SUN LIFE OF CANADA U S VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
485BPOS, 1998-04-10
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<PAGE>
   
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 1998
    
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-05227

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                              -------------------
 
                                    FORM N-4
   
                      POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
    
         REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933   /X/
   
                                       AND

      REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

                                  AMENDMENT NO. 2                  /X/
    
                  SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
                           (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT)
 
                  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
                              (NAME OF DEPOSITOR)
   
                          ONE SUN LIFE EXECUTIVE PARK
                      WELLESLEY HILLS, MASSACHUSETTS 02181
              (ADDRESS OF DEPOSITOR'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

                  DEPOSITOR'S TELEPHONE NUMBER: (781) 237-6030

                   MARGARET HANKARD, SENIOR ASSOCIATE COUNSEL
                  SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
                     RETIREMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
                             ONE COPLEY PLACE
                         BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116
                    (NAME AND ADDRESS OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
    
                          COPIES OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
                              DAVID N. BROWN, ESQ.
                              COVINGTON & BURLING
                         1201 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
                                 P.O. BOX 7566
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20044
   
/X/ It is proposed that this filing will become effective on May 1, 1998
pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
    

   
    

<PAGE>

                  SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
   
                        Post-effective Amendment No. 2 to
    
                       Registration Statement on Form N-4

               Cross Reference Sheet Required by Rule 495(a) under
                           The Securities Act of 1933


ITEM NUMBER IN FORM N-4                 LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS; CAPTION

PART A
     1.   Cover Page                    Cover Page

     2.   Definitions                   Definitions

     3.   Synopsis                      Cover Pages; Expense Summary

     4.   Condensed Financial           Condensed Financial Information-
          Information                   Accumulation Unit Values
   
     5.   General Description of
          Registrant, Depositor         Cover Page; Incorporation as of Certain
          and Portfolio Companies       Documents by Reference; A Word About
                                        the Company, the Fixed Account, the 
                                        Variable Account, and the Series Fund;
                                        Other Contractual Provisions-Periodic
                                        Reports; Other Contractual Provisions-
                                        Voting of Series Fund Shares; 
                                        Administration of the Contracts;
                                        Additional Information About the Company

     6.   Deductions and Expenses       How the Contract Charges Are Assessed;
                                        Cash Withdrawals, Withdrawal Charges and
                                        Market Value Adjustment
    
     7.   General Description of        Purchase Payments and Contract
          Variable Annuity Contracts    Values During Accumulation
                                        Period; Death Benefit; Annuity
                                        Provisions; Other Contractual
                                        Provisions

     8.   Annuity Period                Purchase Payments and Contract Values
                                        During Accumulation Period-Transfer
                                        Privilege; Telephone Transfers;
                                        Restriction on Market Timers;
                                        Annuity Provisions

     9.   Death Benefit                 Death Benefit

    10.   Purchases and Contract        Purchase Payments and Contract
          Value                         Values During Accumulation
                                        Period; Other Contractual Provisions;
                                        Distribution of the Contracts

    11.   Redemptions                   Cash Withdrawals, Withdrawal
                                        Charges and Market Value
                                        Adjustment; Other Contractual
                                        Provisions-Right to Return Contract

    12.   Taxes                         Federal Tax Status

    13.   Legal Proceedings             Legal Proceedings

    14.   Table of Contents of the      Not Applicable
          Statement of Additional
          Information



<PAGE>

ITEM NUMBER IN FORM N-4                 LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS; CAPTION

PART B

  15.     Cover Page                    Not Applicable

  16.     Table of Contents             Not Applicable

  17.     General Information and       A Word About the Company, the
          History                       Fixed Account, the Variable
                                        Account and the Series Fund;
                                        Additional Information About the
                                        Company

  18.     Services                      Other Contractual Provisions;
                                        Administration of the Contracts

  19.     Purchase of Securities        Purchase Payments and Contract
          Being Offered                 Values During Accumulation Period

  20.     Underwriters                  Distribution of the Contracts

  21.     Calculation of Performance    Performance Data
          Data

  22.     Annuity Payments              Annuity Provisions

  23.     Financial Statements          Financial Statements

<PAGE>

                                     PART A

                      INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS


   
      Attached hereto and made a part hereof is the Prospectus dated 
May 1, 1998.
    
<PAGE>
   
                                                                      PROSPECTUS
                                                                     MAY 1, 1998
    
 
                              MFS REGATTA CLASSIC
               --------------------------------------------------
 
   
    The flexible payment deferred annuity contracts (the "Contracts") offered by
this Prospectus are designed for use in connection with retirement and deferred
compensation plans, some of which may qualify as retirement programs under
Sections 401, 403, 408 or 408A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Contracts are
issued on a group or individual basis by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
(U.S.) (the "Company"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada, having its Principal Executive Offices at One Sun
Life Executive Park, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181, telephone (781)
237-6030. The Contracts provide that annuity payments will begin on a selected
future date. The Contracts provide for the accumulation of values on either a
variable basis, a fixed basis, or a fixed and variable basis and provide for
fixed and variable annuity payments as elected. In some states, Individual
Contracts may be available on a variable basis only.
    
 
   
    The issuance of an individual Contract ("Individual Contract") will be
evidenced by the Contract. Participation in a group Contract ("Group Contract")
will be evidenced by the issuance of a certificate ("Certificate") describing
the participating individual's interest under the Group Contract. Unless
otherwise expressly indicated, references in this Prospectus to "Contracts"
include Individual Contracts, Group Contracts and Certificates issued under
Group Contracts, and references to "Participants" include both individual
Contract owners and participating individuals under Group Contracts.
    
 
   
    The initial Purchase Payment for each Contract must be at least $25,000 and
each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $1,000, unless waived by the
Company. The prior approval of the Company is required before it will accept a
Purchase Payment in excess of $1,000,000.
    
 
   
    The Participant may elect to have values under the Contract accumulate on a
fixed basis in the Fixed Account, which pays interest at the applicable
Guaranteed Interest Rate(s) for the duration of the particular Guarantee
Period(s) selected by the Participant, or on a variable basis in Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Variable Account F (the "Variable Account"), a separate account of
the Company, or divided between the Fixed Account and the Variable Account. The
assets of the Variable Account are divided into Sub-Accounts. Each Sub-Account
uses its assets to purchase, at their net asset value, shares of a specific
series of MFS/Sun Life Series Trust  (the "Series Fund"), a mutual fund
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and advised by
Massachusetts Financial Services Company, an affiliate of the Company.
Twenty-five series are available for investment under the Contracts: (1) Bond
Series; (2) Capital Appreciation Series; (3) Capital Opportunities Series
(before May 1, 1998, called the Value Series); (4) Conservative Growth Series;
(5) Emerging Growth Series; (6) Equity Income Series; (7) Government Securities
Series; (8) High Yield Series; (9) International Growth Series; (10)
International Growth and Income Series; (11) Managed Sectors Series; (12)
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Series; (13) MFS/Foreign & Colonial
Emerging Markets Equity Series; (14) Money Market Series; (15) New Discovery
Series; (16) Research Series;
    
 
                                                        (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
 
THE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY,
ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   
THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS THE BASIC INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE INVESTING
IN A CONTRACT AND IS VALID ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY THE CURRENT PROSPECTUS OF
MFS/SUN LIFE SERIES TRUST. YOU SHOULD RETAIN THESE PROSPECTUSES FOR FUTURE
REFERENCE.
    
 
   
*ANY REFERENCE IN THIS PROSPECTUS TO RECEIPT BY THE COMPANY MEANS RECEIPT AT ITS
ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS, C/O SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA
(U.S.), RETIREMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, P.O. BOX 1024, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
02103.
    
<PAGE>
   
(17) Research Growth and Income Series;(18) Research International Series; (19)
Strategic Income Series; (20) Total Return Series; (21) Utilities Series; (22)
World Asset Allocation Series; (23) World Governments Series; (24) World Growth
Series; and (25) World Total Return Series. The Bond Series, Equity Income
Series, Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Series, New Discovery Series,
Research International Series and Strategic Income Series are new series
available for the first time on May 1, 1998. The Series Fund pays its investment
adviser certain fees charged against the assets of each series. The value of the
variable portion, if any, of a Participant's Account and the amount of variable
annuity payments will vary to reflect the investment performance of the series
of the Series Fund selected by the Participant and the deduction of the contract
charges described under "How the Contract Charges Are Assessed" on page 29. For
more information about the Series Fund, see "The Series Fund" on page 18 and the
accompanying Series Fund prospectus.
    
 
   
    If the Participant elects to have values accumulated on a fixed basis,
Purchase Payments are allocated to one or more Guarantee Periods made available
by the Company in connection with the Fixed Account as selected by the
Participant. The Fixed Account is the general account of the Company (See "The
Fixed Account" on page 15). The Company will credit interest at a rate of not
less than three percent (3%) per year, compounded annually, to amounts allocated
to the Fixed Account and guarantees these amounts at various interest rates (the
"Guaranteed Interest Rates") for the duration of the Guarantee Period elected by
the Participant, subject to the imposition of any applicable withdrawal charge,
Market Value Adjustment, or account administration fee. The Company may not
change a Guaranteed Interest Rate for the duration of the Guarantee Period;
however, Guaranteed Interest Rates applicable to subsequent Guarantee Periods
cannot be predicted and will be determined at the sole discretion of the Company
(subject to the minimum guarantee of three percent (3%)). That part of the
Contract relating to the Fixed Account is registered under the Securities Act of
1933, but the Fixed Account is not subject to the restrictions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940.
    
 
   
    The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments. However,
if any part of a Participant's Account is withdrawn, a withdrawal charge
(contingent deferred sales charge) may be assessed by the Company. This charge
is intended to reimburse the Company for expenses relating to the distribution
of the Contracts. After a Purchase Payment has been held by the Company for one
year it may be withdrawn without charge. Also, no withdrawal charge is assessed
upon annuitization, upon payment of the death benefit or upon transfers. In
addition, when a withdrawal is made from a Qualified Contract to comply with
mandatory distribution requirements, no withdrawal charge will be applied to the
amount required to be distributed. Other amounts withdrawn, adjusted by any
applicable Market Value Adjustment with respect to the Fixed Account, will be
subject to a withdrawal charge of 1%. In no event will the the withdrawal
charges assessed against a Participant's Account exceed 1% of Purchase Payments
(See "Withdrawal Charges" on page 26).
    
 
   
    In addition, any cash withdrawal of amounts allocated to the Fixed Account,
other than a withdrawal effective within 30 days prior to the Expiration Date of
the applicable Guarantee Period, will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment.
The Market Value Adjustment will reflect the relationship between the Current
Rate (which is the Guaranteed Interest Rate currently declared by the Company
for Guarantee Periods equal to the balance of the Guarantee Period applicable to
the amount being withdrawn or, if the Guarantee Period was established through
the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options, for current allocations
to these options) and the Guaranteed Interest Rate applicable to the amount
being withdrawn. Generally, if the Guaranteed Interest Rate is lower than the
Current Rate, then the application of the Market Value Adjustment will result in
a lower payment upon withdrawal. Similarly, if the Guaranteed Interest Rate is
higher than the Current Rate, the application of the Market Value Adjustment
will result in a higher payment upon withdrawal (See "Market Value Adjustment"
on page 27).
    
 
    The Company reserves the right to defer the payment of amounts withdrawn
from the Fixed Account for a period not to exceed six months from the date
written request for such withdrawal is received by the Company.
 
   
    Special restrictions on withdrawals apply to Contracts used with Tax
Sheltered Annuities established pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Internal
Revenue Code (See "Section 403(b) Annuities" on page 27).
    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
   
    In addition, under certain circumstances withdrawals may result in tax
penalties (See "Federal Tax Status"). For a discussion of cash withdrawals,
withdrawal charges and the Market Value Adjustment see "Cash Withdrawals,
Withdrawal Charges and Market Value Adjustment" beginning on page 25.
    
 
   
    On each Account Anniversary and on surrender of a Contract for full value
the Company will deduct a $50 annual account administration fee ("Account Fee")
from the Participant's Account. After the Annuity Commencement Date the annual
Account Fee will be deducted in equal amounts from each variable annuity payment
made during the year. In addition, the Company makes a deduction from the
Variable Account at the end of each Valuation Period at an effective annual rate
of 0.15% of the daily net assets of the Variable Account. These charges are to
reimburse the Company for administrative expenses related to the issuance and
maintenance of the Contracts. The Account Fee will be waived by the Company when
a Participant's Account Value is greater than $100,000 on the Account
Anniversary (See "Administrative Charges" on page 29).
    
 
   
    The Company also deducts a mortality and expense risk charge at the end of
each Valuation Period equal to an effective annual rate of 1.00% of the daily
net assets of the Variable Account for mortality and expense risks assumed by
the Company (See "Mortality and Expense Risk Charge" on page 30).
    
 
   
    In addition, the Contracts provide that the Company may change the
withdrawal charges, Account Fee, mortality and expense risk charges,
administrative expense charges, transfer charges, the tables used in determining
the amount of the first monthly variable annuity payment and fixed annuity
payments and the formula used to calculate the Market Value Adjustment, provided
that such modification shall apply only with respect to Participant's Accounts
established after the effective date of such modification (See "Modification" on
page 37).
    
 
   
    In the event of the death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Company will pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary. If the death of
the Annuitant occurs on or after the Annuity Commencement Date, no death benefit
will be payable except as may be provided under the Annuity Option elected (See
"Death Benefit" on page 28).
    
 
   
    Annuity Payments will begin on the Annuity Commencement Date. The
Participant selects the Annuity Commencement Date, frequency of payments and the
Annuity Option (See "Annuity Provisions" on page 31).
    
 
   
    Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be deducted from the
Participant's Account (See "Premium Taxes" on page 30).
    
 
   
    Subject to certain conditions, and during the Accumulation Period, the
Participant may transfer amounts among the Sub-Accounts or Guarantee Periods
available under the Contract. Currently there is no charge for transfers.
Transfers from or within the Fixed Account will be subject to the Market Value
Adjustment unless the transfer is effective within 30 days prior to the
Expiration Date of the amount transferred and other restrictions may apply (See
"Transfer Privilege; Telephone Transfers; Restriction on Market Timers" on page
24).
    
 
   
    After the Annuity Commencement Date, the Payee may, subject to certain
restrictions, exchange the value of a designated number of Annuity Units of
particular Sub-Accounts then credited with respect to the particular Payee for
other Annuity Units, the value of which would be such that the dollar amount of
an annuity payment made on the date of the exchange would be unaffected by the
fact of the exchange (See "Exchange of Variable Annuity Units" on page 33).
    
 
   
    The Company will vote Series Fund shares held by the Sub-Accounts at
meetings of shareholders of the Series Fund, but will follow voting instructions
received from persons having the right to give voting instructions. Except in
the case of a particular Group Contract where the right to give voting
instructions is reserved by the Owner, the Participant is the person having the
right to give voting instructions prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. On or
after the Annuity Commencement Date the Payee is the person having such voting
rights. Any shares attributable to the Company and Series Fund shares for which
no timely voting instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the
same proportion as the shares for which instructions are received from persons
having such right (See "Voting of Series Fund Shares" on page 36).
    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
   
    The Company will furnish Participants and such other persons having voting
rights with certain reports and statements described under "Periodic Reports" on
page 36. Such reports, other than prospectuses, will not include the Company's
financial statements.
    
 
   
    If a Participant is not satisfied with the Contract it may be returned to
the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address within ten days after it was
delivered to the Participant. When the Company receives the returned Contract it
will be cancelled and the Participant's Account Value at the end of the
Valuation Period during which the Contract was received by the Company will be
refunded. However, if applicable state or federal law so requires, the full
amount of any Purchase Payment received by the Company will be refunded, the
"free look" period may be greater than ten days and alternative methods of
returning the Contract may be acceptable (See "Right to Return" on page 38).
    
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
   
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), as amended, and in accordance therewith
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"). Such reports and other information can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities of the Commission at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. and at the Commission's Regional Offices
located at 75 Park Place, New York, New York and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such
materials also can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed
rates. The Commission maintains a WebSite that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information about the Company, which files such
documents electronically with the Commission, at the following address:
http://www.sec.gov.
    
 
    The Company has filed registration statements (the "Registration
Statements") with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 relating to
the Contracts offered by this Prospectus. This Prospectus has been filed as a
part of the Registration Statements and does not contain all of the information
set forth in the Registration Statements and exhibits thereto, and reference is
hereby made to such Registration Statements and exhibits for further information
relating to the Company and the Contracts. The Registration Statements and the
exhibits thereto may be inspected and copied, and copies can be obtained at
prescribed rates, in the manner set forth in the preceding paragraph.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
   
    The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the
interim report on Form 8-K dated January 8, 1998 heretofore filed by the Company
with the Commission under the 1934 Act are incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus.
    
 
   
    Any statement contained in a document incorporated herein by reference shall
be deemed modified or superseded hereby to the extent that a statement contained
in a later-filed document or herein shall modify or supersede such statement.
Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
    
 
   
    The Company will furnish, without charge, to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person, a
copy of the documents referred to above which have been incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents (unless such
exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in this Prospectus).
Requests for such documents should be directed to the Secretary, Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), One Sun Life Executive Park, Wellesley
Hills, Massachusetts 02181, telephone (800) 225-3950.
    
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PAGE
<S>                                                               <C>
Definitions                                                         7
Expense Summary                                                    10
Performance Data                                                   14
This Prospectus Is a Catalog of Facts                              14
Uses of the Contracts                                              14
A Word About the Company, the Fixed Account, the Variable
  Account and the Series Fund                                      15
    The Company                                                    15
    The Fixed Account                                              15
    The Variable Account                                           17
    The Series Fund                                                18
Purchase Payments and Contract Values During Accumulation
  Period                                                           20
    Purchase Payments                                              20
    Participant's Account                                          21
    Variable Accumulation Value                                    21
    Fixed Accumulation Value                                       22
    Guarantee Periods                                              22
    Guaranteed Interest Rates                                      23
    Dollar Cost Averaging                                          23
    Asset Allocation                                               24
    Transfer Privilege; Telephone Transfers; Restriction on
     Market Timers                                                 24
    Waivers; Reduced Charges; Credits; Bonus Guaranteed
     Interest Rates                                                25
Cash Withdrawals, Withdrawal Charges and Market Value
  Adjustment                                                       25
    Cash Withdrawals                                               25
    Withdrawal Charges                                             26
    Amount of Withdrawal Charge                                    26
    Section 403(b) Annuities                                       27
    Market Value Adjustment                                        27
Death Benefit                                                      28
    Death Benefit Provided by the Contracts                        28
    Election and Effective Date of Election                        28
    Payment of Death Benefit                                       29
    Amount of Death Benefit                                        29
How the Contract Charges Are Assessed                              29
    Administrative Charges                                         29
    Premium Taxes                                                  30
    Mortality and Expense Risk Charge                              30
    Withdrawal Charges                                             30
Annuity Provisions                                                 31
    Annuity Commencement Date                                      31
    Election--Change of Annuity Option                             31
    Annuity Options                                                32
    Determination of Annuity Payments                              32
    Fixed Annuity Payments                                         33
    Variable Annuity Payments                                      33
    Annuity Unit Value                                             33
    Exchange of Variable Annuity Units                             33
    Annuity Payment Rates                                          34
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                         TABLE OF CONTENTS--(CONTINUED)
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  PAGE
<S>                                                               <C>
Other Contractual Provisions                                       34
    Payment Limits                                                 34
    Designation and Change of Beneficiary                          34
    Exercise of Contract Rights                                    34
    Change of Ownership                                            35
    Death of Participant                                           35
    Voting of Series Fund Shares                                   36
    Periodic Reports                                               36
    Substituted Securities                                         37
    Change in Operation of Variable Account                        37
    Splitting Units                                                37
    Modification                                                   37
    Discontinuance of New Participants                             38
    Custodian                                                      38
    Right to Return                                                38
Federal Tax Status                                                 38
    Introduction                                                   38
    Tax Treatment of the Company and the Variable Account          39
    Taxation of Annuities in General                               39
    Qualified Retirement Plans                                     41
    Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans                               41
    Tax-Sheltered Annuities                                        41
    Individual Retirement Accounts                                 41
    Roth IRAs                                                      41
Administration of the Contracts                                    42
Distribution of the Contracts                                      42
Additional Information About the Company                           43
    Selected Financial Data                                        43
    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
     Condition and Results of Operations                           43
    Liquidity                                                      46
    Year 2000 Compliance                                           46
    Recent Reorganization                                          46
    Asset/Liability Management and Information about Market
     Risk                                                          47
    Sun Life of Canada                                             48
    Reinsurance                                                    48
    Reserves                                                       48
    Investments                                                    48
    Competition                                                    49
    Employees                                                      49
    Properties                                                     49
The Company's Directors and Executive Officers                     49
State Regulation                                                   52
Legal Proceedings                                                  53
Accountants                                                        53
Registration Statements                                            53
Financial Statements                                               53
Appendix A--Variable Accumulation Unit Value, Annuity Unit
  Value and Variable Annuity Payment Calculations                  91
Appendix B--State Premium Taxes                                    91
Appendix C--Withdrawals, Withdrawal Charges and the Market
  Value Adjustment                                                 92
Appendix D--Calculation of Performance Data; Advertising and
  Sales Literature                                                 94
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
    The following terms as used in this Prospectus have the indicated meanings:
 
    ACCOUNT YEARS AND ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARIES:  The first Account Year shall be
the period of 12 months plus a part of a month as measured from the Date of
Coverage for each Participant to the first day of the calendar month which
follows the calendar month of coverage. All Account Years and Anniversaries
thereafter shall be 12 month periods based upon such first day of the calendar
month which follows the calendar month of coverage. If, for example, the Date of
Coverage is in March, the first Account Year will be determined from the Date of
Coverage but will end on the last day of March in the following year; all other
Account Years and all Account Anniversaries will be measured from April 1.
 
    ACCUMULATION PERIOD:  The period before the Annuity Commencement Date and
during the lifetime of the Annuitant.
 
   
    ANNUITANT:  The person or persons named in the Application and on whose life
the first annuity payment is to be made. The Participant may not designate a
"Co-Annuitant" unless the Participant and Annuitant are different persons. If
more than one person is so named, all provisions of the Contract which are based
on the death of the "Annuitant" will be based on the date of death of the last
surviving of the persons so named. By example, the death benefit will become due
only upon the death, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, of the last
survivor of the persons so named. Collectively, these persons are referred to in
the Contract as "Annuitants." The Participant is not permitted to name a
"Co-Annuitant" under a Qualified Contract.
    
 
    *ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE:  The date on which the first annuity payment
under each Certificate is to be made.
 
    *ANNUITY OPTION:  The method for making annuity payments.
 
    ANNUITY UNIT:  A unit of measure used in the calculation of the amount of
the second and each subsequent variable annuity payment from the Variable
Account.
 
   
    APPLICATION:  The document signed by each Participant that serves as his or
her application for participation under a Group Contract or purchase of an
Individual Contract.
    
 
    *BENEFICIARY:  The person or entity having the right to receive the death
benefit set forth in each Certificate and, for Non-Qualified Contracts, who is
the "designated beneficiary" for purposes of Section 72(s) of the Internal
Revenue Code in the event of the Participant's death.
 
   
    CERTIFICATE:  The document for each Participant which evidences the coverage
of the Participant under a Group Contract unless otherwise expressly indicated,
references in this Prospectus to "Contracts" includes Certificates.
    
 
    COMPANY:  Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).
 
   
    CONTRACT APPLICATION:  The document signed by the Owner that evidences the
Owner's application for a Group Contract.
    
 
    DATE OF COVERAGE:  The date on which a Participant's Account becomes
effective.
 
    DUE PROOF OF DEATH:  An original certified copy of an official death
certificate, an original certified copy of a decree of a court of competent
jurisdiction as to the finding of death, or any other proof satisfactory to the
Company.
 
    EXPIRATION DATE:  The last day of a Guarantee Period.
 
    FIXED ACCOUNT:  The Fixed Account consists of all assets of the Company
other than those allocated to a separate account of the Company.
 
    FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE:  The sum of the values of all Guarantee Amounts
credited to a Participant's Account.
 
    FIXED ANNUITY:  An annuity with payments which do not vary as to dollar
amount.
 
   
    GROUP CONTRACT:  A Contract issued by the Company on a group basis.
    
 
- ---------
*As specified in the Application, unless changed.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
    GUARANTEE AMOUNT:  Any portion of a Participant's Account Value allocated to
a particular Guarantee Period with a particular Expiration Date (including
interest earned thereon).
 
    GUARANTEE PERIOD:  The period for which a Guaranteed Interest Rate is
credited.
 
    GUARANTEED INTEREST RATE:  The rate of interest credited by the Company on a
compound annual basis during any Guarantee Period.
 
   
    INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT:  A Contract issued by the Company on an individual
basis.
    
 
    ISSUE DATE:  The date on which the Contract becomes effective.
 
    NET PURCHASE PAYMENT:  That portion of a Purchase Payment which remains
after deduction of any applicable premium or similar tax.
 
    NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT:  A Contract used in connection with a retirement
plan which does not receive favorable federal income tax treatment under
Sections 401, 403, or 408 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Participant's
interest in the Contract must be owned by a natural person or agent for a
natural person for the Contract to receive favorable income tax treatment as an
annuity.
 
   
    *OWNER:  The person, persons or entity entitled to the ownership rights
stated in the Contract and in whose name or names the Group Contract is issued.
The Owner may designate a trustee or custodian of a retirement plan which meets
the requirements of Section 401, Section 408(c), Section 408(k), Section 408(p)
or Section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code to serve as legal owner of assets
of a retirement plan, but the term "Owner", as used herein, shall refer to the
organization entering into the Group Contract.
    
 
   
    PARTICIPANT:  In the case of an Individual Contract, the owner of the
Contract. In the case of a Group Contract, the person named in the Certificate
who is entitled to exercise all rights and privileges of ownership under the
Certificate, except as reserved by the Owner.
    
 
    PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT:  An account established for each Participant to which
Net Purchase Payments are credited.
 
   
    PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT VALUE:  The Variable Accumulation Value, if any, plus
the Fixed Accumulation Value, if any, of a Participant's Account for any
Valuation Period.
    
 
    PAYEE:  A recipient of payments under the Contract. The term includes an
Annuitant or a Beneficiary who becomes entitled to benefits upon the death of
the Annuitant.
 
    PURCHASE PAYMENT (PAYMENT):  An amount paid to the Company as consideration
for the benefits provided by the Contract.
 
   
    QUALIFIED CONTRACT:  A Contract used in connection with a retirement plan
which receives favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections 401, 403,
408 or 408A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
    
 
    RECEIPT:  Receipt by the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address
shown on the cover of this Prospectus.
 
    SERIES FUND:  MFS/Sun Life Series Trust.
 
    SUB-ACCOUNT:  That portion of the Variable Account which invests in shares
of a specific series or sub-series of the Series Fund.
 
   
    VALUATION PERIOD:  The period of time from one determination of Variable
Accumulation Unit and Annuity Unit values to the next subsequent determination
of these values. Such determination shall be made as of the close of the New
York Stock Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading and on such
other days on which there is a sufficient degree of trading in the portfolio
securities of the Variable Account so that the values of the Variable Account's
Accumulation Units and Annuity Units might be materially affected.
    
 
    VARIABLE ACCOUNT:  A separate account of the Company consisting of assets
set aside by the Company, the investment performance of which is kept separate
from that of the general assets of the Company.
 
    VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT:  A unit of measure used in the calculation of
the value of the variable portion of a Participant's Account.
 
- ---------
*As specified in the Application, unless changed.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE:  The sum of the value of all Variable
Accumulation Units credited to a Participant's Account.
 
    VARIABLE ANNUITY:  An annuity with payments which vary as to dollar amount
in relation to the investment performance of specified Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account.
 
    YEAR:  Any consecutive period of 365 days.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
                                EXPENSE SUMMARY
 
    The purpose of the following table and Example is to help Participants and
prospective purchasers to understand the costs and expenses that are borne,
directly and indirectly, by Participants WHEN PAYMENTS ARE ALLOCATED TO THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT. The table reflects expenses of the Variable Account as well as
of the Series Fund. The information set forth should be considered together with
the narrative provided under the heading "How the Contract Charges Are Assessed"
in this Prospectus, and with the Series Fund's prospectus. In addition to the
expenses listed below, premium taxes may be applicable.
 
   
                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PARTICIPANT TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S>                                                                                                    <C>
Sales Load Imposed on Purchases......................................................................   $       0
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of Purchase Payments withdrawn)
  Number of Complete Account Years Purchase Payment in Account
  less than 1........................................................................................       1.00%
  1 or more..........................................................................................       0.00%
Exchange fee (1).....................................................................................   $       0
                                                                                                       -----------
ANNUAL ACCOUNT FEE PER PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT (2).....................................................   $      50
                                                                                                       -----------
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
 (as a percentage of average separate account assets)
Mortality & Expense Risk Fees........................................................................       1.00%
                                                                                                       -----------
Administrative Expense Charge........................................................................       0.15%
Other Fees & Expenses of the Separate Account........................................................       0.00%
Total Separate Account Annual Expenses...............................................................       1.15%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------
   
(1) A Market Value Adjustment may be imposed on amounts transferred from or
    within the Fixed Account.
    
   
(2) The Annual Account Fee is $50. The Company will waive the Annual Account Fee
    when the Participant's Account value is greater than $100,000 on the Account
    Anniversary.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
   
                          SERIES FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES
              (as a percentage of Series Fund average net assets)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  TOTAL SERIES
                                                                                       MANAGEMENT      OTHER      FUND ANNUAL
                                                                                          FEES        EXPENSES    EXPENSES(2)
                                                                                       -----------   ----------   ------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>           <C>          <C>
Bond Series(1).......................................................................     0.60%         0.40%         1.00%
Capital Appreciation Series..........................................................     0.73%         0.05%         0.78%
Capital Opportunities Series(2)......................................................     0.75%         0.02%         0.77%
Conservative Growth Series...........................................................     0.55%         0.06%         0.61%
Emerging Growth Series...............................................................     0.73%         0.08%         0.81%
Equity Income Series(1)..............................................................     0.75%         0.25%         1.00%
Government Securities Series.........................................................     0.55%         0.08%         0.63%
High Yield Series....................................................................     0.75%         0.09%         0.84%
International Growth Series..........................................................     0.97%         0.32%         1.29%
International Growth and Income Series...............................................     0.97%         0.25%         1.22%
Managed Sectors Series...............................................................     0.74%         0.08%         0.82%
Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Series(1).......................................     0.75%         0.25%         1.00%
MFS/Foreign & Colonial Emerging Markets Equity Series................................     1.25%         0.30%         1.55%
Money Market Series..................................................................     0.50%         0.07%         0.57%
New Discovery Series(1)..............................................................     0.90%         0.35%         1.25%
Research Series......................................................................     0.72%         0.07%         0.79%
Research Growth and Income Series....................................................     0.75%         0.75%(3)      1.50%
Research International Series(1).....................................................     1.00%         0.50%         1.50%
Strategic Income Series(1)...........................................................     0.75%         0.50%         1.25%
Total Return Series..................................................................     0.66%         0.05%         0.71%
Utilities Series.....................................................................     0.75%         0.11%         0.86%
World Asset Allocation Series........................................................     0.75%         0.17%         0.92%
World Governments Series.............................................................     0.75%         0.16%         0.91%
World Growth Series..................................................................     0.90%         0.12%         1.02%
World Total Return Series............................................................     0.75%         0.29%         1.04%
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) Other expenses of the Bond Series, Equity Income Series, Massachusetts
    Investors Growth Stock Series, New Discovery Series, Research International
    Series, and Strategic Income Series are based on estimated amounts for the
    current fiscal year. The Adviser has agreed to bear the expenses of these
    series so that "other expenses" (defined to include all series expenses
    except for management fees, taxes, extraordinary expenses, brokerage and
    transaction costs) do not exceed 0.40%, 0.25%, 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.50%, and
    0.50% of the average daily net assets of these series, respectively, on an
    annualized basis, as more fully described in the Series Fund's prospectus.
    Absent such reimbursement, total expenses of these series are expected to
    have been as follows: Bond Series -- 1.25%; Equity Income Series -- 1.40%;
    Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Series -- 1.40%; New Discovery Series
    -- 1.55%; Research International Series -- 1.65%; and Strategic Income
    Series -- 1.40%.
    
 
   
(2) Before May 1, 1998, called the Value Series.
    
 
   
(3) Other expenses of the Research Growth and Income Series, which commenced
    operations on May 13, 1997, are based on estimated amounts for the current
    fiscal year.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                                    EXAMPLE
 
   
    If you do or do not surrender your Contract, or if you annuitize at the end
of the applicable time period, you would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      3                  10
                                           1 YEAR   YEARS    5 YEARS    YEARS
                                           ------   ------   -------   -------
 <S>                                       <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
 Bond Series*............................    $22      $67      --        --
 Capital Appreciation Series.............    $20      $61      $104      $225
 Capital Opportunities Series............    $19      $60      $104      $224
 Conservative Growth Series..............    $18      $55      $ 95      $207
 Emerging Growth Series..................    $20      $62      $106      $229
 Equity Income Series*...................    $22      $67      --        --
 Government Securities Series............    $18      $56      $ 96      $209
 High Yield Series.......................    $20      $62      $107      $232
 International Growth Series.............    $35      $76      $130      $278
 International Growth & Income Series....    $24      $74      $127      $271
 Managed Sectors Series..................    $20      $62      $106      $230
 Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock
  Series*................................    $22      $67      --        --
 MFS/Foreign & Colonial Emerging Markets
  Equity Series..........................    $37      $84      $143      $303
 Money Market Series.....................    $17      $54      $ 93      $203
 New Discovery Series*...................    $24      $75      --        --
 Research Series.........................    $20      $61      $105      $226
 Research Growth & Income Series.........    $27      $82      --        --
 Research International Series*..........    $27      $82      --        --
 Strategic Income Series*................    $24      $75      --        --
 Total Return Series.....................    $19      $58      $101      $218
 Utilities Series........................    $20      $63      $108      $234
 World Asset Allocation Series...........    $21      $65      $111      $240
 World Governments Series................    $21      $65      $111      $239
 World Growth Series.....................    $22      $68      $116      $250
 World Total Return Series...............    $22      $69      $117      $252
</TABLE>
    
 
   
*   These series are new. Therefore, the examples are provided for 1 year and 3
    year periods only.
    
 
   
    THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSE, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LOWER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
           CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION--ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES
 
    The following information should be read in conjunction with the Variable
Account's financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus, all of
which has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors.
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     PERIOD
                                      ENDED
                                    DECEMBER
                                    31, 1997
                                   -----------
 CAPITAL APPRECIATION SERIES
 <S>                               <C>
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $9.8765
     End of period.............    $11.9926
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    265,497
 CAPITAL OPPORTUNITIES SERIES*
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.1034
     End of period.............    $12.7132
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    160,778
 CONSERVATIVE GROWTH SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $9.8549
     End of period.............    $12.8247
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    554,216
 EMERGING GROWTH SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $9.5644
     End of period.............    $11.5023
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    318,028
 GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $9.9631
     End of period.............    $10.6850
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    113,243
 HIGH YIELD SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0910
     End of period.............    $11.2665
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    155,306
 INTERNATIONAL GROWTH SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0270
     End of period.............    $9.7271
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    67,892
 INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND
  INCOME SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0000   **
     End of period.............    $10.5716
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    51,038
 MANAGED SECTORS SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0000   **
     End of period.............    $11.9091
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    118,243
 MFS/FOREIGN & COLONIAL
  EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY
  SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.4127
     End of period.............    $11.3377
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    40,698
 
<CAPTION>
                                     PERIOD
                                      ENDED
                                    DECEMBER
                                    31, 1997
                                   -----------
 <S>                               <C>
 MONEY MARKET SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0239
     End of period.............    $10.3869
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    77,105
 RESEARCH SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $9.8296
     End of period.............    $11.7136
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    553,996
 RESEARCH GROWTH AND INCOME
  SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0000   **
     End of period.............    $10.7281
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    6,085
 TOTAL RETURN SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $9.9034
     End of period.............    $11.9123
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    951,205
 UTILITIES SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0000   **
     End of period.............    $12.7649
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    77,009
 WORLD ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0430
     End of period.............    $10.9812
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    50,531
 WORLD GOVERNMENTS SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0000   **
     End of period.............    $10.0247
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    19,394
 WORLD GROWTH SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0000   **
     End of period.............    $11.3725
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    85,526
 WORLD TOTAL RETURN SERIES
   Unit Value
     Beginning of period.......    $10.0000   **
     End of period.............    $11.1546
   Units outstanding end of
    period.....................    45,122
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
 * Before May 1, 1998, called the Value Series.
    
   
** Reflects unit value on date of commencement of operations.
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                PERFORMANCE DATA
 
   
    From time to time the Variable Account may publish reports to shareholders,
sales literature and advertisements containing performance data relating to the
Sub-Accounts. Performance data will consist of total return quotations which
will always include quotations for the period subsequent to the date each Sub-
Account became available for investment under the Contracts, and for recent one
year and, when applicable, five and ten year periods. Such quotations for such
periods will be the average annual rates of return required for an initial
Purchase Payment of $1,000 to equal the actual variable accumulation value
attributable to such Purchase Payment on the last day of the period, after
reflection of all applicable withdrawal and Contract charges. In addition, the
Variable Account may calculate non-standardized rates of return that do not
reflect withdrawal and Contract charges. Results calculated without withdrawal
and/or Contract charges will be higher. Performance figures used by the Variable
Account are based on the actual historical performance of the Series Fund for
specified periods, and the figures are not intended to indicate future
performance. The Variable Account may also from time to time compare its
investment performance to various unmanaged indices or other variable annuities
and may refer to certain rating and other organizations in its marketing
materials. More detailed information on the computations is set forth in
Appendix D.
    
 
                     THIS PROSPECTUS IS A CATALOG OF FACTS
 
   
    This Prospectus contains information about the master group and individual
deferred annuity contracts (the "Contracts") which provide fixed benefits,
variable benefits or a combination of both. It describes their uses and
objectives, their benefits and costs, and the rights and privileges of the Owner
and the Participant, as applicable. It also contains information about the
Company, the Variable Account, the Fixed Account and the Series Fund. It has
been carefully prepared in non-technical language to help you decide whether the
purchase of a Contract will fit the needs of your retirement plan. We urge you
to read it carefully and retain it for future reference. The Contracts have
appropriate provisions relating to variable and fixed accumulation values and
variable and fixed annuity payments. A Variable Annuity and a Fixed Annuity have
certain similarities. Both provide that Purchase Payments, less certain
deductions, will be accumulated prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. After
the Annuity Commencement Date, annuity payments will be made to the Annuitant.
The Company assumes the mortality and expense risks under the Contracts, for
which it receives certain amounts. The significant difference between a Variable
Annuity and a Fixed Annuity is that under a Variable Annuity, all investment
risk is assumed by the Participant or Payee and the amounts of the annuity
payments vary with the investment performance of the Variable Account; under a
Fixed Annuity, the investment risk is assumed by the Company (except in the case
of early withdrawals (See "Cash Withdrawals" and "Market Value Adjustment")) and
the amounts of the annuity payments do not vary. However, the Participant bears
the risk that the Guaranteed Interest Rate to be credited on amounts allocated
to the Fixed Account may not exceed the minimum guaranteed rate for any
Guarantee Period.
    
 
   
                             USES OF THE CONTRACTS
    
 
   
    The Contracts are designed for use in connection with retirement plans which
meet the requirements of Section 401 (including Section 401(k)), Section 403,
Section 408(b), Section 408(c), Section 408(k) or Section 408(p) of the Internal
Revenue Code; however, the Company may discontinue offering new Contracts in
connection with certain types of qualified plans. In addition, the Company may
begin offering Participants under Contracts used in connection with individual
retirement plans under Section 408 the opportunity to convert the Contracts into
Contracts used in connection with Roth IRAs under Section 408A, and may also
begin offering new Contracts for use in connection with Roth IRAs. Certain
federal tax advantages are currently available to retirement plans which qualify
as (1) self-employed individuals' retirement plans under Section 401; (2)
corporate or association retirement plans under Section 401; (3) annuity
purchase plans sponsored by certain tax exempt organizations or public school
systems under Section 403(b); or (4) individual retirement accounts, including
employer or association of employees individual retirement accounts under
Section 408(c), SEP-IRAs under Section 408(k), Simple Retirement Accounts under
Section 408(p), and Roth IRAs under Section 408A. (See "Federal Tax Status").
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
   
    The Contracts are also designed so that they may be used in connection with
certain non-tax-qualified retirement plans, such as payroll savings plans and
such other groups (trusteed or nontrusteed) as may be eligible under applicable
law.
    
 
   
    The Contracts are available on a group basis and, in certain states, may be
available on an individual basis. An individual Contract is issued directly to
the owner of the Contract. A Group Contract is issued to the Owner covering all
individuals participating under the Group Contract. Each such individual
receives a Certificate which evidences his or her participation under the Group
Contract. In this Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, both the owners of
individual Contracts and participating individuals under Group Contracts are
referred to as Participants; the term Contracts includes Individual Contracts,
Group Contracts and Certificates issued under Group Contracts. For the purposes
of determining benefits under both Individual Contracts and Group Contracts, a
Participant's Account is established for each Participant.
    
 
                           A WORD ABOUT THE COMPANY,
          THE FIXED ACCOUNT, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE SERIES FUND
 
THE COMPANY
 
   
    The Company is a stock life insurance company incorporated under the laws of
Delaware on January 12, 1970. Its Executive Office mailing address is One Sun
Life Executive Park, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181, telephone (781)
237-6030. It has obtained authorization to do business in forty-eight states,
the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and it is anticipated that the Company
will be authorized to do business in all states except New York. The Company
issues life insurance policies and individual and group annuities. The Company
has formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of
New York, which issues individual fixed and combination fixed/variable annuity
contracts and group life and long-term disability insurance in New York and
which offers in New York contracts similar to the Contracts offered by this
Prospectus. The Company's other active subsidiaries are Sun Capital Advisers,
Inc., a registered investment adviser, Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc., a
registered broker-dealer that acts as the general distributor of the Contracts
and other annuity and life insurance contracts issued by the Company and its
affiliates, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc., a registered
broker-dealer and investment adviser, New London Trust, F.S.B., a federally
chartered savings bank, Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company, which issues
individual disability income policies, and Sun Life Financial Services Limited
which provides off-shore administrative services to the Company and Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada ("Sun Life (Canada)").
    
 
   
    The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
Holdings, Inc. ("Life Holdco"), which, on December 18, 1997, became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada -- U.S.
Operations Holdings, Inc. ("U.S. Holdco"). U.S. Holdco is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Sun Life (Canada), 150 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Sun Life (Canada) is a mutual life insurance company incorporated pursuant to an
Act of the Parliament of Canada in 1865 and currently transacts business in all
of the Canadian provinces and territories, all U.S. states (except New York),
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Great Britain,
Ireland, Hong Kong, Bermuda and the Philippines.
    
 
THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
   
    The Fixed Account is made up of all of the general assets of the Company
other than those allocated to any separate account. Purchase Payments will be
allocated to Guarantee Periods available in connection with the Fixed Account to
the extent elected by the Participant at the time of the establishment of a
Participant's Account or as subsequently changed. In addition, all or part of
the Participant's Account Value may be transferred to Guarantee Periods
available under the Contracts as described under "Transfer Privilege; Telephone
Transfers; Restriction on Market Timers" on page 24. Assets supporting amounts
allocated to Guarantee Periods become part of the Company's general account
assets and are available to fund the claims of all classes of customers of the
Company, including claims for benefits under the Contracts.
    
 
    The Company will invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets
chosen by the Company and allowed by applicable state laws regarding the nature
and quality of investments that may be made by life insurance companies and the
percentage of their assets that may be committed to any particular type of
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
investment. In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits
and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state and municipal
obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks, real estate
mortgages, real estate and certain other investments.
 
   
    The Company intends to invest the assets of the Fixed Account primarily in
debt instruments as follows: (1) Securities issued by the United States
Government or its agencies or instrumentalities, which issues may or may not be
guaranteed by the United States Government; (2) Debt securities which have an
investment grade, at the time of purchase, within the four highest grades
assigned by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. (Aaa, Aa, A or Baa), Standard &
Poor's Corporation (AAA, AA, A or BBB), or any other nationally recognized
rating service; (3) Other debt instruments, including, but not limited to,
issues of or guaranteed by banks or bank holding companies and other
corporations, which obligations, although not rated by Moody's or Standard &
Poor's, are deemed by the Company's management to have an investment quality
comparable to securities which may be purchased as stated above; and (4) Other
evidences of indebtedness secured by mortgages or deeds of trust representing
liens upon real estate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may also
invest a portion of the Fixed Account in below investment grade debt
instruments. Instruments rated Baa and/or BBB or lower normally involve a higher
risk of default and are less liquid than higher rated instruments. If the rating
of an investment grade debt security held by the Company is subsequently
downgraded to below investment grade, the decision to retain or dispose of the
security will be made based upon the Company's evaluation of the individual
circumstances surrounding the downgrading and the prospects for continued
deterioration, stabilization and/or improvement.
    
 
    The Company is not obligated to invest amounts allocated to the Fixed
Account according to any particular strategy, except as may be required by
applicable state insurance laws. Investment income from such Fixed Account
assets will be allocated between the Company and all contracts participating in
the Fixed Account, including the Contracts offered by this Prospectus, in
accordance with the terms of such contracts.
 
   
    Fixed annuity payments made to Annuitants under the Contracts will not be
affected by the mortality experience (death rate) of persons receiving such
payments or of the general population. The Company assumes this "mortality risk"
by virtue of annuity rates incorporated in the Contracts which cannot be changed
(except as described under "Modification" with respect to Participant's Accounts
established after the effective date of such modification). In addition, the
Company guarantees that it will not increase charges for maintenance of the
Contracts, regardless of its actual expenses (except as described under
"Modification" with respect to Participant's Accounts established after the
effective date of such modification).
    
 
   
    Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to the Company includes
compensation for mortality and expense risks, distribution expenses and
administrative expenses borne by the Company in connection with contracts
participating in the Fixed Account. The Company expects to derive a profit from
this compensation. The amount of investment income allocated to the Contracts
will vary from Guarantee Period to Guarantee Period in the sole discretion of
the Company. However, the Company guarantees that it will credit interest at a
rate of not less than 3% per year, compounded annually, to amounts allocated to
the Fixed Account under the Contract. The Company may credit interest at a rate
in excess of the minimum rate; however, the Company is not obligated to credit
any interest in excess of such rate. There is no specific formula for the
determination of excess interest credits. Such credits, if any, will be
determined by the Company based on information as to expected investment yields.
Some of the factors that the Company may consider in determining whether to
credit interest to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account and the amount
thereof, are: general economic trends; rates of return currently available and
anticipated on the Company's investments; regulatory and tax requirements; and
competitive factors. The Company's general investment strategy will be to invest
amounts allocated to the Fixed Account in investment-grade debt securities and
mortgages using immunization strategies with respect to the applicable Guarantee
Periods. This includes, with respect to investments and average terms of
investments, using dedication (cash flow matching) and/or duration matching to
minimize the Company's risk of not achieving the rates it is crediting under
Guarantee Periods in volatile interest rate environments. ANY INTEREST CREDITED
TO AMOUNTS
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3% WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE SOLE
DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. THE PARTICIPANT ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST
CREDITED ON AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT MAY NOT EXCEED 3% FOR ANY
GIVEN YEAR.
 
    The Company is aware of no statutory limitations on the maximum amount of
interest it may credit, and the Board of Directors has set no limitations.
However, inherent in the Company's exercise of discretion in this regard is the
equitable allocation of distributable earnings and surplus among its various
policyholders and contract owners and to its sole stockholder.
 
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
   
    The basic objective of a variable annuity contract is to provide variable
annuity payments which will be to some degree responsive to changes in the
economic environment, including inflationary forces and changes in rates of
return available from various types of investments. The Contracts are designed
to seek to accomplish this objective by providing that variable annuity payments
(1) will reflect the investment performance of the Variable Account with respect
to amounts allocated to the Variable Account before the Annuity Commencement
Date and (2) will reflect the investment performance of the Variable Account
after that date. Since the Variable Account is always fully invested in Series
Fund shares, its investment performance reflects the investment performance of
the Series Fund. Values of Series Fund shares held by the Variable Account
fluctuate and are subject to the risks of changing economic conditions as well
as the risk inherent in the ability of the Series Fund's management to make
necessary changes in its portfolios to anticipate changes in economic
conditions. Therefore, the Participant bears the entire investment risk that the
basic objectives of the Contracts may not be realized, and that the adverse
effects of inflation may not be lessened and there can be no assurance that the
aggregate amount of variable annuity payments will equal or exceed the aggregate
amount of Purchase Payments made with respect to a particular Participant's
Account for the reasons described above or because of the premature death of a
Payee.
    
 
   
    Another important feature of the Contracts related to their basic objectives
is the Company's promise that the dollar amount of variable annuity payments
made during the lifetime of the Payee(s) will not be adversely affected by the
actual mortality experience of the Company or by the actual expenses incurred by
the Company in excess of expense deductions provided for in the Contracts.
    
 
    Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account F (the "Variable Account") was
established by the Company as a separate account on July 13, 1989 pursuant to a
resolution of its Board of Directors. Under Delaware insurance law and the
Contract, the income, gains or losses of the Variable Account are credited to or
charged against the assets of the Variable Account without regard to the other
income, gains, or losses of the Company. These assets are held in relation to
the Contracts described in this Prospectus and such other variable annuity
contracts issued by the Company and designated by it as providing benefits which
vary in accordance with the investment performance of the Variable Account.
Although the assets maintained in the Variable Account will not be charged with
any liabilities arising out of any other business conducted by the Company, all
obligations arising under the Contracts, including the promise to make annuity
payments, are general corporate obligations of the Company.
 
   
    The Variable Account meets the definition of a "separate account" under the
federal securities laws and is registered as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Registration with the Securities and Exchange
Commission does not involve supervision of the management or investment
practices or policies of the Variable Account or of the Company by the
Commission.
    
 
    The assets of the Variable Account are divided into Sub-Accounts. Each
Sub-Account invests exclusively in shares of a specific series of the Series
Fund. All amounts allocated to the Variable Account will be used to purchase
Series Fund shares as designated by the Participant at their net asset value.
Any and all distributions made by the Series Fund with respect to the shares
held by the Variable Account will be reinvested to purchase additional shares at
their net asset value. Deductions from the Variable Account for cash
withdrawals, annuity payments, death benefits, Account Fees, contract charges
against the assets of
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
the Variable Account for the assumption of mortality and expense risks,
distribution expenses, administrative expenses and any applicable taxes will, in
effect, be made by redeeming the number of Series Fund shares at their net asset
value equal in total value to the amount to be deducted. The Variable Account
will be fully invested in Series Fund shares at all times.
 
THE SERIES FUND
 
    MFS/Sun Life Series Trust (the "Series Fund") is an open-end investment
management company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Currently shares of the Series Fund are also sold to other separate accounts
established by the Company and Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New
York in connection with individual and group variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance contracts. In the future, shares of the Series Fund may
be sold to other separate accounts established by the Company or its affiliates
to fund other variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts. The Company
and its affiliates will be responsible for reporting to the Series Fund's Board
of Trustees any potential or existing conflicts between the interests of
variable annuity contract owners/participants and the interests of owners of
variable life insurance contracts that provide for investment in shares of the
Series Fund. The Board of Trustees, a majority of whom are not "interested
persons" of the Series Fund, as that term is defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940, also intends to monitor the Series Fund to identify the existence
of any such irreconcilable material conflicts and to determine what action, if
any, should be taken by the Series Fund and/or the Company and its affiliates
(see "Management of the Series Fund" in the Series Fund prospectus).
 
   
    The Series Fund is composed of twenty-six independent portfolios of
securities, each of which has separate investment objectives and policies.
Shares of the Series Fund are issued in twenty-six series, each corresponding to
one of the portfolios; however, the Contracts provide for investment only in
shares of the twenty-five series of the Series Fund described below. Additional
portfolios may be added to the Series Fund which may or may not be available for
investment by the Variable Account.
    
 
   
    (1) BOND SERIES will primarily seek as high a level of current income as is
believed to be consistent with prudent investment risk; its secondary objective
is to seek to protect shareholders capital.
    
 
   
    (2) CAPITAL APPRECIATION SERIES will seek capital appreciation by investing
in securities of all types, with a major emphasis on common stocks.
    
 
   
    (3) CAPITAL OPPORTUNITIES SERIES will seek capital appreciation (before May
1,1998, this series was called the Value Series).
    
 
   
    (4) CONSERVATIVE GROWTH SERIES will seek long-term growth of capital and
future income while providing more current dividend income than is normally
obtainable from a portfolio of only growth stocks by investing a substantial
proportion of its assets in the common stocks or securities convertible into
common stocks of companies believed to possess better than average prospects for
long-term growth and a smaller proportion of its assets in securities whose
principal characteristic is income production.
    
 
   
    (5) EMERGING GROWTH SERIES will seek to provide long-term growth of capital
by investing primarily (i.e. at least 80% of its assets under normal
circumstances) in common stocks of emerging growth companies, including small
and medium sized companies that are early in their life cycle but which have the
potential to become major enterprises. Dividend and interest income from
portfolio securities, if any, is incidental to its objective of long-term growth
of capital.
    
 
   
    (6) EQUITY INCOME SERIES will primarily seek reasonable income by investing
mainly in income producing securites; its secondary objective is to seek capital
appreciation.
    
 
   
    (7) GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SERIES will seek current income and preservation
of capital by investing in U.S. Government and Government-related Securities.
    
 
   
    (8) HIGH YIELD SERIES will seek high current income and capital appreciation
by investing primarily in fixed income securities of U.S. and foreign issuers
which may be in the lower rated categories or unrated (commonly known as "junk
bonds") and which may include equity features. These securities generally
involve greater volatility of price and risk to principal and income and less
liquidity than securities in the
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
   
higher rated categories. Any person contemplating allocating Purchase Payments
to the Sub-Account investing in shares of the High Yield Series should review
the risk disclosure in the Series Fund prospectus carefully and consider the
investment risks involved.
    
 
   
    (9) INTERNATIONAL GROWTH SERIES will seek capital appreciation by investing,
under normal market conditions, at least 65% of its total assets in equity
securities of companies whose principal activities are outside the U.S. growing
at rates expected to be well above the growth rate of the overall U.S. economy.
(Before September 8, 1997, this series was called the MFS/Foreign & Colonial
International Growth Series.)
    
 
   
    (10) INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND INCOME SERIES will seek capital appreciation
and current income by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 65% of
its total assets in equity and fixed income securities of issuers whose
principal activities are outside the U.S. (Before September 8, 1997, this series
was called the MFS/Foreign & Colonial International Growth and Income Series.)
    
 
   
    (11) MANAGED SECTORS SERIES will seek capital appreciation by varying the
weighting of its portfolio of common stocks among certain industry sectors.
Dividend income, if any, is incidental to its objective of capital appreciation.
    
 
   
    (12) MASSACHUSETTS INVESTORS GROWTH STOCK SERIES will seek to provide
long-term growth of capital and future income rather than current income.
    
 
   
    (13) MFS/FOREIGN & COLONIAL EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY SERIES will seek capital
appreciation by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 65% of its
total assets in equity securities of issuers whose principal activities are
located in emerging market countries.
    
 
   
    (14) MONEY MARKET SERIES will seek maximum current income to the extent
consistent with stability of principal by investing exclusively in money market
instruments maturing in less than 13 months. An investment in this series is
neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government. There can be no assurance
that the series will be able to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per
share.
    
 
   
    (15) NEW DISCOVERY SERIES will seek capital appreciation by investing in
equity securities of companies of any size which the series' investment adviser
believes offer superior prospects for growth, and in particular, emphasizes
companies in the developing stages of their life cycle that offer the potential
for accelerated earnings or revenue growth.
    
 
   
    (16) RESEARCH SERIES will seek to provide long-term growth of capital and
future income.
    
 
   
    (17) RESEARCH GROWTH AND INCOME SERIES will seek to provide long-term growth
of capital, current income and growth of income.
    
 
   
    (18) RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL SERIES will seek capital appreciation by
investing in equity securities of companies whose principal activities are
located outside the United States as well as other securities offering an
opportunity for capital appreciation.
    
 
   
    (19) STRATEGIC INCOME SERIES will seek to provide high current income by
investing in fixed income securities and will seek to take advantage of
opportunities to realize significant capital appreciation while maintaining a
high level of current income. The series may invest up to 100% of its net assets
in lower rated bonds (commonly known as "junk bonds") that entail greater risks,
including default risks, than those found in higher rated securities. These
bonds may be issued by domestic and foreign corporate issuers, as well as by
foreign governments and their political subdivisions. Any person contemplating
allocating Purchase Payments to the Sub-Account investing in shares of the
Strategic Income Series should review the risk disclosure in the Series Fund
prospectus carefully and consider the investment risks involved.
    
 
   
    (20) TOTAL RETURN SERIES will seek primarily to obtain above-average income
(compared to a portfolio entirely invested in equity securities) consistent with
prudent employment of capital; its secondary objective is to take advantage of
opportunities for growth of capital and income. Assets will be allocated and
reallocated from time to time between money market, fixed income and equity
securities. Under normal market conditions, at least 25% of the Total Return
Series' assets will be invested in fixed income securities and at least 40% and
no more than 75% of its assets will be invested in equity securities.
    
 
   
    (21) UTILITIES SERIES will seek capital growth and current income (income
above that available from a portfolio invested entirely in equity securities) by
investing, under normal market conditions, at least 65% of its assets in equity
and debt securities issued by both domestic and foreign utility companies.
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
   
    (22) WORLD ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES will seek total return over the long term
through investments in foreign and domestic equity and fixed income securities
and will also seek to have low volatility of share price (i.e. net asset value
per share) and reduced risk (compared to an aggressive equity/fixed income
portfolio).
    
 
   
    (23) WORLD GOVERNMENTS SERIES will seek moderate current income and
preservation and growth of capital by investing in a portfolio of U.S. and
Foreign Government Securities.
    
 
   
    (24) WORLD GROWTH SERIES will seek capital appreciation by investing in
securities of companies worldwide growing at rates expected to be well above the
growth rate of the overall U.S. economy.
    
 
   
    (25) WORLD TOTAL RETURN SERIES will seek total return by investing in
securities which will provide above average current income (compared to a
portfolio invested entirely in equity securities) and opportunities for
long-term growth of capital and income. The series will invest primarily in
global equity and fixed income securities (i.e. those of U.S. and non-U.S.
issuers).
    
 
   
    The investment adviser of the Series Fund, Massachusetts Financial Services
Company ("MFS"), is paid fees by the Series Fund for its services pursuant to
investment advisory agreements. MFS, a Delaware corporation, is an affiliate of
the Company. MFS also serves as investment adviser to each of the funds in the
MFS Family of Funds, and to certain other investment companies established or
distributed by MFS and/or the Company. MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS, provides investment advice to substantial
private clients. MFS and its predecessor organizations have a history of money
management dating from 1924. MFS operates as an autonomous organization and the
obligation of performance with respect to the investment advisory and
underwriting agreements (including supervision of the sub-advisers noted below)
is solely that of MFS. The Company undertakes no obligation in this regard.
    
 
   
    MFS has retained, as subadvisers to each of International Growth Series,
MFS/Foreign & Colonial Emerging Markets Equity Series and World Growth Series,
Foreign & Colonial Management Limited ("FCM") and its subsidiary, Foreign &
Colonial Emerging Markets Limited ("FCEM").
    
 
   
    A more detailed description of the Series Fund, its management, its
investment objectives, policies and restrictions and its expenses may be found
in the accompanying current prospectus of the Series Fund and in the Series
Fund's Statement of Additional Information, which is available by calling
1-800-752-7215.
    
 
        PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD
 
PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
(1) PLACE, AMOUNT AND FREQUENCY
 
    All Purchase Payments are to be paid to the Company at its Annuity Service
Mailing Address. The amount of Purchase Payments may vary; however, the Company
will not accept an initial Purchase Payment to be allocated to a Participant's
Account which is less than $25,000, and each additional Purchase Payment must be
at least $1,000 unless waived by the Company. In addition, the prior approval of
the Company is required before it will accept a Purchase Payment which would
cause the value of a Participant's Account to exceed $1,000,000. If the value of
a Participant's Account exceeds $1,000,000, no additional Purchase Payments will
be accepted without the prior approval of the Company.
 
   
    A completed Application (and in the case of a Group Contract, a completed
Contract Application, if required) and the initial Purchase Payment are
forwarded to the Company for acceptance. Upon acceptance, in the case of an
Individual Contract the Contract is issued to the Participant, and in the case
of a Group Contract the Contract and Certificate(s), as applicable, are issued
to the Owner and/or Participant(s), respectively, and the initial Purchase
Payment is then credited to the Participant's Account. The initial Purchase
Payment must be applied within two business days of receipt by the Company of a
completed Application. The Company may retain the Purchase Payment for up to
five business days while attempting to complete an incomplete Application. If
the Application cannot be made complete within five business days, the
prospective participant will be informed of the reasons for the delay and the
Purchase Payment will be returned immediately unless the prospective participant
specifically consents to the Company's retaining
    
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
the Purchase Payment until the Application is made complete. Thereafter, the
Purchase Payment must be applied within two business days. Subsequent Purchase
Payments are applied at the end of the Valuation Period during which they are
received by the Company.
 
(2) ACCOUNT CONTINUATION
 
    A Participant's Account shall be continued automatically in full force
during the lifetime of the Annuitant until the Annuity Commencement Date or
until the Participant's Account is surrendered. Purchase Payments may be made at
any time while the Participant's Account is in force.
 
(3) ALLOCATION OF NET PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
   
    The Net Purchase Payment is that portion of a Purchase Payment which remains
after deduction of any applicable premium tax or similar tax. Each Net Purchase
Payment will be allocated either to Guarantee Periods available in connection
with the Fixed Account or to Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account or to both
Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account in accordance with the allocation factors
specified in the particular Participant's Application, or as subsequently
changed.
    
 
   
    The allocation factors for new Payments among the Guarantee Period(s) and
the Sub-Accounts may be changed by the Participant at any time by giving written
notice of the change to the Company. Any change will take effect with the first
Purchase Payment received with or after receipt of notice of the change by the
Company and will continue in effect until subsequently changed.
    
 
PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT
 
    The Company will establish a Participant's Account for each Participant
under a Contract and will maintain the Participant's Account during the
Accumulation Period. The Participant's Account Value for any Valuation Period is
equal to the sum of the variable accumulation value, if any, plus the fixed
accumulation value, if any, of the Participant's Account for that Valuation
Period.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
   
    The variable accumulation value of a Participant's Account, if any, for any
Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the value of all Variable Accumulation
Units credited to the Participant's Account for such Valuation Period.
    
 
(1) CREDITING VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
    Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by the Company, all or that portion, if
any, of the Net Purchase Payment to be allocated to any Sub-Accounts in
accordance with the allocation factors will be credited to the Participant's
Account in the form of Variable Accumulation Units. The number of particular
Variable Accumulation Units to be credited is determined by dividing the dollar
amount allocated to the particular Sub-Account by the Variable Accumulation Unit
value of the particular Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during which the
Purchase Payment is applied by the Company to the Participant's Account.
 
(2) VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
 
   
    The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account was established at
$10.00 for the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The
Variable Accumulation Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for any
subsequent Valuation Period is determined by methodology which is the
mathematical equivalent of multiplying the Variable Accumulation Unit value for
the particular Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the
Net Investment Factor for the particular Sub-Account for such subsequent
Valuation Period. The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account for
any Valuation Period is the value determined as of the end of the particular
Valuation Period and may increase, decrease or remain the same from Valuation
Period to Valuation Period in accordance with the Net Investment Factor
described in (3) below. For a hypothetical example of the calculation of the
value of a Variable Accumulation Unit, see Appendix A.
    
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
(3) NET INVESTMENT FACTOR
 
   
    The Net Investment Factor is an index applied to measure the investment
performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The Net
Investment Factor may be greater or less than or equal to one (1); therefore the
value of a Variable Accumulation Unit may increase, decrease or remain the same.
    
 
    The Net Investment Factor for any Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is
determined by dividing (a) by (b) and then subtracting (c) from the result
where:
 
        (a) is the net result of:
 
           (1) the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the
       Sub-Account determined as of the end of the Valuation Period, plus
 
           (2) the per share amount of any dividend or other distribution
       declared by the Series Fund on the shares held in the Sub-Account if the
       "ex-dividend" date occurs during the Valuation Period, plus or minus
 
           (3) a per share credit or charge with respect to any taxes paid or
       reserved for by the Company during the Valuation Period which are
       determined by the Company to be attributable to the operation of the
       Sub-Account (no federal income taxes are applicable under present law);
 
        (b) is the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the
    Sub-Account determined as of the end of the preceding Valuation Period; and
 
   
        (c) is the asset charge factor determined by the Company for the
    Valuation Period to reflect the charges for assuming the mortality and
    expense risks and administrative expenses.
    
 
FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
   
    The fixed accumulation value of a Participant's Account, if any, for any
Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the values of all Guarantee Amounts
credited to the Participant's Account for such Valuation Period.
    
 
GUARANTEE PERIODS
 
    The Participant may elect one or more Guarantee Period(s) from among those
made available by the Company. The period(s) elected will determine the
Guaranteed Interest Rate(s). A Purchase Payment, or the portion thereof (at
least $1,000) (or the amount transferred in accordance with the Transfer
Privilege) allocated to a particular Guarantee Period, less any applicable
premium or similar taxes and any amounts subsequently withdrawn, will earn
interest at the Guaranteed Interest Rate during the Guarantee Period. Initial
Guarantee Periods begin on the date the Purchase Payment is applied, or, in the
case of a transfer, on the effective date of the transfer, and end the number of
calendar months in the Guarantee Period elected from the end of the calendar
month in which the amount was allocated to the Guarantee Period (the "Expiration
Date"). Subsequent Guarantee Periods begin on the first day following the
Expiration Date.
 
    Any portion of a Participant's Account Value allocated to a particular
Guarantee Period with a particular Expiration Date (including interest earned
thereon) will be referred to herein as a "Guarantee Amount". Interest will be
credited daily at a rate equivalent to the compound annual rate. As a result of
additional Purchase Payments, renewals and transfers of portions of the
Participant's Account Value described under "Transfer Privilege" below, which
will begin new Guarantee Periods, Guarantee Amounts allocated to Guarantee
Periods of the same duration may have different Expiration Dates. Thus each
Guarantee Amount will be treated separately for purposes of determining any
Market Value Adjustment (See "Market Value Adjustment").
 
