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PROSPECTUS
MAY 1, 1998
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
AND
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
ALSO KNOWN AS
MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED
VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
ISSUED BY
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Home Office: Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Service Center: P.O. Box 44222,
Jacksonville, Florida 32231-4222
4804 Deer Lake Drive East,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246
Phone: (800) 535-5549
OFFERED THROUGH
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
The individual deferred variable annuity contract described in this Prospectus
(the "Contract") is designed to provide comprehensive and flexible ways to
invest and to create a source of income protection for later in life through the
payment of annuity benefits. The Contract is issued by Merrill Lynch Life
Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch Life") both on a nonqualified basis, and as an
Individual Retirement Annuity ("IRA") that is given qualified tax status.
Premiums will be allocated as the contract owner directs into one or more
subaccounts of Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A ("Account
A") and/or Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B ("Account B"),
(together, the "Accounts"). The assets of each of the subaccounts will be
invested in a corresponding portfolio of the Merrill Lynch Variable Series
Funds, Inc.; AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.; Alliance Variable Products
Series Fund, Inc.; MFS Variable Insurance Trust; Hotchkis and Wiley Variable
Trust; and Defined Asset Funds (each portfolio, a "Fund"; collectively, the
"Funds"). Currently, there are seventeen subaccounts available through Account A
and one subaccount available through Account B. Effective following the close of
business on June 5, 1998, five additional subaccounts will become available
through Account A for the allocation of premiums or contract value. Three
subaccounts previously available though Account A are no longer available for
the allocation of premiums or contract value. Effective following the close of
business on June 5, 1998, two additional subaccounts of Account A will not be
available for the allocation of premiums or contract value. Other subaccounts
and corresponding investment options may be added or closed in the future. The
value of a contract owner's investment in each subaccount will vary with
investment experience, and it is the contract owner who bears the full
investment risk with respect to his or her investments.
The Contract provides a choice of fixed annuity payment options. On the annuity
date, the entire contract value, after the deduction of a charge for any
applicable premium taxes, will be transferred to Merrill Lynch Life's general
account, from which the annuity payments will be made. Prior to the annuity
date, the contract owner may make transfers among Account A subaccounts, limited
transfers from Account A into Account B, and full or partial withdrawals from
the Contract to suit investment and liquidity needs. Withdrawals may be taxable
and may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
This Prospectus contains information about the Contract and the Accounts that a
prospective contract owner should know before investing. Additional information
about the Contract and the Accounts is contained in a Statement of Additional
Information, dated May 1, 1998, which has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. The Statement of
Additional Information is available on request and without charge by writing to
or calling Merrill Lynch Life at the Service Center address or phone number set
forth above. The table of contents for the Statement of Additional Information
is included on page 47 of this Prospectus.
THE PURCHASE OF THIS CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN RISKS. BECAUSE IT IS A VARIABLE
ANNUITY, THE VALUE OF THE CONTRACT REFLECTS THE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE
SELECTED INVESTMENT OPTIONS. INVESTMENT RESULTS CAN VARY BOTH UP AND DOWN AND
CAN EVEN DECREASE THE VALUE OF PREMIUM PAYMENTS. THEREFORE, CONTRACT OWNERS
COULD LOSE ALL OR PART OF THE MONEY THEY HAVE INVESTED. MERRILL LYNCH LIFE DOES
NOT GUARANTEE THE VALUE OF THE CONTRACT. RATHER, CONTRACT OWNERS BEAR ALL
INVESTMENT RISKS.
AN ANNUITY IS INTENDED TO BE A LONG TERM INVESTMENT. WITHDRAWALS OR SURRENDER OF
THE CONTRACT PREMATURELY MAY RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL PENALTIES. CONTRACT OWNERS
SHOULD CONSIDER THEIR INCOME NEEDS BEFORE PURCHASING THE CONTRACT.
ALL WITHDRAWALS FROM AND SURRENDER OF THE CONTRACT ARE SUBJECT TO TAX, AND IF
TAKEN BEFORE AGE 59 1/2 MAY ALSO BE SUBJECT TO A 10% FEDERAL PENALTY TAX.
THIS CONTRACT PROVIDES A GUARANTEED DEATH BENEFIT THAT IS PAYABLE ONLY UPON THE
DEATH OF THE CONTRACT OWNER. THE 5% GROWTH GUARANTEED ON CERTAIN PREMIUMS FOR
DEATH BENEFIT PURPOSES IS NOT A GUARANTEE OF CONTRACT VALUE, NOR IS IT
APPLICABLE TO ANY OTHER FEATURE OF THE CONTRACT.
PLEASE READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND KEEP IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. IT IS ATTACHED TO
CURRENT PROSPECTUSES FOR THE FUNDS WHICH SHOULD ALSO BE READ AND KEPT FOR
REFERENCE.
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.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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DEFINITIONS................................................................................................ 4
CAPSULE SUMMARY OF THE CONTRACT............................................................................ 5
FEE TABLE.................................................................................................. 10
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES................................................................................... 14
YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS................................................................................... 16
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY....................................................................... 17
THE ACCOUNTS............................................................................................... 17
INVESTMENTS OF THE ACCOUNTS................................................................................ 18
Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. ............................................................. 18
Domestic Money Market Fund......................................................................... 19
Prime Bond Fund.................................................................................... 19
High Current Income Fund........................................................................... 20
Quality Equity Fund................................................................................ 20
Special Value Focus Fund........................................................................... 20
Natural Resources Focus Fund....................................................................... 20
American Balanced Fund............................................................................. 20
Global Strategy Focus Fund......................................................................... 21
Basic Value Focus Fund............................................................................. 21
Global Bond Focus Fund............................................................................. 21
Global Utility Focus Fund.......................................................................... 21
International Equity Focus Fund.................................................................... 21
Government Bond Fund............................................................................... 21
Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund.............................................................. 22
Reserve Assets Fund................................................................................ 22
Index 500 Fund..................................................................................... 22
Capital Focus Fund................................................................................. 22
Global Growth Focus Fund........................................................................... 22
Defined Asset Funds--Select Ten Trust.................................................................. 23
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. .................................................................... 23
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund................................................................. 24
AIM V.I. Value Fund................................................................................ 24
Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc............................................................ 24
Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio.................................................................. 25
Alliance Quasar Portfolio.......................................................................... 25
MFS Variable Insurance Trust........................................................................... 25
MFS Emerging Growth Series......................................................................... 26
MFS Research Series................................................................................ 26
Hotchkis and Wiley Variable Trust...................................................................... 26
Hotchkis and Wiley International VIP Portfolio..................................................... 26
Purchases and Redemptions of Fund Shares; Reinvestment................................................. 27
Material Conflicts, Substitution of Investments and Changes to Accounts................................ 27
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS..................................................................................... 28
Contract Maintenance Charge............................................................................ 28
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge...................................................................... 28
Administration Charge.................................................................................. 28
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge....................................................................... 29
Premium Taxes.......................................................................................... 30
Other Charges.......................................................................................... 30
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
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DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT................................................................................ 31
Ownership of the Contract.............................................................................. 31
Issuing the Contract................................................................................... 31
Ten Day Right to Review................................................................................ 31
Contract Changes....................................................................................... 32
Premiums............................................................................................... 32
Premium Investments.................................................................................... 32
Accumulation Units..................................................................................... 32
Death Benefit.......................................................................................... 33
Death of Annuitant..................................................................................... 35
Transfers.............................................................................................. 35
Dollar Cost Averaging.................................................................................. 36
Merrill Lynch Retirement Plus Advisor-SM-.............................................................. 37
Withdrawals and Surrenders............................................................................. 37
Payments to Contract Owners............................................................................ 38
Annuity Date........................................................................................... 39
Annuity Options........................................................................................ 39
Unisex................................................................................................. 40
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES....................................................................................... 41
Introduction........................................................................................... 41
Merrill Lynch Life's Tax Status........................................................................ 41
Taxation of Annuities.................................................................................. 41
Internal Revenue Service Diversification Standards..................................................... 43
IRA Contracts.......................................................................................... 43
Roth IRAs.............................................................................................. 44
Transfers, Assignments, or Exchanges of a Contract..................................................... 44
Withholding............................................................................................ 44
Possible Changes in Taxation........................................................................... 44
Other Tax Consequences................................................................................. 45
OTHER INFORMATION.......................................................................................... 45
Voting Rights.......................................................................................... 45
Reports to Contract Owners............................................................................. 45
Selling the Contract................................................................................... 46
State Regulation....................................................................................... 46
Year 2000.............................................................................................. 46
Legal Proceedings...................................................................................... 47
Experts................................................................................................ 47
Legal Matters.......................................................................................... 47
Registration Statements................................................................................ 47
Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information........................................... 47
Appendix A............................................................................................. A-1
</TABLE>
3
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DEFINITIONS
ACCOUNTS: Two segregated investment accounts of Merrill Lynch Life Insurance
Company, named Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A and
Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B. (See page 17.)
ACCOUNT VALUE: The value of a contract owner's interest in a particular Account.
ACCUMULATION UNIT: An index used to compute the value of the contract owner's
interest in a subaccount prior to the annuity date. (See page 32.)
ANNUITANT: The person on whose continuation of life annuity payments may depend.
ANNUITY DATE: The date on which annuity payments begin. (See page 39.)
BENEFICIARY: The person to whom payment is to be made on the death of the
contract owner.
CONTRACT: The variable annuity offered by this Prospectus.
CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY: The same date each year as the date of issue of the
Contract.
CONTRACT OWNER: The person entitled to exercise all rights under the Contract.
(See page 31.)
CONTRACT VALUE: The value of a contract owner's interest in the Accounts.
CONTRACT YEAR: The period from one contract anniversary to the day preceding the
next contract anniversary.
DATE OF ISSUE: The date on which an initial premium is received and required
contract owner information is approved by Merrill Lynch Life. (See page 31.)
DUE PROOF OF DEATH: A certified copy of the death certificate, Beneficiary
Statement, and any additional paperwork necessary to process the death claim.
FUNDS: The mutual funds, or separate investment portfolios within a series
mutual fund, and the unit investment trust portfolio, designated as eligible
investments for the Accounts. (See page 18.)
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR ANNUITY ("IRA"): A Contract issued in
connection with a retirement arrangement that receives favorable tax status
under Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code.
MONTHIVERSARY: The same date of each month as the date on which the Contract was
issued.
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR: An index used to measure the investment performance of a
subaccount from one valuation period to the next. (See page 33.)
NONQUALIFIED CONTRACT: A Contract issued in connection with a retirement
arrangement other than a qualified arrangement described under Section 401, 403,
408, 457 or any similar provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
PREMIUMS: Money paid into the Contract. (See page 32.)
SUBACCOUNT: A division of each of the Accounts consisting of the shares of a
particular Fund held by that Account.
VALUATION PERIOD: The interval from one determination of the net asset value of
a subaccount to the next. Net asset values are determined as of the close of
business on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. (See page 33.)
VARIABLE ANNUITY: A contract with a value that reflects investment experience
prior to the annuity date, and provides periodic payments of set amounts after
the annuity date.
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CAPSULE SUMMARY OF THE CONTRACT
The following capsule summary is intended to provide a brief overview of the
Contract. More detailed information about the Contract can be found in the
sections of this Prospectus that follow, all of which should be read in their
entirety.
THE ACCOUNTS
Premiums will be allocated to Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate
Account A ("Account A") and/or Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate
Account B ("Account B") segregated investment accounts (together, the
"Accounts"), as directed by the contract owner. The Accounts are divided into
subaccounts corresponding to the Funds in which contract value may be invested.
Premiums are not invested directly in the underlying Funds. For the first 14
days following the date of issue, all premiums directed into Account A will be
allocated to the Domestic Money Market Fund Subaccount. Thereafter, the account
value will be reallocated to the Account A subaccounts selected. In the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all premiums will be invested as of the date of
issue in the subaccounts selected by the contract owner. Account A account value
may be periodically transferred among Account A subaccounts, subject to certain
limitations. Currently, a contract owner may allocate premiums or contract value
among a total of eighteen subaccounts. The contract value and annuity payments
will reflect the investment performance of the Funds selected. (See THE ACCOUNTS
on page 17 and TRANSFERS on page 35.)
THE FUNDS
The Funds are separate investment portfolios of the Merrill Lynch Variable
Series Funds, Inc. ("Merrill Variable Funds"); AIM Variable Insurance Funds,
Inc. ("AIM V.I. Funds"); Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. ("Alliance
Fund"); MFS Variable Insurance Trust ("MFS Trust"); Hotchkis and Wiley Variable
Trust ("Hotchkis and Wiley Trust"); and Defined Asset Funds (each portfolio, a
"Fund"; collectively, the "Funds"). The following eighteen Funds are currently
available for contract owner investment (seventeen available through Account A
and one available through Account B), each with a different investment
objective: Domestic Money Market Fund, Prime Bond Fund, High Current Income
Fund, Quality Equity Fund, Special Value Focus Fund, Global Strategy Focus Fund,
Basic Value Focus Fund, Global Bond Focus Fund, International Equity Focus Fund,
Government Bond Fund, Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund, Index 500 Fund, and
Reserve Assets Fund, each of Merrill Variable Funds; AIM V.I. Capital
Appreciation Fund and AIM V.I. Value Fund, each of AIM V.I. Funds; Alliance
Premier Growth Portfolio of Alliance Fund; and MFS Emerging Growth Series and
MFS Research Series, each of MFS Trust. Effective following the close of
business on June 5, 1998, the following five additional Funds will become
available for contract owner investment through Account A, each with a different
investment objective: Capital Focus Fund and Global Growth Focus Fund, each of
Merrill Variable Funds; Alliance Quasar Portfolio of Alliance Fund; Hotchkis and
Wiley International VIP Portfolio of Hotchkis and Wiley Trust; and the 1998 ML
Select Ten V.I. Trust ("Select Ten Trust") of Defined Asset Funds. Subaccounts
investing in the Natural Resources Focus Fund, the American Balanced Fund, and
the Global Utility Focus Fund of Merrill Variable Funds are closed to
allocations of premiums and contract value. Subaccounts investing in the Global
Bond Focus Fund and the International Equity Focus Fund of Merrill Variable
Funds will be closed to allocations of premiums and contract value following the
close of business on June 5, 1998. Other investment options may be added or
closed in the future. (See INVESTMENTS OF THE ACCOUNTS on page 18.)
Detailed information about the investment objectives of the Funds can be found
under INVESTMENTS OF THE ACCOUNTS on page 18 and in the attached prospectuses
for the Funds.
5
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PREMIUMS
The Contract generally allows contract owners the flexibility to make premium
payments as often as desired. The Contract is purchased by making an initial
premium payment of $5,000 or more on a nonqualified Contract and $2,000 or more
on an IRA Contract. Subsequent premium payments generally must be $100 or more
and can be made at any time prior to the annuity date. Maximum annual
contributions to IRA Contracts are limited by federal law. Under an automatic
investment feature, subsequent premium payments can be systematically made from
a Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated brokerage account. A
Financial Consultant should be contacted for additional information. Merrill
Lynch Life reserves the right to refuse to accept subsequent premium payments,
if required by law. (See PREMIUMS on page 32.)
