<PAGE>
1933 Act Registration No.33-77470
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-6
FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OF
SECURITIES OF UNIT INVESTMENT TRUSTS REGISTERED ON FORM
N-8B-2
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 3
SEPARATE ACCOUNT VUL-2
of
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact Name of Trust)
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE ROSS D. FRIEND., ESQ.
INSURANCE COMPANY Senior Vice President,
(Name of Depositor) Secretary and General Counsel
#1 Franklin Square THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE
Springfield, Illinois 62713 INSURANCE COMPANY
(Address of Depositor's #1 Franklin Square
Principal Executive Offices) Springfield, Illinois 62713
(Name and Address of Agent for
Service)
Insurance Company's Telephone Number,
including Area Code: (800) 528-2011
Copy to:
STEPHEN E. ROTH, ESQ.
SUTHERLAND, ASBILL & BRENNAN, L.L.P.
1275 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004
Securities Being Registered: Units of Interest in Separate Account VUL-2
issued under EquiBuilder III flexible premium variable life policies.
Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, Registrant has
elected to register an indefinite number units of interest in Separate Account
VUL-2 under EquiBuilder III flexible premium variable life insurance policies.
Registrant will file a Form 24F-2 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
by February 28, 1997.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
(check appropriate box)
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / on April 30, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (i)
/X/ on April 30, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (a) (i) of Rule 485
/ / this post-effective amendment designates a new effective
date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
SEPARATE ACCOUNT VUL-2 OF
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3
Reconciliation and Tie
----------------------
Registration Item
of Form N-8B-2 Location in Prospectus
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1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover Page.
2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover Page.
3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution of the Policies.
5, 6, 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Separate Account and Its
Investment Divisions.
8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Index to Financial Statements.
9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Legal Proceedings.
10(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Beneficiary; Assignment of a
Policy.
10(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy Account Value - Determination
of the Unit Value; Dividends.
10(c), 10(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Death Benefits, - Maturity
Benefit, - Changing the Face Amount of
Insurance; Separate Account Investment
Choices - Right to Change Operations;
Deductions and Charges - Surrender
Charge, - Other Transaction Charges, -
Allocation of Policy Account Charges;
Policy Account Transactions - Changing
Premium and Deduction Allocation
Percentages, - Transfers of Policy
Account Value Among Investment
Divisions, - Borrowing from the Policy
Account, - Withdrawing Money from the
Policy Account, - Surrendering the
Policy for Its Net Cash Surrender
Value; Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Right To
Examine the Policy; Payment of
Proceeds; The Guaranteed Interest
Division - Transfers from the
Guaranteed Interest Division.
10(e). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Lapse of
the Policy, - Reinstatement of the
Policy.
10(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Funds, - Right to Change
Operations; Voting Rights of a Policy
Owner.
10(g)(1), 10(g)(2), 10(h)(1), 10(h)(2) Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Funds, - Right to Change
Operations; Deductions and Charges -
Charges Against the Policy Account -
Changes in Monthly Charges; Voting
Rights of a Policy Owner.
10(g)(3), 10(g)(4), 10(h)(3), 10(h)(4) Inapplicable.
10(i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Changes in EquiBuilder III
Policies, - Flexible Premium Payments,
- Additional Benefits; Separate
Account Investment Choices; Policy
Account Value; Tax Effects; Payment
Options; Payment of Proceeds.
<PAGE>
Registration Item
of Form N-8B-2 Location in Prospectus
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11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Funds, - Investment Policies of
the Portfolios of the Funds, -
Ownership of the Assets of the
Separate Account.
12(a), 12(c), 12(d). . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Funds.
12(b), 12(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
13(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary - Investment Choices of
EquiBuilder III Policies, - Deductions
and Charges; Separate Account
Investment Choices - The Investment
Manager of the Funds; Deductions and
Charges.
13(b), 13(c), 13(d), 13(e), 13(g). . . Inapplicable.
13(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution of the Policies.
14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Policy Issuance
Information; Limitations on American
Franklin's Rights to Challenge a
Policy; Distribution of the Policies -
Applications.
15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Flexible Premium Payments;
Separate Account Investment Choices
(Introduction); Deductions and Charges
- Deductions from Premiums; Policy
Account Transactions - Changing
Premium and Deduction Allocation
Percentages.
16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
(Introduction), - The Separate Account
and Its Investment Divisions, - The
Funds; Policy Account Value - Amounts
in the Separate Account; Policy
Account Transactions - Changing
Premium and Deduction Allocation
Percentages, - Transfers of Policy
Account Value Among Investment
Divisions, - Loan Requests, - Repaying
the Loan; The Guaranteed Interest
Division - Transfers from the
Guaranteed Interest Division;
Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Policy
Periods, Anniversaries, Dates and
Ages.
17(a), 17(b), 17(c). . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Death Benefits, - Maturity
Benefit, - Changing the Face Amount of
Insurance, - Changes in EquiBuilder
III Policies, - Flexible Premium
Payments, - Additional Benefits;
Separate Account Investment Choices -
Right to Change Operations; Policy
Account Value; Policy Account
Transactions - Changing Premium and
Deduction Allocation Percentages, -
Transfers of Policy Account Value
Among Investment Divisions, -
Borrowing from the Policy Account, -
Withdrawing Money from the Policy
Account, - Surrendering the Policy for
Its Net Cash Surrender Value; The
Guaranteed Interest Division -
Transfers from the Guaranteed Interest
Division; Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Right To
Examine the Policy, - Lapse of Policy,
- Reinstatement of the Policy; Tax
Effects; Payment Options; Payment of
Proceeds.
18(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy Account Value - Determination
of the Unit Value.
18(b), 18(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
<PAGE>
Registration Item
of Form N-8B-2 Location in Prospectus
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18(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary - Investment Choices of
EquiBuilder III Policies, - Deductions
and Charges; Separate Account
Investment Choices - Ownership of the
Assets of the Separate Account;
Deductions and Charges - Charges
Against the Separate Account - Tax
Reserve; The Guaranteed Interest
Division (Introduction); Tax Effects.
19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reports to Policy Owners; Distribution
of the Policies; Voting Rights of a
Policy Owner.
20(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Funds, - Right to Change
Operations; Deductions and Charges -
Charges Against the Policy Account -
Changes in Monthly Charges; Voting
Rights of a Policy Owner.
20(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Separate Account and Its
Investment Divisions.
20(c), 20(d), 20(e), 20(f) . . . . . . Inapplicable.
21(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy Account Transactions -
Borrowing from the Policy Account, -
Loan Requests, - Policy Loan Interest,
- When Interest is Due, - Repaying the
Loan, - The Effects of a Policy Loan
on the Policy Account; Tax Effects -
Policy Proceeds.
21(b), 21(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limits on American Franklin's Right To
Challenge a Policy.
23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies; Additional Information.
25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company.
26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company; Other Policies and Contracts.
28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company; Management.
29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company; Management.
30, 31, 32, 33, 34 . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company; Distribution of the Policies.
36, 37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
38, 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution of the Policies.
40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
41(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribution of the Policies.
<PAGE>
Registration Item
of Form N-8B-2 Location in Prospectus
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41(b), 41(c), 42, 43 . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
44(a)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Policy Account Value - Determination
of the Unit Value.
44(a)(2), 44(a)(3) . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Death Benefits, - Maturity
Benefit, - Changes in EquiBuilder III
Policies; Separate Account Investment
Choices - (Introduction), - The
Separate Account and Its Investment
Divisions, - The Funds, - Right to
Change Operations; Deductions and
Charges; Policy Account Value; Policy
Account Transactions - Changing
Premium and Deduction Allocation
Percentages, - Transfers of Policy
Account Value Among Investment
Divisions, - Borrowing from the Policy
Account, - Loan Requests, - Repaying
the Loan, - Withdrawing Money from the
Policy Account, - Surrendering the
Policy for Its Net Cash Surrender
Value; The Guaranteed Interest
Division - Transfers from the
Guaranteed Interest Division;
Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Right To
Examine the Policy, - Policy Periods,
Anniversaries, Dates and Ages; Payment
of Proceeds.
44(a)(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deductions and Charges - Charges
Against the Separate Account - Tax
Reserve; Tax Effects.
44(a)(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deductions And Charges - Deductions
From Premiums.
44(a)(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deductions And Charges - Deductions
From Premiums, - Charges Against the
Policy Account, - Charges Against the
Separate Account, - Surrender Charge;
Policy Account Value - Amounts In the
Separate Account, - Determination of
the Unit Value.
44(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Death Benefits, - Maturity
Benefit, - Changes in EquiBuilder III
Policies; Separate Account Investment
Choices (Introduction), - The Separate
Account and Its Investment Divisions,
- The Funds, - Right to Change
Operations; Deductions and Charges;
Policy Account Value; Policy Account
Transactions - Changing Premium and
Deduction Allocation Percentages, -
Transfers of Policy Account Value
Among Investment Divisions, -
Borrowing from the Policy Account, -
Loan Requests, - Repaying the Loan, -
Withdrawing Money from the Policy
Account, - Surrendering the Policy for
Its Net Cash Surrender Value; The
Guaranteed Interest Division -
Transfers from the Guaranteed Interest
Division; Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Right To
Examine the Policy, - Policy Periods,
Anniversaries, Dates and Ages; Tax
Effects; Payment of Proceeds.
44(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Death Benefits, - Maturity
Benefit, - Changes in EquiBuilder III
Policies, - Flexible Premium Payments;
Separate Account Investment Choices -
(Introduction), - The Separate Account
and Its Investment Divisions, - The
Funds; Deductions and Charges; Policy
Account Value; Policy Account
Transactions - Changing Premium and
Deduction Allocation Percentages, -
Transfers of Policy Account Value
Among Investment Divisions, -
Borrowing from the Policy
<PAGE>
Registration Item
of Form N-8B-2 Location in Prospectus
- -------------- ----------------------
Account, - Loan Requests, - Repaying
the Loan, - Withdrawing Money from the
Policy Account, - Surrendering the
Policy for Its Net Cash Surrender
Value; The Guaranteed Interest
Division - Transfers from the
Guaranteed Interest Division;
Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Right To
Examine the Policy, - Policy Periods,
Anniversaries, Dates and Ages; Tax
Effects; Payment of Proceeds.
45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
46(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies - Death Benefits, - Maturity
Benefit, - Changes in EquiBuilder III
Policies; Separate Account Investment
Choices - (Introduction), - The
Separate Account and Its Investment
Divisions, - the Funds, - Right to
Change Operations; Deductions and
Charges; Policy Account Value; Policy
Account Transactions - Changing
Premium and Deduction Allocation
Percentages, - Transfers of Policy
Account Value Among Investment
Divisions, - Borrowing from the Policy
Account, - Loan Requests, - Repaying
the Loan, - Withdrawing Money from the
Policy Account, - Surrendering the
Policy for Its Net Cash Surrender
Value; The Guaranteed Interest
Division - Transfers from the
Guaranteed Interest Division;
Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Right To
Examine the Policy, - Policy Periods,
Anniversaries, Dates and Ages; Tax
Effects; Payment of Proceeds.
46(b), 47, 48, 49, 50. . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
51(a) - (j). . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary; Detailed Information About
American Franklin and EquiBuilder III
Policies; Additional Information.
52(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Funds, - Right to Change
Operations.
52(b), 52(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inapplicable.
52(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Separate Account Investment Choices -
The Funds, - Right to Change
Operations; Deductions and Charges -
Charges Against the Policy Account -
Changes in Monthly Charges; Voting
Rights of a Policy Owner.
53(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax Effects; Payment Options;
Assignment of a Policy; Employee
Benefit Plans.
53(b), 54, 55, 56, 57, 58. . . . . . . Inapplicable.
59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
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Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy
EQUIBUILDER III-TM-
ISSUED BY
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Prospectus Dated April 30, 1997
Principal Office of both Funds located at:
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND AND
VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II
Prospectus Dated April 30, 1997
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.
EquiBuilder III is a trademark of The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
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<PAGE>
EquiBuilder III-TM-
Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance Policy
Issued by
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
This Prospectus describes EquiBuilder III, individual flexible premium
variable life insurance policies issued by The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company ("American Franklin"). EquiBuilder III policies provide life insurance
coverage with flexibility in death benefits, premium payments and investment
choices. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined on this cover page have the
meanings designated within this Prospectus. EquiBuilder III is a trademark of
American Franklin.
EquiBuilder III pays a death benefit to a beneficiary designated by the
Policy Owner when the Insured Person dies if the policy is still in effect. The
Policy Owner may choose Option A, a fixed death benefit that equals the Face
Amount of the policy, or Option B, a variable death benefit that equals the
Face Amount of the policy plus the value of the Policy Account established for
the policy as described in the next paragraph. Under either option, a death
benefit equal to a percentage of the Policy Account on the day the Insured
Person dies will be paid if that benefit would be greater.
American Franklin makes a deduction from each premium for sales expenses
(subject to an annual maximum deduction) and for any applicable premium taxes.
The net premium is put in the Policy Account established for each policy. The
Policy Owner may instruct American Franklin to allocate amounts in the Policy
Account to American Franklin's Guaranteed Interest Division (which is part of
American Franklin's General Account and pays interest at a declared guaranteed
rate) or to one or more of the investment divisions of American Franklin's
Separate Account VUL-2 (the "Separate Account"), or both. However, until the
first business day fifteen days after the Issue Date of the policy, the Policy
Account will be invested in the Money Market division. Money Market, High
Income, Equity-Income, Growth, Overseas, Investment Grade Bond, Asset Manager,
Index 500, Asset Manager: Growth and Contrafund divisions are available for
investment through the Separate Account.
Funds allocated to any of the investment divisions of the Separate Account
are invested in shares of a corresponding portfolio of either the Variable
Insurance Products Fund or the Variable Insurance Products Fund II
(individually, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds"), each of which is a
mutual fund. The Prospectus of the Funds, attached to this Prospectus,
describes the investment objectives, policies and risks of each of the
portfolios of the Funds. Ten portfolios of the Funds are currently available:
Money Market, High Income, Equity-Income, Growth, Overseas, Investment Grade
Bond, Asset Manager, Index 500, Asset Manager: Growth and Contrafund. See
"Separate Account Investment Choices - The Funds," below.
The value of a Policy Account allocated to the investment divisions of the
Separate Account will vary with the investment performance of the corresponding
portfolios of the Funds; there is no minimum guaranteed cash value for amounts
allocated to the investment divisions of the Separate Account and if the
investment
<PAGE>
performance of the corresponding portfolios of the Funds is adverse, the value
of a Policy Account can decline. The value of the Guaranteed Interest
Division will depend on the interest rates declared. A Policy Account will also
be increased by additional net premiums paid by the Policy Owner and will be
reduced by charges made by American Franklin for the cost of the insurance
provided by the policy and for expenses. A surrender charge may be imposed if a
policy is surrendered or lapses or if the Policy Owner reduces the policy's
Face Amount.
After the first premium, the Policy Owner may decide, within limits, the
amount and frequency of premium payments. The Policy Owner may also increase or
decrease the amount of insurance protection, within limits.
American Franklin's Home Office and principal executive office is #1
Franklin Square, Springfield, Illinois 62713, telephone (800) 528-2011.
Inquiries and notices should be addressed to American Franklin's Administrative
Office at that address.
The Policy Owner has the right to examine the policy offered hereby and
return it to American Franklin for a refund. See "Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III Policies - Right to Examine the Policy," below, for information
about the manner in which this right may be exercised and about limitations on
that right.
The policies described herein are not intended for use in connection with
qualified plans or trusts under the Internal Revenue Code.
This Prospectus should be read carefully for details on the policy being
offered and kept for future reference. This Prospectus is not valid unless it
is attached to the current Prospectus for the Funds.
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.
Because of the deductions and charges applicable to the purchase of new
insurance offered hereby, it may not be to a purchaser's advantage to replace
existing insurance or, if a purchaser already owns a flexible premium insurance
policy, to acquire additional insurance through the purchase of a policy
described in this Prospectus.
THE PURCHASE OF THE POLICY INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS. Because it is a
variable life insurance policy, the value of the Policy reflects the investment
performance of the selected investment divisions. Investment results can vary
both up and down and can even decrease the value of the premium payments.
Therefore, Policy Owners could lose all or part of the money they have invested.
American Franklin does not guarantee the value of the Policy. Rather, Policy
Owners bear all investment risks.
<PAGE>
Life insurance is intended to be a long-term investment. Policy Owners
should evaluate their insurance needs and the Policy's long-term investment
potential and risks before purchasing the Policy.
Partial withdrawals and surrender of the Policy are subject to tax, and
before the Policy Owner attains age 59 1/2, may also be subject to a 10% federal
penalty tax. Loans may be taxable if the policy becomes a "modified endowment
contract."
The date of this Prospectus is April 30, 1997
Copyright 1997 The American Franklin Life Insurance Company.
All rights reserved.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
SUMMARY
Features of EquiBuilder III Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Investment Choices of EquiBuilder III Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Deductions and Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Policy Accounts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Additional Information About EquiBuilder III Policies. . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rates of Return of the Portfolios of the Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT AMERICAN FRANKLIN AND EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
How EquiBuilder III Policies Differ from Whole Life Insurance. . . . . . 8
Death Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Policy Issuance Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Maturity Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Changes in EquiBuilder III Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Changing the Face Amount of Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Changing Death Benefit Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
When Policy Changes Go into Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Flexible Premium Payments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Additional Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Disability Waiver Benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Accidental Death Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Children's Term Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Term Insurance on an Additional Insured Person . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Separate Account Investment Choices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The Separate Account and Its Investment Divisions. . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Investment Policies of the Portfolios of the Funds . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Investment Manager of the Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ownership of the Assets of the Separate Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Right to Change Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Deductions and Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Deductions from Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Charges Against the Policy Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Administrative Charge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cost of Insurance Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Charges for Additional Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Changes in Monthly Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Charges Against the Separate Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Mortality and Expense Risks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Charges Against the Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Tax Reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Surrender Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Other Transaction Charges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Partial Withdrawal of Net Cash Surrender Value . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Increase in the Face Amount of Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Transfers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
PAGE
----
Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Allocation of Policy Account Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Policy Account Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Amounts in the Separate Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Determination of the Unit Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Policy Account Transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Changing Premium and Deduction Allocation Percentages. . . . . . . . . . . 23
Transfers of Policy Account Value Among Investment Divisions . . . . . . . 23
Borrowing from the Policy Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Loan Requests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Policy Loan Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
When Interest is Due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Repaying the Loan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
The Effects of a Policy Loan on the Policy Account . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Lapse of the Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Withdrawing Money from the Policy Account. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Withdrawal Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Effects of a Partial Withdrawal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Surrendering the Policy for Its Net Cash Surrender Value . . . . . . . . . 26
The Guaranteed Interest Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Interest on Amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division. . . . . . . . . . 27
Transfers from the Guaranteed Interest Division. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Additional Information About EquiBuilder III Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Right to Examine the Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lapse of the Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Reinstatement of the Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Policy Periods, Anniversaries, Dates and Ages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Federal Tax Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Tax Status of the Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Tax Treatment of Policy Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
American Franklin's Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Income Tax Withholding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Illustrations of Death Benefits, Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values,
and Accumulated Premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Voting Rights of a Policy Owner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Voting Rights of the Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Determination of Voting Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
How Shares of the Funds Are Voted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Voting Privileges of Participants in Other Separate Accounts . . . . . . . 40
Separate Account Voting Rights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Reports to Policy Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Limits on American Franklin's Right to Challenge a Policy. . . . . . . . . . 40
Payment Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
The Beneficiary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Assignment of a Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Employee Benefit Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Payment of Proceeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
----
Dividends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Distribution of the Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Reinsurance Agreement with Integrity Life Insurance Company. . . . . . . . . 44
State Regulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Legal Matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Legal Proceedings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Experts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Registration Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Other Policies and Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1
THE POLICY IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE
MADE. AMERICAN FRANKLIN DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS
REGARDING THE OFFERING DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OTHER THAN AS CONTAINED IN
THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ATTACHED SUPPLEMENT THERETO OR IN ANY SUPPLEMENTAL SALES
MATERIAL AUTHORIZED BY AMERICAN FRANKLIN.
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DEFINITIONS
Set forth below is a glossary of certain terms used in this Prospectus.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE-The address of the Administrative Office of American
Franklin is #1 Franklin Square, Springfield, Illinois 62713-0001.
AGE-The age of the Insured Person on his or her birthday nearest the date on
which a determination of the Insured Person's age is made.
AMERICAN FRANKLIN-The American Franklin Life Insurance Company, an Illinois
stock life insurance company and the issuer of the EquiBuilder III individual
flexible premium variable life insurance policies described in this Prospectus.
AMOUNT AT RISK-The difference between the amount of the Policy Account and the
current death benefit of a policy at any time.
CASH SURRENDER VALUE-The amount of the Policy Account less any applicable
surrender charges.
CODE-The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
DATE OF PAYMENT-Normally, the day of receipt by American Franklin at its
Administrative Office of a check for the full initial premium of a policy.
FACE AMOUNT-The face amount of insurance shown on the Policy Information page of
a policy. The Face Amount is the minimum death benefit payable under a policy
while the policy remains in effect. The death benefit proceeds will be reduced
by any outstanding loan and loan interest on the policy and any due and unpaid
charges.
FINAL POLICY DATE-The policy anniversary nearest the Insured Person's 95th
birthday. American Franklin will pay to the Policy Owner the amount of the
Policy Account, net of any outstanding loan and loan interest on the policy, if
the Insured Person is still living on the Final Policy Date.
FUND(S)-Each of Variable Insurance Products Fund, a "series" type mutual fund,
five portfolios of which are available for investment of amounts allocated to
the investment divisions of the Separate Account, and Variable Insurance
Products Fund II, a "series" type mutual fund having five portfolios in which
amounts allocated to the investment divisions of the Separate Account are
invested, is referred to as a Fund. Both are referred to collectively as the
Funds.
GUARANTEED INTEREST DIVISION-A part of American Franklin's General Account in
which amounts in a Policy Account other than those allocated to the Separate
Account earn interest at a rate stipulated in advance and guaranteed by
American Franklin.
INSURED PERSON-The person whose life is insured under a policy.
ISSUE DATE-The date that American Franklin actually issues a policy.
NET CASH SURRENDER VALUE-Cash Surrender Value less any outstanding loan and loan
interest on the policy.
NET PREMIUM-The amount of any premium paid by the Policy Owner less the amount
of applicable state and local premium taxes, if any, and less a sales expense
deduction equal to 5% of each premium paid during any policy year until total
premiums for that policy year equal the Target Premium.
POLICY ACCOUNT-The sum of amounts allocated to the investment divisions of the
Separate Account and American Franklin's Guaranteed Interest Division for a
particular policy.
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DEFINITIONS (CONTINUED)
POLICY ANNIVERSARY-An anniversary of the Register Date of a policy while the
policy is in effect.
POLICY MONTH-A month-long period beginning on the Register Date and on the same
day in each subsequent calendar month while a policy is in effect.
POLICY OWNER-The person designated as such on the Policy Information page of a
policy.
POLICY YEAR-An annual period beginning on the Register Date and on each
anniversary of the Register Date while the policy is in effect.
REGISTER DATE-The earlier of the Issue Date or the Date of Payment.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT-Separate Account VUL-2, a segregated investment account of
American Franklin established under the Insurance Law of the State of Illinois
in which amounts in a Policy Account other than those in the Guaranteed
Interest Division are held for investment in one of the portfolios of the
Funds. The value of amounts in the Separate Account will fluctuate in
accordance with the performance of the corresponding portfolios of the Funds.
TARGET PREMIUM-A hypothetical premium equal to the annual premium necessary to
maintain a fixed-benefit whole life policy with a face amount equal to the
initial Face Amount of an EquiBuilder III policy for a person of the same age
and sex as the Insured Person. The Target Premium for each EquiBuilder III
policy is shown on the Policy Information page of the policy.
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<PAGE>
SUMMARY
This Prospectus describes the regular EquiBuilder III-TM- policy. There
may be differences between a particular policy and the description contained
herein because of requirements of the state in which a policy is issued. These
differences will be reflected in the policy. Also American Franklin reserves
the right to make modifications in light of particular circumstances.
Unless indicated otherwise, the discussion of the terms of a representative
policy contained in this Prospectus assumes that there is no policy loan
outstanding, that the policy is not in a grace period and that state variations
will be covered by a supplement or a policy endorsement, as appropriate.
The policies described herein are not intended for use in connection with
qualified plans or trusts under the Code.
The purpose of the policy offered hereby is to provide insurance protection
for a policy's beneficiary. The policy is not similar to or comparable to a
mutual fund's systematic investment plan.
The following Summary of this Prospectus should be read in conjunction with
the detailed information appearing elsewhere herein.
EquiBuilder III-TM- is a trademark of American Franklin.
FEATURES OF EQUIBUILDER III-TM- POLICIES
INSURANCE BENEFIT OPTIONS
EquiBuilder III policies offer insurance on the life of the Insured Person.
American Franklin will pay a death benefit when the Insured Person dies.
American Franklin will pay a maturity benefit in lieu of a death benefit if the
Insured Person is still living on the policy anniversary nearest his or her 95th
birthday. Two death benefit options are available.
Option A provides a death benefit equal to the Face Amount of the policy;
and
Option B provides a death benefit equal to the Face Amount of the policy,
plus the value of the Policy Account.
Option B entails a higher cost of insurance charge and will cause the value
of the Policy Account to be less than if Option A were chosen.
Under either option, a death benefit equal to a percentage multiple of the
Policy Account on the day the Insured Person dies will be paid if that death
benefit would be greater than the death benefit payable under the option
selected. Any outstanding loans or unpaid charges will be deducted before any
death benefits are paid. Proceeds may be paid in a lump sum or under a variety
of payment plans.
A policy will remain in force only so long as an amount remains in the
Policy Account sufficient to cover cost of insurance and other expense
deductions and any surrender charge that would then be due.
American Franklin will not issue an EquiBuilder III policy with a Face
Amount of less than $50,000.
See "The Features Of EquiBuilder III Policies-Death Benefits" and "Payment
Options" below.
POLICY ACCOUNTS
An account (the "Policy Account") is established by American Franklin in
its records for each policy at the time of issue. After deduction of certain
charges from premiums, the balance of each premium is credited to the Policy
Account. A Policy Owner may allocate his or her Policy Account for investment
to the Guaranteed Interest Division, which pays a declared interest rate, or to
one or more of the investment divisions of the Separate Account, or both. See
"Separate Account Investment Choices," below. Until the first business day 15
days following the Issue Date of a policy, the initial net premium and all other
net premiums received during such period will be allocated to the Money Market
division of
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the Separate Account. See "Additional Information About EquiBuilder III
Policies - Policy Periods, Anniversaries, Dates and Ages."
The value of the Policy Account reflects the amount and frequency of
premium payments, deductions and charges for the cost of insurance and expenses,
the investment experience of amounts allocated to the Separate Account, interest
earned on amounts allocated to the Guaranteed Interest Division, loans and
partial withdrawals. There is no minimum guaranteed Policy Account value with
respect to any amounts allocated to the investment divisions of the Separate
Account and, if the investment performance of the portfolios corresponding to
the investment divisions of the Separate Account is adverse, the value of a
Policy Account can decline. See "Policy Account Value," below.
POLICY CHANGES
At any time after the first policy year while a policy is in force, the
Policy Owner may change the death benefit option chosen and may also increase or
decrease the Face Amount of the policy, within limits. See "The Features Of
EquiBuilder III Policies-Changes In EquiBuilder III Policies," "-Changing the
Face Amount of Insurance," and "-Changing Death Benefit Options," below.
Certain policy changes, such as a decrease in the Face Amount of a policy, may
have adverse federal tax consequences. See "Federal Tax Considerations," below.
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM PAYMENTS
The frequency and the amount of premium payments are determined by the
Policy Owner, within certain limits. An initial minimum premium is required
based on the age, sex and risk class of the Insured Person and the Face Amount
of the policy. A Policy Owner may stipulate a planned periodic premium as a
guideline for future premiums, but if the planned premiums are not paid
insurance coverage will continue so long as the policy has sufficient Net Cash
Surrender Value to cover monthly charges. The Policy Owner need not pay
premiums of any set amount (except that the minimum premium is $100) or
according to any set schedule, but may have to make additional premium payments
to keep the policy in force if the policy's Net Cash Surrender Value is
insufficient to cover monthly charges. Payment of stipulated planned periodic
premiums may not always provide sufficient Net Cash Surrender Value to cover
monthly charges. See "The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-Flexible Premium
Payments," below.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS MAY BE AVAILABLE
Additional benefits to the policy may be added by rider. These benefits
may include an accidental death benefit, life insurance for additional insured
persons, life insurance for children and a disability waiver benefit to waive
the cost of monthly deductions. The cost of any additional benefits will be
deducted monthly from the Policy Account. See "The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies-Additional Benefits," below.