    The Company will notify the Participant in writing at least 45 and no more
than 75 days prior to the Expiration Date for any Guarantee Amount except for
Guarantee Amounts held under a Dollar Cost Averaging Option described below. A
new Guarantee Period of the same duration as the previous Guarantee Period will
commence automatically on the first day following the Expiration Date of the
previous Guarantee Period unless the Company receives, prior to the Expiration
Date, a written election by the Participant of a new Guarantee Period from among
those being offered by the Company at such time, or
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
instructions to transfer all or a portion of the Guarantee Amount to one or more
Sub-Accounts in accordance with the Transfer Privilege Provision. Each new
Guarantee Amount must be at least $1,000 unless it is equal to the entire
Guarantee Amount being tranferred.
 
   
GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES
    
 
   
    The Company periodically will establish an applicable Guaranteed Interest
Rate for each Guarantee Period offered by the Company. Current Guaranteed
Interest Rates may be changed by the Company frequently or infrequently
depending on interest rates available to the Company and other factors as
described below. Rates will be guaranteed for the duration of the respective
Guarantee Periods. However, Participant's Account Value withdrawn from the Fixed
Account will be subject to any applicable withdrawal charge and Account Fee and
may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment on withdrawal or surrender (See
"Market Value Adjustment").
    
 
   
    The Guaranteed Interest Rate will not be less than 3% per year, compounded
annually. The Company has no specific formula for determining the rate of
interest that it will declare as a Guaranteed Interest Rate, as these rates will
be reflective of interest rates available on the types of debt instruments in
which the Company intends to invest amounts allocated to the Fixed Account (See
"The Fixed Account"). In addition, the Company's management may consider other
factors in determining Guaranteed Interest Rates including: regulatory and tax
requirements; sales commissions and administrative and distribution expenses
borne by the Company; general economic trends; and competitive factors. The
Participant bears the risk that the Guaranteed Interest Rate to be credited on
amounts allocated to the Fixed Account may not exceed 3% per year.
    
 
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
   
    The Participant may also elect at no extra charge an available Dollar Cost
Averaging Option in connection with selected Initial Guarantee Periods (subject
to a minimum amount of $1,000). Dollar Cost Averaging Options are available
monthly or quarterly:
    
 
    1.  Monthly Dollar Cost Averaging Option: Amounts allocated will be divided
       among 12 separate sequentially maturing Guarantee Periods. The first
       Guarantee Period ends one full calendar month following the date the Net
       Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent Guarantee Period shall
       end one full calendar month later, sequentially thereafter. The Guarantee
       Amount at the Expiration Date of each such Guarantee Period will equal
       1/12 of the Net Purchase Payment applied under this Option, with the
       Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration Date including all interest
       earned in the 12 Guarantee Periods.
 
    2.  Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging: Amounts allocated will be divided among
       four separate sequentially maturing Guarantee Periods. The first
       Guarantee Period ends three full calendar months following the date the
       Net Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent Guarantee Period
       shall end three full calendar months later, sequentially thereafter. The
       Guarantee Amount at the Expiration Date of each such Guarantee Period
       will equal 1/4 of the Net Purchase Payment applied under this Option,
       with the Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration Date including all
       interest earned in the four Guarantee Periods.
 
    Only initial and subsequent Purchase Payments may be allocated to a Dollar
Cost Averaging Option. Previously applied amounts may not be transferred to any
Dollar Cost Averaging Option.
 
   
    The main objective of a dollar cost averaging program is to minimize the
impact of short-term price fluctuations. Since the same dollar amount is
transferred to other available investment options at set intervals, dollar cost
averaging allows a Participant to purchase more Variable Accumulation Units
(and, indirectly, more Series Fund shares) when prices are low and fewer
Variable Accumulation Units (and, indirectly, fewer Series Fund shares) when
prices are high. Therefore, a lower average cost per Variable Accumulation Unit
may be achieved over the long-term. A dollar cost averaging program allows
Participants to take advantage of market fluctuations. However, it is important
to understand that a dollar cost averaging program does not assure a profit or
protect against loss in a declining market.
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
   
ASSET ALLOCATION
    
 
   
    One or more asset allocation investment programs may be made available in
connection with the Contracts, at no extra charge. An asset allocation program
provides for the allocation of the Participant's Account Value among the
available investment options. These programs will be fully described in a
separate brochure. Participants may elect to enter into an asset allocation
investment program, under the terms and conditions described in the brochure.
    
 
   
TRANSFER PRIVILEGE; TELEPHONE TRANSFERS; RESTRICTION ON MARKET TIMERS
    
 
   
    At any time during the Accumulation Period the Participant may, upon request
received by the Company, transfer all or part of the Participant's Account Value
to one or more Sub-Accounts or Guarantee Periods available under the Contract,
subject to the following conditions: (1) not more than 12 transfers may be made
in any Account Year; (2) a minimum of 30 days must elapse between transfers made
to or from the Fixed Account or among Guarantee Periods; (3) the amount being
transferred from a Sub-Account may not be less than $1,000, unless the total
Participant's Account Value attributable to a Sub-Account is being transferred;
(4) any Participant's Account Value remaining in a Sub-Account may not be less
than $1,000; (5) the total Participant's Account Value attributable to the
Guarantee Amount must be transferred; and (6) transfers may not be allocated to
the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options described above. In
addition, transfers of a Guarantee Amount will be subject to the Market Value
Adjustment described below unless the transfer is effective within 30 days prior
to the Expiration Date applicable to the Guarantee Amount; and transfers
involving Variable Accumulation Units shall be subject to such terms and
conditions as may be imposed by the Series Fund. Currently, there is no charge
for transfers; however, the Company reserves the right to impose a charge of up
to $15 for each transfer. A transfer generally will be effective on the date the
request for transfer is received by the Company. Under current law, there will
be no tax liability to the Participant if a Participant makes a transfer.
    
 
   
    Transfers may be requested either in writing or by telephone. The telephone
exchange privilege is made available to Participants automatically without the
Participant's election. The Company will employ reasonable procedures to confirm
that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures may
include one or more of the following: requesting identifying information, such
as name, Contract number, Social Security Number, and/or personal identification
number; tape recording all telephone transactions; or providing written
confirmation thereof to both the Participant and any agent of record, at the
last address of record; or such other procedures as the Company may deem
reasonable. Although the Company's failure to follow reasonable procedures may
result in the Company's liability for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone transfers, the Company will not be liable for following
instructions communicated by telephone which it reasonably believed to be
genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in
reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine shall be
borne by the Participant.
    
 
   
    The Contracts are not designed for professional market timing organizations
or other entities using programmed and frequent transfers. Persons who wish to
employ such strategies should not purchase a Contract. Accordingly, transfers
may be subject to restriction if exercised by a market timing firm or any other
third party authorized to initiate transfer transactions on behalf of multiple
Participants. In imposing such restrictions, the Company may, among other
things, not accept (1) the transfer instructions of any agent acting under a
power of attorney on behalf of more than one Participant, or (2) the transfer
instructions of individual Participants who have executed preauthorized transfer
forms that are submitted by market timing firms or other third parties on behalf
of more than one Participant. The Company will not impose any such restrictions
or otherwise modify transfer rights unless such action is reasonably intended to
prevent the use of such rights in a manner that will disadvantage or potentially
impair the contract rights of other Participants.
    
 
   
    In addition, the Series Fund has reserved the right to temporarily or
permanently refuse exchange requests if, in the judgment of the Series Fund's
investment adviser, a series would be unable to invest effectively in accordance
with its investment objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be
adversely affected. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincide with a
"market timing" strategy may be disruptive to a series and therefore may be
refused. Accordingly, the Variable Account may not be in a
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
   
position to effectuate transfers and may refuse transfer requests without prior
notice. The Company also reserves the right, for similar reasons, to refuse or
delay exchange requests involving transfers to or from the Fixed Account.
    
 
   
WAIVERS; REDUCED CHARGES; CREDITS; BONUS GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES
    
 
   
    The Company may reduce or waive the withdrawal charge or Account Fee, credit
additional amounts, or grant bonus Guaranteed Interest Rates in situations where
selling and/or maintenance costs associated with the Contracts are reduced, such
as the sale of several Contracts to the same Participant, sales of large
Contracts, and certain group sales. In addition, the Company may waive the
Account Fee, credit additional amounts, or grant bonus Guaranteed Interest Rates
in connection with Contracts sold to officers, directors and employees of the
Company or its affiliates, registered representatives and employees of
broker-dealers with a current selling agreement with the Company and affiliates,
employees of affiliated asset management firms, and persons who have retired
from such positions ("Eligible Employees") and immediate family members of
Eligible Employees. The Company may reduce or waive such charges and fees,
credit additional amounts, or grant bonus Guaranteed Interest Rates on any
Contract where, for example, expenses associated with the sale of the Contract
and/or costs or services associated with administering and maintaining the
Contract are reduced. Eligible Employees and their immediate family members may
also purchase a Contract without regard to minimum Purchase Payment
requirements. For other situations in which withdrawal charges may be waived,
see "Withdrawal Charges."
    
 
        CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
CASH WITHDRAWALS
 
    At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date and during the lifetime of
the Annuitant, the Participant may elect to receive a cash withdrawal payment
from the Company. Any such election shall specify the amount of the withdrawal
and will be effective on the date that it is received by the Company.
 
    The Participant may request a full surrender or partial withdrawal. A full
surrender will result in a cash withdrawal payment equal to the value of the
Participant's Account at the end of the Valuation Period during which the
election becomes effective less the Account Fee, plus or minus any applicable
Market Value Adjustment, and less any applicable withdrawal charge. A request
for a partial withdrawal will result in the cancellation of a portion of the
Participant's Account Value equal to the dollar amount of the cash withdrawal
payment, plus or minus any applicable Market Value Adjustment and plus any
applicable withdrawal charge. If a partial withdrawal is requested which would
leave a Participant's Account Value of less than the Account Fee, then such
partial withdrawal will be treated as a full surrender. The Account Fee and any
applicable Market Value Adjustment will be deducted from the Participant's
Account before the application of any withdrawal charge.
 
    In the case of a partial withdrawal, the Participant may instruct the
Company as to the amounts to be withdrawn from each Sub-Account and/or Guarantee
Amount. If not so instructed, the Company will effect such withdrawal pro-rata
from each Sub-Account and Guarantee Amount in which the Participant's Account
Value is invested at the end of the Valuation Period during which the withdrawal
becomes effective. ALL CASH WITHDRAWALS OF ANY GUARANTEE AMOUNT, EXCEPT THOSE
EFFECTIVE WITHIN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF SUCH GUARANTEE AMOUNT,
WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.
 
    Cash withdrawals from a Sub-Account will result in the cancellation of
Variable Accumulation Units attributable to the Participant's Account with an
aggregate value on the effective date of the withdrawal equal to the total
amount by which the Sub-Account is reduced. The cancellation of such units will
be based on the Variable Accumulation Unit values of the Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the cash withdrawal is effective.
 
    The Company, upon request, will advise the Participant of the amounts that
would be payable in the event of a full surrender or partial withdrawal.
 
    Any cash withdrawal payment will be paid within seven days from the date the
election becomes effective, except as the Company may be permitted to defer such
payment in accordance with the
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
Investment Company Act of 1940 and applicable state insurance law. Deferral of
amounts withdrawn from the Variable Account is currently permissible only (1)
for any period (a) during which the New York Stock Exchange is closed other than
customary week-end and holiday closings or (b) during which trading on the New
York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (2) for any period during which an emergency exists as a result of
which (a) disposal of securities held by the Series Fund is not reasonably
practicable or (b) it is not reasonably practicable to determine the value of
the net assets of the Series Fund or (3) for such other periods as the
Securities and Exchange Commission may by order permit for the protection of
security holders. The Company reserves the right to defer the payment of amounts
withdrawn from the Fixed Account for a period not to exceed six months from the
date written request for such withdrawal is received by the Company. The Company
is not required to pay interest on amounts so deferred.
 
   
    Since the Qualified Contracts offered by this Prospectus will be issued in
connection with retirement plans which meet the requirements of Sections 401,
403, 408, and 408A of the Internal Revenue Code, reference should be made to the
terms of the particular retirement plan for any limitations or restrictions on
cash withdrawals. For special restrictions applicable to withdrawals from
Contracts used with Tax-Sheltered Annuities established pursuant to Section
403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, see "Section 403(b) Annuities" below.
    
 
   
    A cash withdrawal under either a Qualified or Non-Qualified Contract offered
by this Prospectus also may result in a tax penalty. The tax consequences of a
cash withdrawal payment under both Qualified Contracts and Non-Qualified
Contracts should be carefully considered (See "Federal Tax Status").
    
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
    No sales charges are deducted from Purchase Payments. However, a withdrawal
charge (contingent deferred sales charge), when applicable, will be assessed to
reimburse the Company for certain expenses relating to the distribution of the
Contracts, including commissions, costs of preparation of sales literature and
other promotional costs and acquisition expenses. Cash withdrawals may result in
a 10% tax penalty in addition to any withdrawal charge applicable under the
Contracts (See "Federal Tax Status").
 
    No withdrawal charge is assessed upon annuitization, upon payment of the
death benefit or upon the transfer of Participant's Account Value among the
Sub-Accounts or between the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account or within the
Fixed Account.
 
    When a withdrawal is made from a Qualified Contract to comply with mandatory
minimum distribution requirements, no withdrawal charge will be applied to the
amount required to be distributed during each Account Year. These required
distributions may commence during and continue after the year in which the
Annuitant attains age 70 1/2 (or, beginning in 1997, after the year in which the
Annuitant retires if that is later). Any amounts withdrawn in excess of the
required minimum distribution during each Account Year will be subject to any
applicable withdrawal charge.
 
   
    The withdrawal charge is not assessed with respect to a Participant's
Account established for the personal account of an employee of the Company or of
any of its affiliates, or of a licensed insurance agent engaged in distributing
the Contracts, and the Company may waive the withdrawal charge with respect to
Purchase Payments derived from the surrender of other annuity contracts and/or
certificates issued by the Company.
    
 
    For purposes of a full surrender or partial withdrawal, each withdrawal is
allocated to previously unliquidated Purchase Payments on a first-in, first-out
basis until all Purchase Payments have been liquidated. Once all Purchase
Payments have been liquidated, any additional withdrawals will come from the
earnings on the Contract and are not subject to a withdrawal charge. The amount
subject to a withdrawal charge is the amount of the partial withdrawal or full
surrender up to the maximum of the sum of all unliquidated Purchase Payments.
 
AMOUNT OF WITHDRAWAL CHARGE
 
    A withdrawal charge percentage of 1% is applied to Purchase Payments
withdrawn which have been credited to a Participant's Account for less than one
year (365 days).
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
   
    In no event shall the aggregate withdrawal charges assessed against a
Participant's Account exceed 1% of the aggregate Purchase Payments made under a
Contract (See Appendix C for examples of withdrawals, withdrawal charges and the
Market Value Adjustment). The Company may, upon notice to the Owner of a Group
Contract, modify the withdrawal charge, provided that such modification shall
apply only to Participant's Accounts established after the effective date of
such modification (See "Modification").
    
 
SECTION 403(b) ANNUITIES
 
   
    The Internal Revenue Code imposes restrictions on cash withdrawals from
Contracts used with Section 403(b) Annuities. In order for the Contracts to
receive tax deferred treatment, the Contracts must provide that cash withdrawals
of amounts attributable to salary reduction contributions (other than
withdrawals of accumulation account value as of December 31, 1988 ("Pre-1989
Account Value")) may be made only when the Participant attains age 59 1/2,
separates from service with the employer, dies or becomes disabled (within the
meaning of Section 72(m)(7) of the Code). These restrictions apply to any growth
or interest on or after January 1, 1989 on Pre-1989 Account Value, salary
reduction contributions made on or after January 1, 1989, and any growth or
interest on such contributions ("Restricted Account Value").
    
 
   
    Withdrawals of Restricted Account Value are also permitted in cases of
financial hardship, but only to the extent of contributions; earnings on
contributions cannot be withdrawn for hardship reasons. While specific rules
defining hardship have not been issued by the Internal Revenue Service, it is
expected that to qualify for a hardship distribution, the Participant must have
an immediate and heavy bona fide financial need and lack other resources
reasonably available to satisfy the need. Hardship withdrawals (as well as
certain other premature withdrawals) will be subject to a 10% tax penalty, in
addition to any withdrawal charge applicable under the Contracts (See "Federal
Tax Status"). Under certain circumstances the 10% tax penalty will not apply if
the withdrawal is made to pay medical expenses.
    
 
   
    A Contract used with a Section 403(b) Annuity must provide that amounts
contributed under a salary reduction agreement under the Contract and all other
plans, contracts, or arrangements of the same employer may not exceed the dollar
amount of the limitation under Section 402(g)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code
(currently $9,500).
    
 
    Under the terms of a particular Section 403(b) plan, the Participant may be
entitled to transfer all or a portion of the Participant's Account Value to one
or more alternative funding options. Participants should consult the documents
governing their plan and the person who administers the plan for information as
to such investment alternatives.
 
   
    For information on the federal income tax withholding rules that apply to
distributions from Qualified Contracts (including Section 403(b) Annuities) see
"Federal Tax Status".
    
 
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
    Any cash withdrawal of a Guarantee Amount, other than a withdrawal effective
within 30 days prior to the Expiration Date of the Guarantee Amount will be
subject to a Market Value Adjustment ("MVA") (for this purpose, transfers,
distributions on the death of a Participant and amounts applied to purchase an
annuity are treated as cash withdrawals). The MVA will be applied to the amount
being withdrawn which is subject to the MVA, after deduction of any applicable
Account Fee and before deduction of any applicable withdrawal charge.
 
    The MVA will reflect the relationship between the Current Rate (as defined
below) for the Guarantee Amount being withdrawn and the Guaranteed Interest Rate
applicable to the amount being withdrawn. It also reflects the time remaining in
the applicable Guarantee Period. Generally, if the Guaranteed Interest Rate is
lower than the applicable Current Rate, then the application of the MVA will
result in a lower payment upon withdrawal. Similarly, if the Guaranteed Interest
Rate is higher than the applicable Current Rate, the application of the MVA will
result in a higher payment upon withdrawal.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    The Market Value Adjustment is determined by the application of the
following formula:
 
<TABLE>
 <S>                        <C>
                              N/12
                      1 + I
                    ( ----- )      -1
                      1 + J
</TABLE>
 
where,
 
    I is the Guaranteed Interest Rate being credited to the Guarantee Amount
subject to the Market Value Adjustment,
 
    J is the Guaranteed Interest Rate declared by the Company, as of the
effective date of the application of the Market Value Adjustment, for current
allocations to Guarantee Period(s). If the Guarantee Period was originally
established through Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options, J is the
Guaranteed Interest Rate declared for current allocations to these options. For
all other Guarantee Periods, J is the Guaranteed Interest Rate declared for
current allocations to Guarantee Periods equal to the balance of the Guarantee
Period of the Guarantee Amount subject to the Market Value Adjustment, rounded
to the next higher number of complete years (the "Current Rate"). In the
determination of J for Guarantee Periods other than those established under the
Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options, if the Company does not
currently offer the applicable Guarantee Period, then J will be determined by
linear interpolation of Current Rates for Guarantee Periods that are available.
 
    N is the number of complete months remaining in the Guarantee Period of the
Guarantee Amount subject to the Market Value Adjustment.
 
    The Company may, upon notice to the Owner, modify the formula used to
calculate the Market Value Adjustment, provided that such modification shall
apply only to Participant's Accounts established after the effective date of
such modification (See "Modification").
 
    See Appendix C for examples of the application of the Market Value
Adjustment.
 
                                 DEATH BENEFIT
 
   
DEATH BENEFIT PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTS
    
 
    In the event of the death of the Annuitant prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Company will pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary. If there is no
designated Beneficiary living on the date of death of the Annuitant, the Company
will, upon receipt of Due Proof of Death of both the Annuitant and the
designated Beneficiary, pay the death benefit in one sum to the Participant or,
if the Annuitant was the Participant, to the estate of the
Participant/Annuitant. If the death of the Annuitant occurs on or after the
Annuity Commencement Date, no death benefit will be payable under the Contract
except as may be provided under the Annuity Option elected.
 
ELECTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ELECTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Participant may elect to have the death benefit applied under one or
more Annuity Options to effect a Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a
combination of both for the Beneficiary as Payee after the death of the
Annuitant. If no election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the
Participant is in effect on the date of death of the Annuitant, the Beneficiary
may elect (a) to receive the death benefit in the form of a single cash payment;
or (b) to have the death benefit applied under one or more of the Annuity
Options (on the Annuity Commencement Date described under "Payment of Death
Benefit") to effect a Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination of
both for the Beneficiary as Payee. Either election described above may be made
by filing with the Company a written election in such form as the Company may
require. Any election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the
Participant will become effective on the date it is received by the Company. For
the purposes of the Payment of Death Benefit and Amount of Death Benefit
sections below, any election of the method of settement of the death benefit by
the Participant which is in effect on the date of death of the Annuitant will be
deemed effective on the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by
the Company. Any election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the
Beneficiary will become effective on the later of: (a) the date the election is
received by the Company; or (b) the date Due
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company. If an election by
the Beneficiary is not received by the Company within 60 days following the date
Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company, the Beneficiary
will be deemed to have elected a cash payment as of the last day of the 60 day
period.
 
   
    In all cases, no Participant or Beneficiary shall be entitled to exercise
any rights that would adversely affect the treatment of the Contracts as annuity
contracts under the Internal Revenue Code. (See "Other Contractual Provisions --
Death of Participant").
    
 
PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
   
    If the death benefit is to be paid in cash to the Beneficiary, payment will
be made within seven days of the date the election becomes effective or is
deemed to become effective, except as the Company may be permitted to defer any
such payment of amounts derived from the Variable Account in accordance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940. If the death benefit is to be paid in one lump
sum to the Participant or, if the Annuitant was the Participant, to the estate
of the deceased Participant/Annuitant, payment will be made within seven days of
the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant, the Participant and/or the
designated Beneficiary, as applicable, is received by the Company. If settlement
under one or more of the Annuity Options is elected the Annuity Commencement
Date will be the first day of the second calendar month following the effective
date or the deemed effective date of the election, and the Participant's Account
will be maintained in effect until the Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
AMOUNT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
    The death benefit is determined as of the effective date or deemed effective
date of the death benefit election.
 
    If the Annuitant was less than age 86 on the Date of Coverage, the death
benefit is equal to the greatest of (1) the Participant's Account Value for the
Valuation Period during which the death benefit election is effective or is
deemed to become effective; (2) the amount that would have been payable in the
event of a full surrender of the Participant's Account on the date the death
benefit election is effective or is deemed to become effective; and (3) total
Purchase Payments made with respect to the Participant's Account, minus the sum
of all partial withdrawals.
 
    If the Annuitant was age 86 or greater on the Date of Coverage, the death
benefit is equal to (2) above.
 
    If (2) or (3) is operative, the Participant's Account Value will be
increased by the excess of (2) or (3), as applicable, over (1) and the increase
will be allocated to the Sub-Accounts based on the respective values of the
Sub-Accounts on the date the amount of the death benefit is determined. If no
portion of the Participant's Account is allocated to the Sub-Accounts on that
date, the entire increase will be allocated to the Sub-Account invested in the
Money Market Series of the Series Fund.
 
                     HOW THE CONTRACT CHARGES ARE ASSESSED
 
   
    As more fully described below, charges under the Contract offered by this
Prospectus are assessed in three ways: (1) as deductions for the Account Fee
and, if applicable, for premium taxes; (2) as charges against the assets of the
Variable Account for the assumption of mortality and expense risks and
administrative expenses; and (3) as withdrawal charges (contingent deferred
sales charges). In addition, certain deductions are made from the assets of the
Series Fund for investment management fees and expenses. These fees and expenses
are described in the Series Fund's prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information.
    
 
ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES
 
   
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, on each Account Anniversary the
Company deducts from the value of each Participant's Account an annual account
administration fee ("Account Fee") in the amount of $50 as partial compensation
for expenses relating to the issue and maintenance of the Contract and the
Participant's Account. If a Participant's Account is surrendered for its full
value on other than the Account Anniversary, the Account Fee will be deducted in
full at the time of such surrender. The Account Fee will be deducted on a pro
rata basis from amounts allocated to each Guarantee Period and each Sub-Account
in
    
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
which the Participant's Account is invested at the time of such deduction. Also,
the Company will waive the Account Fee when the Participant's Account Value is
greater than $100,000 on the Account Anniversary. On the Annuity Commencement
Date, the value of the Participant's Account will be reduced by a proportionate
amount of the Account Fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Account
Anniversary and the day before the Annuity Commencement Date. After the Annuity
Commencement Date, an annual Account Fee of $50 will be deducted in equal
amounts from each variable annuity payment made during the year. No such
deduction will be made from fixed annuity payments.
 
   
    The Company makes a deduction from the Variable Account at the end of each
Valuation Period (during both the Accumulation Period and after annuity payments
begin) at an effective annual rate of 0.15% to reimburse the Company for those
administrative expenses attributable to the Contracts, the Participant's
Accounts and the Variable Account which exceed the revenues received from the
Account Fee. For a description of administrative services provided see
"Administration of the Contracts".
    
 
   
    The Contract provides that the Company may modify the Account Fee and the
administrative expense charge, provided that such modification shall apply only
with respect to Participant's Accounts established after the effective date of
such modification (See "Modification").
    
 
PREMIUM TAXES
 
    A deduction, when applicable, is made for premium or similar state or local
taxes (See Appendix B). It is currently the policy of the Company to deduct the
tax from the amount applied to provide an annuity at the time annuity payments
commence; however, the Company reserves the right to deduct such taxes on or
after the date they are incurred.
 
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
 
   
    The mortality risk assumed by the Company arises from the contractual
obligation to continue to make annuity payments to each Annuitant regardless of
how long the Annuitant lives and regardless of how long all annuitants as a
group live. This assures each annuitant that neither the longevity of fellow
annuitants nor an improvement in life expectancy generally will have an adverse
effect on the amount of any annuity payment received under the Contract. The
Company assumes this mortality risk by virtue of annuity rates incorporated into
the Contract which cannot be changed except, in the case of a Group Contract
only, with respect to Participant's Accounts established after the effective
date of such change, as provided in the section of this Prospectus entitled
"Modification". The expense risk assumed by the Company is the risk that the
administrative charges assessed under the Contracts may be insufficient to cover
the actual total administrative expenses incurred by the Company.
    
 
    For assuming these risks, the Company makes a deduction from the Variable
Account at the end of each Valuation Period during both the Accumulation Period
and after annuity payments begin at an effective annual rate of 1.00%. If the
deduction is insufficient to cover the actual cost of the mortality and expense
risk undertaking, the Company will bear the loss. Conversely, if the deduction
proves more than sufficient, the excess will be profit to the Company and would
be available for any proper corporate purpose including, among other things,
payment of distribution expenses. The Company will recoup its expected costs
associated with registering and distributing the Contracts by the assessment of
the withdrawal charge (contingent deferred sales charge) described below.
However, the withdrawal charge may prove to be insufficient to cover actual
distribution expenses. If this is the case, the deficiency will be met from the
Company's general corporate funds which may include amounts derived from the
mortality and expense risk charges.
 
   
    A Group Contract provides that the Company may modify the mortality and
expense risk charge; however, such modification shall apply only with respect to
Participant's Accounts established after the effective date of such modification
(See "Modification").
    
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
   
    No deduction for sales charges is made from Purchase Payments. However, a
withdrawal charge (i.e., a contingent deferred sales charge) of 1% of Purchase
Payments, when applicable, will be used to cover
    
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
   
certain expenses relating to the sale of the Contracts including commissions
paid to sales personnel, the costs of preparation of sales literature and other
promotional costs and acquisition expenses. (See "Cash Withdrawals" and
"Withdrawal Charges").
    
 
                               ANNUITY PROVISIONS
 
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
   
    Annuity payments will begin on the Annuity Commencement Date which is
selected by the Participant, as specified in the Application. The date selected
by the Participant may not be sooner than the first day of the second calendar
month following the Date of Coverage. This date may be changed by the
Participant from time to time by written notice to the Company, provided that
notice of each change is received by the Company at least 30 days prior to the
then current Annuity Commencement Date and the new Annuity Commencement Date is
a date which is: (1) at least 30 days after the date notice of the change is
received by the Company; (2) the first day of a month; and (3) not later than
the first day of the first month following the Annuitant's 90th birthday, unless
otherwise restricted, in the case of a Qualified Contract, by the particular
retirement plan or by applicable law. In most situations, current law requires
that the Annuity Commencement Date under a Qualified Contract be no later than
April 1 following the year the Annuitant reaches age 70 1/2 (or, for Qualified
Contracts other than IRAs, no later than April 1 following the year the
Annuitant retires, if later than the year the Annuitant reaches age 70 1/2), and
the terms of the particular retirement plan may impose additional limitations.
The Annuity Commencement Date may also be changed by an election of an Annuity
Option as described in the Death Benefit section of this Prospectus.
    
 
    On the Annuity Commencement Date the Participant's Account will be cancelled
and its adjusted value will be applied to provide an annuity under one or more
of the options described below. No withdrawal charge will be imposed upon
amounts applied to purchase an annuity. However, the Market Value Adjustment may
apply, as noted under "Determination of Annuity Payments" below. NO PAYMENTS MAY
BE REQUESTED UNDER THE CONTRACT'S CASH WITHDRAWAL PROVISIONS ON OR AFTER THE
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE, AND NO CASH WITHDRAWAL WILL BE PERMITTED EXCEPT AS
MAY BE AVAILABLE UNDER THE ANNUITY OPTION ELECTED.
 
   
    Since the Contracts offered by this Prospectus may be issued in connection
with retirement plans which meet the requirements of Section 401, 403, 408, or
408A of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as certain non-qualified plans,
reference should be made to the terms of the particular plan for any limitations
or restrictions on the Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
ELECTION--CHANGE OF ANNUITY OPTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Participant may elect one or more of the Annuity Options described
below, or such other settlement option as may be agreed to by the Company, for
the Annuitant as Payee. The Participant may also change any election, but
written notice of any election or change of election must be received by the
Company at least 30 days prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. If no election
is in effect on the 30th day prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, Annuity
Option B, for a Life Annuity with 120 monthly payments certain, will be deemed
to have been elected. If there is no election of a sole Annuitant in effect on
the 30th day prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the person designated as
"Co-Annuitant" will be the Payee under the applicable Annuity Option.
 
    Any election may specify the proportion of the adjusted value of the
Participant's Account to be applied to provide a Fixed Annuity and a Variable
Annuity. In the event the election does not so specify, or if no election is in
effect on the 30th day prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, then the portion
of the adjusted value of the Participant's Account to be applied to provide a
Fixed Annuity and a Variable Annuity will be determined on a pro rata basis from
the composition of the Participant's Account on the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
    Annuity Options may also be elected by the Participant or the Beneficiary as
provided in the Death Benefit section of this Prospectus.
 
    Reference should be made to the terms of a particular retirement plan and
any applicable legislation for any limitations or restrictions on the options
which may be elected.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
    NO CHANGE OF ANNUITY OPTION IS PERMITTED AFTER THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT
DATE.
 
ANNUITY OPTIONS
 
   
    No lump sum settlement option is available under the Contract. The
Participant may surrender a Contract prior to the Annuity Commencement Date;
however, any applicable surrender charge will be deducted from the cash
withdrawal payment and a Market Value Adjustment, if applicable, will be
applied.
    
 
    Annuity Options A, B, C and D are available to provide either a Fixed
Annuity or a Variable Annuity. Annuity Option E is available only to provide a
Fixed Annuity.
 
    Annuity Option A.  Life Annuity:  Monthly payments during the lifetime of
the Payee. This option offers a higher level of monthly payments than Annuity
Options B or C because no further payments are payable after the death of the
Payee and there is no provision for a death benefit payable to a Beneficiary.
 
   
    Annuity Option B.  Life Annuity with 60, 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments
Certain:  Monthly payments during the lifetime of the Payee and in any event for
60, 120, 180 or 240 months certain as elected. The election of a longer period
certain results in smaller monthly payments than would be the case if a shorter
period certain were elected. In the event of the death of the Payee under this
option, the Contract provides that if there is no designated beneficiary
entitled to the remaining payments then living, the discounted value of the
remaining payments, if any, will be calculated and paid in one sum to the
deceased Payee's estate. In addition, any beneficiary who becomes entitled to
any remaining payments under this option may elect to receive the amounts due
under this option in one sum. The discounted value for variable annuity payments
will be based on interest compounded annually at the assumed interest rate of 3%
per year. The discounted value for payments being made on a fixed basis will be
based on the interest rate initially used by the Company to determine the amount
of each payment.
    
 
   
    Annuity Option C.  Joint and Survivor Annuity:  Monthly payments payable
during the joint lifetime of the Payee and a designated second person and during
the lifetime of the survivor. During the lifetime of the survivor, variable
monthly payments, if any, will be determined using the percentage chosen at the
time of election of this option of the number of each type of Annuity Unit
credited to the Contract with respect to the Payee and fixed monthly payments,
if any, will be equal to the same percentage of the fixed monthly payment
payable during the joint lifetime of the Payee and the designated second person.
    
 
    * Annuity Option D.  Monthly Payments for a Specified Period
Certain:  Monthly payments for a specified period of time (at least five years
but not exceeding 30 years), as elected. In the event of the death of the Payee
under this option, the Contract provides that, as described under Annuity Option
B above, in certain circumstances the discounted value of the remaining
payments, if any, will be calculated and paid in one sum.
 
   
    * Annuity Option E.  Fixed Payments:  The amount applied to provide fixed
payments in accordance with this option will be held by the Company at interest.
Fixed payments will be made in such amounts and at such times (at least over a
period of five years) as may be agreed upon with the Company and will continue
until the amount held by the Company with interest is exhausted. The final
payment will be for the balance remaining and may be less than the amount of
each preceding payment. Interest will be credited on an annual basis on the
amount remaining unpaid at a rate which shall be determined by the Company from
time to time but which shall not be less than 3% per year, compounded annually.
The rate so determined may be changed at any time and as often as may be
determined by the Company, provided, however, that the rate may not be reduced
more frequently than once during each calendar year. In the event of the death
of the Payee under this option, the Contract provides that, as described under
Annuity Option B above, in certain circumstances the unpaid balance of the
proceeds and interest will be paid in one sum.
    
 
DETERMINATION OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    On the Annuity Commencement Date the Participant's Account will be cancelled
and its adjusted value will be applied to provide a Variable Annuity or a Fixed
Annuity or a combination of both. The adjusted value will be equal to the
Participant's Account Value for the Valuation Period which ends immediately
preceding
 
- ---------
* The election of this annuity option may result in the imposition of a penalty
tax.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
the Annuity Commencement Date, reduced by a proportionate amount of the Account
Fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Account Anniversary and the day
before the Annuity Commencement Date, plus or minus any applicable Market Value
Adjustment and minus any applicable premium or similar taxes.
 
    If the amount to be applied under any annuity option is less than $2,000, or
if the first annuity payment payable in accordance with such option is less than
$20, the Company will pay the amount to be applied in a single payment to the
Payee.
 
FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
   
    The dollar amount of each fixed annuity payment will be determined in
accordance with the Annuity Payment Rates found in the Contract which are based
on a minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year, or, if more favorable to
the Payee(s), in accordance with the Annuity Payment Rates published by the
Company and in use on the Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
   
    The dollar amount of the first variable annuity payment will be determined
in accordance with the Annuity Payment Rates found in the Contract which are
based on an assumed interest rate of at least 3% per year, unless these rates
are changed with respect to a Group Contract (See "Modification"). All variable
annuity payments other than the first are determined by means of Annuity Units
credited to the Contract with respect to the particular Payee. The number of
Annuity Units to be credited in respect of a particular Sub-Account is
determined by dividing that portion of the first variable annuity payment
attributable to that Sub-Account by the Annuity Unit value of that Sub-Account
at the end of the Valuation Period which ends immediately preceding the Annuity
Commencement Date. The number of Annuity Units of each particular Sub-Account
credited with respect to the particular Payee then remains fixed unless an
exchange of Annuity Units is made as described below. The dollar amount of each
variable annuity payment after the first may increase, decrease or remain
constant, and is equal to the sum of the amounts determined by multiplying the
number of Annuity Units of a particular Sub-Account credited with respect to the
particular Payee by the Annuity Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for
the Valuation Period which ends immediately preceding the due date of each
subsequent payment. If the net investment return on the assets of the Variable
Account is the same as the assumed interest rate (3% per year), variable annuity
payments will remain level. If the net investment return exceeds the assumed
interest rate variable annuity payments will increase and, conversely, if it is
less than the assumed interest rate the payments will decrease.
    
 
    For a hypothetical example of the calculation of a Variable Annuity Payment,
see Appendix A.
 
ANNUITY UNIT VALUE
 
    The Annuity Unit value for each Sub-Account was established at $10.00 for
the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The Annuity Unit value
for the particular Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined
by multiplying the Annuity Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for the
immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net Investment Factor (See
"Variable Accumulation Value, Net Investment Factor") for the particular
Sub-Account for the current Valuation Period and then multiplying that product
by a factor to neutralize the assumed interest rate of 3% per year used to
establish the Annuity Payment Rates found in the applicable Contract. For a one
day Valuation Period the factor is 0.99991902.
 
    For a hypothetical example of the calculation of the value of an Annuity
Unit, see Appendix A.
 
EXCHANGE OF VARIABLE ANNUITY UNITS
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date the Payee may, by filing a written
request with the Company, exchange the value of a designated number of Annuity
Units of particular Sub-Accounts then credited with respect to the particular
Payee into other Annuity Units, the value of which would be such that the dollar
amount of an annuity payment made on the date of the exchange would be
unaffected by the fact of the exchange. No more than twelve (12) exchanges may
be made within each Account Year.
 
    Exchanges may be made only among Sub-Accounts. Exchanges will be made using
the Annuity Unit values for the Valuation Period during which any request for
exchange is received by the Company.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
ANNUITY PAYMENT RATES
 
    The Contract contains Annuity Payment Rates for each Annuity Option
described in this Prospectus. The rates show, for each $1,000 applied, the
dollar amount of: (a) the first monthly variable annuity payment based on the
assumed interest rate specified in the Contract; and (b) the monthly fixed
annuity payment, when this payment is based on the minimum guaranteed interest
rate of 3% per year. These rates may be changed by the Company with respect to
Participant's Accounts established after the effective date of such change (See
"Modification").
 
    The annuity payment rates may vary according to the Annuity Option elected
and the adjusted age of the Payee. The Contract also describes the method of
determining the adjusted age of the Payee. The mortality table used in
determining the annuity payment rates for Options A, B and C is the 1983
Individual Annuitant Mortality Table A.
 
                          OTHER CONTRACTUAL PROVISIONS
 
PAYMENT LIMITS
 
    The initial Purchase Payment credited to each Participant's Account must be
at least $25,000 and each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $1,000,
unless waived by the Company. In addition, the prior approval of the Company is
required before it will accept a Purchase Payment which would cause the value of
a Participant's Account to exceed $1,000,000. If the value of a Participant's
Account exceeds $1,000,000, no additional Purchase Payments will be accepted
without the prior approval of the Company. Purchase Payments may be made
annually, semi-annually, quarterly, monthly or at any other frequency acceptable
to the Company. The Participant may, subject to the minimum payment, increase or
decrease the amount of Purchase Payments or change the frequency of payment, but
the Participant is not obligated to continue Purchase Payments in the amount or
frequency elected. There are no penalties for failure to continue to make
Purchase Payments. While the Contract and the Participant's Account are in
force, Purchase Payments may be made at any time prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date.
 
DESIGNATION AND CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY
 
    The beneficiary designation contained in the Application will remain in
effect until changed. The interest of any Beneficiary is subject to the
particular Beneficiary surviving the Annuitant and, in the case of a Non-
Qualified Contract, the Participant as well.
 
    Subject to the rights of an irrevocably designated Beneficiary, the
Participant may change or revoke the designation of a Beneficiary at any time
while the Annuitant is living by filing with the Company a written beneficiary
designation or revocation in such form as the Company may require. The change or
revocation will not be binding upon the Company until it is received by the
Company. When it is so received the change or revocation will be effective as of
the date on which the beneficiary designation or revocation was signed, but the
change or revocation will be without prejudice to the Company on account of any
payment made or any action taken by the Company prior to receiving the change or
revocation.
 
    Reference should be made to the terms of a particular retirement plan and
any applicable legislation for any restrictions on the beneficiary designation.
 
EXERCISE OF CONTRACT RIGHTS
 
   
    An Individual Contract shall belong to the individual Participant to whom
the Contract is issued. A Group Contract shall belong to the Owner. In the case
of a Group Contract, all Contract rights and privileges may be expressly
reserved by the Owner, failing which, each Participant shall be entitled to
exercise such rights and privileges. In any case, such rights and privileges can
be exercised without the consent of the Beneficiary (other than an irrevocably
designated Beneficiary) or any other person. Such rights and privileges may be
exercised only during the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, except as otherwise provided in the Contract.
    
 
    The Annuitant becomes the Payee on and after the Annuity Commencement Date.
The Beneficiary becomes the Payee on the death of the Annuitant. Such Payees may
thereafter exercise such rights and privileges, if any, of ownership which
continue.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
 
   
    Ownership of a Qualified Contract may not be transferred except to: (1) the
Annuitant; (2) a trustee or successor trustee of a pension or profit sharing
trust which is qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code; (3) the
employer of the Annuitant provided that the Qualified Contract after transfer is
maintained under the terms of a retirement plan qualified under Section 403(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code for the benefit of the Annuitant; (4) the trustee
of an individual retirement account plan qualified under Section 408 of the
Internal Revenue Code for the benefit of the Participants under a Group
Contract; or (5) as otherwise permitted from time to time by laws and
regulations governing the retirement or deferred compensation plans for which a
Qualified Contract may be issued. Subject to the foregoing, a Qualified Contract
may not be sold, assigned, transferred, discounted or pledged as collateral for
a loan or as security for the performance of an obligation or for any other
purpose to any person other than the Company.
    
 
   
    The Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract may change the ownership of the
Contract during the lifetime of any Annuitant and prior to the last Annuity
Commencement Date; and each Participant, in like manner, may change the
ownership interest in a Contract. A change of ownership will not be binding upon
the Company until written notification is received by the Company. When such
notification is so received, the change will be effective as of the date on
which the request for change was signed by the Owner or Participant, as
appropriate, but the change will be without prejudice to the Company on account
of any payment made or any action taken by the Company prior to receiving the
change.
    
 
DEATH OF PARTICIPANT
 
   
    If a Participant under a Non-Qualified Contract dies prior to the Annuitant
and before the Annuity Commencement Date, that Participant's Account Value, plus
or minus any applicable Market Value Adjustment, must be distributed to the
"designated beneficiary" (as defined below) either (1) within five years after
the date of death of the Participant, or (2) as an annuity over some period not
greater than the life or expected life of the designated beneficiary, with
annuity payments beginning within one year after the date of death of the
Participant. For this purpose (and for purposes of Section 72(s) of the Internal
Revenue Code), the person named as Beneficiary shall be considered the
designated beneficiary, and if no person then living has been so named, then the
Annuitant shall automatically be the designated beneficiary. If the designated
beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased Participant, the spouse can
elect to continue the Contract in the spouse's own name as Participant, in which
case these mandatory distribution requirements will apply on the spouse's death.
    
 
   
    When the deceased Participant was also the Annuitant, the Death Benefit
provision of the Contract controls unless the deceased Participant's surviving
spouse is the designated beneficiary and elects to continue the Contract in the
spouse's own name as both Participant and Annuitant.
    
 
    If the Payee dies on or after the Annuity Commencement Date and before the
entire accumulation under such Participant's Account has been distributed, the
remaining portion of such Participant's Account, if any, must be distributed at
least as rapidly as the method of distribution then in effect.
 
   
    In any case in which a non-natural person constitutes a holder of the
Contract for the purposes of Section 72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code, (1) the
distribution requirements described above shall apply upon the death of any
Annuitant, and (2) a change in any Annuitant shall be treated as the death of an
Annuitant.
    
 
    In all cases, no Participant or Beneficiary shall be entitled to exercise
any rights that would adversely affect the treatment of the Contract as an
annuity contract under the Internal Revenue Code.
 
    Any distributions upon the death of a Participant under a Qualified Contract
will be subject to the laws and regulations governing the particular retirement
or deferred compensation plan in connection with which the Qualified Contract
was issued.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
VOTING OF SERIES FUND SHARES
 
   
    The Company will vote Series Fund shares held by the Sub-Accounts at
meetings of shareholders or in connection with similar solicitations, of the
Series Fund, but will follow voting instructions received from persons having
the right to give voting instructions. Except in the case of a Group Contract
where the right to give voting instructions is reserved by the Owner, the
Participant is the person having the right to give voting instructions prior to
the Annuity Commencement Date. On or after the Annuity Commencement Date the
Payee is the person having such voting rights. Any shares attributable to the
Company and Series Fund shares for which no timely voting instructions are
received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as the shares for
which instructions are received from Owners, Participants and Payees, as
applicable.
    
 
   
    Owners of Qualified Contracts issued on a group basis may be subject to
other voting provisions of the particular plan and of the Investment Company Act
of 1940. Employees who contribute to plans which are funded by the Contracts may
be entitled to instruct the Owners as to how to instruct the Company to vote the
Series Fund shares attributable to their contributions. Such plans may also
provide the additional extent, if any, to which the Owners shall follow voting
instructions of persons with rights under the plans. If no voting instructions
are received from any such person with respect to a particular Participant's
Account, the Owner may instruct the Company as to how to vote the number of
Series Fund shares for which instructions may be given.
    
 
   
    Neither the Variable Account nor the Company is under any duty to provide
information concerning the voting instruction rights of persons who may have
such rights under plans, other than rights afforded by the Investment Company
Act of 1940, nor any duty to inquire as to the instructions received or the
authority of Owners, Participants or others, as applicable, to instruct the
voting of Series Fund shares. Except as the Variable Account or the Company has
actual knowledge to the contrary, the instructions given by Owners under Group
Contracts and Payees will be valid as they affect the Variable Account, the
Company and any others having voting instruction rights with respect to the
Variable Account.
    
 
    All Series Fund proxy material, together with an appropriate form to be used
to give voting instructions, will be provided to each person having the right to
give voting instructions at least ten days prior to each meeting of the
shareholders of the Series Fund. The number of Series Fund shares as to which
each such person is entitled to give instructions will be determined by the
Company on a date not more than 90 days prior to each such meeting. Prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date, the number of Series Fund shares as to which voting
instructions may be given to the Company is determined by dividing the value of
all of the Variable Accumulation Units of the particular Sub-Account credited to
the Participant's Account by the net asset value of one Series Fund share as of
the same date. On or after the Annuity Commencement Date, the number of Series
Fund shares as to which such instructions may be given by a Payee is determined
by dividing the reserve held by the Company in the Sub-Account with respect to
the particular Payee by the net asset value of a Series Fund share as of the
same date. After the Annuity Commencement Date, the number of Series Fund shares
as to which a Payee is entitled to give voting instructions will generally
decrease due to the decrease in the reserve.
 
PERIODIC REPORTS
 
   
    During the Accumulation Period the Company will send the Participant, or
such other person having voting rights, at least once during each Account Year,
a statement showing the number, type and value of Accumulation Units credited to
the Participant's Account and the Fixed Accumulation Value of such account,
which statement shall be accurate as of a date not more than two months previous
to the date of mailing. These periodic statements contain important information
concerning the Participant's Account transactions with respect to a Contract. It
is the obligation of the Participant to review each such statement carefully and
to report to the Company, at the address or telephone number provided on the
statement, any errors or discrepancies in the information presented therein
within 60 days of the date of such statement. Unless the Company receives notice
of any such error or discrepancy from the Participant within such time period,
the Company may not be responsible for correcting the error.
    
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    In addition, every person having voting rights will receive such reports or
prospectuses concerning the Variable Account and the Series Fund as may be
required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933.
The Company will also send such statements reflecting transactions in the
Participant's Account as may be required by applicable laws, rules and
regulations.
 
   
    Upon request, the Company will provide the Participant with information
regarding fixed and variable accumulation values.
    
 
SUBSTITUTED SECURITIES
 
   
    Shares of any or all series of the Series Fund may not always be available
for purchase by the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account or the Company may
decide that further investment in any such shares is no longer appropriate in
view of the purposes of the Variable Account or in view of legal, regulatory or
federal income tax restrictions. In such event, shares of another series or
shares of another registered open-end investment company or unit investment
trust may be substituted both for Series Fund shares already purchased by the
Variable Account and/or as the security to be purchased in the future provided
that these substitutions meet applicable Internal Revenue Service
diversification guidelines and have been approved, if required, by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. In the event of any substitution pursuant to
this provision, the Company may make appropriate endorsement to the Contract to
reflect the substitution.
    
 
CHANGE IN OPERATION OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    At the Company's election and subject to any necessary vote by persons
having the right to give instructions with respect to the voting of Series Fund
shares held by the Sub-Accounts, the Variable Account may be operated as a
management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or it may be
deregistered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in the event registration
is no longer required. Deregistration of the Variable Account requires an order
by the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the event of any change in the
operation of the Variable Account pursuant to this provision, the Company may
make appropriate endorsement to the Contract to reflect the change and take such
other action as may be necessary and appropriate to effect the change.
 
SPLITTING UNITS
 
    The Company reserves the right to split or combine the value of Variable
Accumulation Units, Annuity Units or any of them. In effecting any such change
of unit values, strict equity will be preserved and no change will have a
material effect on the benefits or other provisions of the Contract.
 
MODIFICATION
 
   
    Upon notice to the Participant, in the case of an Individual Contract, and
the Owner and Participant(s), in the case of a Group Contract (or the Payee(s)
during the annuity period), the Contract may be modified by the Company if such
modification: (i) is necessary to make the Contract or the Variable Account
comply with any law or regulation issued by a governmental agency to which the
Company or the Variable Account is subject; or (ii) is necessary to assure
continued qualification of the Contract under the Internal Revenue Code or other
federal or state laws relating to retirement annuities or annuity contracts; or
(iii) is necessary to reflect a change in the operation of the Variable Account
or the Sub-Account(s) (See "Change in Operation of Variable Account"); (iv)
provides additional Variable Account and/or fixed accumulation options; or (v)
as may otherwise be in the best interests of Owners or Participants, as
applicable. In the event of any such modification, the Company may make
appropriate endorsement to the Contract to reflect such modification.
    
 
   
    In addition, upon notice to the Owner, a Group Contract may be modified by
the Company to change the withdrawal charges, Account Fees, mortality and
expense risk charges, administrative expense charges, the tables used in
determining the amount of the first monthly variable annuity and fixed annuity
payments and the formula used to calculate the Market Value Adjustment, provided
that such modification shall apply only to Participant's Accounts established
after the effective date of such modification. In order to exercise its
modification rights in these particular instances, the Company must notify the
Owner of such modification in writing. The notice shall specify the effective
date of such modification which must be at least 60 days following the date of
mailing of the notice of modification by the Company. All of the charges and the
annuity
    
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
   
tables which are provided in the Group Contract prior to any such modification
will remain in effect permanently, unless improved by the Company, with respect
to Participant's Accounts established prior to the effective date of such
modification.
    
 
DISCONTINUANCE OF NEW PARTICIPANTS
 
   
    The Company, by giving 30 days' prior written notice to the Owner, may limit
or discontinue the acceptance of new Applications and the issuance of new
Certificates under a Group Contract. Such limitation or discontinuance shall
have no effect on rights or benefits with respect to any Participant's Accounts
established under such Group Contract prior to the effective date of such
limitation or discontinuance.
    
 
CUSTODIAN
 
    The Company is the Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account. The
Company will purchase Series Fund shares at net asset value in connection with
amounts allocated to the Sub-Accounts in accordance with the instructions of the
Participant and redeem Series Fund shares at net asset value for the purpose of
meeting the contractual obligations of the Variable Account, paying charges
relative to the Variable Account or making adjustments for annuity reserves held
in the Variable Account.
 
   
RIGHT TO RETURN
    
 
   
    If the Participant is not satisfied with the Contract it may be returned by
mailing it to the Company at the Annuity Service Mailing Address on the cover of
this Prospectus within ten days after it was delivered to the Participant. When
the Company receives the returned Contract it will be cancelled and the
Participant's Account Value at the end of the Valuation Period during which the
Contract was received by the Company will be refunded to the Participant.
However, if applicable state law so requires, the full amount of any Purchase
Payment(s) received by the Company will be refunded, the "free look" period may
be greater than ten days and alternative methods of returning the Contract may
be acceptable.
    
 
   
    With respect to Individual Retirement Accounts, under the Internal Revenue
Code a Participant establishing an Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") must be
furnished with a disclosure statement containing certain information about the
Contract and applicable legal requirements. This statement must be furnished on
or before the date the IRA is established. If the Participant is furnished with
such disclosure statement before the seventh day preceding the date the IRA is
established, the Participant will not have any right of revocation. If the
disclosure statement is furnished after the seventh day preceding the
establishment of the IRA, the Participant may give a notice of revocation to the
Company at any time within seven days after the Date of Coverage. Upon such
revocation, the Company will refund the Purchase Payment(s) made by the
Participant. The foregoing right of revocation with respect to an IRA is in
addition to the return privilege set forth in the preceding paragraph. The
Company will allow a participant establishing an IRA a "ten day free-look,"
notwithstanding the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
    
 
                               FEDERAL TAX STATUS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
   
    The Contracts described in this Prospectus are designed for use in
connection with personal retirement plans and by employer, association and other
group retirement plans under the provisions of Sections 401 (including Section
401(k)), 403, 408(b), 408(c), 408(k) and 408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code
(the "Code"), as well as certain non-qualified retirement plans, such as payroll
savings plans. As noted above, the Company may begin offering Participants under
Contracts used in connection with individual retirement plans under Section 408
the opportunity to convert such Contracts into Contracts used in connection with
Roth IRAs under Section 408A, and may also begin offering new Contracts for use
in connection with Roth IRAs. The ultimate effect of federal income taxes may
depend upon the type of retirement plan for which the Contract is purchased and
a number of different factors. This discussion is general in nature, is based
upon the Company's understanding of current federal income tax laws, and is not
intended as tax advice. Congress has the power to enact legislation affecting
the tax treatment of annuity contracts, and such legislation could be applied
retroactively to Contracts purchased before the date of enactment. Also, because
the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, is not in force in the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, some
    
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
   
references in this discussion will not apply to Contracts issued in Puerto Rico.
Any person contemplating the purchase of a Contract should consult a qualified
tax adviser. THE COMPANY DOES NOT MAKE ANY GUARANTEE REGARDING THE FEDERAL,
STATE OR LOCAL TAX STATUS, OF ANY CONTRACT OR ANY TRANSACTION INVOLVING THE
CONTRACTS.
    
 
TAX TREATMENT OF THE COMPANY AND THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT
 
    The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Code. The
operations of the Variable Account are accounted for separately from other
operations of the Company for purposes of federal income taxation, but the
Variable Account is not taxable as a regulated investment company or otherwise
as an entity separate from the Company. The income of the Variable Account
(consisting primarily of interest, dividends and net capital gains) is not
taxable to the Company to the extent that it is applied to increase reserves
under contracts participating in the Variable Account.
 
TAXATION OF ANNUITIES IN GENERAL
 
    Purchase Payments made under Non-Qualified Contracts are not deductible from
the Participant's income for federal income tax purposes. Participants under
Qualified Contracts should consult a tax adviser regarding the tax treatment of
Purchase Payments.
 
   
    Generally, no taxes are imposed on the increase in the value of a Contract
until a distribution occurs, either as an annuity payment or as a cash
withdrawal or lump-sum payment prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. However,
corporate Owners and Participants and other Owners and Participants that are not
natural persons are subject to current taxation on the annual increase in the
value of a Non-Qualified Contract, unless the non-natural person holds the
Contract as agent for a natural person (such as where a bank or other entity
holds a Contract as trustee under a trust agreement). This current taxation of
annuities held by non-natural persons does not apply to earnings accumulated
under an immediate annuity, which the Code defines as a single premium contract
with an annuity commencement date within one year of the date of purchase. Also,
the Internal Revenue Service could assert that Owners or Participants under both
Qualified and Non-Qualified Contracts annually receive and are subject to tax on
a deemed distribution equal to the cost of any life insurance benefit provided
by the Contract.
    
 
   
    The following discussion applies both with respect to Individual Contracts
and Group Contracts. Because the Code is unclear in its application to a group
annuity contract where the owner is distinct from the individuals who receive
the contract benefits the discussion as applied to the Group Contracts is the
Company's best understanding of the operation of the Code in the context of
group contracts. However, Owners and Participants should consult a qualified tax
adviser.
    
 
   
    A partial cash withdrawal (i.e., a withdrawal of less than the entire
Participant's Account Value) under a Non-Qualified Contract before the Annuity
Commencement Date is treated first as a withdrawal from the increase in the
Participant's Account Value, rather than as a return of Purchase Payments. The
amount of the withdrawal allocable to this increase will be includible in the
Participant's income and subject to tax at ordinary income rates. If part or all
of a Participant's Account Value is assigned or pledged as collateral for a
loan, the amount assigned or pledged must be treated as if it were withdrawn
from the Contract.
    
 
   
    In the case of annuity payments under a Non-Qualified Contract after the
Annuity Commencement Date, a portion of each payment is treated as a nontaxable
return of Purchase Payments. The nontaxable portion is determined by applying to
each annuity payment an "exclusion ratio," which, in general, is the ratio that
the total amount the Participant paid for the Contract bears to the Payee's
expected return under the Contract. The remainder of the payment is taxable at
ordinary income rates.
    
 
   
    The total amount that a Payee may exclude from income through application of
the "exclusion ratio" is limited to the amount the Participant paid for the
Contract. If the Annuitant survives for his full life expectancy, so that the
Payee recovers the entire amount paid for the Contract, any subsequent annuity
payments will be fully taxable as income. Conversely, if the Annuitant dies
before the Payee recovers the entire amount paid, the Payee will be allowed a
deduction for the amount of unrecovered Purchase Payments.
    
 
   
    Taxable cash withdrawals and lump-sum payments from Non-Qualified Contracts
may be subject to a penalty tax equal to 10% of the amount treated as taxable
income. This 10% penalty also may apply to
    
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
certain annuity payments. This penalty will not apply in certain circumstances
(such as where the distribution is made upon the death of the Participant). The
withdrawal penalty also does not apply to distributions under an immediate
annuity (as defined above).
 
   
    In the case of a Qualified Contract, distributions generally are taxable and
distributions made prior to age 59 1/2 are subject to a 10% penalty tax,
although this penalty tax will not apply in certain circumstances. Certain
distributions, known as "eligible rollover distributions," if rolled over to
certain other qualified retirement plans (either directly or after being
distributed to the Participant or Payee), are not taxable until distributed from
the plan to which they are rolled over. In general, an eligible rollover
distribution is any taxable distribution other than a distribution that is part
of a series of payments made for life or for a specified period of ten years or
more. Owners, Participants, Annuitants, Payees and Beneficiaries should seek
qualified advice about the tax consequences of distributions, withdrawals,
rollovers and payments under the retirement plans in connection with which the
Contracts are purchased.
    
 
   
    If the Participant under a Non-Qualified Certificate dies, the value of the
Contract generally must be distributed within a specified period (See "Other
Contractual Provisions -- Death of Participant"). For contracts owned by
non-natural persons, a change in the Annuitant is treated as the death of the
Participant.
    
 
   
    A purchaser of a Qualified Contract should refer to the terms of the
applicable retirement plan and consult a tax adviser regarding distribution
requirements upon the death of the Participant.
    
 
   
    A transfer of a Non-Qualified Contract by gift (other than to the
Participant's spouse) is treated as the receipt by the Participant of income in
an amount equal to the Participant's Account Value minus the total amount paid
for the Contract.
    
 
   
    The Company will withhold and remit to the U.S. government a part of the
taxable portion of each distribution made under a Non-Qualified Contract or or
under a Qualified Contract issued for use with an individual retirement account
unless the Participant or Payee provides his or her taxpayer identification
number to the Company and notifies the Company (in the manner prescribed) before
the time of the distribution that he or she chooses not to have any amounts
withheld.
    
 
   
    In the case of distributions from a Qualified Contract (other than
distributions from a Contract issued for use with an individual retirement
account), the Company or the plan administrator must withhold and remit to the
U.S. government 20% of each distribution that is an eligible rollover
distribution (as defined above) unless the Participant or Payee elects to make a
direct rollover of the distribution to another qualified retirement plan that is
eligible to receive the rollover. If a distribution from a Qualified Contract is
not an eligible rollover distribution, then the Participant or Payee can choose
not to have amounts withheld as described above for Non-Qualified Contracts and
Qualified Contracts issued for use with individual retirement accounts.
    
 
    Amounts withheld from any distribution may be credited against the
Participant's or Payee's federal income tax liability for the year of the
distribution.
 
    The Internal Revenue Service has issued regulations that prescribe
investment diversification requirements for mutual fund series underlying
nonqualified variable contracts. Contracts that do not comply with these
regulations do not qualify as annuities for federal income tax purposes, and
therefore the annual increase in the value of such contracts is subject to
current taxation. The Company believes that each series of the Series Fund
complies with the regulations.
 
   
    The preamble to the regulations states that the Internal Revenue Service may
promulgate guidelines under which a variable contract will not be treated as an
annuity for tax purposes if the owner has excessive control over the investments
underlying the contract. It is not known whether such guidelines, if in fact
promulgated, would have retroactive effect. If guidelines are promulgated, the
Company will take any action (including modification of the Contract and/or the
Variable Account) necessary to comply with the guidelines.
    
 
    THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ONLY WHEN AN IMMEDIATE
ANNUITY CONTRACT AND A DEFERRED ANNUITY CONTRACT ARE PURCHASED TOGETHER: The
Company understands that the Treasury Department is in the process of
reconsidering the tax treatment of annuity payments under an immediate
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
annuity contract (as defined above) purchased together with a deferred annuity
contract. The Company believes that any adverse change in the existing tax
treatment of such immediate annuity contracts is likely to be prospective, that
is, it would not apply to contracts issued before such a change is announced.
However, there can be no assurance that any such change, if adopted, would not
be applied retroactively.
 
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS
 
   
    The Qualified Contracts described in this Prospectus are designed for use
with several types of qualified retirement plans. The tax rules applicable to
participants in such qualified retirement plans vary according to the type of
plan and its terms and conditions. Therefore, no attempt is made herein to
provide more than general information about the use of the Qualified Contracts
with the various types of qualified retirement plans. Participants under such
plans as well as Owners, Annuitants, Payees and Beneficiaries are cautioned that
the rights of any person to any benefits under these plans may be subject to the
terms and conditions of the plans themselves, regardless of the terms and
conditions of the Qualified Contracts issued in connection therewith. These
terms and conditions may include restrictions on, among other things, ownership,
transferability, assignability, contributions and distributions. Any person
contemplating the purchase of a Qualified Contract should consult a qualified
tax advisor. In addition, Owners, Participants, Payees, Beneficiaries and
administrators of qualified retirement plans should consider and consult their
tax adviser concerning whether the Death Benefit payable under the Contract
affects the qualified status of their retirement plan. Following are brief
descriptions of various types of qualified retirement plans and the use of the
Qualified Contracts in connection therewith.
    
 
PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS
 
    Sections 401(a), 401(k) and 403(a) of the Code permit business employers and
certain associations to establish various types of retirement plans for
employees. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 eliminated most
differences between qualified retirement plans of corporations and those of
self-employed individuals. The Contract may be purchased by those who would have
been covered under the rules governing old H.R. 10 (Keogh) Plans as well as by
corporate plans. Such retirement plans may permit the purchase of the Qualified
Contracts to provide benefits under the plans. Employers intending to use the
Qualified Contracts in connection with such plans should seek qualified advice
in connection therewith.
 
TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES
 
    Section 403(b) of the Code permits public school employees and employees of
certain types of charitable, educational and scientific organizations specified
in Section 501(c) (3) of the Code to purchase annuity contracts and, subject to
certain limitations, exclude the amount of purchase payments from gross income
for tax purposes. These annuity contracts are commonly referred to as
"Tax-Sheltered Annuities." Purchasers of the Qualified Contracts for such
purposes should seek qualified advice as to eligibility, limitations on
permissible amounts of Purchase Payments and tax consequences of distributions
(See "Section 403(b) Annuities").
 
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
 
    Sections 219 and 408 of the Code permit eligible individuals to contribute
to an individual retirement program, including Simplified Employee Pension
Plans, Employer/Association of Employees Established Individual Retirement
Account Trusts, and Simple Retirement Accounts, known as an Individual
Retirement Account ("IRA"). These IRA's are subject to limitations on the amount
that may be contributed, the persons who may be eligible, and on the time when
distributions may commence. In addition, certain distributions from some other
types of retirement plans may be placed on a tax-deferred basis in an IRA. Sale
of the Contracts for use with IRA's may be subject to special requirements
imposed by the Internal Revenue Service. Purchasers of the Contracts for such
purposes will be provided with such supplementary information as may be required
by the Internal Revenue Service or other appropriate agency, and will have the
right to revoke the Contract under certain circumstances as described in the
section of this Prospectus entitled "Right to Return Contract."
 
   
ROTH IRAS
    
 
   
    Section 408A of the Code permits an individual to contribute to an
individual retirement program called a Roth IRA. Unlike contributions to a
regular IRA under Section 408 of the Code, contributions to a Roth IRA
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
   
are not made on tax-deferred basis, but distributions are tax-free if certain
requirements are satisfied. Like regular IRAs, Roth IRAs are subject to
limitations on the amount that may be contributed and the time when
distributions may commence. A regular IRA may be converted into a Roth IRA, and
the resulting income may be spread over four years if the conversion occurs
before January 1, 1999. If and when Contracts are made available for use with
Roth IRAs, they may be subject to special requirements imposed by the Internal
Revenue Service. Purchasers of the Contracts for this purpose will be provided
with such supplementary information as may be required by the Internal Revenue
Service or other appropriate agency.
    
 
                        ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
    The Company performs certain administrative functions relating to the
Contracts, the Participant's Accounts, and the Variable Account. These functions
include, but are not limited to, maintaining the books and records of the
Variable Account and the Sub-Accounts; maintaining records of the name, address,
taxpayer identification number, Contract number, Participant's Account number
and type, the status of each Participant's Account and other pertinent
information necessary to the administration and operation of the Contracts;
processing Applications, Purchase Payments, transfers and full and partial
surrenders; issuing Contracts and Certificates; administering annuity payments;
furnishing accounting and valuation services; reconciling and depositing cash
receipts; providing confirmations; providing toll-free customer service lines;
and furnishing telephonic transfer services.
 