FEES AND CHARGES
A charge is made to reimburse Merrill Lynch Life for expenses related to
maintenance of the Contract. A $40 contract maintenance charge will be deducted
from the contract value on each contract anniversary that occurs on or prior to
the annuity date. It will also be deducted when the Contract is surrendered, if
it is surrendered on any date other than a contract anniversary. This charge
will be waived on all Contracts with a contract value equal to or greater than
$50,000 on the date the charge would otherwise be deducted, and in certain
circumstances where multiple contracts are owned. It is not deducted after the
annuity date.
A mortality and expense risk charge is imposed on the Accounts. It equals 1.25%
annually for Account A and 0.65% annually for Account B and is deducted daily
from the net asset value of the Accounts. Of this amount, 0.75% annually for
Account A and 0.35% annually for Account B is attributable to mortality risks
assumed by Merrill Lynch Life for the annuity payment and death benefit
guarantees made under the Contract. The remainder, 0.50% annually for Account A
and 0.30% annually for Account B, is attributable to expense risks assumed by
Merrill Lynch Life should the contract maintenance and administration charges be
insufficient to cover all Contract maintenance and administration expenses.
An administration charge is made to reimburse Merrill Lynch Life for costs
associated with the establishment and administration of the Contract. A charge
of 0.10% annually will be deducted daily only from the net asset value of
Account A. No administration charge is imposed on the assets of Account B.
A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on withdrawals and surrenders
from Account A. The maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 7% of premium
withdrawn during the first year after that premium is paid, decreasing by 1%
annually to 0% after year seven. No contingent deferred sales charge will be
imposed on withdrawals or surrenders from Account B. In addition, no contingent
deferred sales charge will be imposed on withdrawals or surrenders from
Contracts purchased by employees of Merrill Lynch Life or its affiliates or from
Contracts purchased by the employees' spouses or dependents, where permitted by
state regulation.
A charge for any premium taxes imposed by a state or local government will be
deducted from the contract value on the annuity date. Premium tax rates vary
from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and currently range from 0% to 5%. In those
jurisdictions that do not allow an insurance company to reduce its current
taxable premium income by the amount of any withdrawal, surrender or death
benefit paid, Merrill Lynch Life will also deduct a charge for these taxes on
any withdrawal, surrender or death benefit effected under the Contract.
Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right, subject to any necessary regulatory
approval, to charge for assessments or federal premium taxes or federal, state
or local excise, profits or income taxes measured by or attributable to the
receipt of premiums. Merrill Lynch Life also reserves the right to deduct from
the Accounts any taxes imposed on the Accounts' investment earnings. (See
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE'S TAX STATUS on page 41.)
6
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Detailed information about fees and charges imposed on the Contract can be found
under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS on page 28.
ANNUITY PAYMENTS
The Contract provides a choice of fixed annuity payment options. On the annuity
date, the entire contract value will be transferred to Merrill Lynch Life's
general account, from which the annuity payments will be made. The amount of
each payment is predetermined.
The contract owner selects an annuity date when annuity payments will begin.
Contract owners may change the annuity date up to 30 days prior to that date.
However, the annuity date for nonqualified Contracts may not be later than the
annuitant's 85th birthday. The annuity date for IRA Contracts will not be later
than when the owner/annuitant reaches the age of 70 1/2 unless the contract
owner selects a later annuity date.
If the contract value on the annuity date after the deduction of any applicable
premium taxes is less than $5,000 (or a different minimum amount, if required by
state law), Merrill Lynch Life may pay the annuity benefits in a lump sum,
rather than as periodic payments. If any annuity payment would be less than $50
(or a different minimum amount, if required by state law), Merrill Lynch Life
may change the frequency of payments so that all payments will be at least $50
(or the minimum amount required by state law). All annuity payments will be
directly transferred to the contract owner's designated Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated brokerage account, unless otherwise specified.
Details about the annuity options available under the Contract can be found
under ANNUITY OPTIONS on page 39.
TRANSFERS
Once each contract year, contract owners may transfer from Account A to Account
B an amount equal to any gain in account value and/or any premium not subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge. Where permitted by state regulation, once
each contract year, contract owners may transfer all or a portion of the greater
of that amount or 10% of premiums subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
(minus any of that premium already withdrawn or transferred). Additionally,
where permitted by state regulation, periodic transfers of all or a portion of
the greater amount, determined at the time of each periodic transfer, are
permitted, on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
This is the only amount which may be transferred from Account A to Account B
during that contract year. There is no charge imposed on the transfer of this
amount. No transfers are permitted from Account B to Account A.
Prior to their annuity date, contract owners may transfer all or part of their
Account A value among the subaccounts of Account A up to six times per contract
year without charge. Additional transfers among available Account A subaccounts
may be made at a charge of $25 per transfer. Contract owners may elect a Dollar
Cost Averaging feature in which Account A value invested in the Domestic Money
Market Subaccount may be systematically transferred among the other Account A
subaccounts on a monthly basis without charge, subject to certain limitations.
In addition, through participation in the Merrill Lynch RPA-SM- program,
contract owners may have their Account A values allocated in accordance with an
investment program consistent with the contract owner's investment profile. (See
TRANSFERS on page 35; DOLLAR COST AVERAGING on page 36; and MERRILL LYNCH
RETIREMENT PLUS ADVISOR-SM- on page 37.)
Transfers may no longer be made to the Natural Resources Focus Subaccount, the
American Balanced Subaccount, or the Global Utility Focus Subaccount. Effective
following the close of business on June 5, 1998, transfers may no longer be made
to the Global Bond Focus Subaccount and the International Equity Focus
Subaccount.
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WITHDRAWALS
Contract owners may make up to six withdrawals from the Contract per contract
year. Value withdrawn from Account A is generally subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge. (See CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE on page 29.)
However, a contingent deferred sales charge will not be applied to the first
withdrawal in any contract year out of Account A to the extent that the
withdrawal consists of gain and/or any premium not subject to such a charge.
Where permitted by state regulation, a contingent deferred sales charge will not
be applied to that portion of the first withdrawal from Account A in any
contract year that does not exceed the greater of any gain in account value
and/or any premium not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and 10% of
premiums subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (minus any of that
premium already transferred out of Account A). Additionally, where permitted by
state regulation, the amount withdrawn may be elected to be paid on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
The first withdrawal of the contract year out of Account A will be treated as
withdrawing gain in account value first, followed by premium not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge, then followed by premium subject to such a
charge. If the amount withdrawn is paid on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or
annual basis, all such payments will be treated in the same way. All subsequent
withdrawals in a contract year will be treated as withdrawing premium
accumulated the longest first. (See WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDERS on page 37.)
Value withdrawn from Account B is not subject to any contingent deferred sales
charge. In addition, no contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on
withdrawals from Contracts purchased by employees of Merrill Lynch Life or its
affiliates or from Contracts purchased by the employees' spouses or dependents,
where permitted by state regulation.
In addition to the six withdrawals permitted each contract year, the value in
Account B may be automatically withdrawn on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual,
or annual basis. These automatic withdrawals are not subject to any contingent
deferred sales charge. (See WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDERS on page 37.)
Withdrawals will decrease the contract value. Withdrawals from either Account A
or Account B are subject to tax and prior to age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a
10% federal penalty tax. (See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES on page 41.)
DEATH BENEFIT
The Contract provides a death benefit feature that guarantees a death benefit if
the contract owner dies prior to the annuity date, regardless of investment
experience. An enhanced death benefit may apply to the Contract, subject to
relevant state approval. If the enhanced death benefit has not been approved in
your state, a contract's death benefit is equal to the greater of (a) the sum of
the excess, if any, of premiums paid into Account A with interest on them from
the date received at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually,
over transfers to Account B and withdrawals from Account A multiplied by a rate
compounded daily from the date of transfer or withdrawal to yield 5% annually,
plus the value of Account B; or (b) the contract value. There are limits on the
period during which interest will accrue for purposes of this calculation. For
Contracts issued beginning June 1, 1995 (or later as state approvals are
obtained), interest shall accrue only until the earliest of the last day of the
20th contract year, the last day of the contract year in which the contract
owner (annuitant when the contract owner is not a natural person) attains age
80, or the date of the contract owner's (annuitant's when the contract owner is
not a natural person) death. For Contracts issued prior to June 1, 1995, and for
Contracts issued on or after that date but before state approvals are obtained,
interest shall accrue only until the last day of the 20th contract year.
If the enhanced death benefit has been approved in your state, the death benefit
is equal to the greater of (a) the contract value, or (b) the Guaranteed Minimum
Death Benefit for Account A plus the value
8
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of Account B. The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit for Account A is equal to the
greater of "premiums compounded at 5%" or the "maximum seventh anniversary value
compounded at 5%."
Each seventh anniversary value is determined at the end of its respective seven
contract year period (i.e. at the end of contract years 7, 14, 21, etc. but not
beyond the last day of the contract year in which the contract owner (annuitant
when the contract owner is not a natural person) attains age 80 or the date of
the contract owner's (annuitant's when the contract owner is not a natural
person) death).
There are limits on the period during which interest will accrue for purposes of
these calculations. Interest accrues only until the earliest of the last day of
the 20th contract year, the last day of the contract year in which the contract
owner (annuitant if the contract owner is not a natural person) attains age 80,
or the date of death of the contract owner (annuitant if the contract owner is
not a natural person). For Contracts issued prior to June 1, 1995, and for
Contracts issued on or after that date but before state approvals are obtained,
interest on "premiums compounded at 5%" shall accrue only until the last day of
the 20th contract year.
If the contract owner dies prior to the annuity date, Merrill Lynch Life will
pay the Contract's death benefit to the owner's beneficiary. (See DEATH BENEFIT
on page 33.)
TEN DAY REVIEW
When the contract owner receives the Contract, it should be reviewed carefully
to make sure it is what the contract owner intended to purchase. Generally,
within 10 days after the contract owner receives the Contract, it may be
returned for a refund. Some states allow a longer period of time to return the
Contract. The Contract must be delivered to Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center
or to the Financial Consultant who sold it for a refund to be made. Merrill
Lynch Life will then refund to the contract owner the greater of all premiums
paid into the Contract or the contract value as of the date the Contract is
returned. For contracts issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Merrill
Lynch Life will refund the contract value as of the date the Contract is
returned. The Contract will then be deemed void. (See TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW on
page 31.)
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FEE TABLE
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A. Contract Owner Transaction Expenses
1. Sales Load Imposed on Premium.......................................................... None
2. Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
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COMPLETE YEARS ELAPSED
SINCE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE AS A
PAYMENT OF PREMIUM PERCENTAGE OF PREMIUM WITHDRAWN
- --------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C>
0 years 7.00%
1 year 6.00%
2 years 5.00%
3 years 4.00%
4 years 3.00%
5 years 2.00%
6 years 1.00%
7 or more years 0.00%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
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3. Transfer Fee........................................................................... $ 25
The first 6 transfers among Separate Account A subaccounts in a contract year are free. A
$25 fee may be charged on all subsequent transfers. These rules apply only to transfers
among Separate Account A subaccounts. They do not apply to transfers from Separate Account
A to Separate Account B. No transfers may be made from Separate Account B.
B. Annual Contract Maintenance Charge........................................................ $ 40
The Contract Maintenance Charge will be assessed annually on each contract anniversary,
only if the contract value is less than $50,000.
C. Separate Account Annual Expenses (as a percentage of account value)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPARATE ACCT A SEPARATE ACCT B
----------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge............................... 1.25% .65%
Administration Charge........................................... .10% .00%
--
---
Total Separate Account Annual Expenses.......................... 1.35% .65%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
D. Fund Expenses for the Year Ended December 31, 1997 (a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(i) (as a
percentage of each Fund's average net assets)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC. (CLASS A SHARES)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH SPECIAL NATURAL GLOBAL
RESERVE PRIME CURRENT QUALITY VALUE RESOURCES STRATEGY
ANNUAL EXPENSES ASSETS BOND INCOME EQUITY FOCUS FOCUS* FOCUS(C)
- -------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Advisory Fees.. .50% .42% .47% .44% .75% .65% .65%
Other Expenses............ .12% .05% .07% .04% .05% .16% .08%
Total Annual Operating
Expenses................ .62% .47% .54% .48% .80% .81% .73%
<CAPTION>
DOMESTIC
AMERICAN MONEY
ANNUAL EXPENSES BALANCED* MARKET
- -------------------------- --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Advisory Fees.. .55% .50%
Other Expenses............ .05% .04%
Total Annual Operating
Expenses................ .60% .54%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC. (CLASS A SHARES) (CONT'D)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DEVELOPING
BASIC GLOBAL GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL
VALUE BOND UTILITY EQUITY GOVERNMENT MARKETS
ANNUAL EXPENSES FOCUS FOCUS(C)** FOCUS* FOCUS** BOND(A)(C) FOCUS(B)
- -------------------------- ----- --------------- ----------- ----------------- --------------- -------------
Investment Advisory Fees.. .60% .60% .60% .75% .50% .83%
Other Expenses............ .05% .13% .07% .15% .07% .42%
Total Annual Operating
Expenses................ .65% .73% .67% .90% .57% 1.25%
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
GLOBAL
INDEX 500 GROWTH CAPITAL
ANNUAL EXPENSES FUND(A) FOCUS(D)*** FOCUS(D)***
- -------------------------- ------------- --------------- ---------------
Investment Advisory Fees.. .30% .75% .60%
Other Expenses............ .10% .50% .26%
Total Annual Operating
Expenses................ .40% 1.25% .86%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALLIANCE VARIABLE
AIM VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES MFS VARIABLE
INSURANCE FUNDS, INC. FUND, INC. INSURANCE TRUST
-------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ----------------------------
AIM V.I. ALLIANCE MFS
CAPITAL AIM V.I. PREMIER ALLIANCE EMERGING MFS
APPRECIATION VALUE GROWTH QUASAR GROWTH RESEARCH
ANNUAL EXPENSES FUND(G) FUND(G) PORTFOLIO(E) PORTFOLIO(E)*** SERIES(F) SERIES(F)
- -------------------------- ----------------- ------------- --------------- ------------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Advisory Fees.. .63% .62% 1.00% .58% .75% .75%
Other Expenses............ .05% .08% .10% .37% .12% .13%
Total Annual Operating
Expenses................ .68% .70% 1.10% .95% .87% .88%
<CAPTION>
HOTCHKIS AND WILEY
VARIABLE TRUST
-------------------------
HOTCHKIS AND WILEY
ANNUAL EXPENSES INTERNATIONAL VIP(H)***
- -------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C>
Investment Advisory Fees.. .75%
Other Expenses............ .60%
Total Annual Operating
Expenses................ 1.35%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
-----------------------------
ANNUAL EXPENSES SELECT TEN TRUST(I)***
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
<S> <C>
Deferred Transaction Fee......................................................... $4.70 per 1,000 Trust Units
Trustee's Fee.................................................................... .082%
Portfolio Supervision, Bookkeeping & Administrative Fees......................... .045%
Organizational Expenses.......................................................... .046%
Other Operating Expenses......................................................... .006%
------
Total Annual Operating Expenses.................................................. .179%
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
* Closed to allocations of premiums or contract value following the close of
business on December 6, 1996.