INVESTMENT CHOICES OF EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
A Policy Owner may allocate amounts in his or her Policy Account for
investment to either the Guaranteed Interest Division, which pays interest at a
declared rate, or to any one or more of the investment divisions of the Separate
Account, or both. The current investment divisions are:
Money Market
High Income
Equity-Income
Growth
Overseas
Investment Grade Bond
Asset Manager
Index 500
Asset Manager: Growth
Contrafund
Amounts allocated to any of the investment divisions are invested by American
Franklin in shares of a corresponding portfolio of the Variable Insurance
Products Fund or of the Variable Insurance Products
2
<PAGE>
Fund II (individually, a "Fund," and collectively, the "Funds"), each of
which is a "series" type mutual fund. The portfolios of the Funds have
different investment objectives, policies and risks. See "Separate Account
Investment Choices - The Funds," below.
In order to effect allocations to the investment divisions of the Separate
Account, American Franklin will purchase and redeem shares of the corresponding
portfolios of the Funds according to the Policy Owner's premium and deduction
allocation percentages, respectively. The shares of the Funds are sold
exclusively to separate accounts of insurance companies. Purchase and
redemption of shares will be made at net asset value through Fidelity
Distributors Corporation ("FDC") acting as distributor for the Funds.
Fidelity Management & Research Company ("Fidelity Management") is the
investment manager of the Funds. Fidelity Management is registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
See "Separate Account Investment Choices - The Investment Manager of the Funds,"
below, for information concerning the advisory fees that the Funds pay to
Fidelity Management.
Fidelity is one of America's largest investment management organizations.
It includes a number of different companies, which provide a variety of
financial services and products. Each portfolio of the Funds employs various
Fidelity companies to perform certain activities required for its operation.
Fidelity Management is the original Fidelity company, founded in 1946. It
provides a number of mutual funds and other clients with investment research and
portfolio management services. It maintains a large staff of experienced
investment personnel and a full complement of related support facilities. As of
December 31, 1996, Fidelity Management advised funds having more than __ million
shareholder accounts with a total value of more than $___ billion.
For a full description of the Funds, see the Prospectus of the Funds, which
is attached to this Prospectus, and the Statements of Additional Information of
the Funds referred to therein.
See also "Separate Account Investment Choices" and "The Guaranteed Interest
Division," below.
DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES
DEDUCTIONS FROM PREMIUMS
A deduction for any applicable taxes is made from premium payments. The
amount of tax will vary from one jurisdiction to another. Taxes currently range
up to 5%. In addition, American Franklin makes a sales expense deduction equal
to 5% of each premium paid during any policy year until total premiums for the
policy year equal the Target Premium. This deduction is designed to recover
some expenses of distributing policies. A contingent deferred sales charge may
also be imposed during the first ten policy years if a policy is surrendered or
lapses or the Face Amount is reduced. After such deduction, the balance (the
"net premium") is placed in the Policy Account. See "Deductions and Charges-
Deductions from Premiums" and "Deductions and Charges-Surrender Charge," below.
CHARGES AGAINST THE POLICY ACCOUNT
Certain amounts are charged against every Policy Account by American
Franklin at the beginning of each policy month. These are:
an administrative charge (currently $6 per month plus an additional
charge of $24 per month for each of the first 12 months a policy is in
effect);
a charge for additional benefits, if any; and
a cost of insurance charge, which is based on the Insured Person's
age, sex and risk class, and the amount of insurance.
American Franklin guarantees that the monthly administrative and cost of
insurance charges against the Policy Account will never be more than the maximum
amounts shown in each policy.
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<PAGE>
In addition, charges will be made upon each of the following:
a partial withdrawal of Net Cash Surrender Value (currently $25 or 2%
of the amount withdrawn, whichever is less);
an increase in the Face Amount of insurance (currently a $1.50
administrative charge for each $1,000 increase, up to a maximum charge of
$300); or
a transfer between investment divisions in any policy year in which
four transfers have already been made (up to $25 for each additional
transfer).
The Policy Owner generally may specify the manner in which charges against
the Policy Account are to be allocated. See "Deductions and Charges-Charges
Against the Policy Account" and "Deductions and Charges-Other Transaction
Charges," below.
CHARGES AGAINST THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
American Franklin imposes a daily charge at an effective annual rate of
.75% of the value of the assets in the investment divisions of the Separate
Account for certain mortality and expense risks that American Franklin assumes.
In addition, the value of the assets in the investment divisions of the Separate
Account will be effected by investment management fees and other direct expenses
of the Funds. See "Deductions and Charges-Charges Against the Separate
Account," below.
SURRENDER CHARGE
During the first ten policy years, a surrender charge will be deducted from
the Policy Account if:
the policy is surrendered for its Net Cash Surrender Value; or
the policy is permitted to lapse at the end of a grace period.
Any request for a reduction of the Face Amount of a policy during the
first ten policy years will be considered a partial surrender and a pro rata
portion of the surrender charge will be deducted. The maximum total surrender
charge applicable to a particular policy is specified in the policy and is
approximately equivalent to 50% of one "target" premium, which is based on the
annual premium for a fixed whole life insurance policy on the life of the
Insured Person. At the end of the sixth policy year and at the end of each of
the four succeeding policy years, the maximum surrender charge is reduced by an
amount equal to 20% of the initial maximum surrender charge until, after the end
of the tenth policy year, there is no surrender charge. Subject to the maximum
surrender charge, the surrender charge will equal 25% of actual premiums paid
during the first policy year up to one target premium plus 9% of all other
premiums actually paid. The surrender charge is a contingent deferred sales
charge designed to recover some expenses of distributing policies which are
surrendered in their early years. See "Deductions and Charges-Surrender
Charge," below. The expenses of distributing policies are also recovered
through a sales expense deduction in the amount of 5% of each premium paid
during any policy year until total premiums for that policy year equal the
Target Premium. See "Deductions and Charges-Deductions from Premiums," below.
OTHER TRANSACTION CHARGES
Charges will also be imposed for certain illustrations of expected death
benefits and policy account values. See "Deductions and Charges - Other
Transaction Charges."
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<PAGE>
POLICY ACCOUNTS
TRANSFERS AMONG INVESTMENT DIVISIONS
A Policy Owner may transfer amounts in the Policy Account among the
investment divisions. Transfers among investment divisions of the Separate
Account or into the Guaranteed Interest Division take effect on the date
American Franklin receives the request for transfer from the Policy Owner.
Transfers out of the Guaranteed Interest Division may be made only on or within
30 days after a policy anniversary and are limited in amount. Minimum amounts
are required for each transfer, usually $500. If more than four transfers a
policy year are made, an administrative charge may be deducted from the Policy
Account. See "Policy Account Transactions-Transfers of Policy Account Value
Among Investment Divisions and "The Guaranteed Interest Division-Transfers from
the Guaranteed Interest Division," below.
BORROWING AGAINST THE POLICY ACCOUNT
The Policy Owner may borrow a total amount up to 90% of the Cash Surrender
Value of his policy using the policy as security for the loan. A minimum loan
amount, usually $500, will be stated in the policy. Policy loan interest
accrues daily at a rate adjusted annually. For more information see "Policy
Account Transactions-Borrowing from the Policy Account," below. Loans are
deducted from the amount payable on surrender of the Policy and are also
deducted from any death benefit payable. Loan interest accrues daily and, if it
is not repaid each year, it is capitalized. Depending upon investment
performance of the investment divisions and the amounts borrowed, loans may
cause a Policy to lapse. If the Policy is not a modified endowment contract,
lapse of the Policy with loans outstanding may result in adverse tax
consequences. (See "Federal Tax Considerations.")
WITHDRAWING CASH FROM THE POLICY ACCOUNT
After a policy has been in effect for a year, the Policy Owner may make a
partial withdrawal of Net Cash Surrender Value from the Policy Account. The
current minimum withdrawal is $500, and each withdrawal is subject to certain
other requirements. A charge (currently $25 or 2% of the amount withdrawn,
whichever is less) will be deducted from the Policy Account for each withdrawal.
See "Policy Account Transactions-Withdrawing Money from the Policy Account,"
below.
SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR CASH
Each EquiBuilder III policy has a Cash Surrender Value, which is the
difference between the value of the Policy Account and any surrender charge
which applies during the first ten policy years. If the policy is surrendered
for cash, the Policy Owner will receive the Net Cash Surrender Value, which is
the Cash Surrender Value less any outstanding loan and loan interest due. See
"Policy Account Transactions-Surrendering the Policy for Its Net Cash Surrender
Value," below. During the initial policy years, the applicable surrender charge
may represent a substantial portion of the premiums paid. See "Illustrations of
Death Benefits, Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values, and Accumulated
Premiums," below.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
RIGHT TO EXAMINE THE POLICY
The Policy Owner has the right to examine the policy and to return it to
American Franklin for a refund. A refund request must be postmarked by the
latest of:
10 days after the Policy Owner receives the policy;
10 days after American Franklin mails the Policy Owner a notice of
this right; or
45 days after the Policy Owner signed the application for the policy.
See "Additional Information About EquiBuilder III Policies-Right to Examine the
Policy," below.
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
Generally, the death benefit paid to the beneficiary of a policy is not
subject to federal income tax. In addition, under current federal tax law, the
Policy Owner does not have to pay income tax on any
5
<PAGE>
earnings in the Policy Account as long as they remain in the Policy Account.
The federal tax treatment of distributions from a policy (including loans,
assignments, pledges, partial withdrawals and distributions on maturity, lapse
or surrender) may depend on whether the policy is treated as a "modified
endowment contract." A policy will be treated as a modified endowment contract
if, in general, the cumulative amount of premiums paid during specified periods
exceeds certain levels relating to death benefits provided under the policy.
See "Federal Tax Considerations," below.
LAPSE OF THE POLICY
A policy can lapse if the Net Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay
monthly charges. This situation can result even while a Policy Account has
positive value if potential surrender charges and policy loans are large enough
so that there is not enough left to cover monthly charges. Payment of planned
premiums does not guarantee the continuation of the policy. Also, failure to
pay premiums will not automatically cause the policy to terminate. However,
additional premium payments will be needed if the Net Cash Surrender Value is
not sufficient to pay monthly charges. American Franklin will give the Policy
Owner notice that additional premiums are required before a policy is
terminated. See "Additional Information About EquiBuilder III Policies-Lapse of
the Policy," below.
INQUIRIES AND NOTICES
All inquiries and notices regarding the policies should be directed to
American Franklin at its Administrative Office at #1 Franklin Square,
Springfield, Illinois 62713-0001. Currently, certain transactions under the
policies may be effected by telephone. American Franklin reserves the right to
suspend telephone transaction privileges at any time. American Franklin will
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine, and if these procedures are followed, will not be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. Procedures
followed for telephone transactions may involve requiring some form of personal
identification, providing written confirmation of the transaction, and recording
telephone instructions.
RATES OF RETURN OF THE PORTFOLIOS OF THE FUNDS
The rates of return shown below are based on the investment performance,
after expenses, of the portfolios of the Funds for the periods ending December
31, 1996. The rates of return shown below do not account for deductions made by
American Franklin from premiums. These consist of a deduction for premium taxes
and a sales expense deduction in the amount of 5% of each premium paid during
any policy year until total premiums for that policy year equal the Target
Premium. The rates of return shown below also do not account for American
Franklin's insurance and administrative charges, or the mortality and expense
risk charge of .75% per annum. Also, these rates do not reflect the surrender
charge which applies during the first ten policy years. These rates of return
are not a prediction or a guarantee of future investment performance, and would
be lower if they reflected deductions from premiums, insurance and
administrative charges, the mortality and expense risk charge, and the surrender
charge. See "Illustrations of Death Benefits, Policy Account and Cash Surrender
Values, and Accumulated Premiums" for illustrations of how the Policy works,
including the effect of these deductions and charges.
Average annual returns are calculated by determining the growth or decline
in value of a hypothetical historical investment in the portfolios over a stated
period, and then calculating the annually compounded percentage rate that would
have produced the same result if the rate of growth or decline in value had been
constant over the period. For example, a cumulative return of 100% over ten
years would produce an average annual return of 7.18%, which is the steady
annual rate that would equal 100% growth on a compounded basis in ten years.
While average annual returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that a portfolio's performance is not
constant over time, but changes from year to year, and that average annual
returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year
performance of a portfolio.
The following chart shows each portfolio's total returns for the periods
ended December 31, 1996:
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Average Annual Total Returns
-----------------------------
One Year Five Years Ten Years Life of Fund
-------- ---------- --------- ------------
Money Market Portfolio
High Income Portfolio
Equity-Income Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
Overseas Portfolio
Investment Grade Bond Portfolio
Asset Manager Portfolio
Index 500 Portfolio
Asset Manager: Growth
Contrafund
(a) Commenced operations on April 1, 1982
(b) Commenced operations on September 19, 1985
(c) Commenced operations on October 9, 1986
(d) Commenced operations on January 28, 1987
(e) Commenced operations on December 5, 1988 (formerly called the Short-Term
Portfolio)
(f) Commenced operations on September 6, 1989
(g) Commenced operations on August 27, 1992
(h) Commenced operations on January 3, 1995
If Fidelity Management had not reimbursed certain portfolio expenses for
the portfolios during these periods, the total returns would have been lower.
DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT AMERICAN FRANKLIN AND EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company ("American Franklin") is a
legal reserve stock life, accident and health insurance company organized under
the laws of the State of Illinois in 1981. It is engaged in the writing of
variable universal life insurance and variable annuities. American Franklin has
another separate account (Separate Account VUL) which issues interests in
variable insurance policies having policy features that are similar to those of
EquiBuilder III policies but the assets of which are invested in a different
open-end management investment company. American Franklin no longer offers new
policies having an interest in Separate Account VUL. American Franklin also has
a separate account which issues interests in variable annuities. American
Franklin is presently authorized to write insurance in forty-six states, the
District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. American Franklin's home office is
located at #1 Franklin Square, Springfield, Illinois 62713.
American Franklin is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Franklin Life
Insurance Company ("The Franklin"). The Franklin is a legal reserve stock life
insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Illinois in 1884.
The Franklin issues individual life insurance, annuity and accident and health
insurance policies, group annuities and group life and health insurance and
offers a variety of whole life, life, retirement income and level and decreasing
term insurance plans. Its home office is located at #1 Franklin Square,
Springfield, Illinois 62713. The Franklin is not the issuer of the policies
offered by this Prospectus, however, it has certain indirect obligations in
respect to those policies arising from The Franklin's undertakings to the
issuer, American Franklin, as a reinsurer of portions of the death benefits
provided under the policies.
American General Corporation ("American General") through its wholly-owned
subsidiary, AGC Life Insurance Company, owns all of the outstanding shares of
common stock of The Franklin. The address of AGC Life Insurance Company is
American General Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37250-0001. The address of
American General is 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019-2155.
American General is one of the largest diversified financial services
organizations in the United States. American General's operating subsidiaries
are leading providers of retirement services, consumer loans, and life
insurance. American General was incorporated as a general business corporation
in Texas in 1980 and is the successor to American General Insurance Company, an
insurance company incorporated in Texas in 1926.
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<PAGE>
American General has advised American Franklin that there was no person who
was known to it to be the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of
American General as of January 29, 1997.
THE FEATURES OF EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
HOW EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES DIFFER FROM WHOLE LIFE INSURANCE
EquiBuilder III policies are designed to provide life insurance coverage
with flexibility in death benefits, premium payments and investment choices.
EquiBuilder III policies are different from traditional whole life insurance in
that the Policy Owner is not required to pay scheduled premiums and may, within
limits, choose the amount and frequency of premium payments. EquiBuilder III
policies also provide for two different types of death benefit options and the
Policy Owner may change options. Another feature of EquiBuilder III policies
which is not available under traditional whole life insurance is that the Policy
Owner generally has the ability to increase or decrease the Face Amount without
purchasing a new policy. However, evidence of insurability may be required. In
addition, the Policy Owner may direct the investment of net premiums, which will
determine, in part, the value of the Policy Account.
DEATH BENEFITS
American Franklin will pay a death benefit (net of any policy loan and loan
interest and any overdue charges) to the beneficiary of a policy when the
Insured Person dies. The Policy Owner may choose from two death benefit
options: Option A and Option B. Option A provides a benefit that equals the
Face Amount of the policy. Except as described below, the Option A benefit is
fixed. Option B provides a benefit that equals the Face Amount of the policy
plus the amount in the Policy Account on the day the Insured Person dies. Under
Option B, the value of the benefit is variable and fluctuates with the amount in
the Policy Account. Option B entails a higher monthly cost of insurance charge
than Option A and will cause the value of the Policy Account, and hence the Net
Cash Surrender Value of the policy, to be less than if Option A were chosen, all
other things being equal.
Under both options, an alternate death benefit based on provisions of the
federal income tax law applies if it would provide a greater benefit (before
deductions for any outstanding policy loan and loan interest) than the option
selected. This benefit is a percentage multiple of the amount in the Policy
Account. The percentage declines as the Insured Person gets older. The benefit
will be the amount in the Policy Account on the day the Insured Person dies
multiplied by the percentage for the Insured Person's age (as of his or her
nearest birthday) at the beginning of the policy year of the Insured Person's
death. For ages that are not shown on the table set forth below, the applicable
percentages will decrease by a ratable portion for each full year.
Table of Death Benefits
Based On Policy Account Values
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT AS PERCENTAGE
INSURED PERSON'S AGE OF THE POLICY ACCOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 or under 250%
45 215
50 185
55 150
60 130
65 120
70 115
75 to 90 105
95 100
For example, if the Insured Person were 40 years old and the amount in the
Policy Account were $100,000, the death benefit would be at least $250,000 (250%
of $100,000).
These percentages are based on provisions of federal tax law which require
a minimum death benefit in relation to cash value for a policy to qualify as
life insurance. See "Federal Tax Considerations," below.
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<PAGE>
Under either Option A or Option B, the length of time a policy remains in
force depends on the Net Cash Surrender Value of the policy. Because the
charges that maintain the policy are deducted from the Policy Account, coverage
will last as long as the Net Cash Surrender Value (the amount in the Policy
Account minus the surrender charge and any outstanding policy loan and loan
interest) can cover these deductions. (See "Additional Information about
EquiBuilder III Policies-Lapse of the Policy," below.) The investment experience
(which may be either positive or negative) of any amounts in the investment
divisions of the Separate Account and the interest earned in the Guaranteed
Interest Division will affect the amount in the Policy Account. As a result,
the returns from these divisions will affect the length of time a policy remains
in force. See "Policy Account Value," below.
Policy Owners who prefer to have insurance coverage that varies with the
investment experience of their Policy Account should choose Option B. In no
event will the death benefit under Option B be less than the greater of the Face
Amount of the policy or the alternate death benefit described above (in either
case, less any outstanding policy loan and loan interest). Policy Owners who
prefer to have insurance coverage that does not vary in amount and that has
lower cost of insurance charges should choose Option A.
POLICY ISSUANCE INFORMATION
American Franklin will not issue a new policy having a Face Amount that is
less than $50,000 nor will it issue a policy in respect of an Insured Person who
is older than 75.
No insurance under a policy will take effect: (a) until a policy is
delivered and the full initial premium is paid while the person proposed to be
insured is living and (b) unless the information in the application continues to
be true and complete, without material change, as of the time the premium is
paid.
See "The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-Flexible Premium Payments"
and "Distribution of the Policies-Applications," below for additional
information concerning procedures for obtaining a policy.
MATURITY BENEFIT
If the Insured Person is still living on the policy anniversary nearest his
or her 95th birthday, American Franklin will pay the Policy Owner the amount in
the Policy Account net of any outstanding loan and loan interest. The policy
will then end.
CHANGES IN EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
EquiBuilder III policies provide the Policy Owner flexibility to choose
from a variety of strategies, described in the sections that follow, which
enable the Policy Owner to increase or decrease his or her insurance protection.
A reduction in Face Amount lessens emphasis on the policy's insurance
coverage by reducing both the death benefit and the amount at risk (the
difference between the current death benefit under the policy and the amount of
the Policy Account). The reduced amount at risk results in lower cost of
insurance charges against the Policy Account. See "The Features of EquiBuilder
III Policies-Changing the Face Amount of Insurance," below. A partial
withdrawal of Net Cash Surrender Value reduces the Policy Account and death
benefit while providing a cash payment, but does not reduce the amount at risk
or the cost of insurance charges. See "Policy Account Transactions-Withdrawing
Money from the Policy Account," below. Choosing not to make premium payments
may have the effect of reducing the Policy Account. Reducing the Policy Account
will, under Option A, increase the amount at risk (and thereby increase cost of
insurance charges) while leaving the death benefit unchanged; under Option B, it
will decrease the death benefit while leaving the amount at risk and the cost of
insurance charge unchanged. See "The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-
Flexible Premium Payments," below.
Increases in the Face Amount emphasize insurance coverage by increasing
both the death benefit and the amount at risk. See "The Features of EquiBuilder
III Policies-Changing the Face Amount of Insurance," below. Additional premium
payments may increase the Policy Account, which has the effect, under Option A,
of reducing the amount at risk and cost of insurance charge while leaving the
death benefit unchanged, or, under Option B, of increasing the death benefit
while leaving the amount at risk
9
<PAGE>
and cost of insurance charge unchanged. See "The Features of EquiBuilder III
Policies-Flexible Premium Payments," below.
CHANGING THE FACE AMOUNT OF INSURANCE
Any time after the first policy year while a policy is in force, the Policy
Owner may change the policy's Face Amount. This may be done by sending a
written request to American Franklin's Administrative Office. Any change will
be subject to American Franklin's approval and the following conditions:
If the Face Amount is to be increased, satisfactory evidence that the
Insured Person is still insurable must be provided. American Franklin's
current procedure if the Insured Person has become a more expensive risk is
to ask the Policy Owner to confirm that he or she wishes to pay higher cost
of insurance charges on the amount of the increase.
Any increase in the Face Amount must be at least $10,000. Monthly
deductions from the Policy Account for the cost of insurance will increase,
beginning on the date the increase in the Face Amount takes effect. In
addition, a one-time administrative charge for each increase will be made
against the Policy Account. This charge is currently $1.50 for each
additional $1,000 of insurance up to a maximum charge of $300. An increase
in the Face Amount will not increase the maximum surrender charge.
The Face Amount may not be reduced below the minimum American Franklin
requires to issue a policy at the time of the reduction. Monthly charges
against the Policy Account for the cost of insurance will decrease if the
Face Amount is reduced. If the Face Amount is reduced during the first ten
policy years, a pro rata share of the applicable surrender charge will be
made against the Policy Account. See "Deductions and Charges-Surrender
Charge," below.
American Franklin's current procedure is to disapprove a requested decrease
in the Face Amount if it would cause the alternate death benefit to apply.
Instead, the Policy Owner will be requested to make a partial withdrawal of Net
Cash Surrender Value from the Policy Account and then a decrease in the Face
Amount. See "The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-Death Benefits," below.
American Franklin's current procedure, if the Policy Owner requests a Face
Amount decrease when there has been a previous increase in the Face Amount, is
to apply the decrease first against the most recent increase in the Face Amount.
Decreases will then be applied to prior increases in the Face Amount in the
reverse order in which such increases took place, and then to the original Face
Amount.
Policy changes that result in a reduction of the death benefit, such as a
decrease in the Face Amount, may cause a policy to become a "modified endowment
contract." See "Federal Tax Considerations," below.
CHANGING DEATH BENEFIT OPTIONS
At any time after the first policy year while a policy is in force, the
Policy Owner may change the death benefit option by sending a written request to
American Franklin's Administrative Office. If the death benefit is changed from
Option A to Option B, the Face Amount will be decreased by the amount in the
Policy Account on the date of the change. Such a change may not be permitted if
it would reduce the Face Amount below the minimum American Franklin requires to
issue a policy at the time of the reduction. If the death benefit is changed
from Option B to Option A, the Face Amount of insurance will be increased by the
amount in the Policy Account on the date of the change.
No evidence of insurability will be required for the increase in the Face
Amount that occurs when a change is made from Option B to Option A, nor will any
charge be made for this increase. No surrender charge is made for the decrease
in the Face Amount that occurs when a change is made from Option A to Option B.
These increases and decreases in the Face Amount are made so that the amount of
the death benefit remains the same on the date of the change. When the death
benefit remains the same, there is no change in the net amount at risk, which is
the amount on which cost of insurance charges are based (see "Deductions and
Charges-Charges Against the Policy Account-Cost of Insurance Charge," below).
10
<PAGE>
WHEN POLICY CHANGES GO INTO EFFECT
Any change in the Face Amount or death benefit option of a policy will go
into effect at the beginning of the policy month following the date American
Franklin approves a request for the change. After a request is approved,
American Franklin will send the Policy Owner a written notice of the approval
showing each change. The Policy Owner should attach this notice to his or her
policy. American Franklin may also request that the policy be returned to its
Administrative Office so that the appropriate changes may be made.
In some cases, a change requested by the Policy Owner may not be approved
because it might disqualify the policy as life insurance under applicable
federal tax law. American Franklin will send the Policy Owner a written notice
of its decision to disapprove any requested change for this reason. See
"Federal Tax Considerations," below.
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM PAYMENTS
The Policy Owner may choose the amount and frequency of premium payments,
as long as they are within the limits described below. Even though premiums are
flexible, the Policy Information page of each policy will show a "planned"
periodic premium. The planned premium is determined by the Policy Owner within
limits set by American Franklin when the Policy Owner applied for a policy and
is not necessarily designed to equal the amount of premiums that will keep the
policy in effect. Planned premiums are generally the amount the Policy Owner
decides he or she wants to pay and can be changed at any time.
The Policy Owner must pay a minimum initial premium on or before the date
on which the policy is delivered by American Franklin. The insurance will not
go into effect until American Franklin receives this minimum initial premium.
American Franklin determines the applicable minimum initial premium based on the
age, sex and risk class of the Insured Person, the initial Face Amount of the
policy and any additional benefits selected. The first premium payment may be
made by check or money order payable to "The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company." Any additional premiums should be made by check or money order payable
to "The American Franklin Life Insurance Company" and should be sent directly to
its Administrative Office.
American Franklin will send the Policy Owner premium reminder notices based
on the planned premium unless the Policy Owner requests American Franklin not to
do so in his or her application or by writing to American Franklin's
Administrative Office. Nevertheless, the Policy Owner may make the planned
payment, skip the planned payment or change the frequency or the amount of the
payment.
Generally, the Policy Owner may pay other premiums at any time and in any
amount, as long as each payment is at least $100. (Policies issued in some
states may have different minimum premium payments.) American Franklin may
increase this minimum upon 90 days' written notice. American Franklin may also
reject premium payments in a policy year if the payments would cause the policy
to cease to qualify as life insurance under federal tax law. See "Federal Tax
Considerations," below.
If the Policy Owner stops paying premiums temporarily or permanently, the
policy will continue in effect until the Net Cash Surrender Value can no longer
cover the monthly charges against the Policy Account for the benefits selected.
In addition, it should be noted that planned premiums may not be sufficient to
maintain a policy because of investment experience, policy changes or other
factors.
The tables set forth below under "Illustrations of Death Benefits, Policy
Account and Cash Surrender Values, and Accumulated Premiums" illustrate how the
key financial elements of EquiBuilder III policies work. The tables show death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values with Face Amounts and
planned annual premiums of different amounts for Insured Persons of different
ages.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
A policy may include additional benefits. A charge will be made against
the Policy Account monthly for each additional benefit. These benefits may be
cancelled at any time. More details will be included
11
<PAGE>
in the policy if any of these benefits are selected. The following additional
benefits are currently available:
DISABILITY WAIVER BENEFIT. With this benefit, monthly charges from
the Policy Account are waived if the Insured Person becomes totally
disabled on or after the Insured Person's fifth birthday and the disability
continues for six months. If the disability starts before the policy
anniversary nearest the Insured Person's 60th birthday, American Franklin
will waive monthly charges for life as long as the disability continues.
If the disability starts after that, the charges will be waived only up to
the policy anniversary nearest the Insured Person's 65th birthday (as long
as the disability continues).
