB-ACCOUNT  SUB-ACCOUNT
                   ------------ ------------ ------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- -----------  -----------
<S>                <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...   $    5,657   $    1,754   $    5,070    $    4,761    $    6,006   $   11,568   $ 1,161,415  $  (576,844)
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....        4,562       18,803       (4,013)       53,291        (3,140)     (24,534)      429,233     (973,966)
                    ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------   -----------  -----------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 investment
 activities......       10,219       20,557        1,057        58,052         2,866      (12,966)    1,590,648   (1,550,810)
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........      568,323      336,290      134,008       398,655       526,637      210,344    25,300,552   28,794,190
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....    1,143,174    1,420,045    1,735,637     2,539,381     2,860,799      908,976    17,528,153   23,985,592
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......       (3,498)      (4,061)     (24,429)       (6,096)      (19,501)        (957)   (1,123,957)  (1,564,984)
 Other...........       12,400        2,564           31        (4,629)       (1,062)         581      (152,279)    (150,958)
                    ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------   -----------  -----------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....    1,720,399    1,754,838    1,845,247     2,927,311     3,366,873    1,118,944    41,552,469   51,063,840
                    ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------   -----------  -----------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......    1,730,618    1,775,395    1,846,304     2,985,363     3,369,739    1,105,978    43,143,117   49,513,030
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........          --           --           --            --            --           --     11,253,475   16,669,237
                    ----------   ----------   ----------    ----------    ----------   ----------   -----------  -----------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........   $1,730,618   $1,775,395   $1,846,304    $2,985,363    $3,369,739   $1,105,978   $54,396,592  $66,182,267
                    ==========   ==========   ==========    ==========    ==========   ==========   ===========  ===========
<CAPTION>
                      TOTAL
                   -------------
<S>                <C>
From Investment
Activities:
 Net investment
 income (loss)...  $ 21,045,798
 Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss) on
 investments.....   (60,825,342)
                   -------------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 investment
 activities......   (39,779,544)
From Contract-
Related
Transactions:
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company.........   226,265,252
 Net transfers
 (to) from other
 sub-accounts....
 Net premiums
 transferred from
 New England
 Mutual Life
 Insurance
 Company
 Surrenders......   (35,710,141)
 Other...........    (6,406,744)
                   -------------
 Increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets
 derived from
 contact-related
 transactions....   184,148,367
                   -------------
 Net increase
 (decrease) in
 net assets......   144,368,823
 Net assets, at
 beginning of the
 period..........   680,386,796
                   -------------
 Net assets, at
 end of the
 period..........  $824,755,619
                   =============
</TABLE>
- -----
* From October 31, 1994 (commencement of operations) through December 31,
  1994.
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
                                     II-38
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  1. Significant accounting policies
 
  The New England Variable Account (the "Account") of New England Mutual Life
Insurance Company (the "Company"), was established by the Company's Board of
Directors on July 15, 1987 in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts
Insurance Law. The Account is registered as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and is a funding vehicle for individual
variable annuity contracts. The portion of the assets of the Account equal to
the reserves and other contract liabilities of the Account may not be charged
with liabilities that may arise out of any other business the Company may
conduct. The Account has sixteen investment sub-accounts as of December 31,
1995, each of which invests in one series of the New England Zenith Fund
("Zenith Fund") or one portfolio of the Variable Insurance Products Fund. A
seventeenth sub-account, the Strategic Equity Opportunities Sub-Account, was
liquidated on June 8, 1995. The Zenith Fund and the Variable Insurance
Products Fund are diversified, open-end management investment companies. The
series of the Zenith Fund and portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products
Fund in which the sub-accounts invest are referred to herein as the "Eligible
Funds."
 
  Security Valuation--The Eligible Funds' shares are valued at the closing net
asset value per share as determined by each fund as of the close of the New
York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) on each day the
Exchange is open for trading.
 
  Security Transactions and Related Investment Income--Security transactions
are accounted for on the trade date (the date the order to buy or sell is
executed) and dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Realized
gains and losses from sales of investments are computed on the basis of
average cost.
 
  Federal Income Taxes--The operations of the Account are included in the
federal income tax return of the Company, which is taxed as a Life Insurance
Company under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code). Under
the current provisions of the Code, the Company does not expect to incur
federal income taxes on the earnings of the Account to the extent the earnings
are credited under the contracts. Based on this, no charge is being made
currently to the Account for federal income taxes. The Company will review
periodically the status of such decision based on changes in the tax law. Such
a charge may be made in future years for any federal income taxes that would
be attributable to the contracts.
 
  Annuity Reserves--Annuity reserves are computed for currently payable
contracts according to the 1983-a Mortality Tables. The assumed interest rate
may be 0%, 3.5%, or 5% as elected by the annuitant and as regulated by laws of
the respective states. Adjustments to annuity reserves are reimbursed to or
from the Company.
 
  Estimates--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.
 
 
                                     II-39
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  2. The following table shows the aggregate cost of shares purchased and
proceeds from sales of Eligible Funds for the year ended December 31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       SERIES                                            PURCHASES      SALES
       ------                                           ------------ -----------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>
Capital Growth......................................... $132,371,532 $93,421,666
Back Bay Advisors Bond Income..........................   36,146,035  28,058,946
Back Bay Advisors Money Market.........................   82,602,312  75,024,065
Westpeak Stock Index...................................    9,362,050   6,270,212
Back Bay Advisors Managed..............................   19,028,201  26,437,047
Loomis Sayles Avanti Growth............................   11,982,124   5,792,439
Westpeak Value Growth..................................   12,409,293   4,543,008
Loomis Sayles Small Cap................................   15,113,052   3,304,261
Salomon Brothers U.S. Government.......................    5,076,522   1,032,594
Loomis Sayles Balanced.................................   13,359,721   2,624,644
Alger Equity Growth....................................   34,744,292   6,244,447
CS First Boston Strategic Equity Opportunities*........    2,239,286   4,137,057
Draycott International Equity..........................   11,448,249   3,128,461
Venture Value..........................................   22,653,903   3,741,317
Salomon Brothers Strategic Bond Opportunities..........    8,026,654   2,358,580
Fidelity Equity-Income.................................   48,807,787  15,818,089
Fidelity Overseas......................................   32,056,760  35,188,498
</TABLE>
- --------
*From January 1, 1995 through June 8, 1995 (liquidation date).
 
  The Account purchases or redeems shares of the sixteen Eligible Funds based
on the amount of net premiums invested in the account, transfers among the
sub-accounts, policy loans, surrender payments, and annuity payments.
 
  3. Charges deducted by the Company:
 
  Administrative charge--a fixed administrative charge of $30 is deducted from
the contract value on each contract anniversary.
 
  Risk Charge--a charge for mortality/expense risk assumed by the Company
equal to an annual rate of 1.35% of the net assets of the Account is deducted
on a daily basis.
 
  Contingent deferred sales charge--In the event of a partial or full
surrender, a contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed. Charges for
investment advisory fees and other expenses are deducted from the assets of
the Eligible Funds.
 
 
                                     II-40
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  4. The investment adviser and sub-adviser for each of the Eligible Funds are
listed in the chart below. TNE Advisers, Inc., which is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, and each of the sub-advisers is registered with the
SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        SERIES                        ADVISER                             SUB-ADVISER
        ------                        -------                             -----------
<S>                      <C>                                <C>
Capital Growth           Capital Growth Management, L.P.*   --
Back Bay Advisors Bond
 Income                  TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Back Bay Advisors, L.P.**
Back Bay Advisors Money
 Market                  TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Back Bay Advisors, L.P.**
Westpeak Stock Index     TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Westpeak Investment Advisors, L.P.**
Back Bay Advisors
 Managed                 TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Back Bay Advisors, L.P.**
Loomis Sayles Avanti
 Growth                  TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Loomis Sayles & Company, L.P.**
Westpeak Value Growth    TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Westpeak Investment Advisors, L.P.**
Loomis Sayles Small Cap  TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Loomis Sayles & Company, L.P.**
Salomon Brothers U.S.
 Government              TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Salomon Brothers Asset Management, Inc.
Loomis Sayles Balanced   TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Loomis Sayles & Company, L.P.**
Alger Equity Growth      TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Fred Alger Management, Inc.
CS First Boston
 Strategic Equity        
 Opportunities***        TNE Advisers, Inc.                 CS First Boston Investment Management  
                                                            Corporation                             
Draycott International
 Equity                  TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Draycott Partners, Ltd.
Venture Value            TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Davis Selected Advisers, Inc.
Salomon Brothers
 Strategic Bond
 Opportunities           TNE Advisers, Inc.                 Salomon Brothers Asset Management, Inc.
Fidelity Equity-Income   Fidelity Management & Research Co. --
Fidelity Overseas        Fidelity Management & Research Co. --
</TABLE>
- --------
  * An affiliate of the Company.
 ** An indirect subsidiary of the Company.
*** Liquidated on June 8, 1995.
 
                                     II-41
<PAGE>
 
                      THE NEW ENGLAND VARIABLE ACCOUNT OF
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                   NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  5. A summary of units outstanding for variable annuity contracts at December
31, 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CAPITAL           BOND             MONEY             STOCK                            AVANTI
                            GROWTH           INCOME            MARKET            INDEX           MANAGED          GROWTH
                          SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT       SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT
                        ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                     <C>              <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>
Units Outstanding
 1/1/95...............  43,592,960.7972  41,657,181.7940   30,220,356.4607  14,282,354.7943  61,961,278.3914  15,572,344.3772
Units Purchased.......   4,344,628.4721   5,160,831.7046   15,528,174.4045   2,153,519.0334   4,158,598.3381   5,127,058.5016
Units Redeemed........  (6,273,689.7150) (4,586,026.1147) (12,733,512.4106)   (896,265.8603) (9,974,413.6688)   (926,345.9724)
Units Outstanding
 12/31/95.............  41,663,899.5543  42,231,987.3839   33,015,018.4546  15,539,607.9674  56,145,463.0607  19,773,056.9064
                        ---------------  ---------------  ----------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
 Unit Value 12/31/95..        11.300017         3.037039          1.889065         2.398452         2.190193         1.438865
                        ===============  ===============  ================  ===============  ===============  ===============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                STRATEGIC
                              VALUE            SMALL            U.S.                            EQUITY           EQUITY
                             GROWTH             CAP          GOVERNMENT       BALANCED          GROWTH        OPPORTUNITIES
                           SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT*
                         ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                      <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>              <C>
Units Outstanding
 1/1/95................  16,092,325.4529   2,988,971.4365    910,019.6238   1,736,189.1580   1,857,319.4179   1,941,579.1158
Units Purchased........   6,012,400.4991  10,781,533.1627  3,678,923.6556   9,655,024.6037  22,693,853.9657     433,001.8751
Units Redeemed.........    (935,760.5275)   (237,178.9433)   (93,758.9199)   (403,616.9248)   (387,488.5494) (2,374,580.9909)
Units Outstanding
 12/31/95..............  21,168,965.4245  13,533,325.6559  4,495,184.3595  10,987,596.8369  24,163,684.8342              --
                         ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
 Unit Value 12/31/95...         1.485762         1.219226        1.139109         1.227281         1.402375         0.870989
                         ===============  ===============  ==============  ===============  ===============  ===============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              STRATEGIC
                           INTERNATIONAL       VENTURE           BOND           EQUITY
                              EQUITY            VALUE       OPPORTUNITIES       INCOME          OVERSEAS
                            SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT     SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT      SUB-ACCOUNT
                          ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                       <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>
Units Outstanding
 1/1/95.................   2,916,120.2679   3,499,718.5120  1,124,132.6916  25,852,849.2160  43,034,544.4509
Units Purchased.........   8,416,836.1428  16,487,224.7689  5,123,688.5648  13,896,746.7946   6,198,348.6265
Units Redeemed..........    (270,849.9507)   (378,255.0322)  (115,258.2711) (1,738,940.7944) (7,959,709.8014)
Units Outstanding
 12/31/95...............  11,062,106.4600  19,608,688.2487  6,132,562.9853  38,010,655.2162  41,273,183.2760
                          ---------------  ---------------  --------------  ---------------  ---------------
 Unit Value 12/31/95....         1.073005         1.323183        1.158823         2.804492         1.664159
                          ===============  ===============  ==============  ===============  ===============
</TABLE>
- --------
* From January 1, 1995 through June 8, 1995 (liquidation date).
 
                                     II-42
<PAGE>
 
                   SELECTED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
  Set forth in the tables below is selected unaudited pro forma financial
information for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company giving effect to the
merger of New England Mutual Life Insurance Company ("TNE") with and into the
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company ("MetLife"). These tables include
unaudited pro forma balance sheet data as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and as
of March 31, 1996 and unaudited selected pro forma statement of operations
data for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and for the three-
month periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995. The selected historical
information for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 have been derived from statutory financial
statements of TNE, which were audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent
auditors, and from statutory financial statements of MetLife, which have been
audited by Deloitte and Touche, LLP, independent auditors. The selected
financial information for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 have
been derived from TNE's unaudited quarterly statements filed with the
Massachusetts Division of Insurance and from MetLife's unaudited quarterly
statements filed with the New York Department of Insurance. In these tables,
the pro forma information gives effect to the merger of TNE with and into
MetLife (the "Merger") as if the Merger had been effective at December 31,
1994 in the case of the selected pro forma balance sheet data and as of
January 1, 1993 in the case of the selected pro forma statement of operations
data and reflects adjustments to conform accounting practices. The selected
pro forma financial information should be read in conjunction with the
historical financial statements and notes thereto included herein.
 
  The selected pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative
purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the operating results
or financial position that would have occurred if the Merger had been
consummated on the dates indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of the
future operating results or financial position of the merged entity.
 
  MetLife expects that it will achieve operating cost savings through
consolidation of certain operations and the elimination of redundant costs.
The extent to which cost savings, which are not expected to be material, will
be achieved will be influenced by many factors, including economic conditions,
inflation and changes in business activities. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that cost savings will in fact be achieved and, therefore, none have
been included in the unaudited selected pro forma financial information.
 
  After the Merger, the financial statements of TNE and MetLife will be
combined to present the financial position and results of operations of
MetLife. Furthermore, certain adjustments will be made to the historical
carrying value of assets and liabilities of TNE and MetLife in order to apply
consistent accounting policies and practices to the financial statements of
MetLife. These conforming adjustments principally relate to the following: (i)
mortgage reserves will be reclassified from investment valuation reserves to
reduce the carrying value of the related assets, (ii) generally accepted
accounting principles, rather than different statutory practices, will be used
to record the equity in earnings of TNE real estate joint ventures, (iii)
reserve valuation differences resulting from different states of domicile will
be conformed and (iv) there will be a related impact of these adjustments on
the asset valuation reserve.
 
  The unaudited selected pro forma financial information set forth below also
reflects an adjustment related to the Settlement Agreement among TNE, Copley
Real Estate Advisors, Inc. and the Washington State Investment Board, which is
contingent on completion of the Merger (see Note 2 to the Unaudited Interim
Financial Statements of TNE for the three months ended March 31, 1996). Based
on preliminary information, TNE estimates that adjustments related to these
items at March 31, 1996 would have resulted in a decrease to combined surplus
of $284 million and a decrease in the combined investment valuation reserves
of $235 million on a pro forma basis. Actual conforming adjustments will be
determined after the date of the Merger, but are not expected to be materially
different in their combined effect on surplus and investment valuation
reserves.
 
  In addition, MetLife expects to change accounting policies for measuring
impairments of real estate joint ventures and mortgages in 1996 pending
approval by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and such other regulatory
approvals as may be required. The effect of these accounting changes on the
combined surplus of the merged entity is expected to be an approximately $250
million decrease to surplus and investment valuation reserves.
 