                         DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
   
    The offering of the Contracts is continuous. The Contracts will be sold by
licensed insurance agents in those states where the Contracts may be lawfully
sold. Such agents will be registered representatives of broker-dealers
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are members of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and who have entered into
distribution agreements with the Company and the General Distributor, Clarendon
Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Clarendon"), One Sun Life Executive Park, Wellesley
Hills, Massachusetts 02181, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Clarendon
is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 as broker-dealer and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Clarendon also acts as the general
distributor of certain other annuity contracts issued by the Company and its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York, and
variable life insurance contracts issued by the Company. Commissions and other
distribution compensation will be paid by the Company and will not be more than
1.20% of Purchase Payments. In addition, after the first Account Year, broker
dealers who have entered into distribution agreements with the Company may
receive an annual renewal commission of no more than 1.00% of the Participant's
Account Value. In addition to commissions, the Company may, from time to time,
pay or allow additional promotional incentives, in the form of cash or other
compensation. In some instances, such other incentives may be offered only to
certain broker-dealers that sell or are expected to sell during specified time
periods certain minimum amounts of the Contracts or other contracts offered by
the Company. Commissions will not be paid with respect to Participant's Accounts
established for the personal account of employees of the Company or any of its
affiliates, or of persons engaged in the distribution of the Contracts or of
immediate family members of such employees or persons. In addition, commissions
may be waived or reduced in connection with certain transactions described under
"Waivers, Reduced Charges; Credits; Bonus Guaranteed Interest Rates." During
1997 approximately $75,000 was paid to and retained by Clarendon in connection
with the distribution of the Contracts.
    
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
                    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY
 
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
   
    The following selected financial data for the Company should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in this
Prospectus beginning on page 54.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        1997            1996            1995            1994            1993
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
                                                                     (IN 000'S)
Revenues
  Premiums, annuity deposits and
   other revenue.................  $    2,513,741  $    2,131,939  $    1,883,901  $    1,997,525  $    2,443,310
  Net investment income and
   realized gains................         301,524         312,870         315,966         312,583         311,322
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                        2,815,265       2,444,809       2,199,867       2,310,108       2,754,632
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Benefits and expenses
  Policyholder benefits                 2,469,215       2,149,145       1,995,208       2,102,290       2,515,320
  Other expenses                          206,066         175,342         150,937         186,892         232,365
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                        2,675,281       2,324,487       2,146,145       2,289,182       2,747,685
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Operating gain                            139,984         120,322          53,722          20,926           6,947
Federal income tax expense
  (benefit)                                10,742          (2,702)         17,807          19,469           3,691
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Net income                         $      129,242  $      123,024  $       35,915  $        1,457  $        3,256
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Assets                             $   15,927,045  $   13,621,952  $   12,359,683  $   10,117,822  $    9,179,090
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
Surplus notes                      $      565,000  $      315,000  $      650,000  $      335,000  $      335,000
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
                                   --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
See Item 1 for the effect of the reinsurance agreements on net income.
See Note 1 to financial statements for changes in accounting principles and
reporting.
See discussion under Recent Reorganization, below.
    
 
   
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS.
    
 
   
FINANCIAL CONDITION
    
 
   
ASSETS
    
 
   
    For management purposes, it is the Company's practice to segment its general
account to facilitate the matching of assets and liabilities; nonetheless, all
general account assets stand behind all general account liabilities. A majority
of the Company's assets are income producing investments. Particular attention
is paid to the quality of these assets.
    
 
   
    The Company's bond holdings consist of a diversified portfolio of both
public and private issues. It is the Company's policy to acquire only investment
grade securities. Private placements are rated internally with reference to the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") designation issued by
the NAIC Securities Valuation Office. The overall quality of the Company's bond
portfolio remains high. At December 31, 1997, 4.6% of the Company's holdings of
bonds were rated below investment grade (i.e. below NAIC rating "1" or "2").
    
 
   
    The Company holds real estate primarily because such investments
historically have offered better yields over the long-term than fixed income
investments. Real estate investments are used to enhance the yield and due to
their long term nature are matched with products with long-term liability
durations.
    
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
   
Properties for which market value is lower than cost adjusted for depreciation
(book value) are reported at market value. During 1997, the change in the
difference between the market value and book value for properties reported at
market value was $3,377,000.
    
 
   
    Significant attention has been given to insurance companies' exposure to
mortgage loans secured by real estate. The Company had a mortgage portfolio of
$684,035,000 at December 31, 1997, representing 19.8% of cash and invested
assets. At December 31, 1996, mortgage loans represented 26.9% of cash and
invested assets. The Company underwrites commercial mortgages with a maximum
loan to value ratio of 75%. The Company, as a rule, invests only in properties
that are almost fully leased. The portfolio is diversified by region and by
property type. The level of arrears in the portfolio is substantially below the
industry average. At December 31, 1997, the Company's portfolio did not contain
any mortgage loans which were 60 days or more in arrears, which compares
favorably to the most recent industry delinquency ratio published by the
American Council of Life Insurance of 1.35%. The expense in the year for the
provision for losses and for losses on foreclosures was $711,000.
    
 
   
    In the normal course of business, the Company makes commitments to purchase
investments at a future date. As of December 31, 1997 the Company had
outstanding mortgage commitments of $12,300,000 which will be funded during
1998.
    
 
   
    On December 24, 1997, the Company transferred all of its outstanding shares
of MFS to its parent, Life Holdco, in the form of a dividend, valued at
$159,722,000. This dividend included an intercompany tax receivable of
$91,000,000. As a result of this transaction, the Company also realized a
$21,195,000 capital gain of undistributed earnings. See "Recent Reorganization,"
below, for a discussion of the effect of this transaction on ongoing operations.
    
 
   
LIABILITIES
    
 
   
    The majority of the Company's liabilities consist of reserves for life
insurance and annuity contracts and deposit funds.
    
 
   
CAPITAL AND SURPLUS
    
 
   
    Total capital stock and surplus of the Company was $832,695,000 at December
31, 1997. The Company issued surplus notes during 1997 totaling $250,000,000 to
its parent, Life Holdco. The Company's management considers its surplus position
to be adequate.
    
 
   
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
    
 
   
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
    
 
   
    Net income from operations after dividends to policyholders and before
federal income taxes decreased by $2.9 million for the year ending December 31,
1997 as compared to December 31, 1996. Net income associated with the
reinsurance agreements with the ultimate parent increased $2.1 million in 1997.
The net income improvement in the reinsured business results primarily from
improved investment performance. Prior to reinsurance, earnings from the life
line of business remained relatively flat. The earnings of the Company's
retirement products and services line, which markets combination fixed/variable
annuities, decreased $5.0 million. During 1997, the Company focused its
marketing efforts on its fixed/variable annuity sales and discontinued sales of
its group pension contracts.
    
 
   
    Total income increased by $347.9 million for the year ended December 31,
1997 as compared to December 31, 1996. Sales of combination fixed/variable
annuities (net of annuitizations) increased by $527.4 million primarily due to
the introduction in late 1996, of a dollar cost averaging (DCA) sales program.
This program credits a bonus rate of interest on the fixed annuity deposit
during the first year. Purchase payments allocated to the DCA program are
deposited into the fixed account and systematically transferred to the variable
sub-accounts during the following year. Reinsurance had the effect of increasing
income by approximately $8.9 million. Premiums and annuity considerations
decreased by $6.6 million reflecting decreased annuitizations. Sales of group
pension guaranteed interest contracts decreased by $133 million. Net investment
income decreased by $33.5 million reflecting both the decrease in the general
account invested assets and $9.2 million decrease in dividends from
subsidiaries.
    
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
   
    Benefits and expenses increased by $346.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997 as compared to December 31, 1996. Reinsurance had the effect
of increasing benefits and expenses by $2.7 million. Death benefits, annuity
payments and surrender benefits and other fund withdrawals increased by $338.4
million primarily as a result of increased surrenders and withdrawals from
separate account contracts for which the surrender charge had expired. Policy
reserves decreased by $23 million, reflecting decreased annuitizations and lower
increases in reserves for minimum death benefit guarantees. The decrease in
liability for premium and other deposit funds of $55.3 million reflects higher
surrenders of contracts described above. Commissions increased by $22.8 million,
reflecting the increase in total sales of combination fixed/variable annuities.
General expenses increased by $9.9 million reflecting an increase in salaries
due to staff increases associated with increased sales and non-recurring costs
associated with moving the retirement products and services facility to a new
location. Transfers to separate accounts increased by $53.9 million, reflecting
increased exchange activity out of the fixed account into the separate account,
associated with the DCA activity.
    
 
   
    See "Recent Reorganization," below, for a discussion of the effect on
ongoing operations of the Company's transfer of its shares of MFS.
    
 
   
1996 COMPARED TO 1995
    
 
   
    Net income from operations after dividends to policyholders and before
federal income taxes increased by $61.1 million for the year ending December 31,
1996 as compared to December 31, 1995. Net income associated with the
reinsurance agreements with the SLOC increased by $23.9 million in 1996. The net
income improvement in the reinsured business results from improved mortality
experience, improved investment performance and fewer significant death claims
in 1996 as compared to 1995. Prior to reinsurance, earnings from the life line
of business remained relatively flat. The remaining $37.2 million increase is
attributable to the Company's retirement products and services line of business,
which markets combination fixed/variable annuities and group pension guaranteed
investment contracts. The decline in interest rates during 1995 resulted in the
split of these combination fixed/variable annuity sales to change from 45% fixed
and 55% variable in 1995 to 25% fixed and 75% variable in 1996. In addition,
total gross sales increased by $235.9 million in 1996 as compared to 1995. The
declining interest rate environment and strong market performance in 1995
resulted in unrealized gains on assets held in the separate accounts, which
generated a substantial increase in fees calculated as a percentage of the
separate account net assets, which are then transferred to the general account.
The declining interest rates also resulted in increases in reserves due to the
increase in the market value adjustment provision of certain fixed annuities.
The resultant reserve increases were in excess of the unrealized gains causing
strain on the 1995 earnings. In 1996, interest rates increased, resulting in a
reduction in the unrealized gains on assets held in the separate accounts and a
corresponding reduction in reserves and a release of some of the reserve strain
incurred in 1995. The earnings on these market value adjusted products fluctuate
as the change in the market value of the assets do not move precisely in tandem
with the change in the market value of the liabilities.
    
 
   
    Total income increased by $239.4 million for the year ended December 31,
1996 as compared to December 31, 1995. Sales of combination fixed/variable
annuities (net of annuitizations) increased by $282.7 million primarily due to
an increase in variable sales held in the separate accounts. This increase in
variable sales was driven by strong performance in the stock market. Reinsurance
had the effect of increasing income by approximately $9.4 million. Premiums and
annuity considerations increased by $8.2 million reflecting increased
annuitizations. Considerations from supplementary contracts increased by $1.2
million. Sales of group pension guaranteed investment contracts decreased by $53
million as this market remained highly competitive and sensitive to small
changes in guaranteed interest rates. Net investment income decreased by $9.1
million, reflecting a decrease in the general account invested assets.
    
 
   
    Benefits and expenses increased by $178.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1996 as compared to December 31, 1995. Reinsurance had the effect
of decreasing benefits and expenses by $14.5 million. Deaths, annuity payments
and surrender benefits and other fund withdrawals increased by $438.9 million as
a result of increased surrenders of fixed annuities for which interest rate
guarantee periods have expired as well as withdrawals from the separate
accounts. Policy reserves increased by $9.4 million,
    
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
   
reflecting increased annuitizations and increased reserves for minimum death
benefit guarantees. The decrease in liability for premium and other deposit
funds of $405.9 reflects lower interest rates and higher surrenders of contracts
described above. Commissions increased by $21.8 million, reflecting the increase
in total sales of combination fixed/variable annuities. General expenses
increased by $2.6 million reflecting an increase in salaries due to staff
increases and retainer fees. Transfers to separate accounts increased by $126.8
million, reflecting increased exchange activity out of the general account into
the separate accounts.
    
 
   
LIQUIDITY
    
 
   
    The Company's cash inflow consists primarily of premiums on insurance and
annuity products, income from investments, repayments of investment principal
and sales of investments. The Company's cash outflow is primarily to meet death
and other maturing insurance and annuity contract obligations, to pay out on
contract terminations, to fund investment commitments and to pay normal
operating expenses and taxes. Cash outflows are met from the normal net cash
inflows.
    
 
   
    The Company segments its business internally in order to better manage
projected cash inflows and outflows within each segment. Targets for money
market holdings are established for each segment, which in the aggregate meet
the day to day cash needs of the Company. If greater liquidity is required,
government issued bonds, which are highly liquid, are sold to provide the
necessary funds. Government and publicly traded corporate bonds comprise 58% of
the Company's long-term bond holdings.
    
 
   
    Management believes that the Company's sources of liquidity are more than
adequate to meet its anticipated needs.
    
 
   
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
    
 
   
    The Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations could
be materially and adversely affected by the failure of its systems and
applications (or those either provided or operated by third-parties) to properly
operate or manage dates beyond the year 1999. However, the Company has
investigated the nature and extent of the work necessary to render its computer
systems capable of processing beyond the turn of the century ("Year 2000
compliant"), and has made substantial progress toward achieving this goal,
including upgrading and/or replacing existing systems. The Company expects that
its principal systems will be Year 2000 compliant by the end of 1998, leaving
1999 for extensive testing. While it is believed that these efforts do involve
substantial costs, the Company closely monitors associated costs and continues
to evaluate associated risks based on actual testing. Based on available
information, the Company believes that it will be able to manage its total Year
2000 transition without a material adverse effect on its business operations,
financial condition, or results of operations.
    
 
   
RECENT REORGANIZATION
    
 
   
    Effective December 24, 1997, the Company and its ultimate parent, Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada ("SLOC"), reorganized the corporate structure of a
part of their United States business operations, by completing, with the
approval of the Delaware Insurance Department, the establishment of a two-tier
holding company structure. In connection with this reorganization, Massachusetts
Financial Services Company ("MFS"), the registered investment adviser that
serves as adviser to the MFS Family of Funds, including the MFS/Sun Life Series
Trust and the Compass Variable Accounts, is no longer a subsidiary of the
Company, but remains under the control of Sun Life of Canada through two other
wholly-owned holding company subsidiaries. On December 24, 1997, the Company's
stock in MFS was transferred via a dividend to the Company's immediate parent,
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc. There is no change in directors,
officers, or day-to-day management of any of the companies within this holding
company system and, in the case of MFS, its executive officers continue to
report to the Chairman of Sun Life of Canada.
    
 
   
    MFS, which was acquired by the Company in 1982, has approximately
$70,200,000,000 under management as of December 31, 1997. For the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company's Statutory Statements of
Operations reflected earnings attributable to the operations of MFS of
$80,114,000 (which includes dividends from MFS of $33,110,000, an income tax
benefit of $25,809,000, and a realized gain of $21,195,000), $79,263,000, and
$58,599,000, respectively. The reorganization is not expected to have any
significant effect on the ongoing operations of MFS or the Company. However,
future net income of the Company will not include the results of operations of
MFS.
    
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
   
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION ABOUT MARKET RISK
    
 
   
    The following discussion about the Company's risk management activities
includes "forward-looking statements" that involve risk and uncertainties.
    
 
   
    Assets within the general account are segmented by product or groups of
products. This allows the Company to better manage assets relative to
liabilities. Asset management for each segment is conducted within the context
of an investment policy, reviewed each quarter with business unit managers to
ensure that investment policy remains appropriate, taking into account a
segment's liability characteristics. The review of investment policy includes
cash flow estimates, liquidity requirements and targets for asset mix, duration
and quality.
    
 
   
    Market risks associated with investment portfolios supporting products that
are funded by separate accounts where results are not guaranteed and where the
policyholder assumes the risks are not included in this discussion.
    
 
   
    All of the Company's assets are held for other than trading purposes and
generally fixed interest rate liabilities are supported by well diversified
portfolios of fixed interest investments including publicly issued and privately
placed bonds and commercial mortgage loans. Public bonds can include Treasuries,
corporates, money market instruments, Mortgage Backed Securities and Asset
Backed Securities. Credit risk is managed by the Company's underwriting
standards which have resulted in high average quality portfolios. For example,
the Company does not purchase below investment grade securities. Also, as a
result of investment policy, there is no foreign currency, commodity or equity
price risk exposure in the portfolios. However, changes in the level of domestic
interest rates will impact the market value of fixed interest assets and
liabilities. The management of interest rate risk exposure and immunization
strategies are discussed below.
    
 
   
    Immunization strategies which minimize the loss from wide fluctuations in
interest rates are pursued in segments where the bulk of the liabilities arise
from the sale of products containing interest rate guarantees for certain terms.
These strategies are supported by investment and asset liability analytical
software acquired from outside vendors. The significant features of the
immunization framework include: an economic or market value basis for both
assets and liabilities; an option pricing methodology; the use of effective
duration and convexity to measure price sensitivity; the use of key rate
durations (KRDs) to capture interest rate exposure to different parts of the
yield curve and manage non-parallel curve movements; and active portfolio
management, including the use of derivatives (e.g., interest rate swaps) for
portfolio restructuring.
    
 
   
    An Interest Rate Risk Committee meets monthly and after reviewing the
duration reports for various portfolios, market conditions and forecasts, the
committee develops asset management strategies for interest sensitive
portfolios. These strategies may involve managing assets to small intentional
mismatches, either at the total effective duration level or at certain KRDs but,
in any event, the overall duration gap between interest sensitive assets and
liabilities is managed within a tolerance range of +/- 0.25 effective duration.
    
 
   
    The estimates presented here are from computer model simulations which,
because they are predictions about the future, contain a certain degree of
uncertainty. For example, there are algorithms for assumptions about
policyholder behavior and asset cash flows and consequently estimates of
duration and market values which may or may not represent what actually will
occur. Also there is no provision in the estimates to incorporate any management
decisions which might be taken to mitigate against adverse results. The Company
is sufficiently comfortable with its interest rate risk management process to
feel the exposure to interest rate changes will not materially affect the
near-term financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the
Company.
    
 
   
    The Company's fixed interest investments had an aggregate fair value at
December 31, 1997 of $3,276,174,000. Certain of the Company's general account
liabilities of $3,682,582,000 are categorized as financial instruments. The
portion of the liabilities so categorized had a carrying value of $1,958,229,000
and a fair value of $1,985,106,000 at December 31, 1997. Using its modeling and
analytical software the Company performed sensitivity analysis of its financial
instruments at December 31, 1997. Assuming an
    
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
   
immediate increase of 100 basis points in interest rates the net hypothetical
decrease in the fair value of the Company's assets is estimated to be
$108,000,000. A corresponding decrease in the fair value of the liabilities
categorized as financial instruments is estimated to be $56,000,000 at December
31, 1997.
    
 
   
SUN LIFE OF CANADA
    
 
   
    On January 27, 1998, the Company's ultimate parent, SLOC, announced that its
Board of Directors had requested management to develop a plan to convert from a
mutual life insurance company into a publicly traded stock company through
demutualization. Management has put in place a full time task force which,
together with a worldwide team of actuarial, financial, and legal advisers, has
begun work on a plan. The Board of Directors will decide later in 1998 whether
to proceed with demutualization, following the completion of such plan.
Demutualization would require regulatory approval and approval by policyholders
of SLOC. Based on information known to date, the potential demutualization of
SLOC is not expected to have any significant impact on the Company.
    
 
   
REINSURANCE
    
 
   
    The Company has agreements with SLOC which provide that SLOC will reinsure
the mortality risks of the individual life insurance contracts previously sold
by the Company. Under these agreements basic death benefits and supplementary
benefits are reinsured on a yearly renewable term basis and coinsurance basis,
respectively. Reinsurance transactions under these agreements in 1997 had the
effect of decreasing net income from operations by $1,381,000.
    
 
   
    Effective January 1, 1991 the Company entered into an agreement with SLOC
under which certain individual life insurance contracts issued by SLOC were
reinsured by the Company on a 90% coinsurance basis. Also effective January 1,
1991 the Company entered into an agreement with SLOC which provides that SLOC
will reinsure the mortality risks in excess of $500,000 per policy for the
individual life insurance contracts assumed by the Company in the reinsurance
agreement described above. Death benefits are reinsured on a yearly renewable
term basis. These agreements had the effect of increasing income from operations
by approximately $37,050,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997.
    
 
   
    The life reinsurance assumed agreement requires the reinsurer to withhold
funds in an amount equal to the reserves assumed.
    
 
   
    The Company has also executed reinsurance agreements with unaffiliated
companies. These agreements provide reinsurance of certain individual life
insurance contracts on a modified coinsurance basis under which all deficiency
reserves are ceded; as well as reinsurance for variable universal life on a
yearly renewable term basis for which the Company has a maximum retention of
$2,000,000.
    
 
   
RESERVES
    
 
   
    In accordance with the life insurance laws and regulations under which the
Company operates, it is obligated to carry on its books, as liabilities,
actuarially determined reserves to meet its obligations on its outstanding
contracts. Reserves are based on mortality tables in general use in the United
States and are computed to equal amounts that, with additions from premiums to
be received, and with interest on such reserves compounded annually at certain
assumed rates, will be sufficient to meet the Company's policy obligations at
their maturities or in the event of an insured's death. In the accompanying
Financial Statements, these reserves are determined in accordance with statutory
regulations.
    
 
   
INVESTMENTS
    
 
   
    Of the Company's total assets of $15.9 billion at December 31, 1997, 71.7%
consisted of unitized and non-unitized separate account assets, 12.0% were
invested in bonds and similar securities, 4.3% in mortgages, 0.7% in
subsidiaries, 0.6% in real estate, and the remaining 10.7% in cash and other
assets.
    
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
   
COMPETITION
    
 
   
    The Company is engaged in a business that is highly competitive because of
the large number of stock and mutual life insurance companies and other entities
marketing insurance products. According to the most recent Best's Review,
Life-Health Edition, as of December 31, 1996 the Company ranked 38th among all
life insurance companies in the United States based upon total assets. Its
ultimate parent company, SLOC, ranked 19th. Best's Insurance Reports,
Life-Health Edition, 1997, assigned the Company and SLOC its highest
classification, A++, as of December 31, 1996. This rating was affirmed by A.M.
Best on November 24, 1997. Standard & Poor's and Duff & Phelps have assigned the
Company and SLOC their highest ratings for claims paying ability, AAA. Moody's
Investor Service, Inc. has assigned the Company an unsolicited rating of Aa1 for
financial strength.
    
 
   
EMPLOYEES
    
 
   
    The Company and SLOC have entered into a Service Agreement which provides
that the latter will furnish the Company, as required, with personnel as well as
certain services and facilities on a cost reimbursement basis. As of December
31, 1997 the Company had 317 direct employees who are employed at its Principal
Executive Office in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts and its Retirement Products &
Services Division in Boston, Massachusetts.
    
 
   
PROPERTIES
    
 
   
    The Company occupies office space owned by it and leased to SLOC, and
certain unrelated parties for lease terms not exceeding five years.
    
 
                 THE COMPANY'S DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The directors and principal officers of the Company are listed below,
together with information as to their ages, dates of election and principal
business occupations during the last five years (if other than their present
business occupations). Except as otherwise indicated, the directors and officers
of the Company who are associated with Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
and/or its subsidiaries have been associated with Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada for more than five years either in the position shown or in other
positions.
 
JOHN D. MCNEIL, 64, Chairman and Director (1982*)
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1J9
 
    He is Chairman and a Director of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and
Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; a Director of Massachusetts
Financial Services Company; Chairman and a Trustee of MFS/Sun Life Series Trust;
Chairman and a Member of the Boards of Managers of Money Market Variable
Account, High Yield Variable Account, Capital Appreciation Variable Account,
Government Securities Variable Account, World Governments Variable Account,
Total Return Variable Account and Managed Sectors Variable Account; and a
Director of Shell (Canada) Limited and Canadian Pacific, Ltd.
 
DONALD A. STEWART, 51, President and Director (1996*)
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1J9
 
    He is President and a Director of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada and
Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; and a Director of
Massachusetts Financial Services Company, Massachusetts Casualty Insurance
Company and Sun Life Financial Services Limited.
 
   
DAVID D. HORN, 56, Director (1985*)
56 Pinckney Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
    
 
   
    He was formerly Senior Vice President and General Manager for the United
States of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, retiring in December, 1997. He
is a Director of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; a Trustee
of MFS/Sun Life Series Trust; and a Member of the Boards of Managers of Money
Market
 
- ---------
    
* Year Elected Director
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
Variable Account, High Yield Variable Account, Capital Appreciation Variable
Account, Government Securities Variable Account, World Governments Variable
Account, Total Return Variable Account and Managed Sectors Variable Account.
 
   
ANGUS A. MACNAUGHTON, 66, Director (1985*)
Metro Tower, Suite 1170
950 Tower Lane
Foster City, California 94404
    
 
   
    He is President of Genstar Investment Corporation and a Director of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York,
Canadian Pacific, Ltd., Varian Associates, Inc., Diversified Collection
Services, Inc., the San Francisco Opera, and Barrick Gold Corporation.
    
 
   
JOHN S. LANE, 63, Director (1991*)
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5H 1J9
    
 
   
    He is Senior Vice President, Investments of Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada; and a Director of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York.
    
 
RICHARD B. BAILEY, 71, Director (1983*)
500 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
 
    He is a Director of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York and a
Director/Trustee of certain Funds in the MFS Family of Funds.
 
   
M. COLYER CRUM, 65, Director (1986*)
104 Westcliff Street
Weston, Massachusetts 02193
    
 
   
    He is Professor Emeritus of the Harvard Business School; and a Director of
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of
New York, Cambridge Bancorp, Cambridge Trust, Merrill Lynch Ready Assets Trust,
Merrill Lynch Basic Value Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch Special Value Fund, Inc.,
Merrill Lynch Capital Fund, Inc., Merrill Lynch U.S.A. Government Reserves,
Merrill Lynch Global Resources Trust, Merrill Lynch U.S. Treasury Money Fund,
MuniVest California Insured Fund, Inc., MuniVest Florida Fund, Inc., MuniVest
Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniVest New Jersey Fund, Inc., MuniYield Florida
Insured Fund, MuniYield Michigan Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield New Jersey
Insured Fund, Inc., MuniYield Pennsylvania Fund, and Phaeton International/N.V.
Prior to July, 1996, he was a Professor at the Harvard Business School.
    
 
S. CAESAR RABOY, 61, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Manager and
Director (1996*)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
   
    He is Senior Vice President and Deputy General Manager for the United States
of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada; Senior Vice President and a Director of
Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; Vice President and a
Director of Sun Life Financial Services Limited; and a Director of Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc. and Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc.
    
 
   
JAMES M.A. ANDERSON, 48, Vice President, Investments (1998)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
   
    He is Vice President, Investments, of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
and Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; President and a Director
of Sun Capital Advisers, Inc.; Vice President and a Director of Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services
Holdings, Inc., and Sun Canada Financial Co.; Vice President, Investments, and a
Director of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc; and a Director of
Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company, New London Trust, F.S.B., and Sun
Benefit Services Company, Inc.
    
 
   
ROBERT A. BONNER, 53, Vice President, Individual Insurance (1986)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
    He is Vice President, Individual Insurance for the United States of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada.
 
- ----------
* Year Elected Director
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
   
C. JAMES PRIEUR, 47, Senior Vice President, General Manager and Director (1998*)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
   
    He is Senior Vice President and General Manager for the United States of Sun
Life Assurance Company of Canada; Senior Vice President and a Director of Sun
Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; Chairman and a Director of Sun
Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc. and Sun Capital Advisers, Inc.;
President and a Director of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc., Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada -- U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., Sun Canada Financial Co., Sun
Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc., and Sun Benefit Services Company; and a
Director of Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc. and Massachusetts Casualty
Insurance Company.
    
 
L. BROCK THOMSON, 56, Vice President and Treasurer (1974)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
   
    He is Vice President, Portfolio Management for the United States of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada; Vice President and Treasurer of Sun Life of Canada
(U.S.) Distributors, Inc., Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc., Sun Life
Insurance and Annuity Company of New York, and Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc.;
and Assistant Treasurer of Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company.
    
 
ROBERT P. VROLYK, 44, Vice President and Actuary (1986)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
   
    He is Vice President, Finance of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada; Vice
President, Controller and Actuary of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of
New York; Vice President and a Director of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings,
Inc., Sun Canada Financial Co., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc.,
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., and Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada -- U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc.; Vice President,
Treasurer and a Director of Sun Capital Advisers, Inc.; Treasurer and a Director
of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc.; and a Director of Clarendon
Insurance Agency, Inc. and Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc.
    
 
MARGARET SEARS MEAD, 47, Assistant Vice President and Secretary (1996)
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
 
   
    She is Assistant Vice President and Counsel for the United States of Sun
Life Assurance Company of Canada; Assistant Vice President and Secretary of Sun
Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York; Secretary of Sun Life of Canada
(U.S.) Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc., Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Financial Services Holdings, Inc., Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada -- U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc., Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1,
Inc., Sun Canada Financial Co., Sun Capital Advisers, Inc., and Sun Benefit
Services Company, Inc.; and Assistant Secretary of Clarendon Insurance Agency,
Inc.
    
 
    The directors, officers and employees of the Company are covered under a
commercial blanket bond and a liability policy. The directors, officers and
employees of Massachusetts Financial Services Company and Clarendon Insurance
Agency, Inc. are covered under a fidelity bond and errors and omissions policy.
 
- ---------
* Year Elected Director
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    All of the executive officers of the Company also serve as officers of Sun
Life Assurance Company of Canada and receive no compensation directly from the
Company. Allocations have been made as to such officers' time devoted to duties
as executive officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. The allocated cash
compensation of all executive officers of the Company as a group for services
rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries during 1997
totalled $824,000.
 
   
    Directors of the Company who are also officers of Sun Life Assurance Company
of Canada or its affiliates receive no compensation in addition to their
compensation as officers of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada or its
affiliates. Messrs. Bailey, Crum and MacNaughton receive compensation in the
amount of $8,000 per year, plus $1,000 for each meeting attended, plus expenses.
    
 
    No shares of the Company are owned by any executive officer or director. The
Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings,
Inc., One Sun Life Executive Park, Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181, which
is in turn a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada-U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada.
 
                                STATE REGULATION
 
    The Company is subject to the laws of the State of Delaware governing life
insurance companies and to regulation by the Commissioner of Insurance of
Delaware. An annual statement is filed with the Commissioner of Insurance on or
before March 1st in each year relating to the operations of the Company for the
preceding year and its financial condition on December 31st of such year. Its
books and records are subject to review or examination by the Commissioner or
his agents at any time and a full examination of its operations is conducted at
periodic intervals.
 
    The Company is also subject to the insurance laws and regulations of the
other states and jurisdictions in which it is licensed to operate. The laws of
the various jurisdictions establish supervisory agencies with broad
administrative powers with respect to licensing to transact business, overseeing
trade practices, licensing agents, approving policy forms, establishing reserve
requirements, fixing maximum interest rates on life insurance policy loans and
minimum rates for accumulation of surrender values, prescribing the form and
content of required financial statements and regulating the type and amounts of
investments permitted. Each insurance company is required to file detailed
annual reports with supervisory agencies in each of the jurisdictions in which
it does business and its operations and accounts are subject to examination by
such agencies at regular intervals.
 
    In addition, many states regulate affiliated groups of insurers, such as the
Company, its parent and its affiliates, under insurance holding company
legislation. Under such laws, inter-company transfers of assets and dividend
payments from insurance subsidiaries may be subject to prior notice or approval,
depending on the size of such transfers and payments in relation to the
financial positions of the companies involved.
 
    Under insurance guaranty fund laws in most states, insurers doing business
therein can be assessed (up to prescribed limits) for policyholder losses
incurred by insolvent companies. The amount of any future assessments of the
Company under these laws cannot be reasonably estimated. However, most of these
laws do provide that an assessment may be excused or deferred if it would
threaten an insurer's own financial strength and many permit the deduction of
all or a portion of any such assessment from any future premium or similar taxes
payable.
 
    Although the federal government generally does not directly regulate the
business of insurance, federal initiatives often have an impact on the business
in a variety of ways. Current and proposed federal measures which may
significantly affect the insurance business include employee benefit regulation,
removal of barriers preventing banks from engaging in the insurance business,
tax law changes affecting the taxation of insurance companies, the tax treatment
of insurance products and its impact on the relative desirability of various
personal investment vehicles.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
   
    There are no pending legal proceedings affecting the Variable Account. The
Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in various kinds of routine litigation
which, in management's judgment, is not of material importance to their
respective total assets or material with respect to the Variable Account.
    
 
                                  ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
    The financial statements of the Variable Account for the year ended December
31, 1997 and the statutory financial statements of the Company for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 included in this Prospectus have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
reports appearing herein, and are included in reliance upon the reports of such
firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENTS
 
   
    Registration statements have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, Washington, D.C., under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, with
respect to the Contracts offered by this Prospectus. This Prospectus does not
contain all the information set forth in the registration statements and the
exhibits filed as part of the registration statements, to all of which reference
is hereby made for further information concerning the Variable Account, the
Fixed Account, the Company, the Series Fund, and the Contracts. Statements found
in this Prospectus as to the terms of the Contracts and other legal instruments
are summaries, and reference is made to such instruments as filed.
    
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    The financial statements of the Company which are included in this
Prospectus should be considered only as bearing on the ability of the Company to
meet its obligations with respect to amounts allocated to the Fixed Account and
with respect to the death benefit and the Company's assumption of the mortality
and expense risks. They should not be considered as bearing on the investment
performance of the Series Fund shares held in the Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account. The Variable Account value of the interests of Owners, Participants,
Annuitants, Payees and Beneficiaries under the Contracts is affected primarily
by the investment results of the Series Fund. The financial statements of the
Variable Account reflect units outstanding and expenses incurred under the
Contracts and other contracts participating in the Variable Account which impose
certain contract charges that are different from those imposed under the
Contracts.
 
                              -------------------
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENT OF CONDITION -- December 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Assets:
   Investments in MFS/Sun Life Series Trust:                                              Shares          Cost           Value
                                                                                        -----------  --------------  --------------
 <S>                                                                                    <C>          <C>             <C>
     Capital Appreciation Series ("CAS")..............................................   28,327,640  $  971,058,013  $1,137,027,008
     Conservative Growth Series ("CGS")...............................................   32,185,770     781,636,519   1,067,020,252
     Emerging Growth Series ("EGS")...................................................   24,512,514     371,308,167     441,300,870
     MFS/Foreign & Colonial Emerging Markets Equity Series ("FCE")....................    2,158,089      25,489,668      23,816,248
     International Growth Series ("FCI")..............................................    2,416,539      23,732,818      23,314,806
     International Growth and Income Series ("FCG")...................................    4,416,730      46,918,882      49,344,675
     Government Securities Series ("GSS").............................................   25,395,141     319,875,125     331,168,206
     High Yield Series ("HYS")........................................................   24,483,510     225,092,980     237,752,900
     Managed Sectors Series ("MSS")...................................................   10,730,225     272,360,416     312,886,223
     Money Market Series ("MMS")......................................................  294,418,620     294,418,620     294,418,620
     Research Series ("RES")..........................................................   33,411,001     537,910,799     649,201,574
     Research Growth & Income Series ("RGS")..........................................      535,127       5,634,111       5,897,527
     Total Return Series ("TRS")......................................................   74,122,506   1,282,241,828   1,580,088,581
     Utilities Series ("UTS").........................................................    7,154,185      89,007,969     117,388,621
     Value Series ("VAL").............................................................    6,249,006      75,222,506      87,073,588
     World Asset Allocation Series ("WAA")............................................    8,282,062     110,929,238     120,415,491
     World Governments Series ("WGS").................................................    9,215,733     104,555,220      98,853,956
     World Growth Series ("WGR")......................................................   16,149,857     205,219,774     237,130,808
     World Total Return Series ("WTR")................................................    4,740,158      61,458,713      69,682,180
                                                                                                     --------------  --------------
                                                                                                     $5,804,071,366  $6,883,782,134
 Liability:
   Payable to Sponsor..............................................................................................         379,086
                                                                                                                     --------------
         Net Assets................................................................................................  $6,883,403,048
                                                                                                                     --------------
                                                                                                                     --------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Applicable to Owners of
                                               Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts   Reserve for
                                              -------------------------------------   Variable
 NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO CONTRACT OWNERS:      Units     Unit Value      Value       Annuities       Total
                                              ----------  ----------   ------------  -----------   ------------
 <S>                                          <C>         <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
   MFS Regatta Contracts:
     CAS -- Level 1.........................   2,993,020   $29.9999    $ 89,794,911  $   261,144   $ 90,056,055
     CAS -- Level 2.........................   5,390,680    12.0916      65,070,131      150,610     65,220,741
     GSS -- Level 1.........................   1,462,222    16.6923      24,418,411       18,136     24,436,547
     GSS -- Level 2.........................   1,514,633    10.7020      16,194,876       64,936     16,259,812
     HYS -- Level 1.........................     537,033    22.0555      11,850,184       16,775     11,866,959
     HYS -- Level 2.........................     975,126    11.1721      10,896,986       12,433     10,909,419
     MSS -- Level 1.........................     941,686    27.2960      25,592,815      159,135     25,751,950
     MSS -- Level 2.........................   2,022,757    12.2808      24,919,825      --          24,919,825
     MMS -- Level 1.........................   1,518,722    13.1780      20,192,268       28,250     20,220,518
     MMS -- Level 2.........................   1,845,809    10.4025      18,979,267        2,900     18,982,167
     TRS -- Level 1.........................   5,756,653    24.1056     138,772,465      468,018    139,240,483
     TRS -- Level 2.........................   7,838,741    12.0683      94,536,757      813,685     95,350,442
     WGS -- Level 1.........................     700,338    16.4146      11,504,956       60,591     11,565,547
     WGS -- Level 2.........................     483,253     9.8243       4,735,735      --           4,735,735
                                                                       ------------  -----------   ------------
                                                                       $557,459,587  $ 2,056,613   $559,516,200
                                                                       ------------  -----------   ------------
                                                  (continued)
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENT OF CONDITION -- continued
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Applicable to Owners of           Reserve
                                                Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts       for
 NET ASSETS APPLICABLE TO CONTRACT OWNERS     ---------------------------------------   Variable
  (CONTINUED):                                  Units     Unit Value       Value       Annuities       Total
                                              ----------  ----------   --------------  ----------  --------------
 <S>                                          <C>         <C>          <C>             <C>         <C>
   MFS Regatta Gold Contracts:
     CAS....................................  35,528,897   $27.4057    $  973,517,756  $5,128,123  $  978,645,879
     CGS....................................  40,709,531    25.9656     1,056,959,876   2,935,772   1,059,895,648
     EGS....................................  25,039,986    17.4544       437,038,206     572,103     437,610,309
     FCE....................................   2,159,228    10.8010        23,320,823      31,734      23,352,557
     FCI....................................   2,390,056     9.4566        22,601,714      51,282      22,652,996
     FCG....................................   4,441,911    10.9674        48,715,282      90,715      48,805,997
     GSS....................................  20,508,844    14.0763       288,725,451     670,845     289,396,296
     HYS....................................  11,699,195    18.1622       212,466,548     680,947     213,147,495
     MSS....................................  11,326,719    22.9770       259,980,813     763,493     260,744,306
     MMS....................................  21,463,139    11.8058       253,465,466     756,260     254,221,726
     RES....................................  35,654,917    19.4490       640,927,304   1,856,694     642,783,998
     RGS....................................     533,928    10.9235         5,832,209      --           5,832,209
     TRS....................................  66,303,467    20.0793     1,331,170,967   2,674,657   1,333,845,624
     UTS....................................   6,101,638    19.0140       116,000,626     325,222     116,325,848
     VAL....................................   6,175,224    13.7450        84,879,388     143,701      85,023,089
     WAA....................................   7,928,833    15.0565       119,370,688     511,208     119,881,896
     WGS....................................   6,127,641    13.3854        82,033,695     365,168      82,398,863
     WGR....................................  15,058,757    15.6398       235,505,032     667,184     236,172,216
     WTR....................................   4,676,853    14.7153        68,817,872     362,558      69,180,430
                                                                       --------------  ----------  --------------
                                                                       $6,261,329,716  $18,587,666 $6,279,917,382
                                                                       --------------  ----------  --------------
   MFS Regatta Classic Contracts:
     CAS....................................     265,497   $11.9926    $    3,187,739  $   --      $    3,187,739
     CGS....................................     554,216    12.8247         7,115,038      --           7,115,038
     EGS....................................     318,028    11.5023         3,662,876      --           3,662,876
     FCE....................................      40,698    11.3377           462,223      --             462,223
     FCI....................................      67,892     9.7271           661,393      --             661,393
     FCG....................................      51,038    10.5716           540,221      --             540,221
     GSS....................................     113,243    10.6850         1,211,587      --           1,211,587
     HYS....................................     155,306    11.2665         1,751,539      --           1,751,539
     MSS....................................     118,243    11.9091         1,409,445      --           1,409,445
     MMS....................................      77,105    10.3869           803,078      --             803,078
     RES....................................     553,996    11.7136         6,497,188      --           6,497,188
     RGS....................................       6,085    10.7281            65,318      --              65,318
     TRS....................................     951,205    11.9123        11,347,435      --          11,347,435
     UTS....................................      77,009    12.7649           980,227      --             980,227
     VAL....................................     160,778    12.7132         2,046,243      --           2,046,243
     WAA....................................      50,531    10.9812           555,886      --             555,886
     WGS....................................      19,394    10.0247           194,687      --             194,687
     WGR....................................      85,526    11.3725           973,485      --             973,485
     WTR....................................      45,122    11.1546           503,858      --             503,858
                                                                       --------------  ----------  --------------
                                                                       $   43,969,466  $   --      $   43,969,466
                                                                       --------------  ----------  --------------
         Net Assets.................................................   $6,862,758,769  $20,644,279 $6,883,403,048
                                                                       --------------  ----------  --------------
                                                                       --------------  ----------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS -- Year Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     CAS             CGS            EGS            FCE            FCI
                                                 Sub-Account     Sub-Account    Sub-Account    Sub-Account    Sub-Account
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
 <S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>
 INCOME AND EXPENSES:
   Dividend income and capital gain
    distributions received....................  $  88,676,113   $  35,535,241   $  1,301,804   $     7,806    $   24,244
   Mortality and expense risk charges.........     12,773,766       9,692,978      4,247,913       212,763       194,393
   Distribution expense charges...............        187,950        --              --            --             --
   Administrative expense charges.............      1,344,902       1,163,157        509,750        25,532        23,327
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
       Net investment income (expense)........  $  74,369,495   $  24,679,106   $ (3,455,859)  $  (230,489)   $ (193,476)
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):
   Realized gains (losses) on investment
    transactions:
     Proceeds from sales......................  $ 362,027,612   $  21,055,175   $ 38,221,566   $ 8,602,108    $4,272,586
     Cost of investments sold.................    275,358,831      11,642,272     29,914,344     7,627,967     4,428,832
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
       Net realized gains (losses)............  $  86,668,781   $   9,412,903   $  8,307,222   $   974,141    $ (156,246)
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
   Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    on investments:
     End of year..............................  $ 165,968,995   $ 285,383,733   $ 69,992,703   $(1,673,420)   $ (418,012)
     Beginning of year........................    133,626,673     122,871,165     16,355,150        47,389       (64,127)
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
       Change in unrealized appreciation
        (depreciation)........................  $  32,342,322   $ 162,512,568   $ 53,637,553   $(1,720,809)   $ (353,885)
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
     Realized and unrealized gains............  $ 119,011,103   $ 171,925,471   $ 61,944,775   $  (746,668)   $ (510,131)
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
   INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM
    OPERATIONS................................  $ 193,380,598   $ 196,604,577   $ 58,488,916   $  (977,157)   $ (703,607)
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
                                                -------------   -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                    FCG            GSS             HYS
                                                Sub-Account    Sub-Account     Sub-Account
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>
 INCOME AND EXPENSES:
   Dividend income and capital gain
    distributions received....................  $    506,953   $ 20,574,577   $  12,574,875
   Mortality and expense risk charges.........       530,474      3,854,558       2,392,767
   Distribution expense charges...............       --              54,703          26,937
   Administrative expense charges.............        63,657        407,844         260,195
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
       Net investment income (expense)........  $    (87,178)  $ 16,257,472   $   9,894,976
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):
   Realized gains (losses) on investment
    transactions:
     Proceeds from sales......................  $ 10,589,095   $ 83,661,016   $ 118,787,839
     Cost of investments sold.................    10,013,247     83,981,234     112,595,872
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
       Net realized gains (losses)............  $    575,848   $   (320,218)  $   6,191,967
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
   Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    on investments:
     End of year..............................  $  2,425,793   $ 11,293,081   $  12,659,920
     Beginning of year........................       801,687      5,399,156       7,187,592
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
       Change in unrealized appreciation
        (depreciation)........................  $  1,624,106   $  5,893,925   $   5,472,328
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
     Realized and unrealized gains............  $  2,199,954   $  5,573,707   $  11,664,295
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
   INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM
    OPERATIONS................................  $  2,112,776   $ 21,831,179   $  21,559,271
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
                                                ------------   ------------   -------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS -- continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    MSS             MMS             RES            RGS             TRS
                                                Sub-Account     Sub-Account     Sub-Account    Sub-Account     Sub-Account
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
 <S>                                            <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>            <C>
 INCOME AND EXPENSES:
   Dividend income and capital gain
    distributions received....................  $ 29,226,909   $  16,987,640   $  12,704,276    $  --         $ 136,291,376
   Mortality and expense risk charges.........     3,465,231       4,240,349       6,128,811       21,762        17,430,043
   Distribution expense charges...............        55,830          50,924        --             --               295,032
   Administrative expense charges.............       359,998         457,918         735,457           20         1,796,573
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
       Net investment income (expense)........  $ 25,345,850   $  12,238,449   $   5,840,008    $ (21,782 )   $ 116,769,728
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS:
   Realized gains on investment transactions:
     Proceeds from sales......................  $ 87,092,003   $ 838,532,223   $  12,619,108    $ 323,191     $ 244,278,623
     Cost of investments sold.................    67,538,913     838,532,223       7,561,117      314,450       177,638,566
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
       Net realized gains.....................  $ 19,553,090   $    --         $   5,057,991    $   8,741     $  66,640,057
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
   Net unrealized appreciation on investments:
     End of year..............................  $ 40,525,807   $    --         $ 111,290,775    $ 263,416     $ 297,846,753
     Beginning of year........................    28,912,535        --            42,800,056       --           223,195,771
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
       Change in unrealized appreciation......  $ 11,613,272   $    --         $  68,490,719    $ 263,416     $  74,650,982
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
     Realized and unrealized gains............  $ 31,166,362   $    --         $  73,548,710    $ 272,157     $ 141,291,039
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
   INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS.....  $ 56,512,212   $  12,238,449   $  79,388,718    $ 250,375     $ 258,060,767
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
                                                ------------   -------------   -------------   -----------    -------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                    UTS            VAL            WAA
                                                Sub-Account    Sub-Account    Sub-Account
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
 <S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>
 INCOME AND EXPENSES:
   Dividend income and capital gain
    distributions received....................  $  8,922,718   $    287,830   $  4,694,705
   Mortality and expense risk charges.........     1,065,516        592,023      1,285,189
   Distribution expense charges...............       --             --             --
   Administrative expense charges.............       127,862         71,043        154,223
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
       Net investment income (expense)........  $  7,729,340   $   (375,236)  $  3,255,293
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS:
   Realized gains on investment transactions:
     Proceeds from sales......................  $  6,071,320   $  1,955,133   $ 11,129,872
     Cost of investments sold.................     3,987,579      1,617,454      8,517,555
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
       Net realized gains.....................  $  2,083,741   $    337,679   $  2,612,317
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
   Net unrealized appreciation on investments:
     End of year..............................  $ 28,380,652   $ 11,851,082   $  9,486,253
     Beginning of year........................    13,599,433        744,641      7,002,678
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
       Change in unrealized appreciation......  $ 14,781,219   $ 11,106,441   $  2,483,575
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
     Realized and unrealized gains............  $ 16,864,960   $ 11,444,120   $  5,095,892
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
   INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS.....  $ 24,594,300   $ 11,068,884   $  8,351,185
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------   ------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS -- continued
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    WGS            WGR            WTR
                                                Sub-Account    Sub-Account    Sub-Account        Total
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
 <S>                                            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
 INCOME AND EXPENSES:
   Dividend income and capital gain
    distributions received....................  $  4,501,932   $  4,834,251   $1,265,181    $   378,918,431
   Mortality and expense risk charges.........     1,360,007      2,776,755      666,680         72,931,978
   Distribution expense charges...............        26,253        --            --                697,629
   Administrative expense charges.............       136,948        333,211       80,002          8,051,619
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
       Net investment income..................  $  2,978,724   $  1,724,285   $  518,499    $   297,237,205
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS (LOSSES):
   Realized gains (losses) on investment
    transactions:
     Proceeds from sales......................  $ 40,039,812   $ 44,132,898   $6,760,428    $ 1,940,151,608
     Cost of investments sold.................    45,636,831     35,561,253    5,241,601      1,727,710,141
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
       Net realized gains (losses)............  $ (5,597,019)  $  8,571,645   $1,518,827    $   212,441,467
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
   Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    on investments:
     End of year..............................  $ (5,701,264)  $ 31,911,034   $8,223,467    $ 1,079,710,768
     Beginning of year........................    (5,431,957)    15,241,453    3,870,720        616,160,015
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
       Change in unrealized appreciation
        (depreciation)........................  $   (269,307)  $ 16,669,581   $4,352,747    $   463,550,753
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
     Realized and unrealized gains (losses)...  $ (5,866,326)  $ 25,241,226   $5,871,574    $   675,992,220
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
   INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM
    OPERATIONS................................  $ (2,887,602)  $ 26,965,511   $6,390,073    $   973,229,425
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
                                                ------------   ------------   -----------   ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CAS                               CGS
                                                          Sub-Account                       Sub-Account
                                                -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                          Year Ended                        Year Ended
                                                         December 31,                      December 31,
                                                -------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                     1997             1996             1997             1996
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>               <C>             <C>               <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income (expense)............  $    74,369,495   $  52,941,263   $    24,679,106   $   8,788,822
   Net realized gains.........................       86,668,781      62,169,749         9,412,903       4,512,770
   Net unrealized gains.......................       32,342,322      27,056,227       162,512,568      69,960,621
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $   193,380,598   $ 142,167,239   $   196,604,577   $  83,262,213
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $   191,209,464   $ 148,876,483   $   211,472,643   $ 153,852,554
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       28,967,751      (5,608,366)      176,163,947      36,048,717
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................     (177,738,789)    (47,835,347)      (42,133,444)    (19,835,752)
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $    42,438,426   $  95,432,770   $   345,503,146   $ 170,065,519
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     1,367,156   $   1,193,495   $       947,612   $     437,102
     Annuity payments and contract charges....         (736,487)       (347,090)         (271,967)       (129,806)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................           40,842         119,425           354,557         116,806
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........          (64,938)        (50,462)           52,749         (87,515)
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $       606,573   $     915,368   $     1,082,951   $     336,587
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
   Increase in net assets from contract owner
    transactions..............................  $    43,044,999   $  96,348,138   $   346,586,097   $ 170,402,106
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $   236,425,597   $ 238,515,377   $   543,190,674   $ 253,664,319
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................      900,684,817     662,169,440       523,820,012     270,155,693
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
   End of year................................  $ 1,137,110,414   $ 900,684,817   $ 1,067,010,686   $ 523,820,012
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
                                                ---------------   -------------   ---------------   -------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                             EGS
                                                         Sub-Account
                                                -----------------------------
                                                         Year Ended
                                                        December 31,
                                                -----------------------------
                                                    1997            1996
                                                -------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>             <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income (expense)............  $  (3,455,859)  $  (1,968,496)
   Net realized gains.........................      8,307,222       4,277,168
   Net unrealized gains.......................     53,637,553      12,802,194
                                                -------------   -------------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $  58,488,916   $  15,110,866
                                                -------------   -------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  95,095,489   $ 122,215,402
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................     57,336,795      50,369,380
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................    (16,909,470)     (8,085,001)
                                                -------------   -------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $ 135,522,814   $ 164,499,781
                                                -------------   -------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     158,875   $     286,409
     Annuity payments and contract charges....        (58,246)        (13,624)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................         21,015          44,347
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........          7,823          21,044
                                                -------------   -------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $     129,467   $     338,176
                                                -------------   -------------
   Increase in net assets from contract owner
    transactions..............................  $ 135,652,281   $ 164,837,957
                                                -------------   -------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $ 194,141,197   $ 179,948,823
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................    247,131,988      67,183,165
                                                -------------   -------------
   End of year................................  $ 441,273,185   $ 247,131,988
                                                -------------   -------------
                                                -------------   -------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS -- continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FCE                          FCI
                                                       Sub-Account                  Sub-Account
                                                --------------------------   --------------------------
                                                        Year Ended                   Year Ended
                                                       December 31,                 December 31,
                                                --------------------------   --------------------------
                                                    1997          1996*          1997          1996
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
 <S>                                            <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment expense.....................  $   (230,489)  $   (13,026)  $   (193,476)  $   (21,609)
   Net realized gains (losses)................       974,141        (5,712)      (156,246)       (1,678)
   Net unrealized gains (losses)..............    (1,720,809)       47,389       (353,885)      (64,127)
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
       Increase (decrease) in net assets from
        operations............................  $   (977,157)  $    28,651   $   (703,607)  $   (87,414)
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  9,918,873   $ 1,048,658   $ 10,356,882   $ 2,460,672
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................    12,522,767     2,213,104      8,764,120     3,215,694
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................      (953,005)      (18,977)      (683,649)      (60,665)
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $ 21,488,635   $ 3,242,785   $ 18,437,353   $ 5,615,701
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     39,195   $   --        $     55,177   $   --
     Annuity payments and contract charges....        (5,864)      --              (2,405)      --
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       --            --             --            --
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........        (1,465)      --                (416)      --
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $     31,866   $   --        $     52,356   $   --
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
   Increase in net assets from contract owner
    transactions..............................  $ 21,520,501   $ 3,242,785   $ 18,489,709   $ 5,615,701
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
     Increase in net assets...................  $ 20,543,344   $ 3,271,436   $ 17,786,102   $ 5,528,287
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................     3,271,436       --           5,528,287       --
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
   End of year................................  $ 23,814,780   $ 3,271,436   $ 23,314,389   $ 5,528,287
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
                                                ------------   -----------   ------------   -----------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                            FCG
                                                        Sub-Account
                                                ---------------------------
                                                        Year Ended
                                                       December 31,
                                                ---------------------------
                                                    1997           1996
                                                ------------   ------------
 <S>                                            <C>            <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment expense.....................  $    (87,178)  $   (328,431)
   Net realized gains (losses)................       575,848        251,398
   Net unrealized gains (losses)..............     1,624,106        690,250
                                                ------------   ------------
       Increase (decrease) in net assets from
        operations............................  $  2,112,776   $    613,217
                                                ------------   ------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  8,465,356   $ 19,437,825
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................     5,802,185      8,809,224
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................    (2,204,864)      (951,163)
                                                ------------   ------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $ 12,062,677   $ 27,295,886
                                                ------------   ------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     45,941   $     43,066
     Annuity payments and contract charges....        (6,247)        (1,385)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       --             --
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........            62          1,480
                                                ------------   ------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $     39,756   $     43,161
                                                ------------   ------------
   Increase in net assets from contract owner
    transactions..............................  $ 12,102,433   $ 27,339,047
                                                ------------   ------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $ 14,215,209   $ 27,952,264
                                                ------------   ------------
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................    35,131,009      7,178,745
                                                ------------   ------------
   End of year................................  $ 49,346,218   $ 35,131,009
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>
 
*For the period July 1, 1996 (commencement of operations of the Sub-Account) to
December 31, 1996.
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS -- continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             GSS                             HYS
                                                         Sub-Account                     Sub-Account
                                                -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                         Year Ended                      Year Ended
                                                        December 31,                    December 31,
                                                -----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                    1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income......................  $  16,257,472   $  13,823,215   $   9,894,976   $   7,621,505
   Net realized gains (losses)................  $    (320,218)     (2,504,323)      6,191,967       5,703,568
   Net unrealized gains (losses)..............  $   5,893,925     (10,551,635)      5,472,328         840,341
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $  21,831,179   $     767,257   $  21,559,271   $  14,165,414
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  45,924,248   $  54,669,405   $  56,445,474   $  33,898,269
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................      9,720,766     (14,448,899)     35,346,824       4,326,619
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................    (58,612,247)    (21,010,408)    (37,189,764)    (11,758,613)
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $  (2,967,233)  $  19,210,098   $  54,602,534   $  26,466,275
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     142,666   $     268,329   $     403,156   $     137,217
     Annuity payments and contract charges....       (181,979)       (240,819)       (164,426)        (79,990)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................        (55,523)       (309,558)       --                14,805
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........        111,855         (40,665)          2,369         (42,595)
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
     Net annuitization activity...............  $      17,019   $    (322,713)  $     241,099   $      29,437
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
   Increase (decrease) in net assets from
    contract owner transactions...............  $  (2,950,214)  $  18,887,385   $  54,843,633   $  26,495,712
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $  18,880,965   $  19,654,642   $  76,402,904   $  40,661,126
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................    312,423,277     292,768,635     161,272,508     120,611,382
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
   End of year................................  $ 331,304,242   $ 312,423,277   $ 237,675,412   $ 161,272,508
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
                                                -------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                             MSS
                                                         Sub-Account
                                                -----------------------------
                                                         Year Ended
                                                        December 31,
                                                -----------------------------
                                                    1997            1996
                                                -------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>             <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income......................  $  25,345,850   $  24,096,088
   Net realized gains (losses)................     19,553,090       2,898,908
   Net unrealized gains (losses)..............     11,613,272       4,637,529
                                                -------------   -------------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $  56,512,212   $  31,632,525
                                                -------------   -------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  56,177,555   $  40,598,625
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................     12,554,894       7,831,933
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................    (57,321,938)    (13,315,281)
                                                -------------   -------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $  11,410,511   $  35,115,277
                                                -------------   -------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     558,077   $      82,609
     Annuity payments and contract charges....       (166,248)        (76,110)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       --                41,877
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........        (43,539)        (12,576)
                                                -------------   -------------
     Net annuitization activity...............  $     348,290   $      35,800
                                                -------------   -------------
   Increase (decrease) in net assets from
    contract owner transactions...............  $  11,758,801   $  35,151,077
                                                -------------   -------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $  68,271,013   $  66,783,602
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................    244,554,513     177,770,911
                                                -------------   -------------
   End of year................................  $ 312,825,526   $ 244,554,513
                                                -------------   -------------
                                                -------------   -------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS -- continued
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             MMS                              RES                       RGS
                                                         Sub-Account                      Sub-Account               Sub-Account
                                                ------------------------------   -----------------------------   ------------------
                                                          Year Ended                      Year Ended                 Year Ended
                                                         December 31,                    December 31,            December 31, 1997*
                                                ------------------------------   -----------------------------   ------------------
                                                     1997            1996            1997            1996
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income (expense)............  $   12,238,449   $   9,789,043   $   5,840,008   $    (428,000)     $   (21,782)
   Net realized gains.........................        --              --             5,057,991       1,850,763            8,741
   Net unrealized gains.......................        --              --            68,490,719      34,176,685          263,416
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $   12,238,449   $   9,789,043   $  79,388,718   $  35,599,448      $   250,375
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  151,523,026   $ 208,990,259   $ 153,316,348   $ 156,881,700      $ 2,950,897
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................      (1,240,893)    (43,233,439)    119,233,197      64,021,188        2,726,224
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................    (229,658,956)    (46,733,186)    (24,008,616)     (7,956,041)         (29,969)
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $  (79,376,823)  $ 119,023,634   $ 248,540,929   $ 212,946,847      $ 5,647,152
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $       79,534   $   1,121,927   $     415,748   $     557,791      $  --
     Annuity payments and contract charges....        (200,563)       (206,726)       (139,282)        (62,358)        --
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................        (312,207)       (190,340)         12,992         118,346         --
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........         (31,750)        (23,831)        (40,528)         38,061         --
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $     (464,986)  $     701,030   $     248,930   $     651,840      $  --
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
   Increase (decrease) in net assets from
    contract owner transactions...............  $  (79,841,809)  $ 119,724,664   $ 248,789,859   $ 213,598,687      $ 5,647,152
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
     Increase (decrease) in net assets........  $  (67,603,360)  $ 129,513,707   $ 328,178,577   $ 249,198,135      $ 5,897,527
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................     361,830,849     232,317,142     321,102,609      71,904,474         --
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
   End of year................................  $  294,227,489   $ 361,830,849   $ 649,281,186   $ 321,102,609      $ 5,897,527
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
                                                --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------       ----------
</TABLE>
 
*For the period June 1, 1997 (commencement of operations of the Sub-Account) to
 December 31, 1997.
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS -- continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               TRS                              UTS
                                                           Sub-Account                      Sub-Account
                                                ---------------------------------   ----------------------------
                                                           Year Ended                        Year Ended
                                                          December 31,                      December 31,
                                                ---------------------------------   ----------------------------
                                                     1997              1996             1997            1996
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
 <S>                                            <C>               <C>               <C>             <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income (expense)............  $   116,769,728   $    64,654,089   $   7,729,340   $  1,926,985
   Net realized gains.........................       66,640,057        20,511,061       2,083,741      1,617,706
   Net unrealized gains.......................       74,650,982        50,461,971      14,781,219      6,572,565
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $   258,060,767   $   135,627,121   $  24,594,300   $ 10,117,256
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $   260,379,742   $   158,550,497   $  16,090,619   $ 18,235,404
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       90,568,461         7,794,293      13,552,388        835,305
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................     (276,158,725)      (79,238,642)     (5,005,318)    (3,059,763)
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $    74,789,478   $    87,106,148   $  24,637,689   $ 16,010,946
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     1,271,371   $       505,447   $     165,628   $    116,582
     Annuity payments and contract charges....         (935,550)         (762,883)        (60,528)       (18,434)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................           87,811            56,990          28,886        --
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........         (136,590)          (87,530)          2,804        (82,561)
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $       287,042   $      (287,976)  $     136,790   $     15,587
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
   Increase in net assets from contract owner
    transactions..............................  $    75,076,520   $    86,818,172   $  24,774,479   $ 16,026,533
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $   333,137,287   $   222,445,293   $  49,368,779   $ 26,143,789
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................    1,246,646,697     1,024,201,404      67,937,296     41,793,507
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
   End of year................................  $ 1,579,783,984   $ 1,246,646,697   $ 117,306,075   $ 67,937,296
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
                                                ---------------   ---------------   -------------   ------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                            VAL
                                                        Sub-Account
                                                ---------------------------
                                                        Year Ended
                                                       December 31,
                                                ---------------------------
                                                    1997           1996
                                                ------------   ------------
 <S>                                            <C>            <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income (expense)............  $   (375,236)  $    (53,621)
   Net realized gains.........................       337,679         23,298
   Net unrealized gains.......................    11,106,441        744,641
                                                ------------   ------------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $ 11,068,884   $    714,318
                                                ------------   ------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $ 29,587,412   $ 10,936,155
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................    31,786,583      5,122,274
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................    (2,199,052)       (63,860)
                                                ------------   ------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $ 59,174,943   $ 15,994,569
                                                ------------   ------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $    136,454   $    --
     Annuity payments and contract charges....       (15,580)       --
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       --             --
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........        (4,256)       --
                                                ------------   ------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $    116,618   $    --
                                                ------------   ------------
   Increase in net assets from contract owner
    transactions..............................  $ 59,291,561   $ 15,994,569
                                                ------------   ------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $ 70,360,445   $ 16,708,887
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................    16,708,887        --
                                                ------------   ------------
   End of year................................  $ 87,069,332   $ 16,708,887
                                                ------------   ------------
                                                ------------   ------------
</TABLE>
 
*For the period June 3, 1996 (commencement of operations of the Sub-Account) to
 December 31, 1996.
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS -- continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            WAA                             WGS
                                                        Sub-Account                     Sub-Account
                                                ----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                         Year Ended                     Year Ended
                                                        December 31,                   December 31,
                                                ----------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                    1997            1996           1997            1996
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income......................  $   3,255,293   $    595,575   $   2,978,724   $  16,535,862
   Net realized gains (losses)................      2,612,317      1,629,596      (5,597,019)     (2,712,091)
   Net unrealized gains (losses)..............      2,483,575      4,425,108        (269,307)     (9,808,667)
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
       Increase (decrease) in net assets from
        operations............................  $   8,351,185   $  6,650,279   $  (2,887,602)  $   4,015,104
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  23,232,543   $ 33,549,719   $  11,552,959   $  10,730,732
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................     17,783,698     13,363,954     (19,473,409)    (13,803,477)
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................     (5,742,891)    (2,987,226)    (17,997,612)    (11,401,973)
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $  35,273,350   $ 43,926,447   $ (25,918,062)  $ (14,474,718)
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     167,170   $    174,043   $     101,934   $      55,515
     Annuity payments and contract charges....        (51,214)       (17,132)       (132,080)       (171,649)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................         79,307        --               (8,188)        (25,947)
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........            487         16,443          (5,055)         (4,679)
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $     195,750   $    173,354   $     (43,389)  $    (146,760)
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
   Increase (decrease) in net assets from
    contract owner transactions...............  $  35,469,100   $ 44,099,801   $ (25,961,451)  $ (14,621,478)
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
     Increase (decrease) in net assets........  $  43,820,285   $ 50,750,080   $ (28,849,053)  $ (10,606,374)
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................     76,617,497     25,867,417     127,743,885     138,350,259
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
   End of year................................  $ 120,437,782   $ 76,617,497   $  98,894,832   $ 127,743,885
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
                                                -------------   ------------   -------------   -------------
 
<CAPTION>
                                                             WGR
                                                         Sub-Account
                                                -----------------------------
                                                         Year Ended
                                                        December 31,
                                                -----------------------------
                                                    1997            1996
                                                -------------   -------------
 <S>                                            <C>             <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income......................  $   1,724,285   $   9,576,256
   Net realized gains (losses)................      8,571,645       6,018,165
   Net unrealized gains (losses)..............     16,669,581       1,415,056
                                                -------------   -------------
       Increase (decrease) in net assets from
        operations............................  $  26,965,511   $  17,009,477
                                                -------------   -------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $  26,811,741   $  40,398,624
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................      3,906,046       3,588,236
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................    (13,503,627)     (9,375,496)
                                                -------------   -------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $  17,214,160   $  34,611,364
                                                -------------   -------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $     112,909   $     157,641
     Annuity payments and contract charges....        (92,720)        (71,968)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       (249,492)         13,731
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........        (31,480)          8,938
                                                -------------   -------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $    (260,783)  $     108,342
                                                -------------   -------------
   Increase (decrease) in net assets from
    contract owner transactions...............  $  16,953,377   $  34,719,706
                                                -------------   -------------
     Increase (decrease) in net assets........  $  43,918,888   $  51,729,183
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................    193,226,813     141,497,630
                                                -------------   -------------
   End of year................................  $ 237,145,701   $ 193,226,813
                                                -------------   -------------
                                                -------------   -------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS -- continued
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               WTR
                                                           Sub-Account                            Total
                                                ---------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                           Year Ended                          Year Ended
                                                          December 31,                        December 31,
                                                ---------------------------------   ---------------------------------
                                                     1997              1996              1997              1996
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
 <S>                                            <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
 OPERATIONS:
   Net investment income......................  $       518,499   $        71,547   $   297,237,205   $   207,607,067
   Net realized gains.........................        1,518,827           545,390       212,441,467       106,785,736
   Net unrealized gains.......................        4,352,747         2,845,849       463,550,753       196,251,997
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
       Increase in net assets from
        operations............................  $     6,390,073   $     3,462,786   $   973,229,425   $   510,644,800
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
 CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTIONS:
   Accumulation Activity:
     Purchase payments received...............  $    15,459,554   $    16,294,987   $ 1,375,970,825   $ 1,231,625,970
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................       13,106,711         5,434,372       619,129,055       135,880,112
     Withdrawals, surrenders, annuitizations
      and contract charges....................       (2,840,427)       (1,579,132)     (970,892,363)     (285,266,526)
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
       Net accumulation activity..............  $    25,725,838   $    20,150,227   $ 1,024,207,517   $ 1,082,239,556
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
   Annuitization Activity:
     Annuitizations...........................  $       215,870   $     --          $     6,384,473   $     5,137,173
     Annuity payments and contract charges....          (28,925)          (17,146)       (3,250,311)       (2,217,120)
     Net transfers between Sub-Accounts and
      Fixed Account...........................        --                --                --                      482
     Adjustments to annuity reserves..........           (3,240)          (10,126)         (185,108)         (356,574)
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
       Net annuitization activity.............  $       183,705   $       (27,272)  $     2,949,054   $     2,563,961
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
   Increase in net assets from contract owner
    transactions..............................  $    25,909,543   $    20,122,955   $ 1,027,156,571   $ 1,084,803,517
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
     Increase in net assets...................  $    32,299,616   $    23,585,741   $ 2,000,385,996   $ 1,595,448,317
 NET ASSETS:
   Beginning of year..........................       37,384,672        13,798,931     4,883,017,052     3,287,568,735
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
   End of year................................  $    69,684,288   $    37,384,672   $ 6,883,403,048   $ 4,883,017,052
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
                                                ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1) ORGANIZATION
Sun  Life  of  Canada (U.S.)  Variable  Account  F (the  "Variable  Account"), a
separate account of Sun  Life Assurance Company of  Canada (U.S.), the  Sponsor,
was  established on July 13, 1989 as  a funding vehicle for the variable portion
of certain  group combination  fixed/variable  annuity contracts.  The  Variable
Account  is registered  with the  Securities and  Exchange Commission  under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust.
 