ACCIDENTAL DEATH BENEFIT. American Franklin will pay an additional
benefit if the Insured Person dies from bodily injury that results from an
accident, provided the Insured Person dies before the policy anniversary
nearest his or her 70th birthday.
CHILDREN'S TERM INSURANCE. This benefit provides term life insurance
on the lives of the Insured Person's children, including natural children,
stepchildren and legally adopted children, who have not yet reached their
eighteenth birthdays. The charge for this benefit covers all children
under eighteen. They are covered only until the Insured Person reaches age
65 or the child reaches age 25, whichever first occurs.
TERM INSURANCE ON AN ADDITIONAL INSURED PERSON. Term insurance may
be obtained for another person, such as the Insured Person's spouse, under
a policy. A separate charge will be deducted for each additional insured
person.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT INVESTMENT CHOICES
After certain amounts are deducted from each premium, the balance, called
the net premium, is put into the Policy Account established for each policy.
See "Deductions and Charges-Deductions from Premiums," below. The Policy
Account will be invested in the Money Market division until the first business
day fifteen days after the Issue Date of the policy. At that time, the Policy
Account will be allocated to the Guaranteed Interest Division or to one or more
of the investment divisions of the Separate Account or both, according to the
directions provided in the policy application. These instructions will apply to
any subsequent premium until the Policy Owner provides new instructions to
American Franklin at its Administrative Office. Premium allocation percentages
may be any whole number from zero to 100, but the sum must equal 100. See "The
Guaranteed Interest Division," below.
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT AND ITS INVESTMENT DIVISIONS
The Separate Account was established on April 9, 1991 under the Insurance
Law of the State of Illinois, and is a unit investment trust registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
This registration does not involve any supervision by the Securities and
Exchange Commission of the management or investment policies of the Separate
Account. A unit investment trust is a type of investment company. The Separate
Account meets the definition of a "separate account" under federal securities
laws. The Separate Account has several investment divisions, each of which
invests in shares of a corresponding portfolio of the Variable Insurance
Products Fund or of the Variable Insurance Products Fund II (individually, a
"Fund," and collectively, the "Funds"). Currently, Money Market, High Income,
Equity-Income, Growth, Overseas, Investment Grade Bond, Asset Manager, Index
500, Asset Manager: Growth and Contrafund divisions are available for investment
under EquiBuilder III policies. The Separate Account also issues interests
under EquiBuilder II variable life insurance policies, which have policy
features that are similar to those of EquiBuilder III policies but which have a
different sales charge structure.
THE FUNDS
Each of the Funds is a diversified open-end management investment company,
more commonly called a mutual fund. As "series" type mutual funds, they issue
several different "series" of stock, each of which relates to a different Fund
portfolio. The Funds currently have an aggregate of ten portfolios, each of
which has different investment objectives, policies and risks.
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<PAGE>
The Funds do not impose a sales charge or "load" for buying and selling
their shares. The Funds' shares are bought and sold by the Separate Account at
net asset value pursuant to agreements between American Franklin, the Funds and
the Funds' principal underwriter, Fidelity Distributors Corporation ("FDC"), 82
Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The Bank of New York, 110
Washington Street, New York, New York, is custodian of Money Market, High Income
and Investment Grade Bond Portfolio's assets; The Chase Manhattan Bank N.A.,
1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, is custodian of Equity-
Income, Overseas, Asset Manager and Asset Manager: Growth Portfolios' assets;
and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts, is
custodian of Growth, Index 500 and Contrafund Portfolios' assets. The
custodians take no part in determining the investment policies of the portfolios
or in deciding which securities are purchased or sold by the portfolios.
The Funds sell their shares to separate accounts of insurance companies.
See "Voting Rights of a Policy Owner-Voting Privileges of Participants in Other
Separate Accounts" for information about measures that will be taken to protect
Policy Owners in the event of a conflict of interest between the Separate
Account and other separate accounts that invest in the Funds.
More detailed information about the Funds, their investment policies,
risks, expenses and all other aspects of their operations appears in their
Prospectus, which is attached to this Prospectus, and in their Statements of
Additional Information referred to therein.
INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE PORTFOLIOS OF THE FUNDS
Each portfolio of the Funds has a different investment objective which it
tries to achieve by following separate investment policies. The objectives and
policies of each portfolio will affect its return and its risks. The investment
experiences of the divisions of the Separate Account depend on the performances
of the corresponding portfolios. The investment objectives, policies,
restrictions and risks of the portfolios of the Funds are described in detail in
the Prospectus for the Funds, which is attached to this Prospectus, and in the
Funds' Statements of Additional Information. The policies and objectives of the
portfolios of the Variable Insurance Products Fund corresponding to the
divisions currently available for investment under EquiBuilder III policies may
be summarized as follows:
MONEY MARKET PORTFOLIO seeks to obtain as high a level of current
income as is consistent with preserving capital and providing liquidity.
The portfolio will invest only in high-quality U.S. dollar denominated
money market securities of domestic and foreign issuers.
HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks to obtain a high level of current income
by investing primarily in high yielding, lower rated, fixed-income
securities, while also considering growth of capital. The portfolio may
purchase lower-quality bonds which provide poor protection for payment of
principal and interest (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). For a
discussion of the risks of investment in these securities, please see the
Prospectus for the Funds, which is attached to this Prospectus.
EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO seeks reasonable income by investing primarily
in income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities, the
portfolio will also consider the potential for capital appreciation. The
portfolio's goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on
the securities comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index.
GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks to achieve capital appreciation. The portfolio
normally purchases common stocks, although its investments are not
restricted to any one type of security. Capital appreciation may also be
found in other types of securities including bonds and preferred stocks.
OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO seeks long-term growth of capital primarily through
investments in foreign securities. Overseas Portfolio provides a means for
investors to diversify their own portfolios by participating in companies
and economies outside of the United States.
The policies and objectives of the portfolios of the Variable Insurance
Products Fund II corresponding to the divisions currently available for
investment under EquiBuilder III policies may be summarized as follows:
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<PAGE>
INVESTMENT GRADE BOND PORTFOLIO seeks as high a level of current
income as is consistent with the preservation of capital by investing in a
broad range of investment-grade fixed-income securities. The portfolio
will maintain dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of ten years or
less.
ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO seeks a high total return with reduced risk
over the long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign
stocks, bonds and short-term fixed-income instruments.
INDEX 500 PORTFOLIO seeks investment results that correspond to the
total return (i.e., the combination of capital changes and income) of
common stocks publicly traded in the United States, as represented by
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, while keeping
transaction costs and other expenses low.
ASSET MANAGER: GROWTH PORTFOLIO seeks to maximize total return over
the long term through investments in stocks, bonds and short-term
instruments.
CONTRAFUND PORTFOLIO seeks to increase the value of investments over
the long term by investing in securities of companies that are undervalued
or out-of-favor.
Except for the Money Market, Investment Grade Bond and Index 500
Portfolios, the portfolios may purchase lower-quality bonds which provide poor
protection for payment of principal and interest (commonly referred to as "junk
bonds"). These securities are highly speculative. Lower-quality bonds involve
greater risk of default or price changes than securities assigned a higher
quality rating due to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. This is an
aggressive approach to income investing. For a discussion of the risks of
investment in these securities, please see the Prospectus for the Funds, which
is attached to this Prospectus.
There is no guarantee that any portfolio of the Funds will achieve its
objective. In addition, the Funds' Prospectus advises that no single portfolio
constitutes a balanced investment plan.
THE INVESTMENT MANAGER OF THE FUNDS
Subject to the approval and supervision of the Funds' Boards of Trustees,
Fidelity Management manages the day-to-day investment operations of the Funds
and exercises overall responsibility for the investment and reinvestment of the
Funds' assets. See the Prospectus of the Funds for a description of the
experience and qualifications of Fidelity Management.
Fidelity is one of America's largest investment management organizations
and has its principal business address at 82 Devonshire Street, Boston,
Massachusetts. It includes a number of different companies, which provide a
variety of financial services and products. Each portfolio of the Funds employs
various Fidelity companies to perform certain activities required for its
operation.
Fidelity Management is the original Fidelity company, founded in 1946. It
provides a number of mutual funds and other clients with investment research and
portfolio management services. It maintains a large staff of experienced
investment personnel and a full complement of related support facilities.
Fidelity Management is a registered investment adviser under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940. As of December 31, 1996, Fidelity Management advised
funds having more than __ million shareholder accounts with a total value of
more than $____ billion. FMR Corp. is the ultimate parent of Fidelity
Management and FDC. Members of the Edward C. Johnson 3d family are the
predominant owners of a class of shares of common stock representing
approximately 49% of the voting power of FMR Corp. Under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, control of a company is presumed where one individual or group of
individuals owns more than 25% of the voting stock of that company; therefore,
the Johnson family may be deemed under the Investment Company Act of 1940 to
form a controlling group with respect to FMR Corp.
For managing each portfolio's investments and business affairs, each
portfolio pays Fidelity Management a monthly fee. See the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information of the Funds for a description of the way in
which these fees are calculated. Each portfolio also pays fees to other
companies affiliated with Fidelity Management for various services. Fidelity
Management has entered into sub-advisory agreements with affiliated companies
with respect to management of the High Income,
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<PAGE>
Overseas, Money Market, Asset Manager, Asset Manager: Growth and Contrafund
Portfolios. The following table shows the management fees, other expenses and
total annual expenses paid during fiscal 1996 by each portfolio, expressed as a
percentage of average daily assets of each portfolio:
Total Annual
Portfolio Management Fee Other Expenses Expenses
--------- -------------- -------------- --------
Money Market Portfolio
High Income Portfolio
Equity-Income Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
Overseas Portfolio
Investment Grade Bond Portfolio
Asset Manager Portfolio
Index 500 Portfolio
Contrafund Portfolio
Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio
(1) A portion of the brokerage commissions the Funds paid was used to
reduce its expenses. Without this reduction total annual expenses would have
been: for High Income Portfolio: ____%; for Asset Manager Portfolio: ____%; for
Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio: ____%; and for Contrafund Portfolio: ____%.
(2) The Funds' expenses were voluntarily reduced by the Funds' investment
adviser. Absent reimbursement, management fees, other expenses, and total
expenses would have been: for Index 500 Portfolio: _____%, _____% and _____%,
respectively; and for Asset Manager: Growth Portfolio: _____%, _____% and
_____%, respectively.
Fidelity Management may, from time to time, agree to reimburse a portfolio
for management fees and other expenses above a specified percentage of average
net assets. Reimbursement arrangements, which may be terminated at any time
without notice, will increase a portfolio's yield. If Fidelity Management
discontinues a reimbursement arrangement, an affected portfolio's expenses will
go up and its yield will be reduced. Fidelity Management retains the ability to
be repaid by a portfolio for expense reimbursements if expenses fall below the
limit prior to the end of the fiscal year. Repayment by a portfolio will lower
its yield.
See the Prospectus and the Statements of Additional Information of the
Funds for more information about the services provided by and the fees paid to
Fidelity Management and its affiliated companies.
OWNERSHIP OF THE ASSETS OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Under Illinois law, American Franklin owns the assets of the Separate
Account and uses them to support EquiBuilder III policies, other existing
variable life policies and other variable life policies it may issue in the
future. The portion of the Separate Account's assets supporting these policies
may not be used to satisfy liabilities arising out of any other business of
American Franklin. Under certain unlikely circumstances, one investment
division of the Separate Account may be liable for claims relating to the
operations of another division. In addition to premiums from EquiBuilder III
policies, American Franklin may allocate premiums from other policies to the
Separate Account. These policy owners will participate in the Separate Account
in proportion to the amounts in the Separate Account relating to their policies.
American Franklin may also permit charges owed to it to stay in the Separate
Account. Thus, American Franklin may also participate proportionately in the
Separate Account. These accumulated amounts
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belong to American Franklin and American Franklin may transfer them from the
Separate Account to its General Account at any time.
RIGHT TO CHANGE OPERATIONS
American Franklin reserves the right to change or add investment companies
in which Policy Accounts will be invested and to modify how it or the Separate
Account operates. American Franklin intends to comply with applicable law in
making any changes and, if necessary, will seek Policy Owner approval. American
Franklin has the right to:
add investment divisions to, or remove investment divisions from, the
Separate Account, combine two or more divisions within the Separate
Account, or withdraw assets relating to EquiBuilder III policies from one
investment division and put them into another;
register or end the registration of the Separate Account under the
Investment Company Act of 1940;
operate the Separate Account under the direction of a committee or
discharge such a committee at anytime (the committee may be composed
entirely of persons who are "interested persons'' of American Franklin
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940);
restrict or eliminate any voting rights of Policy Owners or other
people who have voting rights that affect the Separate Account;
operate the Separate Account or one or more of its investment
divisions in any other form the law allows, including a form that allows
the Separate Account to make direct investments. The Separate Account may
be charged an advisory fee if its investments are made directly, rather
than through an investment company. American Franklin may invest the
assets of the Separate Account in any legal investments. In choosing these
investments American Franklin will rely on its own or outside counsel for
advice. In addition, American Franklin may disapprove any change in
investment advisers or in investment policy unless a law or regulation
provides differently; and
modify the provisions of the policies to assure qualification under
the pertinent provisions of the Code or to comply with other applicable
federal or state laws.
If any changes are made that result in a material change in the
underlying investments of an investment division, Policy Owners will be
notified as required by law. American Franklin may, for example, cause an
investment division to invest in a mutual fund other than or in addition to
the Funds. If, as a result of any such material change, a Policy Owner
then wishes to transfer the amount of his or her Policy Account invested in
one investment division to another division of the Separate Account or to
the Guaranteed Interest Division, he or she may do so without charge, by
giving written instructions to American Franklin at its Administrative
Office. At the same time, the manner in which net premiums and deductions
are allocated may be changed.
DEDUCTIONS AND CHARGES
For information regarding other charges see also "Policy Account
Transactions,'' below.
DEDUCTIONS FROM PREMIUMS
Unless a loan is outstanding (see "Policy Account Transactions-Repaying the
Loan,'' below), any payment received by American Franklin before the Final
Policy Date is treated as a premium. The Final Policy Date is the policy
anniversary nearest the Insured Person's 95th birthday. Applicable taxes and a
sales expense deduction (subject to an annual maximum deduction) are deducted
from all premiums. The balance of each premium (the net premium) is placed in
the Policy Account.
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All states and certain other jurisdictions (cities, counties,
municipalities) tax premium payments and some levy other charges. Taxes
currently range up to 5%. American Franklin deducts the applicable tax from
each premium payment. This is a tax to American Franklin, so the Policy Owner
cannot deduct it on his or her income tax return. The amount of the tax will
vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the Policy Owner resides. Since the
tax is a percentage of the premium, the amount of the tax will also vary with
the amount of the premium. This deduction for taxes will be increased or
decreased to reflect any changes in the applicable tax based on premiums. In
addition, if a Policy Owner changes his or her place of residence, the deduction
will be changed to the tax rate of the new jurisdiction. The Policy Owner
should notify American Franklin if he or she changes residence.
American Franklin makes a sales expense deduction equal to 5% of each
premium paid during any policy year until the total premiums for the policy year
equal the Target Premium. (See "Definitions,'' above, and "Deductions and
Charges-Surrender Charge,'' below, for more information concerning the Target
Premium). No sales expense deduction is made for premiums in excess of a Target
Premium paid during that policy year. During the next policy year, American
Franklin will again make a sales expense deduction equal to 5% of each premium
until total premiums paid during that policy year equal the Target Premium. A
Policy Owner can reduce aggregate sales expense deductions by concentrating
premium payments in a few policy years so that the premiums paid in each of
those years exceed a target premium. However, concentration of premium payments
during a policy's early policy years, and in particular during the first policy
year, may increase the contingent deferred sales charge that will be imposed if
the policy is surrendered or, in some instances, if the Face Amount of the
policy is reduced or the policy is permitted to lapse during the first ten
policy years. See "Deductions and Charges - Surrender Charge,'' below. In
addition, concentration of premium payments during the first seven policy years
can increase the likelihood that a policy will be considered a modified
endowment contract. See "Federal Tax Considerations - Policy Proceeds,'' below.
Sales expense deductions are made to help recover some expenses of
distributing the EquiBuilder III policies. These expenses include agents'
commissions and the printing of the EquiBuilder III prospectus and sales
literature. Sales expenses are also recovered through a contingent deferred
sales charge, which will be imposed if the policy is surrendered or, in some
instances, if the Face Amount of the policy is reduced or the policy is
permitted to lapse during the first ten policy years. The amount of sales
expense deductions and contingent deferred sales charges in any policy year is
not necessarily related to actual sales expenses in that year. See "Deductions
and Charges-Surrender Charge,'' and "Distribution of the Policies,'' below.
CHARGES AGAINST THE POLICY ACCOUNT
At the beginning of each policy month, the following charges are made
against each Policy Account. Additional charges against amounts in the Separate
Account are described under "Deductions and Charges-Charges Against the Separate
Account," below.
ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE. The current charge is $6 per month. This charge is
designed to cover the continuing costs of maintaining the EquiBuilder III
policies, such as premium billing and collection, claim processing, policy
transactions, record keeping, communications with Policy Owners and other
expenses and overhead. This charge may be raised to reflect higher costs, but
American Franklin guarantees it will never be more than $12 per month. At the
beginning of each of the first twelve policy months that a policy is in effect,
an additional administrative charge of $24 per month will be deducted. This
charge permits American Franklin to recover the costs of issuance and placement
of the policy such as application processing, medical examinations,
establishment of policy records and underwriting costs (determining insurability
and assigning the Insured Person to a risk class).
COST OF INSURANCE CHARGE. The monthly cost of insurance is American
Franklin's current monthly cost of insurance rate multiplied by the amount at
risk at the beginning of the policy month divided by $1,000. The amount at risk
is the difference between the current death benefit and the amount in the Policy
Account. If the current death benefit for the month is increased due to the
requirements of federal tax law (see "The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-
Death Benefits,'' above), the amount at risk for the month will also increase.
For this purpose the amount of each Policy Account is determined before
deduction of the cost of insurance charge but after all other charges due on
that date. The amount of the
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cost of insurance charge will vary from month to month with changes in the
amount at risk and with increasing age of the Insured Person.
The cost of insurance rate is based on the sex, age and risk class of the
Insured Person and the Face Amount size band of the policy at the time of the
charge. American Franklin may change these rates from time to time, but they
will never be more than the guaranteed maximum rates set forth in a particular
policy. The maximum charges are based on the Commissioner's 1980 Standard
Ordinary Male and Female Mortality Tables. The table below shows the current
and guaranteed maximum monthly cost of insurance rates per $1,000 of amount at
risk for a male non-tobacco user at various ages. In Montana and Massachusetts
there will be no distinctions based on sex. Congress and the legislatures of
various states have from time to time considered legislation that would require
insurance rates to be the same for males and females of the same age and risk
class. In addition, employers and Employee Organizations should consider the
impact of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on the purchase of an
EquiBuilder III policy in connection with an employment related insurance or
benefit plan. See "Employee Benefit Plans,'' below. Where required, American
Franklin will provide cost of insurance charges that do not distinguish between
males and females.
ILLUSTRATIVE TABLE OF MONTHLY COST OF INSURANCE RATES FOR
MALE NON-TOBACCO (ROUNDED) PER $1,000 OF AMOUNT AT RISK
---------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 - $199,999 $200,000 AND OVER
FACE AMOUNT SIZE BAND FACE AMOUNT SIZE BAND
--------------------- ---------------------
ATTAINED GUARANTEED CURRENT GUARANTEED CURRENT
AGE MAXIMUM RATE RATE MAXIMUM RATE RATE
--- ------------ ---- ------------ ----
5 $ .08 $ .08 $ .08 $ .08
15 .11 .11 .11 .10
25 .15 .10 .15 .10
35 .18 .11 .18 .10
45 .38 .20 .38 .17
55 .88 .49 .88 .42
65 2.14 1.42 2.14 1.20
For a male non-tobacco user, age 35, with a $100,000 Face Amount Option A
policy, an initial premium of $1,000, and a 2% premium tax, the cost of
insurance for the first month will be $10.90. This example reflects deduction
of a 5% sales expense deduction and the current administrative charges ($6 per
month plus the additional charge of $24 per month that applies for the first 12
policy months) and uses the current cost of insurance rate ($.11 per $1,000).
CHARGES FOR ADDITIONAL BENEFITS. The cost of any additional benefits will
be deducted monthly. These charges may be changed, but each policy contains
tables showing the guaranteed maximum rates for all of these insurance costs.
CHANGES IN MONTHLY CHARGES. Any changes in the cost of insurance, charges
for additional benefits or administrative charges will be by class of Insured
Person and will be based on changes in future expectations about such things as
investment earnings, mortality, the length of time policies will remain in
effect, expenses and taxes.
CHARGES AGAINST THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
The amount in the Policy Account which is allocated to the investment
divisions of the Separate Account will be reduced proportionately by the
following fees and charges, which are allocated to the investment divisions of
the Separate Account. These fees and charges will not be made against amounts
allocated to the Guaranteed Interest Division.
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISKS. American Franklin makes a charge for assuming
mortality and expense risks. American Franklin guarantees that monthly
administrative and cost of insurance deductions from the Policy Account will
never be greater than the maximum amounts shown in the policy. The mortality
risk assumed is that insured persons will live for shorter periods than
estimated. When this happens, American Franklin has to pay a greater amount of
death benefit than expected in relation to the cost of insurance charges it
received. The expense risk assumed is that the cost of issuing and
administering policies will be greater than expected. American Franklin makes a
daily
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charge for mortality and expense risks at an effective annual rate of .75% of
the value of the assets in the Separate Account attributable to EquiBuilder III
policies. This charge is reflected in the unit values for the investment
divisions of the Separate Account. See "Policy Account Value-Determination of
Unit Value,'' below. If the money collected from this charge is not needed, it
will be to American Franklin's gain.
CHARGES AGAINST THE FUNDS. The Separate Account purchases shares of the
Funds at net asset value. That price reflects investment management fees and
other direct expenses that have already been deducted from the assets of the
Funds. The Funds do not impose a sales charge. See "The Investment Adviser of
the Funds,'' above and the Funds' Prospectuses and Statements of Additional
Information for details concerning the Funds' investment management fees and
other expenses.
TAX RESERVE. American Franklin reserves the right to make a charge in the
future for taxes or reserves set aside for taxes, which will reduce the
investment income of the investment divisions of the Separate Account. See
"Federal Tax Considerations,'' below.
SURRENDER CHARGE
If a policy is totally surrendered, or, in some instances, if the Face
Amount of the policy is reduced or the policy is permitted to lapse during the
first ten policy years, a surrender charge is imposed as a means to recover
sales expenses. See "Deductions and Charges-Deductions from Premiums,'' above,
and "Distribution of the Policies,'' below. The amount of the surrender charge
will vary depending on the policy year in which the redemption occurs and the
amount of premium paid. No surrender charge will be applicable after the tenth
policy year. If during the first ten policy years a policy is not surrendered
or permitted to lapse and the Face Amount is not reduced, no surrender charge
will be incurred.
The surrender charge is a contingent deferred sales load. It is a
contingent load because it is imposed only if the Policy Owner surrenders his or
her policy (or reduces its Face Amount or lets it lapse) during the first ten
policy years. It is a deferred load because it is not deducted from premiums.
The amount of the load in a policy year is not necessarily related to actual
sales expense in that year. See "Deductions and Charges-Deductions from
Premiums,'' above, and "Distribution of the Policies,'' below.
The surrender charge is the difference between the amount in a particular
Policy Account and the Cash Surrender Value of the related policy during the
first ten policy years.
In the first ten policy years, a surrender charge will be imposed if the
Policy Owner:
totally surrenders his or her policy for its Net Cash Surrender Value;
reduces the Face Amount of his or her policy; or
lets his or her policy lapse.
Surrender charges are based on "Target'' Premiums. Target Premiums are not
based on the "planned'' premium the Policy Owner determines. See "The Features
Of EquiBuilder III Policies - Flexible Premium Payments.'' Target Premiums are
based on the age and sex of the Insured Person and the initial Face Amount of
the policy. In general, a Target Premium would equal the amount of annual
premium necessary to maintain a fixed-benefit whole life policy for the same
face amount on the life of the Insured Person.
The maximum surrender charge for a policy will be shown on the Policy
Information page of a policy and will equal 50% of one Target Premium. This
maximum will not vary based on the amount of premiums paid or when they are
paid. At the end of the sixth policy year, and at the end of each of the four
succeeding policy years, the maximum surrender charge is reduced by an amount
equal to 20% of the initial maximum surrender charge. After the end of the
tenth policy year, there is no surrender charge.
Subject to the maximum surrender charge, the surrender charge is calculated
based on actual premium payments. The surrender charge equals 25% of premium
payments made during the first
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policy year up to the amount of one Target Premium and 9% of any additional
premiums paid during the first ten policy years, but not more than 50% of one
Target Premium.
Paying less than one Target Premium in the first policy year will reduce
the surrender charge only if not more than approximately five Target Premiums
are paid before surrender or lapse (i.e., only if the maximum surrender charge
is not reached). However, structuring payments in this manner will increase the
risk that a policy will lapse (and that a surrender charge will be incurred that
would not have been incurred if the policy had remained in force). If payments
are structured in this manner, the amounts in the Policy Account would need to
receive favorable investment performance for the policy not to lapse. In
addition, paying less premiums may increase cost of insurance charges (which are
based on amount at risk). Attempting to structure the timing and amount of
premium payments to reduce the potential surrender charge below the maximum is
not recommended.
EXAMPLE: Assume the purchase of a $200,000 initial Face Amount policy for a
male age 40. This policy would have a Target Premium of $2,280 and a maximum
surrender charge of $1,140 ($2,280 x 50%). Also, assume that all premium
payments are made at the beginning of each policy year. The following table
shows the surrender charge which would apply under different premium payment
assumptions if surrender of the policy were to occur during the indicated policy
year:
DURING YEAR PREMIUM CHARGE PREMIUM CHARGE PREMIUM CHARGE
1 $3,000 $ 635 $2,280 $ 570 $1,140 $ 285
2 3,000 905 2,280 775 3,420 593
3 3,000 1,140 2,280 980 2,280 790
4 3,000 1,140 2,280 1,140 2,280 1,003
5 3,000 1,140 2,280 1,140 2,280 1,140
6 3,000 1,140 2,280 1,140 2,280 1,140
7 3,000 912 2,280 912 2,280 912
8 3,000 684 2,280 684 2,280 684
9 3,000 456 2,280 456 2,280 456
10 3,000 228 2,280 228 2,280 228
The maximum surrender charge will be reduced by the amount of any pro rata
surrender charge previously imposed in connection with a decrease in the Face
Amount of a policy.
During the first ten policy years, a decrease in the Face Amount of a
policy may be considered a partial surrender and American Franklin will deduct a
portion of the surrender charge. If the Face Amount of a policy is increased
and then decreased, a surrender charge will apply only to a decrease below the
original Face Amount (i.e., the Face Amount at the Issue Date). Generally, the
pro rata surrender charge for a partial surrender will be determined by dividing
the amount of the Face Amount decrease (excluding the portion that merely
reverses a prior increase) by the original Face Amount and multiplying the
fraction by the surrender charge which would apply if the policy were
surrendered.
For example, assume that a policy is issued for a male age 40 with a Face
Amount of $200,000. In the third policy year, the Policy Owner decides to
decrease this Face Amount by $100,000. Assume also that an annual premium of
$3,000 was paid for each of the first three policy years and that the maximum
surrender charge for the third policy year is $1,140. To determine the portion
of the surrender charge:
Divide the amount of the Face Amount decrease by the initial Face
Amount. ($100,000 DIVIDED BY $200,000 = .5)
Then multiply this fraction by the maximum surrender charge in effect
before the decrease.
Pro rata surrender charge = .5 x $1,140 = $570.
Thus, the Policy Owner would be charged $570 for decreasing the Face Amount
of this policy from $200,000 to $100,000 during the third policy year. The
maximum surrender charge payable in the future will be reduced proportionately.
American Franklin would send the Policy Owner a new Policy Information page that
shows the new maximum charges. The Policy Owner will pay the maximum only if he
or she surrenders the policy or lets the policy lapse after paying enough
premiums to reach the maximum.
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OTHER TRANSACTION CHARGES
In addition to the deductions and charges described above, fees for certain
policy transactions are charged against the Policy Account:
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL OF NET CASH SURRENDER VALUE. There is an
administrative charge that is currently $25 or 2% of the amount withdrawn,
whichever is less, each time a partial withdrawal is made. See "Policy
Account Transactions-Withdrawing Money from the Policy Account,'' below.