                                     II-43
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                THREE MONTHS ENDED                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                  MARCH 31, 1996                              MARCH 31, 1995
                         ---------------------------------           ---------------------------------
                         HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA
                          METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE   METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE
                         ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
 DATA:
Income:
  Premiums, annuity
   considerations and
   deposit funds (k)....   $5,359     $ 467       $--       $ 5,826    $6,748     $ 444       $--       $7,192
  Net investment income
   (a)(b)(e)............    1,822       154        (89)       1,887     1,746       178         (6)      1,918
  Other income..........      111        41         (1)         151        43        29        --           72
                           ------     -----       ----      -------    ------     -----       ----      ------
      Total income......    7,292       662        (90)       7,864     8,537       651         (6)      9,182
                           ------     -----       ----      -------    ------     -----       ----      ------
Benefits and Expenses:
  Benefit payments
   (other than
   dividends)...........    7,024       595        --         7,619     7,453       611        --        8,064
  Changes to reserves,
   deposit funds and
   other policy
   liabilities (c)......     (907)     (125)       --        (1,032)       (1)     (156)        (2)       (159)
  Insurance expenses and
   taxes (other than
   federal income and
   capital gains taxes).      678        98        --           776       695       102        --          797
  Net transfers to
   separate accounts....       42        34         (1)          75        87        (8)       --           79
                           ------     -----       ----      -------    ------     -----       ----      ------
      Total benefits and
       expenses before
       dividends to
       policyholders....    6,837       602         (1)       7,438     8,234       549         (2)      8,781
                           ------     -----       ----      -------    ------     -----       ----      ------
  Net gain from
   operations before
   dividends to
   policyholders and
   federal income taxes.      455        60        (89)         426       303       102         (4)        401
  Dividends to
   policyholders (g)....      404        56         (1)         459       436        55        --          491
                           ------     -----       ----      -------    ------     -----       ----      ------
  Net (loss) gain from
   operations before
   federal income taxes.       51         4        (88)         (33)     (133)       47         (4)        (90)
  Federal income taxes
   (excluding tax on
   capital gains) (h)...       13        (3)         1           11        91        21        --          112
                           ------     -----       ----      -------    ------     -----       ----      ------
  Net (loss) gain from
   operations...........       38         7        (89)         (44)     (224)       26         (4)       (202)
  Net realized capital
   (losses) gains
   (a)(d)(i)............      (74)        1          1          (72)       (9)       (4)       --          (13)
                           ------     -----       ----      -------    ------     -----       ----      ------
  Net (loss) income.....   $  (36)    $   8       $(88)     $  (116)   $ (233)    $  22       $ (4)     $ (215)
                           ======     =====       ====      =======    ======     =====       ====      ======
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-44
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             MARCH 31, 1996
                                    ---------------------------------
                                    HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA
                                     METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE
                                    ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------
                                                   (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
ASSETS
 Bonds.............................  $ 71,355   $ 6,454      $ --     $ 77,809
 Stocks............................     3,752       842        --        4,594
 Mortgage loans....................    14,479     1,591       (101)     15,969
 Real estate.......................     9,047       301        --        9,348
 Policy loans......................     3,964     1,342        --        5,306
 Cash and short-term investments...     1,476       256        --        1,732
 Other invested assets.............     2,442       814       (272)      2,984
 Premiums deferred and uncollected.     1,530       169        --        1,699
 Investment income due and accrued.     1,545       280        --        1,825
 Separate Account assets...........    31,935     4,286        --       36,221
 Other assets......................       701       108        --          809
                                     --------   -------      -----    --------
   Total Assets....................  $142,226   $16,443      $(373)   $158,296
                                     ========   =======      =====    ========
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
LIABILITIES
 Reserves for life and health
  insurance and annuities..........  $ 76,246   $ 8,130      $  39    $ 84,415
 Policy proceeds and dividends left
  with the Company.................     4,654       480        --        5,134
 Dividends due to policyholders....     1,363       210        --        1,573
 Premium deposit funds.............    11,897     1,715        --       13,612
 Interest maintenance reserve......     1,199       --         --        1,199
 Other policy liabilities..........     3,940        91        --        4,031
 Investment valuation reserves (f).     1,951       463       (235)      2,179
 Separate Account liabilities......    31,441     4,258        --       35,699
 Other liabilities.................     3,088       486        107       3,681
                                     --------   -------      -----    --------
   Total Liabilities...............   135,779    15,833        (89)    151,523
                                     --------   -------      -----    --------
SURPLUS
 Special contingency reserves......       768        50        --          818
 Surplus notes.....................     1,400       148        --        1,548
 Unassigned funds (j)..............     4,279       412       (284)      4,407
                                     --------   -------      -----    --------
   Total Surplus...................     6,447       610       (284)      6,773
                                     --------   -------      -----    --------
     Total Liabilities and Surplus.  $142,226   $16,443      $(373)   $158,296
                                     ========   =======      =====    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-45
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>                                                                                                  
                               YEAR ENDED                                  YEAR ENDED                       
                            DECEMBER 31, 1995                           DECEMBER 31, 1994                 
                    ---------------------------------           ---------------------------------           
                    HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA 
                     METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE   METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE  
                    ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- 
                                                                               (IN MILLIONS)               
<S>                 <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>       
STATEMENT OF                                                                                               
 OPERATIONS DATA:                                                                                          
Income:                                                                                                    
 Premiums, annuity                                                                                         
  considerations                                                                                           
  and deposit funds                                                                                        
  (k)..............  $22,951     $1,845      $ --      $24,796   $22,760     $1,983      $--       $24,743  
 Net investment                                                                                            
  income (a)(b)(e).    7,825        758        (25)      8,558     7,143        720       (50)       7,813  
 Other income......      156        155        --          311        80        141       --           221  
                     -------     ------      -----     -------   -------     ------      ----      -------  
   Total income....   30,932      2,758        (25)     33,665    29,983      2,844       (50)      32,777  
                     -------     ------      -----     -------   -------     ------      ----      -------  
Benefits and                                                                                               
 Expenses:                                                                                                 
 Benefit payments                                                                                          
  (other than                                                                                              
  dividends).......   25,055      2,186        --       27,241    23,533      2,056       --        25,589  
 Changes to                                                                                                
  reserves, deposit                                                                                        
  funds and other                                                                                          
  policy                                                                                                   
  liabilities (c)..      321       (151)        (8)        162     1,619       (182)        1        1,438  
 Insurance expenses                                                                                        
  and taxes (other                                                                                         
  than federal                                                                                             
  income and                                                                                               
  capital gains                                                                                            
  taxes)...........    2,762        404        --        3,166     2,333        429       --         2,762  
 Net transfers to                                                                                          
  separate                                                                                                 
  accounts.........      675        (64)       --          611       503        230       --           733  
                     -------     ------      -----     -------   -------     ------      ----      -------  
   Total benefits                                                                                          
    and expenses                                                                                           
    before                                                                                                 
    dividends to                                                                                           
    policyholders..   28,813      2,375         (8)     31,180    27,988      2,533         1       30,522  
                     -------     ------      -----     -------   -------     ------      ----      -------  
 Net gain from                                                                                             
  operations before                                                                                        
  dividends to                                                                                             
  policyholders and                                                                                        
  federal income                                                                                           
  taxes............    2,119        383        (17)      2,485     1,995        311       (51)       2,255  
 Dividends to                                                                                              
  policyholders                                                                                            
  (g)..............    1,520        211        --        1,731     1,676        207       --         1,883  
                     -------     ------      -----     -------   -------     ------      ----      -------  
 Net (loss) gain                                                                                           
  from operations                                                                                          
  before federal                                                                                           
  income taxes.....      599        172        (17)        754       319        104       (51)         372  
 Federal income                                                                                            
  taxes (excluding                                                                                         
  tax on capital                                                                                           
  gains) (h).......      398         13        --          411       159         16       --           175  
                     -------     ------      -----     -------   -------     ------      ----      -------  
 Net (loss) gain                                                                                           
  from operations..      201        159        (17)        343       160         88       (51)         197  
 Net realized                                                                                              
  capital (losses)                                                                                         
  gains (a)(d)(i)..     (873)       (99)       (84)     (1,056)      (54)       (46)       15          (85) 
                     -------     ------      -----     -------   -------     ------      ----      -------  
 Net (loss) income.  $  (672)    $   60      $(101)    $  (713)  $   106     $   42      $(36)     $   112  
                     =======     ======      =====     =======   =======     ======      ====      =======  

<CAPTION> 

                                  YEAR ENDED                        
                               DECEMBER 31, 1993                    
                       ---------------------------------            
                       HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA  
                        METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE   
                       ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------  
                                                                    
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        
STATEMENT OF                                                        
 OPERATIONS DATA:                                                   
Income:                                                             
 Premiums, annuity                                                  
  considerations                                                    
  and deposit funds                                                 
  (k)..............     $21,096     $1,942      $--       $23,038   
 Net investment                                                     
  income (a)(b)(e).       7,356        797       (52)       8,101   
 Other income......         231        139       --           370   
                        -------     ------      ----      -------   
   Total income....      28,683      2,878       (52)      31,509   
                        -------     ------      ----      -------   
Benefits and                                                        
 Expenses:                                                          
 Benefit payments                                                   
  (other than                                                       
  dividends).......      21,417      1,990       --        23,407   
 Changes to                                                         
  reserves, deposit                                                 
  funds and other                                                   
  policy                                                            
  liabilities (c)..        (439)       (16)       (9)        (464)  
 Insurance expenses                                                 
  and taxes (other                                                  
  than federal                                                      
  income and                                                        
  capital gains                                                     
  taxes)...........       2,496        448       --         2,944   
 Net transfers to                                                   
  separate                                                          
  accounts.........       3,239        138       --         3,377   
                        -------     ------      ----      -------   
   Total benefits                                                   
    and expenses                                                    
    before                                                          
    dividends to                                                    
    policyholders..      26,713      2,560        (9)      29,264   
                        -------     ------      ----      -------   
 Net gain from                                                      
  operations before                                                 
  dividends to                                                      
  policyholders and                                                 
  federal income                                                    
  taxes............       1,970        318       (43)       2,245   
 Dividends to                                                       
  policyholders                                                     
  (g)..............       1,606        227       --         1,833   
                        -------     ------      ----      -------   
 Net (loss) gain                                                    
  from operations                                                   
  before federal                                                    
  income taxes.....         364         91       (43)         412   
 Federal income                                                     
  taxes (excluding                                                  
  tax on capital                                                    
  gains) (h).......          99         34       --           133   
                        -------     ------      ----      -------   
 Net (loss) gain                                                    
  from operations..         265         57       (43)         279   
 Net realized                                                       
  capital (losses)                                                  
  gains (a)(d)(i)..        (132)        32       --          (100)  
                        -------     ------      ----      -------   
 Net (loss) income.     $   133     $   89      $(43)     $   179   
                        =======     ======      ====      =======    
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-46
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 DECEMBER 31, 1995                           DECEMBER 31, 1994
                         ---------------------------------           ---------------------------------
                         HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA HISTORICAL HISTORICAL             PRO FORMA
                          METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE   METLIFE      TNE     ADJUSTMENTS  METLIFE
                         ---------- ---------- ----------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
ASSETS
 Bonds..................  $ 70,955   $ 6,080      $ --     $ 77,035   $ 65,592   $ 6,275      $ --     $ 71,867
 Stocks.................     3,646       815        --        4,461      3,672       583        --        4,255
 Mortgage loans.........    14,211     1,629       (101)     15,739     14,524     1,998        (88)     16,434
 Real estate............     9,470       302        --        9,772     10,417       395        --       10,812
 Policy loans...........     3,956     1,350        --        5,306      3,964     1,342        --        5,306
 Cash and short-term
  investments...........     1,923       651        --        2,574      2,334       265        --        2,599
 Other invested assets..     2,480       778       (270)      2,988      2,262       930       (235)      2,957
 Premiums deferred and
  uncollected...........     1,568       191        --        1,759      1,250       217        --        1,467
 Investment income due
  and accrued...........     1,589       282        --        1,871      1,440       252        --        1,692
 Separate Account
  assets................    31,707     4,092        --       35,799     25,424     3,388        --       28,812
 Other assets...........       627        91        --          718        298       108        --          406
                          --------   -------      -----    --------   --------   -------      -----    --------
  Total Assets..........  $142,132   $16,261      $(371)   $158,022   $131,177   $15,753      $(323)   $146,607
                          ========   =======      =====    ========   ========   =======      =====    ========
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
LIABILITIES
 Reserves for life and
  health insurance and
  annuities.............  $ 76,249   $ 8,117      $  40    $ 84,406   $ 73,204   $ 7,961      $  48    $ 81,213
 Policy proceeds and
  dividends left with
  the Company...........     4,482       467        --        4,949      3,534       418        --        3,952
 Dividends due to
  policyholders.........     1,371       210        --        1,581      1,407       208        --        1,615
 Premium deposit funds..    12,891     1,865        --       14,756     14,006     2,150        --       16,156
 Interest maintenance
  reserve...............     1,148       --         --        1,148        881        16        --          897
 Other policy
  liabilities...........     3,882        90        --        3,972      3,364       136        --        3,500
 Investment valuation
  reserves (f)..........     1,860       429       (235)      2,054      1,981       362       (207)      2,136
 Separate Account
  liabilities...........    31,226     4,064        --       35,290     25,159     3,358        --       28,517
 Other liabilities......     2,459       395         20       2,874      1,337       512          9       1,858
                          --------   -------      -----    --------   --------   -------      -----    --------
  Total Liabilities.....   135,568    15,637       (175)    151,030    124,873    15,121       (150)    139,844
                          --------   -------      -----    --------   --------   -------      -----    --------
SURPLUS
 Special contingency
  reserves..............       754        50        --          804        682        68        --          750
 Surplus notes..........     1,400       148        --        1,548        700       148        --          848
 Unassigned funds (j)...     4,410       426       (196)      4,640      4,922       416       (173)      5,165
                          --------   -------      -----    --------   --------   -------      -----    --------
  Total Surplus.........     6,564       624       (196)      6,992      6,304       632       (173)      6,763
                          --------   -------      -----    --------   --------   -------      -----    --------
   Total Liabilities and
    Surplus.............  $142,132   $16,261      $(371)   $158,022   $131,177   $15,753      $(323)   $146,607
                          ========   =======      =====    ========   ========   =======      =====    ========
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-47
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(a) Pro forma results include conforming adjustments to eliminate accrued net
    interest income from preferred returns on joint venture real estate and to
    record losses from those joint ventures in excess of the company's share
    when it exercises economic control over the venture or is obligated or
    expected to fund losses in its partners' negative capital accounts.
    MetLife amortized the cumulative effect of recording losses in excess of
    its share in 1993 over the three year period 1993-1995. Accordingly, the
    pro forma adjustments include an additional $72 million cumulative effect
    relating to TNE's portfolio, amortized over that period. The effect of
    these pro forma adjustments is to decrease net investment income by $52
    million, $41 million and $15 million in the years ended December 31, 1993,
    1994 and 1995, respectively, by $3 million and $4 million for the three
    months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In addition, pro forma
    net realized capital gains has been increased by $15 million for the year
    ended December 31, 1994.
 
(b) Includes conforming adjustments to recognize certain interest rate swap
    losses immediately. Pro forma net investment income has been decreased by
    $10 million in each of the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995. For the
    three month periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, pro forma net
    investment income was increased by $4 million and decreased by $3 million,
    respectively.
 
(c) Pro forma policy reserves have been adjusted to reflect New York reserve
    requirements that are different from Massachusetts requirements. As a
    result, changes to reserves decreased (increased) by $9 million, $(1)
    million and $8 million in the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and
    1995, respectively, and by $1 million and $2 million for the three months
    ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
(d) In 1995, MetLife established an allowance for losses on real estate
    expected to be disposed of in the near term by recording a realized
    capital loss. Previously unrealized loss reserves have been reclassified
    to reflect a realized capital loss of $63 million in 1995 for property in
    TNE's portfolio that would have been included in a pro forma allowance. In
    addition, $20 million is recognized in connection with planned disposals
    of joint venture real estate in the near term. Accordingly, pro forma net
    realized capital gains has been decreased by $83 million for the year
    ended December 31, 1995. A pro forma unrealized capital gain of $63
    million has been reflected in the same period.
 
(e) Pro forma net investment income has been decreased by $90 million for the
    three months ended March 31, 1996, to reflect the Settlement Agreement
    among TNE, Copley Real Estate Advisors, Inc. and the Washington State
    Investment Board (see Note 2 to the Unaudited Financial Statements of TNE
    for the three months ended March 31, 1996), which is contingent on
    completion of the Merger.
 
(f) Investment valuation reserves include an AVR (Asset Valuation Reserve) at
    March 31, 1996 and 1995, and December 31, 1995 and 1994, and AVR and VIR
    (Voluntary Investment Reserve) for December 31, 1993 for MetLife. They
    include an AVR and VIR for TNE results for all periods presented. Pro
    forma investment valuation reserves have been adjusted to reflect the
    reclassification of mortgage loans reserves to an offset against assets
    and the recomputation of the AVR taking into account the adjusted asset
    balances and adjusted realized and unrealized capital gains. Historical
    voluntary contributions to the AVR made by TNE of $124 million have not
    been reflected in the pro forma financial information. Pro forma
    investment valuation reserves have been decreased by $215 million, $207
    million and $235 million as of December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
    respectively, and by $235 million and $207 million as of March 31, 1996
    and 1995, respectively.
 
(g) Dividends to policyholders are discretionary and are subject to the
    approval of MetLife's Board.
 
(h) For each of the periods prior to the quarter ended December 31, 1995,
    MetLife's surplus tax has been calculated based on the tax liability
    expected to be reported on the federal income tax return for each year
    presented. For the three months ended March 31, 1996 and the year ended
    December 31, 1995 surplus tax was calculated based on the expected final
    tax for such periods.
 
(i) MetLife's results are net of $77 million and $(27) million transfer to the
    Interest Maintenance Reserve for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and
    1995, respectively, and $339 million, $48 million and $688 million
    transfer to the IMR for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
    respectively. TNE's results are net of $2 million, $(22) million, $(21)
    million, $(21) million and $25 million, respectively, for each of the
    periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1995, and December 31, 1995, 1994 and
    1993.
 