The  assets  of  the  Variable  Account  are  divided  into  Sub-Accounts.  Each
Sub-Account  is invested in shares  of a specific series  of MFS/Sun Life Series
Trust (the "Series Trust"), an open-end management investment company registered
under the  Investment  Company Act  of  1940. Massachusetts  Financial  Services
Company, an affiliate of the Sponsor, is investment adviser to the Series Trust.
 
(2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
GENERAL
The  preparation of financial  statements in conformity  with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the  reported  amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  and  disclosure  of
contingent  assets and liabilities  at the date of  the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
 
INVESTMENT VALUATIONS
Investments in shares of the Series Trust are recorded at their net asset value.
Realized gains and losses on sales of shares of the Series Trust are  determined
on  the identified  cost basis. Dividend  income and  capital gain distributions
received by the Sub-Accounts  are reinvested in  additional Series Trust  shares
and are recognized on the ex-dividend date.
 
Exchanges between Sub-Accounts requested by participants are recorded in the new
Sub-Account upon receipt of the redemption proceeds.
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
The operations of the Variable Account are part of the operations of the Sponsor
and  are not taxed separately. The Variable  Account is not taxed as a regulated
investment company. The Sponsor qualifies  for the federal income tax  treatment
granted  to life insurance companies under  Subchapter L of the Internal Revenue
Code. Under existing federal income tax law, investment income and capital gains
earned by the  Variable Account on  contract owner reserves  are not subject  to
tax.
 
(3) CONTRACT CHARGES
A  mortality and expense risk charge based  on the value of the Variable Account
is deducted from the Variable  Account at the end  of each valuation period  for
the  mortality  and expense  risks assumed  by the  Sponsor. The  deductions are
transferred periodically  to the  Sponsor.  Currently, the  deduction is  at  an
effective  annual rate of 1.25% for Regatta and Regatta Gold contracts and 1.00%
for Regatta Classic contracts.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- continued
Each year on the  account anniversary, an  account administration fee  ("Account
Fee") equal to the lesser of $30 or 2% of the participant's account value in the
case  of Regatta and Regatta  Gold and $50 for  Regatta Classic is deducted from
the participant's account  to reimburse the  Sponsor for certain  administrative
expenses.  After the annuity commencement date  the Account Fee will be deducted
pro rata from each variable annuity payment made during the year.
 
The Sponsor does not deduct a  sales charge from purchase payments. However,  in
the  case of Regatta and Regatta  Gold, a withdrawal charge (contingent deferred
sales charge) of up to 6% of certain amounts withdrawn, when applicable, may  be
deducted  to cover certain  expenses relating to  the sale of  the contracts and
certificates. In  the case  of Regatta  Classic, a  withdrawal charge  of 1%  is
applied   to  purchase  payments  withdrawn  which   have  been  credited  to  a
participant's account for less than one year.
 
For assuming the risk that withdrawal charges may be insufficient to  compensate
it  for the  costs of  distributing the Regatta  contracts, the  Sponsor makes a
deduction from the Variable Account at the end of each valuation period for  the
first seven account years at an effective annual rate of 0.15% of the net assets
attributable  to such  contracts. Accounts are  transferred from  MFS Regatta --
Level 1 to MFS  Regatta -- Level  2 in the month  following the seventh  account
anniversary.  No deduction for the distribution expense charge is made after the
seventh account anniversary.
 
As reimbursement for  administrative expenses attributable  to Regatta Gold  and
Regatta  Classic contracts which  exceed the revenues  received from the Account
Fees described above derived from such contracts, the Sponsor makes a  deduction
from  the Variable Account at  the end of each  valuation period at an effective
annual rate of 0.15% of the net assets attributable to such contracts.
 
(4) ANNUITY RESERVES
Annuity reserves are  calculated using the  1983 Individual Annuitant  Mortality
Table  and an assumed interest rate of 4% or 3%, as stated in each participant's
certificate. Required adjustments to the reserves are accomplished by  transfers
to or from the Sponsor.
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- continued
(5) UNIT ACTIVITY FROM PARTICIPANT TRANSACTIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  Units
                                                                                      Units Transferred        Withdrawn,
                                                                                  Between Sub-Accounts and     Surrendered
                                   Units Outstanding                                                               and
                                   Beginning of Year        Units Purchased             Fixed Account          Annuitized
                                 ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------------   -----------
                                                                                                               Year Ended
                                       Year Ended              Year Ended                Year Ended             December
                                      December 31,            December 31,              December 31,               31,
                                 ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------------   -----------
                                    1997        1996        1997        1996         1997           1996          1997
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------   ------------   -----------
 <S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
 MFS REGATTA CONTRACTS:
 ------------------------------
 CAS - Level 1.................   6,316,305   6,615,207         860       3,487    (2,421,311)       267,320      (902,834)
 CAS - Level 2 *...............      58,968      --         624,374      62,873     6,542,104            142    (1,834,766)
 GSS - Level 1.................   3,362,650   3,535,152      --           1,574    (1,340,875)       206,595      (559,553)
 GSS - Level 2 *...............      55,891      --         265,628      59,729     2,012,610          3,442      (819,496)
 HYS - Level 1.................   1,204,380   1,068,412      --          --          (510,706)       271,328      (156,641)
 HYS - Level 2**...............      --          --          64,893      --         1,416,411        --           (506,178)
 MSS - Level 1.................   2,202,213   2,150,361         881      --          (924,959)       253,891      (336,449)
 MSS - Level 2 *...............      14,270      --         240,391      18,662     2,378,532        --           (610,436)
 MMS - Level 1.................   3,859,738   3,453,907       1,948       7,940     3,301,197      1,420,458    (5,644,161)
 MMS - Level 2 *...............      59,562      --         310,378      74,316     6,074,695         (3,576)   (4,598,826)
 TRS - Level 1.................  12,461,003  13,106,997       1,598       2,594    (4,580,966)       580,878    (2,124,982)
 TRS - Level 2 *...............      32,548      --         815,196      61,666    10,202,663        --         (3,211,666)
 WGS - Level 1.................   1,460,289   1,730,002      --          --          (584,950)        (4,348)     (175,001)
 WGS - Level 2 *...............       3,325      --          34,073       4,988       686,256        --           (240,401)
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                 Units Outstanding
                                                    End of Year
                                               ----------------------
 
                                                     Year Ended
                                                    December 31,
                                               ----------------------
                                    1996          1997        1996
                                 -----------   ----------  ----------
 <S>                             <C>           <C>         <C>
 MFS REGATTA CONTRACTS:
 ------------------------------
 CAS - Level 1.................     (569,709)   2,993,020   6,316,305
 CAS - Level 2 *...............       (4,047)   5,390,680      58,968
 GSS - Level 1.................     (380,671)   1,462,222   3,362,650
 GSS - Level 2 *...............       (7,280)   1,514,633      55,891
 HYS - Level 1.................     (135,360)     537,033   1,204,380
 HYS - Level 2**...............      --           975,126      --
 MSS - Level 1.................     (202,039)     941,686   2,202,213
 MSS - Level 2 *...............       (4,392)   2,022,757      14,270
 MMS - Level 1.................   (1,022,567)   1,518,722   3,859,738
 MMS - Level 2 *...............      (11,178)   1,845,809      59,562
 TRS - Level 1.................   (1,229,466)   5,756,653  12,461,003
 TRS - Level 2 *...............      (29,118)   7,838,741      32,548
 WGS - Level 1.................     (265,365)     700,338   1,460,289
 WGS - Level 2 *...............       (1,663)     483,253       3,325
</TABLE>
 
 *For the period December 9, 1996 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
1996.
 
**For the period January 6, 1997 (commencement of operations of the Sub-Account)
to December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
 <S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
 MFS REGATTA GOLD
  CONTRACTS:
 ------------------------------
 CAS...........................  32,796,793  27,782,739   4,171,857   7,263,696       753,855       (496,244)   (2,193,608)
 CGS...........................  26,199,975  16,712,586   8,951,992   8,644,701     7,405,405      2,000,284    (1,847,841)
 EGS...........................  16,998,044   5,346,104   5,826,649   8,728,028     3,279,517      3,530,938    (1,064,224)
 FCE *.........................     329,630      --         815,491     107,088     1,097,883        224,483       (83,776)
 FCI *.........................     564,742      --         997,740     250,279       902,857        323,501       (75,283)
 FCG...........................   3,360,596     711,179     760,057   1,891,793       531,069        856,286      (209,811)
 GSS...........................  19,714,114  18,082,586   1,627,923   4,278,441       723,328     (1,392,606)   (1,556,521)
 HYS...........................   8,424,289   6,880,080   2,340,052   2,241,058     1,768,446        (53,191)     (833,592)
 MSS...........................  10,541,726   8,542,869   1,191,194   2,422,482       289,858        147,148      (696,059)
 MMS...........................  27,275,583  17,186,041   7,818,118  18,886,918    (8,894,337)    (5,479,056)   (4,736,225)
 RES...........................  19,577,745   5,341,160  10,988,440  10,525,524     6,437,281      4,302,978    (1,348,549)
 RGS...........................      --          --         276,177      --           260,605        --             (2,854)
 TRS...........................  59,508,016  53,091,748   7,069,596  10,291,268     4,111,016       (170,571)   (4,385,161)
 UTS...........................   4,671,192   3,410,047     966,544   1,448,517       773,360         68,243      (309,458)
 VAL **........................   1,520,787      --       2,333,873   1,039,259     2,499,269        492,924      (178,705)
 WAA...........................   5,539,010   2,141,041   1,565,894   2,590,553     1,218,708      1,048,013      (394,779)
 WGS...........................   7,510,766   8,272,858     324,862     818,386    (1,252,245)    (1,036,800)     (455,742)
 WGR...........................  13,989,946  11,421,691   1,725,746   3,069,026       242,250        227,986      (899,185)
 WTR...........................   2,836,079   1,170,586   1,085,978   1,353,637       962,291        448,221      (207,495)
 
<CAPTION>
 MFS REGATTA GOLD
 ------------------------------
 CAS...........................   (1,753,398)  35,528,897  32,796,793
 CGS...........................   (1,157,596)  40,709,531  26,199,975
 EGS...........................     (607,026)  25,039,986  16,998,044
 FCE *.........................       (1,941)   2,159,228     329,630
 FCI *.........................       (9,038)   2,390,056     564,742
 FCG...........................      (98,662)   4,441,911   3,360,596
 GSS...........................   (1,254,307)  20,508,844  19,714,114
 HYS...........................     (643,658)  11,699,195   8,424,289
 MSS...........................     (570,773)  11,326,719  10,541,726
 MMS...........................   (3,318,320)  21,463,139  27,275,583
 RES...........................     (591,917)  35,654,917  19,577,745
 RGS...........................      --           533,928      --
 TRS...........................   (3,704,429)  66,303,467  59,508,016
 UTS...........................     (255,615)   6,101,638   4,671,192
 VAL **........................      (11,396)   6,175,224   1,520,787
 WAA...........................     (240,597)   7,928,833   5,539,010
 WGS...........................     (543,678)   6,127,641   7,510,766
 WGR...........................     (728,757)  15,058,757  13,989,946
 WTR...........................     (136,365)   4,676,853   2,836,079
 
<CAPTION>
  CONTRACTS:
</TABLE>
 
  *For the period July 1, 1996 (commencement of operations) to December 31,
1996.
 
 **For the period June 3, 1996 (commencement of operations of the Sub-Account)
to December 31, 1996.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) VARIABLE ACCOUNT F
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- continued
 
(5) UNIT ACTIVITY FROM PARTICIPANT TRANSACTIONS -- continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                  Units
                                                                                      Units Transferred        Withdrawn,
                                                                                  Between Sub-Accounts and     Surrendered
                                   Units Outstanding                                                               and
                                   Beginning of Year        Units Purchased             Fixed Account          Annuitized
                                 ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------------   -----------
                                                                                                               Year Ended
                                       Year Ended              Year Ended                Year Ended             December
                                      December 31,            December 31,              December 31,               31,
                                 ----------------------  ----------------------  ---------------------------   -----------
                                    1997        1996        1997        1996         1997           1996          1997
                                 ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------   ------------   -----------
 <S>                             <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>            <C>            <C>
 MFS REGATTA CLASSIC
  CONTRACTS:
 ------------------------------
 CAS *.........................       1,892      --         246,247       1,892        23,978        --             (6,620)
 CGS *.........................       3,545      --         446,522       8,005       122,228         (4,460)      (18,079)
 EGS *.........................       9,744      --         289,836      11,935        22,223         (2,191)       (3,775)
 FCE **........................         140      --          44,896         352        (3,278)          (212)       (1,060)
 FCI **........................       2,249      --          75,178       2,249        (7,901)       --             (1,634)
 FCG +.........................      --          --          42,039      --             9,735        --               (736)
 GSS **........................       6,514      --          89,817       6,514        21,240        --             (4,328)
 HYS *.........................       8,219      --         120,521       7,097        30,370          1,122        (3,804)
 MSS ++........................      --          --          92,458      --            28,860        --             (3,075)
 MMS **........................      13,813      --         366,163      13,813      (259,749)       --            (43,122)
 RES ***.......................      25,665      --         497,934      25,659        37,701              6        (7,304)
 RGS #.........................      --          --           5,777      --               320        --                (12)
 TRS ***.......................      40,575      --         859,444      33,797        66,034          6,778       (14,848)
 UTS ++........................      --          --          41,263      --            36,412        --               (666)
 VAL *.........................       9,578      --         107,548       8,416        46,458          1,162        (2,806)
 WAA *.........................       6,448      --          44,701       7,086          (150)          (638)         (468)
 WGS ++++......................      --          --          18,266      --             2,357        --             (1,229)
 WGR ****......................          71      --          77,864      --             7,879             71          (288)
 WTR +++.......................      --          --          49,398      --            (3,919)       --               (357)
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                 Units Outstanding
                                                    End of Year
                                               ----------------------
 
                                                     Year Ended
                                                    December 31,
                                               ----------------------
                                    1996          1997        1996
                                 -----------   ----------  ----------
 <S>                             <C>           <C>         <C>
 MFS REGATTA CLASSIC
  CONTRACTS:
 ------------------------------
 CAS *.........................      --           265,497       1,892
 CGS *.........................      --           554,216       3,545
 EGS *.........................      --           318,028       9,744
 FCE **........................      --            40,698         140
 FCI **........................      --            67,892       2,249
 FCG +.........................      --            51,038      --
 GSS **........................      --           113,243       6,514
 HYS *.........................      --           155,306       8,219
 MSS ++........................      --           118,243      --
 MMS **........................      --            77,105      13,813
 RES ***.......................      --           553,996      25,665
 RGS #.........................      --             6,085      --
 TRS ***.......................      --           951,205      40,575
 UTS ++........................      --            77,009      --
 VAL *.........................      --           160,778       9,578
 WAA *.........................      --            50,531       6,448
 WGS ++++......................      --            19,394      --
 WGR ****......................      --            85,526          71
 WTR +++.......................      --            45,122      --
</TABLE>
 
   *For the period December 2, 1996 (commencement of operations of the
Sub-Account) to December 31, 1996.
 
  **For the period December 9, 1996 (commencement of operations of the
Sub-Account) to December 31, 1996.
 
 ***For the period November 27, 1996 (commencement of operations of the
Sub-Account) to December 31, 1996.
 
****Operations of the Sub-Account commenced on December 31, 1996.
 
   +For the period January 7, 1997 (commencement of operations of the
Sub-Account) to December 31, 1997.
 
  ++For the period January 22, 1997 (commencement of operations of the
Sub-Account) to December 31, 1997.
 
 +++For the period February 11, 1997 (commencement of operations of the
Sub-Account) to December 31, 1997.
 
++++For the period February 21, 1997 (commencement of operations of the
Sub-Account) to December 31, 1997.
 
  #For the period July 7, 1997 (commencement of operations of the Sub-Account)
to December 31, 1997.
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Participants in Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account F
 and the Board of Directors of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.):
 
We  have audited the accompanying  statement of condition of  Sun Life of Canada
(U.S.) Variable Account F (the "Variable Account") as of December 31, 1997,  the
related  statement of operations for  the year then ended  and the statements of
changes in net  assets for the  years ended  December 31, 1997  and 1996.  These
financial statements are the responsibility of management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We   conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to  obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of securities held at December 31, 1997 by correspondence with  the
custodian.  An audit also includes assessing  the accounting principles used and
significant estimates  made by  management, as  well as  evaluating the  overall
financial   statement  presentation.  We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our  opinion,  such financial  statements  present fairly,  in  all  material
respects,  the financial  position of  the Variable  Account as  of December 31,
1997, the results of its  operations and the changes in  its net assets for  the
respective  stated  periods  in conformity  with  generally  accepted accounting
principles.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
February 6, 1998
 
                    ----------------------------------------
 
This report  is prepared  for the  general information  of contract  owners  and
participants.  It is authorized for  distribution to prospective purchasers only
when preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus.
 
                                       70
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF ADMITTED ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND
CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   1997            1996
                                                                              --------------  --------------
<S>                                                                           <C>             <C>
ADMITTED ASSETS
    Bonds                                                                     $    1,910,699  $    2,170,103
    Common stocks                                                                    117,229         144,043
    Mortgage loans on real estate                                                    684,035         938,932
    Properties acquired in satisfaction of debt                                       22,475          23,391
    Investment real estate                                                            78,426          76,995
    Policy loans                                                                      40,348          40,554
    Cash and short-term investments                                                  544,418         148,059
    Other invested assets                                                             55,716          51,378
    Premiums and annuity considerations due and uncollected                            9,203          11,282
    Investment income due and accrued                                                 39,279          68,191
    Receivable from parent, subsidiaries and affiliates                               28,825          40,829
    Funds withheld on reinsurance assumed                                            982,653         878,798
    Other assets                                                                       1,841           1,343
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    General account assets                                                         4,515,147       4,593,898
    Separate account assets
      Unitized                                                                     9,068,021       6,919,219
      Non-unitized                                                                 2,343,877       2,108,835
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total Admitted Assets                                                     $   15,927,045  $   13,621,952
                                                                              --------------  --------------
                                                                              --------------  --------------
LIABILITIES
    Aggregate reserve for life policies and contracts                         $    2,188,243  $    2,099,980
    Supplementary contracts                                                            2,247           2,205
    Policy and contract claims                                                         2,460           2,108
    Policyholders' dividends and coupons payable                                      32,500          27,500
    Liability for premium and other deposit funds                                  1,450,705       1,898,309
    Surrender values on cancelled policies                                               215              72
    Interest maintenance reserve                                                      33,830          28,675
    Commissions to agents due or accrued                                               2,826           3,245
    General expenses due or accrued                                                    7,202           4,654
    Transfers from Separate Accounts due or accrued                                 (284,078)       (232,743)
    Taxes, licenses and fees accrued, excluding federal income taxes                     105             342
    Federal income taxes due or accrued                                               58,073          49,479
    Unearned investment income                                                            34              19
    Amounts withheld or retained by company as agent or trustee                           47              27
    Remittances and items not allocated                                                1,363           1,359
    Borrowed money                                                                   110,142          58,000
    Asset valuation reserve                                                           47,605          53,911
    Payable for securities                                                            27,104          22,177
    Other liabilities                                                                  1,959           7,561
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    General account liabilities                                                    3,682,582       4,026,880
    Separate account liabilities
      Unitized                                                                     9,067,891       6,919,094
      Non-unitized                                                                 2,343,877       2,108,835
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total liabilities                                                             15,094,350      13,054,809
                                                                              --------------  --------------
CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
    Capital stock par value $1,000; Authorized, 10,000 shares;
       issued and outstanding, 5,900 shares                                            5,900           5,900
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Surplus notes                                                                    565,000         315,000
    Gross paid in and contributed surplus                                            199,355         199,355
    Unassigned funds                                                                  62,440          46,888
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Surplus                                                                          826,795         561,243
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total capital stock and surplus                                                  832,695         567,143
                                                                              --------------  --------------
    Total Liabilities, Capital Stock and Surplus                              $   15,927,045  $   13,621,952
                                                                              --------------  --------------
                                                                              --------------  --------------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
    (Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1997        1996        1995
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
 <S>                                       <C>         <C>         <C>
 INCOME:
     Premiums and annuity considerations   $  270,700  $  282,466  $  279,407
     Deposit-type funds                     2,155,298   1,775,230   1,545,542
     Considerations for supplementary
      contracts without life
      contingencies and dividend
      accumulations                             1,615       2,340       1,088
     Net investment income                    270,249     303,753     312,872
     Amortization of interest maintenance
      reserve                                   1,166       1,557       1,025
     Net gain from operations from
      Separate Accounts                             5          --          --
     Other income                              86,123      71,903      57,864
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total                                  2,785,156   2,437,249   2,197,798
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
 BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:
     Death benefits                            17,284      12,394      15,317
     Annuity benefits                         148,135     146,654     140,497
     Surrender benefits and other fund
      withdrawals                           1,854,004   1,507,263   1,074,396
     Interest on policy or contract funds         699       2,205         739
     Payments on supplementary contracts
      without life contingencies and of
      dividend accumulations                    1,687       2,120       1,888
     Increase in aggregate reserves for
      life and accident and health
      policies and contracts                  127,278     162,678     171,975
     Increase (decrease) in liability for
      premium and other deposit funds        (447,603)   (392,348)     13,553
     Increase (decrease) in reserve for
      supplementary contracts without
      life contingencies and for dividend
      and coupon accumulations                     42         327        (663)
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total                                  1,701,526   1,441,293   1,417,702
     Commissions on premiums and annuity
      considerations (direct business
      only)                                   132,700     109,894      88,037
     Commissions and expense allowances
      on reinsurance assumed                   17,951      18,910      22,012
     General insurance expenses                47,102      37,206      34,580
     Insurance taxes, licenses and fees,
      excluding federal income taxes            7,790       8,431       7,685
     Increase (decrease) in loading on
      and cost of collection in excess of
      loading on deferred and uncollected
      premiums                                    523         901      (1,377)
     Net transfers to separate accounts       734,373     678,663     551,784
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Total                                  2,641,965   2,295,298   2,120,423
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net gain from operations before
      dividends to policyholders and
      federal income taxes                    143,191     141,951      77,375
     Dividends to policyholders                33,316      29,189      25,722
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net gain from operations after
      dividends to policyholders and
      before federal income taxes             109,875     112,762      51,653
     Federal income tax expense (benefit)
      (excluding tax on capital gains)         10,742      (2,702)     17,807
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
     Net gain from operations after
      dividends to policyholders and
      federal income taxes and before
      realized capital gains                   99,133     115,464      33,846
     Net realized capital gains less
      capital gains tax and transfers to
      the interest maintenance reserve         30,109       7,560       2,069
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
 NET INCOME                                $  129,242  $  123,024  $   35,915
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
                                           ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       72
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
 
    (Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL STOCK AND SURPLUS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997        1996        1995
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                         <C>         <C>         <C>
Capital and surplus, beginning of year                      $  567,143  $  792,452  $  455,489
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Net income                                                     129,242     123,024      35,915
Change in net unrealized capital gains                           1,153      (1,715)      2,009
Change in non-admitted assets and related items                   (463)         67      (2,270)
Change in reserve on account of change in valuation basis       39,016          --          --
Change in asset valuation reserve                                6,306     (11,812)    (13,690)
Other changes in surplus in Separate Accounts Statement             --         100      (4,038)
Change in surplus notes                                        250,000    (335,000)    315,000
Dividends to stockholder                                      (159,722)         --          --
Miscellaneous gains in surplus                                      20          27       4,037
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Net change in capital and surplus for the year                 265,552    (225,309)    336,963
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
Capital and surplus, end of year                            $  832,695  $  567,143  $  792,452
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                            ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       73
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
STATUTORY STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995 (IN 000'S)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1997         1996         1995
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 <S>                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
 Cash Provided
   Premiums, annuity considerations and
     deposit funds received                 $ 2,427,554  $ 2,059,577  $ 1,826,456
   Considerations for supplementary
     contracts and dividend accumulations
     received                                     1,615        2,340        1,088
   Net investment income received               323,199      324,914      374,398
   Other income received                         81,701       88,295       25,348
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total receipts                               2,834,069    2,475,126    2,227,290
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
   Benefits paid (other than dividends)       2,020,615    1,671,483    1,231,936
   Insurance expenses and taxes paid
     (other than federal income and
     capital gains taxes)                       203,650      172,015      150,463
   Net cash transferred to Separate
     Accounts                                   785,708      755,605      568,188
   Dividends paid to policyholders               28,316       22,689       17,722
   Federal income tax (recoveries)
     payments (excluding tax on capital
     gains)                                       1,397      (15,363)     (20,655)
   Other--net                                       699        2,205          739
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total payments                               3,040,385    2,608,634    1,948,393
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net cash from operations                      (206,316)    (133,508)     278,897
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
   Proceeds from long-term investments
     sold, matured or repaid (after
     deducting taxes on capital gains of
     $750,449, $1,554,873 and $8,610,951)     1,343,803    1,768,147    1,658,655
   Issuance of surplus notes                    250,000     (335,000)     315,000
   Other cash provided                          117,297      147,956      419,446
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total cash provided                          1,711,100    1,581,103    2,393,101
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Cash Applied
   Cost of long-term investments acquired       773,721    1,318,880    1,749,714
   Other cash applied                           334,704      177,982      796,207
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Total cash applied                           1,108,425    1,496,862    2,545,921
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 Net change in cash and short-term
   investments                                  396,359      (49,267)     126,077
 Cash and short term investments
 Beginning of year                              148,059      197,326       71,249
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
 End of year                                $   544,418  $   148,059  $   197,326
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
                                            -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                  SEE NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
GENERAL
 
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) (the "Company") is incorporated as a
life insurance company and is currently engaged in the sale of individual
variable life insurance, individual fixed and variable annuities, group fixed
and variable annuities and group pension contracts. The Company also underwrites
a block of individual life insurance business through a reinsurance contract
with an affiliate, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada ("SLOC"). SLOC is a
mutual life insurance company.
 
Effective May 1, 1997, the Company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the newly
established Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc. ("Life Holdco"). On
December 18, 1997, Life Holdco became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sun Life
Assurance Company of Canada - U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc. ("US Holdco"). US
Holdco is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SLOC. Prior to December 18, 1997 Life
Holdco was a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of SLOC.
 
The Company, which is domiciled in the State of Delaware, prepares its financial
statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or
permitted by the State of Delaware Insurance Department. Prescribed accounting
practices include practices described in a variety of publications of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), as well as state laws,
regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted accounting practices
encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The permitted accounting
practices adopted by the Company are not material to the financial statements.
Prior to 1996, statutory accounting practices were recognized by the insurance
industry and the accounting profession as generally accepted accounting
principles for mutual life insurance companies and stock life insurance
companies wholly-owned by mutual life insurance companies. In April 1993, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an interpretation (the
"Interpretation"), that became effective in 1996, which changed the previous
practice of mutual life insurance companies (and stock life insurance companies
that are wholly-owned subsidiaries of mutual life insurance companies) with
respect to utilizing statutory basis financial statements for general purposes,
in that it will no longer allow such financial statements to be described as
having been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP"). Consequently, these financial statements prepared in conformity with
statutory accounting practices as described above, vary from and are not
intended to present the Company's financial position, results of operations or
cash flow in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. (See Note
19 for further discussion relative to the Company's basis of financial statement
presentation.) The effects on the financial statements of the variances between
the statutory basis of accounting and GAAP, although not reasonably
determinable, are presumed to be material.
 
INVESTED ASSETS AND RELATED RESERVES
 
Bonds are carried at cost adjusted for amortization of premium or accrual of
discount. Investments in non-insurance subsidiaries are carried on the equity
basis. Investments in insurance subsidiaries are carried at their statutory
surplus values. Mortgage loans acquired at a premium or discount are carried at
amortized values and other mortgage loans are carried at the amounts of the
unpaid balances. Real estate investments are carried at the lower of cost
adjusted for accumulated depreciation or appraised value, less encumbrances.
Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair
value. Depreciation of buildings and improvements is calculated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the property, generally
40 to 50 years.
 
                                       75
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES (CONTINUED):
POLICY AND CONTRACT RESERVES
 
The reserves for life insurance and annuity contracts, developed by accepted
actuarial methods, have been established and maintained on the basis of
published mortality tables using assumed interest rates and valuation methods
that will provide reserves at least as great as those required by law and
contract provisions.
 
INCOME AND EXPENSES
 
For life and annuity contracts, premiums are recognized as revenues over the
premium paying period, whereas commissions and other costs applicable to the
acquisition of new business are charged to operations as incurred.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
 
The Company has established unitized separate accounts applicable to various
classes of contracts providing for variable benefits. Contracts for which funds
are invested in separate accounts include variable life insurance and individual
and group qualified and non-qualified variable annuity contracts.
 
Assets and liabilities of the separate accounts, representing net deposits and
accumulated net investment earnings less fees, held primarily for the benefit of
contract holders, are shown as separate captions in the financial statements.
Assets held in the separate accounts are carried at market value.
 
The Company has also established a non-unitized separate account for amounts
allocated to the fixed portion of certain combination fixed/variable deferred
annuity contracts. The assets of this account are available to fund general
account liabilities and general account assets are available to fund liabilities
of this account.
 
Gains (losses) from mortality experience and investment experience of the
separate accounts, not applicable to contract owners, are transferred to (from)
the general account. Accumulated gains (losses) that have not been transferred
are recorded as a payable (receivable) to (from) the general account. Amounts
payable to the general account of the Company were $284,078,000 in 1997 and
$232,743,000 in 1996.
 
CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND REPORTING
 
Prior to 1996, dividends paid to the Company by its subsidiaries and the
undistributed gains (losses) of those subsidiaries were included in net income
of the Company. For Annual Statement reporting, dividends were (and continue to
be) reported in net income while undistributed gains (losses) are reported
directly to surplus (as a separate component of unassigned surplus). As a
result, net income as reported in these financial statements is $2.5 million
less than net income reported in the Annual Statement in 1995. Effective for
1996, the Company changed its method of accounting for investments in
subsidiaries to conform with a preferable prescribed statutory accounting
practices used in the preparation of its Annual Statement. As a result of the
change, $5.7 million in undistributed losses of subsidiaries are reported
directly as a separate component of unassigned surplus rather than being
included in net income for the year ended December 31, 1996. The amounts as
reported in prior years have not been restated.
 
As described more fully in Note 10, during 1997 the Company changed certain
assumptions used in determining actuarial reserves.
 
                                       76
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1.  DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES (CONTINUED):
OTHER
 
Preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues
and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to amounts as
presented in the current year.
 
2.  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES:
The Company owns all of the outstanding shares of Sun Life Insurance and Annuity
Company of New York ("Sun Life (N.Y.)"), Massachusetts Casualty Insurance
Company ("MCIC"), Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc. (formerly Sun
Investment Services Company) ("Sundisco"), New London Trust, F.S.B. ("NLT"), Sun
Life Financial Services Limited, ("SLFSL"), Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc.
("Sunbesco"), Sun Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Sun Capital"), and Sun Life Finance
Corporation ("Sunfinco").
 
On October 30, 1997, the Company established a wholly-owned special purpose
corporation, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc. (SPE 97-1). SPE 97-1 was
organized for the purpose of engaging in activities incidental to securitizing
mortgage loans.
 
Prior to December 24, 1997, the Company owned 93.6% of the outstanding shares of
Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS") . On December 24, 1997, the
Company transferred all of its shares of MFS to Life Holdco in the form of a
dividend valued at $159,722,000. As a result of this transaction the Company
realized a gain of $21,195,000 of undistributed earnings.
 
On December 31, 1997, the Company purchased all of the outstanding shares of
Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Clarendon") from MFS.
 
Sun Life (N.Y.) is engaged in the sale of individual fixed and variable annuity
contracts and group life and disability insurance contracts in the State of New
York. MCIC is a life insurance company which issues only individual disability
income policies. Sundisco is a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer.
NLT is a federally chartered savings bank. SLFSL serves as the marketing
administrator for the distribution of the offshore products of SLOC, an
affiliate. Sun Capital is a registered investment adviser. Sunfinco and Sunbesco
are currently inactive. Clarendon is a registered broker-dealer that acts as the
general distributor of certain annuity and life insurance contracts issued by
the Company and its affiliates.
 
MFS, a registered investment adviser, serves as investment adviser to the mutual
funds in the MFS family of funds as well as certain mutual funds and separate
accounts established by the Company. The MFS Asset Management Group provides
investment advice to substantial private clients.
 
On December 23, 1997, the Company issued a $110,000,000 note to US Holdco. at an
interest rate of 5.80%, which is scheduled for repayment on March 1, 1998, and
is included in borrowed money. A $110,000,000 note was also issued by MFS on
December 23, 1997 to the Company at an interest rate of 5.85% due on March 1,
1998 and is included in cash and short-term investments.
 
On December 31, 1996, the Company issued a $58,000,000 note to SLOC which was
repaid on February 10, 1997 at an interest rate of 5.70%. Also on December 31,
1996, the Company was issued a $58,000,000 note by MFS at an interest rate of
5.76%. This note was repaid to the Company on February 10, 1997. On December 31,
1997 and 1996 the Company had an additional $20,000,000 in notes issued by MFS,
scheduled to mature in 2000.
 
                                       77
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
2.  INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES (CONTINUED):
During 1997, 1996, and 1995, the Company contributed capital in the following
amounts to its subsidiaries:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997            1996           1995
                                                                     --------------  --------------  ------------
<S>                                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>
MCIC                                                                 $    2,000,000  $   10,000,000  $  6,000,000
SLFSL                                                                     1,000,000       1,500,000            --
SPE 97-1                                                                 20,377,000              --            --
</TABLE>
 
Summarized combined financial information of the Company's subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for the years then ended, follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                                         1997           1996           1995
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                                     (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
Intangible assets                                                    $           0  $       9,646  $      12,174
Other assets                                                             1,190,951      1,376,014      1,233,372
Liabilities                                                             (1,073,966)    (1,241,617)    (1,107,264)
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Total net assets                                                     $     116,985  $     144,043  $     138,282
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Total revenues                                                       $     750,364  $     717,280  $     570,794
Operating expenses                                                        (646,896)      (624,199)      (504,070)
Income tax expense                                                         (43,987)       (42,820)       (31,193)
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
Net income                                                           $      59,481  $      50,261  $      35,531
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
                                                                     -------------  -------------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
3.  BONDS:
Investments in debt securities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                             GROSS        GROSS      ESTIMATED
                                                             AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED       FAIR
                                                                COST         GAINS      (LOSSES)       VALUE
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
Long-term bonds:
    United States government and government agencies and
     authorities                                            $    126,923   $   5,529    $      --   $    132,452
    States, provinces and political subdivisions                  22,361       2,095           --         24,456
    Public utilities                                             398,939      35,338          (91)       434,186
    Transportation                                               214,130      22,000         (390)       235,740
    Finance                                                      157,891       5,885         (120)       163,656
    All other corporate bonds                                    990,455      52,678       (5,456)     1,037,677
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total long-term bonds                                  1,910,699     123,525       (6,057)     2,028,167
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Short-term bonds:
    U.S. Treasury Bills, bankers acceptances and
     commercial paper                                            431,032          --           --        431,032
    Affiliates                                                   110,000          --           --        110,000
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total short-term bonds                                   541,032          --           --        541,032
Total bonds                                                 $  2,451,731   $ 123,525    $  (6,057)  $  2,569,199
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       78
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
3.  BONDS (CONTINUED):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                            ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                             GROSS        GROSS      ESTIMATED
                                                             AMORTIZED    UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED       FAIR
                                                                COST         GAINS      (LOSSES)       VALUE
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
 
<S>                                                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
Long-term bonds:
    United States government and government agencies and
     authorities                                            $    267,756   $  12,272    $  (8,927)  $    271,101
    States, provinces and political subdivisions                   2,253          20           --          2,273
    Foreign governments                                           18,812       1,351           --         20,163
    Public utilities                                             415,641      24,728       (1,223)       439,146
    Transportation                                               167,937      14,107       (2,243)       179,801
    Finance                                                      290,024       7,914         (472)       297,466
    All other corporate bonds                                  1,007,680      42,338      (14,496)     1,035,522
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total long-term bonds                                  2,170,103     102,730      (27,361)     2,245,472
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Short-term bonds:
    U.S. Treasury Bills, bankers acceptances and
     commercial paper                                             88,754          --           --         88,754
    Affiliates                                                    58,000          --           --         58,000
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
        Total short-term bonds                                   146,754          --           --        146,754
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
Total bonds                                                 $  2,316,857   $ 102,730    $ (27,361)  $  2,392,226
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
                                                            ------------  -----------  -----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of bonds at December 31, 1997 are
shown below by contractual maturity. Expected maturities will differ from
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay
obligations with or without call and/or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                                       --------------------------
                                                                                        AMORTIZED     ESTIMATED
                                                                                           COST       FAIR VALUE
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>           <C>
                                                                                               (IN 000'S)
Maturities:
    Due in one year or less                                                            $    699,548  $    700,280
    Due after one year through five years                                                   533,901       541,382
    Due after five years through ten years                                                  270,607       286,651
    Due after ten years                                                                     735,624       821,002
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
                                                                                          2,239,680     2,349,315
    Mortgage-backed securities                                                              212,051       219,884
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
Total bonds                                                                            $  2,451,731  $  2,569,199
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
                                                                                       ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments in debt securities during
1997, 1996, and 1995 were $980,264,000, $1,554,016,000, and $1,510,553,000,
gross gains were $10,732,000, $16,975,000, and $24,757,000 and gross losses were
$2,446,000, $10,885,000, and $5,742,000, respectively.
 
Bonds included above with an amortized cost of approximately $2,578,000 and
$2,060,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, were on deposit with
governmental authorities as required by law.
 
4.  SECURITIES LENDING:
The Company has a securities lending program operated on its behalf by the
Company's primary custodian, Chemical Bank of New York. The custodian has
indemnified the Company against losses arising from this
 
                                       79
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
4.  SECURITIES LENDING (CONTINUED):
program. The total par value of securities out on loan was $0 and $51,537,000 at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 respectively. Income resulting from this program was
$200,000, $137,000 and $2,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
 
5.  MORTGAGE LOANS:
The Company invests in commercial first mortgage loans throughout the United
States. The Company monitors the condition of the mortgage loans in its
portfolio. In those cases where mortgages have been restructured, appropriate
allowances for losses have been made. In those cases where, in management's
judgment, the mortgage loans' values are impaired, appropriate losses are
recorded.
 
The following table shows the geographical distribution of the mortgage loan
portfolio.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                           ----------------------
                                                                                              1997        1996
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
California                                                                                 $  119,122  $  154,272
Massachusetts                                                                                  58,981      79,929
Michigan                                                                                       42,912      57,119
New York                                                                                       45,696      67,742
Ohio                                                                                           51,862      75,405
Pennsylvania                                                                                   97,949     115,584
Washington                                                                                     54,948      75,819
All other                                                                                     212,565     313,062
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                           $  684,035  $  938,932
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
                                                                                           ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
The Company has restructured mortgage loans totaling $26,284,000 and $29,261,000
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, against which there are allowances
for losses of $3,026,000 and $5,893,000, respectively.
 
Mortgage loans from Sun Life (U.S.)'s portfolio with an approximate book value
of $53,188,000 were included in a transaction also involving loans from the
portfolios of other SLOC entities with an aggregate book value of $256 million,
whereby such loans were securitized for sale to the public markets.
 
The Company has made commitments of mortgage loans on real estate into the
future. The outstanding commitments for these mortgages amount to $12,300,000
and $9,800,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
                                       80
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
6.  INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                   -------------------------------
                                                                                     1997       1996       1995
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                             (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
Net realized gains (losses)
Bonds                                                                              $   2,882  $   5,631  $   3,935
Common stock of affiliates                                                            21,195         --         --
Mortgage loans                                                                         3,837        763        292
Real estate                                                                            2,912        599        391
Other invested assets                                                                   (717)       567     (2,549)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   $  30,109  $   7,560  $   2,069
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
Changes in unrealized gains (losses):
Common stock of affiliates                                                         $  (2,894) $  (5,739) $      --
Mortgage loans                                                                         1,524       (600)    (1,574)
Real estate                                                                            3,377      4,624      3,583
Other invested assets                                                                   (854)        --         --
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   $   1,153  $  (1,715) $   2,009
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
Realized capital gains and losses on bonds and mortgages which relate to changes
in levels of interest rates are charged or credited to an interest maintenance
reserve ("IMR") and amortized into income over the remaining contractual life of
the security sold. The net realized capital gains credited to the interest
maintenance reserve were $6,321,000 in 1997, $7,710,000 in 1996, and $12,714,000
in 1995. All gains and losses are transferred net of applicable income taxes.
 
7.  NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
Net investment income consisted of:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                              ----------------------------------
                                                                                 1997        1996        1995
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                                          (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Interest income from bonds                                                    $  188,924  $  178,695  $  205,445
Income from investment in common stock of affiliates                              41,181      50,408      35,403
Interest income from mortgage loans                                               76,073      92,591      99,766
Real estate investment income                                                     17,161      16,249      14,979
Interest income from policy loans                                                  3,582       2,790       2,777
Other                                                                               (193)      1,710       2,672
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
    Gross investment income                                                      326,728     342,443     361,042
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Interest on surplus notes and notes payable                                      (42,481)    (23,061)    (31,813)
Investment expenses                                                              (13,998)    (15,629)    (16,357)
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
Net investment income                                                         $  270,249  $  303,753  $  312,872
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       81
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
8.  DERIVATIVES:
The Company uses derivative instruments for interest risk management purposes,
including hedges against specific interest rate risk and to minimize the
Company's exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company's use of
derivatives has included U.S. Treasury futures, conventional interest rate
swaps, and forward spread lock interest rate swaps.
 
In the case of interest rate futures, gains or losses on contracts that qualify
as hedges are deferred until the earliest of the completion of the hedging
transaction, determination that the transaction will no longer take place, or
determination that the hedge is no longer effective. Upon completion of the
hedge, where it is impractical to allocate gains (losses) to specific hedged
assets or liabilities, gains (losses) are deferred in IMR and amortized over the
remaining life of the hedged assets. At December 31, 1997 and 1996 there were no
futures contracts outstanding.
 
In the case of interest rate and foreign currency swap agreements and forward
spread lock interest rate swap agreements, gains or losses on terminated swaps
are deferred in IMR and amortized over the shorter of the remaining life of the
hedged asset or the remaining term of the swap contract. The net differential to
be paid or received on interest rate swaps is recorded monthly as interest rates
change.
 
Options are used to hedge the stock market interest exposure in the mortality
and expense risk charges and guaranteed minimum death benefit features of the
Company's variable annuities. The Company's open positions are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SWAPS OUTSTANDING
                                                                                       AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                                 ---------------------------------
                                                                                      NOTIONAL       MARKET VALUE
                                                                                 PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS   OF POSITIONS
                                                                                 ------------------  -------------
                                                                                            (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>
Conventional interest rate swaps                                                    $     80,000       $  (2,891)
Foreign currency swap                                                                      1,700             208
Forward spread lock swaps                                                                 50,000             274
Asian Put Option S & P 500                                                                70,000             693
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         SWAPS OUTSTANDING
                                                                                       AT DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                                 ---------------------------------
                                                                                      NOTIONAL       MARKET VALUE
                                                                                 PRINCIPAL AMOUNTS   OF POSITIONS
                                                                                 ------------------  -------------
                                                                                            (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>
Conventional interest rate swaps                                                    $    429,000       $  (2,443)
Foreign currency swap                                                                      2,100              70
Forward spread lock swaps                                                                 50,000             (50)
</TABLE>
 
The market value of swaps is the estimated amount that the Company would receive
or pay on termination or sale, taking into account current interest rates and
the current credit worthiness of the counterparties. The Company is exposed to
potential credit loss in the event of non-performance by counterparties. The
counterparties are major financial institutions and management believes that the
risk of incurring losses related to credit risk is remote.
 
9.  LEVERAGED LEASES:
The Company is a lessor in a leveraged lease agreement entered into on October
21, 1994, under which equipment having an estimated economic life of 25-40 years
was leased for a term of 9.75 years. The Company's equity investment represented
22.9% of the purchase price of the equipment. The balance of
 
                                       82
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
9.  LEVERAGED LEASES (CONTINUED):
the purchase price was furnished by third-party long-term debt financing,
collateralized by the equipment and non-recourse to the Company. At the end of
the lease term, the Master Lessee may exercise a fixed price purchase option to
purchase the equipment.
 
The Company's net investment in leveraged leases is composed of the following
elements:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         YEARS ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                 31,
                                                                                        ----------------------
                                                                                           1997        1996
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                                              (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                     <C>         <C>
Lease contracts receivable                                                              $   92,605  $  101,244
Less non-recourse debt                                                                     (92,589)   (101,227)
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                                                16          17
Estimated residual value of leased assets                                                   41,150      41,150
Less unearned and deferred income                                                          (10,324)    (11,501)
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
Investment in leveraged leases                                                              30,842      29,666
Less fees                                                                                     (163)       (188)
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
Net investment in leveraged leases                                                      $   30,679  $   29,478
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
                                                                                        ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
The net investment is included as an other invested asset.
 
10. REINSURANCE:
The Company has agreements with SLOC which provide that SLOC will reinsure the
mortality risks of the individual life insurance contracts sold by the Company.
Under these agreements basic death benefits and supplementary benefits are
reinsured on a yearly renewable term basis and coinsurance basis, respectively.
Reinsurance transactions under these agreements had the effect of decreasing
income from operations by approximately $1,381,000, $1,603,000 and $2,184,000
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
Effective January 1, 1991, the Company entered into an agreement with SLOC under
which certain individual life insurance contracts issued by SLOC were reinsured
by the Company on a 90% coinsurance basis. During 1997 SLOC changed certain
assumptions used in determining the gross and the ceded reserve balance. The
Company reflected the effect of the changes in assumptions to its assumed
reserves as a direct credit to surplus. The effect of the change was a
$39,016,000 decrease in reserves. Also, effective January 1, 1991, the Company
entered into an agreement with SLOC which provides that SLOC will reinsure the
mortality risks in excess of $500,000 per policy for the individual life
insurance contracts assumed by the Company in the reinsurance agreement
described above. Such death benefits are reinsured on a yearly renewable term
basis. These agreements had the effect of increasing income from operations by
approximately $37,050,000, $35,161,000 and $11,821,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1997,1996 and 1995, respectively. The life reinsurance assumed
agreement requires the reinsurer to withhold funds in amounts equal to the
reserves assumed.
 
                                       83
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
10. REINSURANCE (CONTINUED):
The following are summarized pro-forma results of operations of the Company for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 before the effect of
reinsurance transactions with SLOC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                        ----------------------------------------
                                                                            1997          1996          1995
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                                       (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                     <C>           <C>           <C>
Income:
    Premiums, annuity deposits and other revenues                       $  2,230,980  $  1,858,145  $  1,619,337
    Net investment income and realized gains                                 300,669       312,870       315,967
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
    Subtotal                                                               2,531,649     2,171,015     1,935,304
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
Benefits and Expenses:
    Policyholder benefits                                                  2,240,597     1,928,720     1,760,917
    Other expenses                                                           187,591       155,531       130,302
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
    Subtotal                                                               2,428,188     2,084,251     1,891,219
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
Income from operations                                                  $    103,461  $     86,764  $     44,085
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
                                                                        ------------  ------------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
The Company has an agreement with an unrelated company which provides
reinsurance of certain individual life insurance contracts on a modified
coinsurance basis and under which all deficiency reserves related to these
contracts are reinsured. Reinsurance transactions under this agreement had the
effect of decreasing income from operations by $2,658,000 in 1997, $46,000 in
1996, and by $1,599,000 in 1995.
 
11. WITHDRAWAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ANNUITY ACTUARIAL RESERVES AND DEPOSIT
LIABILITIES:
The withdrawal characteristics of general account and separate account annuity
reserves and deposits are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                                                        -----------------------------
                                                                                            AMOUNT       % OF TOTAL
                                                                                        --------------  -------------
                                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                     <C>             <C>
Subject to discretionary withdrawal-with adjustment:
    With market value adjustment                                                        $    3,415,394          25%
    At book value less surrender charges (surrender charge >5%)                              7,672,211          57
    At book value (minimal or no charge or adjustment)                                       1,259,698           9
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal provision                                            1,164,651           9
                                                                                        --------------         ---
Total annuity actuarial reserves and deposit liabilities                                $   13,511,954         100%
                                                                                        --------------         ---
                                                                                        --------------         ---
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                                                        -----------------------------
                                                                                            AMOUNT       % OF TOTAL
                                                                                        --------------  -------------
                                                                                                 (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                                     <C>             <C>
Subject to discretionary withdrawal-with adjustment:
    With market value adjustment                                                        $    3,547,683          31%
    At book value less surrender charges (surrender charge >5%)                              5,626,117          48
    At book value (minimal or no charge or adjustment)                                       1,264,586          11
Not subject to discretionary withdrawal provision                                            1,218,157          10
                                                                                        --------------         ---
Total annuity actuarial reserves and deposit liabilities                                $   11,656,543         100%
                                                                                        --------------         ---
                                                                                        --------------         ---
</TABLE>
 
                                       84
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
12. RETIREMENT PLANS:
The Company participates with SLOC in a non contributory defined benefit pension
plan covering essentially all employees. The benefits are based on years of
service and compensation.
 
The funding policy for the pension plan is to contribute an amount which at
least satisfies the minimum amount required by ERISA; currently the plan is
fully funded. The Company is charged for its share of the pension cost based
upon its covered participants. Pension plan assets consist principally of
separate accounts of SLOC.
 
The Company's share of the group's accrued pension cost at December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995 was $593,000, $446,000 and $420,000, respectively. The Company's
share of net periodic pension cost was $146,000, $27,000 and $3,000, for 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
The Company also participates with SLOC and certain affiliates in a 401(k)
savings plan for which substantially all employees are eligible. The Company
matches, up to specified amounts, employees' contributions to the plan. Company
contributions were $259,000, $233,000 and $185,000 for the years ended December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
 
In addition to pension benefits the Company provides certain health, dental, and
life insurance benefits ("post-retirement benefits") for retired employees and
dependents. Substantially all employees may become eligible for these benefits
if they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company, or retire
early upon satisfying an alternate age plus service condition. Life insurance
benefits are generally set at a fixed amount.
 
                                       85
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of
the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                       ---------------------------------------
                                                        CARRYING AMOUNT   ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
                                                       -----------------  --------------------
                                                                     (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>
ASSETS:
Bonds                                                    $   2,451,731       $    2,569,199
Mortgages                                                      684,035              706,975
LIABILITIES:
Insurance reserves                                       $     123,128       $      123,128
Individual annuities                                           307,668              302,165
Pension products                                             1,527,433            1,561,108
Derivatives                                                         --               (1,716)
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                                       ---------------------------------------
                                                        CARRYING AMOUNT   ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE
                                                       -----------------  --------------------
                                                                     (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>
ASSETS:
Bonds                                                    $   2,316,857       $    2,392,226
Mortgages                                                      938,932              958,909
LIABILITIES:
Insurance reserves                                       $     122,606       $      122,606
Individual annuities                                           373,488              367,878
Pension products                                             1,911,284            1,922,602
Derivatives                                                         --               (2,423)
</TABLE>
 
The major methods and assumptions used in estimating the fair values of
financial instruments are as follows:
 
The fair values of short-term bonds are estimated to be the amortized cost. The
fair values of long-term bonds which are publicly traded are based upon market
prices or dealer quotes. For privately placed bonds, fair values are estimated
by taking into account prices for publicly traded bonds of similar credit risk
and maturity and repayment and liquidity characteristics.
 
The fair values of the Company's general account insurance reserves and
liabilities under investment-type contracts (insurance, annuity and pension
contracts that do not involve mortality or morbidity risks) are estimated using
discounted cash flow analyses or surrender values. Those contracts that are
deemed to have short-term guarantees have a carrying amount equal to the
estimated market value.
 
The fair values of mortgages are estimated by discounting future cash flows
using current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with
similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.
 
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are estimated using the
process described in Note 8.
 
                                       86
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
14. STATUTORY INVESTMENT VALUATION RESERVES:
The asset valuation reserve ("AVR") provides a reserve for losses from
investments in bonds, stocks, mortgage loans, real estate and other invested
assets with related increases or decreases being recorded directly to surplus.
 
Realized capital gains and losses on bonds and mortgages which relate to changes
in levels of interest rates are charged or credited to an interest maintenance
reserve ("IMR") and amortized into income over the remaining contractual life of
the security sold.
 
The tables shown below present changes in the major elements of the AVR and IMR.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1997                  1996
                                                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                                                         AVR        IMR        AVR        IMR
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                           (IN 000'S)            (IN 000'S)
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Balance, beginning of year                                            $  53,911  $  28,675  $  42,099  $  25,218
Net realized investment gains, net of tax                                17,400      6,321      3,160      5,011
Amortization of net investment gains                                         --     (1,166)        --     (1,557)
Unrealized investment gains (losses)                                     (2,340)        --      1,502         --
Required by formula                                                     (21,366)        --      7,150          3
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
Balance, end of year                                                  $  47,605  $  33,830  $  53,911  $  28,675
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
15. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return.
Federal income taxes are calculated for the consolidated group based upon
amounts determined to be payable as a result of operations within the current
year. No provision is recognized for timing differences which may exist between
financial statement and taxable income. Such timing differences include
reserves, depreciation and accrual of market discount on bonds. Cash payments
for federal income taxes were approximately $31,000,000, $19,264,000 and
$12,429,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
   
16. SURPLUS NOTES AND NOTES RECEIVABLE (PAYABLE):
    
On December 22, 1997, the Company issued a $250,000,000 surplus note to Life
Holdco. This note has an interest rate of 8.625% and is due on or after November
6, 2027. On May 9, 1997, the Company issued a short-term note of $600,000,000 to
Life Holdco at an interest rate of 5.10%, which was extended at various interest
rates. This note was repaid on December 22, 1997.
 
The Company had issued and outstanding surplus notes to SLOC with an aggregate
carrying value of $335,000,000, during the period 1982 through January 16, 1996
at interest rates between 7.25% and 10%. The Company repaid all principal and
interest associated with these surplus notes on January 16, 1996.
 
On December 19, 1995 the Company issued surplus notes totaling $315,000,000 to
an affiliate, Sun Canada Financial Co., at interest rates between 5.75% and
7.25%. Of these notes, $157,500,000 will mature in the year 2007 and
$157,500,000 will mature in the year 2015. Interest on these notes is payable
semi-annually.
 
Principal and interest on surplus notes are payable only to the extent that the
Company meets specified requirements regarding free surplus exclusive of the
principal amount and accrued interest, if any, on these notes and with the
consent of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner. In addition, with regard to
surplus notes outstanding through January 16, 1996, subsequent to December 31,
1994 interest payments required
 
                                       87
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
   
16. SURPLUS NOTES AND NOTES RECEIVABLE (PAYABLE) (CONTINUED):
    
   
the consent of the Delaware Insurance Commissioner. Payment of principal and
interest on the notes issued in 1995 and in 1997 also requires the consents of
the Delaware Insurance Commissioner and Canadian Office of the Superintendent of
Financial Institutions.
    
 
   
The Company obtained the required consents and expensed $42,481,000, $23,061,000
and $31,813,000 for interest on surplus notes and notes payable for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
    
 
17. MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE CONTRACTS:
The Company has an agreement with SLOC which provides that SLOC will furnish, as
requested, personnel as well as certain services and facilities on a
cost-reimbursement basis. Expenses under this agreement amounted to
approximately $15,997,000 in 1997, $20,192,000 in 1996, and $20,293,000 in 1995.
 
18. RISK-BASED CAPITAL:
Effective December 31, 1993 the NAIC adopted risk-based capital requirements for
life insurance companies. The risk-based capital requirements provide a method
for measuring the minimum acceptable amount of adjusted capital that a life
insurer should have, as determined under statutory accounting practices, taking
into account the risk characteristics of its investments and products. The
Company has met the minimum risk-based capital requirements at December 31, 1997
and 1996.
 
19. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES:
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared on the basis of
statutory accounting practices which, prior to 1996, were considered by the
insurance industry and the accounting profession to be in accordance with GAAP
for mutual life insurance companies. The primary differences between statutory
accounting practices and GAAP are described as follows. Under statutory
accounting practices, financial statements are not consolidated and investments
in subsidiaries are shown at net equity value. Accordingly, the assets,
liabilities and results of operations of the Company's subsidiaries are not
consolidated with the assets, liabilities and results of operations,
respectively, of the Company. Changes in net equity value of the common stock of
the Company's United States life insurance subsidiaries are directly reflected
in the Company's surplus. Changes in the net equity value of the common stock of
all other subsidiaries are directly reflected in the Company's Asset Valuation
Reserve. Dividends paid by subsidiaries to the Company are included in the
Company's net investment income.
 
Other differences between statutory accounting practices and GAAP include the
following: statutory accounting practices do not recognize the following assets
or liabilities which are reflected under GAAP - deferred policy acquisition
costs, deferred federal income taxes and statutory non-admitted assets. Asset
Valuation Reserves and Interest Maintenance Reserves are established under
statutory accounting practices but not under GAAP. Methods for calculating real
estate depreciation and investment valuation allowances differ under statutory
accounting practices and GAAP. Actuarial assumptions and reserving methods
differ under statutory accounting practices and GAAP. Premiums for universal
life and investment type products are recognized as income for statutory
purposes and as deposits to policyholders' accounts for GAAP.
 
Because the Company's management uses financial information prepared in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Canada in the normal
course of business, the management of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
(U.S.) has determined that the cost of complying with Statement No. 120
"Accounting and Reporting by Mutual Insurance Enterprises and by Insurance
Enterprises for Certain Long
 
                                       88
<PAGE>
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
(Wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.)
 
NOTES TO STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
19. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES (CONTINUED):
Duration Participating Contracts" exceed the benefits that the Company, or the
users of its financial statements, would experience. Consequently, the Company
has elected not to apply such standards in the preparation of these financial
statements.
 
                                       89
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
 
    We have audited the accompanying statutory statements of admitted assets,
liabilities, and capital stock and surplus of Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada (U.S.) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statutory
statements of operations, changes in capital stock and surplus, and cash flow
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    As described more fully in Notes 1 and 19 to the financial statements, the
Company prepared these financial statements using accounting practices
prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the State of Delaware,
which practices differ from generally accepted accounting principles. The
effects on the financial statements of the variances between the statutory basis
of accounting and generally accepted accounting principles, although not
reasonably determinable, are presumed to be material.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the admitted assets, liabilities, and capital stock
and surplus of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) as of December 31,
1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flow for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 on the basis of accounting
described in Notes 1 and 19.
 
    However, because of the effects of the matter discussed in the second
preceding paragraph, in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
do not present fairly, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, the financial position of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
(U.S.) as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 or the results of its operations or its
cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.
 
    As management has stated in Note 19, because the Company's management uses
financial information prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in Canada in the normal course of business, the management of
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) has determined that the cost of
complying with Statement No. 120 would exceed the benefits that the Company, or
the users of its financial statements, would experience. Consequently, the
Company has elected not to apply such standards in the preparation of these
financial statements.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
    Boston, Massachusetts
February 5, 1998
 
                                       90
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX A
 
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE CALCULATIONS:
 
    Suppose the net asset value of a Series Fund share at the end of the current
Valuation Period is $18.38; at the end of the immediately preceding Valuation
Period was $18.32; the Valuation Period is one day; and no dividends or
distributions caused Series Fund shares to go "ex-dividend" during the current
Valuation Period. $18.38 divided by $18.32 is 1.00327511. Subtracting the one
day risk factor for mortality and expense risks and the administrative expense
charge of .00003133 (the daily equivalent of the current maximum charge of 1.15%
on an annual basis) gives a Net Investment Factor of 1.00324378. If the value of
the Variable Accumulation Unit for the immediately preceding Valuation Period
had been 14.5645672, the value for the current Valuation Period would be
14.6118115 (14.5645672 X 1.00324378).
 
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF ANNUITY UNIT VALUE CALCULATIONS:
 
    Suppose the circumstances of the first example exist, and the value of an
Annuity Unit for the immediately preceding Valuation Period had been 12.3456789.
If the first Variable Annuity payment is determined by using an annuity payment
based on an assumed interest rate of three percent (3%) per year, the value of
the Annuity Unit for the current Valuation Period would be 12.3847226
(12.3456789 X 1.00324378 (the Net Investment Factor) X 0.99991902). 0.99991902
is the factor, for a one day Valuation Period, that neutralizes the assumed
interest rate of three percent (3%) per year used to establish the Annuity
Payment Rates found in the Contract.
 
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENT CALCULATIONS:
 
    Suppose that a Participant's Account is credited with 8,765.4321 Variable
Accumulation Units of a particular Sub-Account but is not credited with any
fixed accumulation units; that the Variable Accumulation Unit value and the
Annuity Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for the Valuation Period which
ends immediately preceding the Annuity Commencement Date are 14.5645672 and
12.3456789 respectively; that the Annuity Payment Rate for the age and option
elected is $6.78 per $1,000; and that the Annuity Unit value on the day prior to
the second variable annuity payment date is 12.3847226. The first Variable
Annuity payment would be $865.57 (8,765.4321 X 14.5645672 X 6.78 divided by
1,000). The number of Annuity Units credited would be 70.1112 ($865.57 divided
by 12.3456789) and the second Variable Annuity payment would be $868.31 (70.1112
X 12.3847226).
 
                                   APPENDIX B
 
STATE PREMIUM TAXES
   
    The amount of applicable tax varies depending on the jurisdiction and is
subject to change by the legislature or other authority. In many jurisdictions
there is no tax at all. The Company believes that as of February 27, 1998 the
Contracts were subject to premium taxes by the following jurisdictions at the
rates indicated. For more current information a tax adviser should be consulted.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  RATE OF TAX
                                           -------------------------
                                           QUALIFIED   NON-QUALIFIED
 STATE                                     CONTRACTS     CONTRACTS
 ----------------------------------------  ---------   -------------
 <S>                                       <C>         <C>
 California                                   .50%        2.35%
 District of Columbia                        2.25%        2.25%
 Kentucky                                    2.00%        2.00%
 Maine                                        --          2.00%
 Nevada                                       --          3.50%
 South Dakota                                 --          1.25%
 West Virginia                               1.00%        1.00%
 Wyoming                                      --          1.00%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       91
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX C
        WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
PART 1: VARIABLE ACCOUNT (THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT APPLY TO THE
VARIABLE ACCOUNT)
 
FULL SURRENDER:
 
    Assume a Purchase Payment of $40,000 is made on the Date of Coverage, no
additional Purchase Payments are made and there are no partial withdrawals. The
table below presents two examples of the withdrawal charge resulting from a full
surrender of the Participant's Account, based on hypothetical Account Values.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           WITHDRAWAL
 NUMBER OF YEARS PURCHASE    HYPOTHETICAL    PURCHASE        CHARGE       WITHDRAWAL CHARGE
    PAYMENT IN ACCOUNT      ACCOUNT VALUE     PAYMENT      PERCENTAGE          AMOUNT
- --------------------------  --------------  -----------  ---------------  -----------------
<S>                         <C>             <C>          <C>              <C>
Less than one                 $   41,000     $  40,000           1.0%         $     400
One or greater                $   44,000     $  40,000           0.0%         $       0
</TABLE>
 
Minimum Distribution withdrawals from a Qualified Contract will not incur a
withdrawal charge.
 