INCREASE IN THE FACE AMOUNT OF INSURANCE. There is an administrative
charge that is currently $1.50 for each $1,000 of increase up to a maximum
charge of $300. See "The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-Changes in
EquiBuilder III Policies,'' above.
TRANSFERS. If more than four transfers of Policy Account value are
made in a policy year among investment divisions, a charge of up to a
maximum of $25 for each additional transfer in that policy year may be
made. However, if all of the assets are transferred to the Guaranteed
Interest Division, no transfer charge will be imposed. See "Policy Account
Transactions-Transfers of Policy Account Value Among Investment
Divisions,'' below. A request for transfer involving the simultaneous
transfer of funds from or to more than one investment division will be
considered one transfer.
ILLUSTRATIONS. If, after a policy is issued, a Policy Owner requests
more than one illustration of projected death benefits and Policy Account
and Cash Surrender Values in a policy year, a fee may be charged. See
"Illustrations of Death Benefits, Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values
and Accumulated Premiums," below.
The fees for partial withdrawals, increases in face amount and transfers are
guaranteed never to exceed the amounts stated above. See also "Deductions and
Charges-Surrender Charge," above.
ALLOCATION OF POLICY ACCOUNT CHARGES
Generally, charges against each Policy Account for monthly charges or
certain transaction fees are allocated among the investment divisions of the
Separate Account and the unloaned portion of the Guaranteed Interest Division in
accordance with the deduction allocation percentages specified by the Policy
Owner in his or her application or in accordance with subsequent instructions
received by American Franklin from the Policy Owner. However, deductions for
the first policy month will generally be made from the Money Market division.
See "Separate Account Investment Choices."
Allocation percentages for deductions may be any whole numbers (from zero
to one hundred) which add up to one hundred. A Policy Owner may change
deduction allocation percentages by giving instructions to American Franklin at
its Administrative Office. Changes will be effective as of the date they are
received by American Franklin.
Charges for partial withdrawals of Net Cash Surrender Value and transfers
of Policy Account values will be subtracted equally among the divisions from
which the transactions were made. If American Franklin cannot make a charge as
described above, it will make the charge based on the proportion that the
unloaned amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division, if any, and the amounts in
the investment divisions of the Separate Account bear to the total unloaned
value of the Policy Account.
POLICY ACCOUNT VALUE
The amount in a Policy Account is the sum of the amounts allocated to the
Guaranteed Interest Division and to the various investment divisions of the
Separate Account. The amount in a Policy Account also reflects various
deductions and charges. Monthly charges are made as of the first day of each
policy month. Transaction charges or surrender charges are made as of the
effective date of the transaction (for example, administrative charges for
increases in Face Amount are made as of the next monthly policy anniversary
after American Franklin approves the Policy Owner's request).
Charges against the Separate Account are reflected daily. Any amount
allocated to an investment division of the Separate Account will increase or
decrease depending on the investment experience of that division. For amounts
allocated to the investment divisions of the Separate Account, there is no
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<PAGE>
guaranteed minimum cash value. The value of amounts in a Policy Account
allocated to the Guaranteed Interest Division is guaranteed. See "The
Guaranteed Interest Division," below.
AMOUNTS IN THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Amounts allocated, transferred or added to the investment divisions of the
Separate Account are used to purchase units representing undivided interests in
the various divisions. The amount in each division is represented by the value
of the units credited to the Policy Account for that division. The number of
units purchased or redeemed in an investment division of the Separate Account is
calculated by dividing the dollar amount of the transaction by the division's
unit value next calculated at the close of business on the date of the
transaction (see "Additional Information About EquiBuilder III Policies-Policy
Periods, Anniversaries, Dates and Ages,'' below, regarding the date that the net
amount of the initial premium is credited to the Policy Account and interim
allocation of the initial net premium and any other net premium received prior
to the time that 15 days have elapsed after the Issue Date, and see "Policy
Account Transactions'' and "The Guaranteed Interest Division-Transfers from the
Guaranteed Interest Division,'' below, regarding the effective dates of Policy
Account transactions). The number of units for an investment division at any
time is the number of units purchased less the number of units redeemed. The
value of units fluctuates with the investment performance of the corresponding
portfolio of a Fund, which reflects the investment income and realized and
unrealized capital gains and losses of the portfolio and the Fund's expenses.
The unit values also reflect charges American Franklin makes against the
Separate Account. The number of units credited to a Policy Account, however,
will not vary because of changes in unit values. On any given day, the value a
Policy Account has in an investment division of the Separate Account is the unit
value times the number of units credited to the Policy Account in that division.
The units of each investment division of the Separate Account have different
unit values.
Units of an investment division are purchased when the Policy Owner
allocates premiums, repays loans or transfers amounts to that division. Units
are redeemed or sold when the Policy Owner makes withdrawals or transfers
amounts from an investment division of the Separate Account (including transfers
for loans) and to pay the death benefit when the Insured Person dies. American
Franklin also redeems units for monthly charges or other charges from the
Separate Account.
DETERMINATION OF THE UNIT VALUE
American Franklin determines unit values for each investment division of
the Separate Account at the end of each business day. Generally, a business day
is any day American Franklin is open and the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading. American Franklin will not process any policy transactions as of any
day that is not a business day other than to issue a policy anniversary report,
make monthly charge deductions and pay the death benefit under a policy. The
initial unit value for each investment division was set at $100. Subsequently,
the unit value for any business day is equal to the unit value for the preceding
business day multiplied by the net investment factor for that division on that
business day.
American Franklin determines a net investment factor for each investment
division every business day as follows:
First, the value of the shares belonging to the division in the
corresponding Fund portfolio at the close of business that day is
determined (before giving effect to any policy transactions for that day,
such as premium payments or surrenders). For this purpose, American
Franklin uses the share value reported to it by the Fund;
Next, any dividends or capital gains distributions paid by the Fund
for the corresponding portfolio on that day are added;
Then, this sum is divided by the value of the amounts in the
investment division at the close of business on the preceding business day
(after giving effect to any policy transactions on that day);
Then, a daily asset charge for each calendar day between business days
is subtracted (for example, a Monday calculation may include charges for
Saturday and Sunday). The daily charge is .00002063, which is an effective
annual rate of .75%. This charge is for mortality and expense risks
assumed by American Franklin under the policy;
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Finally, any daily charge for taxes or amounts set aside as a reserve
for taxes is subtracted.
Generally, this means that unit values are adjusted to reflect what happens
to the Funds, and also for the mortality and expense risk charge and any charge
for taxes.
POLICY ACCOUNT TRANSACTIONS
The transactions described below may have different effects on the Policy
Account, death benefit, Face Amount or cost of insurance. The Policy Owner
should consider the net effects before combining Policy Account transactions.
See "The Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-Changes in EquiBuilder III
Policies," above. Certain transactions also entail charges. For information
regarding other charges, see "Deductions And Charges," above.
CHANGING PREMIUM AND DEDUCTION ALLOCATION PERCENTAGES
A Policy Owner may change the allocation percentages of his or her net
premiums or of his or her monthly deductions by giving instructions to American
Franklin at its Administrative Office. These changes will go into effect as of
the date American Franklin receives the request at its Administrative Office and
will affect transactions on and after that date.
TRANSFERS OF POLICY ACCOUNT VALUE AMONG INVESTMENT DIVISIONS
A Policy Owner may transfer amounts from any investment division of the
Separate Account to any other investment division of the Separate Account or to
the Guaranteed Interest Division. A Policy Owner may make up to four transfers
of Policy Account value among investment divisions of the Separate Account in
each policy year without charge. Depending on the overall cost of performing
these transactions, American Franklin may charge up to a current maximum of $25
for each additional transfer, except that no charge will be imposed for a
transfer of all amounts in the investment divisions of the Separate Account to
the Guaranteed Interest Division. If all amounts are in the Guaranteed Interest
Division, the policy will not vary for investment experience. To make a
transfer, the Policy Owner should give instructions to American Franklin at its
Administrative Office.
If a charge is imposed for making a transfer, American Franklin will
allocate the charge as described under "Deductions And Charges-Allocation of
Policy Account Charges,'' above. All simultaneous transfers included in one
transfer request count as one transfer for purposes of any fee.
A transfer from an investment division of the Separate Account will take
effect as of the date American Franklin receives instructions to make the
transfer. The minimum amount American Franklin will transfer on any date will
be shown on the Policy Information page in each policy and is usually $500.
This minimum need not come from any one investment division or be transferred to
any one investment division as long as the total amount transferred that day
equals or exceeds the minimum. However, American Franklin will transfer the
entire amount in any investment division of the Separate Account even if it is
less than the minimum specified in a policy. Policy Owners should note that
future premiums will continue to be allocated to investment divisions of the
Separate Account or the Guaranteed Interest Division in accordance with existing
allocations unless instructions are also given with respect to changing them.
Special rules apply to transfers from the Guaranteed Interest Division.
See "The Guaranteed Interest Division-Transfers From The Guaranteed Interest
Division,'' below.
BORROWING FROM THE POLICY ACCOUNT
At any time that a policy has a Net Cash Surrender Value, the Policy Owner
may borrow money from American Franklin using only his or her policy as security
for the loan. The maximum aggregate amount that will be loaned is equal to 90%
of the Cash Surrender Value of the policy on the date the request for a loan is
received by American Franklin at its Administrative Office. Any new loan must
be at least the minimum amount shown on the Policy Information page of a policy,
usually $500. If the Policy Owner requests an additional loan, the amounts of
any outstanding loan and loan interest will be added to the additional amount
requested and the original loan will be cancelled. Thus, only one loan will be
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outstanding at any time. Any amount that secures a loan remains part of the
Policy Account but is assigned to the Guaranteed Interest Division. This loaned
amount earns interest at a rate that American Franklin expects will be different
from the interest rate for unloaned amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division.
See "Federal Tax Considerations-Policy Proceeds,'' below, with respect to the
federal income tax consequences of a loan.
LOAN REQUESTS
Requests for loans should be made to American Franklin at its Administrative
Office. The Policy Owner may specify how much of the loan should be taken from
the unloaned amount, if any, of his or her Policy Account allocated to the
Guaranteed Interest Division and how much should be taken from the amounts
allocated to the investment divisions of the Separate Account. If a loan is
requested from an investment division of the Separate Account, American Franklin
will redeem units sufficient to cover that part of the loan and transfer the
amount to the loaned portion of the Guaranteed Interest Division. The amounts
in each division will be determined as of the day American Franklin receives the
request for a loan at its Administrative Office.
If the Policy Owner does not specify how to allocate a loan, the loan will
be allocated according to the Policy Owner's deduction allocation percentages.
If the loan cannot be allocated based on these percentages, American Franklin
will allocate it based on the proportions of the unloaned amount, if any, of the
Policy Owner's Policy Account allocated to the Guaranteed Interest Division and
the respective amounts allocated to each investment division of the Separate
Account to the unloaned value of the Policy Account.
POLICY LOAN INTEREST
Interest on a policy loan accrues daily at an adjustable interest rate.
American Franklin determines the rate at the beginning of each policy year. The
same rate applies to any outstanding policy loans and any new amounts borrowed
during the year. American Franklin will notify the Policy Owner of the current
rate when a loan is requested. American Franklin determines loan rates as
follows. The maximum rate is the greater of:
5-1/2% ; or
the "Published Monthly Average'' for the month that ends two months
before the interest rate is set. The "Published Monthly Average'' is the
Monthly Average Corporates yield shown in Moody's Corporate Bond Yield
Averages published by Moody's Investor Services, Inc.
If this average is no longer published, American Franklin will use any
successor or the average established by the insurance supervisory official of
the jurisdiction in which the policy is delivered. American Franklin will not
charge more than the maximum rate permitted by applicable law. American
Franklin may also set a rate lower than the maximum.
Any change in the rate from one year to the next will be at least 1/2 of
1%. The current loan interest rate will only change, therefore, if the
Published Monthly Average differs from the previous loan interest rate by at
least 1/2 of 1%. American Franklin will give advance notice of any increase in
the interest rate on any loans outstanding.
WHEN INTEREST IS DUE
Interest is due on each policy anniversary. If interest is not paid when
it is due, it will be added to the outstanding loan and allocated based on the
deduction allocation percentages for the Policy Account then in effect. This
means American Franklin makes an additional loan to pay the interest and
transfers amounts from the investment divisions of the Separate Account and the
unloaned portion of the Guaranteed Interest Division to make the loan. If
American Franklin cannot allocate the interest based on these percentages, it
will allocate it as described above for allocating the loan.
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REPAYING THE LOAN
All or part of a policy loan may be repaid at any time while the Insured
Person is alive and a policy is in force. While a policy loan is outstanding,
American Franklin will apply all amounts it receives in respect of that policy
to repayment of the policy loan unless the payment is accompanied by written
instructions that it is to be considered a premium.
American Franklin will first allocate loan repayments to the Guaranteed
Interest Division until the amount of any loans originally allocated to that
division is repaid. For example, if a Policy Owner borrowed $500 from the
Guaranteed Interest Division and $500 from the Equity-Income Division, no
repayments may be allocated to the Equity-Income Division until the $500
borrowed from the Guaranteed Interest Division is repaid. After this amount has
been repaid, the Policy Owner may specify how subsequent repayments should be
allocated. If the Policy Owner does not give instructions, American Franklin
will allocate repayments based on current premium allocation percentages at the
time repayment is made.
THE EFFECTS OF A POLICY LOAN ON THE POLICY ACCOUNT
A loan against a policy will have a permanent effect on the value of the
Policy Account and, therefore, on benefits under the policy, even if the loan is
repaid. When a loan is made against a policy, the amount of the loan is set
aside in the Guaranteed Interest Division where it earns a declared rate for
loaned amounts. The loan amount will not be available for investment in the
investment divisions of the Separate Account or in the unloaned portion of the
Guaranteed Interest Division.
The interest rate for loaned amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division is
expected to be different from the rate that applies to unloaned amounts in the
Guaranteed Interest Division. Generally, it will be 2% less than the interest
rate charged on the loan, minus any charge for taxes or reserves for taxes, but
never less than 4-1/2%. Each month, this interest is added to unloaned amounts
of the Policy Account in the Guaranteed Interest Division.
The impact of a loan on a Policy Account will depend, on one hand, on the
investment experience of the investment divisions of the Separate Account and
the rates declared for the unloaned portion of the Guaranteed Interest Division
and, on the other hand, the rates declared for the loaned portion of the
Guaranteed Interest Division. For example, if $1,000 is borrowed against $5,000
in the Money Market Division, the $1,000 will be set aside in the Guaranteed
Interest Division. This $1,000 would not be affected by any increases or
decreases in the value of units in the Money Market Division. However, the
$1,000 earns interest at a declared interest rate.
LAPSE OF THE POLICY
A policy loan may also affect the amount of time that the insurance
provided by a policy remains in force. For example, a policy may lapse more
quickly when a loan is outstanding because the loaned amount cannot be used to
cover the monthly charges that are made against the Policy Account. If these
charges exceed the Net Cash Surrender Value of the policy, then the lapse
provisions of the policy will apply. Since the policy permits loans up to 90%
of the Cash Surrender Value, additional premium payments may be required to keep
the policy in force if the maximum amount is borrowed. For more information
about these provisions, see "Additional Information About EquiBuilder III
Policies-Lapse of the Policy,'' below.
WITHDRAWING MONEY FROM THE POLICY ACCOUNT
After a policy has been in effect for a year, the Policy Owner may request
a partial withdrawal of the Net Cash Surrender Value by making a written request
to American Franklin at its Administrative Office. Any withdrawal is subject to
certain conditions. It must:
be at least $500;
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not cause the death benefit to fall below the minimum for which
American Franklin would issue the policy at the time (see "Policy Account
Transactions-The Effects of a Partial Withdrawal,'' below); and
not cause the policy to fail to qualify as life insurance under
applicable tax law.
The Policy Owner may specify how much of the withdrawal he or she
wants taken from each investment division. If no instructions are given,
American Franklin will make the withdrawal on the basis of the then current
deduction allocation percentages. If American Franklin cannot withdraw the
amount based on the Policy Owner's directions or on the deduction
allocation percentages, American Franklin will withdraw the amount based on
the proportions of the unloaned amount, if any, of the Policy Account
allocated to the Guaranteed Interest Division and the respective amounts
allocated to the investment divisions of the Separate Account to the total
unloaned value of the Policy Account. For example, if 50% of a Policy
Account is in the Guaranteed Interest Division and 50% is in the Money
Market Division and the Policy Owner wants to withdraw $1,000, American
Franklin would take $500 from each division.
WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
When a partial withdrawal of Net Cash Surrender Value is made, a current
expense charge of $25 or 2% of the amount withdrawn, whichever is less, will be
charged against the Policy Account. This charge will be allocated equally among
the divisions from which the withdrawal was made. If the charge cannot be
allocated in this manner, it will be allocated as described under "Deductions
And Charges-Allocation of Policy Account Charges,'' above.
THE EFFECTS OF A PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL
A partial withdrawal of Net Cash Surrender Value reduces the amount in the
Policy Account. It also reduces the Cash Surrender Value and the death benefit
on a dollar-for-dollar basis. If the death benefit based on a percentage
multiple applies, the reduction in death benefit can be greater. See "The
Features of EquiBuilder III Policies-Death Benefits,'' above. If death benefit
Option A is selected, the Face Amount of the policy will also be reduced so
there will be no change in the amount at risk. No pro rata surrender charge
will be deducted in connection with a reduction in Face Amount made in
connection with a partial withdrawal of Net Cash Surrender Value. An
endorsement will be sent to the Policy Owner to reflect this change. The Policy
Owner may be asked to return the policy to American Franklin's Administrative
Office to make a change. A partial withdrawal will not affect the Face Amount
of the policy if death benefit Option B is in effect. The withdrawal and these
reductions will be effective as of the date American Franklin receives the
request at its Administrative Office. See "Federal Tax Considerations-Policy
Proceeds,'' below, for the tax consequences of a partial withdrawal. A policy
loan may be more advantageous if the Policy Owner's need for cash is temporary.
SURRENDERING THE POLICY FOR ITS NET CASH SURRENDER VALUE
During the first ten policy years, the Cash Surrender Value of a policy is
the amount in the Policy Account minus the surrender charge described under
"Deductions And Charges - Surrender Charge,'' above. After ten policy years,
the Cash Surrender Value and Policy Account are equal. During the initial
policy years, the applicable surrender charge may represent a substantial
portion of the premiums paid. See "Illustrations of Death Benefits, Policy
Account and Cash Surrender Values, and Accumulated Premiums,'' below.
A policy may be surrendered for its Net Cash Surrender Value at any time
while the Insured Person is living. This may be done by sending a written
request and the policy to American Franklin at its Administrative Office. The
Net Cash Surrender Value of the policy equals the Cash Surrender Value minus any
outstanding loan and loan interest. American Franklin will compute the Net Cash
Surrender Value as of the date a request for surrender and the policy are
received by American Franklin at its Administrative Office, and all insurance
coverage under the policy will end on that date.
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THE GUARANTEED INTEREST DIVISION
A Policy Owner may allocate some or all of a Policy Account to the
Guaranteed Interest Division, which is part of American Franklin's General
Account and pays interest at a declared rate guaranteed by American Franklin for
each policy year. The principal, after charges, is also guaranteed by American
Franklin. The General Account supports American Franklin's insurance and
annuity obligations. Because of applicable exemptive and exclusionary
provisions, interests in the Guaranteed Interest Division have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, and neither the Guaranteed Interest
Division nor the General Account has been registered as an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Accordingly, neither the General
Account, the Guaranteed Interest Division nor any interests therein are
generally subject to regulation under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act. American
Franklin has been advised that the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission has not made a review of the disclosures which are included in this
Prospectus which relate to the General Account and the Guaranteed Interest
Division. These disclosures, however, may be subject to certain generally
applicable provisions of the federal securities law relating to the accuracy and
completeness of statements made in a prospectus.
AMOUNTS IN THE GUARANTEED INTEREST DIVISION
A Policy Owner may accumulate amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division
by:
allocating net premiums and loan repayments;
transferring amounts from the investment divisions of the Separate
Account; or
earning interest on amounts already allocated to the Guaranteed
Interest Division.
The amount allocated to the Guaranteed Interest Division at any time is the
sum of all net premiums and loan repayments allocated to that division and all
transfers and earned interest, and includes amounts securing any policy loan
outstanding. This amount is reduced by amounts transferred or withdrawn from
and charges allocated to this division.
INTEREST ON AMOUNTS IN THE GUARANTEED INTEREST DIVISION
American Franklin pays a declared interest rate on all amounts in the
Guaranteed Interest Division. At policy issuance and prior to each policy
anniversary, American Franklin declares the rates that will apply to amounts in
the Guaranteed Interest Division for the following policy year. Different rates
are paid on unloaned and loaned amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division.
These annual interest rates will never be less than the minimum guaranteed
interest rate of 4-1/2%. Interest is compounded daily at an effective annual
rate that equals the declared rate for each policy year.
At the end of each policy month, American Franklin will credit interest to
amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division in the following way:
amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division during the entire policy
month are credited with interest from the beginning to the end of the
month;
amounts added to the Guaranteed Interest Division during the month
from net premiums or loan repayments are credited with interest from the
date American Franklin receives them. The only exception to this rule
applies to the initial net premium payment. American Franklin will
allocate the initial net premium to the Money Market division until 15 days
after the Issue Date (any other net premium received during this period
will be allocated in the same way), and will then allocate the amounts in
the Policy Account to the Guaranteed Interest Division and the investment
divisions of the Separate Account in accordance with the Policy Owner's
premium allocation percentages. See "Additional Information About
EquiBuilder III-Policy Periods, Anniversaries, Dates and Ages,'' below;
amounts transferred to the Guaranteed Interest Division are credited
with interest from the date of the transfer to the end of the month; and
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amounts charged against or withdrawn from the Guaranteed Interest
Division are credited with interest from the beginning of the policy month
to the date of the charge or withdrawal.
Interest credited to any loaned amounts in the Guaranteed Interest Division
is allocated to the unloaned portion of the Guaranteed Interest Division and the
investment divisions of the Separate Account in accordance with the Policy
Owner's premium allocation percentages at the end of the policy year or at the
time of a full loan repayment.
TRANSFERS FROM THE GUARANTEED INTEREST DIVISION
A Policy Owner may request a transfer of unloaned amounts in the Guaranteed
Interest Division to one or more of the investment divisions of the Separate
Account. American Franklin will make the transfer as of the date a written
request for transfer is received, provided that the request is received within
30 days after a policy anniversary. The maximum amount that may be transferred
is the greater of 25% of the unloaned value in the Guaranteed Interest Division
on the date the transfer takes effect or the minimum transfer amount shown in
the policy when it is issued. The smallest amount that may be transferred is
the lesser of the unloaned value in the Guaranteed Interest Division on the date
the transfer takes effect or the minimum transfer amount shown in the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EQUIBUILDER III POLICIES
RIGHT TO EXAMINE THE POLICY
Each Policy Owner has a right to examine the policy. If for any reason the
Policy Owner is not satisfied with it, he or she may cancel the policy within
the time limits described below. The Policy Owner may cancel the policy by
sending it with a written request to cancel to American Franklin's
Administrative Office.
A request to cancel the policy must be postmarked no later than the
latest of the following three dates:
10 days after the Policy Owner receives his or her policy;
10 days after American Franklin mails the Policy Owner a written
notice disclosing the right to cancel (Notice of Withdrawal Right); or
45 days after the Policy Owner signs Part 1 of the policy application.
If the Policy Owner cancels the policy, American Franklin will, within
seven days of receipt of the policy and a duly executed, timely notice of
cancellation, refund an amount equal to the premiums paid.
Insurance coverage ends when a Policy Owner sends a request for
cancellation.
LAPSE OF THE POLICY
If the Net Cash Surrender Value of a policy is insufficient to pay the
charges that are made against the Policy Account each month, or if the total of
any policy loan plus loan interest exceeds the Cash Surrender Value of a policy,
American Franklin will commence procedures to terminate the policy. American
Franklin will notify the Policy Owner and any assignee shown on its records in
writing that the Net Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to pay monthly charges
or that an outstanding policy loan plus loan interest exceeds the Cash Surrender
Value of the policy, that a grace period has begun during which the Policy Owner
must pay an additional premium to prevent lapse of the policy, and that a
specified amount of premium, which will cover estimated monthly charges for
three months, must be paid to avoid lapse of the policy. The grace period
extends for 61 days beginning on the day American Franklin sends the Policy
Owner notice that the grace period is starting.
If American Franklin receives payment of at least the stipulated amount
before the end of the grace period, the amount paid will be used to satisfy the
overdue charges. Any balance left will be placed in the Policy Account and
allocated in the same manner as previous premium payments. A payment of less
than the stipulated amount received before the end of the grace period will be
applied to overdue charges but will not prevent lapse of the policy.
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If American Franklin does not receive payment within the 61 days, the
policy will lapse without value. American Franklin will withdraw any amount
left in the Policy Account and apply this amount to the charges owed to it,
including any applicable surrender charge.
If the Insured Person dies during the grace period, American Franklin will
pay the insurance benefits to the beneficiary, minus any outstanding policy loan
and loan interest and overdue charges.
REINSTATEMENT OF THE POLICY
A Policy Owner may reinstate his or her policy within three years after it
lapses if:
evidence is provided that the Insured Person is still insurable; and
a premium payment sufficient to keep the policy in force for three
months after the date it is reinstated is paid to American Franklin.
The effective date of the reinstated policy will be the beginning of the
policy month which coincides with or follows the date American Franklin approves
the reinstatement application. Upon reinstatement, the maximum surrender charge
for the policy will be reduced by the amount of all surrender charges previously
imposed on the policy, and for purposes of determining any future surrender
charges on the policy, the policy will be deemed to have been in effect since
the original Register Date. Previous loans will not be reinstated.
POLICY PERIODS, ANNIVERSARIES, DATES AND AGES
Policy years, policy months and policy anniversaries are measured from the
Register Date shown on the Policy Information page in the policy. Each policy
month begins on the same day in each calendar month as the day of the month of
the Register Date. For purposes of receiving Policy Owner requests, American
Franklin is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Springfield, Illinois time.
The Register Date is the earlier of the Issue Date or the Date of Payment.
The Date of Payment will normally be the day of receipt of a check for the full
initial premium at American Franklin's Administrative Office. The Issue Date,
shown on the Policy Information page of each policy, is the date a policy is
actually issued, and depends on the underwriting and other requirements for
issuing a particular policy. Contestability is measured from the Issue Date, as
is the suicide exclusion.
The initial net premium will be put in the Policy Account as of the Date of
Payment. The initial net premium will be allocated to the Money Market division
of the Separate Account, regardless of the Policy Owner's premium allocation
percentages, until the first business day 15 days after the Issue Date. Any
other net premium received during that period will also be allocated to the
Money Market division. On the first business day 15 days after the Issue Date,
the amount in the Policy Account will be reallocated in accordance with the
Policy Owner's premium allocation percentages. Charges and deductions under the
policy are first made as of the Register Date. See "The Features of EquiBuilder
III Policies-Death Benefits," above, regarding the commencement of insurance
coverage.
The Final Policy Date is the policy anniversary nearest the Insured
Person's 95th birthday. The policy ends on that date if the Insured Person is
still alive and the maturity benefit is paid.
Generally, references in this Prospectus to the age of the Insured Person
refer to his or her age on the birthday nearest to that particular date.
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
INTRODUCTION
The following summary provides a general description of the federal income tax
considerations associated with your purchase of the Policy and does not purport
to be complete or to cover all situations. American Franklin advises that
counsel or other competent tax advisors should be consulted for more complete
information. This discussion is based upon American Franklin's understanding of
the present federal income tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the
Internal Revenue Service (the
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"Service"). No representation is made as to the likelihood of continuation of
the present federal income tax laws or of the current interpretations by the
Service.
TAX STATUS OF THE POLICY
Code section 7702 sets forth the definition of a life insurance contract
for federal tax purposes. The Secretary of the Treasury (the "Treasury") is
authorized to prescribe regulations implementing section 7702. While proposed
regulations and other interim guidance has been issued, final regulations have
not been adopted. In short, guidance as to how section 7702 is to be adopted is
limited. If a Policy were determined not to be a life insurance contract for
purposes of section 7702, such Policy would not qualify for the favorable tax
treatment normally provided to a life insurance policy.