                                     II-48
<PAGE>
 
(j) In the opinion of MetLife, unassigned surplus is the source of funds for
    payments of interest on and principal of their respective Surplus Notes
    (see Note 9 to the Audited Financial Statements of TNE and Note 10 to the
    Audited Financial Statements of MetLife). Currently, each such payment
    requires specific prior approval of the appropriate state insurance
    regulator, who also determines what portion, if any, is available for such
    payments. Upon the Merger, TNE Surplus Notes became obligations of
    MetLife.
 
(k) MetLife's results for the three months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995 and
    the year ended December 31, 1995 include premium income relating to group
    life and non-medical health insurance businesses acquired from The
    Travelers Insurance Company and certain of its subsidiaries effective
    January 1, 1995. MetLife's premium income includes amounts relating to
    group health care benefits businesses insurance policies of $1,379 million
    and $1,371 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1994
    and 1993. Effective January 1995, the group health care benefits
    businesses were contributed to The MetraHealth Companies, Inc. Premium
    income of MetLife subsequent to December 31, 1994 includes group health
    care benefits businesses premium income relating to the period prior to
    policy or contract renewal date and business for which reinsurance
    agreements had not yet received regulatory approval.
 
                                     II-49
<PAGE>
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Policyholders 
of New England Mutual Life Insurance Company:
 
  We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of New England Mutual Life
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related statements
of operations, surplus, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
  We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of New England Mutual Life
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1995 in conformity with the accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the Division of Insurance of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
which are considered generally accepted accounting principles for mutual life
insurance companies.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 5, 1996
 
                                     II-50
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                             -------------------
                                                               1995      1994
                                                             --------- ---------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>
ASSETS
 Bonds...................................................... $ 6,079.8 $ 6,274.6
 Stocks.....................................................     121.4      98.7
 Unconsolidated subsidiaries................................     693.7     484.1
 Mortgage loans.............................................   1,629.3   1,997.9
 Real estate................................................     951.2   1,173.4
 Policy loans...............................................   1,350.4   1,341.6
 Cash and short-term investments............................     651.1     264.8
 Other invested assets......................................     128.8     151.9
 Premiums deferred and uncollected..........................     190.8     217.2
 Investment income due and accrued..........................     281.5     252.5
 Separate Account assets....................................   4,091.8   3,388.4
 Other assets...............................................      91.3     107.7
                                                             --------- ---------
   Total Assets............................................. $16,261.1 $15,752.8
                                                             ========= =========
LIABILITIES
 Reserves for life and health insurance and annuities....... $ 8,116.6 $ 7,961.2
 Policy proceeds and dividends..............................     466.8     417.8
 Dividends due to policyholders.............................     210.0     208.2
 Premium deposit funds......................................   1,865.0   2,149.9
 Other policy liabilities...................................      89.7     135.5
 Investment valuation reserves..............................     429.5     361.9
 Separate Account liabilities...............................   4,064.1   3,358.1
 Other liabilities..........................................     395.4     528.0
                                                             --------- ---------
   Total Liabilities........................................  15,637.1  15,120.6
SURPLUS
 Special contingency reserves...............................      50.0      68.4
 Surplus notes..............................................     147.6     147.6
 Unassigned funds...........................................     426.4     416.2
                                                             --------- ---------
   Total Surplus............................................     624.0     632.2
                                                             --------- ---------
     Total Liabilities and Surplus.......................... $16,261.1 $15,752.8
                                                             ========= =========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                     II-51
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                    1995      1994      1993
                                                  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
INCOME
 Premiums, annuity considerations and deposit
  funds.......................................... $1,679.0  $1,943.0  $1,881.1
 Considerations for supplementary contracts and
  dividend accumulations.........................    165.8      39.9      61.0
 Net investment income...........................    758.2     720.3     796.6
 Other income....................................    155.2     141.6     139.2
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Total.........................................  2,758.2   2,844.8   2,877.9
                                                  --------  --------  --------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
 Benefit payments (other than dividends).........  2,186.3   2,055.7   1,990.0
 Changes to reserves, deposit funds and other
  policy liabilities.............................   (151.1)   (181.7)    (17.2)
 Insurance expenses and taxes (other than federal
  income and capital gains taxes)................    404.4     429.2     449.1
 Net transfers to Separate Accounts..............    (64.2)    230.2     138.3
                                                  --------  --------  --------
   Total benefits and expenses before dividends
    to policyholders.............................  2,375.4   2,533.4   2,560.2
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Net gain from operations before dividends to
 policyholders and federal income taxes..........    382.8     311.4     317.7
Dividends to policyholders.......................    211.4     207.6     227.0
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Net gain from operations before federal income
 taxes...........................................    171.4     103.8      90.7
Federal income taxes (excluding tax on capital
 gains)..........................................     12.9      15.7      33.5
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Net gain from operations.........................    158.5      88.1      57.2
Net realized capital (loss)......................    (98.7)    (45.8)     32.2
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Net Income....................................... $   59.8  $   42.3  $   89.4
                                                  ========  ========  ========
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                             STATEMENTS OF SURPLUS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                    1995      1994      1993
                                                  --------  --------  --------
<S>                                               <C>       <C>       <C>
Surplus--beginning of year....................... $  632.2  $  400.9  $  605.5
Net Income.......................................     59.8      42.3      89.4
Surplus notes....................................      --      147.6       --
Other changes to surplus.........................    (68.0)     41.4    (294.0)
                                                  --------  --------  --------
Surplus--end of year............................. $  624.0  $  632.2  $  400.9
                                                  ========  ========  ========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                     II-52
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                               -------------------------------
                                                 1995       1994       1993
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Premiums.................................... $ 1,727.7  $ 1,920.5  $ 1,872.6
  Net investment income.......................     765.8      728.0      952.3
  Benefits....................................  (2,221.0)  (2,040.8)  (1,999.6)
  Net transfers to Separate Accounts..........      45.3     (226.9)    (147.3)
  Expenses and taxes..........................    (467.8)    (445.2)    (447.8)
  Policyholder dividends......................    (213.6)    (221.0)    (255.5)
  Net (increase) in policy loans..............      (8.8)     (20.3)      44.0
  Other income and disbursements, net.........     380.3     (184.7)     139.7
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash flow from operating activities...       7.9     (490.4)     158.4
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from investments sold, matured, or
   repaid.....................................   3,654.3    3,220.1    5,019.2
  Cost of investments acquired................  (3,178.3)  (3,307.1)  (4,921.5)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash flow from investing activities...     476.0      (87.0)      97.7
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Issuance of surplus notes...................       --       147.6        --
  Issuance of floating rate notes payable.....       --       125.0        --
  Issuance of 6% demand note payable..........      26.8        --         --
  Repayment of floating rate notes payable....    (124.4)       --         --
  Repayment of 8% note payable................       --         --       (19.2)
  Repayment of 7 3/8% debentures..............       --         --       (12.3)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash flow from financing activities...     (97.6)     272.6      (31.5)
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
NET CASH FLOW.................................     386.3     (304.8)     224.6
Cash and short-term investments
  Beginning of year...........................     264.8      569.6      345.0
                                               ---------  ---------  ---------
  End of year................................. $   651.1  $   264.8  $   569.6
                                               =========  =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                     II-53
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
 Nature of Operations
 
  New England Mutual Life Insurance Company offers a complete line of ordinary
life insurance products, group pension contracts, group life and health
contracts, and, through its affiliates, variable life insurance and annuity
products, mutual funds, and investment management products. Based on sales and
assets, the company's principal market is ordinary and variable life
insurance, which it sells through a network of general agencies located
throughout the United States.
 
 Basis of Presentation
 
  The Company prepares its statutory financial statements, except as to form,
in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the
Division of Insurance of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Prescribed
statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state laws,
regulations, and general administrative rules. Permitted accounting practices
encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. Permitted and prescribed
statutory accounting practices are currently considered generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) for mutual life insurance companies.
 
  The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation 40,
Applicability of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to Mutual Life
Insurance and Other Enterprises, and Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 120, Accounting and Reporting by Mutual Life Insurance
Enterprises and by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration
Participating Contracts. The American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants issued Statement of Position 95-1, Accounting for Certain
Insurance Activities of Mutual Life Insurance Enterprises. Neither of these
groups has a role in establishing regulatory accounting practices. These
pronouncements will require mutual life insurance companies to modify their
financial statements in order for them to continue to be in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, effective for the Company's 1996
financial statements. The manner in which policy reserves, new business
acquisition costs, asset valuations and the related tax effects are recorded
will change. Management has not determined the impact of such changes on its
financial statements.
 
  Certain amounts from the 1994 and 1993 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform with the 1995 presentation.
 
 Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
 
  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with permitted and
prescribed statutory accounting practices 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 income and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
 Invested Assets
 
  Carrying values of bonds and stocks have been determined in accordance with
methods and values adopted by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners (NAIC). Bonds are carried primarily at amortized cost, preferred
stocks at cost, and common stocks (other than stocks of non-publicly traded
subsidiaries) at fair value based upon NAIC market prices. The Company carries
its investment in New England Investment Companies, L.P., (NEIC) a 56% owned,
publicly traded Delaware limited partnership, at a 14% discount from quoted
market value. The discount is determined by the NAIC Securities Valuation
Office based on volume of trading, the existence of market overhang, and
similar trading characteristics. At December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company's
investment in NEIC had a fair value of $439.2 million and $324.8 million,
respectively, and a carrying value of $377.7 million and $279.4 million,
respectively.
 
  Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at outstanding principal balance
or amortized cost. The Company establishes investment valuation reserves equal
to the amount by which the admitted value of each mortgage loan that has been
modified, is delinquent 90 days or more, or is in the process of modification,
exceeds the estimated fair value of its underlying collateral. These
investment valuation reserves are adjusted annually based upon current
valuations.
 
                                     II-54
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Investment real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
encumbrances of $65.9 million in 1995 and accumulated depreciation and
encumbrances of $91.4 million in 1994. A loss reserve is established when the
fair value of the real estate is less than the carrying value, and the loss is
considered other than temporary, but not permanent. Losses considered
permanent are realized and any previously established loss reserve is
reversed. Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method
over an average life of forty years.
 
  Policy loans are carried at the aggregate of the unpaid balances. Policy
loans are an integral part of insurance products and have no maturity dates.
Consequently it is not practicable to value these instruments. Short-term
investments are carried principally at cost, which approximates fair value,
and include securities with a maturity date at purchase of less than one year.
Investments in real estate joint ventures and unconsolidated subsidiaries,
unless publicly traded, are valued using the equity method. Other long-term
investments are carried principally at cost.
 
  Prepayment assumptions for loan-backed bonds and structured securities were
obtained from investment advisors and are updated on a quarterly basis. These
assumptions are consistent with the current interest rate and economic
environment. The prospective method is used to value loan-backed securities.
 
  Realized gains and losses on the sales of investments are determined on the
specific identification method. Unrealized gains and losses are accounted for
as increases or decreases in surplus.
 
 Risk Management Instruments
 
  Amounts receivable or payable under interest rate swaps used to manage
interest rate exposures from mismatches between assets and liabilities are
recognized as interest income or expense.
 
  Gains and losses on hedges of existing assets or liabilities are deferred
and included in the carrying amounts of those assets or liabilities and are
ultimately recognized in income when resulting premiums or discounts are
amortized or at the time of disposal. Gains and losses related to qualifying
hedges of firm commitments or anticipated transactions also are deferred and
are recognized in income, or as adjustments of carrying amounts, when the
hedged transaction occurs. Gains and losses on early termination of contracts
that qualify for hedge accounting are deferred and are amortized through the
Interest Maintenance Reserve or as an adjustment to the yield of the related
asset or liability.
 
 Life, Health and Annuity Reserves
 
  Reserves for life insurance policies are predominantly developed using the
1958 and 1980 Commissioners' Standard Ordinary Mortality Table on the Net
Level Premium Method or the Commissioners' Reserve Valuation Method with
assumed interest rates ranging from 2.5% to 6%.
 
  Reserves for group annuities covering purchased benefits are based on
accepted actuarial methods principally at interest rates ranging from 2.75% to
11%. Where benefits have not as yet been purchased, the deposits represent the
accumulated fund balances (net of expenses and fixed surrender charges) at
various interest rates. Group pension and other deposits have a fair value of
$1.9 billion at December 31, 1995 and $2.2 billion at December 31, 1994 as
determined by applying discount rates consistent with pricing for Guaranteed
Investment Contracts to the projected cash flows for the deposits.
 
  Approximately $5.1 billion or 69.4% of the $7.3 billion of gross annuity
reserves and deposit liabilities in the General and Separate Accounts are
subject to discretionary withdrawal with adjustment for market value or
surrender charges. Another $1.4 billion or 19.7% are not subject to
withdrawal. The balance is subject to discretionary withdrawal without
adjustment.
 
 Recognition of Premium Revenue and Related Expenses
 
  Premium revenue is recognized during the premium paying period. Commissions
and other expenses in connection with acquiring new business are charged to
current operations as incurred.
 
                                     II-55
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
 Policyholder Dividends
 
  The Company determines the amount of dividends to be allocated to
participating policies by means of a formula which establishes its dividend
scale for the following year with respect to each group of policies. A
liability for the dividends to be paid or credited to policyholders during the
following year on the anniversary date of the policies is established at each
year-end.
 
 Separate Account
 
  Separate Account assets and liabilities represent funds administered and
invested by the Company for the benefit of certain pension and annuity
contractholders. The values of the funds in the Separate Account are not
guaranteed but reflect the actual investment performance of the respective
accounts. The assets are carried at fair value.
 
 Special Contingency Reserves
 
  The Company has established a special purpose surplus fund for the possible
payment of federal income taxes relating to future disposals of Separate
Account real estate holdings.
 
 Unconsolidated Subsidiaries
 
  The Company records its equity in the earnings of unconsolidated
subsidiaries as unrealized gains or losses, which increases or decreases the
Asset Valuation Reserve, and records dividends that are not considered return
of capital in net investment income.
 
  The Company owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of the following
companies:
 
Boylston Capital Advisors, Inc.               TNE-Y Inc.
COAC Co., Inc.                                NEL Partnership Investments I,
CRB Co., Inc.                                  Inc.
CRH Companies, Inc.                           NELRECO Troy, Inc.
Exeter Reassurance Company, Ltd.              New England Pension and Annuity
L/C Development Corporation                    Company
New England Life Mortgage Funding Corporation New England Securities
TNE Advisers, Inc.                             Corporation
New England Investment Companies, Inc.        New England Variable Life
G.A. Holdings Companies, Inc.                  Insurance Company
LC Park Place Corporation                     Newbury Insurance Company,
                                               Limited
                                              TNE Information Services, Inc.
                                              TNE Funding Corporation
                                              DPA Holding Corp.
                                              Lyon/Copley Corporation

  Summarized financial data for unconsolidated subsidiaries at December 31,
1995 and 1994 is shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995     1994   1993
                                                        -------- -------- -----
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>
   Total assets at year-end............................ $2,215.9 $1,927.7
   Total liabilities at year-end.......................  1,534.1  1,450.6
   Net income..........................................     41.2      9.1 (15.0)
   Dividends paid by subsidiaries to the Company.......     36.1     38.6  29.0
</TABLE>
 
  The Company owns 100% of the outstanding voting common stock and 0% of the
outstanding participating common stock of Omega Reinsurance Corporation.
 
  The Company owns 56% of the outstanding partnership units of New England
Investment Companies, L.P.
 
  Many of the Company's real estate joint ventures have mortgage loans with
the Company. The carrying values of such mortgages were $232.7 million and
$392.3 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
                                     II-56
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
2. INVESTMENT RESERVES AND INTEREST MAINTENANCE RESERVE
 
  The Asset Valuation Reserve (AVR) is designed to mitigate the effect of
valuation and credit-related losses on unassigned surplus. The AVR covers all
invested asset classes with risk of loss, including bonds, common stock,
mortgage loans and real estate.
 
  The Interest Maintenance Reserve (IMR) accumulates realized capital gains
and losses on the sale of all types of fixed-income securities that result
from changes in the overall level of interest rates. These gains are amortized
into operating income over the remaining life of each investment sold. The IMR
amounted to $(1.9) million and $16.5 million as of December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The negative balance of the IMR at December 31, 1995 was treated
as a non-admitted asset. The amortization of the IMR into net income net of
federal income tax for 1995, 1994 and 1993 was $(2.7) million, $3.7 million
and $6.5 million, respectively.
 