** Closed to allocations of premiums or contract value following the close of
business on June 5, 1998.
*** Available for allocations of premiums or contract value following the close
of business on June 5, 1998.
10
<PAGE>
EXAMPLES OF CHARGES
If the Contract is surrendered at the end of the applicable time period:
The following cumulative expenses would be paid on each $1,000 invested,
assuming 5% annual return on assets:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Separate Account B subaccount investing in:
Reserve Assets Fund+..................................... $ 83 $ 91 $ 101 $ 157
Separate Account A subaccount investing in:
Prime Bond Fund+......................................... $ 89 $ 109 $ 131 $ 218
High Current Income Fund+................................ $ 90 $ 111 $ 134 $ 226
Quality Equity Fund+..................................... $ 89 $ 109 $ 131 $ 219
Special Value Focus Fund+................................ $ 92 $ 119 $ 148 $ 253
Natural Resources Focus Fund+*........................... $ 92 $ 119 $ 149 $ 254
Global Strategy Focus Fund+.............................. $ 92 $ 117 $ 144 $ 246
American Balanced Fund+*................................. $ 90 $ 113 $ 138 $ 232
Domestic Money Market Fund+.............................. $ 90 $ 111 $ 134 $ 226
Basic Value Focus Fund+.................................. $ 91 $ 114 $ 140 $ 238
Global Bond Focus Fund+**................................ $ 92 $ 117 $ 144 $ 246
Global Utility Focus Fund+*.............................. $ 91 $ 115 $ 141 $ 240
International Equity Focus Fund+**....................... $ 93 $ 122 $ 153 $ 264
Government Bond Fund+.................................... $ 90 $ 112 $ 136 $ 229
Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund+................... $ 97 $ 133 $ 171 $ 299
Index 500 Fund+.......................................... $ 88 $ 106 $ 127 $ 211
Global Growth Focus Fund+***............................. $ 97 $ 133 $ 171 $ 299
Capital Focus Fund+***................................... $ 93 $ 121 $ 151 $ 260
Select Ten Trust***...................................... $ 91 $ 114 $ 139 $ 236
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund....................... $ 91 $ 115 $ 142 $ 241
AIM V.I. Value Fund...................................... $ 91 $ 116 $ 143 $ 243
Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio........................ $ 95 $ 128 $ 163 $ 284
Alliance Quasar Portfolio***............................. $ 94 $ 124 $ 156 $ 269
MFS Emerging Growth Series............................... $ 93 $ 121 $ 152 $ 261
MFS Research Series...................................... $ 93 $ 121 $ 152 $ 262
Hotchkis and Wiley International VIP Portfolio***........ $ 98 $ 136 $ 176 $ 309
</TABLE>
If the Contract is annuitized, or not surrendered, at the end of the applicable
time period:
The following cumulative expenses would be paid on each $1,000 invested,
assuming 5% annual return on assets:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Separate Account B subaccount investing in:
Reserve Assets Fund+..................................... $ 13 $ 41 $ 71 $ 157
Separate Account A subaccount investing in:
Prime Bond Fund+......................................... $ 19 $ 59 $ 101 $ 218
High Current Income Fund+................................ $ 20 $ 61 $ 104 $ 226
Quality Equity Fund+..................................... $ 19 $ 59 $ 101 $ 219
Special Value Focus Fund+................................ $ 22 $ 69 $ 118 $ 253
Natural Resources Focus Fund+*........................... $ 22 $ 69 $ 119 $ 254
Global Strategy Focus Fund+.............................. $ 22 $ 67 $ 114 $ 246
American Balanced Fund+*................................. $ 20 $ 63 $ 108 $ 232
Domestic Money Market Fund+.............................. $ 20 $ 61 $ 104 $ 226
Basic Value Focus Fund+.................................. $ 21 $ 64 $ 110 $ 238
Global Bond Focus Fund+**................................ $ 22 $ 67 $ 114 $ 246
Global Utility Focus Fund+*.............................. $ 21 $ 65 $ 111 $ 240
International Equity Focus Fund+**....................... $ 23 $ 72 $ 123 $ 264
Government Bond Fund+.................................... $ 20 $ 62 $ 106 $ 229
Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund+................... $ 27 $ 83 $ 141 $ 299
Index 500 Fund+.......................................... $ 18 $ 56 $ 97 $ 211
Global Growth Focus Fund+***............................. $ 27 $ 83 $ 141 $ 299
Capital Focus Fund+***................................... $ 23 $ 71 $ 121 $ 260
Select Ten Trust***...................................... $ 21 $ 64 $ 109 $ 236
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund....................... $ 21 $ 65 $ 112 $ 241
AIM V.I. Value Fund...................................... $ 21 $ 66 $ 113 $ 243
Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio........................ $ 25 $ 78 $ 133 $ 284
Alliance Quasar Portfolio***............................. $ 24 $ 74 $ 126 $ 269
MFS Emerging Growth Series............................... $ 23 $ 71 $ 122 $ 261
MFS Research Series...................................... $ 23 $ 71 $ 122 $ 262
Hotchkis and Wiley International VIP Portfolio***........ $ 28 $ 86 $ 146 $ 309
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
+ Class A Shares.
* Closed to allocations of premiums or contract value following the close of
business on December 6, 1996.
** Closed to allocations of premiums or contract value following the close of
business on June 5, 1998.
*** Available for allocations of premiums or contract value following the close
of business on June 5, 1998.
11
<PAGE>
The preceding Fee Table and Examples are intended to assist investors in
understanding the costs and expenses that a contract owner will bear, directly
or indirectly. The Fee Table and Examples include expenses and charges of the
Accounts as well as the Funds. The Examples also reflect the $40 contract
maintenance charge as .0009% of average assets, determined by dividing the total
amount of such charges collected by the total average net assets of the
subaccounts. See the CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS section in this Prospectus and the
Fund prospectuses for a further discussion of fees and charges.
THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RATES OF RETURN OF ANY FUND. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RATES
OF RETURN MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE ASSUMED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE
EXAMPLES.
The Fee Table and Examples do not include charges to contract owners for premium
taxes. Premium taxes may be applicable. Refer to the PREMIUM TAXES section in
this Prospectus for further details.
NOTES TO FEE TABLE
(a) The Fee Table does not reflect any fees waived or expenses assumed by
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM") during the year ended December
31, 1997 with respect to any Fund because such waivers and assumption of
expenses were made on a voluntary basis and MLAM may discontinue or reduce
any such waiver or assumption of expenses at any time without notice. During
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, MLAM waived management fees and
reimbursed expenses totaling 0.06% for the Government Bond Fund and 0.06%
for the Index 500 Fund, after which each such Fund's total expense ratio,
net of reimbursement, was 0.51% for the Government Bond Fund, and 0.34% for
the Index 500 Fund. See also note (b).
(b) MLAM and Merrill Lynch Life Agency, Inc. have entered into a Reimbursement
Agreement that limits the operating expenses, exclusive of any distribution
fees imposed on Class B shares, paid by each Fund of the Merrill Variable
Funds in a given year to 1.25% of its average net assets. This Reimbursement
Agreement is expected to remain in effect for the current year. Pursuant to
this Reimbursement Agreement, the Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund was
reimbursed for a portion of its operating expenses for 1997. Absent the
reimbursement, "Investment Advisory Fees" would have been 1.00% and "Total
Annual Operating Expenses" would have been 1.42% for the Developing Capital
Markets Focus Fund. Expenses shown for all other Funds of the Merrill
Variable Funds do not reflect any reimbursement under the Reimbursement
Agreement.
(c) Effective following the close of business on December 6, 1996, (i) the
International Bond Fund was merged with and into the former World Income
Focus Fund; the World Income Focus Fund was renamed the Global Bond Focus
Fund and its investment objective was modified; (ii) the Flexible Strategy
Fund was merged with and into the Global Strategy Focus Fund; and (iii) the
Intermediate Government Bond Fund was renamed the Government Bond Fund and
its investment objective was modified. See the accompanying prospectus for
Merrill Variable Funds for additional information regarding these changes.
(d) "Other Expenses" and "Total Annual Operating Expenses" shown for the Global
Growth Focus Fund and the Capital Focus Fund are based on expenses estimated
for the current fiscal year. Absent the Reimbursement Agreement discussed in
(b), estimated "Other Expenses" for the Global Growth Focus Fund would have
been 0.67%.
(e) The Fee Table reflects fees waived or expenses assumed by Alliance Capital
Management L.P. ("Alliance") for the Alliance Quasar Portfolio during the
year ended December 31, 1997. Such waivers and assumption of expenses were
made on a voluntary basis and Alliance may discontinue or reduce any such
waiver or assumption of expenses at any time without notice; however,
Alliance intends to continue such reimbursements for the foreseeable future.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, Alliance waived management
fees totaling 0.42% for the Alliance Quasar Portfolio. Without such
reimbursements, "Investment Advisory Fees" would have been 1.00% and "Total
Annual Operating Expenses" would have been 1.37% for the Alliance
12
<PAGE>
Quasar Portfolio. The Fee Table does not reflect fees waived or expenses
assumed by Alliance for the Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio during the
year ended December 31, 1997 because Alliance discontinued such expense
reimbursements with respect to the Alliance Premier Growth Portfolio
effective May 1, 1998.
(f) "Other Expenses" for the MFS Emerging Growth Series and the MFS Research
Series (the "Series") are estimates, based on actual expenses incurred by
each Series during the year ended December 31, 1997, less certain amounts
(0.03% for the MFS Emerging Growth Series and 0.04% for the MFS Research
Series) reimbursed by the Series to MFS for expenses assumed by MFS above
0.25% of average daily net assets during years prior to the year ended
December 31, 1997. After December 31, 1997, no further expenses are
reimbursable by the Series.
(g) Effective May 1, 1998, the Funds reimburse A I M Advisors, Inc. in an amount
up to 0.25% of the average net asset value of each Fund, for expenses
incurred in providing, or assuring that participating insurance companies
provide, certain administrative services. Currently the fee only applies to
the average net asset value of each Fund in excess of the net asset value of
each Fund as calculated on April 30, 1998.
(h) "Other Expenses" and "Total Annual Operating Expenses" shown for the
Hotchkis and Wiley International VIP Portfolio are based on expenses
estimated for the current fiscal year. Hotchkis and Wiley has voluntarily
agreed to reimburse the International VIP Portfolio to the extent necessary
so that regular annual operating expenses will not exceed 1.35% of the
Fund's average daily net assets for the fiscal year ending December 31,
1998. If Hotchkis and Wiley had not agreed to limit the Fund's expenses,
"Other Expenses" would be estimated to be 0.70% of the Fund's average daily
net assets.
(i) Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, the sponsor of Defined
Asset Funds, receives a deferred transaction fee accrued daily at an annual
rate of $4.70 per 1,000 units of the Select Ten Trust ("Trust Units") (about
0.47% per Trust Unit) for creating and maintaining the Select Ten Trust.
This deferred transaction fee also applies to income and principal
distributions on Trust Units, which are reinvested in Trust Units. Other
annual operating expenses are shown as a percentage of net assets of the
Select Ten Trust, and are based on estimates. The amount of each of these
other expenses, on a per 1,000 Trust Unit basis, are as follows: $0.82
(trustee's fee); $0.45 (portfolio supervision, bookkeeping & administrative
fees); $0.46 (organizational expenses); and $0.06 (other operating
expenses); for a total of $1.79 per 1,000 Trust Units. These estimates do
not include the costs of purchasing and selling the underlying stocks held
by the Select Ten Trust.
13
<PAGE>
ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUES
(CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUBACCOUNTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DOMESTIC MONEY MARKET PRIME BOND
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
<CAPTION>
1/1/97 1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $11.50 $11.09 $10.64 $10.37 $13.40
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $11.94 $11.50 $11.09 $10.64 $14.36
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 24,720,327.5 22,091,953.20 25,642,773.0 32,396,626.5 32,188,775.1
<CAPTION>
SPECIAL VALUE
QUALITY EQUITY FOCUS*
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
1/1/97 1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $16.01 $13.77 $11.38 $11.67 $15.20
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $19.54 $16.01 $13.77 $11.38 $16.75
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 38,815,927.3 42,908,676.70 39,846,415.5 33,600,288.0 25,060,617.0
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
HIGH CURRENT INCOME
------------------------------
1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97 12/31/96
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $13.29 $11.21 $11.94 $15.46 $14.08
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $13.40 $13.29 $11.21 $16.93 $15.46
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 34,996,244.10 31,553,814.4 29,135,349.6 29,861,630.9 24,631,752.80
FLEXIBLE STRATEGY
------------------------------
1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97 12/31/96
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $14.25 $9.90 $10.82 ** $13.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $15.20 $14.25 $9.90 ** **
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 26,282,042.40 21,157,583.8 14,844,233.7 0.0 0.00
<CAPTION>
1/1/95 1/1/94
TO TO
12/31/95 12/31/94
-------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $12.18 $12.80
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $14.08 $12.18
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 23,078,926.0 18,784,994.7
1/1/95 1/1/94
TO TO
12/31/95 12/31/94
-------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $11.22 $11.87
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $13.00 $11.22
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 19,761,710.2 18,841,816.9
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NATURAL
RESOURCES
AMERICAN BALANCED FOCUS
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1/1/97 1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $14.47 $13.37 $11.21 $11.86 $14.06
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $16.72 $14.47 $13.37 $11.21 $12.14
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 10,336,623.9 12,953,901.30 13,988,384.1 12,253,488.1 2,034,154.7
<CAPTION>
GLOBAL BOND
BASIC VALUE FOCUS FOCUS***
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
1/1/97 1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $16.19 $13.60 $10.98 $10.88 $12.20
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $19.27 $16.19 $13.60 $10.98 $12.27
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 27,721,815.8 28,054,066.00 20,468,571.0 13,875,148.9 5,666,135.2
<CAPTION>
GLOBAL STRATEGY FOCUS
------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97 12/31/96
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $12.56 $11.30 $11.29 $14.35 $12.85
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $14.06 $12.56 $11.30 $15.85 $14.35
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 2,971,830.10 3,136,512.9 3,158,540.0 48,987,486.9 54,187,786.60
GLOBAL UTILITY FOCUS
------------------------------
1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97 12/31/96
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $11.45 $9.94 $10.52 $13.10 $11.75
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $12.20 $11.45 $9.94 $16.27 $13.10
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 7,186,613.40 6,621,174.7 6,989,051.9 7,581,562.1 10,020,789.90
<CAPTION>
1/1/95 1/1/94
TO TO
12/31/95 12/31/94
-------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $11.78 $12.12
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $12.85 $11.78
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 39,315,443.7 40,759,049.2
1/1/95 1/1/94
TO TO
12/31/95 12/31/94
-------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $9.58 $10.61
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $11.75 $9.58
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 11,837,175.7 12,374,137.9
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------
* Effective August 15, 1997, the Equity Growth Fund changed its name to the
Special Value Focus Fund.