With respect to a Policy issued on the basis of a standard rate class,
American Franklin believes (largely in reliance on IRS Notice 88-128 and the
proposed regulations under section 7702, issued on July 5, 1991) that such a
Policy should meet the section 7702 definition of a "life insurance contract."
With respect to a policy that is issued on a substandard basis (i.e., a premium
class involving higher than standard mortality risk), there is less guidance, in
particular as to how the mortality and other expense requirements of section
7702 should be applied in determining whether such a policy meets the section
7702 definition of a life insurance contract. If it is subsequently determined
that a policy does not satisfy section 7702, American Franklin may take whatever
steps are appropriate and necessary to attempt to cause such a Policy to comply
with section 7702. For these reasons, American Franklin reserves the right to
restrict Policy transactions as necessary to attempt to continue its
qualification as a life insurance contract under section 7702.
In addition to the definitional test described above, section 817(h)
mandates that the investments of the Separate Account must be "adequately
diversified" in accordance with Treasury regulations in order for the Policy to
qualify as a life insurance contract under section 7702 of the Code. The
Separate Account, through the Funds, intends to comply with the diversification
requirements prescribed in Treas. Reg. Section 1.817-5, which affect how the
Fund's assets are to be invested.
In certain circumstances, owners of variable life insurance contracts may
be considered the owners, for federal income tax purposes, of the assets of the
separate account used to support their contracts. In those circumstances,
income and gains from the separate account assets would be includable in the
variable contract owner's gross income. The Service has stated in published
rulings that a variable contract owner will be considered the owner of separate
account assets if the contract owner possesses incidents of ownership in those
assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control over the assets. The
Treasury also announced, in connection with the issuance of temporary
regulations concerning diversification, that those regulations "do not provide
guidance concerning the circumstances in which investor control of the
investments of a segregated asset account may cause the investor (i.e., the
Policy Owner), rather than the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of
the assets in the account." This announcement also stated that guidance would
be issued by way of regulations or rulings on the "extent to which policyholders
may direct their investments to particular subaccounts without being treated as
owners of the underlying assets."
The ownership rights under the Policy are similar to, but different in
certain respects from, those described by the Service in rulings in which it was
determined that policy owners were not owners of separate account assets. For
example, the Policy Owner has additional flexibility in allocating premium
payments and policy values. These differences could result in a Policy Owner
being treated as the owner of a pro rata portion of the assets of the Separate
Account. In addition, American Franklin does not know what standards will be
set forth, if any, in the regulations or rulings which the Treasury has stated
it expects to issue. American Franklin therefore reserves the right to modify
the Policy as necessary to attempt to prevent a Policy Owner from being
considered the owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the Separate Account
or to otherwise qualify the Policy for favorable tax treatment.
The policies may be used in various arrangements, including nonqualified
deferred compensation or salary continuance plans, split dollar insurance plans,
executive bonus plans, retiree medical benefit plans and others. The tax
consequences of such plans may vary depending on the particular facts and
circumstances of each individual arrangement. American Franklin does not
guarantee the tax treatment of any such arrangement. Therefore, if you are
contemplating the use of the Policies in any arrangement
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the value of which depends in part on its tax consequences, you should be sure
to consult a qualified tax advisor regarding the tax attributes of the
particular arrangement.
The following discussion assumes that the policy will qualify as a life
insurance contract for federal income tax purposes.
TAX TREATMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
IN GENERAL. American Franklin believes that the proceeds and cash value
increases of a Policy should be treated in a manner consistent with a flexible-
benefit life insurance policy for federal income tax purposes. Thus, the Death
Benefit under the Policy should be excludable from the gross income of the
Beneficiary under Code section 101(a)(1).
Depending on the circumstances, the exchange of a Policy, a change in the
Policy's death benefit option (i.e., a change from option A to option B or vice
versa), a policy loan, a withdrawal, a surrender, or an assignment of the Policy
may have federal income tax consequences. In addition, federal, state and local
transfer, and other tax consequences of ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds
depend on the circumstances of each Policy Owner or Beneficiary.
Generally, the Policy Owner will not be deemed to be in constructive
receipt of the Policy Account, including increments thereof, until there is a
distribution. The tax consequences of distributions from, and loans taken from
or secured by a Policy, depend on whether the Policy is classified as a
"Modified Endowment Contract." Whether a Policy is or is not a modified
endowment contract, upon a complete surrender or lapse of a Policy, or when
benefits are paid at such a Policy's maturity, if the amounts received plus the
amount of indebtedness exceeds the total investment in the Policy the excess
will generally be treated as ordinary income subject to tax.
MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS. Code section 7702A establishes a class of life
insurance contracts designated as "Modified Endowment Contracts," which applies
to Policies entered into or materially changed after June 20, 1988.
Due to the Policy's flexibility, classification as a Modified Endowment
Contract will depend on the individual circumstances of each Policy. In
general, a Policy will be a Modified Endowment Contract if the accumulated
premiums paid at any time during the first seven policy years exceeds the sum of
the net level premiums which would have been paid on or before such time if the
Policy provided for paid-up future benefits after the payment of seven level
annual premiums. The determination of whether a policy will be a Modified
Endowment Contract after a material change generally depends upon the
relationship of the death benefit and Policy Account at the time of such change
and the additional premiums paid in the seven years following the material
change.
The rules relating to whether a Policy will be treated as a Modified
Endowment Contract are extremely complex and cannot be adequately described in
the limited confines of this summary. Therefore, a current or prospective
Policy Owner should consult with a competent advisor to determine whether a
policy transaction will case the Policy to be treated as a Modified Endowment
Contract. American Franklin will, however, monitor Policies and will attempt to
notify a Policy Owner on a timely basis if his or her Policy is, in American
Franklin's judgment, in jeopardy of becoming a Modified Endowment Contract.
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS. Policies
classified as Modified Endowment Contracts will be subject to the following tax
rules. First, all distributions, including distributions upon surrender and
partial surrenders from such a Policy, are treated as ordinary income subject to
tax up to the amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Policy Account
immediately before the distribution over the investment in the Policy (described
below) at such time. Second, loans taken from or secured by, such a Policy are
treated as distributions from such a Policy and taxed accordingly. Past due
loan interest that is added to the loan amount will be treated as a loan. Third,
a 10 percent additional income tax is included in income except where the
distribution or loan is made on or after the Policy Owner attains age 59 1/2, is
attributable to the Policy Owner's becoming disabled, or is part of a series of
substantially equal periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the
Policy Owner or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the Policy Owner
and the Policy Owner's Beneficiary.
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If a Policy becomes a modified endowment contract after it is issued,
distributions that occur during the policy year it becomes a modified endowment
contract and any subsequent policy year will be taxed as distributions from a
modified endowment contract. In addition, distributions from a Policy within
two years before it becomes a modified endowment contract will be taxed as
distributions from a modified endowment contract.
DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES NOT CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS.
Distributions from a policy that is not a Modified Endowment Contract, are
generally treated as first recovering the investment in the Policy (described
below) and then, only after the return of all such investment in the Policy, as
distributing taxable income. An exception to this general rule occurs in the
case of a decrease in the Policy's death benefit or any other change that
reduces benefits under the Policy in the first fifteen years after the policy is
issued and that results in a cash distribution to the Policy Owner in order for
the Policy to continue complying with the section 7702 definitional limits. Such
a cash distribution will be taxed in whole or in part as ordinary income (to the
extent of any gain in the Policy) under rules prescribed in section 7702.
Loans from, or secured by, a policy that is not a Modified Endowment
Contract are not treated as distributions. Instead, such loans generally are
treated as indebtedness of the Policy Owner.
Finally, neither distributions (including distributions upon surrender) nor
loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a Modified Endowment Contract
are subject to the 10 percent additional tax.
POLICY LOANS. Generally, interest paid on any loan under a Policy is not
deductible. Before taking a Policy loan, a Policy Owner should consult a tax
adviser as to the tax consequences of such a loan.
INVESTMENT IN THE POLICY. Investment in the Policy means (i) the aggregate
amount of any premiums or other consideration paid for a Policy, minus (ii) the
aggregate amount received under the Policy which is excluded from gross income
of the Policy Owner (except that the amount of any loan from, or secured by, a
Policy that is a Modified Endowment Contract, to the extent such amount is
excluded from gross income, will be disregarded), plus (iii) the amount of any
loan from, or secured by a Policy that is a Modified Endowment Contract to the
extent that such amount is included in the gross income of the Policy Owner.
MULTIPLE POLICIES. All modified Endowment Contracts that are issued by American
Franklin (and its affiliates) to the same Policy Owner during any calendar year
are treated as one Modified Endowment Contract for purposes of determining the
amount includable in the gross income under Code section 72(e).
AMERICAN FRANKLIN'S INCOME TAXES
Under the life insurance company tax provisions of the Code, variable life
insurance generally is treated in a manner consistent with fixed-benefit life
insurance. The operations of the Separate Account are included in American
Franklin's federal income tax return and American Franklin pays no federal
income tax on investment income and capital gains reflected in variable life
insurance policy reserves. Consequently, no charge is currently being made to
any division of the Separate Account for federal income taxes of American
Franklin. American Franklin reserves the right, however, to make such a charge
in the future, if it incurs federal income tax which is attributable to the
Separate Account. If such a charge were made, it would be set aside as a
provision for taxes which would be kept in the affected division rather than in
the General Account. It is anticipated that Policy Owners would benefit from
any investment earnings that are not needed to maintain this provision.
American Franklin may have to pay state and local taxes (in addition to
applicable taxes based on premiums) in several states. At present, these taxes
are not substantial. If they increase, however, charges may be made for such
taxes when they are attributable to the Separate Account.
INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING
Generally, unless the Policy Owner provides, in accordance with prescribed
procedures, a written election to the contrary before a taxable distribution is
made, American Franklin is required to withhold income tax from any portion of
the money the Policy Owner receives if he or she withdraws money from
32
<PAGE>
the Policy Account or surrenders the policy or if the policy matures. If the
Policy Owner does not wish American Franklin to withhold tax from the payment,
or if it does not withhold enough, the Policy Owner may have to pay taxes later.
Penalties may be applicable under the estimated tax rules if a Policy Owner's
withholding and estimated tax payments are insufficient.
ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEATH BENEFITS, POLICY ACCOUNT
AND CASH SURRENDER VALUES, AND ACCUMULATED PREMIUMS
The tables set forth below are intended to illustrate how the key financial
elements of a policy work. The tables show how death benefits and Policy
Account and Cash Surrender Values ("policy benefits") could vary over an
extended period of time if the investment divisions of the Separate Account had
constant hypothetical gross annual investment returns of 0%, 4%, 8% or 12% over
the years covered by each table. The policy benefits will differ from those
shown in the tables if the annual investment returns are not absolutely
constant. That is, the figures will be different if the returns averaged 0%,
4%, 8% or 12%, over a period of years but went above or below those figures in
individual policy years. The policy benefits will also differ, depending on a
particular Policy Owner's premium allocation to each division, if the overall
actual rates of return averaged 0%, 4%, 8% or 12%, but went above or below those
figures for the individual investment divisions. The tables are for male non-
tobacco users. Planned premium payments are assumed to be paid at the beginning
of each policy year. The difference between the Policy Account and the Cash
Surrender Value in the first ten years is the surrender charge.
The tables illustrate cost of insurance and expense charges (policy cost
factors) at both current rates (which are described under "Deductions and
Charges-Deductions from the Policy Account-Cost of Insurance Charge" and
"Deductions and Charges-Charges Against the Separate Account," above) and at the
maximum rates American Franklin guarantees in the policies. The amounts shown
illustrate policy benefits on the last day of selected policy years. The
illustrations reflect a daily charge against the Separate Account investment
divisions. This charge includes a .75% annual charge against the investment
divisions of the Separate Account for mortality and expense risks and the effect
on each division's investment experience of the charges to the Funds' assets for
management (.52% of aggregate average daily net assets is assumed) and direct
expenses of the Funds (estimated at .14% of aggregate average daily net assets).
The effect of these adjustments is that on a 0% gross rate of return the net
rate of return would be - 1.41%, on 4% it would be 2.59%, on 8% it would be
6.59% and on 12% it would be 10.59%. Management fees and direct expenses of the
Funds vary by portfolio and may vary from year to year. During 1996 the
aggregate actual charge for management fees and direct expenses incurred by
certain portfolios of the Funds as a percentage of average daily net assets
exceeded the figures assumed. Fidelity Management has voluntarily agreed to
reimburse the management fees and other expenses above a specified percentage of
average net assets of some of the portfolios and to use a portion of the
brokerage commissions paid by certain portfolios to reduce their total expenses.
Such arrangements, which may be terminated at any time without notice, will
increase a portfolio's yield.
The tables reflect a deduction from each premium for taxes (a 2% deduction
is assumed) and a sales expense deduction in the amount of 5% of each premium
paid during any policy year until total premiums for that policy year equal the
Target Premium. There are tables for both Death Benefit Option A and Death
Benefit Option B and each option is illustrated using current and guaranteed
policy cost factors. The current cost tables assume that the monthly
administrative charge remains constant at $6. The guaranteed tables assume that
the monthly administrative charge is $6 in the first year and $12 thereafter. In
each case, deduction of the current additional monthly administrative charge of
$24 per month to cover costs of establishing a policy is assumed in each of the
first 12 policy months. The tables reflect the fact that no deduction is
currently made for federal or state income taxes. If a charge is made for those
taxes in the future, it will take a higher rate of return to produce after-tax
returns of 0%, 4%, 8% or 12%. All illustrations assume that no transfers,
withdrawals, policy loans, or changes in Face Amount or Death Benefit Option
will be made and that no additional benefits are added to the policy.
The second column of each table shows what would happen if an amount equal
to the gross premiums were invested to earn interest, after taxes, of 5%
compounded annually. These tables show that if a policy is surrendered in its
very early years for payment of its Cash Surrender Value, that Cash Surrender
Value will be low in comparison to the amount of the premiums accumulated with
interest. Thus, the cost of owning a policy for a relatively short time will be
high.
33
<PAGE>
At the request of an applicant for a policy, American Franklin will furnish
a comparable illustration based on the age and sex of the proposed Insured
Person, standard risk assumptions, a stipulated initial Face Amount and proposed
premiums. Upon request after issuance American Franklin will also provide an
illustration of future policy benefits based on both guaranteed and current cost
factor assumptions and actual Policy Account value. If illustrations are
requested more than once in any policy year, a charge may be imposed.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR ILLUSTRATIONS
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $200,000 MALE NON-TOBACCO
PREMIUM PAGE
Age 40, Option A-Current Charges $3,000 35
Age 40, Option A-Guaranteed Charges $3,000 35
Age 40, Option B-Current Charges $3,000 36
Age 40, Option B-Guaranteed Charges $3,000 36
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $100,000 MALE NON-TOBACCO
PREMIUM PAGE
Age 40, Option A-Current Charges $1,500 37
Age 40, Option A-Guaranteed Charges $1,500 37
Age 40, Option B-Current Charges $1,500 38
Age 40, Option B-Guaranteed Charges $1,500 38
34
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EquiBuilder III -Trademark-Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $200,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $3,000
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A ASSUMING CURRENT CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 3,150 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $ 2,149 $ 2,248 $ 2,347 $ 2,447 $ 1,514 $ 1,613 $ 1,712 $ 1,812
2 6,458 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 4,531 4,824 5,125 5,434 3,626 3,919 4,220 4,530
3 9,930 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 6,858 7,445 8,064 8,717 5,718 6,305 6,924 7,577
4 13,577 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 9,132 10,114 11,177 12,328 7,992 8,974 10,037 11,188
5 17,406 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 11,352 12,830 14,475 16,301 10,212 11,690 13,335 15,161
6 21,426 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 13,520 15,598 17,972 20,678 12,380 14,458 16,832 19,538
7 25,647 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 15,610 18,390 21,653 25,476 14,698 17,478 20,741 24,564
8 30,080 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 17,624 21,210 25,536 30,743 16,940 20,526 24,852 30,059
9 34,734 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 19,565 24,061 29,635 36,535 19,109 23,605 29,179 36,079
10 39,620 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 21,433 26,944 33,968 42,911 21,205 26,716 33,740 42,683
11 44,751 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 23,230 29,860 38,552 49,937 23,230 29,860 38,552 49,937
12 50,139 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 24,984 32,839 43,433 57,714 24,984 32,839 43,433 57,714
13 55,796 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 26,663 35,851 48,602 66,298 26,663 35,851 48,602 66,298
14 61,736 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 28,270 38,901 54,085 75,786 28,270 38,901 54,085 75,786
15 67,972 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 29,805 41,991 59,906 86,282 29,805 41,991 59,906 86,282
16 74,521 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 31,265 45,117 66,087 97,902 31,265 45,117 66,087 97,902
17 81,397 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 32,611 48,248 72,628 110,757 32,611 48,248 72,628 110,757
18 88,617 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 33,865 51,403 79,577 125,011 33,865 51,403 79,577 125,011
19 96,198 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 35,021 54,581 86,964 140,833 35,021 54,581 86,964 140,833
20 104,158 200,000 200,000 200,000 212,244 36,070 57,773 94,823 158,391 36,070 57,773 94,823 158,391
25(Age 65) 150,340 200,000 200,000 200,000 338,537 39,353 73,784 142,690 277,489 39,353 73,784 142,690 277,489
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EquiBuilder III -Trademark-Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $200,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $3,000
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A ASSUMING GUARANTEED CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 3,150 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $ 2,149 $ 2,248 $ 2,347 $ 2,447 $ 1,514 $ 1,613 $ 1,712 $ 1,812
2 6,458 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 4,124 4,408 4,701 5,002 3,219 3,503 3,796 4,097
3 9,930 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 6,023 6,576 7,162 7,780 4,883 5,436 6,022 6,640
4 13,577 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 7,844 8,749 9,733 10,801 6,704 7,609 8,593 9,661
5 17,406 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 9,585 10,925 12,422 14,092 8,445 9,785 11,282 12,952
6 21,426 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 11,242 13,099 15,232 17,677 10,102 11,959 14,092 16,537
7 25,647 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 12,814 15,269 18,170 21,589 11,902 14,357 17,258 20,677
8 30,080 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 14,299 17,433 21,243 25,864 13,615 16,749 20,559 25,180
9 34,734 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 15,691 19,587 24,458 30,538 15,235 19,131 24,002 30,082
10 39,620 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 16,987 21,723 27,821 35,655 16,759 21,495 27,593 35,427
11 44,751 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 18,182 23,840 31,340 41,265 18,182 23,840 31,340 41,265
12 50,139 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 19,263 25,921 35,014 47,413 19,263 25,921 35,014 47,413
13 55,796 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 20,217 27,955 38,847 54,158 20,217 27,955 38,847 54,158
14 61,736 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 21,033 29,929 42,842 61,565 21,033 29,929 42,842 61,565
15 67,972 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 21,692 31,826 47,000 69,706 21,692 31,826 47,000 69,706
16 74,521 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 22,186 33,635 51,333 78,674 22,186 33,635 51,333 78,674
17 81,397 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 22,503 35,343 55,848 88,575 22,503 35,343 55,848 88,575
18 88,617 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 22,636 36,943 60,565 99,534 22,636 36,943 60,565 99,534
19 96,198 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 22,573 38,422 65,498 111,697 22,573 38,422 65,498 111,697
20 104,158 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 22,301 39,767 70,666 125,230 22,301 39,767 70,666 125,230
25(Age 65) 150,340 200,000 200,000 200,000 267,426 16,718 43,424 100,602 219,202 16,718 43,424 100,602 219,202
</TABLE>
(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
The death benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values will differ if
premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.
It is emphasized that the hypothetical investment results are illustrative only
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future investment results.
Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would be
different from those shown if actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% or 12% over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual policy years. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would also be
different from those shown, depending on the investment allocations made to the
investment divisions of the Separate Account and the different rates of return
of the Funds' portfolios, if the actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% and 12%, but varied above or below that average
for individual divisions. No representations can be made that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.
35
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EquiBuilder III -Trademark-Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $200,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $3,000
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION B ASSUMING CURRENT CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 3,150 $202,145 $202,244 $202,343 $202,443 $ 2,145 $ 2,244 $ 2,343 $ 2,443 $ 1,510 $ 1,609 $ 1,709 $ 1,808
2 6,458 204,520 204,812 205,112 205,421 4,520 4,812 5,112 5,421 3,615 3,907 4,208 4,516
3 9,930 206,836 207,420 208,037 208,687 6,836 7,420 8,037 8,687 5,696 6,280 6,897 7,547
4 13,577 209,093 210,069 211,128 212,272 9,093 10,069 11,128 12,272 7,953 8,929 9,988 11,132
5 17,406 211,290 212,759 214,393 216,207 11,290 12,759 14,393 16,207 10,150 11,619 13,253 15,067
6 21,426 213,431 215,492 217,846 220,530 13,431 15,492 17,846 20,530 12,291 14,352 16,706 19,390
7 25,647 215,484 218,237 221,467 225,251 15,484 18,237 21,467 25,251 14,572 17,325 20,555 24,339
8 30,080 217,452 220,996 225,269 230,412 17,452 20,996 25,269 30,412 16,768 20,312 24,585 29,728
9 34,734 219,337 223,769 229,263 236,061 19,337 23,769 29,263 36,061 18,881 23,313 28,807 35,605
10 39,620 221,138 226,556 233,460 242,246 21,138 26,556 33,460 42,246 20,910 26,328 33,232 42,018
11 44,751 222,856 229,356 237,874 249,026 22,856 29,356 37,874 49,026 22,856 29,356 37,874 49,026
12 50,139 224,522 232,201 242,550 256,493 24,522 32,201 42,550 56,493 24,522 32,201 42,550 56,493
13 55,796 226,099 235,052 247,465 264,682 26,099 35,052 47,465 64,682 26,099 35,052 47,465 64,682
14 61,736 227,591 237,912 252,638 273,671 27,591 37,912 52,638 73,671 27,591 37,912 52,638 73,671
15 67,972 228,996 240,779 258,084 283,541 28,996 40,779 58,084 83,541 28,996 40,779 58,084 83,541
16 74,521 230,307 243,645 263,812 294,379 30,307 43,645 63,812 94,379 30,307 43,645 63,812 94,379
17 81,397 231,481 246,464 269,793 306,237 31,481 46,464 69,793 106,237 31,481 46,464 69,793 106,237
18 88,617 232,541 249,257 276,067 319,248 32,541 49,257 76,067 119,248 32,541 49,257 76,067 119,248
19 96,198 233,479 252,012 282,643 333,523 33,479 52,012 82,643 133,523 33,479 52,012 82,643 133,523
20 104,158 234,283 254,715 289,525 349,180 34,283 54,715 89,525 149,180 34,283 54,715 89,525 149,180
25(Age 65) 150,340 235,850 266,862 328,733 450,416 35,850 66,862 128,733 250,416 35,850 66,862 128,733 250,416
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EquiBuilder III -Trademark-Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $200,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $3,000
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION B ASSUMING GUARANTEED CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 3,150 $202,145 $202,244 $202,343 $202,443 $ 2,145 $ 2,244 $ 2,343 $ 2,443 $ 1,510 $ 1,609 $ 1,709 $ 1,808
2 6,458 204,105 204,388 204,680 204,979 4,105 4,388 4,680 4,979 3,200 3,483 3,775 4,075
3 9,930 205,982 206,531 207,112 207,726 5,982 6,531 7,112 7,726 4,842 5,391 5,972 6,586
4 13,577 207,771 208,667 209,640 210,697 7,771 8,667 9,640 10,697 6,631 7,527 8,500 9,557
5 17,406 209,471 210,793 212,269 213,916 9,471 10,793 12,269 13,916 8,331 9,653 11,129 12,776
6 21,426 211,076 212,901 214,997 217,399 11,076 12,901 14,997 17,399 9,936 11,761 13,857 16,259
7 25,647 212,584 214,988 217,827 221,173 12,584 14,988 17,827 21,173 11,672 14,076 16,915 20,261
8 30,080 213,992 217,049 220,761 225,262 13,992 17,049 20,761 25,262 13,308 16,365 20,077 24,578
9 34,734 215,295 219,075 223,800 229,693 15,295 19,075 23,800 29,693 14,839 18,619 23,344 29,237
10 39,620 216,486 221,059 226,942 234,495 16,486 21,059 26,942 34,495 16,258 20,831 26,714 34,267
11 44,751 217,561 222,993 230,187 239,699 17,561 22,993 30,187 39,699 17,561 22,993 30,187 39,699
12 50,139 218,504 224,857 233,523 245,329 18,504 24,857 33,523 45,329 18,504 24,857 33,523 45,329
13 55,796 219,301 226,634 236,941 251,414 19,301 26,634 36,941 51,414 19,301 26,634 36,941 51,414
14 61,736 219,937 228,304 240,429 257,986 19,937 28,304 40,429 57,986 19,937 28,304 40,429 57,986
15 67,972 220,394 229,844 243,968 265,071 20,394 29,844 43,968 65,071 20,394 29,844 43,968 65,071
16 74,521 220,662 231,236 247,551 272,712 20,662 31,236 47,551 72,712 20,662 31,236 47,551 72,712
17 81,397 220,727 232,462 251,162 280,952 20,727 32,462 51,162 80,952 20,727 32,462 51,162 80,952
18 88,617 220,586 233,509 254,796 289,844 20,586 33,509 54,796 89,844 20,586 33,509 54,796 89,844
19 96,198 220,224 234,356 258,437 299,441 20,224 34,356 58,437 99,441 20,224 34,356 58,437 99,441
20 104,158 219,630 234,983 262,072 309,803 19,630 34,983 62,072 109,803 19,630 34,983 62,072 109,803
25(Age 65) 150,340 212,195 233,441 278,879 374,780 12,195 33,441 78,879 174,780 12,195 33,441 78,879 174,780
</TABLE>
(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
The death benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values will differ if
premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.
It is emphasized that the hypothetical investment results are illustrative only
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future investment results.
Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would be
different from those shown if actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% or 12% over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual policy years. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would also be
different from those shown, depending on the investment allocations made to the
investment divisions of the Separate Account and the different rates of return
of the Funds' portfolios, if the actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% and 12%, but varied above or below that average
for individual divisions. No representations can be made that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.