3. INVESTMENTS
 
  The carrying value and estimated fair values of debt securities excluding
Separate Account assets are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1995
                                     ----------------------------------
                                                  GROSS
                                                UNREALIZED    ESTIMATED
                                     CARRYING --------------    FAIR
                                      VALUE   GAINS  LOSSES     VALUE
                                     -------- ------ -------  ---------    
                                               (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                               <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>       
   U.S. Treasury securities and
    obligations of U.S. government
    corporations and agencies....... $  321.5 $ 11.0 $   --   $  332.5
   Corporate securities.............  3,997.6  230.8   (32.3)  4,196.1
   Mortgage-backed securities.......  1,205.2   26.3   (33.3)  1,198.2
   Other debt securities............    555.5   39.8    (7.4)    587.9
                                     -------- ------ -------  --------
     Totals......................... $6,079.8 $307.9 $ (73.0) $6,314.7
                                     ======== ====== =======  ========
<CAPTION>
                                                   1994
                                     ----------------------------------
                                                  GROSS
                                                UNREALIZED    ESTIMATED
                                     CARRYING --------------    FAIR
                                      VALUE   GAINS  LOSSES     VALUE
                                     -------- ------ -------  --------- 
                                               (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                               <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>       
   U.S. Treasury securities and
    obligations of U.S. government
    corporations and agencies....... $  462.5 $  0.7 $ (29.8) $  433.4
   Corporate securities.............  3,727.3   22.8  (172.9)  3,577.2
   Mortgage-backed securities.......  1,806.8    4.9  (221.9)  1,589.8
   Other debt securities............    278.0    1.6   (17.7)    261.9
                                     -------- ------ -------  --------
     Totals......................... $6,274.6 $ 30.0 $(442.3) $5,862.3
                                     ======== ====== =======  ========
</TABLE>
 
  Publicly traded debt securities are valued based upon NAIC market prices.
The estimated fair values of private placement obligations are determined
using an internal matrix based on market interest rates, the credit rating of
the specific security and public prices of similar securities.
 
                                     II-57
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  The carrying value and estimated fair value of debt securities at December
31, 1995 by contractual maturity are shown below. Stated maturities may differ
from contractual maturities because some borrowers may have the right to call
or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ESTIMATED
                                                              CARRYING   FAIR
                                                               VALUE     VALUE
                                                              -------- ---------
                                                                (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                                        <C>      <C>
   Due in one year or less................................... $  188.2 $  188.8
   Due after one year through five years.....................    914.6    944.5
   Due after five years through ten years....................  2,079.7  2,184.4
   Due after ten years.......................................  1,692.2  1,798.9
   Mortgage-backed securities................................  1,205.1  1,198.1
                                                              -------- --------
     Totals.................................................. $6,079.8 $6,314.7
                                                              ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
  Proceeds from sales of investments in debt securities were $2,046.5 million,
$1,489.2 million and $1,569.2 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
Gross realized gains were $39.3 million, $5.8 million and $35.2 million, and
gross realized losses were $33.2 million, $35.6 million and $13.1 million in
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Net realized losses of $(21.0) million,
$(20.9) million and $24.7 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, were
transferred to the IMR.
 
  The carrying values and estimated fair values of stocks and mortgage loans
at December 31 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1995               1994
                                           ------------------ ------------------
                                                    ESTIMATED          ESTIMATED
                                           CARRYING   FAIR    CARRYING   FAIR
                                            VALUE     VALUE    VALUE     VALUE
                                           -------- --------- -------- ---------
                                             (IN MILLIONS)      (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                     <C>      <C>       <C>      <C>
   Stocks................................. $  121.4 $  121.4  $   98.7 $   98.7
   Mortgage loans.........................  1,629.3  1,527.4   1,997.9  1,740.6
</TABLE>
 
  The estimated fair value of mortgage loans is determined using an internal
matrix based upon market interest rates and a credit rating system.
 
  There are no significant concentrations of bonds by issuer or by industry.
 
  As of December 31, 1995 and 1994 the Company's mortgage loans and real
estate were distributed as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1995                      1994
                            ------------------------- -------------------------
                            CARRYING VALUE % OF TOTAL CARRYING VALUE % OF TOTAL
                            -------------- ---------- -------------- ----------
                            (IN MILLIONS)             (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                      <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
   Geographic Region
     Pacific...............    $  839.4       32.5%      $1,139.5       35.9%
     South Atlantic........       495.8       19.2          566.2       17.9
     North Central.........       339.7       13.2          374.5       11.8
     New England...........       323.7       12.6          380.7       12.0
     Middle Atlantic.......       282.7       11.0          343.5       10.8
     South Central.........       189.5        7.3          244.5        7.7
     Mountain..............       109.7        4.2          121.6        3.8
     Other.................         --         --             0.8        0.1
                               --------      -----       --------      -----
       Total...............    $2,580.5      100.0%      $3,171.3      100.0%
                               ========      =====       ========      =====
</TABLE>
 
 
                                     II-58
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1995                      1994
                            ------------------------- -------------------------
                            CARRYING VALUE % OF TOTAL CARRYING VALUE % OF TOTAL
                            -------------- ---------- -------------- ----------
                            (IN MILLIONS)             (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                      <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
   Property Type
     Office................    $1,253.3       48.6%      $1,600.9       50.4%
     Industrial............       730.5       28.3          891.2       28.1
     Residential...........       350.7       13.6          377.1       11.9
     Retail................       211.6        8.2          268.6        8.5
     Hotel.................        34.4        1.3           33.5        1.1
                               --------      -----       --------      -----
       Total...............    $2,580.5      100.0%      $3,171.3      100.0%
                               ========      =====       ========      =====
</TABLE>
 
  The Company's balance of restructured mortgage loans was $778.0 million and
$868.1 million as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Interest income
which would have been recorded in accordance with the original terms of these
loans would have amounted to approximately $69.8 million, $82.1 million and
$69.7 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Total income included in
net investment income for these loans was approximately $36.8 million,
$33.1 million and $24.3 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
4. DERIVATIVES
 
 Interest Rate Swaps
 
  The Company enters into derivatives contracts, particularly interest rate
swaps, to hedge interest rate exposures arising from mismatched assets and
liabilities. Under interest rate swaps, the Company agrees to exchange, at
specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate
interest amounts calculated on an agreed-upon notional principal amount.
Because asset durations have historically been shorter than liabilities, the
Company generally agrees to pay a floating rate to lengthen the duration of
its assets. Because the size of swap positions needed to reduce the impact of
market fluctuations on surplus varies over time, the Company may close out
swap positions or enter into swaps in which it receives the floating rate and
pays the fixed rate to reduce its net position.
 
  At December 31, 1995, $646.8 million notional principal amount of such pay-
floating swaps and receive-fixed swaps was in effect. The original term to
maturity for these swaps is typically three to five years. The Company's
current credit exposure on swaps is limited to the value of interest rate
swaps that have become favorable to the Company. At December 31, 1995 and
1994, the market value of interest rate swaps in a favorable position was $0
and $0.5 million, respectively, while the net value of all positions was $31.5
million and $111.7 million unfavorable, respectively.
 
5. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT AND SAVINGS PLANS
 
  The Company's Home Office Retirement Plan and related Select Employees'
Supplemental Retirement Plan (together the "Plan") cover substantially all of
its employees. Retirement benefits are based primarily on years of service and
the employee's final average salary. The Company's funding policy is to
contribute annually an amount that can be deducted for federal income tax
purposes using a different actuarial cost method and different assumptions
from those used for financial reporting purposes. The net pension cost charged
to income in 1995, 1994 and 1993 was $7.6 million, $7.6 million and $7.1
million, respectively.
 
 
                                     II-59
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The following information for the Plan includes amounts relating to
unconsolidated non-wholly-owned affiliates. Accordingly, the amounts presented
are greater than the Company's share.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995    1994
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                                          <C>     <C>
   Actuarial present value of accumulated plan benefits........ $119.0  $104.0
   Projected benefit obligation................................ $168.0  $157.0
   Net assets available for plan benefits...................... $116.0  $ 97.0
   Unrecognized prior service cost............................. $  4.0  $  4.4
   Unrecognized net (loss) from past experience different from
    that assumed............................................... $(47.3) $(60.9)
   Unamortized transition gains................................ $  5.2  $  6.4
</TABLE>
 
  The components of net pension cost were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995    1994   1993
                                                          ------  ------  -----
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                                    <C>     <C>     <C>
   Service cost.......................................... $  4.8  $  6.6  $ 6.1
   Interest cost.........................................   11.0    10.6    9.9
   Actual return on plan assets..........................  (20.9)    2.1   (2.3)
   Net amortization and deferral.........................   12.7   (10.0)  (5.5)
   Costs allocated to affiliates.........................    --     (1.7)  (1.1)
                                                          ------  ------  -----
     Net periodic pension cost........................... $  7.6  $  7.6  $ 7.1
                                                          ======  ======  =====
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average discount rate was 8.0%, 7.5% and 8.0% in 1995, 1994 and
1993, respectively. The rate of increase in future compensation levels used in
determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit was 5.0% for
1995 and 1994 and 5.5% for 1993. Plan assets consist of bonds, stocks, real
estate and insurance contracts and have an assumed long-term rate of return of
8.5% for 1995, 1994 and 1993.
 
  The Company has defined contribution and contributory pension and savings
plans covering substantially all of its employees and full-time agents, and
deferred compensation plans for agents who meet certain service requirements,
for certain senior officers and directors, and general agents. The Company's
contributions to these plans, charged to operations in 1995, 1994 and 1993,
were $15.8 million, $17.3 million and $17.1 million, respectively.
 
6. OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
  In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain
health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Substantially
all employees become eligible for these benefits if they have met certain age
and service requirements at retirement. The Company intends to fund the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as benefits become due.
 
 
                                     II-60
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The following sets forth the plan's funded status reconciled with amounts
reported in the Company's balance sheet.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1995   1994   1993
                                                              -----  -----  ----
                                                               (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                                        <C>    <C>    <C>
   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
     Retirees................................................ $31.7  $31.4
     Fully eligible active plan participants.................   7.1    5.8
                                                              -----  -----
   Total.....................................................  38.8   37.2
     less: unrecognized transition obligation                  36.1   41.0
     plus: unrecognized net gain                                4.9   10.0
                                                              -----  -----
   Accrued postretirement benefit liability.................. $ 7.6  $ 6.2
                                                              =====  =====
   The components of net postretirement benefit cost were:
     Estimated eligibility cost.............................. $ 0.9  $ 0.9  $1.9
     Interest cost...........................................   2.8    2.9   3.7
     Amortization of transition obligation over 20 years.....   2.1    2.3   2.3
     Amortization of gain over 17 years......................  (0.6)  (0.6)  --
                                                              -----  -----  ----
   Net postretirement benefit cost........................... $ 5.2  $ 5.5  $7.9
                                                              =====  =====  ====
</TABLE>
 
  Net postretirement benefit cost for the year ended December 31, 1995
includes the expected cost of such benefits for newly vested employees,
interest cost, gains and losses arising from differences between actuarial
assumptions and actual experience, and amortization of the transition
obligation. The discount rate used to determine the net postretirement benefit
cost was 8.5%, 8.0% and 8.5% in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The Company
made contributions to the plan of $3.8 million, $3.6 million and $3.6 million
in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, as claims were incurred.
 
  The discount rate used to determine the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation was 7.25%, 8.5% and 8.5% for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, and
the health care cost trend rate was 8.6% graded to 5.5% over 8 years in 1995,
9% graded to 5.5% over 9 years for 1994 and 12% graded to 6% over 10 years for
1993. The health care cost trend rate assumption has a minimal impact on the
amounts reported, since the Company has capped its contributions at 200% of
1993 levels.
 
  The estimated accumulated benefit obligation for active nonvested employees
was $14.2 million and $13.3 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
 
7. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
  Federal income taxes are provided on the basis of amounts estimated to be
payable under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company files a consolidated
federal income tax return with its life insurance subsidiaries and its wholly-
owned non-life insurance subsidiaries.
 
  The Internal Revenue Service has completed its examination of the Company's
income tax returns through 1991 and is currently examining the income tax
returns for 1992 and 1993. The Company is contesting certain issues since
1976. The outcome of these proceedings is not currently determinable but, in
the opinion of management, would not have a materially adverse effect on the
financial statements.
 
  The tax benefit of capital losses was $23.5 million and $16.5 million for
1995 and 1994, respectively. The tax on capital gains was $22.0 million for
1993.
 
 
                                     II-61
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
8. NOTES PAYABLE
 
  Notes payable (included in other liabilities) consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31
                                                                   ------------
                                                                   1995   1994
                                                                   ----- ------
                                                                       (IN
                                                                    MILLIONS)
   <S>                                                             <C>   <C>
   6% demand note payable......................................... $26.8 $  --
   Floating rate notes payable....................................   --   124.3
   Commercial paper...............................................   6.7    6.7
                                                                   ----- ------
     Total........................................................ $33.5 $131.0
                                                                   ===== ======
</TABLE>
 
  The floating rate (one month LIBOR plus .25%) notes were payable solely
from, and were collateralized by, $666.1 million of senior certificates. These
senior certificates were collateralized mortgage obligations included in bonds
on the Company's balance sheet. Interest and principal were paid monthly
solely from the cash flow of the senior certificates. The notes were fully
paid by August 1995. The carrying value of the notes payable approximated
their fair values, which were estimated based upon current market interest
rates for similar debt.
 
9. SURPLUS NOTES
 
  In February 1994, the Company privately placed $150 million, aggregate
principal amount, of 7 7/8% Surplus Notes (the "Notes"), due February 15,
2024, with semi-annual interest payments. The Notes are expressly subordinate
in right of payment to policy claims and other indebtedness of the Company.
The Notes are not subject to redemption by the Company or through the
operation of a sinking fund prior to maturity. Proceeds of the issuance of the
Notes net of discount and costs of issuance amounted to $145.9 million.
 
  These proceeds were received in cash and have been reflected in surplus.
Each payment of interest on and principal of the Notes may be made only with
the prior approval of the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance (the
"Commissioner"). The Company will not accrue any liability for payment of
interest or principal prior to obtaining the Commissioner's approval for
payment. Accrued interest, approved by the Commissioner, as of December 31,
1995 was $4.5 million. Total interest expense on the Notes was $11.8 million
in 1995 and $10.6 million in 1994, respectively.
 
10. SURPLUS
 
  Other changes to surplus consist of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1995    1994    1993
                                                       ------  ------  -------
                                                           (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                                                 <C>     <C>     <C>
   Net unrealized capital gains or (losses)........... $ 75.3  $(80.8) $  55.6
   Change in valuation bases of policyholders'
    reserves..........................................  (50.8)    --       --
   Change in investment reserves......................  (67.6)   63.5   (340.9)
   Special purpose surplus funds......................  (18.4)   67.7      --
   Other changes in surplus...........................   (6.5)   (9.0)    (8.7)
                                                       ------  ------  -------
     Total............................................ $(68.0) $ 41.4  $(294.0)
                                                       ======  ======  =======
</TABLE>
 
11. REINSURANCE
 
  The Company's practice on individual products is to retain not more than
$5,000,000 of risk on any person, excluding accidental death benefits. Total
individual life premiums ceded were $150.1 million, $80.5 million and $77.5
million at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The Company also
reinsures a portion of its group life business. The group life premiums ceded
were $11.1 million, $12.5 million and $12.5 million at December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993, respectively.
 
 
                                     II-62
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The total individual and group life insurance in force ceded was $15.4
billion, $16.0 billion and $12.3 billion at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.
 
  In 1994, the Company reinsured, under a traditional reinsurance arrangement,
approximately 24% of a block of ordinary whole life insurance policies issued
between 1979 and 1993 and not otherwise reinsured with a wholly-owned
subsidiary which retroceded half that block with an unaffiliated reinsurer. As
part of the transaction, the Company amortizes the ceding allowance it
received in 1994, producing an increase in net income of $4.4 million in 1995.
 
  As part of joint venture agreements to market group health and individual
disability income products, the Company reinsures with its partners. The
premiums ceded under these agreements were $122.6 million, $115.1 million and
$110.0 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Under a separate
reinsurance arrangement, effective January 1, 1993, the Company reinsures with
its joint venture partners 80% of all small group business. The premiums ceded
under this arrangement were $125.3 million, $108.3 million and $105.5 million
in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  Business is ceded to reinsurers on the yearly renewable term, coinsurance,
and modified coinsurance bases. The Company is party to a number of
reinsurance agreements with nonaffiliated insurers by means of which,
consistent with usual industry practices, some or all of the mortality or
morbidity risk of the Company is transferred to the other companies. The
Company assumes a small amount of retrocessions from reinsurers and a small
amount of reinsurance from an affiliate.
 
  The Company is contingently liable with respect to ceded insurance should
any reinsurer be unable to meet the obligations assumed by it.
 
  In 1995 the Company recognized a $14.1 million-after tax loss on the
recapture of two surplus relief treaties.
 
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  The Company's obligations with respect to $89.9 million of zero-coupon
Eurobonds due in 1999 issued by an unconsolidated subsidiary in 1985 (and
secured by mortgage loans of the issuer) include obligations to substitute
collateral for any defaulted mortgage loan and to provide sufficient funds to
the issuer to enable redemption as a result of any amendment of United States
tax law which would require the issuer to withhold taxes on interest payments.
The Company's obligations with respect to the bonds are subordinated to
obligations to policyholders. The balance of these Eurobonds, net of
unamortized discount, was $63.3 million as of December 31, 1995.
 