** Effective following the close of business on December 6, 1996, the Flexible
Strategy Fund was merged with and into the Global Strategy Focus Fund.
*** Effective following the close of business on December 6, 1996, the
International Bond Fund was merged with and into the former World Income
Focus Fund; the World Income Focus Fund was renamed the Global Bond Focus
Fund and its investment objective was modified.
14
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL
EQUITY FOCUS RESERVE ASSETS
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1/1/97 1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $11.90 $11.31 $10.87 $10.96 $11.79
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $11.20 $11.90 $11.31 $10.87 $12.32
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 33,698,719.2 26,446,868.60 21,726,485.8 21,157,145.1 917,759.7
<CAPTION>
DEVELOPING
CAPITAL
GOVERNMENT BOND FUND MARKETS FOCUS
-------------------------------------------------------------- --------------
1/1/97 1/1/96 1/1/95 5/16/94* 1/1/97
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $11.59 $11.42 $10.08 $10.00 $9.99
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $12.45 $11.59 $11.42 $10.08 $9.21
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 13,405,996.1 7,173,354.60 3,417,936.4 1,484,500.1 12,981,977.3
<CAPTION>
INTERNATIONAL BOND***
------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1/1/96 1/1/95 1/1/94 1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97 12/31/96
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $11.29 $10.76 $10.43 *** $11.40
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $11.79 $11.29 $10.76 *** ***
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 890,380.20 1,002,197.4 1,286,558.6 0.0 0.00
INDEX 500 FUND
------------------------------
1/1/96 1/1/95 5/16/94* 1/1/97 12/18/96*
TO TO TO TO TO
12/31/96 12/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/97 12/31/96
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $9.16 $9.38 $10.00 $10.12 $0.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $9.99 $9.16 $9.38 $13.27 $10.12
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 7,960,705.20 4,912,543.0 2,702,530.7 13,455,750.2 33,052.40
<CAPTION>
1/1/95 5/16/94*
TO TO
12/31/95 12/31/94
-------------- --------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period................................. $9.93 $10.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period................................. $11.40 $9.93
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period....................... 1,191,641.1 464.604.1
(1) Accumulation unit value at beginning of
period.................................
(2) Accumulation unit value at end of
period.................................
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding
at end of period.......................
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AIM V.I. CAPITAL
APPRECIATION
--------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96
------------ ------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at
beginning of period....................................................................... $10.03 $0.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end
of period................................................................................. $11.23 $10.03
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period.................................. 9,024,846.3 53,080.90
<CAPTION>
AIM V.I.
VALUE
--------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96
------------ ------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at
beginning of period....................................................................... $10.26 $0.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end
of period................................................................................. $12.52 $10.26
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period.................................. 8,189,098.3 29,828.90
<CAPTION>
ALLIANCE
PREMIER GROWTH
---------------------------
1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96
------------- ------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at
beginning of period....................................................................... $10.00 $0.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end
of period................................................................................. $13.21 $10.00
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period.................................. 17,656,658.9 14,562.50
<CAPTION>
MFS EMERGING
GROWTH SERIES
--------------------------
1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96
------------ ------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at
beginning of period....................................................................... $9.83 $0.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end
of period................................................................................. $11.83 $9.83
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period.................................. 6,318,571.3 23,931.10
<CAPTION>
MFS
RESEARCH SERIES
--------------------------
1/1/97 1/1/96
TO TO
12/31/97 12/31/96
------------ ------------
(1) Accumulation unit value at
beginning of period....................................................................... $10.08 $0.00
(2) Accumulation unit value at end
of period................................................................................. $11.96 $10.08
(3) Number of accumulation units outstanding at end of period.................................. 9,049,568.0 25,095.40
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------
* Commencement of business
*** Effective following the close of business on December 6, 1996, the
International Bond Fund was merged with and into the former World Income
Focus Fund; the World Income Focus Fund was renamed the Global Bond Focus
Fund and its investment objective was modified.
15
<PAGE>
YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS
From time to time, Merrill Lynch Life may advertise yields, effective yields,
and total returns for the Account A subaccounts and the Account B subaccount.
THESE FIGURES ARE BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS AND DO NOT INDICATE OR PROJECT
FUTURE PERFORMANCE. Merrill Lynch Life also from time to time may advertise
performance of the subaccounts relative to certain performance rankings and
indices. More detailed information as to the calculation of performance
information, as well as comparisons with unmanaged market indices, appears in
the Statement of Additional Information.
Effective yields and total returns for a subaccount are based on the investment
performance of the corresponding Fund. A Fund's performance in part reflects
that Fund's expenses. Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM") and Merrill
Lynch Life Agency, Inc. (see SELLING THE CONTRACT on page 46) have entered into
a Reimbursement Agreement that limits the operating expenses paid by each Fund
of the Merrill Variable Funds in a given year to 1.25% of its average net
assets.
The yields of the Domestic Money Market Subaccount and the Reserve Assets
Subaccount refer to the annualized income generated by an investment in each
subaccount over a specified 7-day period. The yield is calculated by assuming
that the income generated for that 7-day period is generated each 7-day period
over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The
effective yield is calculated similarly but, when annualized, the income earned
by an investment in the subaccount or Account is assumed to be reinvested. The
effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield because of the
compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
The yield of an Account A subaccount (other than the Domestic Money Market
Subaccount) refers to the annualized income generated by an investment in the
subaccount over a specified 30-day or one-month period. The yield is calculated
by assuming that the income generated by the investment during that 30-day or
one-month period is generated each period over a 12-month period and is shown as
a percentage of the investment.
The average annual total return of a subaccount refers to return quotations
assuming an investment under a Contract has been held in each subaccount for 1,
5 and 10 years, or for a shorter period, if applicable. The average annual total
return quotations represent the average compounded rates of return that would
equate an initial investment of $1,000 under a Contract to the redemption value
of that investment as of the last day of each of the periods for which return
quotations are provided. Average annual total return information shows the
average percentage change in the value of an investment in a subaccount
(including any contingent deferred sales charge that would apply if an owner
terminated the Contract at the end of each period indicated, but excluding any
deductions for premium taxes).
Merrill Lynch Life may, in addition, advertise or present yield or total return
performance information computed on different bases. Merrill Lynch Life may
present total return information computed on the same basis as described above,
except the information will not reflect a deduction for the contingent deferred
sales charge. This presentation assumes that an investment in the Contract will
persist beyond the period when the contingent deferred sales charge applies,
consistent with the long-term investment and retirement objectives of the
Contract. Merrill Lynch Life may also advertise total return performance
information for the Funds, but this information will always be accompanied by
average annual total returns for the corresponding subaccounts. Merrill Lynch
Life may also present total return performance information for a subaccount for
periods prior to the date the subaccount commenced operations based on the
performance of the corresponding Fund and the assumption that the subaccount was
in existence for the same periods as those indicated for the corresponding Fund,
with a level of fees and charges approximately equal to those currently imposed
under the Contracts. Merrill Lynch Life may also present total performance
information for a hypothetical Contract assuming allocation of the initial
premium to more than one subaccount or assuming monthly transfers from the
Domestic Money Market Subaccount to designated subaccounts under a dollar cost
averaging program. This information will reflect the performance of the affected
subaccounts for the duration of the allocation under the hypothetical Contract.
It also will reflect the deduction of charges
16
<PAGE>
described above except for the contingent deferred sales charge. This
information may also be compared to various indices.
Advertising and sales literature for the Contracts may also compare the
performance of the subaccounts and Funds to the performance of other variable
annuity issuers in general or to the performance of particular types of variable
annuities investing in mutual funds, or series of mutual funds, with investment
objectives similar to each of the Funds corresponding to the subaccounts.
Performance information may also be based on rankings by services which monitor
and rank the performance of variable annuity issuers in each of the major
categories of investment objectives on an industry-wide basis. Some services'
rankings include variable life insurance issuers as well as variable annuity
issuers, while others' rankings compare only variable annuity issuers.
Performance analysis prepared by services may rank such issuers on the basis of
total return, assuming reinvestment of distributions, but do not take sales
charges, redemption fees or certain expense deductions at the separate account
level into consideration. In addition, some such services prepare risk-adjusted
rankings, which consider the effect of market risk on total return performance.
This type of ranking provides data as to which funds provide the highest total
return within various categories of funds defined by the degree of risk inherent
in their investment objectives. Ranking services Merrill Lynch Life may use as
sources of performance comparison are Lipper, VARDS, CDA/Weisenberger,
Morningstar, MICROPAL, and Investment Company Data, Inc.
Advertising and sales literature for the Contracts may also compare the
performance of the subaccounts to the Standard & Poor's Index of 500 Common
Stocks, the Morgan Stanley EAFE Index, the Russell 2000 Index and the Dow Jones
Indices, all widely used measures of stock market performance. These unmanaged
indices assume the reinvestment of dividends, but do not reflect any "deduction"
for the expense of operating or managing an investment portfolio. Other sources
of performance comparison that Merrill Lynch Life may use are Chase Investment
Performance Digest, Money, Forbes, Fortune, Business Week, Financial Services
Weekly, Kiplinger Personal Finance, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Barrons,
U.S. News & World Report, Strategic Insight, Donaghues, Investors Business
Daily, and Ibbotson Associates.
Advertising and sales literature for the Contracts may also contain information
on the effect of tax deferred compounding on subaccount investment returns, or
returns in general, which may be illustrated by graphs, charts or otherwise and
which may include a comparison at various points in time of the return from an
investment in a Contract (or returns in general) on a tax-deferred basis
(assuming one or more tax rates) with the return on a currently taxable basis.
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch Life") is a stock life
insurance company organized under the laws of the State of Washington in 1986
and redomesticated under the laws of the State of Arkansas in 1991. Merrill
Lynch Life is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,
a corporation whose common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Merrill Lynch Life's financial statements can be found in the Statement of
Additional Information and should only be considered in the context of its
ability to meet any obligations it may have under the Contract.
All communications concerning the Contract should be addressed to Merrill Lynch
Life's Service Center at the address printed on the first page of this
Prospectus.
THE ACCOUNTS
Contract owners may direct their premiums into one or both of two segregated
investment accounts available to the Contract (the "Accounts"). The Merrill
Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A ("Account A") offers a variety of
investment options, each with a different investment
17
<PAGE>
objective, through its subaccounts. The Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity
Separate Account B ("Account B") offers a money market investment through its
subaccount.
The Accounts were established on August 6, 1991, as separate investment
accounts. They are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as
unit investment trusts pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940. Their
registration does not involve any supervision by the Securities and Exchange
Commission over the investment policies or practices of the Accounts. The
Accounts each meet the definition of a separate account under the federal
securities laws. The Accounts' assets are segregated from all of Merrill Lynch
Life's other assets.
Obligations to contract owners and beneficiaries that arise under the Contract
are obligations of Merrill Lynch Life. Merrill Lynch Life owns all of the assets
in the Accounts. With respect to each Account, income, gains, and losses,
whether or not realized, from assets allocated to that Account are, in
accordance with the Contracts, credited to or charged against the Account
without regard to other income, gains or losses of Merrill Lynch Life. As
required, the assets in each Account will always be at least equal to the
reserves and other liabilities of the Account. If the assets exceed the required
reserves and other Contract liabilities (which will always be at least equal to
the aggregate contract value allocated to the Account under the Contracts),
Merrill Lynch Life may transfer the excess to its general account. Arkansas
insurance law provides that each Account's assets, to the extent of its reserves
and liabilities, may not be charged with liabilities arising out of any other
business Merrill Lynch Life conducts nor may the assets of either Account be
charged with any liabilities of the other Account.
There are seventeen subaccounts currently available through Account A and one
subaccount currently available through Account B. Effective following the close
of business on June 5, 1998, five additional subaccounts will become available
through Account A (the Capital Focus Subaccount, the Global Growth Focus
Subaccount, the Alliance Quasar Subaccount, the Hotchkis and Wiley International
VIP Subaccount, and the Select Ten Subaccount). Three subaccounts previously
available through Account A (the Natural Resources Focus Subaccount, the
American Balanced Subaccount, and the Global Utility Focus Subaccount) are
closed to allocations of premiums and contract value. Effective following the
close of business on June 5, 1998, two additional subaccounts of Account A (the
Global Bond Focus Subaccount and the International Equity Focus Subaccount) are
not available for allocations of premiums and contract value. All subaccounts
invest in a corresponding portfolio of the Merrill Variable Funds; AIM V.I.
Funds; Alliance Fund; MFS Trust; Hotchkis and Wiley Trust; or Defined Asset
Funds. Additional subaccounts may be added or closed in the future.
THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF CERTAIN FUNDS ARE SIMILAR TO THE
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF OTHER PORTFOLIOS THAT MAY BE MANAGED OR
SPONSORED BY THE SAME INVESTMENT ADVISER, MANAGER, OR SPONSOR. THE INVESTMENT
RESULTS OF THE FUNDS, HOWEVER, MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THE RESULTS OF SUCH
OTHER PORTFOLIOS. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE, AND NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE, THAT
THE INVESTMENT RESULTS OF ANY OF THE FUNDS WILL BE COMPARABLE TO THE INVESTMENT
RESULTS OF ANY OTHER PORTFOLIO, EVEN IF THE OTHER PORTFOLIO HAS THE SAME
INVESTMENT ADVISER, MANAGER, OR SPONSOR.
The Accounts' financial statements can be found in the Statement of Additional
Information.
INVESTMENTS OF THE ACCOUNTS
MERRILL LYNCH VARIABLE SERIES FUNDS, INC.
The Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. ("Merrill Variable Funds") is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an open-end management
investment company. It currently offers the Accounts Class A shares of sixteen
of its separate investment mutual fund portfolios. The Reserve Assets Fund is
available only to Account B. The fifteen remaining Funds of Merrill Variable
Funds (three of which are closed to allocations of premiums and contract value )
are available only to
18
<PAGE>
Account A. Effective following the close of business on June 5, 1998, two
additional Funds will become available to Account A for allocations of premiums
and contract value and two Funds currently available to Account A are not
available for allocations of premiums and contract value. These Funds' shares
are currently sold to separate accounts of Merrill Lynch Life, ML Life Insurance
Company of New York (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc.), and insurance companies not affiliated with Merrill Lynch Life or Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. to fund benefits under certain variable annuity and variable
life insurance contracts.
Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM") is the investment adviser to the
Funds of Merrill Variable Funds. MLAM is a worldwide mutual fund leader, and
together with its affiliate Fund Asset Management, L.P. had a total of $460
billion in investment company and other portfolio assets under management as of
January 1998, including selected accounts of certain affiliates of MLAM. It is
registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
MLAM is an indirect subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. MLAM's principal
business address is 800 Scudders Mill Road, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536. As the
investment adviser, MLAM is paid fees by these Funds for its services. The fees
charged to each of these Funds are set forth in the summary of investment
objectives and certain investment policies below.
MLAM has entered into an agreement with Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.
("MLIG"), an affiliate of Merrill Lynch Life, with respect to administration
services for the Funds of Merrill Variable Funds in connection with the
Contracts and other variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts
issued by Merrill Lynch Life. Under this agreement, MLAM pays compensation to
MLIG in an amount equal to a portion of the annual gross investment advisory
fees paid by these Funds to MLAM attributable to contracts issued by Merrill
Lynch Life.
Details about these Funds, including their investment objectives, management,
policies, restrictions, their expenses and risks associated with investments
therein (including specific risks associated with investment in the High Current
Income Fund), and all other aspects of these Funds' operation can be found in
the attached prospectus for the Merrill Variable Funds and in their Statement of
Additional Information, which should also be read carefully before investing. As
described in the prospectus for Merrill Variable Funds, many of these Funds
should be considered a long-term investment and a vehicle for diversification,
and not as a balanced investment program. Such Funds may not be appropriate as
the exclusive investment to fund a Contract for all contract owners. The Merrill
Variable Funds prospectus also describes certain additional risks, including
investing on an international basis or in foreign securities and investing in
lower rated or unrated fixed income securities. There is no guarantee that any
Fund will be able to meet its investment objective. Meeting the objectives
depends upon future economic conditions as well as upon how well these Funds'
management anticipates changes in those economic conditions.
DOMESTIC MONEY MARKET FUND. This Fund seeks to preserve capital, maintain
liquidity, and achieve the highest possible current income consistent with the
foregoing objectives by investing in short-term domestic money market
securities. The Fund invests in short-term United States government securities;
United States government agency securities; bank certificates of deposit and
bankers' acceptances; short-term debt securities such as commercial paper and
variable amount master demand notes; repurchase agreements and other domestic
money market instruments. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the
annual rate of 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
PRIME BOND FUND. This Fund seeks to obtain as high a level of current income as
is consistent with the investment policies of the Fund and with prudent
investment management. Secondarily, the Fund seeks capital appreciation when
consistent with the foregoing objective. The Fund invests primarily in long-term
corporate bonds rated in the top three ratings categories by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard &
Poor's"). MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of
0.50% of the first $250 million of the combined average daily nets assets of the
Fund and High Current Income Fund; 0.45% of the next $250 million; 0.40% of the
19
<PAGE>
next $250 million; and 0.35% of the combined average daily net assets in excess
of $750 million. The reduction of the advisory fee applicable to the Fund is
determined on a uniform percentage basis as described in the Statement of
Additional Information for the Merrill Variable Funds.
HIGH CURRENT INCOME FUND. This Fund seeks to obtain the highest level of
current income as is consistent with the investment policies of the Fund and
with prudent investment management. Secondarily, the Fund seeks capital
appreciation to the extent consistent with the foregoing objective. The Fund
invests principally in fixed-income securities that are rated in the lower
rating categories of the established rating services or in unrated securities of
comparable quality (including securities commonly known as "junk bonds").
Investment in such securities entails relatively greater risk of loss of income
or principal. In an effort to minimize risk, the Fund will diversify its
holdings among many issuers. However, there can be no assurance that
diversification will protect the Fund from widespread defaults during periods of
sustained economic downturn. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the
annual rate of 0.55% of the first $250 million of the combined average daily net
assets of the Fund and Prime Bond Fund; 0.50% of the next $250 million; 0.45% of
the next $250 million; and 0.40% of the combined average daily net assets in
excess of $750 million. The reduction of the advisory fee applicable to the Fund
is determined on a uniform percentage basis as described in the Statement of
Additional Information for the Merrill Variable Funds.
QUALITY EQUITY FUND. This Fund seeks to achieve the highest total investment
return consistent with prudent risk. The Fund employs a fully managed investment
policy utilizing equity securities, primarily common stocks of
large-capitalization companies, as well as investment grade debt and convertible
securities. Management of the Fund will shift the emphasis among investment
alternatives for capital growth, capital stability, and income as market trends
change. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.50%
of the first $250 million of average daily net assets; 0.45% of the next $250
million; 0.425% of the next $100 million; and 0.40% of the average daily net
assets in excess of $400 million.
SPECIAL VALUE FOCUS FUND (FORMERLY, THE EQUITY GROWTH FUND). This Fund seeks
long-term growth of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of
securities, primarily common stocks, of relatively small companies that
management of the Merrill Variable Funds believes have special investment value,
and of emerging growth companies regardless of size. Companies are selected by
management on the basis of their long-term potential for expanding their size
and profitability or for gaining increased market recognition for their
securities. Current income is not a factor in the selection of securities. MLAM
receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund. This is a higher fee than that of many
other mutual funds, but management of the Fund believes it is justified by the
high degree of care that must be given to the initial selection and continuous
supervision of the types of portfolio securities in which the Fund invests.
NATURAL RESOURCES FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of
capital and protect the purchasing power of capital by investing primarily in
equity securities of domestic and foreign companies with substantial natural
resource assets. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate
of 0.65% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
Merrill Lynch Life and Account A reserve the right to suspend the sale of units
of the Natural Resources Focus Subaccount in response to conditions in the
securities markets or otherwise.
The subaccount corresponding to this Fund was closed to allocations of premiums
and contract value following the close of business on December 6, 1996.
AMERICAN BALANCED FUND. This Fund seeks a level of current income and a degree
of stability of principal not normally available from an investment solely in
equity securities and the opportunity for capital appreciation greater than is
normally available from an investment solely in debt securities by investing in
a balanced portfolio of fixed income and equity securities. MLAM receives from
the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.55% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund.
20
<PAGE>
The subaccount corresponding to this Fund was closed to allocations of premiums
and contract value following the close of business on December 6, 1996.
GLOBAL STRATEGY FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks high total investment return by
investing primarily in a portfolio of equity and fixed income securities,
including convertible securities, of U.S. and foreign issuers. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in securities of issuers located in
the United States, Canada, Western Europe, the Far East and Latin America. MLAM
receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.65% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund.
Effective following the close of business on December 6, 1996, the Flexible
Strategy Fund was merged with and into the Global Strategy Focus Fund.
BASIC VALUE FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks capital appreciation and, secondarily,
income by investing in securities, primarily equities, that management of the
Fund believes are undervalued and therefore represent basic investment value.
The Fund seeks special opportunities in securities that are selling at a
discount, either from book value or historical price-earnings ratios, or seem
capable of recovering from temporarily out of favor considerations. Particular
emphasis is placed on securities which provide an above-average dividend return
and sell at a below-average price/earnings ratio. MLAM receives from the Fund an
advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund.
GLOBAL BOND FOCUS FUND (FORMERLY, THE WORLD INCOME FOCUS FUND). This Fund seeks
to provide high total investment return by investing in a global portfolio of
fixed income securities denominated in various currencies, including
multinational currency units. The Fund may invest in fixed income securities
that have a credit rating of A or better by Standard & Poor's or by Moody's or
commercial paper rated A-1 by Standard & Poor's or Prime-1 by Moody's or
obligations that MLAM has determined to be of similar creditworthiness. MLAM
receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund.
Effective following the close of business on December 6, 1996, the International
Bond Fund was merged with and into the Global Bond Focus Fund. The subaccount
corresponding to this Fund will be closed to allocations of premiums and
contract value following the close of business on June 5, 1998.
GLOBAL UTILITY FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks both capital appreciation and
current income through investment of at least 65% of its total assets in equity
and debt securities issued by domestic and foreign companies which are, in the
opinion of MLAM, primarily engaged in the ownership or operation of facilities
used to generate, transmit or distribute electricity, telecommunications, gas or
water. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.60%
of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
The subaccount corresponding to this Fund was closed to allocations of premiums
and contract value following the close of business on December 6, 1996.
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks capital appreciation and,
secondarily, income by investing in a diversified portfolio of equity securities
of issuers located in countries other than the United States. Under normal
conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's net assets will be invested in such
equity securities and at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be invested
in the securities of issuers from at least three different foreign countries.
MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund.
The subaccount corresponding to this Fund will be closed to allocations of
premiums and contract value following the close of business on June 5, 1998.
GOVERNMENT BOND FUND (FORMERLY, THE INTERMEDIATE GOVERNMENT BOND FUND). This
Fund seeks the highest possible current income consistent with the protection of
capital afforded by investing in debt securities issued or guaranteed by the
United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
21
<PAGE>
MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the
average daily net assets of the Fund.
DEVELOPING CAPITAL MARKETS FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks long-term capital
appreciation by investing in securities, principally equities, of issuers in
countries having smaller capital markets. For purposes of its investment
objective, the Fund considers countries having smaller capital markets to be all
countries other than the four countries having the largest equity market
capitalizations. The Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund has established no
rating criteria for the debt securities in which it may invest, and will rely on
the investment adviser's judgment in evaluating the creditworthiness of an
issuer of such securities. In an effort to minimize the risk, the Fund will
diversify its holdings among many issuers. However, there can be no assurance
that diversification will protect the Fund from widespread defaults during
periods of sustained economic downturn. Investment in the Developing Capital
Markets Focus Fund entails relatively greater risk of loss of income or
principal. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an annual rate of
1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
RESERVE ASSETS FUND. This Fund seeks to preserve capital, maintain liquidity,
and achieve the highest possible current income consistent with the foregoing
objectives by investing in short-term money market securities. The Fund invests
in short-term United States government securities; U.S. government agency
securities; bank certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances; short-term
debt securities such as commercial paper and variable amount master demand
notes; repurchase agreements and other money market instruments. MLAM receives
from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.50% of the first $500
million of the Fund's average daily net assets; 0.425% of the next $250 million;
0.375% of the next $250 million; 0.35% of the next $500 million; 0.325% of the
next $500 million; 0.30% of the next $500 million; and 0.275% of the average
daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion.
INDEX 500 FUND. This Fund seeks investment results that, before expenses,
correspond to the aggregate price and yield performance of the Standard & Poor's
500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P 500 Index"). MLAM receives from the
Fund an advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.
CAPITAL FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks to achieve the highest total investment
return consistent with prudent risk. To do this, management of the Fund uses a
flexible "fully managed" investment policy that shifts the emphasis among
equity, debt (including money market), and convertible securities. MLAM receives
from the Fund an advisory fee at the annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund's average
daily net assets.
Effective following the close of business on June 5, 1998, this Fund will become
available for allocations of premiums and contract value.
GLOBAL GROWTH FOCUS FUND. This Fund seeks long-term growth of capital. The Fund
invests in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of issuers located in
various countries and the United States, placing particular emphasis on
companies that have exhibited above-average growth rates in earnings. Because a
substantial portion of the Fund's assets may be invested on an international
basis, contract owners should be aware of certain risks, such as fluctuations in
foreign exchange rates, future political and economic developments, different
legal systems, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign
government laws or restrictions. An investment in the Fund may be appropriate
only for long-term investors who can assume the risk of loss of principal, and
do not seek current income. MLAM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Effective following the close of business on June 5, 1998, this Fund will become
available for allocations of premiums and contract value.
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DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--SELECT TEN TRUST
Defined Asset Funds is America's oldest and largest family of unit investment
trusts, with over $115 billion sponsored over the last 25 years. Each Defined
Asset Fund is a portfolio of preselected securities. The portfolio is divided
into "units" representing equal shares of the underlying assets ("Trust Units").
Each Trust Unit receives an equal share of income and principal distributions.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") serves as sponsor
of Defined Asset Funds. For its services as sponsor, MLPF&S receives a deferred
transaction fee, accrued daily at an annual rate of $4.70 per 1,000 Trust Units
(about 0.47%) for creating and maintaining the Select Ten Trust. Half of this
fee is paid to MLIG to compensate it for its administrative services in making
Trust Units available for investment by Account A. The Select Ten Trust is also
subject to additional operating expenses, summarized in the Fee Table on page 10
and described more fully in the attached prospectus for the Select Ten Trust.
The Select Ten Trust, one portfolio of Defined Asset Funds, buys approximately
equal amounts of the ten highest dividend-yielding common stocks of the 30
stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average* ("DJIA") (determined three business
days prior to May 1, 1998) and holds them for about one year. MLPF&S anticipates
that the Select Ten Trust portfolio will remain unchanged over its one year life
despite any adverse developments concerning an issuer, an industry, or the
economy or stock market generally. AT THE END OF THE YEAR (ON OR ABOUT MAY 1,
1999, OR THE "ROLLOVER DATE"), THE SELECT TEN TRUST WILL BE LIQUIDATED AND THE
SAME INVESTMENT STRATEGY WILL BE REAPPLIED TO THE DJIA TO SELECT (AS OF THREE
BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO MAY 1, 1999) A NEW STOCK PORTFOLIO FOR A "ROLLOVER" OR
SUCCESSOR TRUST, SUBJECT TO MERRILL LYNCH LIFE OBTAINING NECESSARY REGULATORY
APPROVALS. At the time of the rollover, it is contemplated that Trust Units will
be redeemed, and the proceeds will be immediately invested in the rollover
trust. Brokerage commissions in selling and purchasing stocks for the rollover
trust will be borne indirectly by contract owners.
Effective following the close of business on June 5, 1998, this Fund will become
available for allocations of premiums and contract value. The Select Ten Trust
will terminate on or about May 1, 1999, at which time assets of the Select Ten
subaccount will be reinvested in a rollover trust, if such trust is available
and subject to necessary regulatory approvals. From the Rollover Date to thirty
days after the Rollover Date, contract owners can make one transfer from the
Select Ten subaccount of all account value in the Select Ten subaccount to other
subaccounts of Account A, without such transfer counting toward the six
transfers among subaccounts of Account A that may be made without charge during
a contract year. In addition, Merrill Lynch Life will not exercise its right to
impose additional conditions or charges on transfers during this thirty day time
period.
MLPF&S RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DEPART FROM THE SELECT TEN INVESTMENT STRATEGY
DESCRIBED ABOVE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE SELECT TEN TRUST'S COMPLIANCE WITH THE
DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 817(h) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND
REGULATIONS THEREUNDER. IN ADDITION, MERRILL LYNCH LIFE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO
CEASE OFFERING THE SELECT TEN SUBACCOUNT AT ANY TIME, AND THERE CAN BE NO
ASSURANCE THAT DEFINED ASSET FUNDS OR MLPF&S WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE ROLLOVER
TRUSTS AVAILABLE IN THE FUTURE.
AIM VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. ("AIM V.I. Funds") is registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as an open-end, series, management investment
company. It currently offers Account A two of its separate investment
portfolios. Shares of the Funds of AIM V.I. Funds are currently offered only to
insurance company separate accounts to fund the benefits of variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies. Shares of these Funds may be
offered, in the future, to certain pension or retirement plans.