PARTIAL SURRENDER
 
    Assume a Purchase Payment of $40,000 is made on the Date of Coverage, no
additional Purchase Payments are made and there is a sequence of two partial
withdrawals made prior to the end of the first Year of $9,000 and $32,000.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             PARTIAL     PURCHASE      WITHDRAWAL
            HYPOTHETICAL   WITHDRAWAL     PAYMENT        CHARGE        WITHDRAWAL
           ACCOUNT VALUE     AMOUNT     LIQUIDATED     PERCENTAGE     CHARGE AMOUNT
           --------------  -----------  -----------  ---------------  -------------
<S>        <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>
1.           $   41,000     $   9,000    $   9,000          1.00%       $      90
2.           $   36,000     $  32,000    $  31,000          1.00%       $     310
</TABLE>
 
1.  The $9,000 partial withdrawal during the first Year incurs a 1% withdrawal
    charge, totaling $90.
 
2.  The 1% withdrawal charge applies only to $31,000 of the $32,000 withdrawn.
    The withdrawal charge is not applied to the total partial withdrawal because
    the amount of the unliquidated Purchase Payment of $31,000 ($40,000 -
    $9,000) is less than the withdrawal amount.
 
    Minimum Distribution withdrawals from a Qualified Contract will not incur a
withdrawal charge.
 
PART 2--FIXED ACCOUNT--EXAMPLES OF THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (MVA)
 
    The MVA factor is:
 
<TABLE>
 <S>                        <C>
                              N/12
                      1 + I
                    ( ----- )      -1
                      1 + J
</TABLE>
 
    These examples assume the following:
 
        1.  the Guarantee Amount was allocated to a one year Guarantee Period
    with a Guaranteed Interest Rate of 4% or .04 (l).
 
        2.  the date of full surrender is six months from the Expiration Date (N
    = 6).
 
        3.  the value of the Guarantee Amount on the date of surrender is
    $40,792.16.
 
        4.  no transfers or partial withdrawals affecting this Guarantee Amount
    have been made
 
        5.  withdrawal charges, if any, are calculated in the same manner as
    shown in the examples in Part 1.
 
                                       92
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE OF A NEGATIVE MVA:
 
    Assume that on the date of surrender the Current Rate (J) is 5% or .05.
 
<TABLE>
    <C>              <S> <C>     <C>
                                   N/12
                         1 + l
    The MVA factor =   ( ------  )       -1
                         1 + J
                                   6/12
                         1 + .04
                   =   ( ------  )       -1
                         1 + .05
 
                   = - .0047733
</TABLE>
 
    The value of the Guarantee Amount is multiplied by the MVA factor to
determine the MVA.
 
                      ($40,792.16) X (-.0047733) = -$194.71
 
    -$194.71 represents the MVA that will be deducted from the value of the
Guarantee Amount before the deduction of any withdrawal charge.
 
    For a partial withdrawal of $2,000 from this Guarantee Amount, the MVA would
be ($2,000 X -.0047733) = -$9.55.
 
    -$9.55 represents the MVA that will be deducted from the partial withdrawal
amount before the deduction of any withdrawal charge.
 
EXAMPLE OF A POSITIVE MVA:
    Assume that on the date of surrender the Current Rate (J) is 3% or .03.
 
                                   N/12
                         1 + I
    The MVA factor =   ( ------  )       -1
                         1 + J
                                   6/12
                         1 + .04
                   =   ( ------  )       -1
                         1 + .03
 
                   =   .00484264
 
    The value of the Guarantee Amount is multiplied by the MVA factor to
determine the MVA.
 
                        $40,792.16 X .00484264 = $197.54
 
    $197.54 represents the MVA that would be added to the value of the Guarantee
Amount before the deduction of any withdrawal charge.
 
    For a partial withdrawal of $2,000 from this Guarantee Amount, the MVA would
be $2,000 X .00484264 = $9.69.
 
    $9.69 represents the MVA that would be added to the value of the partial
withdrawal amount before the deduction of any withdrawal charge.
 
                                       93
<PAGE>
                                   APPENDIX D
                        CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA
 
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN:
 
   
    The table below shows, for various Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account, the
Average Annual Total Return for the stated periods (or shorter period indicated
in the note below), based upon a hypothetical initial Purchase Payment of
$1,000, calculated in accordance with the formula set out below the table. For
purposes of determining these investment results, the actual investment
performance of each Series of the Series Fund is reflected from the date such
Series commenced investment operations ("Inception"), although the Contracts
have been offered only since October, 1996. No information is shown for the Bond
Series, Equity Income Series, Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Series, New
Discovery Series, Research International Series and Strategic Income Series as
such series had not yet commenced operations as of December 31, 1997.
    
 
   
                          AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                        PERIOD ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1997
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1 YEAR    5 YEAR    10 YEAR                  DATE OF
                                           PERIOD    PERIOD    PERIOD     LIFE*        INCEPTION
                                           -------   -------   -------   -------   -----------------
 <S>                                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
 Capital Appreciation Series.............   21.04%   16.47%    16.51%      --       August 13, 1985
 Capital Opportunities Series**..........   25.59%     --        --      22.17%      June 3, 1996
 Conservative Growth Series..............   29.50%   17.84%      --      16.75%    December 5, 1986
 Government Securities Series............    7.13%    5.22%     7.06%      --       August 12, 1985
 High Yield Series.......................   11.42%    9.84%     9.52%      --       August 13, 1985
 International Growth Series.............   (3.10)%    --        --      (3.54)%     June 3, 1996
 International Growth and Income
  Series.................................    4.95%     --        --       4.19%     October 2, 1995
 Managed Sectors Series..................   23.72%   13.40%      --      16.08%      May 27, 1988
 MFS/Foreign & Colonial Emerging Markets
  Equity Series..........................    8.74%     --        --       4.95%      June 5, 1996
 Money Market Series.....................    3.44%    2.88%     4.04%      --       August 29, 1985
 Research Series.........................   18.42%     --        --      22.79%    November 7, 1994
 Research Growth and Income Series.......    --        --        --       8.56%      May 12, 1997
 Total Return Series.....................   19.58%   12.09%      --      11.12%      May 16, 1988
 Utilities Series........................   30.77%     --        --      17.03%    November 16, 1993
 World Asset Allocation Series...........    9.25%     --        --      13.94%    November 7, 1994
 World Governments Series................   (2.15)%   5.13%      --       6.46%      May 16, 1988
 World Growth Series.....................   13.58%     --        --      11.48%    November 16, 1993
 World Total Return Series...............   12.33%     --        --      13.30%    November 7, 1994
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------
   
* From commencement of investment operations.
    
   
**Before May 1, 1998, called the Value Series.
    
 
The length of the period and the last day of each period used in the above table
are set out in the table heading and in the footnote above. The Average Annual
Total Return for each period was determined by finding the average annual
compounded rate of return over each period that would equate the initial amount
invested to the ending redeemable value for that period, in accordance with the
following formula:
 
                           P(1 + T) exponent n = ERV
 
      Where: P = a hypothetical initial Purchase Payment
                 of $1,000
             T = average annual total return for the
                 period
             n = number of years
           ERV = redeemable value (as of the end of the
                 period) of a hypothetical $1,000
                 Purchase Payment made at the beginning
                 of the 1-year, 5-year, or 10-year period
                 (or fractional portion thereof)
 
   The formula assumes that: 1) all recurring fees have been deducted from the
   Participant's Account; 2) all applicable non-recurring Contract charges are
   deducted at the end of the period; and 3) there will be a full surrender at
   the end of the period.
 
    As the Contracts have only been offered since October, 1996, the $50 Account
Fee has been allocated equally among the Sub-Accounts. In future calculations,
the $50 annual Account Fee will be allocated
 
                                       94
<PAGE>
among the Sub-Accounts so that each Sub-Account's allocated portion of the
Account Fee is proportional to the percentage of the number of Certificates that
have amounts allocated to that Sub-Account. Because the impact of Account Fees
on a particular Certificate may differ from those assumed in the computation due
to differences between actual allocations and the assumed ones, the total return
that would have been experienced by an actual Certificate over these same time
periods may have been different from that shown above.
 
NON-STANDARDIZED INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE:
 
    The Variable Account may illustrate its results over various periods and
compare its results to indices and other variable annuities in sales materials
including advertisements, brochures and reports. Such results may be computed on
a "cumulative" and/or "annualized" basis.
 
    "Cumulative" quotations are arrived at by calculating the change in the
Accumulation Unit value of a Sub-Account between the first and last day of the
base period being measured, and expressing the difference as a percentage of the
Accumulation Unit value at the beginning of the base period.
 
    "Annualized" quotations (described in the following table as "Compound
Growth Rate") are calculated by applying a formula which determines the level
rate of return which, if earned over the entire base period, would produce the
cumulative return.
 
                    NON-STANDARDIZED INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE:
   
$10,000 INVESTED IN                       ...WOULD HAVE GROWN TO THIS AMOUNT ON
THIS SUB-ACCOUNT UNDER A                            DECEMBER 31, 1997*
REGATTA CLASSIC CONTRACT,
THIS MANY YEARS AGO...
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        CAPITAL APPRECIATION SERIES                            GOVERNMENT SECURITIES SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 12,142.54     21.43%      21.43%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 10,724.62     7.25%        7.25%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 14,580.59     45.81%      20.75%   12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 10,771.64     7.72%        3.79%
    3       12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 19,382.95     93.83%      24.68%   12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 12,528.41    25.28%        7.80%
    4       12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 18,472.96     84.73%      16.58%   12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 12,118.68    21.19%        4.92%
    5       12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 21,549.94    115.50%      16.60%   12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 13,021.95    30.22%        5.42%
   10       12/31/87-12/31/97 $ 46,403.84    364.04%      16.59%   12/31/87-12/31/97 $ 20,107.80   101.08%        7.23%
  Life      8/13/85-12/31/97  $ 60,104.86    501.05%      15.57%   8/12/85-12/31/97  $ 24,535.32   145.35%        7.51%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                            MONEY MARKET SERIES                                   MANAGED SECTORS SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 10,362.16      3.62%       3.62%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 12,391.16    23.91%       23.91%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 10,746.41      7.46%       3.66%   12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 14,397.58    43.98%       19.99%
    3       12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 11,203.49     12.03%       3.86%   12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 18,819.95    88.20%       23.46%
    4       12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 11,486.14     14.86%       3.52%   12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 18,248.32    82.48%       16.23%
    5       12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 11,653.94     16.54%       3.11%   12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 18,773.52    87.74%       13.43%
   10       12/31/87-12/31/97 $ 15,143.26     51.43%       4.24%
  Life      8/29/85-12/31/97  $ 16,868.52     68.69%       4.33%   5/27/88-12/31/97  $ 41,910.68   319.11%       16.09%
<CAPTION>
 
                          WORLD GOVERNMENTS SERIES                              CONSERVATIVE GROWTH SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $  9,788.79     (2.11)%     (2.11)%  12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 13,013.58    30.14%       30.14%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 10,123.29      1.23%       0.61%   12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 16,129.57    61.30%       27.00%
    3       12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 11,574.89     15.75%       5.00%   12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 21,915.84   119.16%       29.89%
    4       12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 10,929.89      9.30%       2.25%   12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 21,426.84   114.27%       20.99%
    5       12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 12,844.78     28.45%       5.13%   12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 22,965.43   129.65%       18.09%
  Life      5/16/88-12/31/97  $ 18,277.19     82.77%       6.46%   11/8/92-12/31/97  $ 26,290.54   162.91%       17.02%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       95
<PAGE>
   
             NON-STANDARDIZED INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE -- continued:
    
   
$10,000 INVESTED IN                       ...WOULD HAVE GROWN TO THIS AMOUNT ON
THIS SUB-ACCOUNT UNDER A                            DECEMBER 31, 1997*
REGATTA CLASSIC CONTRACT
THIS MANY YEARS AGO...
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              UTILITIES SERIES                                     WORLD GROWTH SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 13,091.53     30.92%      30.92%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 11,372.50    13.73%       13.73%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 15,574.54     55.75%      24.80%   12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 12,713.52    27.14%       12.75%
    3       12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 20,386.71    103.87%      26.80%   12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 14,579.18    45.79%       13.39%
    4       12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 19,234.20     92.34%      17.77%   12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 14,836.16    48.36%       10.36%
  Life      11/16/93-12/31/97 $ 19,163.19     91.63%      17.07%   11/16/93-12/31/97 $ 15,760.25    57.60%       11.66%
 
<CAPTION>
                              RESEARCH SERIES                                 WORLD ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 11,916.69     19.17%      19.17%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 10,934.17     9.34%        9.34%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 14,583.32     45.83%      20.76%   12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 12,534.30    25.34%       11.96%
    3       12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 19,816.69     98.17%      25.61%   12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 15,073.62    50.74%       14.66%
  Life      11/7/94-12/31/97  $ 19,547.22     95.47%      23.71%   11/7/94-12/31/97  $ 15,132.86    51.33%       14.05%
<CAPTION>
                                                                      MFS/FOREIGN & COLONIAL EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY
                       CAPITAL OPPORTUNITIES SERIES**                                     SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 12,583.08     25.83%      25.83%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 10,888.25     8.88%        8.88%
  Life       6/3/96-12/31/97  $ 13,761.63     37.62%      22.43%    6/5/96-12/31/97  $ 10,815.31     8.15%        5.11%
<CAPTION>
                             HIGH YIELD SERIES                                     TOTAL RETURN SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 11,164.81     11.65%      11.65%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 12,028.46    20.28%       20.28%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 12,371.67     23.72%      11.23%   12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 13,554.25    35.54%       16.42%
    3       12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 14,314.96     43.15%      12.70%   12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 16,983.37    69.83%       19.31%
    4       12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 13,836.41     38.36%       8.46%   12/31/93-12/31/97 $ 16,410.49    64.10%       13.18%
    5       12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 16,104.69     61.05%      10.00%   12/31/92-12/31/97 $ 18,395.33    83.95%       12.96%
   10       12/31/87-12/31/97 $ 25,151.02    151.51%       9.66%
  Life      8/13/85-12/31/97  $ 29,486.23    194.86%       9.12%   5/16/88-12/31/97  $ 29,391.74   193.92%       11.84%
<CAPTION>
                   INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND INCOME SERIES                      INTERNATIONAL GROWTH SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 10,505.15      5.05%       5.50%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $  9,700.99    (2.99)%      (2.99)%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 10,892.33      8.92%       4.37%
  Life      10/2/95-12/31/97  $ 11,001.46     10.01%       4.33%    6/3/96-12/31/97  $  9,468.78    (5.31)%      (3.40)%
<CAPTION>
                           EMERGING GROWTH SERIES                               WORLD TOTAL RETURN SERIES
            ----------------------------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------
 NUMBER                                    CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND                                  CUMULATIVE   COMPOUND
   OF                                        GROWTH      GROWTH                                     GROWTH      GROWTH
  YEARS         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE         PERIODS         AMOUNT        RATE        RATE
- ---------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------   ----------------  -----------  ----------   --------
<S>         <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>               <C>          <C>          <C>
    1       12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 12,026.24     20.26%      20.26%   12/31/96-12/31/97 $ 11,238,26    12.38%       12.38%
    2       12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 13,919.77     39.20%      17.98%   12/31/95-12/31/97 $ 12,694.50    26.94%       12.67%
    3                                                              12/31/94-12/31/97 $ 14,799.99    48.00%       13.96%
  Life      9/28/95-12/31/97  $ 17,504.60     75.05%      28.11%   11/7/94-12/31/97  $ 14,832.73    48.33%       13.33%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------
   
 *For purposes of determining these investment results, the actual investment
  performance of each Series of the Series Fund is reflected from the date such
  Series commenced investment operations, although the Contracts have been
  offered only since October, 1996. No information is shown for the Bond Series,
  Equity Income Series, Massachusetts Investors Growth Stock Series, New
  Discovery Series, Research International Series and Strategic Income Series as
  such series had not yet commenced operations as of December 31, 1997. The
  charges imposed under the Contract against the assets of the Variable Account
  for mortality and expense risks and administrative expenses have been
  deducted. However, the annual Account Fee is not reflected and these examples
  do not assume surrender at the end of the period.
    
   
**Before May 1, 1998, called the Value Series.
    
 
                                       96
<PAGE>
                        ADVERTISING AND SALES LITERATURE
 
    As set forth in the Prospectus, the Company may refer to the following
organizations (and others) in its marketing materials:
    A.M. BEST'S RATING SYSTEM is designed to evaluate the various factors
affecting the overall performance of an insurance company in order to provide an
opinion as to an insurance company's relative financial strength and ability to
meet its contractual obligations. The procedure includes both a quantitative and
qualitative review of each company.
 
    DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING COMPANY's Insurance Company Claims Paying
Ability Rating is an independent evaluation by a nationally accredited rating
organization of an insurance company's ability to meet its future obligations
under the contracts and products it sells. The rating takes into account both
quantitative and qualitative factors.
 
    LIPPER VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS SERVICE is a
publisher of statistical data covering the investment company industry in the
United States and overseas. Lipper is recognized as the leading source of data
on open-end and closed-end funds. Lipper currently tracks the performance of
over 5,000 investment companies and publishes numerous specialized reports,
including reports on performance and portfolio analysis, fee and expense
analysis.
 
    STANDARD & POOR's insurance claims-paying ability rating is an opinion of an
operating insurance company's financial capacity to meet obligations of its
insurance policies in accordance with their terms.
 
   
    VARDS (Variable Annuity Research Data Service) provides a comprehensive
guide to variable annuity contract features and historical fund performance. The
service also provides a readily understandable analysis of the comparative
characteristics and market performance of funds included in variable contracts.
    
 
   
    MOODY'S Investors Services, Inc.'s insurance claims-paying rating is a
system of rating on insurance company's financial strength, market leadership,
and ability to meet financial obligations. The purpose of Moody's ratings is to
provide investors with a simple system of gradation by which the relative
quality of insurance companies may be noted.
    
 
    STANDARD & POOR'S INDEX--broad-based measurement of changes in stock-market
conditions based on the average performance of 500 widely held common stocks;
commonly known as the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P 500). The selection of stocks,
their relative weightings to reflect differences in the number of outstanding
shares, and publication of the index itself are services of Standard & Poor's
Corporation, a financial advisory, securities rating, and publishing firm. The
index tracks 400 industrial company stocks, 20 transportation stocks, 40
financial company stocks, and 40 public utilities.
 
    NASDAQ-OTC Price Index--this index is based on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) and represents all domestic
over-the-counter stocks except those traded on exchanges and those having only
one market maker, a total of some 3,500 stocks. It is market value-weighted and
was introduced with a base of 100.00 on February 5, 1971.
 
   
    DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE (DJIA)--price-weighted average of 30 actively
traded blue chip stocks, primarily industrials, but including American Express
Company and American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Prepared and published by
Dow Jones & Company, it is the oldest and most widely quoted of all the market
indicators. The average is quoted in points, not dollars.
    
 
   
    MORNINGSTAR, Inc. is an independent financial publisher offering
comprehensive statistical and analytical coverage of open-end and closed-end
funds and variable annuities. This coverage for mutual funds includes, among
other information, performance analysis rankings, risk rankings (e.g.,
aggressive, moderate or conservative) and "style box" matricies. Style box
matrices display, for equity funds, the investment philosophy and size of the
companies in which the fund invests and, for fixed-income funds, interest rate
sensitivity and credit quality of the investment instruments.
    
 
   
    IBBOTSON ASSOCIATES, Inc. is a consulting firm that provides a varity of
historical data, including total return, capital appreciation and income, on the
stock market as well as other investment asset classes, and inflation. This
information will be used primarily for comparative purposes and to illustrate
general financial planning principles.
    
 
   
    In its advertisements and other sales literature for the Variable Account
and the Series Fund, the Company intends to illustrate the advantages of the
Contracts in a number of ways:
    
 
    DOLLAR COST AVERAGING ILLUSTRATIONS.  These illustrations will generally
discuss the price-leveling effect of making regular investments in the same
Sub-Accounts over a period of time, to take advantage of the trends in market
prices of the portfolio securities purchased by those Sub-Accounts.
 
    SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM.  A service provided by the Company, through
which a Participant may take any distribution allowed by Code Section 401(a)(9)
in the case of Qualified Contracts, or permitted under Code Section 72 in the
case of Non-Qualified Contracts, by way of a series of partial withdrawals.
Withdrawals under this program may be fully or partially includible in income
and may be subject to a 10% penalty tax. Consult your tax advisor.
 
                                       97
<PAGE>
   
    THE COMPANY'S OR MFS'S CUSTOMERS.  Sales literature for the Variable Account
and the Series Fund may refer to the number of clients which they serve. As of
the date of this Prospectus MFS serves approximately 2.9 million investor
accounts.
    
 
   
    THE COMPANY'S OR MFS'S ASSETS, SIZE.  The Company may discuss its general
financial condition (see, for example, the references to Standard & Poor's, Duff
& Phelps and A.M. Best Company above); it may refer to its assets; it may also
discuss its relative size and/or ranking among companies in the industry or
among any sub-classification of those companies, based upon recognized
evaluation criteria. For example, at year-end 1996 the Company was the 38th
largest U.S. life insurance company based upon overall assets and its parent
company, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, was the 19th largest.
    
 
   
    COMPOUND INTEREST ILLUSTRATIONS.  These will emphasize several advantages of
the variable annuity contract. For example, but not by way of limitation, the
literature may emphasize the potential savings through tax deferral; the
potential advantage of the Variable Account over the Fixed Account; and the
compounding effect when a Participant makes regular deposits to his or her
account.
    
 
   
    The Company may use hypothetical illustrations of the benefits of tax
deferral.
    
 
                                       98
<PAGE>
   
                                   SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
                                   ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS:
                                   RETIREMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
                                   P.O. BOX 1024
                                   BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02103
    
 
   
                                   TELEPHONE:
                                   Toll Free (800) 752-7215
                                   In Massachusetts (617) 348-9600
    
 
   
                                   GENERAL DISTRIBUTOR
                                   Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc.
                                   One Sun Life Executive Park
                                   Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181
    
 
                                   LEGAL COUNSEL
                                   Covington & Burling
                                   1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                                   P.O. Box 7566
                                   Washington, D.C. 20044
 
                                   AUDITORS
                                   Deloitte & Touche LLP
                                   125 Summer Street
                                   Boston, Massachusetts 02110
 
   
CLASSIC-
    
<PAGE>

                                     PART B

                     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

          The information required in a Statement of Additional Information is
contained in the Prospectus included in Part A of this Amendment to the
Registration Statement.


                                     PART C

                                OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

     (a)  The following Financial Statements are included in the Registration
Statement:

Included in Part A:

A.   Financial Statements of the Registrant:
   
      1.  Statement of Condition, December 31, 1997;

      2.  Statement of Operations, Year Ended December 31, 1997;

      3.  Statements of Changes in Net Assets, Years Ended December 31, 1997 and
          December 31, 1996;
    
      4.  Notes to Financial Statements; and

      5.  Independent Auditors' Report.

B.    Financial Statements of the Depositor:
   

      1. Statutory Statements of Admitted Assets, Liabilities and Capital
         Stock and Surplus, December 31, 1997 and 1996;

      2. Statutory Statement of Operations, Year Ended December 31, 1997;
         1996 and 1995;

      3. Statutory Statement of Changes in Capital Stock and Surplus, Years
         Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995;

      4. Statutory Statement of Cash Flow, Years Ended December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995;

      5. Notes to Statutory Statements; and
    

      6. Independent Auditors' Report.

<PAGE>

          (b)  The following Exhibits are incorporated in the Registration
Statement by reference unless otherwise indicated:
   
          (1)  Resolution of Board of Directors of the depositor dated
December 3, 1985 authorizing the establishment of the Registrant*;
    
          (2)       Not Applicable;
   
          (3)       (a)  Form of Marketing Services Agreement between the
depositor, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc., and Clarendon 
Insurance Agency, Inc.**;

                    (b)(i)    Specimen Sales Operations and General Agent 
Agreement**;

                    (b)(ii)   Specimen Broker-Dealer Supervisory and Service 
Agreement**; and

                    (b)(iii)  Specimen General Agent Agreement**;

          (4)       (a)  Form of Flexible Payment Deferred Combination Variable
and Fixed Group Annuity Contract***;

                    (b)  Form of Certificate to be issued in connection with 
the Contract filed as Exhibit 4(a)***;

                    (c)  Form of Flexible Payment Deferred Combination Variable
and Fixed Individual Annuity Contract***;

          (5)       (a)  Form of Application to be used with the Certificate
filed as Exhibit 4(b) and the Contract filed as Exhibit 4(c)***;

          (6)  Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws of the Depositor*;
    
          (7)  Not Applicable;

          (8)  None;

<PAGE>

   
     (9)  Previously filed

     (10)      (a)  Consent of Deloitte & Touche, LLP***;

               (b)  Previously filed*;

      (11)     Financial Statement Schedules I and VI****;
    
      (12)     Not Applicable;
   
      (13)     Schedule for computation of performance quotations***;

      (14)     Not Applicable.

      (15)     Powers of Attorney***

  *  Filed as an Exhibit to the Registration Statement of the Registrant on Form
     N-4, File No. 333-37907, filed on October 14, 1997 and incorporated herein 
     by reference.

 **  Filed as an Exhibit to Pre-effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration 
     Statement of the Registrant on Form N-4, File No. 333-37907, filed on 
     January 16, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.

***  Filed herewith.

**** Incorporated by reference from the Annual Report of the Depositor on 
     Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
    


Item 25.  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

Name and Principal                     Positions and Offices
Business Address                       with Depositor
- ------------------                     ----------------------

John D. McNeil                         Chairman and Director
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
  Canada  M5H 1J9

Donald A. Stewart                      President and Director
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
  Canada  M5H 1J9
   
David D. Horn                          Director
56 Pinckney Street
Boston, MA  02114
    
John S. Lane                           Director
150 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
  Canada  M5H 1J9

Richard B. Bailey                      Director
500 Boylston Street
Boston, MA  02116

   
    

<PAGE>

Name and Principal                     Positions and Offices
Business Address                       with Depositor
- ------------------                     ---------------------
   
M. Colyer Crum                         Director
104 Westcliff Road
Weston, MA  02193
    
Angus A. MacNaughton                   Director
950 Tower Lane
Metro Tower, Suite 1170
Foster City, CA  94404

S. Caesar Raboy                        Senior Vice President and
One Sun Life Executive Park            Deputy General Manager and Director
Wellesley Hills, MA 02181
   
Robert A. Bonner                       Vice President, Individual Insurance
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, MA  02181

C. James Prieur                        Senior Vice President and General Manager
One Sun Life Executive Park            and Director
Wellesley Hills, MA  02181
    
L. Brock Thomson                       Vice President
One Sun Life Executive Park            and Treasurer
Wellesley Hills, MA  02181

Robert P. Vrolyk                       Vice President and Actuary
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, MA  02181

James M.A. Anderson                    Vice President, Investments
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, MA  02181

   
Margaret Sears Mead                    Assistant Vice President and Secretary
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, MA  02181
    

Item 26.  PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR OR
          REGISTRANT

     No person is directly or indirectly controlled by the Registrant.  The
Registrant is a separate account of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.),
an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.

     The following is a list of all corporations directly or indirectly
controlled by or under common control with Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada,
showing the state or other sovereign power under the laws of which each is
organized and the percentage ownership of voting securities giving rise to the
control relationship:

<PAGE>


                                                                 Percent of
                                             State or Country    Ownership
                                             or Jurisdiction     of Voting
                                             of Incorporation    Securities
                                             ----------------    ----------
   
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada........ Canada                  100%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada --
  U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc............. Delaware                100%
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
  (U.K.) Limited ........................... United Kingdom          100%
Sun Life of Canada Investment Management
  Limited .................................. Canada                  100%
Sun Life of Canada Benefit Management
  Limited .................................. Canada                  100%
Spectrum United Holdings, Inc............... Canada                  100%
Sun Canada Financial Co..................... Delaware                100%
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Holdings,
  Inc. ..................................... Delaware                  0%*
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Financial
  Services Holdings, Inc. .................. Delaware                  0%*
Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada
  (U.S.) ................................... Delaware                  0%**
Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of
  New York ................................. New York                  0%****
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
  Distributors, Inc. ....................... Delaware                  0%****
Sun Benefit Services Company, Inc. ......... Delaware                  0%****
Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc..... Delaware                  0%****
Massachusetts Financial Services Company ... Delaware                  0%***
New London Trust, F.S.B.................     Federally Chartered       0%****
Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company.... Massachusetts             0%****
Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc. ........... Massachusetts             0%****
MFS Service Center, Inc..................... Delaware                  0%*****
MFS/Sun Life Series Trust .................. Massachusetts             0%******
Sun Capital Advisers, Inc. ................. Delaware                  0%****
MFS International, Ltd. .................... Ireland                   0%*****
MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc. ........... Delaware                  0%*****
MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. ................ Delaware                  0%*****
MFS Retirement Services, Inc. .............. Delaware                  0%*****
Sun Life Financial Service Limited.......... Bermuda                   0%****
    

- --------
   
    *   100% of the issued and outstanding voting securities of Sun Life 
        of Canada (U.S.) Holdings, Inc. and Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
        Financial Services Holdings, Inc. is owned by Sun Life Assurance 
        Company of Canada - U.S. Operations Holdings, Inc.
   **   100% of the issued and outstanding voting securities of Sun Life
        Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) is owned by Sun Life of Canada 
        (U.S.) Holdings, Inc.
   ***  93.6% of the issued and outstanding voting securities of Massachusetts 
        Financial Services Company is owned by Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
        Financial Services Holdings, Inc.
  ****  100% of the issued and outstanding voting securities of New London 
        Trust, F.S.B., Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York,
        Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Distributors, Inc., Sun Benefit Services
        Company, Inc., Sun Capital Advisers, Inc., Sun Life Financial Services
        Limited, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) SPE 97-1, Inc., Clarendon Insurance 
        Agency, Inc., and Massachusetts Casualty Insurance Company is owned 
        by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).
 *****  100% of the issued and outstanding voting securities of MFS Service
        Center, Inc., MFS International, Ltd., MFS Institutional Advisors,
        Inc., MFS Fund Distributors, Inc., and MFS Retirement Services, Inc. 
        is owned by Massachusetts Financial Services Company.
******  100% of the issued and outstanding voting securities of MFS/Sun Life
        Series Trust is owned by separate accounts of Sun Life Assurance 
        Company of Canada (U.S.) and Sun Life Insurance and Annuity Company
        of New York.
    
<PAGE>

      Omitted from the list are subsidiaries of Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada which, considered in the aggregate, would not constitute a "significant
subsidiary" (as that term is defined in Rule 8b-2 under Section 8 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940) of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada.

      None of the companies listed is a subsidiary of the Registrant; therefore,
the only financial statements being filed are those of Sun Life Assurance
Company of Canada (U.S.).

Item 27.  NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS:

   
      As of February 27, 1998 there were 160 qualified and 566 non-qualified 
Contracts issued by the Registrant.
    

Item 28.  INDEMNIFICATION

      Pursuant to Section 145 of the Delaware Corporation Law, Article 8 of the
By-laws of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), a copy of which was
filed as Exhibit 3(b) to the Registration Statement of the Depositor on Form S-
1, File No. 33-29851, provides for the indemnification of directors, officers
and employees of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).

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

Item 29.  PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
   
      (a)  Clarendon Insurance Agency, Inc., which is a wholly-owned 
subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), acts as general 
distributor for the Registrant, Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Accounts 
C, D, E, and G, Sun Life (N.Y.) Variable Accounts A, B and C and Money Market 
Variable Account, High Yield Variable Account, Capital Appreciation Variable 
Account, Government Securities Variable Account, World Governments Variable 
Account, Total Return Variable Account and Managed Sectors Variable Account.
    
<PAGE>


   
Name and Principal                    Positions and Offices
Business Address*                        with Underwriter
- ------------------                    ---------------------
Jane Mancini.....................    President and Director
Robert P. Vrolyk.................          Director
Donald E. Kaufman................       Vice President
S. Caesar Raboy..................          Director
C. James Prieur..................          Director
L. Brock Thompson................  Vice President and Treasurer
Roy P. Creedon...................          Secretary
Cindy Orcutt.....................        Vice President
Laurie Lennox....................        Vice President
Margaret Sears Mead..............      Assistant Secretary
Peter Marion.....................         Tax Officer
    

- ------------------
   
 *    The principal business address of all directors and officers of the 
      principal underwriter except Ms. Mancini is One Sun Life Executive Park, 
      Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181. The principal buisness address of 
      Ms. Mancini is One Copley Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.

    
      (c)      Inapplicable.

Item 30.  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
   
      Accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by 
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated 
thereunder are maintained by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), in 
whole or in part, at its executive office at One Sun Life Executive Park, 
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts  02181, at the offices of Retirement Products 
and Services Division at One Copley Place, Boston, Massachusetts  02116 or at 
the offices of Massachusetts Financial Services Company at 500 Boylston 
Street, Boston, Massachusetts  02116.
    

Item 31.  MANAGEMENT SERVICES

      Not Applicable.

Item 32.  UNDERTAKINGS

      Representation with respect to Section 26(e) of the Investment Company 
Act of 1940.

      Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) represents that the fees 
and charges deducted under the Contract, in the aggregate, are reasonable in 
relation to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and 
therisks assumed by the insurance company.
   
      The Registrant is relying on the no-action letter issued by the 
Division of Investment Management of the Securities and Exchange Commission 
to the American Council of Life Insurance, Ref. No. IP-6-88, dated November 
28, 1988, the requirements for which have been complied with by the 
Registrant.
    

<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

   
      As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company 
Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements 
for effectiveness of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration 
Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has 
caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to its Registration Statement to 
be signed on its behalf in the City of Boston and Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts on the 10th day of April, 1998.

                                        Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
                                         Variable Account F
    
                                        (Registrant)


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

                                        (Depositor)




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

   
Attest:   /s/ MARGARET HANKARD
          -----------------------
             Margaret Hankard
             Senior Associate Counsel
    
      As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities with the Depositor, Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.), and
on the dates indicated.

   
    Signatures                     Title                    Date
    ----------                     -----                    ----

                                 Chairman and
                                   Director
                                 (Principal
*    /s/ JOHN D. McNEIL       Executive Officer)       April 10, 1998
- --------------------------
         John D. McNeil


                               Vice President
                                 and Actuary
                            (Principal Financial
                               and Accounting
*   /s/  ROBERT P. VROLYK          Officer)            April 10, 1998
- --------------------------
         Robert P. Vrolyk


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

<PAGE>

   
    Signatures                          Title                  Date
    ----------                          -----                  ----

*   /s/ RICHARD B. BAILEY               Director            April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------
        Richard B. Bailey



*   /s/ M. COLYER CRUM                  Director            April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------
        M. Colyer Crum



*   /s/ DONALD A. STEWART             President and         April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------          Director
        Donald A. Stewart



*   /s/ DAVID D. HORN                    Director           April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------
        David D. Horn



*   /s/ JOHN S. LANE                     Director           April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------
        John S. Lane



*   /s/ ANGUS A. MacNAUGHTON             Director           April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------
        Angus A. MacNaughton



*   /s/ S. CAESAR RABOY          Senior Vice President and  April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------   Deputy General Manager
        S. Caesar Raboy                 and Director

*   /s/ C. JAMES PRIEUR          Senior Vice President and  April 10, 1998
- -------------------------------        General Manager
        C. James Prieur                 and Director

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

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


<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 4(A)
 
Sun Life
OF CANADA (U.S.) Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.)
                 A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of
                 Canada
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                  <C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICE:                  HOME OFFICE:         ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS:
One Sun Life Executive Park        Wilmington,          Sun Life of Canada (US)
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts     Delaware             Retirement Products and Services
02181                                                   P.O. Box 1024
                                                        Boston, Massachusetts 02103
</TABLE>
 
    Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) ("the Company") will pay an
annuity commencing on the Annuity Commencement Date to the Annuitant, if then
living, by applying the adjusted value of the Participant's Account in
accordance with the Settlement provisions. If the Annuitant dies while the
contract is in effect and before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Company will
pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary upon receipt of Due Proof of Death of the
Annuitant. Under certain circumstances, if the Participant dies prior to the
Annuitant and before the Annuity Commencement Date, a distribution is required
by law.
 
    All payments will be made to the persons and in the manner set forth in this
contract. Provisions and endorsements printed or written by the Company on the
following pages form part of the contract.
 
    Signed by the Company at its Executive Office, Wellesley Hills,
Massachusetts on the Issue Date.
   
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>
/s/ Donald A. Stewart             /s/ Margaret Sears Mead
Donald A. Stewart                 Margaret Sears Mead
President                         Secretary
</TABLE>
    
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT DEFERRED COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED GROUP ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                NONPARTICIPATING
 
ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS CONTRACT WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO
DOLLAR AMOUNT. SEE PAGES 8 AND 10 FOR VARIABLE PROVISIONS.
 
PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE FIXED ACCOUNT ARE SUBJECT TO A MARKET VALUE
ADJUSTMENT FORMULA, THE OPERATION OF WHICH MAY RESULT IN UPWARD AND DOWNWARD
ADJUSTMENTS IN AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO A PARTICIPANT, INCLUDING WITHDRAWALS,
TRANSFERS, AMOUNTS APPLIED TO PURCHASE AN ANNUITY, AND DISTRIBUTIONS RESULTING
FROM THE DEATH OF THE PARTICIPANT. PAYMENTS MADE FROM GUARANTEE AMOUNTS WHICH
ARE WITHIN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF A GUARANTEE PERIOD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.
 
USE OF CONTRACT. This contract is available for retirement and deferred
compensation plans some of which may qualify for special tax treatment under the
Internal Revenue Code Sections 401, 403 or 408.


<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PAGE
<S>                                                                     <C>
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS PAGE                                              4
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFINITIONS                                                               5
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIXED AND VARIABLE ACCOUNTS                                               8
  Fixed Account                                                           8
  Variable Account and Sub-Accounts                                       8
  Ownership of Assets                                                     8
  Investments of the Sub-Accounts                                         8
  Substitution                                                            8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE PAYMENTS                                                         9
  Payments                                                                9
  Account Continuation                                                    9
  Allocation of Net Purchase Payments                                     9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACT VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD                                9
  Participant's Account                                                   9
  Variable Account Value                                                  9
  Crediting Variable Accumulation Units                                   9
  Variable Accumulation Unit Value                                        9
  Variable Accumulation Value                                            10
  Net Investment Factor                                                  10
  Fixed Account Value                                                    10
  Guarantee Period                                                       10
  Guaranteed Interest Rates                                              11
  Fixed Accumulation Value                                               11
  Transfer Privilege                                                     12
  Account Fee                                                            12
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT         12
  Cash Withdrawals                                                       12
  Withdrawal Charges                                                     13
  Market Value Adjustment                                                13
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEATH BENEFIT                                                            14
  Death Benefit Provided by the Contract                                 14
  Election and Effective Date of Election                                14
  Payment of Death Benefit                                               15
  Amount of Death Benefit                                                15
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS                                                    15
  General                                                                15
  Election and Effective Date of Election                                16
  Determination of Amount                                                16
  Effect of Annuity Commencement Date on Participant's Account           16
  Annuity Commencement Date                                              16
  Fixed Annuity Payments                                                 16
  Variable Annuity Payments                                              17
  Annuity Unit Value                                                     17
  Exchange of Variable Annuity Units                                     17
  Account Fee                                                            17
  Description of Annuity Options                                         17
  Amounts Payable on Death of Payee                                      18
  Annuity Payment Rates                                                  18
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS                                                     20
  Exercise of Contract Rights                                            20
  Change of Ownership                                                    20
  Death of Participant                                                   20
  Voting of Series Fund Shares                                           21
  Periodic Reports                                                       21
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS                                                   21
  Designation of Change of Beneficiary                                   21
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL PROVISIONS                                                       22
  Age and Sex Misstatement                                               22
  Contract                                                               22
  Currency                                                               22
  Determination of Values                                                22
  Discontinuance of New Participants                                     22
  Governing Law                                                          22
  Guarantees                                                             22
  Incontestability                                                       22
  Modification                                                           23
  Nonparticipating                                                       23
  Payments by the Company                                                23
  Proof of Age                                                           23
  Proof of Survival                                                      23
  Splitting Units                                                        23
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
QUALIFIED CONTRACT PROVISIONS                                           E-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                            CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
 
                                       4

<PAGE>
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
Any reference in this Contract to "receipt" and "received" by the Company means
receipt at the Company's annuity service mailing address shown on the first page
of this Contract.
 
ACCOUNT YEARS AND ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARIES: The first Account Year shall be the
period of 12 months plus a part of a month as measured from the Date of Coverage
for each Participant to the first day of the calendar month which follows the
calendar month of coverage. All Account Years and Anniversaries thereafter shall
be 12 month periods based upon such first day of the calendar month which
follows the calendar month of coverage. If, for example, the Date of Coverage is
in March, the first Account Year will be determined from the Date of Coverage
but will end on the last day of March in the following year; all other Account
Years and all Account Anniversaries will be measured from April 1.
 
ACCUMULATION PERIOD: The period before the Annuity Commencement date and during
the lifetime of the Annuitant.
 
ANNUITANT: The person or persons named in the Application and on whose life the
first annuity payment is to be made. The Participant may not designate a
co-annuitant unless the Participant and Annuitant are different persons. If more
than one person is so named, all provisions of the contract which are based on
the death of the Annuitant will be based on the date of death of the last
surviving of the persons so named. By example, the death benefit will become due
only upon death, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, of the last surviving
of the persons so named. Collectively, these persons are referred to in the
Contract as Annuitants. The Participant is not permitted to name a co-annuitant
under a Qualified Contract.
 
*ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The date on which the first annuity payment is to be
made.
 
*ANNUITY OPTION: The method for making annuity payments.
 
ANNUITY UNIT: A unit of measure used in the calculation of the amount of the
second and each subsequent variable annuity payment from the Variable Account.
 
APPLICATION: The document signed by each Participant that serves as his or her
application for participation under this Contract.
 
*BENEFICIARY: The person or entity having the right to receive the death benefit
set forth in each Contract and, for Non-Qualified Contracts, who is the
"designated beneficiary" for purposes of Section 72(s) of the Code in the event
of the Participant's death.
 
CERTIFICATE: The document for each Participant which evidences the coverage of
the Participant under the Contract.
 
CODE: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
COMPANY: Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).
 
CONTRACT APPLICATION: The document signed by the Owner that evidences the
Owner's application for this Contract.
 
DATE OF COVERAGE: The date on which a Participant's Account becomes effective.
 
DUE PROOF OF DEATH: An original certified copy of an official death certificate,
an original certified copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as
to the finding of death, or any other proof satisfactory to the Company.
 
EXPIRATION DATE: The last day of a Guarantee Period.
 
FIXED ACCOUNT: The Fixed Account consists of all assets of the Company other
than those allocated to a separate account of the Company.
 
FIXED ANNUITY: An annuity with payments which do not vary as to dollar amount.
 
- ---------
*As specified in the Application, unless changed.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
GUARANTEE AMOUNT: Any portion of a Participant's Account Value allocated to a
particular Guarantee Period with a particular Expiration Date (including
interest earned thereon).
 
GUARANTEE PERIOD: The period for which a Guaranteed Interest Rate is credited.
 
GUARANTEED INTEREST RATE: The rate of interest credited by the Company on a
compound annual basis during any Guarantee Period.
 
ISSUE DATE: The date on which the Contract becomes effective.
 
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR: An index applied to measure the investment performance of
a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The Net Investment Factor
may be greater or less than or equal to one [1].
 
NET PURCHASE PAYMENT: The portion of a Purchase Payment which remains after the
deduction of any applicable premium or similar tax.
 
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract used in connection with a retirement plan
which does not receive favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections
401, 403, or 408 of the Code. The Participant's interest in the Contract must be
owned by a natural person or agent for a natural person for the Contract to
receive favorable income tax treatment as an annuity.
 
*OWNER: The person, persons or entity entitled to the ownership rights stated in
the Contract and in whose name or names the Contract is issued. The Owner may
designate a trustee or custodian of a retirement plan which meets the
requirements of Section 401, Section 408(c) or Section 408(k) of the Code to
serve as legal owner of assets of a retirement plan, but the term Owner, as used
herein, refers to the organization entering into the Contract.
 
PARTICIPANT: The person named in the Certificate who is entitled to exercise all
rights and privileges of ownership under the Certificate, except as reserved by
the Owner.
 
PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT: An account to which Net Purchase Payments are credited.
 
PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT VALUE: The variable accumulation value, if any, plus the
fixed accumulation value, if any, of a Participant's Account for any Valuation
Period.
 
PAYEE: A recipient of payments under the Contract. The term includes an
Annuitant or a Beneficiary who becomes entitled to benefits upon the death of
the Annuitant.
 
PURCHASE PAYMENT (PAYMENT): The amount paid to the Company as consideration for
the benefits provided by the Contract.
 
QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract used in connection with a retirement plan which
received favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections 401, 403 or 408
of the Code.
 
SERIES FUND: MFS/Sun Life Series Trust.
 
SUB-ACCOUNT: That portion of the Variable Account which invests in shares of
specific series or sub-series of the Series Fund.
 
VALUATION PERIOD: The period of time from one determination of Variable
Accumulation Unit values to the next subsequent determination of these values.
Such determination shall be made as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange
on each day the Exchange is open for trading and on such other days on which
there is a sufficient degree of trading in the portfolio securities of the
Variable Account so that the values of the Variable Account's Accumulation Units
might be materially affected.
 
VARIABLE ACCOUNT: A separate account of the Company consisting of assets set
aside by the Company, the investment performance of which is kept separate from
that of the general assets of the Company.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT: A unit of measure used in the calculation of the
value of the variable portion of a Participant's Account.
 
- ---------
*As specified in the Application, unless changed.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
VARIABLE ANNUITY: An annuity with payments which vary as to dollar amount in
relation to the investment performance of specified Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account.
 
YEAR: Any consecutive period of 365 days.
 
                                       7

<PAGE>
                          FIXED AND VARIABLE ACCOUNTS
 
FIXED ACCOUNT
 
    The Fixed Account consists of all assets of the Company other than those
allocated to any separate account of the Company. Any portion of a Net Purchase
Payment allocated by a Participant to a Guarantee Period(s) will become part of
the Fixed Account.
 
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND SUB-ACCOUNTS
 
    The Variable Account to which the variable accumulation values, if any,
under the Contract relate is Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account F. It
was established by the Company on July 13, 1989, pursuant to a resolution of its
Board of Directors and is registered as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. That portion of the assets of the Variable
Account equal to the reserves and other contract liabilities with respect to the
Variable Account shall not be chargeable with liabilities arising out of any
other business the Company may conduct.
 
    The assets of the Variable Account are divided into Sub-Accounts. Each
Sub-Account invests exclusively in shares of a designated series or sub-series
of the Series Fund. The values of the Variable Accumulation Units and the
Annuity Units described in the contract reflect the investment performance of
the Sub-Accounts.
 
    At the Company's election and subject to any vote by persons having the
right to give instructions with respect to the voting of Series Fund shares held
by the Sub-Accounts, the Variable Account may be operated as a management
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or it may be deregistered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. In the event of any change in the operation
of the Variable Account pursuant to this provision, the Company may make
appropriate endorsement to the contract to reflect the change and take such
other action as may be necessary and appropriate to reflect the change.
 
OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS
 
    The Company shall have exclusive and absolute ownership and control of its
assets, including all assets of the Sub-Accounts.
 
INVESTMENTS OF THE SUB-ACCOUNTS
 
    All amounts allocated to a Sub-Account will be used to purchase shares of a
specific series or sub-series of the Series Fund. The Series Fund shares
available on the Issue Date are shown on the Contract Specifications page; more
series may be subsequently added or deleted. The Series Fund is an open-end
investment company (mutual fund) registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940. Any and all distributions made by the Series Fund with respect to shares
held by a Sub-Account will be reinvested to purchase additional shares of that
series at net asset value. Deductions from the Sub-Accounts will, in effect, be
made by redeeming a number of Series Fund shares at net asset value equal in
total value to the amount to be deducted. Each Sub-Account will be fully
invested in Series Fund shares at all times.
 
SUBSTITUTION
 
    Shares of the series corresponding to a particular portfolio of securities
held by the Series Fund may not always be available for purchase by the
Sub-Accounts or the Company may decide that further investment in such shares is
no longer appropriate in view of the purposes of the Variable Account, or in
view of legal, regulatory or federal income tax restrictions. In such event,
shares of another series or shares of another registered open-end investment
company or unit investment trust may be substituted both for Series Fund shares
already purchased by the Sub-Account and/or as the security to be purchased in
the future, provided that these substitutions meet applicable Internal Revenue
Service diversification guidelines and have been approved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and such other regulatory authorities as may be necessary.
In the event of any substitution pursuant to this provision, the Company may
make appropriate endorsement to the Contract to reflect the substitution.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
                               PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
PAYMENTS
 
    All Purchase Payments are to be paid to the Company at its annuity service
mailing address. The amount of Purchase Payments may vary; however, the Company
will not accept an initial Purchase Payment for any Certificate which is less
than $25,000, and each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $1,000. In
addition, the prior approval of the Company is required before it will accept a
Purchase Payment which would cause the value of a Participant's Account to
exceed $1,000,000. If the value of a Participant's Account exceeds $1,000,000,
no additional Purchase Payments will be allocated without the prior approval of
the Company.
 
    The initial Purchase Payment attributable to a particular Certificate is
shown on the Certificate Specifications page.
 
ACCOUNT CONTINUATION
 
    A Participant's Account shall be continued automatically in full force
during the lifetime of the Annuitant until the Annuity Commencement Date or
until the Participant's Account is surrendered.
 
ALLOCATION OF NET PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
    The Net Purchase Payment is that portion of a Purchase Payment which remains
after deduction of a premium or similar tax, if any. Each Net Purchase Payment
will be allocated to the Participant's Account upon receipt by the Company,
either to the Sub-Accounts or to the Fixed Account or to both the Sub-Accounts
and the Fixed Account in accordance with the allocation factors specified in the
Application, or as subsequently changed.
 
    The allocation factors for new Purchase Payments among the Guarantee
Period(s) and the Sub-Accounts may be changed by the Participant at any time by
giving written notice of the change to the Company. Any change will take effect
with the first Purchase Payment received with or after receipt of notice of the
change by the Company and will continue in effect until subsequently changed.
 
                   CONTRACT VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD
 
PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT
 
    The Company will establish a Participant's Account for each Participant
under this Contract and will maintain the Participant's Account during the
Accumulation Period. The Participant's Account Value for any Valuation Period is
equal to the variable accumulation value, if any, plus the fixed accumulation
value, if any, of the Participant's Account for that Valuation Period.
 
VARIABLE ACCOUNT VALUE
CREDITING VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
    Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by the Company, all or that portion, if
any, of the Net Purchase Payment to be allocated to the Sub-Accounts will be
credited to the Participant's Account in the form of Variable Accumulation
Units. The number of particular Variable Accumulation Units to be credited is
determined by dividing the dollar amount allocated to the particular Sub-Account
by the Variable Accumulation Unit value of the particular Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payment is received by the Company.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
 
    The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account was established at
$10.00 for the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The
Variable Accumulation Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for any
subsequent Valuation Period is determined by methodology which is the
mathematical equivalent of multiplying the Variable Accumulation Unit value for
the particular Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the
Net Investment Factor for the particular Sub-Account for such subsequent
Valuation Period. The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account for
any Valuation
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
Period is the value determined as of the end of the particular Valuation Period
and may increase, decrease or remain constant from Valuation Period to Valuation
Period in accordance with the Net Investment Factor described below.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    The variable accumulation value, if any, of a Participant's Account for any
Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the value of all Variable Accumulation
Units of each Sub-Account credited to the Participant's Account for such
Valuation Period. The variable accumulation value of each Sub-Account is
determined by multiplying the number of Variable Accumulation Units, if any,
credited to each Sub-Account by the Variable Accumulation Unit value of the
particular Sub-Account for such Valuation Period.
 
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR
 
    The Net Investment Factor is an index applied to measure the investment
performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The Net
Investment Factor may be greater or less than or equal to one; therefore, the
value of a Variable Accumulation Unit may increase, decrease or remain the same.
 
    The Net Investment Factor for any Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is
determined by dividing (a) by (b) and then subtracting (c) from the result
where:
 
a)  is the net result of:
 
    1)  the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the Sub-Account
       determined as of the end of the Valuation Period, plus
 
    2)  the per share amount of any dividend or other distribution declared by
       the Series Fund on the shares held in the Sub-Account if the ex-dividend
       date occurs during the Valuation Period, plus or minus
 
    3)  a per share credit or charge with respect to any taxes paid or reserved
       for by the Company during the Valuation Period which are determined by
       the Company to be attributable to the operation of the Sub-Account;
 
b)  is the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the Sub-Account
    determined as of the end of the preceding Valuation Period; and
 
c)  is the asset charge factor determined by the Company for the Valuation
    Period to reflect the charges for assuming the mortality and expense risks
    and administrative expense risks.
 
    The asset charge factor for any Valuation Period is equal to the daily asset
charge factor multiplied by the number of 24 hour periods in the Valuation
Period. The daily asset charge factor will be determined by the Company
annually, but in no event may it exceed the maximum daily asset charge factor
specified on the Contract Specifications page.
 
FIXED ACCOUNT VALUE
GUARANTEE PERIOD
 
    The Company will make available one [1] or more Guarantee Period(s) from
time to time. Guarantee Periods will be of two [2] types: Initial Guarantee
Periods (for New Purchase Payments) and Subsequent Guarantee Periods (for
Account Values to be allocated from expiring Guarantee Periods). The Participant
has the right to elect from among the applicable Guarantee Periods and that
election will determine the applicable Guarantee Interest Rate(s).
 
    A Purchase Payment or such portion (at least $1,000) allocated to an Initial
Guarantee Period will earn interest at the Guaranteed Interest Rate during that
Guarantee Period [beginning on the date the Net Purchase Payment is applied and
ending when the number of calendar months in that Guarantee Period has elapsed,
measured from the end of the calendar month in which the Purchase Payment was
allocated]. The last day of a Guarantee Period is the Expiration Date.
Subsequent Guarantee Periods begin on the first day following the Expiration
Date and Account Values allocated thereto [referred to as "Guaranteed Amounts"]
will earn interest at the applicable Guaranteed Interest Rate for the applicable
Subsequent Guarantee Period
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
until its Expiration Date. Guaranteed Amounts allocated to Guarantee Periods of
the same duration may have different Expiration Dates and each Guarantee Amount
will be treated separately for purposes of determining any market value
adjustment, in the case of a withdrawal.
 
    The Company will notify the Participant in writing at least 45 days and no
more than 75 days prior to the Expiration Date for any Guarantee Amount, except
for Guarantee Amounts held under a Dollar Cost Averaging Option [described
below]. For Guarantee Periods established under the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar
Cost Averaging Options, on the day following the Expiration Date the Guarantee
Amount will be transferred to one [1] or more Sub-Accounts in accordance with
the Participant's instructions. The Participant can elect a new Guarantee Period
or instruct the Company to transfer the Guarantee Amount [or any portion subject
to a minimum of $1,000] in accordance with the Transfer Privilege provision by
giving written notice to the Company. To be effective, such notice has to be
received by the Company prior to the Expiration Date, failing which a new
Guarantee Period of the same duration as the expiring Guarantee Period will
commence automatically on the first day following the Expiration Date.
 
    The Participant may also elect to use an available Dollar Cost Averaging
Option in connection with selected Initial Guarantee Periods [subject to a
minimum amount of $1,000]. Dollar Cost Averaging Options are available monthly
or quarterly:
 
    1.  Monthly Dollar Cost Averaging Option: Amounts allocated will be divided
        among 12 separate serially maturing Guarantee Periods. The first
        Guarantee Period ends one [1] full calendar month following the date the
        Net Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent Guarantee Period
        shall end one [1] full calendar month later, serially thereafter. The
        Guarantee Amount at the Expiration Date of each such Guarantee Period
        will equal 1/12 of the Net Purchase Payment applied under this Option,
        with the Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration Date including all
        interest earned in the 12 Guarantee Periods.
 
    2.  Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging: Amounts allocated will be divided among
        four [4] separate serially maturing Guarantee Periods. The first
        Guarantee Period ends three [3] full calendar months following the date
        the Net Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent Guarantee Period
        shall end three [3] full calendar months later, serially thereafter. The
        Guarantee Amount at the Expiration Date of each such Guarantee Period
        will equal 1/4 of the Net Purchase Payment applied under this Option,
        with the Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration Date including all
        interest earned.
 
    Amounts allocated under a Dollar Cost Averaging Option must be derived
solely from Purchase Payments. The Transfer Privilege provision is not available
in connection with any Dollar Cost Averaging Option.
 
GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES
 
    The company periodically will establish an applicable Guaranteed Interest
Rate for each Guarantee Period offered by the Company. These rates will be
guaranteed for the duration of the respective Guarantee Periods.
 
    No Guaranteed Interest Rate shall be less than 3% per year, compounded
annually.
 
FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by the Company, all or that portion, if
any, of the Net Purchase Payment which is allocated to the Fixed Account will be
credited to the Participant's Account and allocated to the Guarantee Period
selected by the Participant. The fixed accumulation value, if any, of a
Participant's Account for any Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the values
of all Guarantee Amounts credited to the Participant's Account for such
Valuation Period.
 
TRANSFER PRIVILEGE
 
    At any time during the Accumulation Period the Participant may transfer all
or part of the Participant's Account Value to one or more Sub-Accounts or
Guarantee Periods, subject to the conditions set forth below. A transfer will
generally be effective on the date the request for transfer is received by the
Company.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    Transfers involving Sub-Accounts will reflect the purchase or cancellation
of Variable Accumulation Units having an aggregate value equal to the dollar
amount being transferred to or from a particular Sub-Account. The purchase or
cancellation of such units shall be made using Variable Accumulation Unit values
of the applicable Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during which the transfer
is effective. Transfers to a Guarantee Period will result in a new Guarantee
Period for the amount being transferred. Any such Guarantee Period will begin on
the effective date of the transfer and end on the Expiration Date. The amount
transferred into such Guarantee Period will earn interest at the Guaranteed
Interest Rate declared by the Company for that Guarantee Period as of the
effective date of the transfer.
 
    Transfers shall be subject to the following conditions: (1) not more than 12
transfers may be made in any Account Year; (2) a minimum of 30 days must elapse
between transfers made to or from the Fixed Account or between Guarantee Periods
within the Fixed Account, (3) the amount being transferred from a Sub-Account
may not be less than $1,000, unless the total Participant's Account Value
attributable to a Sub-Account is being transferred; (4) any Participant's
Account Value remaining in a Sub-Account may not be less than $1,000; (5) the
total Participant's Account Value attributable to the Guarantee Amount must be
transferred; and (6) allocations to Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging
Options may not be achieved through transfer. In addition, transfers of a
Guarantee Amount will be subject to the market value adjustment described below
unless the transfer is effective within 30 days prior to the Expiration Date
applicable to the Guarantee Amount; and transfers involving Variable
Accumulation Units shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be
imposed by the Series Fund. Currently, there is no charge for transfers;
however, the Company reserves the right to impose a charge of up to $15 for each
transfer.
 
ACCOUNT FEE
 
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, on each Account Anniversary the
Company will deduct from the value of each Participant's Account an annual
account fee to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses relating to the
contract and the Participant's Account in the amount of $50. The account fee
will be deducted on a pro rata basis from amounts allocated to each Guarantee
Period and each Sub-Account in which the Participant's Account is invested at
the time of such deduction. If a Participant's Account is surrendered for its
full value on other than an Account Anniversary, the account fee will be
deducted in full at the time of such surrender. The Company will waive the
account fee when the Participant's Account Value is greater than $100,000 on the
Account Anniversary. On the Annuity Commencement Date the value of the
Participant's Account will be reduced by a proportionate amount of the account
fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Account Anniversary and the day
before the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date an annual account fee of $50 will be
deducted in equal amounts from each Variable Annuity payment made during the
year. No such deduction is made from Fixed Annuity payments.
 
        CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
CASH WITHDRAWALS
 
    At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date and during the lifetime of
the Annuitant, the Participant may elect to receive a cash withdrawal payment
from the Company by filing with the Company at its annuity service mailing
address, a written election in such form as the Company may require. Any such
election shall specify the amount of the withdrawal and will be effective on the
date that it is received by the Company. Any cash withdrawal payment will be
paid within seven days from the date the election becomes effective, except as
the Company may be permitted to defer such payment in accordance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company reserves the right to defer the
payment of amounts withdrawn from the Fixed Account for a period not to exceed
six months from the date written request for such withdrawal is received by the
Company.
 
    The Participant may request a full surrender or a partial withdrawal. A full
surrender will result in a cash withdrawal payment equal to the value of the
Participant's Account at the end of the Valuation Period during which the
election becomes effective less the account fee, plus or minus any applicable
market value adjustment, and less any applicable withdrawal charge. A partial
withdrawal (a payment of an amount less
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
than that paid under a full surrender) will result in the cancellation of a
portion of the Participant's Account Value with an aggregate dollar value equal
to the dollar amount of the cash withdrawal payment, plus or minus any
applicable market value adjustment and plus any applicable withdrawal charge.
 
    In the case of a partial withdrawal, the Participant may instruct the
Company as to the amounts to be withdrawn from each Sub-Account and/or Guarantee
Amount. If not so instructed, the Company will effect such withdrawal PRO RATA
from each Sub-Account and Guarantee Amount in which the Participant's Account
Value is invested at the end of the Valuation Period during which the withdrawal
becomes effective. If a partial withdrawal is requested which would leave a
Participant's Account Value less than the account fee, then such partial
withdrawal will be treated as a full surrender.
 
    Cash withdrawals from a Sub-Account will result in the cancellation of
Variable Accumulation Units attributable to the Participant's Account with an
aggregate value on the effective date of the withdrawal equal to the total
amount by which the Sub-Account is reduced. The cancellation of such units will
be based on the Variable Accumulation Unit values of the Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the cash withdrawal is effective.
 
    All cash withdrawals of any Guarantee Amount, except those effective within
30 days prior to the Expiration Date of such Guarantee Amount will be subject to
the market value adjustment described below.
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
    If a cash withdrawal is made, a withdrawal charge may be assessed by the
Company. For purposes of a full surrender or partial withdrawal, each withdrawal
is allocated to previously unliquidated Payments [on a first-in, first-out
basis] until all Purchase Payments have been liquidated. Once Payments have been
liquidated, any further withdrawals will come from the earnings of the Contract
and are not subject to withdrawal charges. The amount subject to withdrawal
charge is the amount of the partial withdrawal or full surrender up to the
maximum of the sum of all unliquidated Payments.
 
    A withdrawal charge is applied to an amount liquidated when that amount has
been in the Participant's Account for less than one [1] Year.
 
    When any liquidation is made from a Qualified Plan to comply with mandatory
minimum distribution requirements, no withdrawal charge will be applied only to
the amount required to be withdrawn during each Account Year. These required
distributions may commence during and continue after the year in which the
Annuitant attains age 70 1/2. Any amounts withdrawn in excess of the required
minimum distribution amount during each Account Year will be subject to
withdrawal charges as detailed above.
 
    No withdrawal charge is imposed upon amounts applied to purchase an annuity.
 
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
    Any cash withdrawal (which for purposes of this section include transfers,
distributions on the death of a Participant, and amounts applied to purchase an
annuity) of a Guarantee Amount, other than a withdrawal effective within 30 days
prior to the Expiration Date of the Guarantee Amount, will be subject to a
market value adjustment.
 
    The market value adjustment will reflect the relationship between the
current rate (as described in the formula below) for the amount being withdrawn
and the Guaranteed Interest Rate applicable to the amount being withdrawn. It
also reflects the time remaining in the applicable Guarantee Period.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
    The market value adjustment will be determined by multiplying the amount
being withdrawn after the deduction of any applicable account fee and before
deduction of any applicable withdrawal charge by the market value adjustment
factor. The market value adjustment factor is:
 
                            [(1 + I)/(1 + J)]N/12 -1
 
where,
 
    I is the Guaranteed Interest Rate being credited to the Guarantee Amount
    subject to the market value adjustment,
 
    J is the Guaranteed Interest Rate declared by the Company, as of the
    effective date of the application of the market value adjustment, for
    current allocations to Guarantee Period(s). If the Guarantee Period was
    originally established through the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost
    Averaging Options, J is the rate declared for current allocations to the
    Monthly and Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options. For all other Guarantee
    Periods, J is the rate declared for current allocations to Guarantee Periods
    equal to the balance of the Guarantee Period of the Guarantee Amount subject
    to the market value adjustment, rounded to the next higher number of
    complete years. In the determination of J for Guarantee Periods other than
    those established under the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging
    Options, if the Company does not currently offer the applicable Guarantee
    Period, then J will be determined by linear interpolation of rates currently
    declared for Guarantee Periods that are available, and
 
    N is the number of complete months remaining in the Guarantee Period of the
    Guarantee Amount subject to the market value adjustment.
 
                                 DEATH BENEFIT
 
DEATH BENEFIT PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACT
 
    If the Annuitant dies while this Contract and the applicable Certificate are
in effect and before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Company, upon receipt of
Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant, will pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary
in accordance with this Death Benefit provision. If there is no designated
Beneficiary living on the date of death of the Annuitant, the Company will pay
the death benefit upon receipt of Due Proof of Death of both the Annuitant and
the designated Beneficiary in one sum to the Participant or, if the Annuitant
was the Participant, to the estate of the deceased Participant/Annuitant. If the
death of the Annuitant occurs on or after the Annuity Commencement Date, no
death benefit will be payable under the Contract except as may be provided under
the form of annuity elected.
 
ELECTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ELECTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Participant may elect to have the death benefit applied under one or
more of the Annuity Options in accordance with the Contract's Settlement
Provisions to effect a Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination or
both for the Beneficiary as Payee after the death of the Annuitant. This
election may be made or subsequently revoked by filing with the Company at its
annuity service mailing address, a written election or revocation of an election
in such form as the Company may require. Any election or revocation of an
election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the Participant will
become effective on the date it is received by the Company. For the purposes of
the Payment of Death Benefit section below, any election of the method of
settlement of the death benefit by the Participant which is in effect on the
date of death of the Annuitant will be deemed effective on the date Due Proof of
Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company.
 
    If no election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the
Participant is in effect on the date of death of the Annuitant, the Beneficiary
may elect (a) to receive the death benefit in the form of a cash payment, in
which event the Participant's Account will be canceled; or (b) to have the death
benefit applied under one or more of the Annuity Options in accordance with the
Settlement Provisions to effect, on the Annuity Commencement Date determined in
the Payment of Death Benefit section below, a Variable Annuity or a Fixed
Annuity or a combination or both for the Beneficiary as Payee. This election may
be made by filing with the Company at its annuity service mailing address, a
written election in such form as the Company may require. Any written election
of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the Beneficiary will become
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
effective on the later of: (a) the date the election is received by the Company;
or (b) the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company.
If a written election by the Beneficiary is not received by the Company within
60 days following the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by
the Company, the Beneficiary shall be deemed to have elected a cash payment as
of the last day of the 60 day period.
 
PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
    If the death benefit is to be paid in cash to the Beneficiary, payment will
be made within seven [7] days of the date the election becomes effective or is
deemed to become effective, except as the Company may be permitted to defer any
such payment of amounts derived from the Variable Account in accordance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940. If the death benefit is to be paid in one sum to
the Participant, or, if the Annuitant was the Participant, to the estate of the
deceased Participant/Annuitant, payment will be made within seven [7] days of
the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant, the Participant, and/or the
designated Beneficiary, as applicable, is received by the Company. If settlement
under one or more of the Annuity Options is elected, the Annuity Commencement
Date will be the first day of the second calendar month following the effective
date or the deemed effective date of the election and the Participant's Account
will be maintained in effect until the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
AMOUNT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
    If the Annuitant was less than age 86 on the Date of Coverage the death
benefit is determined as of the effective date or deemed effective date of the
death benefit election and is equal to the greatest of (a) the Participant's
Account Value for the Valuation Period during which the death benefit election
is effective or is deemed to become effective; (b) the excess of (i) the sum of
all Purchase Payments made under the Certificate over (ii) the sum of all
partial withdrawals; (c) the amount that would have been payable in the event of
a full surrender of the Participant's Account on the date the death benefit
election is effective or is deemed to become effective.
 
    If (b) or (c) is operative, the Participant's Account Value will be
increased by the excess of (b) or (c) as applicable, over (a) and the increase
will be allocated to the Sub-Accounts based on the respective values of the
Sub-Accounts on the date the amount of the death benefit is determined. If no
portion of the Participant's Account is allocated to the Sub-Accounts on that
date, the entire increase will be allocated to the Sub-Account invested in the
Money Market Series of the Series Fund.
 
    If the Annuitant was 86 or greater on the Date of Coverage, the death
benefit is determined as of the effective date or deemed effective date of the
death benefit election and is equal to the amount that would have been payable
in the event of a full surrender of the Participant's Account on the date the
death benefit election is or is deemed to become effective.
 
                             SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS
 
GENERAL
 
    On the Annuity Commencement Date, the adjusted value of the Participant's
Account as determined in accordance with the Determination of Amount provision
below will be applied, as specified by the Participant, under one [1] or more of
the Annuity Options provided in the Contract or under such other settlement
options as may be agreed to by the Company. However, if the amount to be applied
under any Annuity Option is less than $2,000, or if the first annuity payment
payable in accordance with such option is less than $20, the Company will pay
the amount to be applied in a single payment to the Payee.
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date, no change of Annuity Option is
permitted and no payments may be requested under the Cash Withdrawals provision
of the Contract. Exchanges of Variable Annuity Units are permitted.
 
ELECTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ELECTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Participant may elect to have the adjusted value of the Participant's
Account applied on the Annuity Commencement Date under one [1] or more of the
Annuity Options provided in the Contract; if more than one person is named as
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
Annuitant, due to the designation of a co-annuitant, the Participant may elect
to name one of such persons to be the sole Annuitant as of the Annuity
Commencement Date. The Participant may also change any election but any election
or change of election must be effective at least 30 days prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date. This election or change of election may be made by filing
with the Company at its annuity service mailing address, a written election or
change of election in such form as the Company may require. Any such election or
change of election will become effective on the date it is received by the
Company. If no such election is in effect on the 30th day prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, the adjusted value of the Participant's Account will be
applied under Annuity Option B, for a life annuity with 120 monthly payments
certain. If there is no election of a sole Annuitant in effect on the 30th day
prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the person designated as co-annuitant
will be the Payee under the applicable Annuity Option.
 
    Any such election may specify the proportion of the adjusted value of the
Participant's Account to be applied to provide a Fixed Annuity and a Variable
Annuity. In the event the election does not so specify, then the portion of the
adjusted value of the Participant's Account to be applied to provide a Fixed
Annuity and/or a Variable Annuity will be determined on pro rata basis from the
composition of the Participant's Account on the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
    The Annuity Options in the contract may also be elected as provided in the
Death Benefit section of the Contract.
 
DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT
 
    The adjusted value of the Participant's Account to be applied to provide a
Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination of both, shall be equal to
the Participant's Account Value for the Valuation Period which ends immediately
preceding the Annuity Commencement Date, minus a proportionate amount of the
account fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Account Anniversary and
the day before the Annuity Commencement Date, plus or minus any applicable
market value adjustment and minus a premium or similar tax, if any.
 
EFFECT OF ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE ON PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT
 
    On the Annuity Commencement Date the Participant's Account will be canceled.
 
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
    The Annuity Commencement Date is set forth on the Certificate Specifications
page. This date may be changed from time to time by the Participant provided
that each change is effective at least 30 days prior to the then current Annuity
Commencement Date and the new Annuity Commencement Date is a date which is: (1)
at least 30 days after the effective date of the change; (2) the first day of a
month; and (3) not later than the first day of the first month following the
Annuitant's 90th birthday. Any change of the Annuity Commencement Date may be
made by filing with the Company at its annuity service mailing address, a
written designation of a new Annuity Commencement Date in such form as the
Company may require. Any such change will become effective on the date the
designation is received by the Company.
 
    The Annuity Commencement Date may also be changed by an election of a
settlement option as provided in the Death Benefit section of the Contract.
 
FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    The dollar amount of each Fixed Annuity payment shall be determined in
accordance with the annuity payment rates shown on page 19, which are based on
the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year or, if more favorable to the
Payee(s), in accordance with the annuity payment rates published by the Company
and in use on the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    The dollar amount of the first Variable Annuity payment shall be determined
in accordance with the annuity payment rates shown on page 19, which are based
on an assumed interest rate of 3% per year.
 
    All Variable Annuity payments other than the first are determined by means
of Annuity Units credited with respect to the particular Payee. The number of
Annuity Units to be credited in respect of a particular
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
Sub-Account is determined by dividing that portion of the first Variable Annuity
payment attributable to that Sub-Account by the Annuity Unit value of that
Sub-Account for the Valuation Period which ends immediately preceding the
Annuity Commencement Date. The number of Annuity Units of each Sub-Account
credited with respect to the Payee then remains fixed unless an exchange of
Annuity Units is made pursuant to the Exchange of Variable Annuity Units section
below. The dollar amount of each Variable Annuity payment after the first may
increase, decrease or remain constant, and is equal to the sum of the amounts
determined by multiplying the number of Annuity Units of a particular
Sub-Account credited with respect to the Payee by the Annuity Unit value for the
particular Sub-Account for the Valuation Period which ends immediately preceding
the due date of each subsequent payment.
 
ANNUITY UNIT VALUE
 
    The Annuity Unit value for each Sub-Account was established at $10.00 for
the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The Annuity Unit value
for the particular Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined
by multiplying the Annuity Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for the
immediately preceding Value Period by the Net Investment Factor for the
particular Sub-Account for the current Valuation Period and then multiplying
that product by a factor to neutralize the assumed interest rate of 3% per year
used to establish the annuity payment rates found in the Contract. The factor is
0.99991902 for a one [1] day Valuation Period.
 
EXCHANGE OF VARIABLE ANNUITY UNITS
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date the Payee may, by filing a written
request with the Company at its annuity service mailing address, exchange the
value of a designated number of Annuity Units of particular Sub-Accounts then
credited with respect to such Payee into other Annuity Units, the value of which
would be such that the dollar amount of an annuity payment made on the date of
the exchange would be unaffected by the exchange. No more than 12 exchanges may
be made in any Account Year.
 
    Exchanges may be made among the Sub-Accounts only. Exchanges shall be made
using the Annuity Unit values for the Valuation Period during which the request
for exchange is received by the Company.
 
ACCOUNT FEE
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date an annual account fee amounting to $50
will be deducted in equal amounts from each Variable Annuity payment made during
the year as provided in the Contract Values During Accumulation Period section
of the Contract.
 
DESCRIPTION OF ANNUITY OPTIONS
 
    Options A, B, C and D are available on either a Fixed Annuity or a Variable
Annuity basis. Option E is available on a Fixed Annuity basis only.
 
    Annuity Option A. Life Annuity: Monthly payments during the lifetime of the
Payee.
 
    Annuity Option B. Life Annuity with 60, 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments
Certain: Monthly payments during the lifetime of the Payee and in any event for
sixty (60), one hundred twenty (120), one hundred eighty (180) or two hundred
forty (240) months certain as elected.
 
    Annuity Option C. Joint and Survivor Annuity: Monthly payments payable
during the joint lifetime of the Payee and a designated second person and during
the lifetime of the survivor. During the lifetime of the survivor variable
monthly payments, if any, will be determined using the percentage chosen at the
time of the election of this option of the number of each type of Annuity Units
credited with respect to the Payee, and each fixed monthly payment, if any, will
be equal to the same percentage of the fixed monthly payment payable during the
joint lifetime of the Payee and the designated second person.
 
    Annuity Option D. Monthly Payments for a Specified Period Certain: Monthly
payments for any specified period of time (at least five (5) years but not
exceeding 30 years), as elected.
 
    Annuity Option E. Fixed Payments: The amount applied to provide fixed
payments in accordance with this Annuity Option will be held by the Company at
interest. Fixed payments will be made in such amounts and at such times (at
least over a period of five (5) years) as may be agreed upon with the Company
and will continue until the amount held by the Company with interest is
exhausted. The final payment will be for the
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
balance remaining and may be less than the amount of each preceding payment.
Interest will be credited on an annual basis on the amount remaining unpaid at a
rate which shall be determined by the Company from time to time but which shall
not be less than 3% per year compounded annually. The rate so determined may be
changed at any time and as often as may be determined by the Company, provided,
however, that the rate may not be reduced more frequently than once during each
calendar year.
 
AMOUNTS PAYABLE ON DEATH OF PAYEE
 
    In the event of the death of the Payee on or after the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Company will pay any remaining payments under any Annuity Option then
in effect to the Payee's designated beneficiary as they become due. If there is
no designated beneficiary entitled to these remaining payments then living, the
Company will pay the amount specified in the schedule below for any Annuity
Option then in effect in one sum to the deceased Payee's estate. Any beneficiary
who becomes entitled to any remaining payments under any Annuity Option may
elect to receive the amount specified in the schedule below for such option in
one sum. In the event of the death of a beneficiary who has become entitled to
receive any remaining payments under any Annuity Option, the Company will pay
the amount specified for such option in the schedule below in one sum to the
deceased beneficiary's estate. All payments made in one sum by the Company as
provided in this paragraph are made in lieu of paying any remaining payments
under the Annuity Option then in effect.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Option    Amount
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<C>        <S>
    B      The discounted value of the remaining payments, if any, for the certain
           period.
    D      The discounted value of the remaining payments, if any, for the certain
           period.
    E      The unpaid balance of the proceeds and interest.
</TABLE>
 
    In the case of Options B and D the discounted value will be based, for
payments being made on a variable basis, on interest compounded annually at the
assumed interest rate and on the assumptions that the particular Annuity Unit
values applicable to the remaining payments will be the particular Annuity Unit
values for the Valuation Period which ends on the day before the date of the
determination and that this value will remain unchanged thereafter.
 
ANNUITY PAYMENT RATES
 
    The annuity payment rates below show, for each $1,000 applied, the dollar
amount of both (a) the first monthly Variable Annuity payment based on the
assumed interest rate of 3% and (b) the monthly Fixed Annuity payment, when the
payment is based on the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year.
 
    The mortality table used in determining the annuity payment rates for
Options A, B and C is the 1983 Individual Annuitant Mortality Table A. In using
this mortality table, ages of Annuitants will be reduced by one [1] year for
Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1990's, reduced two [2] years
for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the decade 2000-2009, and so on.
 
    The annuity payment rates in the tables shown below reflect rates of
mortality appropriate for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1980s.
Thus, for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1990s the term
ADJUSTED AGE as used in the tables below, means actual age less one year.
ADJUSTED AGE shall mean actual age less two year for Annuity Commencement Dates
occurring in the decade 2000-2009, and so on.
 
    ADJUSTED AGES will be determined based on the actual age(s) of the
Annuitant(s), in completed years and months, as of the Annuity Commencement
Date. The tables below show annuity payment rates for exact ADJUSTED AGES; rates
for ADJUSTED AGES expressed in completed years and months will be based on
straight line interpolation between the appropriate annuity payment rates.
 
    The dollar amount of each annuity payment for any adjusted age or
combination of adjusted ages not shown below or for any other form of Annuity
Option agreed to by the Company will be quoted by the Company on request.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
               AMOUNT OF FIRST MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENT PER $1,000
                              SINGLE LIFE ANNUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   OPTION B
                                      LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS CERTAIN
                          ----------------------------------------------------------
                           60 Payments    120 Payments   180 Payments   240 Payments
       OPTION A
     LIFE ANNUITY
- -----------------------
<S>       <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>
Adjusted                  ----------------------------------------------------------
  Age     Male   Female   Male   Female   Male  Female   Male  Female   Male  Female
   20      3.04   2.93     3.03   2.93    3.03   2.93    3.03   2.93    3.03   2.93
   25      3.14   3.02     3.14   3.02    3.14   3.02    3.14   3.02    3.13   3.01
   30      3.28   3.13     3.28   3.13    3.27   3.12    3.27   3.12    3.26   3.12
   35      3.44   3.26     3.44   3.26    3.44   3.26    3.43   3.25    3.41   3.24
   40      3.66   3.42     3.65   3.42    3.64   3.42    3.63   3.41    3.60   3.40
   45      3.93   3.63     3.92   3.63    3.90   3.63    3.87   3.61    3.82   3.59
   50      4.27   3.90     4.26   3.90    4.22   3.89    4.17   3.86    4.08   3.82
   55      4.70   4.25     4.68   4.25    4.62   4.22    4.53   4.18    4.39   4.11
   60      5.28   4.72     5.25   4.70    5.14   4.66    4.96   4.57    4.71   4.44
   65      6.10   5.35     6.03   5.32    5.81   5.22    5.46   5.05    5.02   4.79
   70      7.23   6.25     7.07   6.18    6.61   5.96    5.96   5.60    5.27   5.12
   75      8.82   7.56     8.44   7.39    7.49   6.89    6.38   6.14    5.42   5.35
   80     11.06   9.53    10.17   9.07    8.33   7.89    6.66   6.55    5.49   5.47
   85     14.16  12.48    12.12  11.19    8.97   8.74    6.81   6.77    5.51   5.50
</TABLE>
 
                                    OPTION C
                           JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITY
              (Assumed election of Joint and Two-Thirds Survivor)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Adjusted Age of Female
Adjusted Age  -----------------------------------------------------
  of Male        55         60         65         70         75
- ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
     55            4.25       4.47       4.72       4.99       5.29
     60            4.44       4.71       5.01       5.34       5.71
     65            4.65       4.97       5.33       5.75       6.23
     70            4.88       5.24       5.68       6.20       6.81
     75            5.11       5.52       6.04       6.68       7.45
</TABLE>
 
                                    OPTION D
                    PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD CERTAIN
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Years      Amount       Years      Amount       Years      Amount       Years      Amount
- ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
    5           17.91      12            8.24      19            5.73      26            4.59
    6           15.14      13            7.71      20            5.51      27            4.47
    7           13.16      14            7.26      21            5.32      28            4.37
    8           11.68      15            6.87      22            5.15      29            4.27
    9           10.53      16            6.53      23            4.99      30            4.18
   10            9.61      17            6.23      24            4.84
   11            8.86      18            5.96      25            4.71
</TABLE>
 
                              OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
 
EXERCISE OF CONTRACT RIGHTS
 
    The Contract shall belong to the Owner. All Contract rights and privileges
may be expressly reserved by the Owner, failing which, each Participant shall be
entitled to exercise such rights and privileges in connection with such
Participant's Certificate. In any case, such rights and privileges can be
exercised without the consent of the Beneficiary (other than an irrevocable
Beneficiary) or any other person. Such rights and privileges may be exercised
only during the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, except as otherwise provided in the Contract.
 
    The Annuitant becomes the Payee on and after the Annuity Commencement Date.
The Beneficiary becomes the Payee on the death of the Annuitant. Such Payees may
thereafter exercise such rights and privileges, if any, of ownership which
continue.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
 
    Ownership of a Qualified Contract may not be transferred except to: (1) the
Annuitant; (2) a trustee or successor trustee of a pension or profit sharing
trust which is qualified under Section 401 of the Code; (3) the employer of the
Annuitant provided that the Qualified Contract after transfer is maintained
under the terms of a retirement plan qualified under Section 403(a) of the Code
for the benefit of the Annuitant; (4) the trustee of an individual retirement
account plan qualified under Section 408 of the Code for the benefit of the
Owner; or (5) as otherwise permitted from time to time by laws and regulations
governing the retirement or deferred compensation plans for which a Qualified
Contract may be issued. Subject to the foregoing, a Qualified Contract may not
be sold, assigned, transferred, discounted or pledged as collateral for a loan
or as security for the performance of an obligation or for any other purpose to
any person other than the Company.
 
    The Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract may change the ownership of the
Contract during the lifetime of any Annuitant and prior to the last Annuity
Commencement Date; and each Participant, in like manner, may change the
ownership interest in this Contract evidenced by that Participant's Certificate.
A change of ownership will not be binding upon the Company until written
notification is received by the Company. When such notification is so received,
the change will be effective as of the date on which the request for change was
signed by the Owner or Participant, as appropriate, but the change will be
without prejudice to the Company on account of any payment made or any action
taken by the Company prior to receiving the change.
 
DEATH OF PARTICIPANT
 
    If a Participant under a Non-Qualified Contract dies prior to the Annuitant
and before the Annuity Commencement Date, that Participant's Account Value, plus
or minus any applicable market value adjustment, must be distributed to the
"designated beneficiary" (as defined below) either (1) within five [5] years
after the date of death of the Participant, or (2) as an annuity over some
period not greater than the life or expected life of the designated beneficiary,
with annuity payment beginning within one [1] year after the date of death of
the Participant. For this purpose (and for purposes of Section 72(s) of the
Code), the person named as Beneficiary shall be considered the designated
beneficiary, and if no person then living has been so named, then the Annuitant
shall automatically be the designated beneficiary. If the designated beneficiary
is the surviving spouse of the deceased Participant, the spouse can elect to
continue the Certificate in the spouse's own name as Participant, in which case
these mandatory distribution requirements will apply on the spouse's death.
 
    When the deceased Participant was also the Annuitant, the Death Benefit
provision of the Contract controls unless the deceased Participant's surviving
spouse is the designated beneficiary and elects to continue the Certificate in
the spouse's own name as both Participant and Annuitant.
 
    If the Payee dies on or after the Annuity Commencement Date and before the
entire accumulation under such Participant's Account has been distributed, the
remaining portion of such Participant's Account, if any, must be distributed as
least as rapidly as the method of distribution then in effect.
 
    In any case in which a non-natural person constitutes a holder of the
Certificate for the purposes of Section 72(s) of the Code, (1) the distribution
requirements described above shall apply upon the death of any Annuitant, and
(2) a change in any Annuitant shall be treated as the death of an Annuitant.
 
    In all cases, no Participant or Beneficiary shall be entitled to exercise
any rights that would adversely affect the treatment of the Contract as an
annuity Contract under the Code.
 
VOTING OF SERIES FUND SHARES
 
    The Company will vote Series Fund shares held by the Sub-Accounts at
meetings of shareholders of the Series Fund, but will follow voting instructions
received from persons having the right to give voting instructions. The Owner or
Participant, as the case may be, is the person having the right to give voting
instructions prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. On or after the Annuity
Commencement Date the Payee is the person having such voting rights. Any shares
attributable to the Company and Series Fund shares for which no timely voting
instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as
the shares for which instructions are received from persons have such voting
rights.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    Neither the Variable Account nor the Company is under any duty to provide
information concerning the voting instruction rights of persons who may have
such rights under retirement or deferred compensation plans, other than rights
afforded by the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor any duty to inquire as to
the instructions received or the authority of Owners, Participants, or others to
instruct the voting of Series Fund shares. Except as the Variable Account or the
Company has actual knowledge to the contrary, the instructions given by Owners,
Participants and Payees will be valid as they affect the Variable Account, the
Company and any others having voting instruction rights with respect to the
Variable Account.
 
    All Series Fund proxy material, together with an appropriate form to be used
to give voting instructions, will be provided to each Owner, each Participant
and each Payee having the right to give voting instructions at least 10 days
prior to each meeting of the shareholders of the Series Fund. The number of
particular Series Fund shares as to which each such person is entitled to give
instructions will be determined by the Company on a date not more than 90 days
prior to each such meeting. Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the number
of Series Fund shares as to which voting instructions may be given to the
Company is determined by dividing the value of all the Variable Accumulation
Units of the particular Sub-Account credited to the Participant's Account by the
net asset value of one [1] Series Fund share as of the same date. On or after
the Annuity Commencement Date, the number of Series Fund shares as to which such
instructions may be given by a Payee is determined by dividing the reserve held
by the Company in the particular Sub-Account with respect to the particular
Payee by the net asset value of a Series Fund share as of the same date.
 
PERIODIC REPORTS
 
    During the Accumulation Period the Company will send the Participant, or
such other person having voting rights, at least once during each Account Year,
a statement showing the number, type and value of Accumulation Units credited to
the Participant's Account and the fixed accumulation value of such account,
which statement shall be accurate as of a date not more than two months previous
to the date of mailing. In addition, every person having voting rights will
receive such reports or prospectuses concerning the Variable Account and the
Series Fund as may be required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the
Securities Act of 1933. The Company will also send such statements reflecting
transactions in the Participant's Account as may be required by applicable laws,
rules and regulations.
 
                             BENEFICIARY PROVISION
 
DESIGNATION AND CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY
 
    The Beneficiary designation contained in the Application will remain in
effect until changed. The interest of any Beneficiary is subject to the
Beneficiary surviving the Annuitant and, in the case of a Non-Qualified
Contract, surviving the Participant as well.
 
    Subject to the rights of an irrevocable Beneficiary, the Participant may
change or revoke the designation of a Beneficiary at any time while the
Annuitant is living. To do so, the Participant must file the change or
revocation with the Company at its annuity service mailing address in such form
as the Company may require. The change or revocation will not be binding upon
the Company until it is received by the Company. When it is so received the
change or revocation will be effective as of the date on which the beneficiary
designation or revocation was signed, but the change or revocation will be
without prejudice to the Company on account of any payment made or any action
taken by the Company prior to receiving the change or revocation.
 
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
AGE AND SEX MISSTATEMENT
 
    If any date of birth or sex, or both, as been misstated in the Application,
or elsewhere, the amounts payable pursuant to the contract will be the amounts
which would have been provided using the correct age or sex, or both. Any
deficiency in payments already made by the Company shall be paid immediately and
any excess in the payments already made by the Company shall be charged against
the benefits falling due after the adjustment.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
CONTRACT
 
    The Contract is issued in consideration of the Contract Application and
payment of the Purchase Payment(s). This Contract and the Contract Application,
a copy of which is attached, constitute the entire Contract. All statements made
in the Contract Application and each Participant's Application will be deemed
representations and not warranties, and no statement will void the Contract or a
Participant's interest therein or be used in defense to a claim unless it is
contained in the Contract Application or the Application of that Participant and
a copy is attached to the Contract or Certificate, as applicable, at issue. Only
the President, a Vice President, the Actuary or the Secretary of the Company has
authority to agree on behalf of the Company to any alteration of the Contract or
any Certificate, or to any waiver of the rights or requirements of the Company.
 
CURRENCY
 
    All amounts due under the Contract are payable in United States dollars,
lawful money of the United States of America.
 
DETERMINATION OF VALUES
 
    The method of determination by the Company of the Net Investment Factor and
the number and value of Accumulation Units and Annuity Units shall be conclusive
upon the Owner, the Participant, any Payee and any Beneficiary.
 
DISCONTINUANCE OF NEW PARTICIPANTS
 
    The Company, by giving 30 days' prior written notice to the Owner, may limit
or discontinue the acceptance of new Applications and the issuance of new
Certificates under this Contract. Such limitation or discontinuance shall have
no effect on rights or benefits with respect to any Participant's Account
established prior to the effective date of such limitation or discontinuance.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
    This Contract and all Certificates issued in connection with it will be
governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the Contract Application is
signed.
 
GUARANTEES
 
    Subject to the Net Investment Factor provision, the Company guarantees that
the dollar amount of Variable Annuity payments made during the lifetime of the
Payee(s) will not be adversely affected by the actual mortality experience of
the Company or by the actual expenses incurred for the contract and other
contracts providing benefits which vary in accordance with the investment
performance of the Sub-Accounts.
 
INCONTESTABILITY
 
    This Contract is incontestable.
 
MODIFICATION
 
    Upon notice to the Owner, Participant(s) or the Payee(s) during the annuity
period, this Contract may be modified by the Company, but only if such
modification (a) is necessary to make the Contract or the Variable Account
comply with any law or regulation issued by a governmental agency to which the
Company or the Variable Account is subject; or (b) is necessary to assure
continued qualification of the Contract under the Code or other federal or state
laws relating to retirement annuities or annuity contracts; or (c) is necessary
to reflect a change in the operation of the Variable Account or the
Sub-Accounts; or (d) provides additional Variable Account and/or Fixed Account
options. In the event of any such modification, the Company may make appropriate
endorsement to the contract to reflect such modification.
 
    In addition, upon 60 days' prior written notice to the Owner, the Contract
may be modified by the Company to change the withdrawal charges, account fees,
mortality and expense risk charges, administrative expense charges, the tables
used in determining the amount of the first monthly Variable Annuity and Fixed
Annuity payments and the formula used to calculate the market value adjustment,
provided that such modification shall apply only to Participant's Accounts
established after the effective date of any such
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
modification. All of the charges and the annuity tables which are provided in
the Contract prior to any such modification will remain in effect permanently,
unless improved by the Company, with respect to Participant's Accounts
established prior to the effective date of such modification.
 
NONPARTICIPATING
 
    The Contract is nonparticipating and will not share in any surplus earnings
of the Company.
 
PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY
 
    All sums payable by the Company pursuant to the Contract are payable only at
its Executive Office or such other place as may be designated by the Company.
The Company may require surrender of the Contract upon final payment of all sums
payable by the Company pursuant to the Contract.
 
PROOF OF AGE
 
    The Company shall have the right to require evidence of the age of any Payee
under Annuity Options A, B, and C prior to the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
PROOF OF SURVIVAL
 
    The Company shall have the right to require evidence of the survival of any
Payee under Annuity Options A, B and C at the time any payment payable to such
Payee is due.
 
SPLITTING UNITS
 
    The Company reserves the right to split or combine the value of Variable
Accumulation Units, Annuity Units or any of them. In effecting any such change
of unit values, strict equity will be preserved and no change will have a
material effect on the benefits or other provisions of this Contract.
 
                                       23


<PAGE>
Sun Life
OF CANADA (U.S.) Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.)
                 A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of
                 Canada
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                  <C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICE:                  HOME OFFICE:         ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS:
One Sun Life Executive Park        Wilmington,          Sun Life of Canada (US)
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts     Delaware             Retirement Products and Services
02181                                                   P.O. Box 1024
                                                        Boston, Massachusetts 02103
</TABLE>
 
   FLEXIBLE PAYMENT DEFERRED COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                NONPARTICIPATING
 
ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS CONTRACT WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO
DOLLAR AMOUNT. SEE PAGES 8 AND 10 FOR VARIABLE PROVISIONS.
 
PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE FIXED ACCOUNT ARE SUBJECT TO A MARKET VALUE
ADJUSTMENT FORMULA, THE OPERATION OF WHICH MAY RESULT IN UPWARD AND DOWNWARD
ADJUSTMENTS IN AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO A PARTICIPANT, INCLUDING WITHDRAWALS,
TRANSFERS, AMOUNTS APPLIED TO PURCHASE AN ANNUITY, AND DISTRIBUTIONS RESULTING
FROM THE DEATH OF THE PARTICIPANT. PAYMENTS MADE FROM GUARANTEE AMOUNTS WHICH
ARE WITHIN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF A GUARANTEE PERIOD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.
 
USE OF CONTRACT. This Contract is available for retirement and deferred
compensation plans, some of which may qualify for special tax treatment under
Internal Revenue Code Sections 401, 403 or 408.



<PAGE>

SUN LIFE
OF CANADA (U.S.)      SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
                      A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of
                      Canada
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>             <C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICE:                        HOME OFFICE:    ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS:
One Sun Life Executive Park              Wilmington,     Sun Life Annuity Service Center
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181     Delaware        P.O. Box 1024
                                                         Boston, Massachusetts 02103
</TABLE>

    This is the certificate which evidences the interest of the Participant
named in the Certificate Specifications page in the Combination Variable and
Fixed Group Annuity contract ("contract") issued by Sun Life Assurance Company
of Canada (U.S.) ("the Company").
 
    The contract is the legal contract. This certificate is merely a summary of
the rights, duties and benefits of that contract. A copy of the contract may be
obtained by requesting it in writing from the Company. If there is any conflict,
the contract is the controlling document.
 
    The Company will pay an annuity commencing on the Annuity Commencement Date
to the Annuitant, if then living, by applying the adjusted value of the
Participant's Account in accordance with the Settlement provisions. If the
Annuitant dies while the contract is in effect and before the Annuity
Commencement Date, the Company will pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary upon
receipt of Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant. Under certain circumstances, if
the Participant dies prior to the Annuitant and before the Annuity Commencement
Date, a distribution is required by law.
 
    All payments will be made to the persons and in the manner set forth in this
contract. Provisions and endorsements printed or written by the Company on the
following pages form part of the contract.
 
    Signed by the Company at its Executive Office, Wellesley Hills,
Massachusetts on the Issue Date.

/s/Donald A. Stewart            /s/Margaret Sears Mead

   Donald A. Stewart               Margaret Sears Mead
   President                       Secretary

                                CERTIFICATE FOR
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT DEFERRED COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED GROUP ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                NONPARTICIPATING
 
ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACT WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO
DOLLAR AMOUNT. SEE PAGES 8 AND 10 FOR VARIABLE PROVISIONS.
 
PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE FIXED ACCOUNT ARE SUBJECT TO A MARKET VALUE
ADJUSTMENT FORMULA, THE OPERATION OF WHICH MAY RESULT IN UPWARD AND DOWNWARD
ADJUSTMENTS IN AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO A PARTICIPANT, INCLUDING WITHDRAWALS,
TRANSFERS, AMOUNTS APPLIED TO PURCHASE AN ANNUITY, AND DISTRIBUTIONS RESULTING
FROM THE DEATH OF THE PARTICIPANT. PAYMENTS MADE FROM GUARANTEE AMOUNTS WHICH
ARE WITHIN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF A GUARANTEE PERIOD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.
 
RIGHT TO RETURN CERTIFICATE. Please read this certificate. If not satisfied with
it, the Participant may, within 10 days after its receipt, return it by
delivering or mailing it to the annuity service address indicated above.
Immediately upon receipt of the certificate by the Company, the certificate will
be deemed void as though it had never been applied for and the Participant's
Account Value at the end of the Valuation Period during which the certificate is
received by the Company will be refunded to the Participant.
 
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
It is not necessary to employ any person to collect any payment or benefit
provided by the contract. When you require help or advice, write directly to the
Company at its annuity service mailing address.
 
The contract contains many benefits. In your own best interest you should
consult the Company if anyone advises you to surrender this certificate or to
replace it with a new contract or certificate.

RC-MVA-CERT96
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PAGE
<S>                                                                     <C>

CERTIFICATE SPECIFICATIONS PAGE                                           4

DEFINITIONS                                                               5

FIXED AND VARIABLE ACCOUNTS                                               8
  Fixed Account                                                           8
  Variable Account and Sub-Accounts                                       8
  Ownership of Assets                                                     8
  Investments of the Sub-Accounts                                         8
  Substitution                                                            8

PURCHASE PAYMENTS                                                         9
  Payments                                                                9
  Account Continuation                                                    9
  Allocation of Net Purchase Payments                                     9

CERTIFICATE VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD                             9
  Participant's Account                                                   9
  Variable Account Value                                                 10
  Crediting Variable Accumulation Units                                  10
  Variable Accumulation Unit Value                                       10
  Variable Accumulation Value                                            10
  Net Investment Factor                                                  10
  Fixed Account Values                                                   11
  Guarantee Period                                                       11
  Guaranteed Interest Rates                                              12
  Fixed Accumulation Value                                               12
  Transfer Privilege                                                     12
  Account Fee                                                            13

CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT         13
  Cash Withdrawals                                                       13
  Withdrawal Charges                                                     14
  Market Value Adjustment                                                14

DEATH BENEFIT                                                            15
  Death Benefit Provided by the Contract                                 15
  Election and Effective Date of Election                                15
  Payment of Death Benefit                                               16
  Amount of Death Benefit                                                16
</TABLE>

                                           2
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS                                                    16
  General                                                                16
  Election and Effective Date of Election                                17
  Determination of Amount                                                17
  Effect of Annuity Commencement Date on Participant's Account           17
  Annuity Commencement Date                                              17
  Fixed Annuity Payments                                                 18
  Variable Annuity Payments                                              18
  Annuity Unit Value                                                     18
  Exchange of Variable Annuity Units                                     18
  Account Fee                                                            19
  Description of Annuity Options                                         19
  Amounts Payable on Death of Payee                                      19
  Annuity Payment Rates                                                  20

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS                                                     22
  Exercise of Contract Rights                                            22
  Change of Ownership                                                    22
  Death of Participant                                                   22
  Voting of Series Fund Shares                                           23
  Periodic Reports                                                       24

BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS                                                   24
  Designation of Change of Beneficiary                                   24

GENERAL PROVISIONS                                                       24
  Age and Sex Misstatement                                               24
  Certificate                                                            24
  Currency                                                               25
  Determination of Values                                                25
  Governing Law                                                          25
  Guarantees                                                             25
  Incontestability                                                       25
  Modification                                                           25
  Nonparticipating                                                       26
  Payments by the Company                                                26
  Proof of Age                                                           26
  Proof of Survival                                                      26
  Splitting Units                                                        26

QUALIFIED CERTIFICATE PROVISIONS                                        E-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>






















                                       4

<PAGE>
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
Any reference in this Certificate to "receipt" and "received" by the Company
means receipt at the Company's annuity service mailing address shown on the
first page of this Certificate.
 
ACCOUNT YEARS AND ACCOUNT ANNIVERSARIES: The first Account Year shall be the
period of 12 months plus a part of a month as measured from the Date of Coverage
for each Participant to the first day of the calendar month which follows the
calendar month of coverage. All Account Years and Anniversaries thereafter shall
be 12 month periods based upon such first day of the calendar month which
follows the calendar month of coverage. If, for example, the Date of Coverage is
in March, the first Account Year will be determined from the Date of Coverage
but will end on the last day of March in the following year; all other Account
Years and all Account Anniversaries will be measured from April 1.
 
ACCUMULATION PERIOD: The period before the Annuity Commencement date and during
the lifetime of the Annuitant.
 
ANNUITANT: The person or persons named in the Application and on whose life the
first annuity payment is to be made. The Participant may not designate a
co-annuitant unless the Participant and Annuitant are different persons. If more
than one person is so named, all provisions of the Contract which are based on
the death of the Annuitant will be based on the date of death of the last
surviving of the persons so named. By example, the death benefit will become due
only upon death, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, of the last surviving
of the persons so named. Collectively, these persons are referred to in the
Contract as Annuitants. The Participant is not permitted to name a co-annuitant
under a Qualified Contract.
 
*ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The date on which the first annuity payment is to be
made.
 
*ANNUITY OPTION: The method for making annuity payments.
 
ANNUITY UNIT: A unit of measure used in the calculation of the amount of the
second and each subsequent variable annuity payment from the Variable Account.
 
APPLICATION: The document signed by each Participant that serves as his or her
application for participation under the Contract, a copy of which is attached to
this Certificate.
 
*BENEFICIARY: The person or entity having the right to receive the death benefit
and, for a Certificate issued under a Non-Qualified Contract, who is the
"designated beneficiary" for purposes of Section 72(s) of the Code in the event
of the Participant's death.
 
CODE: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
COMPANY: Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).
 
CONTRACT APPLICATION: The document signed by the Owner that evidences the
Owner's application for the Contract.



*AS SPECIFIED IN THE APPLICATION, UNLESS CHANGED.
 
                                           5

<PAGE>

DATE OF COVERAGE: The date on which this Certificate becomes effective.
 
DUE PROOF OF DEATH: An original certified copy of an official death certificate,
an original certified copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as
to the finding of death, or any other proof satisfactory to the Company.
 
EXPIRATION DATE: The last day of a Guarantee Period.
 
FIXED ACCOUNT: The Fixed Account consists of all assets of the Company other
than those allocated to a separate account of the Company.
 
FIXED ANNUITY: An annuity with payments which do not vary as to dollar amount.
 
GUARANTEE AMOUNT: Any portion of a Participant's Account Value allocated to a
particular Guarantee Period with a particular Expiration Date (including
interest earned thereon).
 
GUARANTEE PERIOD: The period for which a Guaranteed Interest Rate is credited.
 
GUARANTEED INTEREST RATE: The rate of interest credited by the Company on a
compound annual basis during any Guarantee Period.
 
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR: An index applied to measure the investment performance of
a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The Net Investment Factor
may be greater or less than or equal to one [1].
 
NET PURCHASE PAYMENT: The portion of a Purchase Payment which remains after the
deduction of any applicable premium or similar tax.
 
NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract used in connection with a retirement plan
which does not receive favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections
401, 403, or 408 of the Code. The Participant's interest in the Contract
evidenced by this Certificate must be owned by a natural person or agent for a
natural person for the Contract to receive favorable income tax treatment as an
annuity.
 
*OWNER: The person, persons or entity entitled to the ownership rights stated in
the Contract and in whose name or names the Contract is issued. The Owner may
designate a trustee or custodian of a retirement plan which meets the
requirements of Section 401, Section 408(c) or Section 408(k) of the Code to
serve as legal owner of assets of a retirement plan, but the term Owner, as used
herein, refers to the organization entering into the Contract.
 
PARTICIPANT: The person named in this Certificate who is entitled to exercise
all rights and privileges of ownership under the Certificate, except as reserved
by the Owner.
 
PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT: An account to which Net Purchase Payments are credited.
 
PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT VALUE: The variable accumulation value, if any, plus the
fixed accumulation value, if any, of a Participant's Account for any Valuation
Period.

*AS SPECIFIED IN THE APPLICATION, UNLESS CHANGED.
 
                                           6

<PAGE>


PAYEE: A recipient of payments relating to this Certificate. The term includes
an Annuitant or a Beneficiary who becomes entitled to benefits upon the death of
the Annuitant.
 
PURCHASE PAYMENT (PAYMENT): The amount paid to the Company as consideration for
the benefits provided by the Contract.
 
QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract used in connection with a retirement plan which
received favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections 401, 403 or 408
of the Code.
 
SERIES FUND: MFS/Sun Life Series Trust.
 
SUB-ACCOUNT: That portion of the Variable Account which invests in shares of
specific series or sub-series of the Series Fund.
 
VALUATION PERIOD: The period of time from one determination of Variable
Accumulation Unit values to the next subsequent determination of these values.
Such determination shall be made as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange
on each day the Exchange is open for trading and on such other days on which
there is a sufficient degree of trading in the portfolio securities of the
Variable Account so that the values of the Variable Account's Accumulation Units
might be materially affected.
 
VARIABLE ACCOUNT: A separate account of the Company consisting of assets set
aside by the Company, the investment performance of which is kept separate from
that of the general assets of the Company.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT: A unit of measure used in the calculation of the
value of the variable portion of a Participant's Account.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY: An annuity with payments which vary as to dollar amount in
relation to the investment performance of specified Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account.
 
YEAR: Any consecutive period of 365 days.
 

                                           7

<PAGE>

                          FIXED AND VARIABLE ACCOUNTS
 
FIXED ACCOUNT
 
    The Fixed Account consists of all assets of the Company other than those
allocated to any separate account of the Company. Any portion of a Net Purchase
Payment allocated by a Participant to a Guarantee Period(s) will become part of
the Fixed Account.
 
VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND SUB-ACCOUNTS
 
    The Variable Account to which the variable accumulation values, if any,
under the Contract relate is Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account F. It
was established by the Company on July 13, 1989, pursuant to a resolution of its
Board of Directors and is registered as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. That portion of the assets of the Variable
Account equal to the reserves and other contract liabilities with respect to the
Variable Account shall not be chargeable with liabilities arising out of any
other business the Company may conduct.
 
    The assets of the Variable Account are divided into Sub-Accounts. Each
Sub-Account invests exclusively in shares of a designated series or sub-series
of the Series Fund. The values of the Variable Accumulation Units and the
Annuity Units described in the contract reflect the investment performance of
the Sub-Accounts.
 
    At the Company's election and subject to any vote by persons having the
right to give instructions with respect to the voting of Series Fund shares held
by the Sub-Accounts, the Variable Account may be operated as a management
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or it may be deregistered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. In the event of any change in the operation
of the Variable Account pursuant to this provision, the Company may make
appropriate endorsement to the contract to reflect the change and take such
other action as may be necessary and appropriate to reflect the change.
 
OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS
 
    The Company shall have exclusive and absolute ownership and control of its
assets, including all assets of the Sub-Accounts.
 
INVESTMENTS OF THE SUB-ACCOUNTS
 
    All amounts allocated to a Sub-Account will be used to purchase shares of a
specific series or sub-series of the Series Fund. The Series Fund shares
available on the Date of Coverage are shown on the Certificate Specifications
Page; more series may be subsequently added or deleted. The Series Fund is an
open-end investment company (mutual fund) registered under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Any and all distributions made by the Series Fund with
respect to shares held by a Sub-Account will be reinvested to purchase
additional shares of that series at net asset value. Deductions from the Sub-
Accounts will, in effect, be made by redeeming a number of Series Fund shares at
net asset value equal in total value to the amount to be deducted. Each
Sub-Account will be fully invested in Series Fund shares at all times.
 
SUBSTITUTION
 
    Shares of the series corresponding to a particular portfolio of securities
held by the Series Fund may not always be available for purchase by the
Sub-Accounts or the Company may decide that further investment in such shares

                                        8

<PAGE>

is no longer appropriate in view of the purposes of the Variable Account, or 
in view of legal, regulatory or federal income tax restrictions. In such 
event, shares of another series or shares of another registered open-end 
investment company or unit investment trust may be substituted both for 
Series Fund shares already purchased by the Sub-Account and/or as the 
security to be purchased in the future, provided that these substitutions 
meet applicable Internal Revenue Service diversification guidelines and have 
been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission and such other 
regulatory authorities as may be necessary. In the event of any substitution 
pursuant to this provision, the Company may make appropriate endorsement to 
the Contract and to this Certificate to reflect the substitution.

                               PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
PAYMENTS
 
    All Purchase Payments are to be paid to the Company at its annuity service
mailing address. The amount of Purchase Payments may vary; however, the Company
will not accept an initial Purchase Payment for any Certificate which is less
than $25,000, and each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $1,000. In
addition, the prior approval of the Company is required before it will accept a
Purchase Payment which would cause the value of a Participant's Account to
exceed $1,000,000. If the value of a Participant's Account exceeds $1,000,000,
no additional Purchase Payments will be allocated without the prior approval of
the Company.
 
    The initial Purchase Payment attributable to this Certificate is shown on
the Certificate Specifications page.
 
ACCOUNT CONTINUATION
 
    A Participant's Account shall be continued automatically in full force
during the lifetime of the Annuitant until the Annuity Commencement Date or
until the Participant's Account is surrendered.
 
ALLOCATION OF NET PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
    The Net Purchase Payment is that portion of a Purchase Payment which remains
after deduction of a premium or similar tax, if any. Each Net Purchase Payment
will be allocated to the Participant's Account upon receipt by the Company,
either to the Sub-Accounts or to the Fixed Account or to both the Sub-Accounts
and the Fixed Account in accordance with the allocation factors specified in the
Application, or as subsequently changed.
 
    The allocation factors for new Purchase Payments among the Guarantee
Period(s) and the Sub-Accounts may be changed by the Participant at any time by
giving written notice of the change to the Company. Any change will take effect
with the first Purchase Payment received with or after receipt of notice of the
change by the Company and will continue in effect until subsequently changed.
 
                 CERTIFICATE VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD
 
PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT
 
    The Company will establish a Participant's Account for each Participant
under the Contract and will maintain the Participant's Account during the
Accumulation Period. The Participant's Account Value for any Valuation Period is
equal to the variable accumulation value, if any, plus the fixed accumulation
value, if any, of the Participant's Account for that Valuation Period.


                                         9


<PAGE>

VARIABLE ACCOUNT VALUE

CREDITING VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
    Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by the Company, all or that portion, if
any, of the Net Purchase Payment to be allocated to the Sub-Accounts will be
credited to the Participant's Account in the form of Variable Accumulation
Units. The number of particular Variable Accumulation Units to be credited is
determined by dividing the dollar amount allocated to the particular Sub-Account
by the Variable Accumulation Unit value of the particular Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payment is received by the Company.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE
 
    The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account was established 
at $10.00 for the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The 
Variable Accumulation Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for any 
subsequent Valuation Period is determined by methodology which is the 
mathematical equivalent of multiplying the Variable Accumulation Unit value 
for the particular Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period 
by the Net Investment Factor for the particular Sub-Account for such 
subsequent Valuation Period. The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each 
Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is the value determined as of the end of 
the particular Valuation Period and may increase, decrease or remain constant 
from Valuation Period to Valuation Period in accordance with the Net Investment
Factor described below.
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    The variable accumulation value, if any, of a Participant's Account for any
Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the value of all Variable Accumulation
Units of each Sub-Account credited to the Participant's Account for such
Valuation Period. The variable accumulation value of each Sub-Account is
determined by multiplying the number of Variable Accumulation Units, if any,
credited to each Sub-Account by the Variable Accumulation Unit value of the
particular Sub-Account for such Valuation Period.
 
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR
 
    The Net Investment Factor is an index applied to measure the investment
performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The Net
Investment Factor may be greater or less than or equal to one; therefore, the
value of a Variable Accumulation Unit may increase, decrease or remain the same.
 
    The Net Investment Factor for any Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is
determined by dividing (a) by (b) and then subtracting (c) from the result
where:
 
a)  is the net result of:
 
    1)  the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the Sub-Account
        determined as of the end of the Valuation Period, plus
 
    2)  the per share amount of any dividend or other distribution declared by
        the Series Fund on the shares held in the Sub-Account if the ex-dividend
        date occurs during the Valuation Period, plus or minus
 
    3)  a per share credit or charge with respect to any taxes paid or reserved
        for by the Company during the Valuation Period which are determined by
        the Company to be attributable to the operation of the Sub-Account;


                                           10

<PAGE>

b)  is the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the Sub-Account
    determined as of the end of the preceding Valuation Period; and
 
c)  is the asset charge factor determined by the Company for the Valuation
    Period to reflect the charges for assuming the mortality and expense risks
    and administrative expense risks.
 
    The asset charge factor for any Valuation Period is equal to the daily asset
charge factor multiplied by the number of 24 hour periods in the Valuation
Period. The daily asset charge factor will be determined by the Company
annually, but in no event may it exceed the maximum daily asset charge factor
specified on the Certificate Specifications page.
 
FIXED ACCOUNT VALUE

GUARANTEE PERIOD
 
    The Company will make available one [1] or more Guarantee Period(s) from
time to time. Guarantee Periods will be of two [2] types: Initial Guarantee
Periods (for New Purchase Payments) and Subsequent Guarantee Periods (for
Account Values to be allocated from expiring Guarantee Periods). The Participant
has the right to elect from among the applicable Guarantee Periods and that
election will determine the applicable Guarantee Interest Rate(s).
 
    A Purchase Payment or such portion (at least $1,000) allocated to an Initial
Guarantee Period will earn interest at the Guaranteed Interest Rate during that
Guarantee Period [beginning on the date the Net Purchase Payment is applied and
ending when the number of calendar months in that Guarantee Period has elapsed,
measured from the end of the calendar month in which the Purchase Payment was
allocated]. The last day of a Guarantee Period is the Expiration Date.
Subsequent Guarantee Periods begin on the first day following the Expiration
Date and Account Values allocated thereto [referred to as "Guaranteed Amounts"]
will earn interest at the applicable Guaranteed Interest Rate for the applicable
Subsequent Guarantee Period until its Expiration Date. Guaranteed Amounts
allocated to Guarantee Periods of the same duration may have different
Expiration Dates and each Guarantee Amount will be treated separately for
purposes of determining any market value adjustment, in the case of a
withdrawal.
 
    The Company will notify the Participant in writing at least 45 days and no
more than 75 days prior to the Expiration Date for any Guarantee Amount, except
for Guarantee Amounts held under a Dollar Cost Averaging Option [described
below]. For Guarantee Periods established under the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar
Cost Averaging Options, on the day following the Expiration Date the Guarantee
Amount will be transferred to one [1] or more Sub-Accounts in accordance with
the Participant's instructions. The Participant can elect a new Guarantee Period
or instruct the Company to transfer the Guarantee Amount [or any portion subject
to a minimum of $1,000] in accordance with the Transfer Privilege provision by
giving written notice to the Company. To be effective, such notice has to be
received by the Company prior to the Expiration Date, failing which a new
Guarantee Period of the same duration as the expiring Guarantee Period will
commence automatically on the first day following the Expiration Date.
 
    The Participant may also elect to use an available Dollar Cost Averaging
Option in connection with selected Initial Guarantee Periods [subject to a
minimum amount of $1,000]. Dollar Cost Averaging Options are available monthly
or quarterly:


                                       11

<PAGE>

    1.  Monthly Dollar Cost Averaging Option: Amounts allocated will be divided
        among 12 separate serially maturing Guarantee Periods. The first
        Guarantee Period ends one [1] full calendar month following the date the
        Net Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent Guarantee Period
        shall end one [1] full calendar month later, serially thereafter. The
        Guarantee Amount at the Expiration Date of each such Guarantee Period
        will equal 1/12 of the Net Purchase Payment applied under this Option,
        with the Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration Date including all
        interest earned in the 12 Guarantee Periods.
 
    2.  Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging: Amounts allocated will be divided among
        four [4] separate serially maturing Guarantee Periods. The first
        Guarantee Period ends three [3] full calendar months following the date
        the Net Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent Guarantee Period
        shall end three [3] full calendar months later, serially thereafter. The
        Guarantee Amount at the Expiration Date of each such Guarantee Period
        will equal 1/4 of the Net Purchase Payment applied under this Option,
        with the Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration Date including all
        interest earned.
 
    Amounts allocated under a Dollar Cost Averaging Option must be derived
solely from Purchase Payments. The Transfer Privilege provision is not available
in connection with any Dollar Cost Averaging Option.
 
GUARANTEED INTEREST RATES
 
    The company periodically will establish an applicable Guaranteed Interest
Rate for each Guarantee Period offered by the Company. These rates will be
guaranteed for the duration of the respective Guarantee Periods.
 
    No Guaranteed Interest Rate shall be less than 3% per year, compounded
annually.
 
FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE
 
    Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by the Company, all or that portion, if
any, of the Net Purchase Payment which is allocated to the Fixed Account will be
credited to the Participant's Account and allocated to the Guarantee Period
selected by the Participant. The fixed accumulation value, if any, of a
Participant's Account for any Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the values
of all Guarantee Amounts credited to the Participant's Account for such
Valuation Period.

TRANSFER PRIVILEGE
 
    At any time during the Accumulation Period the Participant may transfer all
or part of the Participant's Account Value to one or more Sub-Accounts or
Guarantee Periods, subject to the conditions set forth below. A transfer will
generally be effective on the date the request for transfer is received by the
Company.
 
    Transfers involving Sub-Accounts will reflect the purchase or cancellation
of Variable Accumulation Units having an aggregate value equal to the dollar
amount being transferred to or from a particular Sub-Account. The purchase or
cancellation of such units shall be made using Variable Accumulation Unit values
of the applicable Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during which the transfer
is effective. Transfers to a Guarantee Period will result in a new Guarantee
Period for the amount being transferred. Any such Guarantee Period will begin on
the effective date of the transfer and end on the Expiration Date. The amount
transferred into such Guarantee Period will earn interest at the Guaranteed
Interest Rate declared by the Company for that Guarantee Period as of the
effective date of the transfer.


                                           12

<PAGE>

    Transfers shall be subject to the following conditions: (1) not more than 12
transfers may be made in any Account Year; (2) a minimum of 30 days must elapse
between transfers made to or from the Fixed Account or between Guarantee Periods
within the Fixed Account, (3) the amount being transferred from a Sub-Account
may not be less than $1,000, unless the total Participant's Account Value
attributable to a Sub-Account is being transferred; (4) any Participant's
Account Value remaining in a Sub-Account may not be less than $1,000; (5) the
total Participant's Account Value attributable to the Guarantee Amount must be
transferred; and (6) allocations to Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging
Options may not be achieved through transfer. In addition, transfers of a
Guarantee Amount will be subject to the market value adjustment described below
unless the transfer is effective within 30 days prior to the Expiration Date
applicable to the Guarantee Amount; and transfers involving Variable
Accumulation Units shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be
imposed by the Series Fund. Currently, there is no charge for transfers;
however, the Company reserves the right to impose a charge of up to $15 for each
transfer.
 
ACCOUNT FEE
 
    Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, on each Account Anniversary the
Company will deduct from the value of each Participant's Account an annual
account fee to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses relating to the
contract and the Participant's Account in the amount of $50. The account fee
will be deducted on a PRO RATA basis from amounts allocated to each Guarantee
Period and each Sub-Account in which the Participant's Account is invested at
the time of such deduction. If a Participant's Account is surrendered for its
full value on other than an Account Anniversary, the account fee will be
deducted in full at the time of such surrender. The Company will waive the
account fee when the Participant's Account Value is greater than $100,000 on the
Account Anniversary. On the Annuity Commencement Date the value of the
Participant's Account will be reduced by a proportionate amount of the account
fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Account Anniversary and the day
before the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date an annual account fee of $50 will be
deducted in equal amounts from each Variable Annuity payment made during the
year. No such deduction is made from Fixed Annuity payments.
 
        CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
CASH WITHDRAWALS
 
    At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date and during the lifetime of
the Annuitant, the Participant may elect to receive a cash withdrawal payment
from the Company by filing with the Company at its annuity service mailing
address, a written election in such form as the Company may require. Any such
election shall specify the amount of the withdrawal and will be effective on the
date that it is received by the Company. Any cash withdrawal payment will be
paid within seven [7] days from the date the election becomes effective, except
as the Company may be permitted to defer such payment in accordance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The Company reserves the right to defer the
payment of amounts withdrawn from the Fixed Account for a period not to exceed
six [6] months from the date written request for such withdrawal is received by
the Company.
 
    The Participant may request a full surrender or a partial withdrawal. A full
surrender will result in a cash withdrawal payment equal to the value of the
Participant's Account at the end of the Valuation Period during which the
election becomes effective less the account fee, plus or minus any applicable
market value adjustment, and less any applicable withdrawal charge. A partial
withdrawal (a payment of an amount less than that paid under a full surrender)
will result in the cancellation of a portion of the Participant's Account Value
with an aggregate dollar value equal to the dollar amount of the cash withdrawal
payment, plus or minus any applicable market value adjustment and plus any
applicable withdrawal charge.


                                      13

<PAGE>

    In the case of a partial withdrawal, the Participant may instruct the
Company as to the amounts to be withdrawn from each Sub-Account and/or Guarantee
Amount. If not so instructed, the Company will effect such withdrawal PRO RATA
from each Sub-Account and Guarantee Amount in which the Participant's Account
Value is invested at the end of the Valuation Period during which the withdrawal
becomes effective. If a partial withdrawal is requested which would leave a
Participant's Account Value less than the account fee, then such partial
withdrawal will be treated as a full surrender.
 
    Cash withdrawals from a Sub-Account will result in the cancellation of
Variable Accumulation Units attributable to the Participant's Account with an
aggregate value on the effective date of the withdrawal equal to the total
amount by which the Sub-Account is reduced. The cancellation of such units will
be based on the Variable Accumulation Unit values of the Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the cash withdrawal is effective.
 
    All cash withdrawals of any Guarantee Amount, except those effective within
30 days prior to the Expiration Date of such Guarantee Amount will be subject to
the market value adjustment described below.
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
    If a cash withdrawal is made, a withdrawal charge may be assessed by the
Company. For purposes of a full surrender or partial withdrawal, each withdrawal
is allocated to previously unliquidated Payments [on a first-in, first-out
basis] until all Purchase Payments have been liquidated. Once Payments have been
liquidated, any further withdrawals will come from the earnings of the Contract
and are not subject to withdrawal charges. The amount subject to withdrawal
charge is the amount of the partial withdrawal or full surrender up to the
maximum of the sum of all unliquidated Payments.
 
    A withdrawal charge is applied to an amount liquidated when that amount has
been in the Participant's Account for less than one [1] Year.
 
    When any liquidation is made from a Qualified Plan to comply with mandatory
minimum distribution requirements, no withdrawal charge will be applied only to
the amount required to be withdrawn during each Account Year. These required
distributions may commence during and continue after the year in which the
Annuitant attains age 70 1/2. Any amounts withdrawn in excess of the required
minimum distribution amount during each Account Year will be subject to
withdrawal charges as detailed above.
 
    No withdrawal charge is imposed upon amounts applied to purchase an annuity.
 
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
    Any cash withdrawal (which for purposes of this section include transfers,
distributions on the death of a Participant, and amounts applied to purchase an
annuity) of a Guarantee Amount, other than a withdrawal effective within 30 days
prior to the Expiration Date of the Guarantee Amount, will be subject to a
market value adjustment.
 
    The market value adjustment will reflect the relationship between the
current rate (as described in the formula below) for the amount being withdrawn
and the Guaranteed Interest Rate applicable to the amount being withdrawn. It
also reflects the time remaining in the applicable Guarantee Period.
 

                                       14
<PAGE>

    The market value adjustment will be determined by multiplying the amount
being withdrawn after the deduction of any applicable account fee and before
deduction of any applicable withdrawal charge by the market value adjustment
factor. The market value adjustment factor is:
                                             N/12
                            [(1 + I)/(1 + J)]     -1
 
where,
 
    I is the Guaranteed Interest Rate being credited to the Guarantee Amount
    subject to the market value adjustment,
 
    J is the Guaranteed Interest Rate declared by the Company, as of the
    effective date of the application of the market value adjustment, for 
    current allocations to Guarantee Period(s). If the Guarantee Period was 
    originally established through the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost 
    Averaging Options, J is the rate declared for current allocations to the 
    Monthly and Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options. For all other Guarantee
    Periods, J is the rate declared for current allocations to Guarantee Periods
    equal to the balance of the Guarantee Period of the Guarantee Amount subject
    to the market value adjustment, rounded to the next higher number of 
    complete  years. In the determination of J for Guarantee Periods other than
    those established under the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging 
    Options, if the Company does not currently offer the applicable Guarantee 
    Period, then J will be determined by linear interpolation of rates currently
    declared for Guarantee Periods that are available. And
 
    N is the number of complete months remaining in the Guarantee Period of the
    Guarantee Amount subject to the market value adjustment.

                                 DEATH BENEFIT

DEATH BENEFIT PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACT
 
    If the Annuitant dies while the Contract and this Certificate are in effect
and before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Company, upon receipt of Due Proof
of Death of the Annuitant, will pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary in
accordance with this Death Benefit provision. If there is no designated
Beneficiary living on the date of death of the Annuitant, the Company will pay
the death benefit upon receipt of Due Proof of Death of both the Annuitant and
the designated Beneficiary in one sum to the Participant or, if the Annuitant
was the Participant, to the estate of the deceased Participant/Annuitant. If the
death of the Annuitant occurs on or after the Annuity Commencement Date, no
death benefit will be payable under the Contract except as may be provided under
the form of annuity elected.
 
ELECTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ELECTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Participant may elect to have the death benefit applied under one or
more of the Annuity Options in accordance with the Contract's Settlement
Provisions to effect a Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination or
both for the Beneficiary as Payee after the death of the Annuitant. This
election may be made or subsequently revoked by filing with the Company at its
annuity service mailing address, a written election or revocation of an election
in such form as the Company may require. Any election or revocation of an
election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the Participant will
become effective on the date it is received by the Company. For the purposes of
the Payment of Death Benefit section below, any election of the method of
settlement of the death benefit by the Participant which is in effect on the
date of death of the Annuitant will be deemed effective on the date Due Proof of
Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company.
 
    If no election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the 
Participant is in effect on the date of death of the Annuitant, the 
Beneficiary may elect (a) to receive the death benefit in the form of a cash 
payment, in which event the Participant's Account will be canceled; or (b) to 
have the death benefit applied under one or more of the Annuity 


                                     15

<PAGE>

Options in accordance with the Settlement Provisions to effect, on the Annuity 
Commencement Date determined in the Payment of Death Benefit section below, a 
Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination or both for the 
Beneficiary as Payee. This election may be made by filing with the Company at 
its annuity service mailing address, a written election in such form as the 
Company may require. Any written election of a method of settlement of the 
death benefit by the Beneficiary will become effective on the later of: (a) 
the date the election is received by the Company; or (b) the date Due Proof of 
Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company. If a written election by 
the Beneficiary is not received by the Company within 60 days following the 
date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company, the 
Beneficiary shall be deemed to have elected a cash payment as of the last day 
of the 60 day period.
 
PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
    If the death benefit is to be paid in cash to the Beneficiary, payment will
be made within seven [7] days of the date the election becomes effective or is
deemed to become effective, except as the Company may be permitted to defer any
such payment of amounts derived from the Variable Account in accordance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940. If the death benefit is to be paid in one sum to
the Participant, or, if the Annuitant was the Participant, to the estate of the
deceased Participant/Annuitant, payment will be made within seven [7] days of
the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant, the Participant, and/or the
designated Beneficiary, as applicable, is received by the Company. If settlement
under one or more of the Annuity Options is elected, the Annuity Commencement
Date will be the first day of the second calendar month following the effective
date or the deemed effective date of the election and the Participant's Account
will be maintained in effect until the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
AMOUNT OF DEATH BENEFIT
 
    If the Annuitant was less than age 86 on the Date of Coverage the death
benefit is determined as of the effective date or deemed effective date of the
death benefit election and is equal to the greatest of (a) the Participant's
Account Value for the Valuation Period during which the death benefit election
is effective or is deemed to become effective; (b) the excess of (i) the sum of
all Purchase Payments made under the Certificate over (ii) the sum of all
partial withdrawals; (c) the amount that would have been payable in the event of
a full surrender of the Participant's Account on the date the death benefit
election is effective or is deemed to become effective.
 
    If (b) or (c) is operative, the Participant's Account Value will be
increased by the excess of (b) or (c) as applicable, over (a) and the increase
will be allocated to the Sub-Accounts based on the respective values of the
Sub-Accounts on the date the amount of the death benefit is determined. If no
portion of the Participant's Account is allocated to the Sub-Accounts on that
date, the entire increase will be allocated to the Sub-Account invested in the
Money Market Series of the Series Fund.
 
    If the Annuitant was 86 or greater on the Date of Coverage, the death
benefit is determined as of the effective date or deemed effective date of the
death benefit election and is equal to the amount that would have been payable
in the event of a full surrender of the Participant's Account on the date the
death benefit election is or is deemed to become effective.
 
                             SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS
 
GENERAL
 
    On the Annuity Commencement Date, the adjusted value of the Participant's 
Account as determined in accordance with the Determination of Amount provision 
below will be applied, as specified by the Participant, under one [1] or more 
of the Annuity Options provided in the Contract or under such other settlement 
options as may be agreed to by the Company. However, if the amount to be 
applied under any Annuity Option is less than $2,000, or if the first annuity 

                                        16

<PAGE>

payment payable in accordance with such option is less than $20, the Company 
will pay the amount to be applied in a single payment to the Payee.
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date, no change of Annuity Option is
permitted and no payments may be requested under the Cash Withdrawals provision
of the Contract. Exchanges of Variable Annuity Units are permitted.

ELECTION AND EFFECTIVE DATE OF ELECTION
 
    During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Participant may elect to have the adjusted value of the Participant's
Account applied on the Annuity Commencement Date under one [1] or more of the
Annuity Options provided in the Contract; if more than one person is named as
Annuitant, due to the designation of a co-annuitant, the Participant may elect
to name one of such persons to be the sole Annuitant as of the Annuity
Commencement Date. The Participant may also change any election but any election
or change of election must be effective at least 30 days prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date. This election or change of election may be made by filing
with the Company at its annuity service mailing address, a written election or
change of election in such form as the Company may require. Any such election or
change of election will become effective on the date it is received by the
Company. If no such election is in effect on the 30th day prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, the adjusted value of the Participant's Account will be
applied under Annuity Option B, for a life annuity with 120 monthly payments
certain. If there is no election of a sole Annuitant in effect on the 30th day
prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the person designated as co-annuitant
will be the Payee under the applicable Annuity Option.
 
    Any such election may specify the proportion of the adjusted value of the
Participant's Account to be applied to provide a Fixed Annuity and a Variable
Annuity. In the event the election does not so specify, then the portion of the
adjusted value of the Participant's Account to be applied to provide a Fixed
Annuity and/or a Variable Annuity will be determined on PRO RATA basis from the
composition of the Participant's Account on the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
    The Annuity Options in the contract may also be elected as provided in the
Death Benefit section of the Contract.
 
DETERMINATION OF AMOUNT
 
    The adjusted value of the Participant's Account to be applied to provide a
Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination of both, shall be equal to
the Participant's Account Value for the Valuation Period which ends immediately
preceding the Annuity Commencement Date, minus a proportionate amount of the
account fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Account Anniversary and
the day before the Annuity Commencement Date, plus or minus any applicable
market value adjustment and minus a premium or similar tax, if any.
 
EFFECT OF ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE ON PARTICIPANT'S ACCOUNT
 
    On the Annuity Commencement Date the Participant's Account will be canceled.
 
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
    The Annuity Commencement Date is set forth on the Certificate Specifications
page. This date may be changed from time to time by the Participant provided
that each change is effective at least 30 days prior to the then current Annuity
Commencement Date and the new Annuity Commencement Date is a date which is: (1)
at least 30 days after the effective date of the change; (2) the first day of a
month; and (3) not later than the first day of the first month following the
Annuitant's 90th birthday. Any change of the Annuity Commencement Date may be
made by filing with the Company at its annuity service mailing address, a
written designation of a new Annuity Commencement Date in such form as the


                                      17


<PAGE>

Company may require. Any such change will become effective on the date the
designation is received by the Company.
 