36
<PAGE>
EquiBuilder III-TM-Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $100,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $1,500
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A ASSUMING CURRENT CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 1,575 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $ 884 $ 929 $ 975 $ 1,021 $ 566 $ 612 $ 657 $ 703
2 3,229 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 2,027 2,160 2,298 2,439 1,575 1,708 1,845 1,987
3 4,965 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 3,142 3,411 3,695 3,995 2,572 2,841 3,125 3,425
4 6,788 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 4,227 4,681 5,172 5,703 3,657 4,111 4,602 5,133
5 8,703 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 5,285 5,971 6,734 7,580 4,715 5,401 6,164 7,010
6 10,713 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 6,314 7,281 8,386 9,644 5,744 6,711 7,816 9,074
7 12,824 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 7,302 8,599 10,121 11,902 6,846 8,143 9,665 11,446
8 15,040 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 8,246 9,923 11,944 14,374 7,904 9,581 11,602 14,032
9 17,367 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,150 11,255 13,863 17,087 8,922 11,027 13,635 16,859
10 19,810 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 10,012 12,594 15,882 20,065 9,898 12,480 15,768 19,951
11 22,376 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 10,834 13,942 18,014 23,344 10,834 13,942 18,014 23,344
12 25,069 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 11,630 15,314 20,279 26,967 11,630 15,314 20,279 26,967
13 27,898 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 12,385 16,694 22,672 30,964 12,385 16,694 22,672 30,964
14 30,868 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 13,096 18,081 25,201 35,373 13,096 18,081 25,201 35,373
1 33,986 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 13,767 19,479 27,880 40,249 13,767 19,479 27,880 40,249
16 37,261 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 14,409 20,900 30,733 45,655 14,409 20,900 30,733 45,655
17 40,699 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 15,010 22,332 33,761 51,645 15,010 22,332 33,761 51,645
18 44,309 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 15,561 23,768 36,973 58,284 15,561 23,768 36,973 58,284
19 48,099 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 16,059 25,207 40,382 65,653 16,059 25,207 40,382 65,653
20 52,079 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 16,497 26,643 44,002 73,839 16,497 26,643 44,002 73,839
25(Age 65) 75,170 100,000 100,000 100,000 158,111 17,606 33,660 65,948 129,599 17,606 33,660 65,948 129,599
</TABLE>
EquiBuilder III -TM-Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $100,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $1,500
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION A ASSUMING CURRENT CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 1,575 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $ 884 $ 929 $ 975 $ 1,021 $ 566 $ 612 $ 657 $ 703
2 3,229 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 1,802 1,931 2,063 2,200 1,349 1,478 1,611 1,747
3 4,965 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 2,683 2,934 3,199 3,479 2,113 2,364 2,629 2,909
4 6,788 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 3,525 3,936 4,383 4,868 2,955 3,366 3,813 4,298
5 8,703 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 4,328 4,938 5,619 6,379 3,758 4,368 5,049 5,809
6 10,713 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 5,089 5,935 6,907 8,021 4,519 5,365 6,337 7,451
7 12,824 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 5,809 6,928 8,251 9,810 5,353 6,472 7,795 9,354
8 15,040 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 6,484 7,915 9,654 11,761 6,142 7,573 9,312 11,419
9 17,367 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 7,115 8,893 11,116 13,891 6,887 8,665 10,888 13,663
10 19,810 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 7,697 9,859 12,642 16,217 7,583 9,745 12,528 16,103
11 22,376 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 8,229 10,811 14,234 18,763 8,229 10,811 14,234 18,763
12 25,069 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 8,703 11,741 15,891 21,548 8,703 11,741 15,891 21,548
13 27,898 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,114 12,644 17,612 24,596 9,114 12,644 17,612 24,596
14 30,868 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,456 13,511 19,398 27,936 9,456 13,511 19,398 27,936
15 33,986 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,719 14,334 21,249 31,599 9,719 14,334 21,249 31,599
16 37,261 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,898 15,107 23,166 35,624 9,898 15,107 23,166 35,624
17 40,699 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,988 15,823 25,153 40,057 9,988 15,823 25,153 40,057
18 44,309 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,985 16,478 27,217 44,953 9,985 16,478 27,217 44,953
19 48,099 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,882 17,064 29,361 50,374 9,882 17,064 29,361 50,374
20 52,079 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 9,673 17,574 31,593 56,394 9,673 17,574 31,593 56,394
25(Age 65) 75,170 100,000 100,000 100,000 120,187 6,476 18,413 44,177 98,514 6,476 18,413 44,177 98,514
</TABLE>
(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
The death benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values will differ if
premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.
It is emphasized that the hypothetical investment results are illustrative only
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future investment results.
Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would be
different from those shown if actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% or 12% over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual policy years. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would also be
different from those shown, depending on the investment allocations made to the
investment divisions of the Separate Account and the different rates of return
of the Funds' portfolios, if the actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% and 12%, but varied above or below that average
for individual divisions. No representations can be made that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.
37
<PAGE>
EquiBuilder III-TM- Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $100,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $1,500
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION B ASSUMING CURRENT CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 1,575 $100,882 $100,927 $100,973 $101,019 $ 882 $ 927 $ 973 $ 1,019 $ 565 $ 610 $ 656 $ 701
2 3,229 102,022 102,155 102,292 102,432 2,022 2,155 2,292 2,432 1,569 1,702 1,839 1,980
3 4,965 103,130 103,398 103,682 103,980 3,130 3,398 3,682 3,980 2,560 2,828 3,112 3,410
4 6,788 104,207 104,658 105,147 105,675 4,207 4,658 5,147 5,675 3,637 4,088 4,577 5,105
5 8,703 105,253 105,934 106,692 107,532 5,253 5,934 6,692 7,532 4,683 5,364 6,122 6,962
6 10,713 106,267 107,226 108,321 109,568 6,267 7,226 8,321 9,568 5,697 6,656 7,751 8,998
7 12,824 107,236 108,519 110,024 111,785 7,236 8,519 10,024 11,785 6,780 8,063 9,568 11,329
8 15,040 108,156 109,810 111,804 114,201 8,156 9,810 11,804 14,201 7,814 9,468 11,462 13,859
9 17,367 109,030 111,101 113,666 116,838 9,030 11,101 13,666 16,838 8,802 10,873 13,438 16,610
10 19,810 109,855 112,388 115,614 119,714 9,855 12,388 15,614 19,714 9,741 12,274 15,500 19,600
11 22,376 110,635 113,674 117,654 122,860 10,635 13,674 17,654 22,860 10,635 13,674 17,654 22,860
12 25,069 111,383 114,972 119,807 126,316 11,383 14,972 19,807 26,316 11,383 14,972 19,807 26,316
13 27,898 112,082 116,265 122,062 130,098 12,082 16,265 22,062 30,098 12,082 16,265 22,062 30,098
14 30,868 112,730 117,548 124,421 134,235 12,730 17,548 24,421 34,235 12,730 17,548 24,421 34,235
15 33,986 113,329 118,824 126,896 138,770 13,329 18,824 26,896 38,770 13,329 18,824 26,896 38,770
16 37,261 113,893 120,106 129,506 143,755 13,893 20,106 29,506 43,755 13,893 20,106 29,506 43,755
17 40,699 114,406 121,378 132,243 149,224 14,406 21,378 32,243 49,224 14,406 21,378 32,243 49,224
18 44,309 114,859 122,628 135,105 155,214 14,859 22,628 35,105 55,214 14,859 22,628 35,105 55,214
19 48,099 115,247 123,850 138,094 161,777 15,247 23,850 38,094 61,777 15,247 23,850 38,094 61,777
20 52,079 115,562 125,035 141,209 168,962 15,562 25,035 41,209 68,962 15,562 25,035 41,209 68,962
25(Age 65) 75,170 115,816 130,091 158,706 215,476 15,816 30,091 58,706 115,476 15,816 30,091 58,706 115,476
</TABLE>
EquiBuilder III -TM-Flexible Premium Variable Life Insurance
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INITIAL FACE AMOUNT $100,000 MALE AGE 40 NON-TOBACCO PLANNED PREMIUM $1,500
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION B ASSUMING GUARANTEED CHARGES
Insurance Benefit(2) Policy Account(2) Cash Surrender Value(2)
Last Day Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross Assuming Hypothetical Gross
of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of Annual Investment Return of
Policy Accumulated
Year Premiums(1) 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12% 0% 4% 8% 12%
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 1,575 $100,882 $100,927 $100,973 $101,019 $ 882 $ 927 $ 973 $ 1,019 $ 565 $ 610 $ 656 $ 701
2 3,229 101,793 101,921 102,053 102,189 1,793 1,921 2,053 2,189 1,341 1,469 1,601 1,737
3 4,965 102,664 102,913 103,176 103,455 2,664 2,913 3,176 3,455 2,094 2,343 2,606 2,885
4 6,788 103,491 103,898 104,341 104,821 3,491 3,898 4,341 4,821 2,921 3,328 3,771 4,251
5 8,703 104,276 104,877 105,549 106,298 4,276 4,877 5,549 6,298 3,706 4,307 4,979 5,728
6 10,713 105,013 105,845 106,800 107,894 5,013 5,845 6,800 7,894 4,443 5,275 6,230 7,324
7 12,824 105,703 106,800 108,094 109,620 5,703 6,800 8,094 9,620 5,247 6,344 7,638 9,164
8 15,040 106,344 107,739 109,433 111,486 6,344 7,739 9,433 11,486 6,002 7,397 9,091 11,144
9 17,367 106,933 108,659 110,815 113,504 6,933 8,659 10,815 13,504 6,705 8,431 10,587 13,276
10 19,810 107,467 109,555 112,240 115,686 7,467 9,555 12,240 15,686 7,353 9,441 12,126 15,572
11 22,376 107,945 110,424 113,707 118,047 7,945 10,424 13,707 18,047 7,945 10,424 13,707 18,047
12 25,069 108,356 111,255 115,209 120,596 8,356 11,255 15,209 20,596 8,356 11,255 15,209 20,596
13 27,898 108,696 112,040 116,741 123,343 8,696 12,040 16,741 23,343 8,696 12,040 16,741 23,343
14 30,868 108,956 112,769 118,297 126,302 8,956 12,769 18,297 26,302 8,956 12,769 18,297 26,302
15 33,986 109,127 113,430 119,865 129,484 9,127 13,430 19,865 29,484 9,127 13,430 19,865 29,484
16 37,261 109,205 114,015 121,442 132,905 9,205 14,015 21,442 32,905 9,205 14,015 21,442 32,905
17 40,699 109,182 114,513 123,020 136,583 9,182 14,513 23,020 36,583 9,182 14,513 23,020 36,583
18 44,309 109,056 114,919 124,593 140,541 9,056 14,919 24,593 40,541 9,056 14,919 24,593 40,541
19 48,099 108,821 115,222 126,155 144,800 8,821 15,222 26,155 44,800 8,821 15,222 26,155 44,800
20 52,079 108,471 115,412 127,696 149,383 8,471 15,412 27,696 49,383 8,471 15,412 27,696 49,383
25(Age 65) 75,170 104,498 113,973 134,419 177,857 4,498 13,973 34,419 77,857 4,498 13,973 34,419 77,857
</TABLE>
(1) Assumes net interest of 5% compounded annually.
(2) Assumes no policy loan has been made.
The death benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values will differ if
premiums are paid in different amounts or frequencies.
It is emphasized that the hypothetical investment results are illustrative only
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future investment results.
Actual investment results may be more or less than those shown. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would be
different from those shown if actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% or 12% over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual policy years. The death
benefits and Policy Account and Cash Surrender Values for a policy would also be
different from those shown, depending on the investment allocations made to the
investment divisions of the Separate Account and the different rates of return
of the Funds' portfolios, if the actual rates of investment return applicable to
the policy averaged 0%, 4%, 8% and 12%, but varied above or below that average
for individual divisions. No representations can be made that these
hypothetical rates of return can be achieved for any one year or sustained over
any period of time.
38
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
VOTING RIGHTS OF A POLICY OWNER
VOTING RIGHTS OF THE FUNDS
As was explained in "Separate Account Investment Choices," above, the
assets in the divisions of the Separate Account are invested in shares of the
corresponding portfolios of the Funds. American Franklin is the legal owner of
the shares and, as such, has the right to vote on certain matters. Among other
things, it may vote to:
a. elect the Boards of Trustees of the Funds;
b. ratify the selection of independent auditors for the Funds; and
c. vote on any other matters described in the current prospectuses of the
Funds or requiring a vote by shareholders under the Investment Company
Act of 1940.
Even though American Franklin owns the shares, American Franklin will
provide Policy Owners the opportunity to tell it how to vote the number of
shares that are allocated to their policies. American Franklin will vote those
shares at meetings of shareholders of the Funds according to such instructions.
If American Franklin does not receive instructions in time from all Policy
Owners, it will vote shares for which no instructions have been received in a
portfolio in the same proportion as it votes shares for which it received
instructions in that portfolio. American Franklin will also vote any shares of
the Funds that it is entitled to vote directly due to amounts it has accumulated
in the Separate Account in the same proportions that Policy Owners vote. If the
federal securities laws or regulations or interpretations of them change so that
American Franklin is permitted to vote shares of the Funds without seeking
instructions from Policy Owners or to restrict Policy Owner voting, American
Franklin may do so.
DETERMINATION OF VOTING SHARES
A Policy Owner may participate in voting only on matters concerning a
Fund's portfolios in which his or her assets have been invested. American
Franklin determines the number of a Fund's shares in each division that are
attributable to a particular policy by dividing the amount in the Policy Account
allocated to that division by the net asset value of one share of the
corresponding portfolio as of the record date set by the Fund's Board for the
Fund's shareholders meeting. The record date for this purpose must be at least
10 and no more than 90 days before the meeting of the Fund. American Franklin
will count fractional shares for these purposes.
For example, suppose that a Policy Account has a net value of $3,000, with
50% of this amount being attributable to the Equity-Income division and 50%
being attributable to the Money Market division, which means that $1,500 is in
each division. Assume that the net asset value of one share in the
corresponding Equity-Income Portfolio is $150 and the net asset value of one
share in the corresponding Money Market Portfolio is $100. If the $1,500 in
each division is divided by the net asset value of one share, the Policy Owner
will have the right to instruct American Franklin regarding 10 shares for the
Equity-Income division and 15 shares for the Money Market division.
American Franklin will send proxy material and a form for giving voting
instructions to each Policy Owner that has voting rights. In certain cases,
American Franklin may disregard instructions relating to approval of investments
or contracts with an adviser to a Fund or relating to changes in a Fund's
investment adviser, principal underwriter or the investment policies of its
portfolios. If it does so, American Franklin will advise the Policy Owners and
give its reasons in the next semiannual report to Policy Owners.
HOW SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE VOTED
All shares of the Funds are entitled to one vote. The votes of all
divisions are cast together on an aggregate basis, except on matters where the
interests of the portfolios differ. In such cases, voting is on a portfolio-by-
portfolio basis. In these cases, the approval of the shareholders in one
portfolio is not needed to make a decision in another portfolio. Examples of
matters that would require a portfolio-by-portfolio vote are changes in the
fundamental investment policy of a particular portfolio or approval of an
39
<PAGE>
investment advisory agreement. Shareholders in a portfolio not affected by a
particular matter generally would not be entitled to vote on it.
VOTING PRIVILEGES OF PARTICIPANTS IN OTHER SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
Shares of the Funds may be owned by other separate accounts of American
Franklin or by separate accounts of other insurance companies affiliated or
unaffiliated with American Franklin. Shares owned by these separate accounts
will probably be voted according to the instructions of the owners of insurance
policies and contracts issued by those other insurance companies. Moreover,
American Franklin expects that the number of shares owned in the Funds by
separate accounts of insurance companies that are not affiliated with American
Franklin will initially exceed the number of shares owned by the Separate
Account. These factors will dilute the effect of the voting instructions of
Policy Owners. American Franklin currently does not foresee any disadvantages
to Policy Owners arising out of this. The Securities and Exchange Commission
has granted the Funds exemptive orders pursuant to the Investment Company Act of
1940 that permit the Funds to offer their shares to separate accounts, like the
Separate Account, that are maintained by life insurance companies that are not
affiliated with the Funds. Those exemptive orders impose several conditions on
the Funds and participating separate accounts to protect the holders of
interests in the various separate accounts investing in shares of the Funds.
The Boards of Trustees of the Funds have agreed to monitor events in order to
identify any material irreconcilable conflicts that possibly may arise and to
determine what action, if any, should be taken in response by, and at the
expense of, American Franklin or one or more of the other participating
insurance companies. American Franklin and the other participating insurance
companies are obligated to report potential or existing conflicts of interest to
the Funds' Boards of Trustees. If American Franklin believes that a Fund's
response to any of those events insufficiently protects Policy Owners, American
Franklin will take appropriate action to protect Policy Owners. Corrective
action for an irreconcilable conflict of interest involving the Separate Account
might include withdrawal of the assets of the Separate Account from a Fund.
Also, if American Franklin ever believes that any of the Funds' portfolios is so
large as to impair materially the investment performance of a portfolio or a
Fund, American Franklin will examine other investment options.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT VOTING RIGHTS
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, certain actions (such as some of
those described under "Separate Account Investment Choices-Right to Change
Operations," above) may require Policy Owner approval. In that case, a Policy
Owner will be entitled to one vote for every $100 of value allocated to his or
her policy in the investment divisions of the Separate Account, and a
proportionate fractional vote for any amount less than $100. American Franklin
will cast votes attributable to amounts retained in the investment divisions of
the Separate Account in the same proportions as votes cast by Policy Owners.
REPORTS TO POLICY OWNERS
After the end of each policy year, each Policy Owner will be sent a report
that shows the current death benefit for his or her policy, the value of his or
her Policy Account, information about investment divisions, the Cash Surrender
Value of his or her policy, the amount of any outstanding policy loans, the
amount of any interest owed on the loan and information about the current loan
interest rate. The annual report will also show any transactions involving the
Policy Owner's Policy Account that occurred during the year. Transactions
include premium allocations, deductions, and any transfers or withdrawals that
were made in that year. American Franklin will also send semi-annual reports
with financial information on the Separate Account and the Funds, including a
list of the investments held by each portfolio.
In addition, reports will also contain any other information that is
required by the insurance supervisory official in the jurisdiction in which a
policy is delivered.
Notices will be sent to Policy Owners for transfers of amounts between
investment divisions and certain other policy transactions.
LIMITS ON AMERICAN FRANKLIN'S RIGHT TO CHALLENGE A POLICY
American Franklin can challenge the validity of an insurance policy (based
on material misstatements in the application or, with respect to any policy
change, based on material misstatements
40
<PAGE>
in the application for the change) if it appears that the Insured Person is not
actually covered by the policy under American Franklin's rules. However, there
are some limits on how and when American Franklin can challenge the policy.
Except on the basis of fraud, American Franklin cannot challenge the policy
after it has been in effect, during the Insured Person's lifetime, for two years
from the date the policy was issued or reinstated. (Some states may require
this time to be measured in some other way.)
Except on the basis of fraud, American Franklin cannot challenge any policy
change that requires evidence of insurability (such as an increase in Face
Amount) after the change has been in effect for two years during the Insured
Person's lifetime.
American Franklin can challenge at any time (and require proof of
continuing disability) an additional benefit that provides benefits to the
Insured Person in the event that the Insured Person becomes totally disabled.
If the Insured Person dies within the time that the validity of the policy
may be challenged, American Franklin may delay payment until it decides whether
to challenge the policy.
If the Insured Person's age or sex is misstated on any application, the
death benefit and any additional benefits provided will be those which would
have been purchased by the most recent deduction for the cost of insurance and
the cost of any additional benefits at the Insured Person's correct age and sex.
If the Insured Person commits suicide within two years after the date on
which the policy was issued or reinstated, the death benefit will be limited to
the total of all premiums that have been paid to the time of death minus the
amount of any outstanding policy loan and loan interest and minus any partial
withdrawals of Net Cash Surrender Value. If the Insured Person commits suicide
within two years after the effective date of an increase in death benefit that
the Policy Owner requested, American Franklin will pay the death benefit which
was in effect before the increase, plus the monthly cost of insurance deductions
for the increase (including the expense charge). (Some states require this time
to be measured by some other date.)
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Policy benefits or other payments such as the Net Cash Surrender Value or
death benefit may be paid immediately in one sum or another form of payment
described below may be designated for all or part of the proceeds. Payments
under these options are not affected by the investment experience of any
investment division of the Separate Account. Instead, interest accrues pursuant
to the options chosen (such interest will be appropriately includable in federal
gross income of the beneficiary). If the Policy Owner does not arrange for a
specific form of payment before the Insured Person dies, the beneficiary will
have his choice. However, if the Policy Owner makes an arrangement for payment
of the money, the beneficiary cannot change that choice after the Insured Person
dies. Payment Options will also be subject to American Franklin's rules at the
time of selection. Currently, these alternate payment options are only
available if the proceeds applied are $1,000 or more and any periodic payment
will be at least $20.
The following payment options are generally available:
INCOME PAYMENTS FOR A FIXED PERIOD: American Franklin will pay the
amount applied in equal installments (including applicable interest) for a
specific number of years, for up to 30 years.
LIFE INCOME WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR A FIXED TERM OF YEARS:
American Franklin will pay the money at agreed intervals as a definite
number of equal payments and as long thereafter as the payee lives. The
Policy Owner (or beneficiary in some cases) may choose any one of four
definite periods: 5, 10, 15 or 20 years.
PROCEEDS AT INTEREST: The money will stay on deposit with American
Franklin while the payee is alive. Interest will accrue on the money at a
declared interest rate, and interest will be paid at agreed upon intervals.
41
<PAGE>
FIXED AMOUNT: American Franklin will pay the sum in installments in a
specified amount. Installments will be paid until the original amount,
together with any interest, has been exhausted.
American Franklin guarantees interest under the foregoing options at the
rate of 3% a year.
American Franklin may also pay or credit excess interest on the options
from time to time. The rate and manner of payment or crediting will be
determined by American Franklin. Under the second option no excess interest
will be paid on the part of the proceeds used to provide payments beyond the
fixed term of years.
The beneficiary or any other person who is entitled to receive payment may
name a successor to receive any amount that would otherwise be paid to that
person's estate if that person died. No successor may be named if a payment
option chosen is contingent on the life of a beneficiary. The person who is
entitled to receive payment may change the successor at any time.
American Franklin must approve any arrangements that involve more than one
of the payment options, or a payee who is not a natural person (for example, a
corporation), or a payee who is a fiduciary. Also, the details of all
arrangements will be subject to American Franklin's rules at the time the
arrangements take effect. This includes rules on the minimum amount payable
under an option, minimum amounts for installment payments, withdrawal or
commutation rights (rights to cancel an arrangement involving payments over time
in return for a lump sum payment), the naming of people who are entitled to
receive payment and their successors and the ways of proving age and survival.
A Policy Owner may change his or her choice of a payment option (and may
make later changes) and that change will take effect in the same way as it would
if a beneficiary were being changed. (See "The Beneficiary," below). Any
amounts paid under the payment options will not be subject to the claims of
creditors or to legal process, to the extent that the law provides.
THE BENEFICIARY
An applicant for a policy must name a beneficiary when he or she applies
for a policy. The beneficiary is entitled to the insurance benefits of the
policy. The Policy Owner may change the beneficiary during the Insured Person's
lifetime by written notice to American Franklin at its Administrative Office.
If no beneficiary is living when the Insured Person dies, the death benefit will
be paid to the Insured Person's estate.
ASSIGNMENT OF A POLICY
The Policy Owner may assign (transfer) his or her rights in a policy to
someone else as collateral for a loan or for some other reason. In order to do
so the Policy Owner must send a copy of the assignment to American Franklin's
Administrative Office. American Franklin is not responsible for any payment
made or any action taken before it has received notice of the assignment (or of
termination of the assignment) or for the validity of the assignment. An
absolute assignment is a change of ownership. The federal income tax treatment
of a policy that has been assigned for valuable consideration may be different
from the federal income tax treatment described herein.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Employers and employee organizations should consider, in consultation with
counsel, the impact of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on the purchase
of EquiBuilder III policies in connection with an employment-related insurance
or benefit plan. The United States Supreme Court held, in a 1983 decision,
that, under Title VII, optional annuity benefits under a deferred compensation
plan could not vary on the basis of sex.
The policies described herein are not intended for use in connection with
qualified plans or trusts under the Code.
42
<PAGE>
PAYMENT OF PROCEEDS
American Franklin will pay any death benefits, Net Cash Surrender Value or
loan proceeds within seven days after it receives the required form or request
(and other documents that may be required) at its Administrative Office. Death
benefits are determined as of the date of death of the Insured Person and will
not be affected by subsequent changes in the unit values of the investment
divisions of the Separate Account. Interest will be paid in respect of the
period from the date of death to the date of payment.
American Franklin may, however, delay payment for one or more of the
following reasons:
American Franklin contests the policy or is deciding whether or not to
contest the policy;
American Franklin cannot determine the amount of the payment because
the New York Stock Exchange is closed, because trading in securities has
been restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, or because the
Securities and Exchange Commission has declared that an emergency exists;
or
The Securities and Exchange Commission by order permits American
Franklin to delay payment to protect the Policy Owners.
American Franklin may defer payment of any Net Cash Surrender Value or
loan amount from the Guaranteed Interest Division for up to six months
after receipt of a request. American Franklin will pay interest of at
least 3% a year from the date a request for withdrawal of Net Cash
Surrender Value is received if payment from the Guaranteed Interest
Division is delayed more than 30 days.
DIVIDENDS
No dividends are paid on the policies offered by this Prospectus.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES
Franklin Financial Services Corporation ("Franklin Financial"), a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Franklin Life Insurance
Company, is the principal underwriter, as defined by the Investment Company Act
of 1940, of the EquiBuilder III policies for the Separate Account under a Sales
Agreement between Franklin Financial and the Separate Account. Franklin
Financial's principal executive office is at #1 Franklin Square, Springfield,
Illinois 62713.
Franklin Financial is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as a broker-dealer under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and
is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Franklin
Financial also acts as principal underwriter for Franklin Life Variable Annuity
Funds A and B and Franklin Life Money Market Variable Annuity Fund C, which are
separate accounts of The Franklin Life Insurance Company and registered
investment companies issuing interests in variable annuity contracts. Franklin
Financial also acts as principal underwriter for Separate Account VUL of
American Franklin, which is a registered investment company issuing interests in
variable life insurance contracts having policy features that are similar to
those of EquiBuilder III policies but the assets of which are invested in a
different open-end management investment company. American Franklin no longer
offers new policies having an interest in that separate account. Franklin
Financial is the principal underwriter of American Franklin's EquiBuilder II
variable life insurance policies under which interests in the Separate Account
are issued. The EquiBuilder II policies have policy features that are similar
to those of the EquiBuilder III policies but have a different sales charge
structure.
Policies are sold primarily by persons who are insurance agents or brokers
for American Franklin authorized by applicable law to sell life and other forms
of personal insurance, including variable life insurance. Pursuant to an
agreement between American Franklin and Franklin Financial, Franklin Financial
has agreed to employ and supervise agents chosen by American Franklin to sell
the policies and to use its best efforts to qualify such persons as registered
representatives of Franklin Financial.
43
<PAGE>
Franklin Financial incurs certain sales expenses, such as sales literature
preparation and related costs, in connection with the sale of the policies
pursuant to a Sales Agreement with American Franklin. Sales expense deductions
made from each premium and surrender charges imposed in connection with the
surrender of a policy and certain reductions of Face Amount are paid to Franklin
Financial as a means to recover sales expenses. Such sales expense deductions
and surrender charges are not necessarily related to Franklin Financial's actual
sales expenses in any particular year. To the extent sales expenses are not
covered by sales expense deductions and surrender charges, Franklin Financial
will cover them from other assets.
Commissions earned by registered representatives of Franklin Financial on
the sale of the policies range up to 73% of premiums paid during the first
policy year. Pursuant to an Agreement between American Franklin and Franklin
Financial, American Franklin has agreed to pay such commissions and Franklin
Financial has agreed to remit to American Franklin the excess of all sales
expense deductions and surrender charges paid to Franklin Financial over the
sales and promotional expenses incurred by Franklin Financial to the extent
necessary to reimburse American Franklin for commissions or other remuneration
paid in connection with sales of the policies. Such Agreement also provides
that the amount of such commissions and other remuneration not so reimbursed
shall be deemed to have been contributed by American Franklin to the capital of
Franklin Financial. Commissions and other remuneration will be paid by American
Franklin from other sources, including mortality and expense risk charges or
other charges in connection with the EquiBuilder III policies, or from its
General Account to the extent it does not receive reimbursement from Franklin
Financial.
Franklin Financial also may enter into agreements with American Franklin
and each such agent with respect to the supervision of such agent. The policies
also may be sold by persons who are registered representatives of other
registered broker-dealers who are members of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., and with whom Franklin Financial may enter into a
selling agreement.
Registration as a broker-dealer does not mean that the Securities and
Exchange Commission has in any way passed upon the financial standing, fitness
or conduct of any broker or dealer, upon the merits of any securities offering
or upon any other matter relating to the business of any broker or dealer.
Salesmen and employees selling policies, where required, are also licensed as
securities salesmen under state law.
APPLICATIONS
When an application for a policy is completed, it is submitted to American
Franklin. American Franklin makes the decision to issue a policy based on the
information in the application and its standards for issuing insurance and
classifying risks. If it decides not to issue a policy, any premium paid will
be refunded.
REINSURANCE AGREEMENT WITH INTEGRITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
American Franklin has entered into a reinsurance agreement with Integrity
Life Insurance Company ("Integrity") in respect of the EquiBuilder III policies.
This agreement was terminated as to policies sold on or after January 1, 1997
but will continue as to business in force prior to that date.
Integrity is a subsidiary of ARM Financial Group, Inc., a financial
services company controlled by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, an investment
banking firm headquartered in New York, New York.
STATE REGULATION
As a life insurance company organized and operated under Illinois law,
American Franklin is subject to statutory provisions governing such companies
and to regulation by the Illinois Director of Insurance. An annual statement is
filed with the Director on or before March 1 of each year covering the
operations of American Franklin for the preceding year and its financial
condition on December 31 of such year. American Franklin's books and accounts
are subject to review and examination by the Illinois Insurance Department at
all times, and a full examination of its operations is conducted by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") periodically. The NAIC has
divided the country into six geographic zones. A representative of each such
zone may participate in the examination.