* The name "Dow Jones Industrial Average" is the property of Dow Jones &
Company, Inc., which is not affiliated with MLPF&S, has not participated in any
way in the creation of the Select Ten Trust or in the selection of stocks
included in the Select Ten Trust and has not reviewed or approved any
information included in this prospectus.
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<PAGE>
A I M Advisors, Inc. ("AIM"), 11 Greenway Plaza, Suite 100, Houston, Texas
77046-1173, serves as the investment adviser to each of the Funds of AIM V.I.
Funds. AIM was organized in 1976, and, together with its subsidiaries, manages
or advises over 50 investment company portfolios (including these Funds)
encompassing a broad range of investment objectives. AIM is a wholly owned
subsidiary of A I M Management Group Inc., a holding company engaged in the
financial services business and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of AMVESCAP
PLC. As the investment adviser, AIM is paid fees by these Funds for its
services. The fees charged to each of these Funds are set forth in the summary
of investment objectives below.
AIM V.I. Funds has entered into an Administrative Services Agreement with AIM,
pursuant to which AIM has agreed to provide certain accounting and other
administrative services to these Funds, including the services of a principal
financial officer and related staff. As compensation to AIM for its services
under the Administrative Services Agreement, these Funds reimburse AIM for
expenses incurred by AIM or its affiliates in connection with such services.
AIM has entered into an agreement with Merrill Lynch Life with respect to
administrative services for these Funds in connection with the Contracts. Under
this agreement, AIM pays compensation to Merrill Lynch Life in an amount equal
to a percentage of the average net assets of these Funds attributable to the
Contracts.
AIM V.I. CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND. This Fund seeks capital appreciation
through investments in common stocks, with emphasis on medium-sized and smaller
emerging growth companies. AIM will be particularly interested in companies that
are likely to benefit from new or innovative products, services or processes
that should enhance such companies' prospects for future growth in earnings. As
a result of this policy, the market prices of many of the securities purchased
and held by this Fund may fluctuate widely. Any income received from securities
held by the Fund will be incidental, and a contract owner should not consider a
purchase of shares of the Fund as equivalent to a complete investment program.
The Fund's portfolio is primarily comprised of securities of two basic
categories of companies: (1) "core" companies, which AIM considers to have
experienced above-average and consistent long-term growth in earnings with
excellent prospects for outstanding future growth, and (2) "earnings
acceleration" companies which AIM believes are currently enjoying a dramatic
increase in profits. AIM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an annual
rate of 0.65% of the first $250 million of the Fund's average daily net assets
and 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $250 million.
AIM V.I. VALUE FUND. This Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily in equity securities judged by AIM to be undervalued
relative to the current or projected earnings of the companies issuing the
securities, or relative to current market values of assets owned by the
companies issuing the securities or relative to the equity markets generally.
Income is a secondary objective. The subaccount corresponding to this Fund
should not be selected by contract owners who seek income as their primary
investment objective. AIM receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an annual
rate of 0.65% of the first $250 million of the Fund's average daily net assets
and 0.60% of the Fund's average daily net assets in excess of $250 million.
ALLIANCE VARIABLE PRODUCTS SERIES FUND, INC.
Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. ("Alliance Fund") is registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an open-end management investment
company. It currently offers Account A one of its separate investment
portfolios. Effective following the close of business on June 5, 1998, an
additional separate investment portfolio of Alliance Fund will become available
to Account A for allocations of premiums and contract value. These Funds are
intended to serve as the investment medium for variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies to be offered by the separate accounts of
certain insurance companies.
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<PAGE>
Alliance Capital Management L.P. ("Alliance"), a Delaware limited partnership
with principal offices at 1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105
serves as the investment adviser to each Fund of the Alliance Series Fund.
Alliance is an international investment manager supervising client accounts with
assets of December 31, 1997 totaling more than $218 billion (of which
approximately $85 billion represented the assets of investment companies).
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC"), the sole general partner of
Alliance, is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of The Equitable Life Assurance
Society of the United States, which is in turn a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Equitable Companies Incorporated, a holding company which is controlled by AXA,
a French insurance holding company. As the investment adviser, Alliance is paid
fees by the Funds for its services. The fees charged to the Funds are set forth
in the summary of investment objective below.
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. ("AFD"), an affiliate of Alliance, has entered
into an agreement with Merrill Lynch Life with respect to administrative
services for these Funds in connection with the Contracts. Under this agreement,
AFD pays compensation to Merrill Lynch Life in an amount equal to a percentage
of the average net assets of these Funds attributable to the Contracts.
ALLIANCE PREMIER GROWTH PORTFOLIO. This Fund seeks growth of capital by
pursuing aggressive investment policies. Since investments will be made based
upon their potential for capital appreciation, current income will be incidental
to the objective of capital growth. Because of the market risks inherent in any
investment, the selection of securities on the basis of their appreciation
possibilities cannot ensure against possible loss in value. This Fund is
therefore not intended for contract owners whose principal objective is assured
income and conservation of capital. Alliance receives from the Fund an advisory
fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
ALLIANCE QUASAR PORTFOLIO. This Fund seeks growth of capital by pursuing
aggressive investment policies. The Fund invests principally in a diversified
portfolio of equity securities of any company and industry and in any type of
security which is believed to offer possibilities for capital appreciation, and
invests only incidentally for current income. The selection of securities based
on the possibility of appreciation cannot prevent loss in value. Moreover,
because the Fund's investment policies are aggressive, an investment in the Fund
is risky and is not intended for contract owners who want assured income or
preservation of capital. Alliance receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets. (See the NOTES TO
FEE TABLE on page 12 for a discussion of a reimbursement arrangement applicable
to this Fund.)
Effective following the close of business on June 5, 1998, this Fund will become
available for allocations of premiums and contract value.
MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
MFS Variable Insurance Trust ("MFS Trust") is registered with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an open-end management investment company. It currently
offers Account A two of its separate investment portfolios. The Funds of MFS
Trust are intended to serve as the investment medium for variable annuity
contracts and variable life insurance policies to be offered by the separate
accounts of certain insurance companies.
Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS"), a Delaware corporation, 500
Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, serves as the investment adviser
to each of the Funds of MFS Trust. MFS is America's oldest mutual fund
organization. MFS and its predecessor organizations have a history of money
management dating from 1924 and the founding of the first mutual fund in the
United States, Massachusetts Investors Trust. Net assets under the management of
the MFS organization were approximately $80 billion as of March 31, 1998. MFS is
a subsidiary of Sun Life of Canada (U.S.), which, in turn, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. As the investment adviser,
MFS is paid fees by each of these Funds for its services. The fees charged to
these Funds are set forth in the summary of investment objectives below.
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<PAGE>
MFS has entered into an agreement with MLIG with respect to administrative
services for these Funds in connection with the Contracts and certain contracts
issued by ML Life Insurance Company of New York. Under this agreement, MFS pays
compensation to MLIG in an amount equal to a percentage of the average net
assets of these Funds attributable to such contracts.
MFS EMERGING GROWTH SERIES. This Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
investing primarily (i.e., at least 80% of its assets under normal
circumstances) in common stocks of emerging growth companies. Emerging growth
companies include companies that MFS believes are early in their life cycle but
which have the potential to become major enterprises. Dividend and interest
income from portfolio securities, if any, is incidental to the Fund's objective
of long-term growth of capital. MFS receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
MFS RESEARCH SERIES. This Fund seeks to provide long-term growth of capital and
future income. The portfolio securities of the MFS Research Series are selected
by a committee of investment research analysts. This committee includes
investment analysts employed not only by the Adviser but also by MFS
International (U.K.) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFS. The Series'
assets are allocated among industries by the analysts acting together as a
group. Individual analysts are then responsible for selecting what they view as
the securities best suited to meet the Series' investment objective within their
assigned industry responsibility. MFS receives from the Fund an advisory fee at
an annual rate of 0.75% of average daily net assets of the Fund.
HOTCHKIS AND WILEY VARIABLE TRUST
Hotchkis and Wiley Variable Trust ("Hotchkis and Wiley Trust"), a Massachusetts
business trust, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an
open-end management investment company. Effective following the close of
business on June 5, 1998, one of the separate investment portfolios of the
Hotchkis and Wiley Trust will become available to Account A for allocations of
premiums and contract value. This Fund is intended to serve as the investment
medium for variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies to be
offered by the separate accounts of certain insurance companies.
Hotchkis and Wiley, 800 West Sixth Street, Fifth Floor, Los Angeles, California
90017, serves as the investment adviser to the Hotchkis and Wiley International
VIP Portfolio and generally administers the affairs of the Hotchkis and Wiley
Trust. Hotchkis and Wiley is a division of the Merrill Lynch Capital Management
Group of MLAM, and a separate business unit of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. As the
investment adviser, Hotchkis and Wiley is paid fees by the Fund for its
services. The fees charged to the Fund for advisory services are set forth in
the summary of investment objective below.
Hotchkis and Wiley has entered into an agreement with MLIG with respect to
administrative services for the Hotchkis and Wiley Trust in connection with the
Contracts and certain contracts issued by ML Life Insurance Company of New York.
Under this agreement, Hotchkis and Wiley pays compensation to MLIG in an amount
equal to a portion of the annual gross investment advisory fees paid by the
Hotchkis and Wiley International VIP Portfolio to Hotchkis and Wiley
attributable to such contracts.
HOTCHKIS AND WILEY INTERNATIONAL VIP PORTFOLIO. This Fund seeks to provide
current income and long-term growth of income, accompanied by growth of capital.
The Fund will attempt to achieve its objective by investing at least 65% of its
total assets in equity securities in at least three non-U.S. markets.
Ordinarily, the Fund will invest in equity securities issued by companies
located in some or all of the developed foreign equity markets. These markets
generally include fifteen markets in Europe, as well as Australia, New Zealand,
Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, and South Korea. Investing in
emerging market and other foreign securities involves certain risk
considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S.
issuers, including: currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate
fluctuations, political uncertainty and instability, more substantial government
involvement in the economy, higher rates of inflation, less government
26
<PAGE>
supervision and regulation of the securities markets and participants in those
markets, controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of
invested capital and on the Fund's ability to exchange local currencies for U.S.
dollars, greater price volatility, substantially less liquidity and
significantly smaller capitalization of securities markets, absence of uniform
accounting and auditing standards, generally higher commission expenses, delay
in settlement of securities transactions, and greater difficulty in enforcing
shareholder rights and remedies. Because investment in this Fund entails
relatively greater loss of principal, an investment in the Fund may not be
appropriate as the exclusive investment to fund a Contract. Hotchkis and Wiley
receives from the Fund an advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's
average daily net assets.
Effective following the close of business on June 5, 1998, this Fund will become
available for allocations of premiums and contract value.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES; REINVESTMENT
The Accounts will purchase and redeem shares or Trust Units of the Funds to the
extent necessary to provide benefits under the Contract or for such other
purposes as may be consistent with the Contract. The Accounts will purchase and
redeem shares or Trust Units of the Funds at net asset value. Fund distributions
to the Accounts are automatically reinvested in additional shares or Trust Units
of the Funds at net asset value.
MATERIAL CONFLICTS, SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS AND CHANGES TO ACCOUNTS
It is conceivable that material conflicts could arise as a result of both
variable annuity and variable life insurance separate accounts investing in the
Funds. Although no material conflicts are foreseen, the participating insurance
companies will monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts
between variable annuity and variable life insurance contract owners to
determine what action, if any, should be taken. Material conflicts could result
from such things as (1) changes in state insurance law, (2) changes in federal
income tax law or (3) differences between voting instructions given by variable
annuity and variable life insurance contract owners. If a conflict occurs,
Merrill Lynch Life may be required to eliminate one or more subaccounts of
Separate Account A or Separate Account B or substitute a new subaccount. In
responding to any conflict, Merrill Lynch Life will take the action which it
believes necessary to protect its contract owners.
Merrill Lynch Life may substitute a different investment option for any of the
current Funds. Substitution may be made with respect to both existing
investments and the investment of future premiums. However, no such substitution
will be made without any necessary approval of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and applicable state insurance departments. Contract owners will be
notified of any substitutions. Additional investment options may be added in the
future as eligible investments through the Accounts.
In addition, Merrill Lynch Life may make additional subaccounts available to
either Account, eliminate subaccounts in either Account, deregister either or
both of the Accounts under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"),
make any changes required by the 1940 Act, operate either or both Accounts as a
managed investment company under the 1940 Act or any other form permitted by
law, transfer all or a portion of the assets of a subaccount or account to
another subaccount or Account pursuant to a combination or otherwise, and create
new accounts. No such changes will be made without any necessary approval of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable state insurance departments.
Contract owners will be notified of any changes.
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<PAGE>
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
Merrill Lynch Life deducts the charges described below to cover costs and
expenses, services provided, and risks assumed under the Contracts. The amount
of a charge may not necessarily correspond to the costs associated with
providing the services or benefits indicated by the designation of the charge or
associated with the particular Contract. For example, the contingent deferred
sales charge may not fully cover all of the sales and distribution expenses
actually incurred by Merrill Lynch Life, and proceeds from other charges,
including the mortality and expense risk charge, may be used in part to cover
such expenses.
CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE
A charge is made to reimburse Merrill Lynch Life for expenses related to
maintenance of the Contract. These expenses include issuing Contracts,
maintaining records, and performing accounting, regulatory compliance, and
reporting functions. This $40 maintenance charge will be deducted from the
contract value on each contract anniversary that occurs on or prior to the
annuity date. It will also be deducted when the Contract is surrendered if it is
surrendered on any date other than a contract anniversary. The contract
maintenance charge will be deducted on a pro rata basis from among all
subaccounts in which contract value is invested. (See ACCUMULATION UNITS on page
32 for a discussion of the effect the deduction of this charge will have on the
number of accumulation units credited to a Contract.) The contract maintenance
charge will never increase.
This charge will be waived on all Contracts with a contract value equal to or
greater than $50,000 on the date the charge would otherwise be deducted. It is
not deducted after the annuity date.
Currently, a contract owner of three or more Contracts will be assessed no more
than $120 in Contract Maintenance Charges annually, regardless of the number of
Contracts owned. Once Contract Maintenance Charges in an amount equal to $120
have been paid in a calendar year by a contract owner, remaining Contract
Maintenance Charges to which the contract owner would otherwise be subject in
the same calendar year will be waived. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right to
discontinue this waiver at any time.
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
A mortality and expense risk charge is imposed on the Accounts. It equals 1.25%
annually for Account A and 0.65% annually for Account B deducted daily from the
net asset value of the Accounts. Of this amount, 0.75% annually for Account A
and 0.35% annually for Account B is attributable to mortality risks assumed by
Merrill Lynch Life for the annuity payment and death benefit guarantees made
under the Contract. These guarantees include making annuity payments unaffected
by mortality experience and providing a minimum death benefit under the
Contract.