  The Company is guarantor of the obligations arising out of certain financial
instruments issued by a limited partnership in which the Company has an
investment. The financial instruments guaranteed by the Company include
interest rate swap and option contracts between the partnership and other
counterparties. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of
nonperformance by the other parties to the interest rate swap and option
contracts. As of December 31, 1995, contracts in a loss position amounted to
$36.0 million and contracts in a gain position amounted to $40.3 million.
 
  A 1985 agreement, under which the Company sold tax-exempt mortgage loans,
obligates the Company to repurchase defaulted loans. As of December 31, 1995,
the principal amount of the tax-exempt loans outstanding was $8.2 million.
 
  In addition, at December 31, 1995, the Company is a guarantor of $272.2
million of outstanding indebtedness and other obligations, lease obligations
of $60.8 million and municipal reinvestment contract obligations of $142.6
million. The Company's obligations with respect to the outstanding
indebtedness, leases and municipal reinvestment contracts are subordinated to
obligations to policyholders. The Company has standby commitments to provide
permanent mortgage financing of $113.6 million as of December 31, 1995.
 
  Management does not anticipate any losses in connection with the above that
would have a material effect on its financial position.
 
 
                                     II-63
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
  The Company and Copley Real Estate Advisors, Inc. ("Copley"), an indirect,
majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, are parties to lawsuits arising out
of investments made by institutional investors in certain real estate separate
accounts of the Company, which are or were advised by Copley.
 
  There are currently two lawsuits pending.
 
  First, on July 30, 1993, the Washington State Investment Board ("WSIB")
filed suit against the Company and Copley in the Superior Court of the State
of Washington for Thurston County. The WSIB's suit alleges that certain public
employee retirement plans whose funds were invested by the WSIB have lost over
$600.0 million of the $800.0 million they invested in the Prentiss/Copley
Investment Group ("PCIG") and certain other real estate ventures advised by
Copley. The suit seeks rescission of the investments and repayment of the
amounts invested, or alternatively, money damages, plus interest, attorneys'
fees and costs, together with disgorgement of fees and profits received by the
Company and Copley. The Company and Copley have filed an answer denying all
liability to WSIB and raising a number of affirmative defenses. Production of
documents is substantially complete. The Company and Copley have completed a
substantial number of depositions of WSIB witnesses, and WSIB has begun its
depositions of Company and Copley witnesses. The suit is scheduled for trial
beginning on September 9, 1996.
 
  Second, on July 30, 1993, the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio
("Ohio Board") filed suit against the Company and Copley in the United States
District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The Ohio Board alleges that
it has lost substantially all of the value of its $50.0 million investment in
PCIG and seeks restoration of that amount, plus interest and disgorgement of
profits made by the Company and Copley, as well as attorneys' fees and costs.
Production of documents is substantially complete. No substantive depositions
have been taken by the Ohio Board, nor has the Company taken any substantive
depositions of Ohio Board witnesses. The court has not set a discovery
schedule, nor has a trial date been set.
 
  In 1995, the Company established a reserve of $10.0 million on its financial
statements with respect to the WSIB lawsuit. The Company has agreed to
indemnify Copley against any and all liability and expense arising out of
these suits or out of other claims or actions relating to the Washington State
retirement plans' or the Ohio Board's investments.
 
  In addition to the two lawsuits described above, the Company is involved in
various litigation in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of
management, this litigation should not result in judgments or settlements
which, in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition.
 
13. MERGER
 
  The Company and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) have entered
into a definitive agreement, effective as of August 16, 1995, pursuant to
which the Company would be merged with and into MetLife. The closing of the
merger is subject to various conditions, including but not limited to the
obtaining of various regulatory approvals and the approvals of the
policyholders of both companies. It is currently anticipated that the merger
will be consummated during the second quarter of 1996.
 
  The carrying value of the Company's assets is based, in part, on the
assumption that they will be held indefinitely as long-term investments. It is
reasonably possible that MetLife could change the investment objectives of the
portfolio subsequent to the merger and dispose of certain assets, particularly
mortgage and real estate holdings. If so, the realizable value of those assets
could be reduced in the near term.
 
14. EVENT SUBSEQUENT TO REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS (UNAUDITED)
 
  The litigation with the WSIB described in Note 12 is the subject of a
Settlement Agreement dated as of June 6, 1996 among the Company, Copley and
the WSIB. The settlement is subject to the consummation of the merger between
the Company and MetLife described in Note 13. If the merger has not occurred
by November 5, 1996, the WSIB has the option to void the Settlement Agreement,
in which case the litigation will resume. If the merger has not occurred by
December 31, 1996, the Company has the option to void the Settlement
Agreement, in which case the litigation will resume.
 
                                     II-64
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, MetLife, as successor to the
Company, will make a cash payment and transfer other consideration to WSIB and
WSIB will transfer certain real estate assets to MetLife so as to accomplish
the total disengagement of the real estate relationship between the
Company/Copley and WSIB. MetLife will acquire, for cash, from WSIB certain
real estate at a fair market value of approximately $102.5 million. In
addition, WSIB will receive consideration of approximately $62.5 million from
MetLife and certain real estate interests presently owned by the Company. The
net cost of the settlement to MetLife will be approximately $117 million. Upon
consummation of the settlement, the parties will exchange full releases and
the litigation will be dismissed with full prejudice.
 
                                     II-65
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                             INTERIM BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           MARCH 31, 1996   DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                           -------------- ---------------------
                                            (UNAUDITED)   (DERIVED FROM AUDITED
                                                          FINANCIAL STATEMENT)
<S>                                        <C>            <C>
ASSETS
 Bonds....................................   $ 6,453.6          $ 6,079.8
 Stocks...................................       126.6              121.4
 Unconsolidated subsidiaries..............       715.9              693.7
 Mortgage loans...........................     1,590.6            1,629.3
 Real estate..............................       957.7              951.2
 Policy loans.............................     1,342.4            1,350.4
 Cash and short-term investments..........       255.9              651.1
 Other invested assets....................       157.1              128.8
 Premiums deferred and uncollected........       169.4              190.8
 Investment income due and accrued........       280.3              281.5
 Separate Account assets..................     4,285.5            4,091.8
 Other assets.............................       107.7               91.3
                                             ---------          ---------
   Total Assets...........................   $16,442.7          $16,261.1
                                             =========          =========
LIABILITIES
 Reserves for life and health insurance
  and annuities...........................   $ 8,130.6          $ 8,116.6
 Policy proceeds and dividends............       479.7              466.8
 Dividends due to policyholders...........       210.1              210.0
 Premium deposit funds....................     1,714.8            1,865.0
 Other policy liabilities.................        91.1               89.7
 Investment valuation reserves............       462.8              429.5
 Separate Account liabilities.............     4,258.0            4,064.1
 Other liabilities........................       485.7              395.4
                                             ---------          ---------
   Total Liabilities......................    15,832.8           15,637.1
SURPLUS
 Special contingency reserves.............        50.0               50.0
 Surplus notes............................       147.6              147.6
 Unassigned funds.........................       412.3              426.4
                                             ---------          ---------
   Total Surplus..........................       609.9              624.0
                                             ---------          ---------
     Total Liabilities and Surplus........   $16,442.7          $16,261.1
                                             =========          =========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                     II-66
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                        INTERIM STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                              MARCH 31,
                                                         --------------------
                                                           1996       1995
                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>
INCOME
 Premiums, annuity considerations and deposit funds..... $   399.6  $   429.2
 Considerations for supplementary contracts and dividend
  accumulations.........................................      67.6       14.9
 Net investment income..................................     154.0      178.2
 Other income...........................................      40.3       28.5
                                                         ---------  ---------
   Total................................................     661.5      650.8
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
 Benefit payments (other than dividends)................     595.2      610.7
 Changes to reserves, deposit funds and other policy
  liabilities...........................................    (125.0)    (155.7)
 Insurance expenses and taxes (other than federal income
  and capital gains taxes)..............................      97.9      102.4
 Net transfers to Separate Accounts.....................      33.9       (8.0)
                                                         ---------  ---------
   Total benefits and expenses before dividends to
    policyholders.......................................     602.0      549.4
                                                         ---------  ---------
Net gain from operations before dividends to
 policyholders and federal income taxes.................      59.5      101.4
Dividends to policyholders..............................      55.1       54.7
                                                         ---------  ---------
Net gain from operations before federal income taxes....       4.4       46.7
Federal income taxes (excluding tax on capital gains)...      (2.2)      20.5
                                                         ---------  ---------
Net gain from operations................................       6.6       26.2
Net realized capital gain (loss)........................       1.4       (4.4)
                                                         ---------  ---------
Net Income.............................................. $     8.0  $    21.8
                                                         =========  =========
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         INTERIM STATEMENTS OF SURPLUS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                            THREE MONTHS
                                                           ENDED MARCH 31,
                                                         --------------------
                                                           1996       1995
                                                         ---------  ---------
                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>
Surplus--beginning of year.............................. $   624.0  $   632.2
Net Income..............................................       8.0       21.8
Other changes to surplus................................     (22.1)     (19.4)
                                                         ---------  ---------
Surplus--end of period.................................. $   609.9  $   634.6
                                                         =========  =========
</TABLE>
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                     II-67
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                        INTERIM STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                MARCH 31,
                                                           ---------------------
                                                              1996       1995
                                                           ----------  ---------
                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>
FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Premiums................................................ $    419.1  $  509.4
  Net investment income...................................      164.9     177.5
  Benefits................................................     (595.2)   (645.8)
  Net transfers to Separate Accounts......................       41.4      10.2
  Expenses and taxes......................................     (117.3)   (104.5)
  Policyholder dividends..................................       52.1      62.8
  Net (increase) in policy loans..........................       (8.0)     (5.0)
  Other income and disbursements, net.....................      (27.6)    (24.4)
                                                           ----------  --------
    Net cash flow from operating activities...............      (70.6)    (19.8)
                                                           ----------  --------
FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from investments sold, matured or repaid.......      943.9     841.3
  Cost of investments acquired............................   (1,273.0)   (638.8)
                                                           ----------  --------
    Net cash flow from investing activities...............     (329.1)    202.5
                                                           ----------  --------
FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Issuance of floating rate notes payable.................       11.2       6.7
  Repayment of floating rate notes payable................       (6.7)    (74.5)
                                                           ----------  --------
    Net cash flow from financing activities...............        4.5     (67.8)
                                                           ----------  --------
NET CASH FLOW.............................................     (395.2)    114.9
Cash and short-term investments
  Beginning of year.......................................      651.1     264.7
                                                           ----------  --------
  End of period........................................... $    255.9  $  379.6
                                                           ==========  ========
</TABLE>
 
 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                     II-68
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The Company prepares its statutory financial statements, except as to form,
in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the
Division of Insurance of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Prescribed
statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state laws,
regulations, and general administrative rules. Permitted accounting practices
encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. Permitted and prescribed
statutory accounting practices were considered generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP) for mutual life insurance companies for years beginning
before December 15, 1995.
 
  The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation 40,
Applicability of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to Mutual Life
Insurance and Other Enterprises, and Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 120, Accounting and Reporting by Mutual Life Insurance
Enterprises and by Insurance Enterprises for Certain Long-Duration
Participating Contracts. The American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants issued Statement of Position 95-1, Accounting for Certain
Insurance Activities of Mutual Life Insurance Enterprises. Neither of these
groups has a role in establishing regulatory accounting practices. These
pronouncements will require mutual life insurance companies to modify their
financial statements in order for them to continue to be in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, effective for the Company's 1996
financial statements. The manner in which policy reserves, new business
acquisition costs, asset valuations and the related tax effects are recorded
will change. Management has not determined the impact of such changes on its
financial statements.
 
  The accompanying interim financial statements reflect, in the opinion of the
Company's management, all adjustments (consisting of normal, recurring
accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial position
and results of operations. Such statements should be read in conjunction with
the audited annual financial statements.
 
2. CONTINGENCIES
 
  The litigation with the Washington State Investment Board ("WSIB") described
in Note 12 of the 1995 audited financial statements is the subject of a
Settlement Agreement dated as of June 6, 1996 among the Company, Copley Real
Estate Advisors, Inc. and the WSIB. The settlement is subject to the
consummation of the merger between the Company and Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company ("MetLife") described in Note 13 of the 1995 audited financial
statements. If the Merger has not occurred by November 5, 1996, the WSIB has
the option to void the Settlement Agreement, in which case the litigation will
resume. If the merger has not occurred by December 31, 1996, the Company has
the option to void the Settlement Agreement, in which case the litigation will
resume.
 
  Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, MetLife, as successor to the
Company, will make a cash payment and transfer other consideration to WSIB and
WSIB will transfer certain real estate assets to MetLife so as to accomplish
the total disengagement of the real estate relationship between the
Company/Copley and WSIB. MetLife will acquire, for cash, from WSIB certain
real estate at a fair market value of approximately $102.5 million. In
addition, WSIB will receive consideration of approximately $62.5 million from
MetLife and certain real estate interests presently owned by the Company. The
net cost of the settlement to MetLife will be approximately $117 million. Upon
consummation of the settlement, the parties will exchange full releases and
the litigation will be dismissed with full prejudice.
 
3. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
  The Company and MetLife have entered into a definitive agreement, effective
as of August 16, 1995, pursuant to which the Company would be merged with and
into MetLife. The closing of the merger is subject to various conditions,
including but not limited to the obtaining of various regulatory approvals and
the approvals of the policyholders of both companies. It is currently
anticipated that the merger will be consummated during the third quarter of
1996.
 
  The carrying value of the Company's assets is based, in part, on the
assumption that they will be held indefinitely as long-term investments. It is
reasonably possible that MetLife could change the investment objectives of the
portfolio subsequent to the merger and dispose of certain assets, particularly
mortgage and real estate holdings. If so, the realizable value of those assets
could be reduced in the near term.
 
                                     II-69
<PAGE>
 
                   NEW ENGLAND MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
         NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
4. ACCOUNTING CHANGE
 
  Subject to the approval of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, the
Company intends to change the method of accounting it uses to measure
impairments of joint venture real estate. Under the proposed new method, the
Company will carry joint venture real estate at current market values if it
does not expect to recover its book value from future undiscounted cash flows.
The effect of this change is expected to materially decrease unassigned
surplus when the proposed policy is adopted.
 