    The Annuity Commencement Date may also be changed by an election of a
settlement option as provided in the Death Benefit section of the Contract.
 
FIXED ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    The dollar amount of each Fixed Annuity payment shall be determined in
accordance with the annuity payment rates shown on page 21, which are based on
the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year or, if more favorable to the
Payee(s), in accordance with the annuity payment rates published by the Company
and in use on the Annuity Commencement Date.

VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
    The dollar amount of the first Variable Annuity payment shall be determined
in accordance with the annuity payment rates shown on page 21, which are based
on an assumed interest rate of 3% per year.
 
    All Variable Annuity payments other than the first are determined by means
of Annuity Units credited with respect to the particular Payee. The number of
Annuity Units to be credited in respect of a particular Sub-Account is
determined by dividing that portion of the first Variable Annuity payment
attributable to that Sub-Account by the Annuity Unit value of that Sub-Account
for the Valuation Period which ends immediately preceding the Annuity
Commencement Date. The number of Annuity Units of each Sub-Account credited with
respect to the Payee then remains fixed unless an exchange of Annuity Units is
made pursuant to the Exchange of Variable Annuity Units section below. The
dollar amount of each Variable Annuity payment after the first may increase,
decrease or remain constant, and is equal to the sum of the amounts determined
by multiplying the number of Annuity Units of a particular Sub-Account credited
with respect to the Payee by the Annuity Unit value for the particular
Sub-Account for the Valuation Period which ends immediately preceding the due
date of each subsequent payment.
 
ANNUITY UNIT VALUE
 
    The Annuity Unit value for each Sub-Account was established at $10.00 for
the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The Annuity Unit value
for the particular Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined
by multiplying the Annuity Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for the
immediately preceding Value Period by the Net Investment Factor for the
particular Sub-Account for the current Valuation Period and then multiplying
that product by a factor to neutralize the assumed interest rate of 3% per year
used to establish the annuity payment rates found in the Contract. The factor is
0.99991902 for a one [1] day Valuation Period.
 
EXCHANGE OF VARIABLE ANNUITY UNITS
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date the Payee may, by filing a written
request with the Company at its annuity service mailing address, exchange the
value of a designated number of Annuity Units of particular Sub-Accounts then
credited with respect to such Payee into other Annuity Units, the value of which
would be such that the dollar amount of an annuity payment made on the date of
the exchange would be unaffected by the exchange. No more than 12 exchanges may
be made in any Account Year.
 
    Exchanges maybe made among the Sub-Accounts only. Exchanges shall be made
using the Annuity Unit values for the Valuation Period during which the request
for exchange is received by the Company.


                                         18

<PAGE>

ACCOUNT FEE
 
    After the Annuity Commencement Date an annual account fee amounting to $50
will be deducted in equal amounts from each Variable Annuity payment made during
the year as provided in the Contract Values During Accumulation Period section
of the Contract.
 
DESCRIPTION OF ANNUITY OPTIONS
 
    Options A, B, C and D are available on either a Fixed Annuity or a Variable
Annuity basis. Option E is available on a Fixed Annuity basis only.
 
    Annuity Option A. Life Annuity: Monthly payments during the lifetime of the
Payee.
 
    Annuity Option B. Life Annuity with 60, 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments
Certain: Monthly payments during the lifetime of the Payee and in any event for
sixty (60), one hundred twenty (120), one hundred eighty (180) or two hundred
forty (240) months certain as elected.
 
    Annuity Option C. Joint and Survivor Annuity: Monthly payments payable
during the joint lifetime of the Payee and a designated second person and during
the lifetime of the survivor. During the lifetime of the survivor variable
monthly payments, if any, will be determined using the percentage chosen at the
time of the election of this option of the number of each type of Annuity Units
credited with respect to the Payee, and each fixed monthly payment, if any, will
be equal to the same percentage of the fixed monthly payment payable during the
joint lifetime of the Payee and the designated second person.

    Annuity Option D. Monthly Payments for a Specified Period Certain: Monthly
payments for any specified period of time (at least five (5) years but not
exceeding 30 years), as elected.
 
    Annuity Option E. Fixed Payments: The amount applied to provide fixed
payments in accordance with this Annuity Option will be held by the Company at
interest. Fixed payments will be made in such amounts and at such times (at
least over a period of five (5) years) as may be agreed upon with the Company
and will continue until the amount held by the Company with interest is
exhausted. The final payment will be for the balance remaining and may be less
than the amount of each preceding payment. Interest will be credited on an
annual basis on the amount remaining unpaid at a rate which shall be determined
by the Company from time to time but which shall not be less than 3% per year
compounded annually. The rate so determined may be changed at any time and as
often as may be determined by the Company, provided, however, that the rate may
not be reduced more frequently than once during each calendar year.
 
AMOUNTS PAYABLE ON DEATH OF PAYEE
 
    In the event of the death of the Payee on or after the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Company will pay any remaining payments under any Annuity Option then
in effect to the Payee's designated beneficiary as they become due. If there is
no designated beneficiary entitled to these remaining payments then living, the
Company will pay the amount specified in the schedule below for any Annuity
Option then in effect in one sum to the deceased Payee's estate. Any beneficiary
who becomes entitled to any remaining payments under any Annuity Option may
elect to receive the amount specified in the schedule below for such option in
one sum. In the event of the death of a beneficiary who has become entitled to
receive any remaining payments under any Annuity Option, the Company will pay
the amount specified for such option in the schedule below in one sum to the
deceased beneficiary's estate. All payments made in one sum by the Company as
provided in this paragraph are made in lieu of paying any remaining payments
under the Annuity Option then in effect.


                                         19
<PAGE> 

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Option                                    Amount
 ------                                    ------
<S>        <C>
    B      The discounted value of the remaining payments, if any, for the certain period.
    D      The discounted value of the remaining payments, if any, for the certain period.
    E      The unpaid balance of the proceeds and interest.
</TABLE>
 
    In the case of Options B and D the discounted value will be based, for
payments being made on a variable basis, on interest compounded annually at the
assumed interest rate and on the assumptions that the particular Annuity Unit
values applicable to the remaining payments will be the particular Annuity Unit
values for the Valuation Period which ends on the day before the date of the
determination and that this value will remain unchanged thereafter.
 
ANNUITY PAYMENT RATES
 
    The annuity payment rates below show, for each $1,000 applied, the dollar
amount of both (a) the first monthly Variable Annuity payment based on the
assumed interest rate of 3% and (b) the monthly Fixed Annuity payment, when the
payment is based on the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year.
 
    The mortality table used in determining the annuity payment rates for
Options A, B and C is the 1983 Individual Annuitant Mortality Table A. In using
this mortality table, ages of Annuitants will be reduced by one [1] year for
Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1990's, reduced two [2] years
for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the decade 2000-2009, and so on.
 
    The annuity payment rates in the tables shown below reflect rates of
mortality appropriate for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1980s.
Thus, for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1990s the term
ADJUSTED AGE as used in the tables below, means actual age less one year.
ADJUSTED AGE shall mean actual age less two year for Annuity Commencement Dates
occurring in the decade 2000-2009, and so on.
 
    ADJUSTED AGES will be determined based on the actual age(s) of the
Annuitant(s), in completed years and months, as of the Annuity Commencement
Date. The tables below show annuity payment rates for exact ADJUSTED AGES; rates
for ADJUSTED AGES expressed in completed years and months will be based on
straight line interpolation between the appropriate annuity payment rates.
 
    The dollar amount of each annuity payment for any adjusted age or
combination of adjusted ages not shown below or for any other form of Annuity
Option agreed to by the Company will be quoted by the Company on request.


                                        20

<PAGE>

               AMOUNT OF FIRST MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENT PER $1,000
                              SINGLE LIFE ANNUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


       OPTION A                                   OPTION B
     LIFE ANNUITY                     LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS CERTAIN
- -----------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------
                           60 Payments    120 Payments   180 Payments   240 Payments
                          ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>       <C>    <C>      <C>    <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>      <C>   <C>
Adjusted
  Age     Male   Female   Male   Female   Male  Female   Male  Female   Male  Female
- --------
   20      3.04   2.93     3.03   2.93    3.03   2.93    3.03   2.93    3.03   2.93
   25      3.14   3.02     3.14   3.02    3.14   3.02    3.14   3.02    3.13   3.01
   30      3.28   3.13     3.28   3.13    3.27   3.12    3.27   3.12    3.26   3.12
   35      3.44   3.26     3.44   3.26    3.44   3.26    3.43   3.25    3.41   3.24
   40      3.66   3.42     3.65   3.42    3.64   3.42    3.63   3.41    3.60   3.40
   45      3.93   3.63     3.92   3.63    3.90   3.63    3.87   3.61    3.82   3.59
   50      4.27   3.90     4.26   3.90    4.22   3.89    4.17   3.86    4.08   3.82
   55      4.70   4.25     4.68   4.25    4.62   4.22    4.53   4.18    4.39   4.11
   60      5.28   4.72     5.25   4.70    5.14   4.66    4.96   4.57    4.71   4.44
   65      6.10   5.35     6.03   5.32    5.81   5.22    5.46   5.05    5.02   4.79
   70      7.23   6.25     7.07   6.18    6.61   5.96    5.96   5.60    5.27   5.12
   75      8.82   7.56     8.44   7.39    7.49   6.89    6.38   6.14    5.42   5.35
   80     11.06   9.53    10.17   9.07    8.33   7.89    6.66   6.55    5.49   5.47
   85     14.16  12.48    12.12  11.19    8.97   8.74    6.81   6.77    5.51   5.50
</TABLE>
 
                                    OPTION C
                           JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITY
              (Assumed election of Joint and Two-Thirds Survivor)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Adjusted Age of Female
Adjusted Age  -----------------------------------------------------
  of Male        55         60         65         70         75
- ------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
     55            4.25       4.47       4.72       4.99       5.29
     60            4.44       4.71       5.01       5.34       5.71
     65            4.65       4.97       5.33       5.75       6.23
     70            4.88       5.24       5.68       6.20       6.81
     75            5.11       5.52       6.04       6.68       7.45
</TABLE>
 
                                    OPTION D
                    PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD CERTAIN
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Years      Amount       Years      Amount       Years      Amount       Years      Amount
- ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
    5           17.91      12            8.24      19            5.73      26            4.59
    6           15.14      13            7.71      20            5.51      27            4.47
    7           13.16      14            7.26      21            5.32      28            4.37
    8           11.68      15            6.87      22            5.15      29            4.27
    9           10.53      16            6.53      23            4.99      30            4.18
   10            9.61      17            6.23      24            4.84
   11            8.86      18            5.96      25            4.71
</TABLE>


                                       21
<PAGE>
                              OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS
 
EXERCISE OF CONTRACT RIGHTS
 
    The Contract shall belong to the Owner. All Contract rights and privileges
may be expressly reserved by the Owner, failing which, each Participant shall be
entitled to exercise such rights and privileges in connection with this
Certificate. In any case, such rights and privileges can be exercised without
the consent of the Beneficiary (other than an irrevocable Beneficiary) or any
other person. Such rights and privileges may be exercised only during the
lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, except as
otherwise provided in the Contract.
 
    The Annuitant becomes the Payee on and after the Annuity Commencement Date.
The Beneficiary becomes the Payee on the death of the Annuitant. Such Payees may
thereafter exercise such rights and privileges, if any, of ownership which
continue.
 
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
 
    Ownership of a Qualified Contract may not be transferred except to: (1) the
Annuitant; (2) a trustee or successor trustee of a pension or profit sharing
trust which is qualified under Section 401 of the Code; (3) the employer of the
Annuitant provided that the Qualified Contract after transfer is maintained
under the terms of a retirement plan qualified under Section 403(a) of the Code
for the benefit of the Annuitant; (4) the trustee of an individual retirement
account plan qualified under Section 408 of the Code for the benefit of the
Owner; or (5) as otherwise permitted from time to time by laws and regulations
governing the retirement or deferred compensation plans for which a Qualified
Contract may be issued. Subject to the foregoing, a Qualified Contract may not
be sold, assigned, transferred, discounted or pledged as collateral for a loan
or as security for the performance of an obligation or for any other purpose to
any person other than the Company.
 
    The Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract may change the ownership of the
Contract during the lifetime of any Annuitant and prior to the last Annuity
Commencement Date; and each Participant, in like manner, may change the
ownership interest in the Contract evidenced by that Participant's Certificate.
A change of ownership will not be binding upon the Company until written
notification is received by the Company. When such notification is so received,
the change will be effective as of the date on which the request for change was
signed by the Owner or Participant, as appropriate, but the change will be
without prejudice to the Company on account of any payment made or any action
taken by the Company prior to receiving the change.
 
DEATH OF PARTICIPANT
 
    If a Participant under a Non-Qualified Contract dies prior to the Annuitant
and before the Annuity Commencement Date, that Participant's Account Value, plus
or minus any applicable market value adjustment, must be distributed to the
"designated beneficiary" (as defined below) either (1) within five [5] years
after the date of death of the Participant, or (2) as an annuity over some
period not greater than the life or expected life of the designated beneficiary,
with annuity payment beginning within one [1] year after the date of death of
the Participant. For this purpose (and for purposes of Section 72(s) of the
Code), the person named as Beneficiary shall be considered the designated
beneficiary, and if no person then living has been so named, then the Annuitant
shall automatically be the designated beneficiary. If the designated beneficiary
is the surviving spouse of the deceased Participant, the spouse can elect to
continue the Certificate in the spouse's own name as Participant, in which case
these mandatory distribution requirements will apply on the spouse's death.


                                        22

<PAGE>

    When the deceased Participant was also the Annuitant, the Death Benefit
provision of the Contract controls unless the deceased Participant's surviving
spouse is the designated beneficiary and elects to continue the Certificate in
the spouse's own name as both Participant and Annuitant.
 
    If the Payee dies on or after the Annuity Commencement Date and before the
entire accumulation under such Participant's Account has been distributed, the
remaining portion of such Participant's Account, if any, must be distributed as
least as rapidly as the method of distribution then in effect.
 
    In any case in which a non-natural person constitutes a holder of the
Certificate for the purposes of Section 72(s) of the Code, (1) the distribution
requirements described above shall apply upon the death of any Annuitant, and
(2) a change in any Annuitant shall be treated as the death of an Annuitant.
 
    In all cases, no Participant or Beneficiary shall be entitled to exercise
any rights that would adversely affect the treatment of the contract as an
annuity Contract under the Code.
 
VOTING OF SERIES FUND SHARES
 
    The Company will vote Series Fund shares held by the Sub-Accounts at
meetings of shareholders of the Series Fund, but will follow voting instructions
received from persons having the right to give voting instructions. The Owner or
Participant, as the case may be, is the person having the right to give voting
instructions prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. On or after the Annuity
Commencement Date the Payee is the person having such voting rights. Any shares
attributable to the Company and Series Fund shares for which no timely voting
instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as
the shares for which instructions are received from persons have such voting
rights.
 
    Neither the Variable Account nor the Company is under any duty to provide
information concerning the voting instruction rights of persons who may have
such rights under retirement or deferred compensation plans, other than rights
afforded by the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor any duty to inquire as to
the instructions received or the authority of Owners, Participants, or others to
instruct the voting of Series Fund shares. Except as the Variable Account or the
Company has actual knowledge to the contrary, the instructions given by Owners,
Participants and Payees will be valid as they affect the Variable Account, the
Company and any others having voting instruction rights with respect to the
Variable Account.
 
    All Series Fund proxy material, together with an appropriate form to be used
to give voting instructions, will be provided to each Owner, each Participant
and each Payee having the right to give voting instructions at least 10 days
prior to each meeting of the shareholders of the Series Fund. The number of
particular Series Fund shares as to which each such person is entitled to give
instructions will be determined by the Company on a date not more than 90 days
prior to each such meeting. Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the number
of Series Fund shares as to which voting instructions may be given to the
Company is determined by dividing the value of all the Variable Accumulation
Units of the particular Sub-Account credited to the Participant's Account by the
net asset value of one [1] Series Fund share as of the same date. On or after
the Annuity Commencement Date, the number of Series Fund shares as to which such
instructions may be given by a Payee is determined by dividing the reserve held
by the Company in the particular Sub-Account with respect to the particular
Payee by the net asset value of a Series Fund share as of the same date.


                                      23

<PAGE>

PERIODIC REPORTS
 
    During the Accumulation Period the Company will send the Participant, or
such other person having voting rights, at least once during each Account Year,
a statement showing the number, type and value of Accumulation Units credited to
the Participant's Account and the fixed accumulation value of such account,
which statement shall be accurate as of a date not more than two months previous
to the date of mailing. In addition, every person having voting rights will
receive such reports or prospectuses concerning the Variable Account and the
Series Fund as may be required by the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the
Securities Act of 1933. The Company will also send such statements reflecting
transactions in the Participant's Account as may be required by applicable laws,
rules and regulations.
 
                             BENEFICIARY PROVISION
 
DESIGNATION AND CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY
 
    The Beneficiary designation contained in the Application will remain in
effect until changed. The interest of any Beneficiary is subject to the
Beneficiary surviving the Annuitant and, in the case of a Certificate issued
under a Non-Qualified Contract, surviving the Participant as well.
 
    Subject to the rights of an irrevocable Beneficiary, the Participant may 
change or revoke the designation of a Beneficiary at any time while the 
Annuitant is living. To do so, the Participant must file the change or 
revocation with the Company at its annuity service mailing address in such 
form as the Company may require. The change or revocation will not be binding 
upon the Company until it is received by the Company. When it is so received 
the change or revocation will be effective as of the date on which the 
beneficiary designation or revocation was signed, but the change or revocation 
will be without prejudice to the Company on account of any payment made or any 
action taken by the Company prior to receiving the change or revocation.
 
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
AGE AND SEX MISSTATEMENT
 
    If any date of birth or sex, or both, as been misstated in the Application,
or elsewhere, the amounts payable pursuant to the Contract under this
Certificate will be the amounts which would have been provided using the correct
age or sex, or both. Any deficiency in payments already made by the Company
shall be paid immediately and any excess in the payments already made by the
Company shall be charged against the benefits falling due after the adjustment.
 
CERTIFICATE
 
    This Certificate is issued in consideration of the Application and payment
of the Purchase Payment(s). The Contract, this Certificate and the Application,
a copy of which is attached, constitute the entire Contract. All statements made
in the Contract Application and each Participant's Application will be deemed
representations and not warranties, and no statement will void the contract or a
Participant's interest therein or be used in defense to a claim unless it is
contained in the Contract Application or the Application of that Participant and
a copy is attached to the Contract or Certificate, as applicable, at issue. Only
the President, a Vice President, the Actuary or the Secretary of the Company has
authority to agree on behalf of the Company to any alteration of the Contract or
any Certificate, or to any waiver of the rights or requirements of the Company.


                                            24

<PAGE>

CURRENCY
 
    All amounts due under the Contract are payable in United States dollars,
lawful money of the United States of America.
 
DETERMINATION OF VALUES
 
    The method of determination by the Company of the Net Investment Factor and
the number and value of Accumulation Units and Annuity Units shall be conclusive
upon the Owner, the Participant, any Payee and any Beneficiary.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
    The Contract and all Certificates issued in connection with it will be
governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the Contract Application is
signed.
 
GUARANTEES
 
    Subject to the Net Investment Factor provision, the Company guarantees that
the dollar amount of Variable Annuity payments made during the lifetime of the
Payee(s) will not be adversely affected by the actual mortality experience of
the Company or by the actual expenses incurred for the contract and other
contracts providing benefits which vary in accordance with the investment
performance of the Sub-Accounts.
 
INCONTESTABILITY
 
    The Contract and this Certificate are incontestable.
 
MODIFICATION
 
    Upon notice to the Owner, Participant(s) or the Payee(s) during the 
annuity period, the Contract and this Certificate may be modified by the 
Company, but only if such modification (a) is necessary to make the Contract, 
Certificate or the Variable Account comply with any law or regulation issued 
by a governmental agency to which the Company or the Variable Account is 
subject; or (b) is necessary to assure continued qualification of the Contract 
and/or Certificate under the Code or other federal or state laws relating to 
retirement annuities or annuity contracts; or (c) is necessary to reflect a 
change in the operation of the Variable Account or the Sub-Accounts; or (d) 
provides additional Variable Account and/or Fixed Account options. In the 
event of any such modification, the Company may make appropriate endorsement 
to the Contract and this Certificate to reflect such modification.
 
    In addition, upon 60 days' prior written notice to the Owner, the Contract 
and this Certificate may be modified by the Company to change the withdrawal 
charges, account fees, mortality and expense risk charges, administrative 
expense charges, the tables used in determining the amount of the first 
monthly Variable Annuity and Fixed Annuity payments and the formula used to 
calculate the market value adjustment, provided that such modification shall 
apply only to Participant's Accounts established after the effective date of 
any such modification. All of the charges and the annuity tables which are 
provided in the Contract and this Certificate prior to any such modification 
will remain in effect permanently, unless improved by the Company, with 
respect to Participant's Accounts established prior to the effective date of 
such modification.

                                      25

<PAGE>

NONPARTICIPATING
 
    The Contract is nonparticipating and will not share in any surplus earnings
of the Company.
 
PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY
 
    All sums payable by the Company pursuant to this Certificate are payable
only at its Executive Office or such other place as may be designated by the
Company. The Company may require surrender of this Certificate upon final
payment of all sums payable by the Company pursuant to the Contract.
 
PROOF OF AGE
 
    The Company shall have the right to require evidence of the age of any Payee
under Annuity Options A, B, and C prior to the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
PROOF OF SURVIVAL
 
    The Company shall have the right to require evidence of the survival of any
Payee under Annuity Options A, B and C at the time any payment payable to such
Payee is due.
 
SPLITTING UNITS
 
    The Company reserves the right to split or combine the value of Variable
Accumulation Units, Annuity Units or any of them. In effecting any such change
of unit values, strict equity will be preserved and no change will have a
material effect on the benefits or other provisions of this Certificate.


                                       26
<PAGE>

SUN LIFE
OF CANADA (U.S.)      SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)
                      A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of
                      Canada
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>               <C>
EXECUTIVE OFFICE:                       HOME OFFICE:      ANNUITY SERVICE MAILING ADDRESS:
One Sun Life Executive Park             Wilmington,       Sun Life Annuity Service Center
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181    Delaware          P.O. Box 1024
                                                          Boston, Massachusetts 02103
</TABLE>





                                CERTIFICATE FOR
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT DEFERRED COMBINATION VARIABLE AND FIXED GROUP ANNUITY CONTRACT
                                NONPARTICIPATING
 
ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACT WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO
DOLLAR AMOUNT. SEE PAGES 8 AND 10 FOR VARIABLE PROVISIONS.
 
PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE FIXED ACCOUNT ARE SUBJECT TO A MARKET VALUE
ADJUSTMENT FORMULA, THE OPERATION OF WHICH MAY RESULT IN UPWARD AND DOWNWARD
ADJUSTMENTS IN AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO A PARTICIPANT, INCLUDING WITHDRAWALS,
TRANSFERS, AMOUNTS APPLIED TO PURCHASE AN ANNUITY, AND DISTRIBUTIONS RESULTING
FROM THE DEATH OF THE PARTICIPANT. PAYMENTS MADE FROM GUARANTEE AMOUNTS WHICH
ARE WITHIN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF A GUARANTEE PERIOD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.


<PAGE>

[SunLife
OF CANADA (U.S.) LOGO]

               Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.)
               A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada

Executive Office:
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181

Home Office:
Wilmington, Delaware

Annuity Service Mailing Address:
Retirement Products and Services
P.O. Box 1024
Boston, Massachusetts 02103

      Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) (the "Company") will pay an
annuity commencing on the Annuity Commencement Date to the Annuitant, if then
living, by applying the adjusted value of the Accumulation Account of this
Contract in accordance with its Settlement Provisions. If the Annuitant dies
while this Contract is in effect and before the Annuity Commencement Date, the
Company will pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary upon receipt of Due Proof of
Death of the Annuitant. Under certain circumstances, if the Owner dies prior to
the Annuitant and before the Annuity Commencement Date, a distribution is
required by law.

      All payments will be made to the persons and in the manner set forth in
this Contract. Provisions and endorsements printed or written by the Company on
the following pages form part of this Contract.

      Signed by the Company at its Executive Office, Wellesley Hills,
Massachusetts, on the Issue Date.


/s/ Donald A. Stewart                    /s/ Margaret Sears Mead

Donald A. Stewart                        Margaret Sears Mead
President                                Secretary

               Flexible Payment Deferred Combination Variable and
                       Fixed Individual Annuity Contract
                                Nonparticipating

ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS CONTRACT WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO
DOLLAR AMOUNT. PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE FIXED ACCOUNT ARE SUBJECT TO A
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT FORMULA, THE OPERATION OF WHICH MAY RESULT IN UPWARD AND
DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENTS IN AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO THE OWNER, INCLUDING WITHDRAWALS,
TRANSFERS, DISTRIBUTIONS RESULTING FROM THE DEATH OF THE OWNER AND AMOUNTS
APPLIED TO PURCHASE AN ANNUITY. PAYMENTS MADE FROM GUARANTEE AMOUNTS WHICH ARE
WITHIN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF A GUARANTEE PERIOD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.

USE OF CONTRACT. This Contract is available for retirement and deferred
compensation plans, some of which may qualify for special tax treatment under
Internal Revenue Code Sections 401, 403 or 408.

RIGHT TO RETURN CONTRACT. Please read this Contract. If not satisfied with it,
the Owner may, within 10 days after its receipt, return it by delivering or
mailing it to the Annuity Service Mailing Address shown above. Immediately upon
receipt of the Contract by the Company, the Contract will be deemed void as
though it had never been applied for, and the Contract's Accumulation Account
value at the end of the Valuation Period during which the Contract is received
by the Company will be refunded to the Owner.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

It is not necessary to employ any person to collect any payment or benefit
provided by this Contract. When you require help or advice, write directly to
the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address. This Contract contains many
benefits. In your own best interest you should consult the Company if anyone
advises you to surrender this Contract or replace it with a new contract.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       1
<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                           Page
CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS PAGE                                                  4
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEFINITIONS                                                                   5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FIXED AND VARIABLE ACCOUNTS                                                   7
    Fixed Account                                                             7
    Variable Account and Sub-Accounts                                         7
    Ownership of Assets                                                       7
    Investments of the Sub-Accounts                                           7
    Substitution                                                              7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PURCHASE PAYMENTS                                                             8
    Payments                                                                  8
    Contract Continuation                                                     8
    Allocation of Net Purchase Payments                                       8
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTRACT VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD                                    8
    Accumulation Account                                                      8
    Crediting Variable Accumulation Units                                     8
    Variable Accumulation Unit Value                                          8
    Variable Accumulation Value                                               9
    Net Investment Factor                                                     9
    Guarantee Periods                                                         9
    Guaranteed Interest Rates                                                10
    Fixed Accumulation Value                                                 10
    Transfer Privilege                                                       10
    Account Fee                                                              11
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT             11
   Cash Withdrawals                                                          11
   Withdrawal Charges                                                        12
   Market Value Adjustment                                                   12
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEATH BENEFIT                                                                13
    Death Benefit Provided by the Contract                                   13
    Election and Effective Date of Election                                  13
    Payment of Death Benefit                                                 13
    Amount of Death Benefit                                                  14
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS                                                        14
    General                                                                  14
    Election and Effective Date of Election                                  14
    Determination of Amount                                                  15
    Effect of Annuity Commencement Date on Accumulation Account              15
    Annuity Commencement Date                                                15
    Fixed Annuity Payments                                                   15
    Variable Annuity Payments                                                15
    Annuity Unit Value                                                       15
    Exchange of Annuity Units                                                16
    Account Fee                                                              16
    Description of Annuity Options                                           16
    Amounts Payable on Death of Payee                                        16
    Annuity Payment Rates                                                    17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       2
<PAGE>

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS                                                         19
    Exercise of Contract Rights                                              19
    Change of Ownership                                                      19
    Death of Owner                                                           19
    Voting of Series Fund Shares                                             20
    Periodic Reports                                                         20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BENEFICIARY PROVISION                                                        20
    Designation and Change of Beneficiary                                    20
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL PROVISIONS                                                           21
    Age and Sex Misstatement                                                 21
    Contract                                                                 21
    Currency                                                                 21
    Determination of Values                                                  21
    Guarantees                                                               21
    Incontestability                                                         21
    Modification                                                             21
    Nonparticipating                                                         22
    Payments by the Company                                                  22
    Proof of Age                                                             22
    Proof of Survival                                                        22
    Splitting Units                                                          22
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUALIFIED CONTRACT PROVISIONS


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       3
<PAGE>

                             CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

Owner                                       John Smith

Contract Number                             00000000

Annuitant                                   John Smith

Age of Annuitant                            35

Sex of Annuitant                            Male

Issue Date                                  January 1, 1998

Contract Anniversary Date                   January 31, 1999

Initial Purchase Payment                    $25,000

Beneficiary                                 As specified in the Application

Annuity Commencement Date                   October 1,2053

Annuity Option                              As specified in the Application

                                            
Account Fee                                 $50                              
                                            See page 11                      

Withdrawal Charges                          1% of Purchase Payments withdrawn 
                                            which have been credited to the   
                                            Contract for less than one Year   
                                            See page 12 

Maximum Asset Charge Factor                 1.15% annually or           
(for the Variable Account only)             .003133% daily              

Available Series of the Series Fund on Issue Date:

Capital Appreciation Series
Conservative Growth Series
Emerging Growth Series
Government Securities Series
High Yield Series
International Growth Series
International Growth and Income Series 
MFS/Foreign & Colonial Emerging Markets Equity Series
Managed Sectors Series 
Money Market Series
Research Series
Research Growth and Income Series 
Total Return Series 
Utilities Series 
Value Series 
World Asset Allocation Series 
World Governments Series
World Growth Series 
World Total Return Series


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       4
<PAGE>

                                   DEFINITIONS

Any reference in this Contract to "receipt" and "received" by the Company means
receipt at the Company's Annuity Service Mailing Address shown on the first page
of this Contract.

ACCUMULATION ACCOUNT: An account established for this Contract to which Net
Purchase Payments are credited.

ACCUMULATION PERIOD: The period before the Annuity Commencement Date and during
the lifetime of the Annuitant.

ANNUITANT: The person or persons named in the Application and on whose life the
first annuity payment is to be made. The Owner may not designate a co-annuitant
unless the Owner and Annuitant are different persons. If more than one person is
so named, all provisions of this Contract which are based on the death of the
Annuitant will be based on the date of death of the last surviving of the
persons so named. By example, the death benefit will become due only upon the
death, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, of the last surviving of the
persons so named. Collectively, these persons are referred to in the Contract as
Annuitants. The Owner is not permitted to name a co-annuitant under a Qualified
Contract.

*ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The date on which the first annuity payment is to be
made.

*ANNUITY OPTION: The method for making annuity payments.

ANNUITY UNIT: A unit of measure used in the calculation of the amount of the
second and each subsequent variable annuity payment from the Variable Account.

APPLICATION: The document signed by the Owner that evidences the Owner's
application for this Contract.

*BENEFICIARY: The person or entity having the right to receive the death benefit
set forth in the Contract and, for Non-Qualified Contracts, who is the
designated beneficiary for purposes of Section 72(s) of the Code in the event of
the Owner's death.

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

COMPANY: Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).

CONTRACT YEARS AND CONTRACT ANNIVERSARIES: The first Contract Year shall be the
period of 12 months plus a part of a month as measured from the Issue Date to
the first day of the calendar month which follows the calendar month of issue.
All Contract Years and Anniversaries thereafter shall be 12 month periods based
upon such first day of the calendar month which follows the calendar month of
issue. If, for example, the Issue Date is in March, the first Contract Year will
be determined from the Issue Date but will end on the last day of March in the
following year; all other Contract Years and all Contract Anniversaries will be
measured from April 1.

DUE PROOF OF DEATH: An original certified copy of an official death certificate,
an original certified copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as
to the finding of death, or any other proof satisfactory to the Company.

EXPIRATION DATE: The last day of a Guarantee Period.

FIXED ACCOUNT: The Fixed Account consists of all assets of the Company other
than those allocated to a separate account of the Company.

FIXED ANNUITY: An annuity with payments which do not vary as to dollar amount.

GUARANTEE AMOUNT: Any portion of the Accumulation Account value allocated to a
particular Guarantee Period with a particular Expiration Date (including
interest earned thereon).

- ----------

*As specified in the Application, unless changed.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       5
<PAGE>

GUARANTEE PERIOD: The period for which a Guaranteed Interest Rate is credited.

GUARANTEED INTEREST RATE: The rate of interest credited by the Company on a
compound annual basis during any Guarantee Period.

ISSUE DATE: The date on which the Contract becomes effective.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR: An index applied to measure the investment performance of
a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The Net Investment Factor
may be greater or less than or equal to one (1).

NET PURCHASE PAYMENT: The portion of a Purchase Payment which remains after the
deduction of any applicable premium or similar tax.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract used in connection with a retirement plan
which does not receive favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections
401, 403, or 408 of the Code. The Contract must be owned by a natural person or
agent for a natural person for the Contract to receive favorable income tax
treatment as an annuity.

*OWNER: The person, persons or entity entitled to the ownership rights stated in
the Contract and in whose name or names the Contract is issued. The Owner may
designate a trustee or custodian of a retirement plan which meets the
requirements of Section 401, Section 408(c) or Section 408(k) of the Code to
serve as legal owner of assets of a retirement plan, but the term Owner, as used
herein, refers to the organization entering into the Contract.

PAYEE: A recipient of payments relating to this Contract. The term includes an
Annuitant or a Beneficiary who becomes entitled to benefits upon the death of
the Annuitant.

PURCHASE PAYMENT (PAYMENT): An amount paid to the Company by the Owner or on
behalf of the Owner, as consideration for the benefits provided by this
Contract.

QUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract used in connection with a retirement plan which
receives favorable federal income tax treatment under Sections 40l, 403 or 408
of the Code.

SERIES FUND(S): Open-end management investment companies or "mutual funds"
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

SUB-ACCOUNT: That portion of the Variable Account which invests in shares of a
specific series or sub-series of the Series Fund.

VALUATION PERIOD: The period of time from one determination of Variable
Accumulation Unit and Annuity Unit values to the next subsequent determination
of these values. Such determination shall be made as of the close of the New
York Stock Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading and on such
other days on which there is a sufficient degree of trading in the portfolio
securities of the Variable Account so that the values of the Variable Account's
Accumulation Units and Annuity Units might be materially affected.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT: A separate account of the Company consisting of assets set
aside by the Company, the investment performance of which is kept separate from
that of the general assets of the Company.

VARIABLE ACCUMULATION UNIT: A unit of measure used in the calculation of the
value of the variable portion of the Contract's Accumulation Account.

VARIABLE ANNUITY: An annuity with payments which vary as to dollar amount in
relation to the investment performance of specified Sub-Accounts of the Variable
Account.

YEAR: Any consecutive period of 365 days.

- ----------

*As specified in the Application, unless changed.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       6
<PAGE>

                           FIXED AND VARIABLE ACCOUNTS

Fixed Account

      The Fixed Account consists of all assets of the Company other than those
allocated to any separate account of the Company. Any portion of a Net Purchase
Payment allocated by the Owner to a Guarantee Period will become part of the
Fixed Account.

Variable Account and Sub-Accounts

      The Variable Account to which the variable accumulation values and
Variable Annuity payments, if any, under this Contract relate is Sun Life of
Canada (U.S.) Variable Account F. It was established by the Company on July 13,
1989 pursuant to a resolution of its Board of Directors and is registered as a
unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The income,
gains or losses of the Variable Account are credited to or charged against the
assets of the Variable Account without regard to the other income, gains or
losses of the Company. That portion of the assets of the Variable Account equal
to the reserves and other Contract liabilities with respect to the Variable
Account shall not be chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other
business the Company may conduct.

      The assets of the Variable Account are divided into Sub-Accounts. Each
Sub-Account invests exclusively in shares of a designated series or sub-series
of the Series Fund. The values of the Variable Accumulation Units and the
Annuity Units described in the Contract reflect the investment performance of
the Sub-Accounts.

      At the Company's election and subject to any necessary vote by persons
having the right to give instructions with respect to the voting of Series Fund
shares held by the Sub-Accounts, the Variable Account may be operated as a
management company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or it may be
deregistered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 in the event registration
is no longer required. In the event of any change in the operation of the
Variable Account pursuant to this provision, the Company may make appropriate
endorsement to this Contract to reflect the change and take such other action as
may be necessary and appropriate to reflect the change.

Ownership of Assets

      The Company shall have exclusive and absolute ownership and control of its
assets, including all assets of the Sub-Accounts.

Investments of the Sub-Accounts

      All amounts allocated to a Sub-Account will be used to purchase shares of
a specific series or sub-series of the Series Fund. The Series Fund shares
available on the Issue Date are shown on the Contract Specifications Page; more
series may be subsequently added or deleted. The Series Fund is an open-end
investment company (mutual fund) registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940. Any and all distributions made by the Series Fund with respect to shares
held by a Sub-Account will be reinvested to purchase additional shares of that
series at net asset value. Deductions from the Sub-Accounts will, in effect, be
made by redeeming a number of Series Fund shares at net asset value equal in
total value to the amount to be deducted. Each Sub-Account will be fully
invested in Series Fund shares at all times.

Substitution

      Shares of any or all series of the Series Fund may not always be available
for purchase by the Sub-Accounts or the Company may decide that further
investment in such shares is no longer appropriate in view of the purposes of
the Variable Account, or in view of legal, regulatory or federal income tax
restrictions. In such event, shares of another series or shares of another
registered open-end investment company or unit investment trust may be
substituted both for Series Fund shares already purchased by the Sub-Account
and/or as the security to be purchased in the future, provided that these
substitutions meet applicable Internal Revenue Service diversification
guidelines and have been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission and
such other regulatory authorities as may be necessary. In the event of any
substitution pursuant to this provision, the Company may make appropriate
endorsement to this Contract to reflect the substitution. 


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       7
<PAGE>

                                PURCHASE PAYMENTS

Payments

      All Purchase Payments are to be paid to the Company at its Annuity Service
Mailing Address. The amount of Purchase Payments may vary; however, the Company
will not accept an initial Purchase Payment for any Contract which is less than
$25,000, and each additional Purchase Payment must be at least $1,000. In
addition, the prior approval of the Company is required before it will accept a
Purchase Payment which would cause the Accumulation Account value to exceed
$1,000,000. If the Accumulation Account value exceeds $1,000,000, no additional
Purchase Payments will be accepted without the prior approval of the Company.

      The initial Purchase Payment attributable to this Contract is shown on the
Contract Specifications Page.

Contract Continuation

      This Contract shall be continued automatically in full force during the
lifetime of the Annuitant until the Annuity Commencement Date or until it is
surrendered.

Allocation of Net Purchase Payments

      The Net Purchase Payment is that portion of a Purchase Payment which
remains after deduction of any applicable premium or similar tax. Upon receipt
by the Company, the Net Purchase Payment will be allocated either to the
Sub-Accounts or to Guarantee Periods available in connection with the Fixed
Account or to both the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account in accordance with the
allocation factors specified in the Application, or as subsequently changed.

      The allocation factors for new Purchase Payments among the Guarantee
Periods and the Sub-Accounts may be changed by the Owner at any time by giving
written notice of the change to the Company. Any change will take effect with
the first Purchase Payment received with or after receipt of notice of the
change by the Company and will continue in effect until subsequently changed.

                   CONTRACT VALUES DURING ACCUMULATION PERIOD

Accumulation Account

      The Company will establish an Accumulation Account for this Contract and
will maintain the Accumulation Account during the Accumulation Period. This
Contract's Accumulation Account value for any Valuation Period is equal to the
variable accumulation value, if any, plus the fixed accumulation value, if any,
of the Accumulation Account for that Valuation Period.

Variable Account Value

Crediting Variable Accumulation Units

      Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by the Company, all or that portion, if
any, of the Net Purchase Payment to be allocated to the Sub-Accounts will be
credited to the Accumulation Account in the form of Variable Accumulation Units.
The number of particular Variable Accumulation Units to be credited is
determined by dividing the dollar amount allocated to the particular Sub-Account
by the Variable Accumulation Unit value of the particular Sub-Account for the
Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payment is received by the Company.

Variable Accumulation Unit Value

      The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account was established
at $10.00 for the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The
Variable Accumulation Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for any
subsequent Valuation Period is determined by methodology which is the
mathematical equivalent of multiplying the Variable Accumulation Unit value for
the particular Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the
Net Investment Factor for the particular Sub-Account for such subsequent
Valuation Period. The Variable Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account for
any Valuation Period is the value determined as of the end of the particular
Valuation Period and may increase, decrease or remain constant from Valuation
Period to Valuation Period in accordance with the Net Investment Factor
described below.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       8
<PAGE>

Variable Accumulation Value

      The variable accumulation value, if any, of an Accumulation Account for
any Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the value of all Variable
Accumulation Units of each Sub-Account credited to the Accumulation Account for
such Valuation Period. The variable accumulation value of each Sub-Account is
determined by multiplying the number of Variable Accumulation Units, if any,
credited to each Sub-Account by the Variable Accumulation Unit value of the
particular Sub-Account for such Valuation Period.

Net Investment Factor

      The Net Investment Factor is an index applied to measure the investment
performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next. The Net
Investment Factor may be greater or less than or equal to one; therefore, the
value of a Variable Accumulation Unit may increase, decrease or remain the same.

      The Net Investment Factor for any Sub-Account for any Valuation Period is
determined by dividing (a) by (b) and then subtracting (c) from the result
where:

a) is the net result of:

      1)    the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the Sub-Account
            determined as of the end of the Valuation Period, plus

      2)    the per share amount of any dividend or other distribution declared
            by the Series Fund on the shares held in the Sub-Account if the
            ex-dividend date occurs during the Valuation Period, plus or minus

      3)    a per share credit or charge with respect to any taxes paid or
            reserved for by the Company during the Valuation Period which are
            determined by the Company to be attributable to the operation of the
            Sub-Account;

b)    is the net asset value of a Series Fund share held in the Sub-Account
      determined as of the end of the preceding Valuation Period; and

c)    is the asset charge factor determined by the Company for the Valuation
      Period to reflect the charges for assuming the mortality and expense risks
      and administrative expense risks.

      The asset charge factor for any Valuation Period is equal to the daily
asset charge factor multiplied by the number of 24-hour periods in the Valuation
Period. The daily asset charge factor will be determined by the Company
annually, but in no event may it exceed the maximum daily asset charge factor
specified on the Contract Specifications Page of this Contract.

Fixed Account Value

Guarantee Periods

      The Owner elects one or more Guarantee Periods from among those made
available by the Company from time to time. Guarantee Periods will be of two
types: Initial Guarantee Periods (for new Purchase Payments and amounts
transferred in accordance with the Transfer Privilege Provision) and Subsequent
Guarantee Periods (for Accumulation Account values allocated from expiring
Guarantee Periods). The period(s) elected will determine the Guaranteed Interest
Rate(s). A Net Purchase Payment or the portion (at least $1,000) thereof (or
amount transferred in accordance with the Transfer Privilege Provision described
below) allocated to a particular Guarantee Period will earn interest at the
Guaranteed Interest Rate during the Guarantee Period. Initial Guarantee Periods
begin on the date a Net Purchase Payment is applied (or, in the case of a
transfer, on the effective date of the transfer) and end when the number of
calendar months in the Guarantee Period elected (measured from the end of the
calendar month in which the amount was allocated to the Guarantee Period) has
elapsed. The last day of a Guarantee Period is the Expiration Date. Subsequent
Guarantee Periods begin on the first day following the Expiration Date and
Accumulation Account values allocated thereto will earn interest at the
applicable Guaranteed Interest Rate during the Subsequent Guarantee Period until
its Expiration Date.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                       9
<PAGE>

      Any portion of the Accumulation Account value allocated to a particular
Guarantee Period with a particular Expiration Date (including interest earned
thereon) is referred to as a Guarantee Amount. As a result of additional
Purchase Payments, renewals and transfers of portions of the Accumulation
Account value, Guarantee Amounts allocated to Guarantee Periods of the same
duration may have different Expiration Dates, and each Guarantee Amount will be
treated separately for purposes of determining any market value adjustment.

      The Company will notify the Owner in writing at least 45 and no more than
75 days prior to the Expiration Date for any Guarantee Amount, except for
Guarantee Amounts held under a Dollar Cost Averaging Option described below. A
new Guarantee Period of the same duration as the previous Guarantee Period will
commence automatically on the first day following the Expiration Date of the
previous Guarantee Period unless the Company receives, in writing prior to the
Expiration Date of such Guarantee Period, an election by the Owner of a
different Guarantee Period from among those being offered by the Company at such
time, or instructions to transfer all or a portion of the Guarantee Amount to
one or more Sub-Accounts in accordance with the Transfer Privilege provision of
this Contract. Each new Guarantee Amount must be at least $1,000 unless it is
equal to the entire Guarantee Amount being transferred. For Guarantee Periods
established under the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options, on the
day following the Expiration Date the Guarantee Amount will be transferred to
one or more Sub-Accounts in accordance with the Owner's instructions.

      The Owner may elect an available Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost
Averaging Option in connection with selected initial Guarantee Periods (subject
to a minimum amount of $1,000):

      1.    Monthly Dollar Cost Averaging Option: Amounts allocated will be
            divided among 12 separate serially maturing Guarantee Periods. The
            first Guarantee Period ends one full calendar month following the
            date the Net Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent
            Guarantee Period shall end one full calendar month later, serially
            thereafter. The Guarantee Amount at the Expiration Date of each such
            Guarantee Period will equal 1/12 of the Net Purchase Payment applied
            under this option, with the Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration
            Date including all interest earned in the 12 Guarantee Periods.

      2.    Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging: Amounts allocated will be divided
            among four separate serially maturing Guarantee Periods. The first
            Guarantee Period ends three full calendar months following the date
            the Net Purchase Payment is applied and each subsequent Guarantee
            Period shall end three full calendar months later, serially
            thereafter. The Guarantee Amount at the Expiration Date of each such
            Guarantee Period will equal 1/4 of the Net Purchase Payment applied
            under this option, with the Guarantee Amount at the last Expiration
            Date including all interest earned in the four Guarantee Periods.

Guaranteed Interest Rates

      The Company periodically will establish an applicable Guaranteed Interest
Rate for each Guarantee Period offered by the Company. These rates will be
guaranteed for the duration of the respective Guarantee Periods.

      No Guaranteed Interest Rate shall be less than 3% per year, compounded
annually.

Fixed Accumulation Value

      Upon receipt of a Purchase Payment by the Company, all or that portion, if
any, of the Net Purchase Payment which is allocated to the Fixed Account will be
credited to the Accumulation Account and allocated to the Guarantee Period(s)
selected by the Owner. The fixed accumulation value, if any, of the Accumulation
Account for any Valuation Period is equal to the sum of the values of all
Guarantee Amounts credited to the Accumulation Account for such Valuation
Period.

Transfer Privilege

      At any time during the Accumulation Period the Owner may transfer all or
part of the Accumulation Account value to one or more available Sub-Accounts or
Guarantee Periods, subject to the conditions set forth below. A transfer will
generally be effective on the date the request for transfer is received by the
Company.

      Transfers involving Sub-Accounts will reflect the purchase or cancellation
of Variable Accumulation Units having an aggregate value equal to the dollar
amount being transferred to or from a particular Sub-Account. The purchase or
cancellation of such units shall be made using Variable Accumulation Unit values
of the applicable Sub-Account for the


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      10
<PAGE>

Valuation Period during which the transfer is effective. Transfers to a
Guarantee Period will result in a new Guarantee Period for the amount being
transferred. Any such Guarantee Period will begin on the effective date of the
transfer and end on the Expiration Date. The amount transferred into such
Guarantee Period will earn interest at the Guaranteed Interest Rate declared by
the Company for that Guarantee Period as of the effective date of the transfer.

      Transfers shall be subject to the following conditions: (1) not more than
12 transfers may be made in any Contract Year; (2) a minimum of 30 days must
elapse between transfers made to or from the Fixed Account or among Guarantee
Periods; (3) the amount being transferred from a Sub-Account may not be less
than $1,000, unless the total Accumulation Account value attributable to a
Sub-Account is being transferred; (4) any Accumulation Account value remaining
in a Sub-Account may not be less than $1,000; (5) the total Accumulation Account
value attributable to the Guarantee Amount must be transferred; and (6) amounts
transferred may not be allocated to the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost
Averaging Options. In addition, transfers of a Guarantee Amount (except
automatic transfers in connection with the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost
Averaging Options) will be subject to the market value adjustment described
below unless the transfer is effective within 30 days prior to the Expiration
Date applicable to the Guarantee Amount; and transfers involving Variable
Accumulation Units shall be subject to such terms and conditions as may be
imposed by the Series Fund. Currently there is no charge for transfers; however,
the Company reserves the right to impose a charge of up to $15 for each
transfer.

Account Fee

      Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, on each Contract Anniversary the
Company will deduct from the Accumulation Account value an annual account fee of
$50 to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses relating to the
Contract. The account fee will be deducted on a pro rata basis from amounts
allocated to each Guarantee Period and each Sub-Account in which the
Accumulation Account is invested at the time of such deduction. If the Contract
is surrendered for its full value on other than a Contract Anniversary, the
account fee will be deducted in full at the time of such surrender. The Company
will waive the account fee when the Accumulation Account value is greater than
$100,000 on the Contract Anniversary. On the Annuity Commencement Date the value
of the Accumulation Account will be reduced by a proportionate amount of the
account fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Contract Anniversary
and the day before the Annuity Commencement Date.

      After the Annuity Commencement Date an annual account fee of $50 will be
deducted in equal amounts from each Variable Annuity payment made during the
year. No such deduction is made from Fixed Annuity payments.

        CASH WITHDRAWALS, WITHDRAWAL CHARGES AND MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT

Cash Withdrawals

      At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date and during the lifetime
of the Annuitant, the Owner may elect to receive a cash withdrawal payment from
the Company by filing with the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address, a
written election in such form as the Company may require. Any such election
shall specify the amount of the withdrawal and will be effective on the date
that it is received by the Company. Any cash withdrawal payment will be paid
within seven days from the date the election becomes effective, except as the
Company may be permitted to defer such payment in accordance with the Investment
Company Act of 1940. The Company reserves the right to defer the payment of
amounts withdrawn from the Fixed Account for a period not to exceed six months
from the date written request for such withdrawal is received by the Company.

      The Owner may request a full surrender or a partial withdrawal. A full
surrender will result in a cash withdrawal payment equal to the value of the
Accumulation Account at the end of the Valuation Period during which the
election becomes effective, less the account fee, plus or minus any applicable
market value adjustment, and less any applicable withdrawal charge. In the case
of a full surrender, this Contract will be canceled. A partial withdrawal (a
payment of an amount less than that paid under a full surrender) will result in
the cancellation of a portion of the Accumulation Account value with an
aggregate dollar value equal to the dollar amount of the cash withdrawal
payment, plus or minus any applicable market value adjustment and plus any
applicable withdrawal charge.

      In the case of a partial withdrawal, the Owner may instruct the Company as
to the amounts to be withdrawn from each Sub-Account and/or Guarantee Amount. If
not so instructed, the Company will effect such withdrawal pro rata from each
Sub-Account and Guarantee Amount in which the Accumulation Account value is
invested at the end of the Valuation Period during which the withdrawal becomes
effective. If a partial withdrawal is requested which would leave the
Accumulation Account value less than the account fee, then such partial
withdrawal will be treated as a full surrender. 


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      11
<PAGE>

      Cash withdrawals from a Sub-Account will result in the cancellation of
Variable Accumulation Units with an aggregate value on the effective date of the
withdrawal equal to the total amount by which the Sub-Account is reduced. The
cancellation of such units will be based on the Variable Accumulation Unit
values of the Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during which the cash
withdrawal is effective.

      All cash withdrawals of any Guarantee Amount, except those effective
within 30 days prior to the Expiration Date of such Guarantee Amount will be
subject to the market value adjustment described below.

Withdrawal Charges

      If a cash withdrawal is made, a withdrawal charge may be assessed by the
Company. For purposes of a full surrender or partial withdrawal, each withdrawal
is allocated to previously unliquidated Purchase Payments on a first-in,
first-out basis until all Purchase Payments have been liquidated. Once all
Purchase Payments have been liquidated, any additional withdrawals will come
from the earning on the Contract and are not subject to a withdrawal charge. The
amount subject to the withdrawal charge is the amount of the partial withdrawal
or full surrender up to the maximum of the sum of all unliquidated Purchase
Payments.

      A withdrawal charge percentage of 1% is applied to Purchase Payments
withdrawn which have been credited to the Contract for less than one Year.

      When a withdrawal is made from a Qualified Contract to comply with
mandatory minimum distribution requirements, no withdrawal charge will be
applied to the amount required to be distributed during each Contract Year.
These required distributions may commence during and continue after the year in
which the Annuitant attains age 70 1/2, or the year in which the Annuitant
retires, if that is later. Any amounts withdrawn in excess of the required
minimum distribution during each Contract Year will be subject to any applicable
withdrawal charge.

      No withdrawal charge is imposed upon amounts applied to purchase an
annuity, upon payment of the death benefit or upon transfers of Accumulation
Account value among Sub-Accounts or Guarantee Periods.

Market Value Adjustment

      Any cash withdrawal (which for purposes of this section includes transfers
(except automatic transfers in connection with the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar
Cost Averaging Options), distributions on the death of the Owner, and amounts
applied to purchase an annuity) of a Guarantee Amount, other than a withdrawal
effective within 30 days prior to the Expiration Date of the Guarantee Amount
will be subject to a market value adjustment.

      The market value adjustment will reflect the relationship between the
current rate (as described in the formula below) for the Guarantee Amount being
withdrawn and the Guaranteed Interest Rate applicable to the amount being
withdrawn. It also reflects the time remaining in the applicable Guarantee
Period.

      The market value adjustment will be determined by multiplying the amount
being withdrawn after the deduction of any applicable account fee and before
deduction of any applicable withdrawal charge by the market value adjustment
factor. The market value adjustment factor is: 

                                              N/12
                             [(1 + I)/(1 + J)]     - 1

       where,

      I is the Guaranteed Interest Rate being credited to the Guarantee Amount
subject to the market value adjustment,

      J is the Guaranteed Interest Rate declared by the Company, as of the
effective date of the application of the market value adjustment, for current
allocations to Guarantee Periods equal to the balance of the Guarantee Period of
the Guarantee Amount subject to the market value adjustment, rounded to the next
higher number of complete years (the current rate) (except if the Guarantee
Period was originally established in connection with the Monthly or Quarterly
Dollar Cost Averaging Options, J is the rate declared for current allocations to
such Options), and


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      12
<PAGE>

      N is the number of complete months remaining in the Guarantee Period of
the Guarantee Amount subject to the market value adjustment.

      In the determination of J, for Guarantee Periods other than those
established under the Monthly or Quarterly Dollar Cost Averaging Options, if the
Company does not currently offer the applicable Guarantee Period, then the rate
will be determined by linear interpolation of the current rates for Guarantee
Periods that are available.

                                  DEATH BENEFIT

Death Benefit Provided by the Contract

      If the Annuitant dies while this Contract is in effect and before the
Annuity Commencement Date, the Company, upon receipt of Due Proof of Death of
the Annuitant, will pay a death benefit to the Beneficiary in accordance with
this Death Benefit provision. If there is no designated Beneficiary living on
the date of death of the Annuitant, the Company will pay the death benefit, upon
receipt of Due Proof of Death of both the Annuitant and the designated
Beneficiary, in one sum to the Owner or, if the Annuitant was the Owner, to the
estate of the deceased Owner/Annuitant. If the death of the Annuitant occurs on
or after the Annuity Commencement Date, no death benefit will be payable under
this Contract, except as may be provided under the form of annuity elected.

Election and Effective Date of Election

      During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Owner may elect to have the death benefit applied under one or more of
the Annuity Options in accordance with the Contract's Settlement Provisions to
effect a Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination of both for the
Beneficiary as Payee after the death of the Annuitant. This election may be made
or subsequently revoked by filing with the Company at its Annuity Service
Mailing Address a written election or revocation of an election in such form as
the Company may require. Any election or revocation of an election of a method
of settlement of the death benefit by the Owner will become effective on the
date it is received by the Company. For the purposes of the Payment of Death
Benefit and Amount of Death Benefit sections below, any election of the method
of settlement of the death benefit by the Owner which is in effect on the date
of death of the Annuitant will be deemed effective on the date Due Proof of
Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company.

      If no election of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the Owner
is in effect on the date of death of the Annuitant, the Beneficiary may elect
(a) to receive the death benefit in the form of a cash payment, in which event
the Accumulation Account will be canceled; or (b) to have the death benefit
applied under one or more of the Annuity Options in accordance with the
Settlement Provisions to effect, on the Annuity Commencement Date determined in
the Payment of Death Benefit section below, a Variable Annuity or a Fixed
Annuity or a combination of both for the Beneficiary as Payee. This election may
be made by filing with the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address, a
written election in such form as the Company may require. Any written election
of a method of settlement of the death benefit by the Beneficiary will become
effective on the later of: (a) the date the election is received by the Company;
or (b) the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by the Company.
If a written election by the Beneficiary is not received by the Company within
60 days following the date Due Proof of Death of the Annuitant is received by
the Company, the Beneficiary shall be deemed to have elected a cash payment as
of the last day of the 60 day period.

Payment of Death Benefit

      If the death benefit is to be paid in cash to the Beneficiary, payment
will be made within seven days of the date the election becomes effective or is
deemed to become effective, except as the Company may be permitted to defer any
such payment of amounts derived from the Variable Account in accordance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940. If the death benefit is to be paid in one sum to
the Owner, or, if the Annuitant was the Owner, to the estate of the deceased
Owner/Annuitant, payment will be made within seven days of the date Due Proof of
Death of the Annuitant, the Owner, and/or the designated Beneficiary, as
applicable, is received by the Company. If settlement under one or more of the
Annuity Options is elected, the Annuity Commencement Date will be the first day
of the second calendar month following the effective date or the deemed
effective date of the election and the Accumulation Account will be maintained
in effect until the Annuity Commencement Date.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      13
<PAGE>

Amount of Death Benefit

      If the Annuitant was less than age 86 on the Issue Date, the death benefit
is determined as of the effective date or deemed effective date of the death
benefit election and is equal to the greatest of: (a) the Accumulation Account
value for the Valuation Period during which the death benefit election is
effective or is deemed to become effective; (b) the excess of (i) the sum of all
Purchase Payments made under the Contract over (ii) the sum of all partial
withdrawals; and (c) the amount that would have been payable in the event of a
full surrender of the Contract on the date the death benefit election is
effective or is deemed to become effective.

      If (b) or (c) is operative, the Accumulation Account value will be
increased by the excess of (b) or (c), as applicable, over (a) and the increase
will be allocated to the Sub-Accounts based on the respective values of the
Sub-Accounts on the date the amount of the death benefit is determined. If no
portion of the Accumulation Account is allocated to the Sub-Accounts on that
date, the entire increase will be allocated to the Sub-Account invested in the
Money Market Series of the Series Fund.

      If the Annuitant was age 86 or greater on the Issue Date, the death
benefit is determined as of the effective date or deemed effective date of the
death benefit election and is equal to the amount that would have been payable
in the event of a full surrender of the Contract on the date the death benefit
election is effective or is deemed to become effective.

                              SETTLEMENT PROVISIONS
General

      On the Annuity Commencement Date, the Accumulation Account will be
canceled and its adjusted value, as determined in accordance with the
Determination of Amount provision below, will be applied, as specified by the
Owner, under one or more of the Annuity Options provided in this Contract or
under such other settlement options as may be agreed to by the Company. However,
if the amount to be applied under any Annuity Option is less than $2,000, or if
the first annuity payment payable in accordance with such option is less than
$20, the Company will pay the amount to be applied in a single payment to the
Payee.

      After the Annuity Commencement Date, no change of Annuity Option is
permitted and no payments may be requested under the Cash Withdrawals provision
of the Contract. Exchanges of Variable Annuity Units are permitted.

Election and Effective Date of Election

      During the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity Commencement
Date, the Owner may elect to have the adjusted value of the Accumulation Account
applied on the Annuity Commencement Date under one or more of the Annuity
Options provided in this Contract. The Owner may also change any election but
any election or change of election must be effective at least 30 days prior to
the Annuity Commencement Date. This election or change of election may be made
by filing with the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address, a written
election or change of election in such form as the Company may require. Any such
election or change of election will become effective on the date it is received
by the Company. If no such election is in effect on the 30th day prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date, the adjusted value of the Accumulation Account will
be applied under Annuity Option B, for a life annuity with 120 monthly payments
certain. If there is no election of a sole Annuitant in effect on the 30th day
prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the person designated as co-annuitant
will be the Payee under the applicable Annuity Option.

      Any such election may specify the proportion of the adjusted value of the
Accumulation Account to be applied to provide a Fixed Annuity and a Variable
Annuity. In the event the election does not so specify or if no election is in
effect on the 30th day prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, then the portion
of the adjusted value of the Accumulation Account to be applied to provide a
Fixed Annuity and/or a Variable Annuity will be determined on a pro rata basis
from the composition of the Accumulation Account on the Annuity Commencement
Date.

      The Annuity Options in the Contract may also be elected as provided in the
Death Benefit section of this Contract.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      14
<PAGE>

Determination of Amount

      The adjusted value of the Accumulation Account to be applied to provide a
Variable Annuity or a Fixed Annuity or a combination of both, shall be equal to
the Accumulation Account value for the Valuation Period which ends immediately
preceding the Annuity Commencement Date, minus a proportionate amount of the
account fee to reflect the time elapsed between the last Contract Anniversary
and the day before the Annuity Commencement Date, plus or minus any applicable
market value adjustment and minus any applicable premium or similar tax.

Effect of Annuity Commencement Date on Accumulation Account

      On the Annuity Commencement Date the Accumulation Account will be
canceled.

Annuity Commencement Date

      The Annuity Commencement Date is set forth on the Contract Specifications
Page of this Contract. This date may be changed from time to time by the Owner
provided that each change is effective at least 30 days prior to the then
current Annuity Commencement Date and the new Annuity Commencement Date is a
date which is: (1) at least 30 days after the effective date of the change; (2)
the first day of a month; and (3) not later than the first day of the first
month following the Annuitant's 90th birthday. Any change of the Annuity
Commencement Date may be made by filing with the Company at its Annuity Service
Mailing Address, a written designation of a new Annuity Commencement Date in
such form as the Company may require. Any such change will become effective on
the date the designation is received by the Company.

      The Annuity Commencement Date may also be changed by an election of a
settlement option as provided in the Death Benefit section of this Contract.

Fixed Annuity Payments

      The dollar amount of each Fixed Annuity payment shall be determined in
accordance with the annuity payment rates shown on page 18, which are based on
the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year or, if more favorable to the
Payee(s), in accordance with the annuity payment rates published by the Company
and in use on the Annuity Commencement Date.

Variable Annuity Payments

      The dollar amount of the first Variable Annuity payment shall be
determined in accordance with the annuity payment rates shown on page 18, which
are based on an assumed interest rate of 3% per year.

      All Variable Annuity payments other than the first are determined by means
of Annuity Units credited to this Contract. The number of Annuity Units to be
credited in respect of a particular Sub-Account is determined by dividing that
portion of the first Variable Annuity payment attributable to that Sub-Account
by the Annuity Unit value of that Sub-Account for the Valuation Period which
ends immediately preceding the Annuity Commencement Date. The number of Annuity
Units of each Sub-Account credited with respect to the Payee then remains fixed
unless an exchange of Annuity Units is made pursuant to the Exchange of Annuity
Units section below. The dollar amount of each Variable Annuity payment after
the first may increase, decrease or remain constant, and is equal to the sum of
the amounts determined by multiplying the number of Annuity Units of a
particular Sub-Account credited to this Contract by the Annuity Unit value for
the particular Sub-Account for the Valuation Period which ends immediately
preceding the due date of each subsequent payment.

Annuity Unit Value

      The Annuity Unit value for each Sub-Account was established at $10.00 for
the first Valuation Period of the particular Sub-Account. The Annuity Unit value
for the particular Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined
by multiplying the Annuity Unit value for the particular Sub-Account for the
immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net Investment Factor for the
particular Sub-Account for the current Valuation Period and then multiplying
that product by a factor to neutralize the assumed interest rate of 3% per year
used to establish the annuity payment rates found in the Contract. The factor is
0.99991902 for a one day Valuation Period.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      15
<PAGE>

Exchange of Annuity Units

      After the Annuity Commencement Date the Payee may, by filing a written
request with the Company at its Annuity Service Mailing Address, exchange the
value of a designated number of Annuity Units of particular Sub-Accounts then
credited with respect to such Payee into other Annuity Units, the value of which
would be such that the dollar amount of an annuity payment made on the date of
the exchange would be unaffected by the exchange. No more than 12 exchanges may
be made in any Contract Year.

      Exchanges may be made among the Sub-Accounts only. Exchanges shall be made
using the Annuity Unit values for the Valuation Period during which the request
for exchange is received by the Company.

Account Fee

      After the Annuity Commencement Date an annual account fee of $50 will be
deduced in equal amounts from each Variable Annuity payment made during the
year. No such deduction is made from Fixed Annuity payments.

Description of Annuity Options

      Annuity Options A, B, C and D are available on either a Fixed Annuity or a
Variable Annuity basis. Annuity Option E is available on a Fixed Annuity basis
only.

      Annuity Option A. Life Annuity: Monthly payments during the lifetime of
the Payee.

      Annuity Option B. Life Annuity with 60, 120, 180 or 240 Monthly Payments
Certain: Monthly payments during the lifetime of the Payee and in any event for
sixty (60), one hundred twenty (120), one hundred eighty (180) or two hundred
forty (240) months certain as elected.

      Annuity Option C. Joint and Survivor Annuity: Monthly payments payable
during the joint lifetime of the Payee and a designated second person and during
the lifetime of the survivor. During the lifetime of the survivor variable
monthly payments, if any, will be determined using the percentage chosen at the
time of the election of this option of the number of each type of Annuity Unit
credited with respect to the Payee, and each fixed monthly payment, if any, will
be equal to the same percentage of the fixed monthly payment payable during the
joint lifetime of the Payee and the designated second person.

      Annuity Option D. Monthly Payments for a Specified Period Certain: Monthly
payments for any specified period of time (at least five (5) years but not
exceeding thirty (30) years), as elected.