Additionally, of the total mortality and expense risk charge, 0.50% annually for
Account A and 0.30% annually for Account B is attributable to expense risks
assumed by Merrill Lynch Life should the contract maintenance and administration
charges be insufficient to cover all Contract maintenance and administration
expenses.
The mortality and expense risk charge is greater for Account A than for Account
B because a greater death benefit and higher administrative expenses are
attributable to Account A. If the mortality and expense risk charge is
inadequate to cover the actual expenses of mortality, maintenance, and
administration, Merrill Lynch Life will bear the loss. If the charge exceeds the
actual expenses, the excess will be added to Merrill Lynch Life's profit and may
be used to finance distribution expenses. The mortality and expense risk charge
will never increase.
ADMINISTRATION CHARGE
An administration charge is made to reimburse Merrill Lynch Life for costs
associated with the establishment and administration of Account A. This charge
covers such expenses as optional contract
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transactions (for example, processing transfers and Dollar Cost Averaging
transactions). A charge of 0.10% annually will be deducted daily only from the
net asset value of Account A. The administration charge will never increase.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
A contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on withdrawals and surrenders
from Account A. This charge reimburses Merrill Lynch Life for expenses relating
to the sale of the Contract, such as commissions, preparation of sales
literature, and other promotional activity. The charge is imposed only on
premium withdrawn or surrendered from Account A that was held for less than
seven years. However, where permitted by state regulation, up to 10% of this
premium will not be subject to such a charge if withdrawn or surrendered from
Account A during the first withdrawal of the contract year, whether paid in a
lump sum or elected to be paid on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual
basis. In addition, where permitted by state regulation, no contingent deferred
sales charge will be imposed on any premium withdrawn or surrendered from
Contracts purchased by employees of Merrill Lynch Life or its affiliates or from
Contracts purchased by the employees' spouses or dependents.
The maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 7% of the premium withdrawn
during the first year after that premium is paid, decreasing by 1% annually to
0% after year seven, as shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF COMPLETE YEARS
ELAPSED SINCE PREMIUM WAS PAID CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
<S> <C>
0 7%
1 6%
2 5%
3 4%
4 3%
5 2%
6 1%
7 0%
</TABLE>
Contingent deferred sales charges are calculated on total premiums withdrawn or
surrendered from Account A, but not to exceed the account value. Gain in account
value is never subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. (See page 37 for a
discussion of the rules for determining whether a withdrawal is considered to
come from premiums or gain for contingent deferred sales charge purposes.) For
example, if a contract owner made a $5,000 premium payment to Account A and
withdrew the entire $5,000 three years later when there had been no gain or loss
on that premium, a 4% contingent deferred sales charge would be imposed on the
$5,000 withdrawal. If that contract owner had made a $5,000 premium payment to
Account A and due to negative investment experience only $4,500 remained in
Account A when the contract owner withdrew it three years later, a 4% contingent
deferred sales charge would be imposed only on $4,500 of the original premium.
If instead the $5,000 premium payment the contract owner made to Account A grew
to $5,500 due to positive investment experience, and the contract owner withdrew
$200 of gain in account value as the first withdrawal three years later, and
thereafter withdrew the remaining $5,300 in a subsequent withdrawal that same
year, no contingent deferred sales charge would be imposed on the $200 first
withdrawn (as it represents gain in account value and not premium) and a 4%
contingent deferred sales charge would be imposed only on $5,000 of the $5,300
subsequent withdrawal (as $300 of that amount represents gain in account value).
When imposed, the contingent deferred sales charge will be deducted on a pro
rata basis from among the subaccounts in which the contract owner has invested,
on the basis of the contract owner's interest in each subaccount to the Account
A account value. (See WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDERS on page 37 and ACCUMULATION
UNITS on page 32 for a discussion of the effect the deduction of this charge
will have on the number of accumulation units credited to a Contract.)
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To the extent that the contingent deferred sales charge is inadequate to recover
all sales expenses associated with the Contract, the deficiency will be met by
Merrill Lynch Life's surplus, which may be partly derived from the mortality and
expense risk charge on the Contract.
No contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on withdrawals or surrenders
from Account B.
PREMIUM TAXES
Various states and municipalities impose a premium tax on annuity premiums when
they are received by an insurance company. In other jurisdictions, a premium tax
is paid on the contract value on the annuity date.
Premium tax rates vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and currently range
from 0% to 5%. Merrill Lynch Life will pay these taxes when due, and a charge
for any premium taxes imposed by a state or local government will be deducted
from the contract value on the annuity date. (See ACCUMULATION UNITS on page 32
for a discussion of the effect the deduction of this charge will have on the
number of accumulation units credited to a Contract.) In those jurisdictions
that do not allow an insurance company to reduce its current taxable premium
income by the amount of any withdrawal, surrender or death benefit paid, Merrill
Lynch Life will also deduct a charge for these taxes on any withdrawal,
surrender or death benefit effected under the Contract.
Premium tax rates are subject to change by law, administrative interpretations,
or court decisions. Premium tax amounts will depend on, among other things, the
contract owner's state of residence, Merrill Lynch Life's status within that
state, and the premium tax laws of that state.
OTHER CHARGES
Contract owners may make up to six transfers among Account A subaccounts per
contract year without charge. Additional transfers may be permitted at a charge
of $25 per transfer. Certain transfers from the Select Ten subaccount will not
count toward the six transfers permitted among Account A subaccounts per
contract year without charge. (See DEFINED ASSET FUNDS--SELECT TEN TRUST on page
23 and TRANSFERS on page 35.)
Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right, subject to any necessary regulatory
approval, to charge for assessments or federal premium taxes or federal, state
or local excise, profits or income taxes measured by or attributable to the
receipt of premiums. Merrill Lynch Life also reserves the right to deduct from
the Accounts any taxes imposed on the Accounts' investment earnings. (See
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE'S TAX STATUS on page 41.)
In calculating the net asset values of the Funds, advisory fees and operating
expenses are deducted from the assets of each Fund other than the Select Ten
Trust. Deferred transaction fees, trustee's fees, portfolio supervision,
bookkeeping and administrative fees, organizational expenses, and other
operating expenses are deducted from the assets of the Select Ten Trust.
Information about those fees and expenses can be found in the attached
prospectuses for the Funds, and in the Statement of Additional Information for
each Fund, if applicable.
Fees associated with participation in the Merrill Lynch RPA-SM- program are paid
by the participating contract owner and are not deducted from the contract value
or imposed on the Accounts. (See MERRILL LYNCH RETIREMENT PLUS ADVISOR-SM- on
page 37.)
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<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT
OWNERSHIP OF THE CONTRACT
The contract owner is entitled to exercise all rights under the Contract. Unless
otherwise specified, the purchaser of the Contract will be the contract owner.
The contract owner may designate a beneficiary. The beneficiary will receive all
outstanding Contract benefits if the owner dies. The contract owner may also
designate an annuitant. The annuitant may be changed at any time prior to the
annuity date. If no annuitant is selected, the contract owner will be the
annuitant. If the annuitant is changed on a contract owned by other than a
natural person, the change will be treated as the death of the contract owner
for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code. Merrill Lynch Life will then pay to
the owner's beneficiary the contract value, less any applicable fees and
charges.
The Contract may be assigned to another owner upon notice to Merrill Lynch
Life's Service Center. The Contract may only be assigned to another owner in
full, not in part. An assignment to a new owner cancels all prior beneficiary
designations except for those prior beneficiary designations that have been made
irrevocably. Assignment of the Contract may have tax consequences or may be
prohibited on certain IRA Contracts, so the contract owner should consult with a
qualified tax adviser before assigning the Contract. (See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
on page 41.)
Only spouses may be co-owners of the Contract. When co-owners are established,
they exercise all rights under the Contract jointly unless they elect otherwise.
Co-owner spouses must each be designated as beneficiary for the other. Co-owners
may also designate a beneficiary to receive benefits on the surviving co-owner's
death. IRA Contracts may not have co-owners.
ISSUING THE CONTRACT
A nonqualified Contract may generally be issued to contract owners who are less
than 85 years of age. Annuitants on nonqualified Contracts must also be less
than age 85 at issue. For IRA Contracts owned by natural persons, the contract
owner and annuitant must be the same person. Therefore, contract owners and
annuitants on IRA Contracts must be less than age 70 1/2 at issue.
Before issuing the Contract, Merrill Lynch Life requires certain information
from the prospective contract owner. Prospective contract owners may be required
to complete and return a written Contract application in certain circumstances,
such as when the Contract is being issued to replace, or in exchange for,
another annuity contract. Once that information or application is reviewed and
approved, and the prospective contract owner submits an initial premium, a
Contract will be issued. Generally, this review and approval process is
completed and the premium invested within two business days, but if any
necessary information has not been obtained within five business days, Merrill
Lynch Life will offer to return the premium and no Contract will be processed.
If the prospective contract owner instead consents, Merrill Lynch Life will hold
the premium until all necessary information is obtained, and will then invest
the premium within two business days after obtaining the information. The
initial premium will be invested as described under PREMIUM INVESTMENTS on page
32.
The date of issue will be the date the required information and initial premium
are received at Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center.
TEN DAY RIGHT TO REVIEW
When the contract owner receives the Contract, it should be reviewed carefully
to make sure it is what the contract owner intended to purchase. Generally,
within 10 days after the contract owner receives the Contract, he or she may
return it for a refund. Some states allow a longer period of time to return the
Contract. The Contract must be delivered to Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center
or to the Financial Consultant who sold it for a refund to be made. Merrill
Lynch Life will then refund to the contract owner the greater of all premiums
paid into the Contract or the contract value as of the date the Contract is
returned. For contracts issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Merrill
Lynch
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Life will refund the contract value as of the date the Contract is returned. The
Contract will then be deemed void.
CONTRACT CHANGES
Requests to change the owner, beneficiary, annuitant, or annuity date of a
Contract will take effect as of the date such a request is signed by the
contract owner, unless Merrill Lynch Life has already acted in reliance on the
prior status. Such changes may have tax consequences. See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
on page 41. See also OWNERSHIP OF THE CONTRACT on page 31.
PREMIUMS
Initial premium payments must be $5,000 or more on a nonqualified Contract and
$2,000 or more on an IRA Contract. Subsequent premium payments generally must be
$100 or more and can be made at any time prior to the annuity date. (The $100
minimum may be waived in connection with premiums paid under IRA Contracts that
are held in Retirement Plan Operations (RPO) accounts of Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), in order to transfer any existing cash
balance of such account, in full, into a Contract.) Merrill Lynch Life reserves
the right to refuse to accept subsequent premium payments, if required by law.
Premium payments can be made directly by the contract owner or debited from his
or her MLPF&S brokerage account and must be transmitted to Merrill Lynch Life's
Service Center at the address printed on the cover of this Prospectus. Under an
automatic investment feature, premium payments can also be made systematically
on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis from a MLPF&S brokerage
account. A Financial Consultant should be contacted for additional information.
The automatic investment feature may be canceled by the contract owner at any
time. Once canceled, it can not be activated again until the next contract year.
Maximum annual contributions to IRA Contracts are limited by federal law.
PREMIUM INVESTMENTS
For the first 14 days following the date of issue, all premiums directed into
Account A will be held in the Domestic Money Market Subaccount. Thereafter, the
account value will be reallocated to the Account A subaccounts selected. In the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all premiums will be invested as of the date of
issue in the subaccounts selected by the contract owner. Subsequent premiums
allocated to Account A will be directly placed in the subaccounts selected as of
the end of the valuation period in which they are received at Merrill Lynch
Life's Service Center. Premiums directed into Account B will be directly placed
in the Reserve Assets Subaccount on the issue date. Subsequent premiums
allocated to Account B will be directly placed in its Reserve Assets Subaccount
as of the end of the valuation period in which they are received at Merrill
Lynch Life's Service Center. Currently, a contract owner may allocate his or her
premium among eighteen subaccounts (seventeen available through Account A and
one available through Account B); allocations must be made in increments that
are even multiples of 10%. For example, 10% of a premium received may be
allocated to the Prime Bond Fund, 40% allocated to the High Current Income Fund,
and 50% allocated to the Quality Equity Fund. However, a contract owner may not
allocate 33 1/3% to the Prime Bond Fund and 66 2/3% to the High Current Income
Fund. If allocation instructions are not given with subsequent premiums
received, Merrill Lynch Life will allocate those premiums according to the
allocation instructions last received from the contract owner. Merrill Lynch
Life reserves the right to modify the limit on the number of subaccounts to
which future allocations may be made.
ACCUMULATION UNITS
Each subaccount has a distinct value, called the accumulation unit value. The
accumulation unit value varies daily, as described below. This value is used to
determine the number of subaccount accumulation units represented by a contract
owner's investment in a subaccount. When a contract owner invests a premium or
transfers an amount to a subaccount, accumulation units in that
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subaccount are purchased and credited to the Contract. Conversely, when a
contract owner withdraws contract value or transfers an amount from a
subaccount, accumulation units credited to the Contract in that subaccount are
redeemed. Similarly, when a deduction is made under a Contract for the contract
maintenance charge, any contingent deferred sales charges, any transfer charge
and any premium taxes due, accumulation units credited to the Contract in the
subaccounts are redeemed. (See CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS on page 28 for a
discussion concerning the allocation of charges to subaccounts.) The number of
accumulation units in a subaccount so purchased or redeemed for a Contract is
based on the subaccount's accumulation unit value as of the end of the valuation
period during which the purchase or redemption is made. It is determined by
dividing the dollar value of the amount of the purchase or redemption allocated
to the subaccount by the value of one accumulation unit for that subaccount for
the valuation period in which the transfer is effected. The number of
accumulation units in each subaccount credited to a Contract will therefore
increase or decrease as these transactions are effected.
The number of subaccount accumulation units credited to a Contract will not
change as a result of investment experience or the deduction of mortality and
expense risk and administration charges. Instead, these charges and investment
experience will be reflected in the accumulation unit value.
For each subaccount, the value of an accumulation unit was arbitrarily set at
$10 when it was established. Accumulation unit values may increase or decrease
from one valuation period to the next. A valuation period is the interval from
one determination of the net asset value of a subaccount to the next, measured
from the time each day the Funds are valued. The Funds are valued at the close
of business on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. An accumulation
unit value for any valuation period is determined by multiplying the
accumulation unit value for the last prior valuation period by the net
investment factor for the subaccount for the current valuation period. The
Funds' investment performance, expenses, and the deduction of asset-based
charges affect the accumulation unit value.
The net investment factor is an index used to measure the investment performance
of a subaccount from one valuation period to the next. For any subaccount, the
net investment factor is determined by dividing the value of the assets of the
subaccount for that valuation period by the value of the assets of the
subaccount for the preceding valuation period, and subtracting from the result
the valuation period equivalent of the annual administration and mortality and
expense risk charges. Merrill Lynch Life may adjust the net investment factor to
make provisions for any change in the law that requires it to pay tax on capital
gains in the Accounts or for any assessments or federal premium taxes or
federal, state or local excise, profits or income taxes measured by or
attributable to the receipt of premiums. (See OTHER CHARGES on page 30).