                                     II-70
<PAGE>
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company:
 
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company (the Company) as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the related
statements of operations and surplus and of cash flow for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 1995 and 1994
and the results of its operations and its cash flow for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1995 in conformity with accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by insurance regulatory authorities and
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
New York, New York
February 9, 1996
 
                                     II-71
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
                          DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        NOTES    1995     1994
                                                        -----    ----     ----
<S>                                                     <C>    <C>      <C>
ASSETS
Bonds..................................................   4,11 $ 70,955 $ 65,592
Stocks................................................. 3,4,11    3,646    3,672
Mortgage loans......................................... 3,4,11   14,211   14,524
Real estate............................................           9,470   10,417
Policy loans...........................................     11    3,956    3,964
Cash and short-term investments........................     11    1,923    2,334
Other invested assets..................................      3    2,480    2,262
Premiums deferred and uncollected......................           1,568    1,250
Investment income due and accrued......................           1,589    1,440
Separate Account assets................................          31,707   25,424
Other assets...........................................             627      298
                                                               -------- --------
Total Assets...........................................        $142,132 $131,177
                                                               ======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
Liabilities
Reserves for life and health insurance and annuities...   5,11 $ 76,249 $ 73,204
Policy proceeds and dividends left with the Company....     11    4,482    3,534
Dividends due to policyholders.........................           1,371    1,407
Premium deposit funds..................................     11   12,891   14,006
Interest maintenance reserve...........................           1,148      881
Other policy liabilities...............................           3,882    3,364
Investment valuation reserves..........................           1,860    1,981
Separate Account liabilities...........................          31,226   25,159
Other liabilities......................................           2,459    1,337
                                                               -------- --------
Total Liabilities......................................         135,568  124,873
                                                               -------- --------
Surplus
Special contingency reserves...........................             754      682
Surplus notes..........................................     10    1,400      700
Unassigned funds.......................................           4,410    4,922
                                                               -------- --------
Total Surplus..........................................           6,564    6,304
                                                               -------- --------
Total Liabilities and Surplus..........................        $142,132 $131,177
                                                               ======== ========
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                     II-72
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND SURPLUS
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                NOTES  1995     1994     1993
                                                -----  ----     ----     ----
<S>                                             <C>   <C>      <C>      <C>
INCOME
 Premiums, annuity considerations and deposit
funds.........................................      5 $19,972  $19,881  $19,442
Considerations for supplementary contracts and
dividend accumulations........................          2,979    2,879    1,654
Net investment income.........................          7,825    7,143    7,356
Other income..................................      5     156       80      231
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Total income..................................         30,932   29,983   28,683
                                                      -------  -------  -------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Benefit payments (other than dividends).......         25,055   23,533   21,417
Changes to reserves, deposit funds and other
 policy liabilities...........................            321    1,619     (439)
Insurance expenses and taxes (excluding tax on
 capital gains)...............................      6   3,160    2,492    2,595
Net transfers to Separate Accounts............            675      503    3,239
Dividends to policyholders....................          1,520    1,676    1,606
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Total benefits and expenses...................         30,731   29,823   28,418
                                                      -------  -------  -------
Net gain from operations......................            201      160      265
Net realized capital losses...................    3,6    (873)     (54)    (132)
                                                      -------  -------  -------
NET (LOSS) INCOME.............................           (672)     106      133
SURPLUS ADDITIONS (DEDUCTIONS)
Change in general account net unrealized capi-
 tal gains....................................      3     442      150      131
Change in investment valuation reserves.......            121     (306)    (169)
Issuance of surplus notes.....................     10     700      --       700
Other adjustments--net........................    1,5    (331)     (52)     594
                                                      -------  -------  -------
NET CHANGE IN SURPLUS.........................            260     (102)   1,389
SURPLUS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR..................          6,304    6,406    5,017
                                                      -------  -------  -------
SURPLUS AT END OF YEAR........................        $ 6,564  $ 6,304  $ 6,406
                                                      =======  =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                     II-73
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
 
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>

                                                       1995     1994    1993
                                                       ----     ----    ----
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>     <C>
CASH PROVIDED
Premiums, annuity considerations and deposit funds
 received............................................ $19,662  $19,983 $19,599
Considerations for supplementary contracts and
 dividend accumulations received.....................   3,051    2,948   1,748
Net investment income received.......................   7,579    6,828   6,931
Other income received................................     166       80     134
                                                      -------  ------- -------
Total receipts.......................................  30,458   29,839  28,412
                                                      -------  ------- -------
Benefits paid (other than dividends).................  23,939   22,387  20,092
Insurance expenses and taxes paid (excluding tax on
 capital gains)......................................   2,337    2,366   2,532
Net cash transfers to Separate Accounts..............     692      524   3,304
Dividends paid to policyholders......................   1,473    1,684   1,596
Other--net...........................................  (1,872)     368  (1,051)
                                                      -------  ------- -------
Total payments.......................................  26,569   27,329  26,473
                                                      -------  ------- -------
Net cash from operations.............................   3,889    2,510   1,939
Proceeds from long-term investments sold, matured or
 repaid after deducting taxes on capital gains of 
 $102 for 1995, $60 for 1994 and $546 for 1993.......  60,790   46,459  55,420
Issuance of surplus notes............................     700       --     700
Other cash provided..................................     370       --     369
                                                      -------  ------- -------
Total cash provided..................................  65,749   48,969  58,428
                                                      -------  ------- -------
CASH APPLIED
Cost of long-term investments acquired...............  65,122   47,845  58,033
Other cash applied...................................   1,038      162     247
                                                      -------  ------- -------
Total cash applied...................................  66,160   48,007  58,280
                                                      -------  ------- -------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS........    (411)     962     148
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
BEGINNING OF YEAR....................................   2,334    1,372   1,224
                                                      -------  ------- -------
END OF YEAR.......................................... $ 1,923  $ 2,334 $ 1,372
                                                      =======  ======= =======
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
 
                                     II-74
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
 
1. BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (the Company) principally provides life
insurance and annuity products and pension, pension-related and investment-
related services to individuals, corporations and other institutions. The
Company and its insurance subsidiaries also provide non-medical health,
disability and property and casualty insurance. Through its non-insurance
subsidiaries, the Company also offers investment management and advisory
services and commercial finance.
 
  The Company's financial statements are prepared on the basis of accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of
New York, which practices currently are considered to be generally accepted
accounting principles for mutual life insurance companies (see Note 12). The
primary interest of insurance regulatory authorities is the ability of the
Company to fulfill its obligations to policyholders; therefore, the financial
statements are oriented to the insured public. Significant accounting policies
applied in preparing the financial statements follow.
 
INVESTED ASSETS AND RELATED RESERVES
 
  Bonds qualifying for amortization are stated at amortized cost; all other
bonds at prescribed values. Unaffiliated preferred stocks are stated
principally at cost; unaffiliated common stocks are carried at market value.
Mortgage loans are stated principally at their amortized indebtedness. Short-
term investments generally mature within one year and are carried at amortized
cost. Policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.
 
  Investments in subsidiaries are stated at equity in net assets and are
included in stocks. Changes in net assets, excluding additional amounts
invested, are included in unrealized capital gains or losses. Dividends from
subsidiaries are reported by the Company as earnings in the year the dividends
are declared. The excess of the purchase prices of non-insurance subsidiaries
over the fair values of the net assets acquired (goodwill) is amortized on a
straight-line basis.
 
  Investment real estate, other than real estate joint ventures and
subsidiaries, is stated at depreciated cost net of non-recourse debt and an
allowance for losses on real estate expected to be disposed of in the near
term. Depreciation is generally calculated by the constant yield method for
real estate purchased prior to December 1990 and the straight-line method if
purchased thereafter. Real estate acquired in satisfaction of debt is valued
at the lower of cost or estimated fair value at date of foreclosure and is
subsequently stated at depreciated cost. Investments in real estate joint
ventures, included in other invested assets, and real estate subsidiaries,
included in stocks, are reported using the equity method and are generally
adjusted to reflect the constant yield method of depreciation for real estate
assets acquired by such entities prior to December 1990.
 
  In 1994, the Company changed to the straight-line method of determining
depreciation on real estate acquired prior to December 1990 if the estimated
fair value of the real estate is less than ninety percent of depreciated cost.
This change had the effect of increasing depreciation expense by approximately
$80 million in 1994.
 
  Investments in non-real estate partnerships are included in other invested
assets and are accounted for using the equity method. The carrying value
generally reflects the Company's share of unrealized gains and losses relating
to the market value of publicly traded common stocks held by the partnerships.
 
  Impairments of individual investments that are considered to be other than
temporary are recognized when incurred.
 
  Mandatory reserves have been established for general account investments in
accordance with guidelines prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities.
Such reserves consist of an Asset Valuation Reserve (AVR) for all invested
assets and an Interest Maintenance Reserve (IMR), which defers the recognition
of realized capital gains and losses (net of income tax) attributable to
interest rate fluctuations on fixed income investments over the estimated
remaining duration of the investments sold. Prior to 1994, the Company also
established voluntary investment valuation
 
                                     II-75
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
reserves for certain general account investments. Changes to the AVR and
voluntary investment reserves are reported as direct additions to or
deductions from surplus. Transfers to the IMR are deducted from realized
capital gains; IMR amortization is included in net investment income.
 
  Net realized capital gains or losses are presented net of federal capital
gains tax or benefit, respectively, and transfers to the IMR.
 
POLICY RESERVES
 
  Reserves for permanent plans of individual life insurance sold after 1959,
universal life plans and certain term plans sold after 1982 are computed
principally on the Commissioners' Reserve Valuation Method. Reserves for other
life insurance policies are computed on the net level premium method. Reserves
for individual annuity contracts are computed on the net level premium method,
the net single premium method or the Commissioners' Annuity Reserve Valuation
Method, as appropriate. Reserves for group annuity contracts are computed on
the net single premium method. The reserves are based on mortality, morbidity
and interest rate assumptions prescribed by New York State Insurance Law. Such
reserves are sufficient to provide for contractual surrender values.
 
  Periodically to reflect changes in circumstances, the Company may change the
assumptions, methodologies or procedures used to calculate reserves. During
1993, the Company and certain of its wholly-owned life insurance subsidiaries
made certain changes which increased the Company's surplus by $667 million
(substantially all of which related to interest rate changes).
 
INCOME AND EXPENSES
 
  Premiums are recognized over the premium-paying period. Investment income is
reported as earned. Expenses, including policy acquisition costs and federal
income taxes, are charged to operations as incurred.
 
  During 1995, the Company recorded a restructuring charge of $72 million
related primarily to the consolidation of office space leased for
administration and agency sales offices. The Company anticipates additional
restructuring charges over the next few years.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT OPERATIONS
 
  Investments held in the Separate Accounts (stated at market value) and
liabilities of the Separate Accounts (including participants' corresponding
equity in the Separate Accounts) are reported separately as assets and
liabilities. The Separate Accounts' operating results are reflected in the
changes to these assets and liabilities.
 
ESTIMATES
 
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities and generally
accepted accounting principles requires that management 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.
 
2. NOTE SUBSEQUENT TO INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT--MERGER
 
  Effective August 30, 1996, the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company was
merged with and into the Company. The Company is the surviving entity. Pro
forma selected financial information giving effect to the merger are included
in the Statement of Additional Information in the registration statement.
 
3. UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND OTHER AFFILIATES
 
  At December 31, 1995 and for the year then ended, subsidiary assets,
liabilities and revenues were $23,008 million, $20,393 million and $4,588
million, respectively. Comparable amounts for 1994 were $21,476 million,
$18,905
 
                                     II-76
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
million and $4,715 million, respectively. Subsidiary revenues for 1993 were
$4,525 million. Dividends from subsidiaries amounted to $558 million, $186
million and $175 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  Unamortized goodwill was $129 million at December 31, 1994. There was no
unamortized goodwill at December 31, 1995.
 
  The Company incurs charges on behalf of its subsidiaries which are
reimbursed pursuant to agreements for shared use of property, personnel and
facilities. Charges under such agreements were approximately $194 million,
$307 million and $355 million in 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  The Company's net equity in joint ventures and other partnerships was $2,424
million and $2,250 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The
Company's share of income from such entities was $97 million, $26 million and
$76 million for 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  Many of the Company's real estate joint ventures have loans with the
Company. The carrying values of such mortgages were $1,054 million and $1,372
million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company had other
loans outstanding to its affiliates with carrying values of $2,599 million and
$2,073 million at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  In January 1995, the Company and The Travelers Insurance Company (Travelers)
contributed their respective group medical health care benefits businesses to
a corporate joint venture, The MetraHealth Companies, Inc. (MetraHealth). In
October 1995, the Company and Travelers sold their investments in MetraHealth
to a non-affiliated health care management services company. For its interest
in MetraHealth, a subsidiary of the Company received $485 million face amount
of shares of redeemable preferred stock of the purchaser, $276 million in cash
and rights to additional consideration based on the 1995 earnings of
MetraHealth. The transaction resulted in post-tax income of $443 million to
the Company, including an amount based on the 1995 estimated financial results
of MetraHealth. The Company also has the right to receive up to an additional
$169 million in cash for each of 1996 and 1997, based on the consolidated
financial results of the purchaser for each of such years.
 
  During 1995, the Company sold Century 21 Real Estate Corporation (real
estate brokerage operation), Metmor Financial Inc. (mortgage banking) and
Metropolitan Trust Company of Canada (trust operation and mortgage
administration) for $127 million, $56 million and $41 million, respectively,
resulting in pre-tax realized capital losses of $167 million, $247 million and
$86 million, respectively. The sales also resulted in $452 million of
unrealized capital gains representing the reversal of prior period unrealized
losses relating to the subsidiaries.
 
                                     II-77
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
4. INVESTMENTS
 
DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The carrying value, gross unrealized gain (loss) and estimated fair value of
bonds and redeemable preferred stocks (debt securities), by category, as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 are shown below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           GROSS
                                                         UNREALIZED    ESTIMATED
                                              CARRYING --------------    FAIR
                                               VALUE    GAIN  (LOSS)     VALUE
                                              -------- ------ -------  ---------
                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                           <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1995:
Bonds:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of
 U.S. government corporations and agencies..  $12,871  $1,556 $    (2)  $14,425
States and political subdivisions...........    1,865     582      (2)    2,445
Foreign governments.........................    1,871     221      --     2,092
Corporate...................................   29,992   1,872    (105)   31,759
Mortgage-backed securities..................   18,888     749     (27)   19,610
Other.......................................    5,468     336     (16)    5,788
                                              -------  ------ -------   -------
Total bonds.................................  $70,955  $5,316 $  (152)  $76,119
                                              =======  ====== =======   =======
Redeemable preferred stocks.................  $    39  $   -- $    (3)  $    36
                                              =======  ====== =======   =======
DECEMBER 31, 1994:
Bonds:
U. S. Treasury securities and obligations of
 U.S. government corporations and agencies..  $ 9,807  $  322 $  (546)  $ 9,583
States and political subdivisions...........    1,483      69     (21)    1,531
Foreign governments.........................    1,931      26     (60)    1,897
Corporate...................................   31,262     291  (1,682)   29,871
Mortgage-backed securities..................   17,485     251    (851)   16,885
Other.......................................    3,624      18    (215)    3,427
                                              -------  ------ -------   -------
Total bonds.................................  $65,592  $  977 $(3,375)  $63,194
                                              =======  ====== =======   =======
Redeemable preferred stocks.................  $    44  $   -- $   (14)  $    30
                                              =======  ====== =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
  The carrying value and estimated fair value of bonds, by contractual
maturity, at December 31, 1995 are shown below. Bonds not due at a single
maturity date have been included in the table in the year of final maturity.
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers
may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment
penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ESTIMATED
                                                              CARRYING   FAIR
                                                               VALUE     VALUE
                                                              -------- ---------
                                                                (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
Due in one year or less...................................... $ 2,171   $ 2,191
Due after one year through five years........................  17,277    17,717
Due after five years through ten years.......................  17,188    18,381
Due after ten years..........................................  15,431    18,220
                                                              -------   -------
Subtotal.....................................................  52,067    56,509
Mortgage-backed securities...................................  18,888    19,610
                                                              -------   -------
Total........................................................ $70,955   $76,119
                                                              =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-78
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Proceeds from the sales of debt securities during 1995, 1994 and 1993 were
$50,831 million, $36,401 million and $50,395 million, respectively. During
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, gross gains of $814 million, $577 million
and $1,316 million, and gross losses of $352 million, $561 million and $96
million were realized on those sales. Realized investment gains and losses are
determined by specific identification.
 
MORTGAGE LOANS
 
  Mortgage loans are collateralized by properties located throughout the
United States and Canada. Approximately 15 percent and 9 percent of the
properties are located in California and Illinois, respectively. Generally,
the Company (as the lender) requires that a minimum of one-fourth of the
purchase price of the underlying real estate be paid by the borrower.
 
  As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, the mortgage loan investments were
categorized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1995  1994
                                                                    ----  ----
         <S>                                                        <C>   <C>
         Office Buildings..........................................  32%   36%
         Retail....................................................  18%   17%
         Residential...............................................  20%   21%
         Agricultural..............................................  20%   18%
         Other.....................................................  10%    8%
                                                                    ---   ---
         Total..................................................... 100%  100%
                                                                    ===   ===
</TABLE>
 
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
  The Company has a securities lending program whereby large blocks of
securities are loaned to third parties, primarily major brokerage firms.
Company policy requires a minimum of 102 percent of the fair value of the
loaned securities to be separately maintained as collateral for the loans. The
collateral is recorded in memorandum records and not reflected in the
accompanying balance sheets. To further minimize the credit risks related to
this lending program, the Company regularly monitors the financial condition
of counterparties to these agreements.
 
  During the normal course of business, the Company agrees with independent
parties to purchase or sell bonds over fixed or variable periods of time. The
off-balance sheet risks related to changes in the quality of the underlying
bonds are mitigated by the fact that commitment periods are generally short in
duration and provisions in the agreements release the Company from its
commitments in case of significant changes in the financial condition of the
independent party or the issuer of the bond.
 
  The Company engages in a variety of derivative transactions with respect to
the general account. Those derivatives, such as forwards, futures, options,
foreign exchange agreements and swaps, which do not themselves generate
interest or dividend income, are acquired or sold in order to hedge or reduce
risks applicable to assets held, or expected to be purchased or sold, and
liabilities incurred or expected to be incurred. The Company does not engage
in trading of these derivatives.
 
  In 1995 and 1994, the Company engaged in three primary derivatives
strategies. The Company entered into a number of anticipatory hedges using
forwards to limit the interest rate exposures of investments in debt
securities expected to be acquired within one year. The Company also hedged a
number of investments in debt securities denominated in foreign currencies by
executing swaps and forwards to ensure a United States dollar rate of return.
In addition, the Company purchased a limited number of interest rate caps to
hedge against rising interest rates on a portfolio of assets which the Company
purchased to match the liabilities it incurred.
 
  Income and expenses related to derivatives used to hedge or manage risks are
recorded on the accrual basis as an adjustment to the yield of the related
securities over the periods covered by the derivative contracts. Gains and
losses relating to early terminations of interest rate swaps used to hedge or
manage interest rate risk are deferred and amortized over the remaining period
originally covered by the swap. Gains and losses relating to derivatives used
to
 
                                     II-79
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
hedge the risks associated with anticipated transactions are deferred and
utilized to adjust the basis of the transaction once it has closed. If it is
determined that the transaction will not close, such gains and losses are
included in realized capital gains and losses.
 