44
<PAGE>
In addition, American Franklin is subject to the insurance laws and
regulations of the jurisdictions other than Illinois in which it is licensed to
operate. Generally, the insurance departments of such jurisdictions apply the
law of Illinois in determining permissible investments for American Franklin.
LEGAL MATTERS
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P. of Washington, D.C. has provided
advice on certain matters relating to the federal securities laws.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Neither American Franklin nor the Separate Account is a party to any
material legal proceedings.
EXPERTS
The statement of net assets as of December 31, 1996 and the related
statement of operations for the year then ended and the statements of changes in
net assets for each of the two years then ended of the Separate Account,
appearing herein, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors,
as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein. The balance
sheets of American Franklin at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the statements of
operations, shareholder's equity and cash flows of American Franklin for the
year ended December 31, 1996, the eleven months ended December 31, 1995 and the
one month ended January 31, 1995 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere
herein. The statements of operations, shareholder's equity and cash flows of
American Franklin for the year ended December 31, 1994 have been audited by
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein. Such financial statements referred to above
are included in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of such
firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
Actuarial matters in this Prospectus have been examined by Robert M.
Beuerlein, who is Executive Vice President and Actuary of American Franklin.
His opinion on actuarial matters is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement relating to the policies filed with the SEC.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
A Registration Statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
policies offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the Registration Statement and amendments thereto and exhibits
filed as a part thereof, to all of which reference is hereby made for further
information concerning American Franklin, the Separate Account and the policies
offered hereby. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the content of
policies and other legal instruments are summaries. For a complete statement of
the terms thereof, reference is made to such instruments as filed.
OTHER POLICIES AND CONTRACTS
American Franklin may offer, under other prospectuses, other variable life
policies or variable annuity contracts having interests in the Separate Account
and containing terms and conditions different from those of the policies offered
hereby. Interests in the Separate Account are also issued under American
Franklin's EquiBuilder II variable life insurance policies, which have policy
features that are similar to those of EquiBuilder III policies but which have a
different sales charge structure.
45
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
The following persons hold the positions designated with respect to
American Franklin. The table also shows their principal occupations during the
past five years and any positions held with The Franklin and Franklin Financial.
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS POSITION HELD WITH
- ---- DURING PAST 5 YEARS AMERICAN FRANKLIN AND
------------------- FRANKLIN FINANCIAL
------------------
Wayne A. Barnard** [To come] Vice President, American
Franklin.
Earl W. Baucom Senior Vice President and Chief Director, Senior Vice
Financial Officer, The Franklin, President and Chief
since June 10, 1996; Director, Financial Officer,
The Franklin, since August 21, American Franklin.
1996; Chief Financial Officer,
Providian Direct Insurance,
from October, 1993 to December,
1995; Controller, Providian
Corporation, prior to
October, 1993.
Robert M. Beuerlein Senior Vice President-Actuarial Director, Executive Vice
and Director, The Franklin; President and Actuary,
Vice President, The Franklin, American Franklin; from
April, 1991 to January, Director, Franklin
1993; Executive Vice President Financial.
and Actuary, American Franklin;
Vice President and Actuary,
American Franklin, prior to
January, 1992.
Brady W. Creel Senior Vice President, Chief Director, Senior Vice
Marketing Officer and Director, President and Chief The
Franklin since September 3, Marketing Officer,
1996; Regional Manager, The American Franklin.
Franklin, prior to September,
1996.
Robert M. Devlin* Chairman of the Board, The Chairman of the Board,
Franklin, since August 21, American Franklin.
1996; Director, The Franklin,
since February, 1995; Senior
Chairman, The Franklin, from
February, 1995 to August, 1996;
Chief Executive Officer,
American General Corporation,
Houston, Texas, since October 24,
1996; Director, American General
Corporation; President, American
General Corporation, from
October, 1995 to October, 1996;
Vice Chairman, American General
Corporation, prior to October,
1995; President and Chief
Investment Officer, American
General Life Insurance Company,
Houston, Texas, prior to 1993.
46
<PAGE>
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS POSITION HELD WITH
- ---- DURING PAST 5 YEARS AMERICAN FRANKLIN AND
------------------- FRANKLIN FINANCIAL
------------------
Barbara Fossum Vice President, The Franklin; Vice President,
prior to June, 1995, Vice American Franklin.
President, American General
Life Insurance Company,
Houston, Texas.
Ross D. Friend Senior Vice President, General Director, Senior Vice
Counsel and Secretary, The President, General
Franklin, since September 3, Counsel and Secretary,
1996; Attorney-In-Charge, American Franklin;
Prudential Life Insurance Director, Vice President
Company, Jacksonville, Florida, and Secretary, Franklin
from July, 1995 to September, Financial.
1996; Chief Legal Officer,
Confederation Life Insurance
Company, Atlanta, Georgia,
prior to July, 1995.
Robert J. Gibbons Director, President and Chief President and Director,
Executive Officer, The Franklin; American Franklin;
President and Chief Executive Chairman of the Board
Officer, American General Life and Chief Executive
Insurance Company of New York, Officer, Franklin
Syracuse, New York, prior to Financial.
February, 1995; Senior Vice
President and Chief Marketing
Officer, American General Life
Insurance Company of New York,
prior to June, 1994.
Robert F. Herbert ** [To come] Vice President, American
Franklin.
Harold S. Hook Chairman and Director, American Senior Chairman and
General Corporation, Houston, Director, American
Texas; Chief Executive Officer, Franklin.
American General Corporation,
prior to October, 1996.
Simon J. Leech** [To come] Vice President and
Administrative Officer,
American Franklin.
Thomas K. McCracken Vice President, The Franklin. Vice President, American
Franklin.
Mark R. McGuire Vice President, The Franklin, Vice President and
since January 6, 1997; Administrative Officer,
Consultant/Manager, American American Franklin.
General Life Insurance Company,
Houston, Texas, prior to
January, 1997.
Jon P. Newton* Director and Vice Chairman, The Director and Vice
Franklin; [remainder to come] Chairman, American
Franklin.
Jeffrey D. Pirmann Vice President, Controller and Vice President and
Treasurer, The Franklin. Treasurer, American
Franklin; Vice President
and Treasurer, Franklin
Financial.
47
<PAGE>
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING POSITION HELD WITH
- ---- PAST 5 YEARS AMERICAN FRANKLIN AND
------------ FRANKLIN FINANCIAL
------------------
Gary D. Reddick Director and Executive Vice Executive Vice President-
President, The Franklin, since Administration and
February, 1995; Senior Vice Director, American
President, American General Franklin; Director and
Corporation, Houston, Texas Executive Vice President,
prior to February, 1995; Senior Franklin Financial.
Vice President, American
General Life Insurance Company,
Houston, Texas, prior to
October, 1994.
Timothy W. Still** [To come] Vice President and
Administrative Officer,
American Franklin.
Peter V. Tuters* Vice President, Chief Vice President, Chief
Investment Officer and Investment Officer and
Director, The Franklin, since Director, American
February, 1995; Senior Vice Franklin.
President, since 1992, and
Chief Investment Officer, since
December, 1993, American
General Corporation, Houston,
Texas; Vice President, Crown
Life Insurance Company, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada, prior thereto.
J. Alan Vala Vice President and Agency Vice President and
Secretary, The Franklin. Agency Secretary,
American Franklin; Vice
President and Assistant
Secretary, Franklin
Financial.
Diane S. Workman Vice President-Administration, Vice President-
American Franklin; Assistant Administration,
Vice President, American American Franklin.
Franklin, prior to
April, 1992.
The principal business address of each individual with an asterisk next to
his name is 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019. The principal business
address of each individual with two asterisks next to his name is 2727-A Allen
Parkway, Houston, Texas 77019. The principal business address of each other
individual is in care of The Franklin Life Insurance Company, #1 Franklin
Square, Springfield, Illinois 62713.
48
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY
EQUIBUILDER III-TM-
ISSUED BY
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
#1 FRANKLIN SQUARE
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62713-0001
800-528-2011
EQUIBUILDER III IS A TRADEMARK OF THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Part II
UNDERTAKING TO FILE REPORTS
Subject to the terms and conditions of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission such supplementary and periodic
information, documents, and reports as may be prescribed by any rule or
regulation of the Commission heretofore or hereafter duly adopted pursuant to
authority conferred in that section.
UNDERTAKING PURSUANT TO RULE 484(b)(1)
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
American Franklin's By-Laws provide, in Article X, as follows:
"Section 1. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each person
who shall serve at any time hereafter as a director, officer or
employee of the Company, or who shall serve any other company or
organization in any capacity at the request of the Company, from and
against any and all claims and liabilities to which such person shall
become subject by reason of having heretofore or hereafter been a
director, officer or employee of the Company, or by reason of any
action alleged to have been heretofore or hereafter taken or omitted
by such person as a director, officer or employee, and shall reimburse
each such person for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred
in connection with any such claim or liability; provided, however,
that no such person shall be indemnified against, or be reimbursed
for, any expense incurred in connection with any claim or liability
arising out of such person's own wilful misconduct."
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
American Franklin hereby represents that the fees and charges deducted under the
flexible premium variable life insurance policies described in this registration
statement, in the aggregate, are reasonable in relation to the services
rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the risks assumed by
American Franklin.
II-1
<PAGE>
CONTENTS OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Registration Statement comprises the following papers and documents:
The facing sheet.
Reconciliation and tie.
The Prospectus.
Undertaking to file reports.
Undertaking pursuant to Rule 484 under the Securities Act of 1933.
The signatures.
Written Consents of the following persons:
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P. (To be filed by amendment).
Robert M. Beuerlein, Executive Vice President and Actuary (To be filed
by amendment).
Ernst & Young LLP (To be filed by amendment).
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. (To be filed by amendment).
The following exhibits required by Article IX(A) of Form N-8B-2:
* 1-A(1) Certified resolutions regarding organization of Separate
Account VUL-2.
1-A(2) Inapplicable.
****1-A(3)(a) Sales Agreement between Franklin Financial Services
Corporation ("Franklin Financial") and Separate Account
VUL-2 of The American Franklin Life Insurance Company,
dated as of January 31, 1995.
* 1-A(3)(b)(i) Specimen Regional Manager Registered Representative
Agreement between Franklin Financial and registered
representatives of Franklin Financial distributing
EquiBuilder III policies.
* 1-A(3)(b)(ii) Specimen Registered Representative Agreement between
Franklin Financial and registered representatives of
Franklin Financial distributing EquiBuilder III policies.
** 1-A(3)(c) Schedule of Sales Commissions.
** 1-A(4) Agreement between The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company ("American Franklin") and Franklin Financial, dated
March 31, l994, regarding supervision of agents.
** 1-A(5)(a) EquiBuilder III Flexible Premium Life Insurance Policy.
* 1-A(5)(b) Accidental Death Benefit Rider.
* 1-A(5)(c) Term Insurance Rider.
* 1-A(5)(d) Children's Term Insurance Rider.
* 1-A(5)(e) Disability Rider - Waiver of Monthly Deductions.
** 1-A(5)(f) Endorsement to EquiBuilder III Flexible Premium Life
Insurance policy when issued to a Policy Owner in the State
of Texas.
*****1-A(6)(a) Articles of Incorporation of American Franklin.
1-A(6)(b) By-Laws of American Franklin.
1-A(7) Inapplicable.
* 1-A(8)(a)(1) Participation Agreement among American Franklin, Variable
Insurance Products Fund ("VIPF") and Fidelity Distributors
Corporation ("FDC"), dated July 18, 1991.
*** 1-A(8)(a)(2) Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, effective as of November 1, 1991.
II-2
<PAGE>
* 1-A(8)(a)(3) Participation Agreement among American Franklin, Variable
Insurance Products Fund II ("VIPF II") and FDC, dated July
18, 1991.
*** 1-A(8)(a)(4) Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, effective as of November 1, 1991.
* 1-A(8)(a)(5) Sub-License Agreement between FDC and American Franklin
dated July 18, 1991.
****1-A(8)(a)(6) Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, dated January 18, 1995.
****1-A(8)(a)(7) Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, dated January 18, 1995.
1-A(8)(a)(8) Amendment No. 3 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, dated July 1, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(4) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of
Separate Account VA-1 of American Franklin, filed August 20,
1996.
1-A(8)(a)(9) Amendment No. 3 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, dated July 1, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b)(4) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of
Separate Account VA-1 of American Franklin, filed August 20,
1996.
1-A(8)(a)(10) Amendment No. 4 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, dated November, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(5) to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on
Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of Separate Account VA-1 of
American Franklin, filed November 26, 1996.
1-A(8)(a)(11) Amendment No. 4 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, dated November, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b)(5) to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on
Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of Separate Account VA-1 of
American Franklin, filed November 26, 1996.
* 1-A(8)(c) Modified Coinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and
Integrity, dated March 10, 1989.
* 1-A(8)(c)(1) Amendment No. 1 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Franklin and Integrity.
1-A(8)(c)(2) Amendment No. 2 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Franklin and Integrity.
1-A(8)(c)(3) Amendment No. 3 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Franklin and Integrity effective April 1, 1989.
1-A(8)(c)(4) Amendment No. 3 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Franklin, Integrity, and Phoenix Home Life Mutual
Insurance Company, assignee of Integrity effective January
1, 1997.
* 1-A(8)(d) Reinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and The
Franklin Life Insurance Company ("The Franklin"), effective
as of January 1, 1988.
* 1-A(8)(d)(1) Amendment No. 1 effective as of January 1, 1990 to
Reinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and The
Franklin.
* 1-A(8)(d)(2) Amendment No. 2 effective as of January 1, 1990 to
Reinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and The
Franklin.
* 1-A(9) Administrative Service Agreement between The Franklin and
American Franklin, dated May 16, l988.
1-A(10) Application for EquiBuilder III Policy.
Other Exhibits:
2 See Exhibit 1-A(5)(a) above.
** 3(a) Opinion and Consent of Stephen P. Horvat, Jr., Esq., Senior
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of American
Franklin.
II-3
<PAGE>
3(b) Opinion and Consent of Robert M. Beuerlein, Executive Vice
President and Actuary of American Franklin. (To be filed by
amendment.)
4 Inapplicable.
5 Inapplicable.
6(a) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. (To be filed by amendment)
6(b) Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L. L. P. (To be filed by
amendment)
6(c) Consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P. (To be filed
by amendment)
7 Power of Attorney.
** 8 Description of American Franklin's Issuance, Transfer and
Redemption Procedures for EquiBuilder III Policies pursuant
to Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii) under the Investment Company Act
of 1940.
** 9 Notice of Cancellation Right Pursuant to Rule
6e-3(T)(b)(13)(viii) under the Investment Company Act of
1940.
** 10 Representations, description and undertaking pursuant to
Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(iii)(F) under the Investment Company Act
of 1940.
** 11(a) Guaranty of Obligations of Principal Underwriter pursuant to
Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(vi) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, dated March 31, 1994.
27 Financial Data Schedule meeting the requirements of Rule
483. (To be filed by amendment)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to Form
S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company, filed July 24, 1991 (Reg. No. 33-41838).
** Filed with original filing of the Registration Statement on Form S-6, filed
April 7, 1994 (Reg. No. 33-77470).
*** Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 on Form S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of The
American Franklin Life Insurance Company, filed February 26, 1993 (Reg. No.
33-41838).
**** Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of The
American Franklin Life Insurance Company, filed March 2, 1995 (Reg. No.
33-77470).
*****Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of The
American Franklin Life Insurance Company, filed April 30, 1996 (Reg. No.
33-77470).
II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant,
Separate Account VUL-2 of The American Franklin Life Insurance Company has duly
caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on Form
S-6 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized,
and its seal to be hereunto affixed and attested, all in the City of
Springfield, and State of Illinois on the 27th of February, 1997.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT VUL-2 OF
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY
By: THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
Depositor
[SEAL] By: /s/ Ross D. Friend
-----------------------------
Ross D. Friend,
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary
Attest:
/s/ Elizabeth E. Arthur
- -----------------------------------------
Elizabeth E. Arthur
Assistant Secretary
II-5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, The American
Franklin Life Insurance Company has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to
the Registration Statement on Form S-6 to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Springfield, and State
of Illinois on the 27th day of February, 1997.
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: /s/Ross D. Friend
-----------------------------
Ross D. Friend,
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and
Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement on Form S-6 has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/Earl W. Baucom* Senior Vice President, February 27, 1997
- ------------------------ Chief Financial Officer
Earl W. Baucom (principal financial officer
and principal accounting
officer) and Director
/s/Robert M. Beuerlein* Director February 27, 1997
- ------------------------
Robert M. Beuerlein
/s/Brady W. Creel* Director February 27, 1997
- ------------------------
Brady W. Creel
Director February __, 1997
- ------------------------
Robert M. Devlin
/s/Ross D. Friend* Director and Secretary February 27, 1997
- ------------------------
Ross D. Friend
/s/Robert J. Gibbons* Director and President February 27, 1997
- ------------------------ (principal executive
Robert J. Gibbons officer)
Director February __, 1997
- ------------------------
Harold S. Hook
Director February __, 1997
- ------------------------
Jon P. Newton
/s/ Gary D. Reddick* Director February 27, 1997
- ------------------------
Gary D. Reddick
Director February __, 1997
- ------------------------
Peter V. Tuters
/s/Elizabeth E. Arthur
- ------------------------
*By Elizabeth E. Arthur, Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Page No.
* 1-A(1) Certified resolutions regarding organization of Separate
Account VUL-2.
1-A(2) Inapplicable.
****1-A(3)(a) Sales Agreement between Franklin Financial Services
Corporation ("Franklin Financial") and Separate Account
VUL-2 of The American Franklin Life Insurance Company, dated
as of January 31, 1995.
* 1-A(3)(b)(i) Specimen Regional Manager Registered Representative
Agreement between Franklin Financial and registered
representatives of Franklin Financial distributing
EquiBuilder III policies.
* 1-A(3)(b)(ii) Specimen Registered Representative Agreement between
Franklin Financial and registered representatives of
Franklin Financial distributing EquiBuilder III policies.
** 1-A(3)(c) Schedule of Sales Commissions.
** 1-A(4) Agreement between The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company ("American Franklin") and Franklin Financial, dated
March 31, l994, regarding supervision of agents.
** 1-A(5)(a) EquiBuilder III Flexible Premium Life Insurance Policy.
* 1-A(5)(b) Accidental Death Benefit Rider.
* 1-A(5)(c) Term Insurance Rider.
* 1-A(5)(d) Children's Term Insurance Rider.
* 1-A(5)(e) Disability Rider - Waiver of Monthly Deductions.
** 1-A(5)(f) Endorsement to EquiBuilder III Flexible Premium Life
Insurance policy when issued to a Policy Owner in the State
of Texas.
*****1-A(6)(a) Articles of Incorporation of American Franklin.
1-A(6)(b) By-Laws of American Franklin.
1-A(7) Inapplicable.
* 1-A(8)(a)(1) Participation Agreement among American Franklin, Variable
Insurance Products Fund ("VIPF") and Fidelity Distributors
Corporation ("FDC"), dated July 18, 1991.
*** 1-A(8)(a)(2) Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, effective as of November 1, 1991.
* 1-A(8)(a)(3) Participation Agreement among American Franklin, Variable
Insurance Products Fund II ("VIPF II") and FDC, dated July
18, 1991.
*** 1-A(8)(a)(4) Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, effective as of November 1, 1991.
* 1-A(8)(a)(5) Sub-License Agreement between FDC and American Franklin
dated July 18, 1991.
**** 1-A(8)(a)(6) Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, dated January 18, 1995.
**** 1-A(8)(a)(7) Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, dated January 18, 1995.
1-A(8)(a)(8) Amendment No. 3 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, dated July 1, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(4) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of
Separate Account VA-1 of American Franklin, filed August 20,
1996.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Page No.
1-A(8)(a)(9) Amendment No. 3 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, dated July 1, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b)(4) to the
Registration Statement on Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of
Separate Account VA-1 of American Franklin, filed August 20,
1996.
1-A(8)(a)(10) Amendment No. 4 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF and FDC, dated November, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(5) to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on
Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of Separate Account VA-1 of
American Franklin, filed November 26, 1996.
1-A(8)(a)(11) Amendment No. 4 to Participation Agreement among American
Franklin, VIPF II and FDC, dated November, 1996, is hereby
incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 8(b)(5) to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on
Form N-4 (Reg. No. 333-10489) of Separate Account VA-1 of
American Franklin, filed November 26, 1996.
* 1-A(8)(c) Modified Coinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and
Integrity, dated March 10, 1989.
* 1-A(8)(c)(1) Amendment No. 1 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Franklin and Integrity.
1-A(8)(c)(2) Amendment No. 2 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Franklin and Integrity.
1-A(8)(c)(3) Amendment No. 3 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Frankin, and Integrity effective January 1, 1997.
1-A(8)(c)(4) Amendment No. 3 to Modified Coinsurance Agreement between
American Franklin, Integrity, and Phoenix Home Life Mutual
Insurance Company, assignee of Integrity.
* 1-A(8)(d) Reinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and The
Franklin Life Insurance Company ("The Franklin''), effective
as of January 1, 1988.
* 1-A(8)(d)(1) Amendment No. 1 effective as of January 1, 1990 to
Reinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and The
Franklin.
* 1-A(8)(d)(2) Amendment No. 2 effective as of January 1, 1990 to
Reinsurance Agreement between American Franklin and The
Franklin.
* 1-A(9) Administrative Service Agreement between The Franklin and
American Franklin, dated May 16, l988.
1-A(10) Application for EquiBuilder III Policy.
Other Exhibits:
2 See Exhibit 1-A(5)(a) above.
** 3(a) Opinion and Consent of Stephen P. Horvat, Jr., Esq., Senior
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of American
Franklin.
3(b) Opinion and Consent of Robert M. Beuerlein, Executive Vice
President and Actuary of American Franklin. (To be filed by
amendment.)
4 Inapplicable.
5 Inapplicable.
6(a) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (To be filed by amendment).
6(b) Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L. L. P (To be filed by
amendment).
6(c) Consent of Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, L.L.P. (To be filed
by amendment).
7 Power of Attorney.
** 8 Description of American Franklin's Issuance, Transfer and
Redemption Procedures for EquiBuilder III Policies pursuant
to Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(12)(iii) under the Investment Company Act
of 1940.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Page No.
** 9 Notice of Cancellation Right Pursuant to Rule
6e-3(T)(b)(13)(viii) under the Investment Company Act of
1940.
** 10 Representations, description and undertaking pursuant to
Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(iii)(F) under the Investment Company Act
of 1940.
** 11(a) Guaranty of Obligations of Principal Underwriter pursuant to
Rule 6e-3(T)(b)(13)(vi) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, dated March 31, 1994.
27 Financial Data Schedule meeting the requirements of Rule 483
(To be filed by amendment).
------------------------------------------------------------
* Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to Form
S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company, filed July 24, 1991 (Reg. No. 33-41838).
** Filed with original filing of the Registration Statement on Form S-6, filed
April 7, 1994 (Reg. No. 33-77470).
*** Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 on Form S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of The
American Franklin Life Insurance Company, filed February 26, 1993 (Reg. No.
33-41838).
**** Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of The
American Franklin Life Insurance Company, filed March 2, 1995 (Reg. No.
33-77470).
*****Incorporated herein by reference to similarly designated exhibit to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 on Form S-6 of Separate Account VUL-2 of
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company, filed April 30, 1996 (Reg.
No. 33-77470).
<PAGE>
B Y L A W S
OF
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
(AMENDED NOVEMBER 21, 1996)
A R T I C L E I
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. The regular annual meeting of the stockholders of the Company
shall be held at the Home Office of the Company in the City of Springfield,
Illinois on the first Tuesday of April in each year, at the hour of nine o'clock
a.m.
Section 2. Special meetings of the stockholders may be called at any time
by the President and Secretary or by the holders of not less than a majority of
the then outstanding stock by mailing to each stockholder a written notice
(stating the time, place, and object of the meeting) at least five (5) days
prior to the date fixed therefor.
Section 3. At any meeting of stockholders the holders of the majority of
the capital stock issued and outstanding, present in person or represented by
proxy, shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If the holders of the amount
of stock necessary to constitute a quorum shall fail to attend in person or by
proxy at the time and place fixed by these Bylaws for an annual meeting, or
fixed by notice as provided for a special meeting, a majority in interest
(although less than a quorum) of the stockholders present in person or by proxy
may adjourn, from time to time, without notice other than by announcement at the
meeting. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present any
business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as
originally fixed or notified.
A R T I C L E I I
DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Board of Directors of the Company shall consist of not less
than seven (7) and not more than twelve (12) members. They shall be elected by
the stockholders at their regular annual meeting for the term of one year each
or until their successors are elected.
<PAGE>
Section 2. Vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled by the
stockholders at any regular meeting of stockholders, or at any special meeting
called for that purpose.
Section 3. A regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held
on the second Tuesday in the months of January, April, July and October at 8:30
a.m. Notice of each meeting shall be given to each member of the Board by the
President or Secretary at least three days prior to the meeting date. A
majority of all of the Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business but when a quorum is not present, one or more Directors present may
adjourn and continue to adjourn such meeting from time to time, but not to a
time beyond the date of the next regular meeting.
Section 4. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the
President and Secretary, or by a majority of the Directors, by mailing to each
Director a written notice (stating the time, place and object of the meeting) at
least two days prior to the date fixed therefor. A majority of all Directors
shall constitute a quorum.
Section 5. The Board of Directors, at its first meeting following the
regular annual meeting of the stockholders in each year, shall elect one of its
members as Chairman of the Board to serve for one year or until his successor is
elected. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of
the Board of Directors and shall perform such other duties as may be required of
him by the Board or by the Executive Committee. In case of a vacancy in the
office of Chairman the same may be filled for the unexpired term by the Board of
Directors at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose. In the event of the absence or inability of the Chairman his duties
shall be performed by the President. In the event of the absence or inability
of the Chairman and the President the duties of the Chairman shall be performed
by a Vice President designated by the Board of Directors.
Section 6. The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect or
appoint, and to remove at pleasure, all officers, committees and members of
committees, and shall fix the salaries of all officers and committee members and
prescribe their duties.
A R T I C L E I I I
STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall, at its first meeting following
the regular annual meeting of the stockholders in each year, appoint the
following
2
<PAGE>
standing committees: an Executive Committee of not less than three members or
more than seven members; and an Investment Committee of not less than three
members or more than nine members. All members shall serve for a term of one
year or until their successors may be appointed. Vacancies may be filled by the
Board of Directors at any regular meeting, or at any special meeting called for
that purpose. Said Committees shall make written reports of their transactions
to the Board, and their acts shall be subject to review by the Board of
Directors. A majority of the members of any committee shall be a quorum for the
transactions of business.
Section 2. The Executive Committee shall have the custody of all books,
papers, and records of the Company, and shall have general control and direction
of all the affairs and business of the Company not delegated in these Bylaws to
other persons, officers or committees or reserved to the Board of Directors.
Section 3. The Investment Committee shall have authority to make all
investments of the Company (except loans to policyholders when provided for
by their policies) and all such investments shall be made in the name of the
Company. Said Committee shall have control of all real estate belonging to
the Company, and when in their judgment it is expedient to do so, may
authorize any proper officer or employee to sell and/or transfer any of the
Company's properties, securities, or investments and to manage any of the
Company's properties. No investments shall be made or any assets sold unless
the investment or sale is authorized or ratified by all members of said
Committee present at the meeting when such investment or sale is considered.
A R T I C L E I V
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Section 1. The Executive Officers of the Company shall consist of a
President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, one or more Assistant
Secretaries, a Treasurer, and one or more Assistant Treasurers, who shall be
elected by the Board of Directors at their first meeting after the annual
meeting of the stockholders, and they shall, subject to these Bylaws, serve for
a term of one year each or until their successors are duly elected. In case of
a vacancy in any of the offices named in this section the same may be filled for
the unexpired term by the Board of Directors at any regular meeting, or at a
special meeting called for that purpose.
3
<PAGE>
Section 2. The President shall perform such duties as usually pertain to
his office or may be required of him by the Board of Directors or by the
Executive Committee.
Section 3. The Vice Presidents, in the order designated by the President,
shall perform the duties of the President in case of his absence or inability to
act. In event the President shall fail to make such designation the order shall
be designated by the Board of Directors, and in event of the absence or
inability of the President and the Vice Presidents, the Board of Directors may
select one of its members as President Pro Tem. The Vice Presidents shall
perform such other duties as may be required of them by the Board of Directors
or by the Executive Committee.