      Annuity Option E. Fixed Payments: The amount applied to provide fixed
payments in accordance with this Annuity Option will be held by the Company at
interest. Fixed payments will be made in such amounts and at such times (at
least over a period of five (5) years) as may be agreed upon with the Company
and will continue until the amount held by the Company with interest is
exhausted. The final payment will be for the balance remaining and may be less
than the amount of each preceding payment. Interest will be credited on an
annual basis on the amount remaining unpaid at a rate which shall be determined
by the Company from time to time but which shall not be less than 3% per year
compounded annually. The rate so determined may be changed at any time and as
often as may be determined by the Company, provided, however, that the rate may
not be reduced more frequently than once during each calendar year.

Amounts Payable on Death of Payee

      In the event of the death of the Payee on or after the Annuity
Commencement Date, the Company will pay any remaining payments under any Annuity
Option then in effect to the Payee's designated beneficiary as they become due.
If there is no designated beneficiary entitled to these remaining payments then
living, the Company will pay the amount specified in the schedule below for any
Annuity Option then in effect in one sum to the deceased Payee's estate. Any
beneficiary who becomes entitled to any remaining payments under any Annuity
Option may elect to receive the amount specified in the schedule below for such
option in one sum. In the event of the death of a beneficiary who has become
entitled to receive any remaining payments under any Annuity Option, the Company
will pay the amount specified for such option in the schedule below in one sum
to the deceased beneficiary's estate. All payments made in one sum by the
Company as provided in this paragraph are made in lieu of paying any remaining
payments under the Annuity Option then in effect.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      16
<PAGE>

   Option   Amount
   ------   ------
      B     The discounted value of the remaining payments, if any, for the
            certain period.
      D     The discounted value of the remaining payments, if any, for the
            certain period.
      E     The unpaid balance of the proceeds and interest.

      In the case of Options B and D the discounted value will be based, for
payments being made on a variable basis, on interest compounded annually at the
assumed interest rate and on the assumptions that the particular Annuity Unit
values applicable to the remaining payments will be the particular Annuity Unit
values for the Valuation Period which ends on the day before the date of the
determination and that this value will remain unchanged thereafter.

Annuity Payment Rates

      The annuity payment rates below show, for each $1,000 applied, the dollar
amount of both (a) the first monthly Variable Annuity payment based on the
assumed interest rate of 3% and (b) the monthly Fixed Annuity payment, when the
payment is based on the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3% per year.

      The mortality table used in determining the annuity payment rates for
Options A, B and C is the 1983 Individual Annuitant Mortality Table A. In using
this mortality table, ages of Annuitants will be reduced by one year for Annuity
Commencement Dates occurring during the 1990's, reduced by two years for Annuity
Commencement Dates occurring during the decade 2000-2009, and so on.

      The annuity payment rates in the tables shown below reflect rates of
mortality appropriate for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1980s.
Thus, for Annuity Commencement Dates occurring during the 1990s the term
adjusted age, as used in the tables below, means actual age less one year.
Adjusted age shall mean actual age less two years for Annuity Commencement Dates
occurring in the decade 2000-2009, and so on.

      Adjusted ages will be determined based on the actual age(s) of the
Annuitant(s), in completed years and months, as of the Annuity Commencement
Date. The tables below show annuity payment rates for exact adjusted ages; rates
for adjusted ages expressed in completed years and months will be based on
straight line interpolation between the appropriate annuity payment rates.

      The dollar amount of each annuity payment for any adjusted age or
combination of adjusted ages not shown below or for any other form of Annuity
Option agreed to by the Company will be quoted by the Company on request.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      17
<PAGE>

               AMOUNT OF FIRST MONTHLY ANNUITY PAYMENT PER $1,000
                               SINGLE LIFE ANNUITY

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             OPTION A                                                        OPTION B
           LIFE ANNUITY                                         LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS CERTAIN
   ----------------------------      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     60 Payments              120 Payments             180 Payments       240 Payments
   Adjusted                          -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Age      Male      Female      Male       Female        Male       Female        Male    Female     Male    Female
   <S>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>       <C>      <C> 
      20       3.04       2.93       3.03        2.93         3.03        2.93         3.03     2.93      3.03     2.93
      25       3.14       3.02       3.14        3.02         3.14        3.02         3.14     3.02      3.13     3.01
      30       3.28       3.13       3.28        3.13         3.27        3.12         3.27     3.12      3.26     3.12
      35       3.44       3.26       3.44        3.26         3.44        3.26         3.43     3.25      3.41     3.24
      40       3.66       3.42       3.65        3.42         3.64        3.42         3.63     3.41      3.60     3.40
      45       3.93       3.63       3.92        3.63         3.90        3.63         3.87     3.61      3.82     3.59
      50       4.27       3.90       4.26        3.90         4.22        3.89         4.17     3.86      4.08     3.82
      55       4.70       4.25       4.68        4.25         4.62        4.22         4.53     4.18      4.39     4.11
      60       5.28       4.72       5.25        4.70         5.14        4.66         4.96     4.57      4.71     4.44
      65       6.10       5.35       6.03        5.32         5.81        5.22         5.46     5.05      5.02     4.79
      70       7.23       6.25       7.07        6.18         6.61        5.96         5.96     5.60      5.27     5.12
      75       8.82       7.56       8.44        7.39         7.49        6.89         6.38     6.14      5.42     5.35
      80      11.06       9.53       10.17       9.07         8.33        7.89         6.66     6.55      5.49     5.47
      85      14.16      12.48       12.12      11.19         8.97        8.74         6.81     6.77      5.51     5.50
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    OPTION C
                           JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITY
               (Assumed election of Joint and Two-Thirds Survivor)

                                Adjusted Age of Female
      Adjusted Age    -------------------------------------------
        of Male         55       60       65        70        75
        -------         --       --       --        --        --
      <S>              <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
           55          4.25     4.47     4.72      4.99      5.29
           60          4.44     4.71     5.01      5.34      5.71
           65          4.65     4.97     5.33      5.75      6.23
           70          4.88     5.24     5.68      6.20      6.81
           75          5.11     5.52     6.04      6.68      7.45
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    OPTION D
                     PAYMENTS FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD CERTAIN

      Years    Amount    Years    Amount    Years     Amount   Years    Amount
      -----    ------    -----    ------    -----     ------   -----    ------
      <S>      <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
        5      17.91       12      8.24       19      5.73       26      4.59
        6      15.14       13      7.71       20      5.51       27      4.47
        7      13.16       14      7.26       21      5.32       28      4.37
        8      11.68       15      6.87       22      5.15       29      4.27
        9      10.53       16      6.53       23      4.99       30      4.18
       10       9.61       17      6.23       24      4.84              
       11       8.86       18      5.96       25      4.71              
</TABLE>


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      18
<PAGE>

                              OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

Exercise of Contract Rights

      The Contract shall belong to the Owner. All Contract rights and privileges
may be exercised by the Owner without the consent of the Beneficiary (other than
an irrevocable Beneficiary) or any other person. Such rights and privileges may
be exercised only during the lifetime of the Annuitant and prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date, except as otherwise provided in the Contract.

      The Annuitant becomes the Payee on and after the Annuity Commencement
Date. The Beneficiary becomes the Payee on the death of the Annuitant. Such
Payees may thereafter exercise such rights and privileges, if any, of ownership
which continue.

Change of Ownership

      Ownership of a Qualified Contract may not be transferred except to: (1)
the Annuitant; (2) a trustee or successor trustee of a pension or profit sharing
trust which is qualified under Section 401 of the Code; (3) the employer of the
Annuitant provided that the Qualified Contract after transfer is maintained
under the terms of a retirement plan qualified under Section 403(a) of the Code
for the benefit of the Annuitant; (4) the trustee of an individual retirement
account plan qualified under Section 408 of the Code for the benefit of the
Owner; or (5) as otherwise permitted from time to time by laws and regulations
governing the retirement or deferred compensation plans for which a Qualified
Contract may be issued. Subject to the foregoing, a Qualified Contract may not
be sold, assigned, transferred, discounted or pledged as collateral for a loan
or as security for the performance of an obligation or for any other purpose to
any person other than the Company.

      The Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract may change the ownership of the
Contract during the lifetime of any Annuitant and prior to the last Annuity
Commencement Date. A change of ownership will not be binding upon the Company
until written notification is received by the Company. When such notification is
so received, the change will be effective as of the date on which the request
for change was signed by the Owner, but the change will be without prejudice to
the Company on account of any payment made or any action taken by the Company
prior to receiving the change.

Death of Owner

      If the Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract dies prior to the Annuitant and
before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Accumulation Account value, plus or
minus any applicable market value adjustment, must be distributed to the
"designated beneficiary" (as defined below) either (1) within five years after
the date of death of the Owner, or (2) as an annuity over some period not
greater than the life or expected life of the designated beneficiary, with
annuity payments beginning within one year after the date of death of the Owner.
For this purpose (and for purposes of Section 72(s) of the Code), the person
named as Beneficiary shall be considered the designated beneficiary, and if no
person then living has been so named, then the Annuitant shall automatically be
the designated beneficiary.

      If the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the deceased
Owner, the spouse can elect to continue the Contract in the spouse's own name as
Owner, in which case these mandatory distribution requirements will apply on the
spouse's death. When the deceased Owner was also the Annuitant, the Death
Benefit provision of the Contract controls, unless the deceased Owner's
surviving spouse is the designated beneficiary and elects to continue the
Contract in the spouse's own name as both Owner and Annuitant.

      If the Payee dies on or after the Annuity Commencement Date and before the
entire accumulation under the Contract has been distributed, the remaining
portion of such accumulation, if any, must be distributed as least as rapidly as
the method of distribution then in effect.

      In any case in which a non-natural person constitutes a holder of the
Contract for the purposes of Section 72(s) of the Code, (1) the distribution
requirements described above shall apply upon the death of any Annuitant, and
(2) a change in any Annuitant shall be treated as the death of an Annuitant.

      In all cases, no Owner or Beneficiary shall be entitled to exercise any
rights that would adversely affect the treatment of the Contract as an annuity
contract under the Code.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      19
<PAGE>

Voting of Series Fund Shares

      The Company will vote Series Fund shares held by the Sub-Accounts at
meetings of shareholders of the Series Fund, but will follow voting instructions
received from persons having the right to give voting instructions. The Owner is
the person having the right to give voting instructions prior to the Annuity
Commencement Date. On or after the Annuity Commencement Date the Payee is the
person having such voting rights. Any shares attributable to the Company and
Series Fund shares for which no timely voting instructions are received will be
voted by the Company in the same proportion as the shares for which instructions
are received from persons have such voting rights.

      Neither the Variable Account nor the Company is under any duty to provide
information concerning the voting instruction rights of persons who may have
such rights under retirement or deferred compensation plans, other than rights
afforded by the Investment Company Act of 1940, nor any duty to inquire as to
the instructions received or the authority of Owners, or others to instruct the
voting of Series Fund shares. Except as the Variable Account or the Company has
actual knowledge to the contrary, the instructions given by Owners and Payees
will be valid as they affect the Variable Account, the Company and any others
having voting instruction rights with respect to the Variable Account.

      All Series Fund proxy material, together with an appropriate form to be
used to give voting instructions, will be provided to each Owner, and each Payee
having the right to give voting instructions at least ten days prior to each
meeting of the shareholders of the Series Fund. The number of particular Series
Fund shares as to which each such person is entitled to give instructions will
be determined by the Company on a date not more than 90 days prior to each such
meeting. Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the number of Series Fund
shares as to which voting instructions may be given to the Company is determined
by dividing the value of all the Variable Accumulation Units of the particular
Sub-Account credited to the Accumulation Account by the net asset value of one
Series Fund share as of the same date. On or after the Annuity Commencement
Date, the number of Series Fund shares as to which such instructions may be
given by a Payee is determined by dividing the reserve held by the Company in
the particular Sub-Account with respect to the Payee by the net asset value of a
Series Fund share as of the same date.

Periodic Reports

      During the Accumulation Period the Company will send the Owner, at least
once during each Contract Year, a statement showing the number, type and value
of Accumulation Units credited to the Accumulation Account and the fixed
accumulation value of such account, which statement shall be accurate as of a
date not more than two months previous to the date of mailing. In addition,
every person having voting rights will receive such reports or prospectuses
concerning the Variable Account and the Series Fund as may be required by the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Securities Act of 1933. The Company will
also send such statements reflecting transactions in the Accumulation Account
and benefits available under the Contract as may be required by applicable laws,
rules and regulations.

                              BENEFICIARY PROVISION

Designation and Change of Beneficiary

      The Beneficiary designation contained in the Application will remain in
effect until changed. The interest of any Beneficiary is subject to the
Beneficiary surviving the Annuitant and, in the case of a Non-Qualified
Contract, surviving the Owner as well.

      Subject to the rights of an irrevocable Beneficiary, the Owner may change
or revoke the designation of a Beneficiary at any time while the Annuitant is
living. To do so, the Owner must file the change or revocation with the Company
at its Annuity Service Mailing Address in such form as the Company may require.
The change or revocation will not be binding upon the Company until it is
received by the Company. When it is so received the change or revocation will be
effective as of the date on which the beneficiary designation or revocation was
signed, but the change or revocation will be without prejudice to the Company on
account of any payment made or any action taken by the Company prior to
receiving the change or revocation.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      20
<PAGE>

                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

Age and Sex Misstatement

      If any date of birth or sex, or both, has been misstated in the
Application, or elsewhere, the amounts payable pursuant to this Contract will be
the amounts which would have been provided using the correct age or sex, or
both. Any deficiency in payments already made by the Company, shall be paid
immediately and any excess in the payments already made by the Company shall be
charged against the benefits falling due after the adjustment.

Contract

      This Contract is issued in consideration of the Application and payment of
the initial Purchase Payment. This Contract and the Application, a copy of which
is attached, constitute the entire Contract. All statements made in the
Application will be deemed representations and not warranties, and no statement
will void this Contract or be used in defense to a claim unless it is contained
in the Application and a copy is attached to this Contract at issue. Only the
President, a Vice President, the Actuary or the Secretary of the Company has
authority to agree on behalf of the Company to any alteration of this Contract,
or to any waiver of the rights or requirements of the Company.

Currency

      All amounts due under the Contract are payable in United States dollars,
lawful money of the United States of America.

Determination of Values

      The method of determination by the Company of the Net Investment Factor
and the number and value of Accumulation Units and Annuity Units shall be
conclusive upon the Owner, any Payee and any Beneficiary. 

Guarantees

      Subject to the Net Investment Factor provision, the Company guarantees
that the dollar amount of Variable Annuity payments made during the lifetime of
the Payee(s) will not be adversely affected by the actual mortality experience
of the Company or by the actual expenses incurred by the Company in excess of
the expense deductions provided for in the Contract and other contracts
providing benefits which vary in accordance with the investment performance of
the Variable Account.

Incontestability

      This Contract is incontestable.

Modification

      Upon notice to the Owner, or to the Payee(s) during the annuity period,
this Contract may be modified by the Company, but only if such modification (a)
is necessary to make the Contract or the Variable Account comply with any law or
regulation issued by a governmental agency to which the Company or the Variable
Account is subject; or (b) is necessary to assure continued qualification of the
Contract under the Code or other federal or state laws relating to retirement
annuities or annuity contracts; or (c) is necessary to reflect a change in the
operation of the Variable Account or the Sub-Accounts; or (d) provides
additional Variable Account and/or Fixed Account options. In the event of any
such modification, the Company may make appropriate endorsement to the Contract
to reflect such modification.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      21
<PAGE>

Nonparticipating

      This Contract is nonparticipating and will not share in any surplus
earnings of the Company.

Payments by the Company

      All sums payable by the Company pursuant to the Contract are payable only
at its Executive Office or such other place as may be designated by the Company.
The Company may require surrender of the Contract upon final payment of all sums
payable by the Company pursuant to this Contract.

Proof of Age

      The Company shall have the right to require evidence of the age of any
Payee under Annuity Options A, B, and C prior to the Annuity Commencement Date.

Proof of Survival

      The Company shall have the right to require evidence of the survival of
any Payee under Annuity Options A, B and C at the time any payment payable to
such Payee is due.

Splitting Units

      The Company reserves the right to split or combine the value of Variable
Accumulation Units, Annuity Units or any of them. In effecting any such change
of unit values, strict equity will be preserved and no change will have a
material effect on the benefits or other provisions of this Contract.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      22
<PAGE>

[SunLife
OF CANADA (U.S.) LOGO]

               Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.)
               A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada

Executive Office:
One Sun Life Executive Park
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts 02181

Home Office:
Wilmington, Delaware

Annuity Service Mailing Address:
Sun Life Annuity Service Center
P.O. Box 1024
Boston, Massachusetts 02103

               Flexible Payment Deferred Combination Variable and
                       Fixed Individual Annuity Contract
                                Nonparticipating

ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THIS CONTRACT WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT ARE VARIABLE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED AS TO
DOLLAR AMOUNT. PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE FIXED ACCOUNT ARE SUBJECT TO A
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT FORMULA, THE OPERATION OF WHICH MAY RESULT IN UPWARD AND
DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENTS IN AMOUNTS PAYABLE TO THE OWNER, INCLUDING WITHDRAWALS,
TRANSFERS, DISTRIBUTIONS RESULTING FROM THE DEATH OF THE OWNER, AND AMOUNTS
APPLIED TO PURCHASE AN ANNUITY. PAYMENTS MADE FROM GUARANTEE AMOUNTS WHICH ARE
WITHIN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE END OF A GUARANTEE PERIOD ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.


RC-MVA-INDCONT-97                      23



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                 <C>

M-F-S               SUN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA (U.S.)               MFS REGATTA CLASSIC
REGATTA CLASSIC                                                           PARTICIPANT APPLICATION
[LOGO]
                    Please make checks payable to Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.).               
                    Send the application and check to Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
                    Annuity Service Center, P.O. Box 1024, Boston, MA 02103

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1.  PARTICIPANT     Name____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                          First                       Middle                          Last

                    Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                    City________________________________________________________________ State __________________ Zip_______________

                    Participant Sex   / / M / / F      Date of Birth_______________ Social Security Number ______/______/___________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.  ANNUITANT       / / Same as Participant, or ____________________________________________________________________________________
                                                          First                       Middle                          Last

                    Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                    City________________________________________________ State ______________________ Zip __________________________

                    Annuitant Sex      / / M  / / F    Date of Birth ______________ Social Security Number ______/______/___________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. CO-ANNUITANT     Name____________________________________________________________________________________________________________


                    Co-Annuitant Sex  / / M  / / F    Date of Birth ______________ Social Security Number ______/______/____________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. BENEFICIARY      Name____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                          First                       Middle                          Last

                    Relationship to Annuitant_______________________________________________________________________________________

                    BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF RETIREMENT PLAN LEGISLATION.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. PLAN SELECTION   / / 401(K)*         / / IRA Transfers   / / SEP-IRA*        / / Non-qualified
                    / / 403(b)*         / / Self-employed*  / / IRA Rollover    / / CRT**           / / Other*______________________

                    *Owner/Trustee _________________________________________________________________________________________________

                    **Please contact the Sun Life Annuity Service Center for the required waiver form, call 1-800-752-7215.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. PURCHASE         SUB-ACCOUNTS INVESTED IN MFS/SUN LIFE SERIES TRUST
   PAYMENT
   ALLOCATION       ___% Money Market Series (0)          ___% World Growth Series (9)            ___% MFS-REGISTERED
   (WHOLE %,                                                                                           TRADEMARK-/Foreign & Colonial
   MUST TOTAL                                                                                          Emerging Markets Equity
   100%, NO                                                                                            Series (21/22)
   FRACTIONS)       ___% High Yield Series (1)            ___% Emerging Growth Series (11/12)     ___% MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-/
                                                                                                       Foreign & Colonial
                    ___% Capital Appreciation Series (2)  ___% Research Series (13/16)                 International Growth Series
                                                                                                       (19/20)
                    ___% Utilities Series (3)             ___% World Total Return Series (14/17)  ___% Value Series (23/24)
                                                                                                       
                    ___% World Governments Series (4)     ___% World Asset Allocation Series      
                                                               (15/18)                            FIXED ACCOUNT GUARANTEE PERIODS
                    ___% Managed Sectors Series (5)       ___% MFS-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-/        -------------------------------
                                                               Foreign & Colonial
                    ___% Total Return Series (6)               International Growth and           ___% 1 year
                                                               Income Series (09/10)
                    ___% Government Securities Series (7)                                         ___% DCA Guarantee Option

                    ___% Conservative Growth Series (8)     

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. PURCHASE         Initial purchase payment of $__________________________________________(minimum $25,000)
   PAYMENT
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. SPECIAL          (Annuity Elections, etc.)
   INSTRUCTIONS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9. ANNUITY
   COMMENCEMENT     Year of annuity commencement_________________________
   DATE
                    The first day of _______________________________Month

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. REPLACEMENT     Will this contract replace or change any existing life insurance or annuity in this or any other company? 
    CONTRACT        / / Yes   / / No
                    If yes, please explain under Special Instructions and request replacement information from your agent.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. ACCEPTANCE      I hereby represent my answers to the above questions to be correct and true to the best of my knowledge and
                    belief and agree that this application shall be a part of any Certificate issued by the Company. ALL PAYMENTS
                    AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THE CERTIFICATE WHEN BASED ON THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT ARE
                    VARIABLE AND NOT GUARANTEED AS TO DOLLAR AMOUNT. PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE FIXED ACCOUNT ARE SUBJECT TO A
                    MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT FORMULA, THE OPERATION OF WHICH MAY RESULT IN UPWARD AND DOWNWARD ADJUSTMENTS IN AMOUNTS
                    PAYABLE. I acknowledge receipt of current MFS Regatta Classic and MFS/Sun Life Series Trust prospectuses. 


                    __________________________________________________    __________________________________________________________
                    Agent Name (Print)                                    Phone Number                           Date

                    __________________________________________________    __________________________________________________________
                    Agent Signature                                       Signed at           City               State

                    __________________________________________________    __________________________________________________________
                    Participant Signature                                 Annuitant/Co-Annuitant Signature

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. AGENT           Will this contract replace or change any existing life insurance or annuity in this or any other company?
                    / / Yes / / No      If yes, please explain under SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS and complete replacement forms where
                    applicable.

                    General Agent/Dealer ___________________________________________________________________________________________

                    Branch Office Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
                                              Street                    City                 State              Zip

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

</TABLE>
RC-MVA-APP96

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
M-F-S REGATTA CLASSIC
[LOGO]                                                                                                           MFS REGATTA CLASSIC
                                                                                                                   OPTIONAL PROGRAMS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
<S>                 <C>

1. / / AUTOMATIC    I authorize exchanges among my MFS Regatta Classic Sub-Accounts, to reflect current MFS Regatta Classic asset
       ASSET        allocation recommendations without requiring any further authorizations or instructions. I understand this
       ALLOCATION   authorization will continue until a written, signed revocation is received by the Sun Life of Canada (U.S.)
       PROGRAM      Annuity Service Center at the address referenced on the Participant Application.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. / / SYSTEMATIC   A $10,000 minimum account value is required to begin the program. (THIS IS NOT FOR ANNUITIZATION. If you wish to
       WITHDRAWAL   annuitize, please see the SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE sections of the Participant program
       PROGRAM      Application.) 

                    I authorize systematic withdrawals of $___________. Commence withdrawals_____________(month)_____________(year).

                    FREQUENCY:               For electronic funds transfers, complete the following and include a voided check
                    ____ monthly             / / checking     / / savings
                    ____ quarterly           _______________________________________________________________________________________
                    ____ semiannually                       Account number                                    ABA Routing Number
                    ____ annually            Or, make check payable to (if different from Participant):

                    FEDERAL INCOME TAXES:    Name___________________________________________________________________________________

                    ____ withhold            Street_________________________________________________________________________________

                    ____ do not withhold     City___________________________State___________________Zip_____________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. / / DOLLAR COST  To begin the program, the Sub-Account/DCA Guarantee Option from which the transfers are to be made must
       AVERAGING    have a minimum balance of $1,000. I will participate in the Dollar Cost Averaging Program (DCA) and authorize
       PROGRAM      transfers from the designated Sub-Account or DCA Guarantee Option to the Sub-Account(s) indicated. I understand
                    these transfers will continue until I terminate the program or until the participant's account value allocated
                    to the designated Sub-Account/DCA Guarantee Option is depleted.            

                    Transfer from / / Sub-Account -- please complete Option A below.
                                  / / DCA Guarantee Option -- please complete Option B below.
          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          OPTION A  FOR TRANSFERS FROM A SUB-ACCOUNT

                    FREQUENCY:              / / monthly    or   / / quarterly

                    PLEASE MAKE YOUR SELECTION AND INDICATE THE DOLLAR AMOUNT TO BE TRANSFERRED:

                    Transfer from the following Sub-Account___________________________________________________

                    Transfer into the following
                    Sub-Accounts (up to four)               1._______           2._______           3._______           4._______

                    DOLLAR AMOUNT                           1. $______          2. $______          3. $______          4. $______

          --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          OPTION B  FOR TRANSFERS FROM THE DCA GUARANTEE OPTION

                    All money allocated to the DCA Guarantee Option selected in Section 6 of the Participant Application ("Purchase
                    Payment Allocation") will be transferred over a 12-month period. The final amount transferred from the DCA
                    Guarantee Option will include all interest earned. I UNDERSTAND NO MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT, EITHER POSITIVE OR
                    NEGATIVE, WILL APPLY TO AMOUNTS TRANSFERRED FROM THE DCA GUARANTEE OPTION. IF THE PROGRAM IS DISCONTINUED OR
                    ALTERED PRIOR TO COMPLETION, LIQUIDATION OF THE DCA GUARANTEE OPTION WILL BE NECESSARY AND A MARKET VALUE
                    ADJUSTMENT WILL APPLY. Any additional purchase payments allocated to the DCA Guarantee Option begin a new
                    12-month period.

                    PLEASE MAKE YOUR SELECTION AND INDICATE THE PERCENTAGES TO BE TRANSFERRED:

                    FREQUENCY:              / / monthly    or   / / quarterly

                    Sub-Accounts (up to four)               1._______           2._______           3._______           4._______

                    PERCENTAGES (MUST BE WHOLE %)           1.______%           2.______%           3.______%           4.______%

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. / / PORTFOLIO    Based on the frequency selected below, investments will be reviewed and re-balanced automatically to ensure they
       RE-BALANCING reflect the asset allocation select selected. Please indicate Portfolio Re-Balancing allocations below. The
       PROGRAM      percentages must be whole and total 100%. These allocations pertain to Portfolio Re-Balancing only. They are not
                    the allocations for future purchase payments. Portfolio re-balancing does not assure a profit and does not
                    protect against a loss in declining markets. Portfolio re-balancing will occur on or about the third Friday of
                    each quarter. I understand that the total value of my investments might be changed as a result of the
                    re-balance. If I wish to alter my portfolio re-balancing allocations, I may do so by notifying the Company in
                    writing. Subsequent investments I make into the variable series that participate in this program will re-balance
                    on the next available cycle. Once my account has been through my portfolio re-balancing cycle and I choose to
                    terminate my participation in the program, I am aware that the allocation resulting from the re-balance will not
                    be altered. I am also aware that I may discontinue my participation at any time by notifying the Company in
                    writing.

                    FREQUENCY:           / / Quarterly                  / / Semi-annually      / / Annually

                    __% MFS/Foreign & Colonial International __% MFS/Foreign & Colonial              __% Utilities Series (3)
                        Growth and Income Series (9/10)          International Growth Series (19/20) __% World Governments 
                    __% Emerging Growth Series (11/12)       __% MFS/Foreign & Colonial                  Series (4)
                    __% Research Series (13/16)                  Emerging Series (21/22)             __% Managed Sectors Series (5)
                    __% World Total Return Series (14/17)    __% Value Series (23/24)                __% Total Return Series (6)
                    __% World Asset Allocation               __% High Yield Series (1)               __% Government Securities
                        Series (15/18)                       __% Capital Appreciation Series (2)         Series (7)
                    __% Money Market Series (0)                                                      __% Conservative Growth 
                                                                                                         Series (8)
                                                                                                     __% World Growth Series (9)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. / / 60-DAY       Apply rate hold?                        / / Yes  / / No
       RATE HOLD    NOTE: A RATE HOLD IS IRREVOCABLE AND IS AVAILABLE FOR 1035 EXCHANGES AND DIRECT TRUSTEE-TO-TRUSTEE TRANSFERS
                    ONLY.
                    I UNDERSTAND THIS AUTHORIZATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM(S) INDICATED ABOVE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL A
                    WRITTEN, SIGNED REVOCATION IS RECEIVED BY THE SUN LIFE OF CANADA (U.S.) ANNUITY SERVICE CENTER AT THE ADDRESS
                    REFERENCED ON THE PARTICIPANT APPLICATION.

                    PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE____________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


                                                            Exhibit 10(a)


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

   
     We consent to the use in this Post-effective Amendment to the 
Registration Statement of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable Account F on 
Form N-4 (File No. 333-05227) of our report dated February 6, 1998 
accompanying the financial statements of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F and to the use of our report dated February 5, 1998 accompanying 
the financial statements of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) 
appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of such amendment to the 
Registration Statement, and to the incorporation by reference of our reports 
dated February 5, 1997 appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Sun 
Life Assurance Company of Canada (U.S.) for the year ended Decemeber 31, 1997.


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

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts

April 10, 1998
    

<PAGE>

MFS REGATTA CLASSIC   12/31/97

NON-STANDARDIZED RESULTS

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
High Yield Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   11.2664540 10.0910420 = 11164.81
12/31/85 - 12/31/97      10000   11.2664540  9.1066590 = 12371.67
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   11.2664540  7.8704030 = 14314.96
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   11.2664540  8.1426110 = 13836.41
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   11.2664540  6.9957580 = 16104.69
12/31/87 - 12/31/96      10000   11.2664540  4.4795220 = 25151.02
 8/13/85 - 12/31/97      10000   11.2664540  3.8209210 = 29486.23

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.116481    1         -1         = 11.65%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.237167    2         -1         = 11.23%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.431496    3         -1         = 12.70%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.383641    4         -1         =  8.46%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   1.610469    5         -1         = 10.00%
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   2.515102   10         -1         =  9.66%
 8/13/85 - 12/31/97   2.948623   12.391781  -1         =  9.12%

Capital Appreciation Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9926030  9.8765190 = 12142.54
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9926030  8.2250490 = 14580.59
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9926030  6.1871920 = 19382.95
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9926030  6.4919760 = 18472.96
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9926030  5.5650290 = 21549.94
12/31/87 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9926030  2.5843990 = 46403.84
 8/13/85 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9926030  1.9952800 = 60104.86

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.214254    1         -1         = 21.43%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.458059    2         -1         = 20.75%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.938295    3         -1         = 24.68%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.847296    4         -1         = 16.58%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   2.154994    5         -1         = 16.60%
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   4.640384   10         -1         = 16.59%
 8/13/85 - 12/31/97   6.010486   12.391781  -1         = 15.57%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
Government Securities Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   10.6850420  9.9630920 = 10724.62
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   10.6850420  9.9196030 = 10771.64
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   10.6850420  8.5286510 = 12528.41
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   10.6850420  8.8170010 = 12118.68
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   10.6850420  8.2054100 = 13021.95
12/31/87 - 12/31/97      10000   10.6850420  5.3138780 = 20107.80
 8/12/85 - 12/31/97      10000   10.6850420  4.3549640 = 24535.32

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.072462    1         -1         = 7.25%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.077164    2         -1         = 3.79%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.252841    3         -1         = 7.80%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.211868    4         -1         = 4.92%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   1.302195    5         -1         = 5.42%
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   2.010780   10         -1         = 7.23%
 8/12/85 - 12/31/97   2.453532   12.394521  -1         = 7.51%

Conservative Growth Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   12.8247300  9.8548860 = 13013.58
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   12.8247300  7.9510690 = 16129.57
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   12.8247300  5.8518080 = 21915.84
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   12.8247300  5.9853570 = 21426.84
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   12.8247300  5.5843640 = 22965.43

11/ 8/85 - 12/31/97      10000   12.8247300  4.8780780 = 26290.54

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.301358    1         -1         = 30.14%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.612957    2         -1         = 27.00%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   2.191584    3         -1         = 29.89%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   2.142684    4         -1         = 20.99%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   2.296543    5         -1         = 18.09%

11/08/85 - 12/31/97   2.629054    6.150685  -1         = 17.02%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
World Governments Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   10.0247080 10.2410120 =  9788.79
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   10.0247080  9.9026160 = 10123.29
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   10.0247080  8.6607360 = 11574.89
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   10.0247080  9.1718260 = 10929.89
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   10.0247080  7.8044980 = 12844.78
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
 5/16/88 - 12/31/97      10000   10.0247080  5.4848200 = 18277.19

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   0.978879    1         -1         = -2.11%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.012329    2         -1         =  0.61%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.157489    3         -1         =  5.00%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.092989    4         -1         =  2.25%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   1.284478    5         -1         =  5.13%
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
 5/16/88 - 12/31/97   1.827719    9.632877  -1         =  6.46%

Managed Sectors Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9091300  9.6109900 = 12391.16
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9091300  8.2716200 = 14397.58
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9091300  6.3279300 = 18819.95
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9091300  6.5261500 = 18248.32
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9091300  6.3435800 = 18773.52
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
 5/27/88 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9091300  2.8415500 = 41910.68

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.239116    1         -1         = 23.91%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.439758    2         -1         = 19.99%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.881995    3         -1         = 23.46%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.824832    4         -1         = 16.23%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   1.877352    5         -1         = 13.43%
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
 5/27/88 - 12/31/97   4.191068    9.602740  -1         = 16.09%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
Total Return Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9123250  9.9034470 = 12028.46
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9123250  8.7886253 = 13554.25
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9123250  7.0141095 = 16983.37
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9123250  7.2589712 = 16410.49
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9123250  6.4757345 = 18395.33
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
 5/16/88 - 12/31/97      10000   11.9123250  4.0529499 = 29391.74

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.202846    1         -1         = 20.28%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.355425    2         -1         = 16.42%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.698337    3         -1         = 19.31%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.641049    4         -1         = 13.18%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   1.839533    5         -1         = 12.96%
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
 5/16/88 - 12/31/97   2.939174    9.632877  -1         = 11.84%

Utilities Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   12.7649050  9.7505040 = 13091.53
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   12.7649050  8.1960080 = 15574.54
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   12.7649050  6.2613860 = 20386.71
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10001   12.7649050  6.6372300 = 19234.20
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
11/16/93 - 12/31/97      10000   12.7649050  6.6611570 = 19163.19

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.309153    1         -1         = 30.92%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.557454    2         -1         = 24.80%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   2.038671    3         -1         = 26.80%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.923228    4         -1         = 17.76%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
11/16/93 - 12/31/97   1.916319    4.126027  -1         = 17.07%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
World Growth Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   11.3724990 10.0000000 = 11372.50
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   11.3724990  8.9452020 = 12713.52
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   11.3724990  7.8005070 = 14579.18
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10001   11.3724990  7.6661610 = 14836.16
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
11/16/93 - 12/31/97      10000   11.3724990  7.2159390 = 15760.25

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.137250    1         -1         = 13.72%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.271352    2         -1         = 12.75%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.457918    3         -1         = 13.39%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1,483467    4         -1         = 10.36%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
11/16/93 - 12/31/97   1.576025    4.126027  -1         = 11.66%

World Asset Allocation Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   10.9812250 10.0430380 = 10934.17
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   10.9812250  8.7609410 = 12534.30
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10001   10.9812250  7.2857890 = 15073.62
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
11/07/94 - 12/31/97      10000   10.9812250  7.2565440 = 15132.86

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.093417    1         -1         =  9.34%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.253430    2         -1         = 11.96%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.507212    3         -1         = 14.65%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
11/07/94 - 12/31/97   1.513286    3.150685  -1         = 14.05%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
World Total Return Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   11.1546320  9.9255820 = 11238.26
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   11.1546320  8.7869790 = 12694.50
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10001   11.1546320  7.5376740 = 14799.99
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
11/07/94 - 12/31/97      10000   11.1546320  7.5202850 = 14832.73

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.123826    1         -1         = 12.38%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.269450    2         -1         = 12.67%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.479851    3         -1         = 13.96%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
11/07/94 - 12/31/97   1.483273    3.150685  -1         = 13.33%

Research Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   11.7136310  9.8296030 = 11916.69
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   11.7136310  8.0322103 = 14583.32
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10001   11.7136310  5.9115837 = 19816.69
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
11/07/94 - 12/31/97      10000   11.7136310  5.9924788 = 19547.22

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.191669    1         -1         = 19.17%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.458332    2         -1         = 20.76%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.981471    3         -1         = 25.60%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
11/07/94 - 12/31/97   1.954722    3.150685  -1         = 23.71%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
Money Market Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   10.3869460 10.0239220 = 10362.16
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   10.3869460  9.6655030 = 10746.41
12/31/94 - 12/31/97      10000   10.3869460  9.2711700 = 11203.49
12/31/93 - 12/31/97      10000   10.3869460  9.0430220 = 11486.14
12/31/92 - 12/31/97      10000   10.3869460  8.9128170 = 11653.94
12/31/87 - 12/31/97      10000   10.3869460  6.8591200 = 15143.26
 8/29/85 - 12/31/97      10000   10.3869460  6.1575900 = 16868.52

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.036216    1         -1         = 3.62%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.074641    2         -1         = 3.66%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   1.120349    3         -1         = 3.86%
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   1.148614    4         -1         = 3.52%
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   1.165394    5         -1         = 3.11%
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   1.514326   10         -1         = 4.24%
 8/13/85 - 12/31/97   1.686852   12.347945  -1         = 4.33%

MFS/F&C International Growth & Income Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000   10.5716110 10.0632675 = 10505.15
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000   10.5716110  9.7055553 = 10892.33
12/31/94 - 12/31/97
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
10/02/95 - 12/31/97      10000   10.5716110  9.6092799 = 11001.46

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.050515    1         -1         = 5.05%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.089233    2         -1         = 4.37%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97   
12/31/93 - 12/31/97   
12/31/92 - 12/31/97   
12/31/87 - 12/31/97   
10/02/95 - 12/31/97   1.100146    2.249315  -1         = 4.33%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
MFS/F&C International Growth Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000  9.7271460   10.0269640 = 9700.99
12/31/95 - 12/31/97
12/31/94 - 12/31/97
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
 6/03/85 - 12/31/97      10000  9.7271460   10.2728569 = 9468.78

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   0.970099   1           -1         = -2.99%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97              2           -1
12/31/94 - 12/31/97              3           -1
12/31/93 - 12/31/97              4           -1
12/31/92 - 12/31/97              5           -1
12/31/87 - 12/31/97             10           -1
 6/03/85 - 12/31/97   0.946878   1.578082    -1         = -3.40%

MFS/F&C Emerging Markets Equity Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000  11.3376660   10.4127490 = 10888.25
12/31/95 - 12/31/97
12/31/94 - 12/31/97
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
 6/05/85 - 12/31/97      10000  11.3376660   10.4829800 = 10815.31

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.088825   1           -1         = 8.88%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97              2           -1
12/31/94 - 12/31/97              3           -1
12/31/93 - 12/31/97              4           -1
12/31/92 - 12/31/97              5           -1
12/31/87 - 12/31/97             10           -1
 6/05/85 - 12/31/97   1.081531   1.572603    -1         = 5.11%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                   <C>        <C>
Value Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000  12.7131810   10.1033900 = 12583.08
12/31/95 - 12/31/97
12/31/94 - 12/31/97
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
 6/03/85 - 12/31/97      10000  12.7131810    9.2381382 = 13761.63

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.258308   1           -1         = 25.83%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97              2           -1
12/31/94 - 12/31/97              3           -1
12/31/93 - 12/31/97              4           -1
12/31/92 - 12/31/97              5           -1
12/31/87 - 12/31/97             10
 6/03/85 - 12/31/97   1.376163   1.578082    -1         = 22.43%

Emerging Growth Series

12/31/96 - 12/31/97      10000  11.5023190    9.5643510 = 12026.24
12/31/95 - 12/31/97      10000  11.5023190    8.2632991 = 13919.77
12/31/94 - 12/31/97
12/31/93 - 12/31/97
12/31/92 - 12/31/97
12/31/87 - 12/31/97
 9/28/85 - 12/31/97      10000  11.5023190    6.5710269 = 17504.60

12/31/96 - 12/31/97   1.202624   1           -1         = 20.26%
12/31/95 - 12/31/97   1.391977   2           -1         = 17.98%
12/31/94 - 12/31/97              3           -1
12/31/93 - 12/31/97              4           -1
12/31/92 - 12/31/97              5           -1
12/31/87 - 12/31/97             10           -1
 9/28/85 - 12/31/97   1.750460   2.260274    -1         = 28.11%
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

MFS Regatta Classic   SEC returns - 1 year        97  accumulated

          initial    12/31/97    12/31/96               value                    less                   ending         %
          amount    unit value  unit value    fee     less fees    free amt    free amt       cdsc      value        Change
          -------   ----------  ----------    ----    ---------    --------    --------       ----     -------       ------
<S>       <C>       <C>         <C>           <C>     <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>      <C>           <C>   
  FCG     1000.00   10.5716110  10.0632675    0.98     1049.53        0         1049.53       0.00     1049.53        4.95%
  EGS     1000.00   11.5023190   9.5643510    4.92     1197.70        0         1197.70       0.00     1197.70       19.77%
  RES     1000.00   11.7136310   9.8296030    7.47     1184.20        0         1184.20       0.00     1184.20       18.42%
  WTR     1000.00   11.1546320   9.9255820    0.54     1123.29        0         1123.29       0.00     1123.29       12.33%
  WAA     1000.00   10.9812250  10.0430380    0.94     1092.48        0         1092.48       0.00     1092.48        9.25%
  MMS     1000.00   10.3869460  10.0239220    1.86     1034.36        0         1034.36       0.00     1034.36        3.44%
  HYS     1000.00   11.2664540  10.0910420    2.28     1114.20        0         1114.20       0.00     1114.20       11.42%
  CAS     1000.00   11.9926030   9.8765190    3.83     1210.42        0         1210.42       0.00     1210.42       21.04%
  UTS     1000.00   12.7649050   9.7505040    1.42     1307.73        0         1307.73       0.00     1307.73       30.77%
  WGS     1000.00   10.0247080  10.2410120    0.42      978.46        0          978.46       0.00      978.46       (2.15%)
  MSS     1000.00   11.9091300   9.6109900    1.88     1237.24        0         1237.24       0.00     1237.24       23.72%
  TRS     1000.00   11.9123250   9.9034470    7.08     1195.77        0         1195.77       0.00     1195.77       19.58%
  GSS     1000.00   10.6850420   9.9630920    1.15     1071.31        0         1071.31       0.00     1071.31        7.13%
  CGS     1000.00   12.8247300   9.8548860    6.32     1295.04        0         1295.04       0.00     1295.04       29.50%
  WGR     1000.00   11.3724990  10.0000000    1.47     1135.78        0         1135.78       0.00     1135.78       13.58%
  FCI     1000.00    9.7271460  10.0269640    1.09      969.01        0          969.01       0.00      969.01       (3.10%)
  FCE     1000.00   11.3376660  10.4127490    1.42     1087.41        0         1087.41       0.00     1087.41        8.74%
  VAL     1000.00   12.7131810  10.1033900    2.43     1255.88        0         1255.88       0.00     1255.88       25.59%
  RGS     1000.00   10.7281460  10.0000000    0.13     1072.68        0         1072.68       0.00     1072.68          ---

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

MFS Regatta Classic 5-Year SEC through 12/31/97

Money Market
<S>         <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
  1000.00   10.3869460     8.91281700    1165.3943     92
   2.50     10.3869460     9.04302200       2.8715     93
   2.50     10.3869460     9.27117000       2.8009     94
   2.50     10.3869460     9.66550300       2.6866     95
   2.50     10.3869460    10.02392200       2.5905     96
   1.86     10.3869460    10.38694600       1.8600     97
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      1152.58
                            free amt:         0.00
                       less free amt:      1152.58
                                cdsc:         0.00
                        ending value:      1152.58     2.88%

<CAPTION>

High Yield
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
  1000.00   11.2664540     6.99575800    1610.4694  < - 12/31/92
   1.88     11.2664540     8.14261100       2.6012  < - 12/31/93
   1.88     11.2664540     7.87040300       2.6912  < - 12/31/94
   1.88     11.2664540     9.10665900       2.3259  < - 12/31/95
   1.88     11.2664540    10.09104200       2.0990  < - 12/31/96
   2.28     11.2664540    11.26645400       2.2800  < - 12/31/97
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      1598.47
                            free amt:         0.00
                       less free amt:      1598.47
                                cdsc:         0.00
                        ending value:      1598.47     9.84%

<CAPTION>

Capital Appreciation
<S>         <C>            <C>           <C>        <C>
  1000.00   11.9926030     5.56502900    2154.9938  < - 12/31/92 
   1.25     11.9926030     6.49197600       2.3091  < - 12/31/93 
   1.25     11.9926030     6.18719200       2.4229  < - 12/31/94 
   1.25     11.9926030     8.22504900       1.8226  < - 12/31/95 
   1.25     11.9926030     9.87651900       1.5178  < - 12/31/96 
   3.83     11.9926030    11.99260300       3.8300  < - 12/31/97 
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      2143.09 
                            free amt:            0 
                       less free amt:      2143.09 
                                cdsc:         0.00 
                        ending value:      2143.09     16.47%
     
<CAPTION>

Managed Sectors
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
  1000.00   11.9091300     6.34358000    1877.3516  < - 12/31/92
   0.00     11.9091300     6.52615000       0.0000  < - 12/31/93
   0.00     11.9091300     6.32793000       0.0000  < - 12/31/94
   0.00     11.9091300     8.27162000       0.0000  < - 12/31/95
   0.00     11.9091300     9.61099000       0.0000  < - 12/31/96
   1.88     11.9091300    11.90913000       1.8800  < - 12/31/97
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      1875.47
                            free amt:         0.00
                       less free amt:      1875.47
                                cdsc:         0.00
                        ending value:      1875.47     13.40%
     
<CAPTION>

Total Return
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
  1000.00   11.91232500    6.47573400    1839.5328  < - 12/31/92
   10.63    11.91232500    7.25897100      17.4443  < - 12/31/93
   10.63    11.91232500    7.01411000      18.0533  < - 12/31/94
   10.63    11.91232500    8.78862500      14.4082  < - 12/31/95
   10.63    11.91232500    9.90344700      12.7863  < - 12/31/96
    7.08    11.91232500   11.91232500       7.0800  < - 12/31/97
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      1769.76
                            free amt:         0.00
                       less free amt:      1769.76
                                cdsc:         0.00
                        ending value:      1769.76    12.09%
     
<CAPTION>

Government Securities
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
  1000.00   10.68504200    8.20541000    1302.1948  < - 12/31/92
   2.50     10.68504200    8.81700100       3.0297  < - 12/31/93
   2.50     10.68504200    8.52865100       3.1321  < - 12/31/94
   2.50     10.68504200    9.91960300       2.6929  < - 12/31/95
   2.50     10.68504200    9.96309200       2.6812  < - 12/31/96
   1.15     10.68504200   10.68504200       1.1500  < - 12/31/97
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      1289.51 
                            free amt:            0 
                       less free amt:      1289.51 
                                cdsc:         0.00 
                        ending value:      1289.51    5.22%
     
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

World Governments
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
  1000.00   10.0247080     7.80449800    1284.4783  < - 12/31/92 
   0.00     10.0247080     9.17182600       0.0000  < - 12/31/93 
   0.00     10.0247080     8.66073600       0.0000  < - 12/31/94 
   0.00     10.0247080     9.90261600       0.0000  < - 12/31/95 
   0.00     10.0247080    10.24101200       0.0000  < - 12/31/96 
   0.42     10.0247080    10.02470800       0.4200  < - 12/31/97 
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      1284.06 
                            free amt:            0 
                       less free amt:      1284.06 
                                cdsc:         0.00 
                        ending value:      1284.06    5.13%
     
<CAPTION>

Conservative Growth            
<S>         <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>
  1000.00   12.82473000    5.58436400    2296.5426  < - 12/31/92
   2.50     12.82473000    5.98535700       5.3567  < - 12/31/93
   2.50     12.82473000    5.85180800       5.4790  < - 12/31/94
   2.50     12.82473000    7.95106900       4.0324  < - 12/31/95
   2.50     12.82473000    9.85488600       3.2534  < - 12/31/96
   6.32     12.82473000   12.82473000       6.3200  < - 12/31/97
                                         ---------
         accumulated value less fees:      2272.10 
                            free amt:            0 
                       less free amt:      2272.10 
                                cdsc:         0.00 
                        ending value:      2272.10    17.84%
     
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     
         year         cdsc         free
   ------------------------------------
<S>      <C>          <C>          <C>
0          0          0.01          0
1          1          0             0
2          2          0             0
3          3          0             0
4          4          0             0
5          5          0             0
6          6          0             0
7          7          0             0
8          8          0             0
9          9          0             0
           10         0             0
   ------------------------------------

</TABLE>

    Guidelines:
     
    1) No 10% cumulative FWA
     
    2) If redemption amount less FWA is > initial investment, we use the initial
       investment amount to calculate CDSC
     
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

CLASSIC
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fees    1-5 Table   EGS     RES     WTR    WAA     MMS     HYS     CAS    UTS      WGS     MSS     TRS     GSS     CGS     WGR  
<S>     <C>         <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
           86        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --   
           87        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --   
           88        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --   
           89        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --   
           90        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --   
           91        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --   
           92        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --   
           93        --      --      --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25    0.00    0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50    1.88  
           94        --    11.25    0.00   1.25   2.50    1.88    1.25    0.00    0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50    1.88  
           95       7.50   11.25    0.00   1.25   2.50    1.88    1.25    0.00    0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50    1.88  
           96       7.50   11.25    0.00   1.25   2.50    1.88    1.25    0.00    0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50    1.88  
           97       4.92    7.47    0.54   0.94   1.86    2.28    3.83    1.42    0.42    1.88    7.08    1.15    6.32    1.47  

<CAPTION>

 IGI     IGS    FCE    VAL    RGS  
<S>      <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
  --      --     --     --     --  
 1.25     --     --     --     -- 
 1.25    1.25   1.25   2.50    -- 
 0.98    1.09   1.42   2.43   0.13 

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

<CAPTION>

                    EGS     RES     WTR    WAA      MMS    HYS     CAS     UTS       WGS     MSS     TRS     GSS     CGS    WGR   
<S>        <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
VLOOKUP: 1           2       3      4       5       6       7       8       9        10      11      12      13      14      15  
        6+ Table (Not applicable in Regatta Classic)    
           86        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --  
           87        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --  
           88        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --  
           89        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --  
           90        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --  
           91        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --
           92        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --
           93        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25      --     0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50     --  
           94        --      --       --     --    2.50    1.88    1.25     0.00    0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50    1.88 
           95       7.50    11.25    0.00   1.25   2.50    1.88    1.25     0.00    0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50    1.88 
           96       7.50    11.25    0.00   1.25   2.50    1.88    1.25     0.00    0.00    0.00   10.63    2.50    2.50    1.88 
           97       4.92     7.47    0.54   0.94   1.86    2.28    3.83     1.42    0.42    1.88    7.08    1.15    6.32    1.47 
                           
<CAPTION>

 IGI     IGS    FCE    VAL    RGS  
<S>      <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>
  16     17     18     19     20  

  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     -- 
  --     --     --     --     --
 1.25    --     --     --     --
 1.25   1.25   1.25   2.50    --
 0.98   1.09   1.42   2.43   0.13

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Annuity SEC Returns through December 31, 1997

MFS Regatta Classic     1-Year       5-Year      10-Year      Life
<S>                     <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
  MSS                   23.72%       13.40%          --      16.08%     (5/27/88)
  WGR                   13.58%          --           --      11.48%    (11/16/93)
  EGS                   19.77%          --           --      27.51%      (5/1/95)
  CAS                   21.04%       16.47%       16.51%        --
  HYS                   11.42%        9.84%        9.52%        --
  RES                   18.42%          --           --      22.79%     (11/7/94)
  CGS                   29.50%       17.84%          --      16.75%     (11/8/91)
  WTR                   12.33%          --           --      13.30%     (11/7/94)
  UTS                   30.77%          --           --      17.03%    (11/16/93)
  TRS                   19.58%       12.09%          --      11.12%     (5/16/88)
  WGS                   (2.15%)       5.13%          --       6.46%     (5/16/88)
  WAA                    9.25%          --           --      13.94%     (11/7/94)
  GSS                    7.13%        5.22%        7.06%        --
  MMS                    3.44%        2.88%        4.04%        --
  FCG                    4.95%          --           --       4.19%     (10/2/95)
IGI/FCI                 (3.10%)         --           --      (3.54%)     (6/3/96)
  FCE                    8.74%          --           --       4.95%      (6/5/96)
  VAL                   25.59%          --           --      22.17%      (6/3/96)
  RGS                       --          --           --       8.56%*    (5/12/97)

*Cumulative return

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                         
MFS Regatta Classic        Life SEC thru: 12/31/97

Money Market                   12/31/87
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    10.3869460     6.85912000    1514.3263    12/31/87
    2.50     10.3869460     7.26516800       3.5742    12/31/88
    2.50     10.3869460     7.82265800       3.3195    12/31/89
    2.50     10.3869460     8.34059000       3.1134    12/31/90
    2.50     10.3869460     8.72416500       2.9765    12/31/91
    2.50     10.3869460     8.91281700       2.9135    12/31/92
    2.50     10.3869460     9.04302200       2.8715    12/31/93
    2.50     10.3869460     9.27117000       2.8009    12/31/94
    2.50     10.3869460     9.66550300       2.6866    12/31/95
    2.50     10.3869460    10.02392200       2.5905    12/31/96
    1.86     10.3869460    10.38694600       1.8600    12/31/97
                                           --------
          accumulated value less fees:      1485.62
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      1485.62
     10         cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     10           0%     ending value:      1485.62    4.04%

<CAPTION>

High Yield Series              12/31/87
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    11.2664540     4.47952200    2515.1018    12/31/87 
    1.88     11.2664540     5.08863100       4.1624    12/31/88 
    1.88     11.2664540     4.98349900       4.2502    12/31/89 
    1.88     11.2664540     4.21895100       5.0204    12/31/90 
    1.88     11.2664540     6.15562000       3.4409    12/31/91 
    1.88     11.2664540     6.99575800       3.0277    12/31/92 
    1.88     11.2664540     8.14261100       2.6012    12/31/93 
    1.88     11.2664540     7.87040300       2.6912    12/31/94 
    1.88     11.2664540     9.10665900       2.3259    12/31/95 
    1.88     11.2664540    10.09104200       2.0990    12/31/96 
    2.28     11.2664540    11.26645400       2.2800    12/31/97 
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      2483.20
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      2483.20
     10         cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     10           0%     ending value:      2483.20     9.52%

<CAPTION>

Conservative Growth            11/8/91
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
   1000      12.8247300      4.87807800   2629.0539     11/8/91
   2.50      12.8247300      5.51873800      5.8096    11/30/92
   2.50      12.8247300      5.92466000      5.4116    11/30/93
   2.50      12.8247300      5.79445800      5.5332    11/30/94
   2.50      12.8247300      7.79365700      4.1138    11/30/95
   2.50      12.8247300     10.00000000      3.2062    11/30/96
   6.32      12.8247300     12.59100400      6.4373    11/30/97
   6.32      12.8247300     12.82473000      6.3200    12/31/97
                                          ---------
         accumulated value less fees:       2592.22
                            free amt:          0.00
   Yrs:                less free amt:       2592.22
 6.1506849     cdsc %           cdsc:          0.00
    7            0%     ending value:       2592.22     16.75%

<CAPTION>
       
World Governments Series 5/16/88           3/8/88
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    10.0247080     5.48482000    1827.7187     5/16/88
    0.00     10.0247080     5.68675100       0.0000     5/31/89
    0.00     10.0247080     6.17277000       0.0000     5/31/90
    0.00     10.0247080     6.79259300       0.0000     5/31/91
    0.00     10.0247080     7.77684000       0.0000     5/31/92
    0.00     10.0247080     8.36979900       0.0000     5/31/93
    0.00     10.0247080     8.32730100       0.0000     5/31/94
    0.00     10.0247080     9.64556100       0.0000     5/31/95
    0.00     10.0247080     9.74674900       0.0000     5/31/96
    0.42     10.0247080     9.84793700       0.4275     5/31/97
    0.42     10.0247080    10.02470800       0.4200    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1826.87
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      1826.87
 9.6328767      cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     10           0%     ending value:      1826.87    6.46%

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Government Securities Series   12/31/87
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    10.6850420     5.31387800    2010.7805    12/31/87
    2.50     10.6850420     5.65251500       4.7258    12/31/88
    2.50     10.6850420     6.30587700       4.2361    12/31/89
    2.50     10.6850420     6.78701100       3.9358    12/31/90
    2.50     10.6850420     7.77158700       3.4372    12/31/91
    2.50     10.6850420     8.20541000       3.2555    12/31/92
    2.50     10.6850420     8.81700100       3.0297    12/31/93
    2.50     10.6850420     8.52865100       3.1321    12/31/94
    2.50     10.6850420     9.91960300       2.6929    12/31/95
    2.50     10.6850420     9.96309200       2.6812    12/31/96
    1.15     10.6850420    10.68504200       1.1500    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1978.50
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      1978.50
     10         cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     10           0%     ending value:      1978.50    7.06%
       

<CAPTION>

Total Return Series       5/16/88
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    11.9123250      4.05294990   2939.1740     5/16/88
   10.63     11.9123250      4.66184820     27.1626     5/31/89
   10.63     11.9123250      5.02779222     25.1856     5/31/90
   10.63     11.9123250      5.56573881     22.7513     5/31/91
   10.63     11.9123250      6.15717347     20.5659     5/31/92
   10.63     11.9123250      6.95098351     18.2173     5/31/93
   10.63     11.9123250      7.06575935     17.9214     5/31/94
   10.63     11.9123250      7.89824899     16.0324     5/31/95
   10.63     11.9123250      9.10373719     13.9095     5/31/96
    7.08     11.9123250     10.30922539      8.1810     5/31/97
    7.08     11.9123250     11.91232500      7.0800    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      2762.17
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      2762.17
 9.6328767      cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     10           0%     ending value:      2762.17     11.12%

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Capital Appreciation Series    12/31/87
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    11.9926030     2.58439900    4640.3837    12/31/87
    1.25     11.9926030     2.73655800       5.4780    12/31/88
    1.25     11.9926030     3.98216700       3.7645    12/31/89
    1.25     11.9926030     3.55602300       4.2156    12/31/90
    1.25     11.9926030     4.95375900       3.0261    12/31/91
    1.25     11.9926030     5.56502900       2.6937    12/31/92
    1.25     11.9926030     6.49197600       2.3091    12/31/93
    1.25     11.9926030     6.18719200       2.4229    12/31/94
    1.25     11.9926030     8.22504900       1.8226    12/31/95
    1.25     11.9926030     9.87651900       1.5178    12/31/96
    3.83     11.9926030    11.99260300       3.8300    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      4609.30
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      4609.30
     10         cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     10           0%     ending value:      4609.30    16.51%

       
       
<CAPTION>

Managed Sectors Series        5/27/88
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    11.9091300     2.84111000    4191.7173     5/27/88
   0.00      11.9091300     3.82045000       0.0000     5/31/89
   0.00      11.9091300     4.23895000       0.0000     5/31/90
   0.00      11.9091300     4.68393000       0.0000     5/31/91
   0.00      11.9091300     5.46870000       0.0000     5/31/92
   0.00      11.9091300     6.12550000       0.0000     5/31/93
   0.00      11.9091300     6.29091000       0.0000     5/31/94
   0.00      11.9091300     7.44931000       0.0000     5/31/95
   0.00      11.9091300     9.22008000       0.0000     5/31/96
   1.88      11.9091300    10.99085000       2.0371     5/31/97
   1.88      11.9091300    11.90913000       1.8800    12/31/97
                                          ---------
         accumulated value less fees:       4187.80
                            free amt:          0.00
    Yrs:               less free amt:       4187.80
 9.6027397      cdsc %          cdsc:          0.00
     10           0%    ending value:       4187.80     16.08%

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

MFS Regatta Classic   Life SEC through: 12/31/97

World Growth Series         11/16/93
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    11.3724990     7.21593900    1576.0248    11/16/93
    1.88     11.3724990     7.91871900       2.7000    11/30/94
    1.88     11.3724990     8.71394000       2.4536    11/30/95
    1.88     11.3724990    10.08065500       2.1209    11/30/96
    1.47     11.3724990    11.25387600       1.4855    11/30/97
    1.47     11.3724990    11.37249900       1.4700    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1565.79
                             free amt:         0.00
   Yrs:                 less free amt:      1565.79
4.1260274        cdsc %          cdsc:         0.00
     5            0%     ending value:      1565.79    11.48%

<CAPTION>

Research Series        11/7/94
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    11.7136310     5.99247882    1954.7221     11/7/94 
   11.25     11.7136310     7.83633535      16.8163    11/30/95 
   11.25     11.7136310     9.99716000      13.1816    11/30/96 
    7.47     11.7136310    11.66005700       7.5043    11/30/97 
    7.47     11.7136310    11.71363100       7.4700    12/31/97 
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1909.75
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      1909.75
 3.1506849      cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     4           0%      ending value:      1909.75    22.79%

<CAPTION>

Utilities Series       11/16/93
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    12.7649050     6.66115700    1916.3195    11/16/93
    0.00     12.7649050     6.15306100       0.0000    11/30/94
    0.00     12.7649050     7.87001700       0.0000    11/30/95
    0.00     12.7649050     9.51494700       0.0000    11/30/96
    1.42     12.7649050    12.04849200       1.5044    11/30/97
    1.42     12.7649050    12.76490500       1.4200    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1913.40
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      1913.40
 4.1260274     cdsc %            cdsc:         0.00
     5           0%      ending value:      1913.40     17.03%

<CAPTION>

World Asset Allocation        11/7/94
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    10.9812250     7.25654400    1513.2858     11/7/94
    1.25     10.9812250     8.52283500       1.6106    11/30/95
    1.25     10.9812250    10.00000000       1.3727    11/30/96
    0.94     10.9812250    10.88540700       0.9483    11/30/97
    0.94     10.9812250    10.98122500       0.9400    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1508.41
                             free amt:         0.00
     Yrs:               less free amt:      1508.41
 3.1506849     cdsc %            cdsc:         0.00
      4         0%       ending value:      1508.41     13.94%

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Emerging Growth        9/28/95
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00     11.5023190     6.57102693    1750.4599     9/28/95
    7.50      11.5023190     9.72964593       8.8664     9/30/96
    4.92      11.5023190    11.88894000       4.7600     9/30/97
    4.92      11.5023190    11.50231900       4.9200    12/31/97
                                           ---------
           accumulated value less fees:      1731.91
                              free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                 less free amt:      1731.91
 2.260274       cdsc %            cdsc:         0.00
     3            0%      ending value:      1731.91     27.51%
       
<CAPTION>

F&C Growth & Income   10/2/95
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    10.5716110     9.60927987    1100.1460     10/2/95 
    1.25     10.5716110     9.90625338       1.3340    10/31/96 
    0.98     10.5716110    10.37966200       0.9981    10/31/97 
    0.98     10.5716110    10.57161100       0.9800    12/31/97 
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1096.83
                             free amt:         0.00
   Yrs:                 less free amt:      1096.83
 2.2493151     cdsc %            cdsc:         0.00
    3            0%      ending value:      1096.83     4.19%


<CAPTION>

World Total Return        11/7/94
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    11.1546320     7.52028500    1483.2725     11/7/94
    0.00     11.1546320     8.60187300       0.0000    11/30/95
    0.00     11.1546320     9.94812000       0.0000    11/30/96
    0.54     11.1546320    11.02343600       0.5464    11/30/97
    0.54     11.1546320    11.15463200       0.5400    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1482.19
                             free amt:         0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      1482.19
 3.1506849      cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
     4            0%     ending value:      1482.19     13.30%

<CAPTION>

F&C Growth          6/3/96
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>
  1000.00    9.7271460      10.27285686   946.8784      6/3/96
    1.09     9.7271460       10.3418220     1.0252     6/30/97
    1.09     9.7271460        9.7271460     1.0900    12/31/97
                                          --------
          accumulated value less fees:      944.76
                             free amt:        0.00
    Yrs:                less free amt:      944.76
 1.5780822      cdsc %           cdsc:        0.00
     1           0%      ending value:      944.76     -3.54%

</TABLE>

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       
F&C Emerging Markets Equity    6/5/96
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00   11.3376660    10.48298268     1081.5305      6/5/96
   1.42      9.7271460     12.6125680        1.0951     6/30/97
   1.42     11.3376660     11.3376660        1.4200    12/31/97
                                          ---------
         accumulated value less fees:       1079.02
                            free amt:          0.00
   Yrs:                less free amt:       1079.02
 1.5726027      cdsc %          cdsc:          0.00
     1           0%     ending value:       1079.02    4.95%

<CAPTION>

Value         6/3/96
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00    12.7131810     9.23813806    1376.1627      6/3/96
    2.43      9.7271460     11.2807970       2.0953     6/30/97
    2.43     12.7131810     12.7131810       2.4300    12/31/97
                                          ---------
          accumulated value less fees:      1371.64
                             free amt:         0.00
   Yrs:                 less free amt:      1371.64
 1.5780822      cdsc %           cdsc:         0.00
    1            0%      ending value:      1371.64     22.17%
       
<CAPTION>
       
Research Growth & Income      5/12/97
<S>          <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
  1000.00   10.7281460     9.79128057     1095.6836     5/12/97
   0.13     10.7281460     10.7281460        0.1300    12/31/97
                                          ---------
         accumulated value less fees:       1095.55
                            free amt:          0.00
   Yrs:                less free amt:       1095.55
 0.6383562      cdsc %          cdsc:         10.00
     0            1%    ending value:        1085.55   8.56%  < ---Change formula
when return is > 1 year If adding a line, remember to update formula for 
"Accumulated Value less fees"

</TABLE>



<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Richard B. Bailey, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that M. Colyer Crum, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that John S. Lane, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Angus A. MacNaughton, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that John D. McNeil, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that C. James Prieur, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that S. Caesar Raboy, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Donald A. Stewart, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

<PAGE>


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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that Robert P. Vrolyk, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998

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

                             POWER OF ATTORNEY

   KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that David D. Horn, whose signature 
appears below, constitutes and appoints Margaret E. Hankard, Margaret Sears 
Mead and David N. Brown, and each of them, his attorneys-in-fact, each with
the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign a 
Registration Statement on Form N-4 of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.) Variable 
Account F (Reg. No. 333-05227), and any amendments thereto, and to file the 
same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming 
all that each of said attorneys-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may 
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


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


March 13, 1998
    


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