ASSETS ON DEPOSIT
 
  As of December 31, 1995 and 1994, the Company had assets on deposit with
regulatory agencies of $5,281 million and $5,145 million, respectively.
 
5. REINSURANCE AND OTHER INSURANCE TRANSACTIONS
 
  In the normal course of business, the Company assumes and cedes reinsurance
with other insurance companies.
 
  The Company acquired, in part through reinsurance effective in January 1995,
the group life, dental, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, vision
and long-term care insurance businesses from Travelers and certain of its
subsidiaries for $403 million. Commissions of $142 million and $4 million were
charged to earnings during 1995 and 1994, respectively, and considerations in
excess of commissions of $208 million and $49 million were recorded as a
direct charge to surplus in 1995 and 1994, respectively. In January, 1995, the
Company received assets with a fair market value equal to the $1,565 million
of liabilities assumed under the reinsurance agreements. The reinsured
businesses convert to Company contracts at policy anniversary date.
 
  During 1995, the Company entered into reinsurance agreements with
MetraHealth to facilitate the transfer of certain of its group medical health
care business to MetraHealth.
 
  The Company also has reinsurance agreements with certain of its life
insurance subsidiaries. Reserves for insurance assumed pursuant to these
agreements are included in reserves for life and health insurance and
annuities and amounted to $2,143 million and $1,193 million at December 31,
1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  In 1993, the Company assumed $1,540 million of life insurance and annuity
reserves of a New York life insurance company under rehabilitation and
received assets having a fair value equal to the reserves assumed.
 
  The financial statements are shown net of ceded reinsurance. The amounts
related to reinsurance agreements, including agreements described above but
excluding certain agreements with non-affiliates for which the Company
provides administrative services, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1995 1994 1993
                                                                  ---- ---- ----
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
       <S>                                                        <C>  <C>  <C>
       Reinsurance premiums assumed.............................. $890 $237 $264
       Reinsurance ceded:
         Premiums................................................  457   77   86
         Other income............................................   26    1    3
         Reduction in insurance liabilities (at December 31).....   71   31   28
</TABLE>
 
  A contingent liability exists with respect to reinsurance ceded should the
reinsurers be unable to meet their obligations.
 
                                     II-80
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Activity in the liability for unpaid group accident and health policy and
contract claims is summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995    1994    1993
                                                         ------  ------  ------
                                                            (IN MILLIONS)
       <S>                                               <C>     <C>     <C>
       Balance at January 1............................. $1,708  $1,588  $1,517
         Less reinsurance recoverables..................      1       1       1
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Net balance at January 1.........................  1,707   1,587   1,516
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Incurred related to:
         Current year...................................  2,424   1,780   1,797
         Prior years....................................    (23)     (7)    (40)
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Total incurred...................................  2,401   1,773   1,757
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Paid related to:
         Current year...................................  1,464   1,260   1,306
         Prior years....................................    417     393     380
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Total paid.......................................  1,881   1,653   1,686
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Net balance at December 31.......................  2,227   1,707   1,587
         Plus reinsurance recoverables..................     93       1       1
                                                         ------  ------  ------
       Balance at December 31........................... $2,320  $1,708  $1,588
                                                         ======  ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
  The Company's federal income tax return is consolidated with certain
affiliates. The consolidating companies have executed a tax allocation
agreement. Under this agreement, the federal income tax provision is computed
on a separate return basis. Members receive reimbursement to the extent that
their losses and other credits result in a reduction of the current year's
consolidated tax liability.
 
  Federal income tax expense has been calculated in accordance with the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the Code). Under the
Code, the amount of federal income tax expense includes a tax on the Company's
surplus calculated by a prescribed formula that incorporates a differential
earnings rate between stock and mutual life insurance companies. In 1995, the
Company changed its calculation of surplus tax which resulted in an increase
in 1995 federal income tax expense of $95 million. Had such change occurred
prior to 1993, the Company's insurance expenses and taxes (excluding tax on
capital gains) and net loss for the year ended December 31, 1995 would have
been $2,758 million and $270 million, respectively; the Company's surplus,
insurance expenses and taxes (excluding tax on capital gains) and net loss at
and for the year ended December 31, 1994 would have been $5,902 million,
$2,894 million and $296 million, respectively; and the Company's insurance
expenses and taxes (excluding tax on capital gains) and net income for the
year ended December 31, 1993 would have been $2,702 million and $26 million,
respectively. The change would have had no effect on December 31, 1993 surplus
and surplus at December 31, 1992 would have been $5,124 million.
 
  Total federal income taxes on operations and realized capital gains of $479
million, $192 million and $596 million were incurred in 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively.
 
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
PENSION PLANS
 
  The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering all eligible
employees and sales representatives of the Company and certain of its
subsidiaries. The Company is both the sponsor and administrator of these
plans. Retirement benefits are based on years of credited service and final
average earnings' history. The Company's funding policy is to make the minimum
contribution required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
 
                                     II-81
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
  Components of the net periodic pension (credit) cost for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 for the defined benefit qualified and non-
qualified pension plans are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1995   1994   1993
                                                           -----  -----  -----
                                                             (IN MILLIONS)
       <S>                                                 <C>    <C>    <C>
       Service cost....................................... $  58  $  88  $  71
       Interest cost on projected benefit obligation......   215    209    191
       Return on assets...................................  (262)    15   (380)
       Net amortization and deferrals.....................   (33)  (298)   110
                                                           -----  -----  -----
       Net periodic pension (credit) cost................. $ (22) $  14  $  (8)
                                                           =====  =====  =====
</TABLE>
 
  The assumed long-term rate of return on assets used in determining the net
periodic pension (credit) cost was 9.5 percent in 1995 and 8.5 percent in 1994
and 1993. The Company is recognizing the unrecognized net asset at transition,
attributable to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 87, Employers' Accounting for Pensions, in 1993, over the average
remaining service period at the transition date of employees expected to
receive benefits under the pension plans.
 
  The funded status of the qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension
plans and a comparison of the accumulated benefit obligation, plan assets and
projected benefit obligation at December 31, 1995 and 1994 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1995     1994
                                                              -------  -------
                                                               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
Actuarial present value of obligations:
  Vested..................................................... $(2,724) $(2,266)
  Non vested.................................................     (43)     (47)
                                                              -------  -------
Accumulated benefit obligation............................... $(2,767) $(2,313)
                                                              =======  =======
Projected benefit obligation................................. $(3,094) $(2,676)
Plan assets at contract value................................   3,286    2,900
                                                              -------  -------
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation........     192      224
Unrecognized prior service cost..............................      73       92
Unrecognized net loss from past experience different from
 that assumed................................................      79       33
Unrecognized net asset at transition.........................    (326)    (365)
Adjustment required to recognize minimum liability...........     (19)     --
                                                              -------  -------
Accrued pension cost at December 31.......................... $    (1) $   (16)
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
  The weighted average discount rate used in determining the actuarial present
value of the projected benefit obligation was 7.25 percent for 1995, 8.5
percent for 1994 and 7.5 percent for 1993 in the United States and 8.0 percent
for 1995, 7.25 percent for 1994 and 7.0 percent for 1993 in Canada. The
weighted average assumed rate of increase in future compensation levels was
4.5 percent in 1995 and 5.0 percent in 1994 and 1993. In addition, several
other factors, such as expected retirement dates and mortality, enter into the
determination of the actuarial present value of the accumulated benefit
obligation.
 
  The pension plans' assets are principally investment contracts issued by the
Company.
 
  During 1995, the Company recognized a pension plan curtailment gain before
income tax of $8 million. This gain relates to the transfer of Company group
medical health care business personnel to MetraHealth.
 
SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT PLAN
 
  The Company sponsors a savings and investment plan available for
substantially all employees under which the Company matches a portion of
employee contributions. During 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company contributed
$34 million, $42 million and $48 million, respectively, to the plan.
 
                                     II-82
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
  The Company also provides certain postretirement health care and life
insurance benefits for retired employees through insurance contracts.
Substantially all of the Company's employees may, in accordance with the plans
applicable to such benefits, become eligible for these benefits if they attain
retirement age, with sufficient service, while working for the Company.
 
  The costs of non-pension postretirement benefits are recognized on an
accrual basis in accordance with guidelines prescribed by insurance regulatory
authorities. Such guidelines require the recognition of a postretirement
benefit obligation for current retirees and fully eligible or vested
employees. As prescribed by the guidelines, the Company has elected to
recognize over a period of twenty years the unrecognized postretirement
benefit asset and obligation (net asset and obligation at transition) in
existence on January 1, 1993 (effective date of guidelines).
 
  The following table sets forth the postretirement health care and life
insurance plans' combined status reconciled with the amounts included in the
Company's balance sheets at December 31, 1995 and 1994:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1995                   1994
                                  ---------------------- ----------------------
                                  OVERFUNDED UNDERFUNDED OVERFUNDED UNDERFUNDED
                                  ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                               <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Accumulated postretirement
 benefit obligations of retirees
 and fully eligible
 participants...................    $(295)      $(776)     $(262)      $(787)
Plan assets (Company insurance        397         411        393         358
 contracts) at contract value...    -----       -----      -----       -----
Plan assets in excess of (less
 than) accumulated
 postretirement benefit
 obligation.....................      102        (365)       131        (429)
Unrecognized net loss (gain)
 from past experience different
 from that assumed and from
 changes in assumptions.........       53         (83)        (6)        (44)
Prior service cost not yet
 recognized in net periodic
 retirement benefit cost........       (5)         --         (5)         --
Unrecognized (asset) obligation      (102)        438       (108)        464
 at transition..................    -----       -----      -----       -----
Prepaid (Accrued) non-pension
 postretirement benefit cost at     $  48       $ (10)     $  12       $  (9)
 December 31....................    =====       =====      =====       =====
</TABLE>
 
  The components of the net periodic non-pension postretirement benefit cost
for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              1995  1994  1993
                                                              ----  ----  ----
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
       <S>                                                    <C>   <C>   <C>
       Service cost.......................................... $ 26  $ 31  $ 32
       Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit
        obligation...........................................   74    76    87
       Return on plan assets (Company insurance contracts)...  (61)  (37)  (36)
       Amortization of transition asset and obligation.......   18    18    20
       Net amortization and deferrals........................   (4)  (10)  (17)
                                                              ----  ----  ----
       Net periodic non-pension postretirement benefit cost.. $ 53  $ 78  $ 86
                                                              ====  ====  ====
</TABLE>
 
  The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated
non-pension postretirement benefit obligation was 10.0 percent in 1995, 11.0
percent in 1994 and 12.0 percent in 1993, gradually decreasing to 5.25
percent, 6.5 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively, over twelve years. The
weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 7.25 percent, 8.5 percent, and 7.5
percent at December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
  If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were increased 1.0 percent,
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993 would be increased 9.0 percent, 7.1 percent, and 7.2 percent,
respectively. The effect of this change on the sum of the service and interest
cost components of the net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 would be an increase of 11.0 percent,
7.9 percent and 7.8 percent, respectively.
 
                                     II-83
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
8. LEASES
 
LEASE INCOME
 
  During 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Company received $1,742 million, $1,786
million and $1,482 million, respectively, in lease income related to its
investment real estate. In accordance with standard industry practice, certain
of the Company's lease agreements with retail tenants result in income that is
contingent on the level of the tenants' sales revenues.
 
LEASE EXPENSE
 
  The Company has entered into various lease agreements for office space, data
processing and other equipment. Rental expense under such leases was $171
million, $193 million and $214 million for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively. Future gross minimum rental payments under non-
cancelable leases, including those leases for which the Company recorded a
restructuring charge in 1995, are as follows (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
             <S>                                                <C>
              1996............................................. $107
              1997.............................................   82
              1998.............................................   66
              1999.............................................   48
              2000.............................................   32
              Thereafter.......................................   53
                                                                ----
                Total.......................................... $388
                                                                ====
</TABLE>
 
9. OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
GUARANTEES
 
  The Company has entered into certain arrangements in the course of its
business which, under certain circumstances, may impose significant financial
obligations on the Company. The Company has entered into a support agreement
with a subsidiary whereby the Company has agreed to maintain the subsidiary's
net worth at one dollar or more. At December 31, 1995, the subsidiary's
assets, which consist principally of loans to affiliates, amounted to $3,309
million and its net worth amounted to $11 million.
 
  In addition, the Company has entered into arrangements with certain of its
subsidiaries and affiliates to assist such subsidiaries and affiliates in
meeting various jurisdictions' regulatory requirements regarding capital and
surplus. The Company has also entered into a support arrangement with respect
to the reinsurance obligations of a subsidiary.
 
  No material payments have been made under these arrangements and it is the
opinion of management that any payments required pursuant to these
arrangements would not likely have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position.
 
LITIGATION
 
  In 1994, the Company entered into consent agreements (involving the payment
of fines and policyholder restitution payments) with state authorities,
including the insurance departments of all states, arising out of regulatory
proceedings and investigations relating to alleged improper practices in the
sale of individual life insurance. Litigation relating to the Company's
individual life insurance sales practices (including individual actions and
purported class actions) has also been instituted by or on behalf of
policyholders and others, and additional litigation relating to the Company's
sales practices may be commenced in the future. In addition, an investigation
by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of
Florida, in conjunction with a grand jury, into certain of the sales practices
that were the focus of the state investigations is ongoing. Various
litigation, claims and assessments against the Company, in addition to the
aforementioned, have arisen in the course of the Company's business,
operations and activities.
 
  In certain of the matters referred to above, including actions with multiple
plaintiffs, very large and/or indeterminate amounts, including punitive and
treble damages, are sought. While it is not feasible to predict or determine
the ultimate outcome of all pending investigations and legal proceedings or to
make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range
 
                                     II-84
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome in all such matters, it
is the opinion of the Company's management that their outcome, after
consideration of the provisions made in the Company's financial statements, is
not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial
position.
 
10. SURPLUS NOTES
 
  The carrying values of surplus notes at December 31, 1995 and 1994 are shown
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1995   1994
                                                                 ------- ------
                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
      <S>                                                        <C>     <C>
      6.30% surplus notes scheduled to mature on November 1,
       2003..................................................... $   400 $ 400
      7.00% surplus notes scheduled to mature on November 1,
       2005.....................................................     250   --
      7.70% surplus notes scheduled to mature on November 1,
       2015.....................................................     200   --
      7.45% surplus notes scheduled to mature on November 1,
       2023.....................................................     300   300
      7.80% surplus notes scheduled to mature on November 1,         250   --
       2025..................................................... ------- -----
        Total................................................... $ 1,400 $ 700
                                                                 ======= =====
</TABLE>
 
  Interest on the Company's surplus notes is scheduled to be paid semi-
annually; principal payments are scheduled to be paid upon maturity. Such
payments of interest and principal may be made only with the prior approval of
the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New York (Superintendent).
 
  Subject to the prior approval of the Superintendent, the 7.45 percent
surplus notes may be redeemed, as a whole or in part, at the election of the
Company at any time on or after November 1, 2003. During 1995 and 1994, the
Company obtained Superintendent approval for and made total interest payments
of $48 million on the surplus notes.
 
11. FAIR VALUE INFORMATION
 
  The estimated fair value amounts of financial instruments presented below
have been determined by the Company using market information available as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994 and appropriate valuation methodologies. However,
considerable judgment is necessarily required to interpret market data to
develop the estimates of fair value for financial instruments for which there
are no available market value quotations.
 