Section 4. The Secretary shall keep a record of the meetings of the
stockholders and of the Board of Directors, and shall perform such duties as
usually pertain to his office, or as may be required of him by the Board of
Directors or by the Executive Committee.
Section 5. The Assistant Secretaries, in the order designated by the
Secretary, shall perform the duties of the Secretary in case of his absence or
inability to act. In event the Secretary shall fail to make such designation
the order shall be designated by the Board of Directors, and in the event of the
absence or inability of the Secretary and the Assistant Secretaries, the Board
of Directors may select one of its members as Secretary Pro Tem. The Assistant
Secretaries shall perform such other duties as may be required of them by the
Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee.
Section 6. The Treasurer shall perform such duties as may be required of
him by the Board of Directors, or by the Executive Committee.
Section 7. The Assistant Treasurers, in the order designated by the
Treasurer, shall perform the duties of the Treasurer in case of his absence or
inability to act. In event the Treasurer shall fail to make such designation
the order shall be designated by the Board of Directors, and in the event of the
absence or inability of the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurers, the Board of
Directors may select one of its members as Treasurers Pro Tem. The Assistant
Treasurers shall perform such other duties as may be required of them by the
Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee.
Section 8. The Officers of this Company shall comply with the Rules of the
Illinois Insurance Department respecting Internal Security Standards and
Fidelity Bonds as now defined in Rule 9.04 of the Illinois Insurance Department.
4
<PAGE>
A R T I C L E V
TRANSFERRING REAL ESTATE, SECURITIES, ETC.
Section 1. The President or a Vice President or an Assistant Vice
President or the General Counsel or the Treasurer or the Assistant Treasurer and
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary are authorized for and on behalf of the
Company.
(a) To execute, acknowledge, and deliver deeds to real estate when such
real estate has been sold.
(b) To assign, transfer, and cancel evidence of indebtedness and notes
secured by mortgage upon real estate when such notes have been paid or
sold.
(c) To execute releases of mortgages upon real estate when the notes such
mortgages were given to secure have been paid, and to execute partial
releases, easements, and subordinations.
(d) To transfer bonds, stocks, and/or other securities held as collateral
security for loans when such loans have been paid or sold.
(e) To transfer bonds, stocks and/or other assets or securities when such
bonds, stocks and/or other assets or securities have been sold or
called for payment.
(f) To execute such other instruments from time to time as may be
necessary or expedient to carry on the business of the Company.
Section 2. The President, a Vice President, an Assistant Vice President,
the General Counsel or the Secretary is authorized to negotiate and enter into
any leasing agreement for any real estate owned by the Company and to execute
the same for and on behalf of the Company, and to do and perform any and all
other acts that may be necessary to effectively accomplish the purposes
mentioned.
5
<PAGE>
A R T I C L E V I
ACTUARIES, MEDICAL DIRECTORS, ETC.
Section 1. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more Actuaries, one
or more Associate Actuaries, and one or more Assistant Actuaries, one or more
Medical Directors, one or more Associate Medical Directors, or one or more
Assistant Medical Directors and such other officers and department heads as it
may deem necessary and expedient, who shall perform such duties as may be
required of them by the Board of Directors or by the Executive Committee.
A R T I C L E V I I
SALARIES
Section 1. All salaries, compensations or emolument to be paid to any
officer or director of the Company, and all salaries, compensations, or
emolument amounting in any year to more than forty thousand dollars ($40,000.00)
to any person, firm, or corporation, shall be first authorized by a vote of the
Board of Directors, which vote shall be by roll call at regular meeting of said
Board, and which vote shall be duly recorded in the records of the Company.
A R T I C L E V I I I
SEAL
Section 1. The Corporate Seal of the Company shall be two concentric
circles between which shall be the words "The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company, Springfield, IL" and in the center shall be inserted the words
"Corporate Seal", and such seal is impressed on margin hereof.
A R T I C L E I X
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or
in part by the Board of Directors at any regular meeting, or at any special
meeting called for that purpose.
6
<PAGE>
A R T I C L E X
INDEMNIFICATION FOR OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless each person who
shall serve at any time hereafter as a director, officer, or employee of the
Company, or who shall serve any other company or organization in any capacity at
the request of the Company, from and against any and all claims and liabilities
to which such person shall become subject by reason of having heretofore or
hereafter been a director, officer or employee of the Company, or by reason of
any action alleged to have been heretofore or hereafter taken or omitted by such
persons as a director, officer or employee, and shall reimburse each such person
for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any such
claim or liability; provided, however, that no such person shall be indemnified
against, or be reimbursed for, any expense incurred in connection with any claim
or liability arising out of such person's own willful misconduct.
* * * * * * * *
7
<PAGE>
Exhibit 1-A(8)(c)(2)
AMENDMENT NO. 2
The Modified Coinsurance Agreement between American Franklin Life Insurance
Company of Springfield, Illinois and Integrity Life Insurance Company of
Phoenix, Arizona, effective April 1, 1989, is amended as follows:
I. The following is added to Section E. "Terms of Reinsurance":
6. CLAIMS
The settlement made by the REINSURED for a death claim under a
policy reinsured under this agreement shall be binding on the
REINSURER. However, the REINSURER shall be consulted before any
admission of liability on the claim is made by the REINSURED if
the claim amount reinsured is equal to or greater than $200,000
or when death occurs during the contestable period. The
REINSURED shall furnish the REINSURER with copies of the proofs
of loss and any information the REINSURER may request.
II. Schedule II is replaced by the attached Schedule II, revised 5/2/90.
III. Schedule V is replaced by the attached Schedule V, revised
5/2/90.
AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: By:
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President, Title: Senior Vice President and
General Counsel and Actuary
Secretary
Date: May 16, 1990 Date: May 16, 1990
INTEGRITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: By:
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Title: Vice President and Chief Title: Vice President & CFO
Actuary
Date: May 4, 1990 Date: May 4, 1990
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II
-----------
AMOUNT OF REINSURANCE
---------------------
The portion of the risk reinsured under this Agreement shall be 30% on any
policy to the extent reinsured hereunder, as provided in Schedule I, in
accordance with the following rules:
1. There shall be no reinsurance on any benefit under this Agreement
where the REINSURED does not retain its normal retention of risk on a
policy hereunder.
2. There shall be no reinsurance on policies issued as term conversions
or replacements where full evidence of insurability has not been
secured which were: (a) originally written by The Franklin Life
Insurance Company; (b) not reinsured; and (c) where the original
underwriting occurred over five years prior to submission of the case
to American Franklin.
3. There shall be no reinsurance on policies issued as term conversions
from or replacements of policies originally issued by The Franklin
Life Insurance Company, which were originally reinsured under other
reinsurance agreements.
4. There shall be no reinsurance on an automatic basis for any risk
offered on a facultative basis by the reinsured to any company.
Revised 5/2/90
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE V
----------
ADMINISTRATION CHARGE
---------------------
1. tor each policy issued and reinsured during a calendar year he
REINSURER shall pay the REINSURED $30.00 (30% of $100.00) to cover
issue and underwriting expenses incurred by the REINSURED.
However, if such policy is a term conversion from or a replacement of
a policy originally written by The Franklin Life Insurance Company,
where full evidence of insurability has not been secured, the
REINSURER shall pay the REINSURED a reduced amount of $15 (30% of
$50.00).
2. The REINSURER shall pay the REINSURED each year an amount to cover
administrative expenses incurred by the REINSURED. This amount shall
be calculated by multiplying $3.00 (30% of $10.00) by .5 times the
following:
(a) the number of reinsured policies in force at the end of the prior
calendar year, plus
(b) the number of policies in force at the end of the current
calendar year, plus
(c) the number of policies issued and reinsured during the current
calendar year.
The above unit charges will apply during the first year of this agreement and
will subsequently be redetermined to follow future experience.
Revised 5/2/90
<PAGE>
Exhibit 1-A(8)(c)(3)
AMENDMENT NO. 3
The Modified Coinsurance Agreement between American Franklin Life Insurance
Company of Springfield, Illinois and Integrity Life Insurance Company of
Phoenix, Arizona, effective April 1, 1989, is amended by replacing Schedule II
(revised 4-12-90) with the attached Schedule II (revised 7-1-93).
AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: By:
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Title: Executive Vice President and Title: Senior Vice President, General
Actuary Counsel and Secretary
Date: August 9, 1993 Date: August 9, 1993
INTEGRITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: By:
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Title: Senior Vice President and CFO Title:
Date: August 26, 1993 Date: August 26, 1993
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE II (revised 7-1-93)
----------------------------
AMOUNT OF REINSURANCE
---------------------
The portion of the risk reinsured under this Agreement shall be 30% on any
policy to the extent reinsured hereunder, as provided in Schedule I, in
accordance with the following rules:
1. There shall be no reinsurance on any benefit under this Agreement
where the REINSURED does not retain its normal retention of risk on a
policy hereunder,
2. There shall be no reinsurance on policies: (a) originally written
under Franklin Life; (b) not reinsured by Franklin Life; and (c) where
the original underwriting occurred over five years prior to submission
of the case to American Franklin.
3. There shall be no reinsurance on policies originally issued by
Franklin Life Insurance Company and originally reinsured by Franklin
Life under other reinsurance agreements.
4. There shall be no reinsurance on an automatic basis for any risk
offered on a facultative basis by the reinsured to any company.
5. There shall be no reinsurance on policies issued in the State of
California.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 1-A(8)(c)(4)
AMENDMENT NO. 3
The Modified Coinsurance Agreement originally written between American Franklin
Life Insurance Company of Springfield, Illinois and Integrity Life Insurance
Company of Phoenix, Arizona, effective April 1, 1989, and subsequently assigned
by Integrity Life Insurance Company to Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance
Company, of East Greenbush, New York at October 31, 1994, is hereby amended as
follows:
In accordance with the provisions of Article P. Duration of Agreement, this
Agreement is hereby terminated for the placement of new reinsurance on and after
January 1, 1997. Reinsurance remaining in force at January 1, 1997 shall
continue to be covered under the provisions of this Agreement until the
termination of each underlying policy.
The REINSURER agrees to waive the provision in Article P that mandates a
one-year prior written notice of termination.
All terms, provisions and conditions of this Agreement will continue unchanged
except as specifically revised in this Amendment.
This Amendment is signed in triplicate at the dates and places indicated with an
effective date of January 1, 1997.
Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance American Franklin Life Insurance Company
Company
By: By:
-------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Title: Title:
----------------------------- ----------------------------------
Date: Date:
------------------------------ -----------------------------------
Integrity Life Insurance Company
By:
--------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------
Date:
------------------------------
<PAGE>
Exhibit 1-A(10)
THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62713
COMBINATION FIXED AND VARIABLE ANNUITY APPLICATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. PROPOSED ANNUITANT:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAST FIRST MIDDLE
Address:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE
Sex: / / Male / / Female Birthdate: ______/______/______ Social Security No.: ________-________-___________
Telephone Number: ( )
-------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. CONTINGENT ANNUITANT: (If Applicable)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAST FIRST MIDDLE
Address:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE
Sex: / / Male / / Female Birthdate: _____/_____/_____ Social Security No.: ________-________-___________
Telephone Number: ( )
-------------------------
NOTE: CONTINGENT ANNUITANT MAY BE DESIGNATED ONLY AT TIME OF INITIAL APPLICATION.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. OWNER: (Complete only if different than Annuitant)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAST FIRST MIDDLE
Address:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE
Sex: / / Male / / Female Birthdate: _____/_____/_____ Tax Identification or Social Security Number:
Telephone Number: ( )
-------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. JOINT OWNER: (If Applicable)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAST FIRST MIDDLE
Address:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE
Sex: / / Male / / Female Birthdate: _____/_____/_____ Tax Identification or Social Security Number:
Telephone Number: ( )
-------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. MAILING ADDRESS: / / Annuitant / / Owner / / Other
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. PAYMENT SELECTION:
a. / / INITIAL PURCHASE PAYMENT AMOUNT:
$
-----------------------------
b. / / SUBSEQUENT BILLING AMOUNT:
$
-----------------------------
b1. Frequency: / / Annual / / Semi-Annual / / Quarterly / / Monthly
b2. Method: / / Bank Draft* / / Regular NOTE: Monthly Regular Not Available
*Complete Bank Draft Authorization section and attach voided check.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. PAYMENT INFORMATION:
a. / / 1035 Exchange
/ / Transfer, estimated amount $____________ c. / / Qualified (Check appropriate boxes in 1 & 2 below)
1. / / Rollover / / Transfer
b. / / Non-Qualified 2. Type of Plan: / / IRA / / SEP-IRA / / 401(k)
/ / 401(a) / / 457 / / Other
-------------------
Tax Year of applicable contribution:
-------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION:
a. Primary
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relationship
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b. Contingent
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Relationship
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Form AF-B284 Page 1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
9. Do you intend the replacement or change of any of your existing life insurance policies or annuities in connection with this
application for a new annuity? / / No / / Yes If Yes, give company name and address, type of policy and policy
number:
---------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. TELEPHONE TRANSFER PRIVILEGE:
/ / Check here to decline telephone transfer authorization.
/ / By checking this box, I authorize The American Franklin Life Insurance Company to act on telephone transfer instructions
given by me or by any person who can furnish proper identification, to transfer values among the variable divisions and
fixed accounts.
/ / By checking this box and signing on the line directly below, I hereby authorize The American Franklin Life Insurance
Company ("American Franklin") to act on telephone transfer instructions given by me or the Agent/Registered Representative
of Record, whose name is indicated below,
-----------------------------------------
PRINT NAME OF AGENT/REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE
to transfer values among the variable divisions and fixed accounts.
Neither American Franklin, nor any person authorized by it, will be responsible for any claim, loss, liability, or expense
based upon telephone transfer instructions received and acted on in good faith in reliance on this authorization,
including losses due to telephone instruction communication errors. The liability of American Franklin for erroneous
transfers, unless clearly contrary to instructions received, will be limited to the correction of the allocations on a
current basis.
If an error, objection, or any other claim should arise due to a telephone transfer transaction, I will notify American
Franklin in writing at its Administrative Office within five (5) working days from receipt of confirmation of the
transaction from American Franklin. I understand that this authorization is subject to the terms and provisions in my
combination fixed and variable annuity contract and its related prospectus. This authorization will remain in effect
until written notice of its revocation is received by American Franklin at its Administrative Office in Houston, Texas.
----------------------------------------
Owner
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. VARIABLE ACCOUNT ASSET REBALANCING: ($25,000 Minimum)
/ / Check here for Variable Account Asset Rebalancing of investment, based on contract anniversary, to the percentage
allocations for the Variable Account indicated on the Statement of Allocation Percentages then in effect:
/ / Quarterly / / Semi-Annually / / Annually
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. DOLLAR COST AVERAGING:
(Available by either $ or % allocations)
Dollar cost average: / / $ ________________ OR / / __________________% (whole % only)
taken from the VIP Money Market Division
Frequency: / / Monthly / / Quarterly / / Semi-Annually
Duration: / / 12 Months / / 24 Months / / 36 Months / / 48 Months / / 60 Months
to be allocated to the following funds as indicated:
_____% or $ _________ (121) VIP High Income Division _____% or $ ________ (50) MFS Emerging Growth Division
_____% or $ _________ (123) VIP Equity-Income Division _____% or $ ________ (51) MFS Research Division
_____% or $ _________ (124) VIP Growth Division _____% or $ ________ (52) MFS Growth With Income Division
_____% or $ _________ (125) VIP Overseas Division _____% or $ ________ (53) MFS Total Return Division
_____% or $ _________ (122) VIP II Investment Grade Bond Div _____% or $ ________ (54) MFS Utilities Division
_____% or $ _________ (126) VIP II Asset Manager Division _____% or $ ________ (55) MFS Value Division
_____% or $ _________ (127) VIP II Index 500 Division _____% or $ ________ Other_______________________
_____% or $ _________ (128) VIP II Contrafund Division
Page 2
</TABLE>
Form AF-B284
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
13. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL: ($100 minimum withdrawal)
Specified Dollar Amount $
-----------------------
Frequency: / / Monthly / / Quarterly / / Semi-Annually / / Annually
To begin on: _________/________/_______ (must be at least 30 days after issue date).
Date must be between the 5th and the 24th of the month.
to be taken from the following funds as indicated:
_____% or $ _________ (111) 1-Year Fixed Account _____% or $ ________ (127) VIP II Index 500 Division
_____% or $ _________ (113) 3-Year Fixed Account _____% or $ ________ (128) VIP II Contrafund Division
_____% or $ _________ (115) 5-Year Fixed Account _____% or $ ________ (50) MFS Emerging Growth Division
_____% or $ _________ (120) VIP Money Market Division _____% or $ ________ (51) MFS Research Division
_____% or $ _________ (121) VIP High Income Division _____% or $ ________ (52) MFS Growth With Income Division
_____% or $ _________ (123) VIP Equity-Income Division _____% or $ ________ (53) MFS Total Return Division
_____% or $ _________ (124) VIP Growth Division _____% or $ ________ (54) MFS Utilities Division
_____% or $ _________ (125) VIP Overseas Division _____% or $ ________ (55) MFS Value Division
_____% or $ _________ (122) VIP II Investment Grade Bond Div _____% or $ ________ Other ______________________
_____% or $ _________ (126) VIP II Asset Manager Division
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. NOTICE OF WITHHOLDING
The taxable portion of the distributions you receive from your annuity contract is subject to federal income tax withholding
unless you elect not to have withholding apply. Withholding of state income tax may also be required by your state of
residence. You may elect not to have withholding apply by checking the appropriate box below. If you elect not to have
withholding apply to your distributions or if you do not have enough income tax withheld, you may be responsible for payment of
estimated tax. You may incur penalties under the estimated tax rules if your withholding and estimated tax are not sufficient.
If the payee is not a person who has signed this application, a separate election with respect to withholding will be required
to prevent withholding from distributions.
/ / I do NOT want income tax withheld from distributions.
/ / I do want 10% or _______% income tax withheld from distributions.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. FOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES ONLY
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. SIGNATURES
All statements made in this application are true to the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, and we agree to
all terms and conditions as shown.
WE FURTHER AGREE THAT THIS APPLICATION, IF ATTACHED, SHALL BE A PART OF THE ANNUITY CONTRACT, AND VERIFY OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT
ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACT, WHEN BASED ON INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF A FUND, ARE VARIABLE AND NOT GUARANTEED AS
TO THE DOLLAR AMOUNT.
We acknowledge receipt of the current prospectuses for The American Franklin Life Insurance Company Separate Account VA-1,
Variable Insurance Products Fund, Variable Insurance Products Fund II, and MFS Variable Insurance Trust. If this application is for
an IRA, we acknowledge receipt of the Individual Retirement Annuity Disclosure Statement provided to us in conjunction with the
current prospectuses.
The American Franklin Life Insurance Company may indicate administrative changes in the Section entitled "For Administrative
Office Administrative Changes Only". Any other changes in this application shall be subject to the written consent of the Owner.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CERTIFICATION: UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT: As Owner, the number shown on this form is my correct Social
Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and (a) I am not
subject to backup withholding; or (b) Check box if applicable: / / THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE HAS NOTIFIED ME THAT I
AM SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING. THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DOES NOT REQUIRE YOUR CONSENT TO ANY PROVISION OF THIS
DOCUMENT OTHER THAN THE CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED TO AVOID BACKUP WITHHOLDING.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signed at ________________________________________________ this _______ day of __________________, __________
CITY STATE DAY MONTH YEAR
X X
----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE OF OWNER SIGNATURE OF PROPOSED ANNUITANT(S) OR
(IF OTHER THAN PROPOSED ANNUITANT OR APPLICANT) APPLICANT (IF JUVENILE CONTRACT)
X
----------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE OF AGENT (State License No.)
READ APPLICATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SIGN. Page 3
Form AF-B284
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ALLOCATION PERCENTAGES
ALLOCATION PERCENTAGES FOR PURCHASE PAYMENTS
---------------------- ---------------------
(Whole Numbers Only)
FIXED ACCOUNT:
1 Year Guarantee Period(111) ____________ %
3 Year Guarantee Period(113) ____________ %
5 Year Guarantee Period(115) ____________ %
INVESTMENT DIVISIONS OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT:
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
Money Market. . . . . . . . . . . .(120) ____________ %
High Income . . . . . . . . . . . .(121) ____________ %
Equity-Income . . . . . . . . . . .(123) ____________ %
Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(124) ____________ %
Overseas. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(125) ____________ %
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II
Investment Grade Bond . . . . . . .(122) ____________ %
Asset Manager . . . . . . . . . . .(126) ____________ %
Index 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . .(127) ____________ %
Contrafund. . . . . . . . . . . . .(128) ____________ %
_______________________. . . . . . . . . . . . ____________ %
MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
Emerging Growth . . . . . . . . . .(050) ____________ %
Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(051) ____________ %
Growth With Income. . . . . . . . .(052) ____________ %
Total Return. . . . . . . . . . . .(053) ____________ %
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . .(054) ____________ %
Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(055) ____________ %
_______________________ . . . . . . . . . ____________ %
<PAGE>
SUITABILITY QUESTIONNAIRE
SECTION I
Registered Representatives are required to make inquiries relating to the
financial condition and investment objectives of their customers. Customers are
urged to supply such information to assist the Registered Representative in
determining the suitability of this investment product. However, customers are
not required to answer such inquiries and should read and sign below if they
choose not to do so.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
FINANCIAL DATA (COMPLETE FOR INDIVIDUALS ONLY)
Gross Income current year $____________________________ Federal Tax Bracket _____________%
Assets $________________________ Liabilities $_____________________ Net Worth: $____________________
Discretionary Income (Gross Income less debt obligations) $______________________________
FINANCIAL DATA (COMPLETE FOR CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS)
Current estimated value $_________________________ Liquid Assets $________________________
Nonliquid assets $____________________________ Liabilities $__________________________
PRIMARY INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
/ / Safety of Principal / / Income / / Long-Term Growth / / Speculation / / Tax Deferred Income
RISK TOLERANCE
/ / Conservative / / Balanced / / Aggressive
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE IS REQUIRED TO MAKE INQUIRIES IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF
HIS OR HER CUSTOMERS. HOWEVER, I DO NOT WISH TO ANSWER SUCH INQUIRIES.
Date _______________________, ________ X_________________________________________________________
MONTH DAY YEAR SIGNATURE OF OWNER(S)
SECTION II
I understand that all installments and values provided by the contract, when based on investment experience of a separate account,
are variable and are not guaranteed as to the dollar amount. I acknowledge receipt of a current prospectus for The American
Franklin Life Insurance Company Separate Account VA-1, Variable Insurance Products Fund, Variable Insurance Products Fund II, and
MFS Variable Insurance Trust.
Dated at ________________________________________________ this _______ day of __________________, __________
CITY STATE DAY MONTH YEAR
X
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Owner(s)
X
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Registered Representative
FOR BROKER-DEALER USE ONLY:
Appropriate Signatory: Date:
--------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
FIELD ASSOCIATE'S REPORT
1. Do you have any knowledge or reason to believe that replacement of existing insurance or annuities is involved?
/ / Yes / / No If Yes, give details:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. SPECIAL REQUESTS:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. COMMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
%
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------
Writing Associate/Servicing Associate Associate Code
%
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------
Associate Associate Code
%
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ --------------
Associate Associate Code
4. Annuity Contract will be mailed to the Writing Associate.
THE REPRESENTATIVE HEREBY CERTIFIES THAT HE/SHE WITNESSED THE SIGNATURE(S) CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION AND THAT ALL INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION IS TRUE TO THE BEST OF HIS/HER KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF.
Signature of Writing Associate/Registered Representative X
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Print Name: _________________________________ Telephone No.: ______________ Fax No.:_______________
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANK DRAFT AUTHORIZATION
ATTACH VOIDED CHECK HERE
- ------------------------------------------------------- Draft Month/Day:
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION NAME AND ADDRESS ------------------------------------------------------
(29th, 30th, 31st, not available)
Bank Name
-------------------------------------------- Draft From: / / Checking / / Savings
Office or
Branch Draft Frequency: / / Monthly / / Quarterly
-------------------------------------------- / / Semi-Annually / / Annually
Street
Address
-------------------------------------------- TRANSIT --------------------------------------------------
City ROUTING
State & Zip NUMBERS --------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACT NO. NAME OF OWNER PAYMENT AMOUNT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL AMOUNT OF DRAFT $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have reviewed the above information and confirm that the withdrawals will begin on the date and occur with the frequency shown.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINT NAME(S) OF ACCOUNT HOLDER(S)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE OF AT LEAST ONE ACCOUNT HOLDER - EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON BANK RECORDS DATE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECEIPT
RECEIVED FROM ______________________________________________________________________________________ $____________________________
in cash on account of the initial purchase payment on proposed Combination Fixed and Variable Annuity Contract on the life
of ____________________________________________ for which an application is this day made to THE AMERICAN
PROPOSED ANNUITANT
FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Springfield, Illinois, 62713
Date _________________________, _________ SIGNED X_____________________________________________________________________
MONTH DAY YEAR AGENT/REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE'S SIGNATURE
This receipt shall be void if altered or modified or if any check or draft tendered on account of initial purchase payment is not
paid when presented for payment.
ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.
DO NOT MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE AGENT OR LEAVE THE PAYEE BLANK.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FOR PRE-ARRANGED PAYMENTS (DEBITS TO MY ACCOUNT) IN
FAVOR OF THE AMERICAN FRANKLIN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS
"THE COMPANY"
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The authorization does not modify or change the provisions of my
contract(s) except the right of the owner to receive a notice of payment due
which is hereby expressly waived. The debit when paid will constitute a receipt
of the payment and/or other amounts if and when the Company receives the actual
cash therefor at its administrative office. This authority is to remain in
effect until countermanded by me as set forth below.
You are hereby authorized, as a convenience to me, to initiate debit
entries, including checks, drafts and other orders whether by electronic or
paper means, with such debits made to my account and drawn by the Company on my
account by and payable to the order of the Company. All debits (plus your
service charge therefor, if any) should be made without inquiry as to whether or
not or when any payments and/or other amounts due the Company stated to be
covered thereby are due, or as to the correctness of the amount of the debit.
In consideration of your acting hereunder I hereby agree that if any such debit
is not paid by you for any reason, with or without cause or whether such
nonpayment is intentional, inadvertent or otherwise, you shall be under no
liability whatsoever. The authority is to remain in full force and effect until
the Company and Depository have received written notification from me (or either
of us) of its termination in such times and in such manner as to afford the
Company and Depository a reasonable opportunity to act. Notice of charge of
debit is hereby waived.
CLIENT INFORMATION: Change of Address? / /
- -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------
Street City
( )
- ------------------------------- --------------- ------- ----------------
State ZIP Code Telephone Number
<PAGE>
Exhibit 7
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned, acting in the capacity or capacities stated opposite their
respective names below, hereby constitute and appoint ROSS D. FRIEND and
ELIZABETH E. ARTHUR, and each of them, singularly, attorneys-in-fact of the
undersigned with full power to each of them to sign for and in the name of the
undersigned in the capacities indicated below (a) Post-Effective Amendment No. 3
to the Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), on Form S-6 (Reg. No. 33-77470) of The American Franklin Life Life
Insurance Company and Separate Account VUL-2 of The American Franklin Life
Insurance Company in connection with the registration of units of interest in
Separate Account VUL-2 issued under EquiBuilder III-TM- flexible premium
variable life insurance policies, and (b) any and all amendments (including any
further Post-Effective Amendments) thereto, and to give any certification which
may be required in connection therewith pursuant to Rule 485 under the 1933 Act.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/Earl W. Baucom
- -------------------------
Earl W. Baucom Senior Vice President, February 12, 1997
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer
and principal accounting
officer) and Director
/s/Robert M. Beuerlein
- -------------------------
Robert M. Beuerlein Director February 12, 1997
/s/Brady W. Creel
- -------------------------
Brady W. Creel Director February 12, 1997
- -------------------------
Robert M. Devlin Director _________, 1997
/s/Ross D. Friend
- -------------------------
Ross D. Friend Director and Secretary February 19, 1997
/s/Robert J. Gibbons
- -------------------------
Robert J. Gibbons Director and President February 18, 1997
(principal executive
officer)
- -------------------------
Harold S. Hook Director _________, 1997
- -------------------------
Jon P. Newton Director _________, 1997
/s/Gary D. Reddick
- -------------------------
Gary D. Reddick Director February 18, 1997
- -------------------------
Peter V. Tuters Director _________, 1997