  The estimates presented below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts
the Company could have realized in a market exchange. The use of different
market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect
on the estimated fair value amounts.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NOTIONAL CARRYING  ESTIMATED
                                                    AMOUNT   VALUE    FAIR VALUE
                                                   -------- --------  ----------
                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                <C>      <C>       <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1995:
 ASSETS
  Bonds...........................................          $70,955    $76,119
  Stocks, including subsidiaries..................            3,646      3,608
  Mortgage loans..................................           14,211     14,818
  Policy loans....................................            3,956      4,023
  Cash and short-term investments.................            1,923      1,923
 LIABILITIES
  Investment contracts included in:
   Reserves for life and health insurance and an-
    nuities.......................................           18,137     18,211
   Policy proceeds and dividends left with the
    Company.......................................            4,482      4,488
   Premium deposit funds..........................           12,891     13,322
 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
  Bond purchase agreements........................  $ 601                  3.3
  Bond sales agreements...........................     80                 (0.5)
  Interest rate swaps.............................    280                  1.5
  Interest rate caps..............................    231                  --
  Foreign currency swaps..........................     89                  4.4
  Foreign currency forwards.......................     10                  --
  Covered call options............................     25      (1.9)       1.9
  Futures contracts...............................  1,402     (19.5)       --
  Unused lines of credit..........................  1,600                  1.1
</TABLE>
 
                                     II-85
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   NOTIONAL CARRYING  ESTIMATED
                                                    AMOUNT   VALUE    FAIR VALUE
                                                   -------- --------  ----------
                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                <C>      <C>       <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1994:
 ASSETS
  Bonds...........................................          $65,592    $63,194
  Stocks, including subsidiaries..................            3,672      3,660
  Mortgage loans..................................           14,524     14,269
  Policy loans....................................            3,964      3,645
  Cash and short-term investments.................            2,334      2,334
 LIABILITIES
  Investment contracts included in:
   Reserves for life and health insurance and an-
    nuities.......................................           16,354     16,370
   Policy proceeds and dividends left with the
    Company.......................................            3,534      3,519
   Premium deposit funds..........................           14,006     13,997
 OTHER FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
  Bond purchase agreements........................  $2,755                 4.1
  Bond sales agreements...........................   1,450                 0.8
  Interest rate swaps.............................     272                (7.1)
  Interest rate caps..............................     185                (0.1)
  Foreign currency swaps..........................      36                (0.4)
  Foreign currency forwards.......................       4     (0.2)      (0.1)
  Covered call options............................      25     (1.9)       1.9
  Unused lines of credit..........................   1,450                 1.0
</TABLE>
 
  For bonds that are publicly traded, estimated fair value was obtained from
an independent market pricing service. Publicly traded bonds represented
approximately 78 percent of the carrying value and estimated fair value of the
total bonds as of December 31, 1995 and 77 percent of the carrying value and
estimated fair value of the total bonds as of December 31, 1994. For all other
bonds, estimated fair value was determined by management, based on interest
rates, maturity, credit quality and average life. Included in bonds are loaned
securities with estimated fair values of $8,148 million and $5,154 million at
December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Estimated fair values of stocks were
generally based on quoted market prices, except for investments in common
stock of subsidiaries, which are based on equity in net assets of the
subsidiaries. Estimated fair values of mortgage loans were generally based on
discounted projected cash flows using interest rates offered for loans to
borrowers with comparable credit ratings and for the same maturities.
Estimated fair values of policy loans were based on discounted projected cash
flows using U.S. Treasury rates to approximate interest rates and Company
experience to project patterns of loan repayment. For cash and short-term
investments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
 
  Included in reserves for life and health insurance and annuities, policy
proceeds and dividends left with the Company and premium deposit funds are
amounts classified as investment contracts representing policies or contracts
that do not incorporate significant insurance risk. The fair values for these
liabilities are estimated using discounted projected cash flows, based on
interest rates being offered for similar contracts with maturities consistent
with those remaining for the contracts being valued. Policy proceeds and
dividends left with the Company also include other liabilities without defined
durations. The estimated fair value of such liabilities, which generally are
of short duration or have periodic adjustments of interest rates, approximates
their carrying value.
 
  Estimated fair values of bond purchase/sale agreements were based on fees
charged to enter into similar arrangements or on the estimated cost to
terminate the outstanding agreements. For interest rate and foreign currency
swaps, interest rate caps, interest rate futures, foreign currency forwards,
futures contracts and covered call options, estimated fair value is the amount
at which the contracts could be settled based on estimates obtained from
dealers. The Company had unused lines of credit under agreements with various
banks. The estimated fair values of unused lines of credit were based on fees
charged to enter into similar agreements.
 
12. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES FOR MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE
   COMPANIES
 
  The Company, as a mutual life insurance company, prepares its financial
statements in conformity with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
the Insurance Department of the State of New York (statutory financial
statements)
 
                                     II-86
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONCLUDED)
which currently are considered to be generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP) for mutual life insurance companies. However, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) has issued certain pronouncements effective for 1996
annual financial statements and thereafter. Such pronouncements will no longer
allow statutory financial statements to be described as being prepared in
conformity with GAAP. Upon the effective date of the pronouncements, in order
for their financial statements to be described as being prepared in conformity
with GAAP, mutual life insurance companies will be required to adopt all
applicable accounting principles promulgated by the FASB in any general
purpose financial statements that they may issue. The Company will issue 1996
general purpose financial statements reflecting the adoption of all applicable
GAAP pronouncements. However, the Company has not finalized the quantification
of the effects of the application of the pronouncements on its financial
statements.
 
 
                                     II-87
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               MARCH 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                               -------------- -----------------
                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>            <C>
ASSETS
 Bonds........................................    $ 71,355        $ 70,955
 Stocks.......................................       3,752           3,646
 Mortgage loans...............................      14,479          14,211
 Real estate..................................       9,047           9,470
 Policy loans.................................       3,964           3,956
 Cash and short-term investments..............       1,476           1,923
 Other invested assets........................       2,442           2,480
 Premiums deferred and uncollected............       1,530           1,568
 Investment income due and accrued............       1,545           1,589
 Separate Account assets......................      31,935          31,707
 Other assets.................................         701             627
                                                  --------        --------
   Total Assets...............................    $142,226        $142,132
                                                  ========        ========
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
Liabilities
 Reserves for life and health insurance and
  annuities...................................    $ 76,246        $ 76,249
 Policy proceeds and dividends left with the
  Company.....................................       4,654           4,482
 Dividends due to policyholders...............       1,363           1,371
 Premium deposit funds........................      11,897          12,891
 Interest maintenance reserve.................       1,199           1,148
 Other policy liabilities.....................       3,940           3,882
 Investment valuation reserves................       1,951           1,860
 Separate Account liabilities.................      31,441          31,226
 Other liabilities............................       3,088           2,459
                                                  --------        --------
   Total Liabilities..........................     135,779         135,568
                                                  --------        --------
Surplus
 Special contingency reserves.................         768             754
 Surplus notes................................       1,400           1,400
 Unassigned funds.............................       4,279           4,410
                                                  --------        --------
   Total Surplus..............................       6,447           6,564
                                                  --------        --------
   Total Liabilities and Surplus..............    $142,226        $142,132
                                                  ========        ========
</TABLE>
 
 
            See accompanying notes to interim financial statements.
 
                                     II-88
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND SURPLUS
               FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1996    1995
                                                                ------  ------
                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                             <C>     <C>
INCOME
 Premiums, annuity considerations and deposit funds...........  $4,523  $5,986
 Considerations for supplementary contracts and dividend accu-
  mulations...................................................     836     762
 Net investment income........................................   1,822   1,746
 Other income.................................................     111      43
                                                                ------  ------
   Total income...............................................   7,292   8,537
                                                                ------  ------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
 Benefit payments (other than dividends)......................   7,024   7,453
 Changes to reserves, deposit funds and other policy liabili-
  ties........................................................    (907)     (1)
 Insurance expenses and taxes (other than federal income and
  capital gains taxes)........................................     678     695
 Net transfers to Separate Accounts...........................      42      87
                                                                ------  ------
   Total benefits and expenses before dividends to policyhold-
    ers.......................................................   6,837   8,234
                                                                ------  ------
Net gain from operations before dividends to policyholders and
 federal income taxes.........................................     455     303
Dividends to policyholders....................................     404     436
                                                                ------  ------
Net gain (loss) from operations before federal income taxes...      51    (133)
Federal income taxes (excluding tax on capital gains).........      13      91
                                                                ------  ------
Net gain (loss) from operations...............................      38    (224)
Net realized capital losses...................................     (74)     (9)
                                                                ------  ------
NET LOSS......................................................     (36)   (233)
Change in general account net unrealized capital gains........       8      17
Change in investment valuation reserves.......................     (91)    (77)
Other adjustments--net........................................       2    (190)
                                                                ------  ------
NET CHANGE IN SURPLUS.........................................    (117)   (483)
SURPLUS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD................................   6,564   6,304
                                                                ------  ------
SURPLUS AT END OF PERIOD......................................  $6,447  $5,821
                                                                ======  ======
</TABLE>
 
 
            See accompanying notes to interim financial statements.
 
                                     II-89
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
               FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1995
                                 (IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1996     1995
                                                              -------  -------
                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
CASH PROVIDED
  Premiums, annuity considerations and deposit funds
   received.................................................. $ 4,533  $ 5,693
  Considerations for supplementary contracts and dividend
   accumulations received....................................     849      779
  Net investment income received.............................   1,780    1,600
  Other income received......................................     102       19
                                                              -------  -------
    Total receipts...........................................   7,264    8,091
                                                              -------  -------
  Benefits paid (other than dividends).......................   6,789    6,887
  Insurance expenses and taxes paid (other than federal
   income and capital gains taxes)...........................     641      685
  Net cash transfers to Separate Accounts....................      57       86
  Dividends paid to policyholders............................     373      357
  Federal income tax (recoveries) payments (excluding tax on
   capital gains)............................................     272      (29)
  Other--net.................................................     278   (1,455)
                                                              -------  -------
    Total payments...........................................   8,410    6,531
                                                              -------  -------
  Net cash (used by) from operations.........................  (1,146)   1,560
  Proceeds from long-term investments sold, matured or repaid
   (after deducting tax (benefit) expense on capital (losses)
   gains of $(46) for 1996 and $3 for 1995)..................  20,694   17,497
  Other cash provided........................................   1,072      795
                                                              -------  -------
    TOTAL CASH PROVIDED......................................  20,620   19,852
                                                              -------  -------
CASH APPLIED
  Cost of long-term investments acquired.....................  20,732   18,597
  Other cash applied.........................................     335      683
                                                              -------  -------
    TOTAL CASH APPLIED.......................................  21,067   19,280
                                                              -------  -------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS................    (447)     572
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS:
  BEGINNING OF PERIOD........................................   1,923    2,334
                                                              -------  -------
  END OF PERIOD.............................................. $ 1,476  $ 2,906
                                                              =======  =======
</TABLE>
 
 
            See accompanying notes to interim financial statements.
 
                                     II-90
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                     NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                          MARCH 31, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
 
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
  The accompanying interim financial statements of Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company (the Company) are prepared on the basis of accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of New York
(statutory financial statements). The accompanying financial statements do not
include all of the footnote disclosures required for complete financial
statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of
normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have
been included. The accompanying interim financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the Company's annual financial statements.
 
  Results for the three months ended March 31, 1996 are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December
31, 1996.
 
  The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued certain
pronouncements relating to mutual life insurance companies effective for years
beginning after December 15, 1995 annual financial statements and thereafter.
Such pronouncements will no longer allow statutory financial statements to be
described as being prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). Upon the effective date of the pronouncements, in order for
their financial statements to be described as being prepared in conformity
with GAAP, mutual life insurance companies will be required to adopt all
applicable accounting principles promulgated by the FASB in any general
purpose financial statements that they may issue. The Company will issue 1996
general purpose financial statements reflecting the adoption of all applicable
GAAP pronouncements and will retroactively restate prior period financial
statements to give effect to the application of such pronouncements. If the
Company issues general purpose statutory financial statements for 1996 and
reissues statutory financial statements for prior years, the independent
auditor will be able to express an opinion regarding the presentation of any
statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of New York
but will be required to issue an adverse or qualified opinion on any statutory
financial statements regarding their presentation in conformity with GAAP. The
Company has not finalized the quantification of the effects of the application
of the GAAP pronouncements on its financial statements.
 
2. INVESTMENT VALUATION AND INTEREST MAINTENANCE RESERVES
 
  Mandatory reserves have been established for general account investments in
accordance with guidelines prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities.
Such reserves consist of an Asset Valuation Reserve (AVR) for all invested
assets and Interest Maintenance Reserve (IMR), which defers the recognition of
realized capital gains and losses (net of income tax) attributable to interest
rate fluctuations on fixed income investments over the estimated remaining
duration of the investments sold. The AVR and IMR balances reflect the year to
date activity and a pro rata share of the estimated annual contribution and
amortization, respectively.
 
  Evaluation for and recognition of writedowns of investments for other than
temporary impairments are performed annually during the six month period ended
December 31. However, investment valuation reserves at March 31, 1996 were
adequate to provide for existing and probable future losses.
 
3. ACQUISITION OF GROUP LIFE AND HEALTH BUSINESSES
 
  The Company acquired, in part through reinsurance effective in January 1995,
the group life, dental, disability, accidental death and dismemberment, vision
and long-term care insurance businesses from Travelers and certain of its
subsidiaries for $403 million, $350 million which was paid during the first
three months of 1995. Commissions of $142 million were charged to earnings
during the three months ended March 31, 1995 and considerations in excess of
commissions of $208 million were recorded as a direct charge to surplus during
the three months ended March 31, 1995. In January, 1995, the Company received
assets with a fair market value equal to the $1,565 million of liabilities
assumed under the reinsurance agreements. The reinsured businesses convert to
Company contracts at policy anniversary date.
 
                                     II-91
<PAGE>
 
                      METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
              NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
 
4. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
  Federal income tax expense has been calculated in accordance with the
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the "Code"). Under the
Code, the amount of federal income tax expense includes a tax on the Company's
surplus calculated by a prescribed formula that incorporates a differential
earnings rate between stock and mutual life insurance companies. The Company's
surplus tax for the three months ended March 31, 1995 was calculated based on
a pro rata estimate of the tax liability expected to be reported on the
Company's 1995 federal income tax return. The Company's surplus tax for the
three months ended March 31, 1996 was calculated based on a pro rata estimate
of the expected final tax for 1996. See Note 6 to the Company's annual
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995 for a description of
the change in 1995 in the calculation of surplus tax.
 
5. SURPLUS NOTES
 
  Interest on the Company's surplus notes is scheduled to be paid semi-
annually on May 1st and November 1st; principal payments are scheduled to be
paid upon maturity. Such payments of interest and principal may be made only
with the prior approval of the Superintendent of Insurance of the State of New
York (Superintendent). The Company may not accrue any liability for payment of
interest or principal prior to obtaining the Superintendent's approval for
payment. At December 31, 1995, no accrual for surplus note interest expense
was recorded by the Company; at March 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company recorded
a liability for surplus note interest expense of $42 million and $20 million,
respectively.
 
6. SUBSEQUENT EVENT--MERGER
 
  Effective August 30, 1996, the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company was
merged with and into the Company. The Company is the surviving entity. Pro
forma selected financial information giving effect to the merger are included
in the Statement of Additional Information in the registration statement.
Also, in June 1996 The New England entered into a Settlement Agreement,
subject to consummation of the Merger, regarding certain litigation whereby
the litigation will be resolved at a net cost of approximately $117 million to
the combined entity.
 
                                     II-92
<PAGE>
 
                                   APPENDIX A
 
ABC and affiliates         Fortune                    Public Broadcasting
Atlanta Constitution       Fox Newtwork and            Service
Atlanta Journal             affiliates                Quinn, Jane Bryant
Austin American            Fund Action                 (syndicated column)
 Statesman                 Hartford Courant           Registered
Baltimore Sun              Houston Chronicle           Representative
Barron's                   INC                        Research Magazine
Bond Buyer                 Indianapolis Star          Resource
Boston Business Journal    Institutional Investor     Reuters
Boston Globe               Investment Dealers         Rukeyser's Business
Boston Herald               Digest                     (syndicated column)
Broker World               Investment Vision          Sacramento Bee
Business Radio Network     Investor's Daily           San Francisco Chronicle
Business Week              Journal of Commerce        San Francisco Examiner
CBS and affiliates         Kansas City Star           San Jose Mercury
CFO                        LA Times                   Seattle Post-
Changing Times             Leckey, Andrew              Intelligencer
Chicago Sun Times           (syndicated column)       Seattle Times
Chicago Tribune            Life Association News      Smart Money
Christian Science          Miami Herald               St. Louis Post Dispatch
 Monitor                   Milwaukee Sentinel         St. Petersburg Times
Christian Science          Money                      Standard & Poor's
 Monitor News Service      Money Maker                 Outlook
Cincinnati Enquirer        Money Management Letter    Standard & Poor's Stock
Cincinnati Post            Morningstar                 Guide
CNBC                       National Public Radio      Stanger's Investment
CNN                        National Underwriter        Advisor
Columbus Dispatch          NBC and affiliates         Stockbroker's Register
Dallas Morning News        New England Business       Strategic Insight
Dallas Times-Herald        New England Cable News     Tampa Tribune
Denver Post                New Orleans Times-         Time
Des Moines Register         Picayune                  Tobias, Andrew
Detroit Free Press         New York Daily News         (syndicated column)
Donoghues Money Fund       New York Times             UPI
 Report                    Newark Star Ledger         US News and World Report
Dorfman, Dan (syndicated   Newsday                    USA Today
 column)                   Newsweek                   Value Line
Dow Jones News Service     Nightly Business Report    Wall St. Journal
Economist                  Orange County Register     Wall Street Letter
FACS of the Week           Orlando Sentinel           Wall Street Week
Financial News Network     Pension World              Washington Post
Financial Planning         Pensions and Investments   WBZ
Financial Services Week    Personal Investor          WBZ-TV
Financial World            Philadelphia Inquirer      WCVB-TV
Forbes                     Porter, Sylvia             WEEI
Fort Worth Star-Telegram    (syndicated column)       WHDH
                           Portland Oregonian         Worcester Telegram
                                                      Worth Magazine
                                                      WRKO
 
                                     II-93


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