The net investment factor may be greater or less than one. Therefore, the value
of an accumulation unit may increase or decrease.
DEATH BENEFIT
Prior to the annuity date, the Contract provides a death benefit feature that
guarantees a death benefit if the contract owner dies, regardless of investment
experience.
BASE DEATH BENEFIT. If the enhanced death benefit has not been approved in your
state, the death benefit under your Contract is as follows.
A Contract's death benefit is equal to the greater of (a) the sum of the excess,
if any, of premiums paid into Account A with interest on them from the date
received at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually, over
transfers to Account B and withdrawals from Account A multiplied by a rate
compounded daily from the date of transfer or withdrawal to yield 5% annually,
plus the value of Account B; or (b) the contract value. There are limits on the
period during which interest will accrue for purposes of this calculation. For
Contracts issued beginning June 1, 1995 (or later as state approvals are
obtained), interest shall accrue only until the earliest of the last day of the
20th contract year, the last day of the contract year in which the contract
owner (annuitant when the contract owner
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is not a natural person) attains age 80, or the date of the contract owner's
(annuitant's when the contract owner is not a natural person) death. For
Contracts issued prior to June 1, 1995, and for Contracts issued on or after
that date but before state approvals are obtained, interest shall accrue only
until the last day of the 20th contract year.
ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT. If the enhanced death benefit has been approved in your
state, the death benefit under your Contract is as follows.
A Contract's death benefit is equal to the greater of (a) the contract value, or
(b) the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit for Account A plus the value of Account
B. The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit for Account A is equal to the greater of
"premiums compounded at 5%" or the "maximum seventh anniversary value compounded
at 5%."
"Premiums compounded at 5%" equals:
- premiums paid into Account A plus interest on each premium from the date
received at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually,
MINUS
- transfers to Account B and withdrawals from Account A (for Contracts
issued after state approval has been obtained, "adjusted transfers" and
"adjusted withdrawals"), plus interest on each transfer or withdrawal from
the date of transfer or withdrawal at an interest rate compounded daily to
yield 5% annually.
The "maximum seventh anniversary value compounded at 5%" is equal to the
greatest "seventh anniversary value" of Account A. Each "seventh anniversary
value" of Account A equals;
- the value of Account A at the end of its respective seven contract year
period (i.e. at the end of contract years 7, 14, 21, etc. but not beyond
the last day of the contract year in which the contract owner (annuitant
when the contract owner is not a natural person) attains age 80 or the
date of the contract owner's (annuitant's when the contract owner is not a
natural person) death), plus interest from such seventh anniversary at an
interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually,
PLUS
- premiums paid into Account A since such seventh anniversary plus interest
on each premium from the date received at an interest rate compounded
daily to yield 5% annually,
MINUS
- "adjusted transfers" to Account B and "adjusted withdrawals" from Account
A since such seventh anniversary, plus interest on each "adjusted
transfer" or "adjusted withdrawal" from the date of transfer or withdrawal
at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually.
Each "adjusted transfer" or "adjusted withdrawal" is equal to the amount by
which such transfer or withdrawal from Account A reduces the value of Account A,
multiplied by (a) the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit of Account A prior to the
transfer or withdrawal divided by (b) the value of Account A prior to the
transfer or withdrawal, but not less than 1.0.
There are limits on the period during which interest will accrue for purposes of
these calculations. Interest accrues only until the earliest of the last day of
the 20th contract year, the last day of the contract year in which the contract
owner (annuitant if the contract owner is not a natural person) attains age 80,
or the date of death of the contract owner (annuitant if the contract owner is
not a natural person). For Contracts issued prior to June 1, 1995, and for
Contracts issued on or after that date but before state approvals are obtained,
interest on "premiums compounded at 5%" shall accrue only until the last day of
the 20th contract year.
ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL CONTRACTS. If the contract owner dies
prior to the annuity date, Merrill Lynch Life will pay the Contract's death
benefit to the owner's beneficiary. Unless the
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beneficiary has been irrevocably designated, the contract owner may change the
beneficiary at any time prior to the annuity date.
If the owner's beneficiary is his or her surviving spouse, the spouse may elect
to continue the Contract in force on the same terms as applicable before the
owner's death, and the spouse will then become the contract owner and the
beneficiary until a new beneficiary is named.
The death benefit will be paid in a lump sum unless the beneficiary chooses an
annuity payment option available under the Contract. (See ANNUITY OPTIONS on
page 39.) However, if the contract owner dies before the annuity date, federal
tax law generally requires the entire contract value to be distributed within
five years of the date of death. Special rules may apply to the surviving
spouse. (See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES on page 41.)
The death benefit is determined as of the date Merrill Lynch Life receives due
proof of death at its Service Center. Due proof of death is received as of the
date Merrill Lynch Life receives a certified copy of the contract owner's death
certificate, the Beneficiary Statement, and any other paperwork necessary to
process the death claim. If other documents have not been received by the 60th
day following receipt of the certified death certificate, due proof of death
will be deemed to have been received and the death benefit will be paid in a
lump sum.
DEATH OF ANNUITANT
If the annuitant dies prior to the annuity date, and the annuitant is not the
contract owner, the owner may designate a new annuitant. If a new annuitant is
not designated, the contract owner will become the annuitant unless the owner is
not a natural person. If the contract owner is not a natural person, no new
annuitant may be named and the death benefit will be paid.
If the annuitant dies after the annuity date, while guaranteed amounts remain
unpaid, the contract owner may either (a) have payments continue for the amount
or period guaranteed; or (b) receive the present value of the remaining
guaranteed payments in a lump sum. If the contract owner dies while guaranteed
amounts remain unpaid, his or her beneficiary may either (a) have payments
continue for the amount or period guaranteed; or (b) receive the present value
of the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum.
TRANSFERS
Once each contract year, contract owners may transfer from Account A to Account
B an amount equal to any gain in account value and/or any premium not subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge, determined as of the date the request is
received. Where permitted by state regulation, once each contract year, contract
owners may transfer from Account A to Account B all or a portion of the greater
of that amount or 10% of premiums subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
determined as of the date the request is received (minus any of that premium
already withdrawn or transferred). Additionally, where permitted by state
regulation, periodic transfers of all or a portion of the greater amount,
determined at the time of each periodic transfer, are permitted, on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Periodic transfers may be canceled by
the contract owner at any time. Once canceled, they can not be activated again
until the next contract year.
Generally, the amount transferred will be deducted on a pro rata basis from
among the affected Account A subaccounts, on the basis of the contract owner's
interest in each subaccount to the Account A account value, unless the contract
owner requests otherwise. However, if the amount will be transferred on a
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis, it must be deducted on a pro
rata basis. This is the only amount which may be transferred from Account A to
Account B during that contract year. There is no charge imposed on the transfer
of this amount. No transfers are permitted from Account B to Account A.
Prior to the annuity date, contract owners may transfer all or part of their
Account A value among the subaccounts of Account A up to six times per contract
year without charge. Additional transfers among Account A subaccounts may be
made at a charge of $25 per transfer. Certain transfers from the
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Select Ten subaccount will not count toward the six transfers permitted among
Account A subaccounts per contract year without charge. (See DEFINED ASSET FUNDS
- -- SELECT TEN TRUST on page 23.) The transfer charge will be deducted on a pro
rata basis from among the subaccounts from which account value is being
transferred. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right to change the number of
additional transfers permitted each contract year, as appropriate.
Transfers among subaccounts may be made in specific dollar amounts or as a
percentage of Account A value. Requests to transfer dollar amounts must be for
at least $100 or the total value of a subaccount, if less. Requests to transfer
a percentage of Account A value are also subject to a $100 minimum, with
allocations in increments that are even multiples of 10%. For example, 10% of
the $1,000 Account A value in the Prime Bond Fund may be transferred to the High
Current Income Fund, but 9% may not.
Contract owners may make transfer requests in writing or by telephone, once
Merrill Lynch Life receives proper telephone transfer authorization. Transfer
requests may also be made through a Merrill Lynch Financial Consultant, or
another person designated by the owner, once Merrill Lynch Life receives proper
authorization. Transfers will take effect as of the end of the valuation period
on the date the request is received at Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center.
Telephone transfer requests received after 4:00 p.m. (ET) will be deemed to have
been received the following business day.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
The Contract offers an additional optional transfer feature called Dollar Cost
Averaging. This feature allows contract owners to reallocate value from the
Account A Domestic Money Market Subaccount to any of the remaining Account A
investment options. The main objective of the Dollar Cost Averaging feature is
to shield investment from short term price fluctuations. Since the same dollar
amount is transferred to selected subaccounts each month, more accumulation
units are purchased in a subaccount when their value is low and fewer
accumulation units are purchased when their value is high. Therefore, a lower
than average cost of purchasing accumulation units may be achieved over the long
term. This plan of investing allows contract owners to take advantage of
investment fluctuations, but does not assure a profit or protect against a loss
in declining markets.
Amounts will be transferred monthly to the subaccounts specified by the contract
owner. Amounts of $100 or more must be allotted for transfer each month in the
Dollar Cost Averaging feature. Allocations must be designated in percentage
increments that are even multiples of 10%. No specific dollar amount
designations may be made. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right to change these
minimums.
Contract owners may apply for the Dollar Cost Averaging feature at any time
prior to the annuity date. Dollar Cost Averaging transfers must continue for a
minimum of three months, subject to availability of Domestic Money Market
Subaccount value for this purpose. There is no maximum participation length for
Dollar Cost Averaging, although it cannot extend past the annuity date. When the
Dollar Cost Averaging feature is elected, the minimum required subaccount value
must have been deposited into the Domestic Money Market Subaccount. The minimum
required subaccount value of the Domestic Money Market Fund is determined by
multiplying the specified length of the contract owner's Dollar Cost Averaging
program in months by the contract owner's specified monthly transfer amount.
Should the contract owner's interest in the Domestic Money Market Subaccount
drop below the selected monthly transfer amount, Merrill Lynch Life will notify
the contract owner that an additional premium payment will be necessary in that
subaccount if he or she wants to continue in the Dollar Cost Averaging feature.
The first Dollar Cost Averaging transfer will be effected on the first
monthiversary date after Merrill Lynch Life receives the contract owner's
election at its Service Center. Subsequent Dollar Cost Averaging transfers will
take effect as of the end of the valuation period on each of the Contract's
monthiversary dates. If, after subtracting the specified monthly transfer amount
from the Domestic Money Market Fund, the remaining value is less than the
contract owner's specified monthly transfer amount, the entire value of the
subaccount will be transferred and applied on a pro-rata basis.
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There is no charge imposed on Dollar Cost Averaging transfers. These transfers
are in addition to the annual transfers permitted under the Contract, as
described above.
Dollar Cost Averaging is an investment strategy and does not guarantee an
investment gain, nor will it protect against an investment loss when markets
have declined.
MERRILL LYNCH RETIREMENT PLUS ADVISOR-SM-
Subject to certain eligibility requirements, a contract owner may elect to
participate in the Merrill Lynch Retirement Plus Advisor-SM- ("RPA") program.
Through RPA, premiums and Account A values are allocated and transferred
periodically among the subaccounts of Account A, in accordance with an
investment program developed by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("MLPF&S") that is consistent with the contract owner's investment
profile. MLPF&S is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940.
Prior to participating in this program, a contract owner must complete an RPA
profiling questionnaire and client agreement for each contract under which
Account A values will be allocated pursuant to the RPA program.
If premiums and Account A values under a contract are being invested pursuant to
the RPA program, then Dollar Cost Averaging is not available for the contract.
In addition, the contract owner's participation in the RPA program may be
terminated in the discretion of MLPF&S if a contract owner requests a transfer
while the RPA program is in effect; such contract owner-initiated transfers may
be inconsistent with investment strategies being implemented through the
program.
RPA program transfers of Account A values are not subject to any transfer
charge. Fees associated with participation in the RPA program, which are imposed
by MLPF&S are paid by the participating contract owner directly through the
contract owner's Merrill Lynch brokerage account, and are not deducted from the
contract value or imposed on the Accounts.
A contract owner wishing to participate in the RPA program should consult with
his or her Financial Consultant for additional information regarding the
availability of the program and specific eligibility requirements.
Participation in the program does not guarantee that a contract owner will
attain his or her investment goals. In addition, the program does not guarantee
investment gains, or protect against investment losses.
WITHDRAWALS AND SURRENDERS
Withdrawals may be made from the Contract up to six times per contract year
prior to the annuity date. The first withdrawal from Account A in any contract
year will be effected as if gain in account value and premium not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge is withdrawn first, followed by premium on a
"first-in, first-out" basis. A contingent deferred sales charge will not be
applied to the first withdrawal in any contract year out of Account A to the
extent that the withdrawal consists of gain and/or any premium not subject to
such a charge. Where permitted by state regulation, a contingent deferred sales
charge will not be applied to that portion of the first withdrawal from Account
A in any contract year that does not exceed the greater of (a) or (b) where (a)
is 10% of total premiums paid into Account A that are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge determined as of the date the request is received, less
any prior amount withdrawn or transferred from Account A to Account B in the
contract year, and (b) is the gain in Account A plus premiums allocated to
Account A as of the date the request is received that are not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge.
Additionally, where permitted by state regulation, the amount withdrawn may be
paid on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis, if the contract owner
so elects. Withdrawals are subject to tax and prior to age 59 1/2 may also be
subject to a 10% federal penalty tax. (See PENALTY TAXES on page 43.)
All subsequent withdrawals from Account A in the same contract year will be
effected as if premium is withdrawn on a "first-in, first-out" basis before any
gain in account value is withdrawn. Therefore,
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premium accumulated the longest will be withdrawn first. These withdrawals are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. (See CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES
CHARGE on page 29.)
There are no contingent deferred sales charges imposed on any withdrawals from
Account B. In addition, no contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on
withdrawals from Account A on a Contract purchased by an employee of Merrill
Lynch Life or its affiliates or purchased by the employee's spouse or
dependents, where permitted by state regulation.
In addition, the contract owner may request monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or
annual automatic withdrawals from Account B. This optional automatic withdrawal
program can be activated or canceled by the contract owner once each contract
year. Once canceled, the program can not be activated again until the next
contract year. Withdrawal amounts may be increased or decreased at any time,
once Merrill Lynch Life receives a proper request at its Service Center. There
are no contingent deferred sales charges imposed on automatic withdrawals from
Account B. These withdrawals are in addition to the annual withdrawals permitted
under the Contract, as described above. Automatic withdrawals may be included in
the contract owner's gross income in the year in which the withdrawal occurs.
(See DISTRIBUTIONS on page 42.) Withdrawals may be taxable and subject to a 10%
tax penalty. (See PENALTY TAXES on page 43.)
If the contract owner has elected both the automatic withdrawal program and a
withdrawal from Account A on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis,
both forms of withdrawal must be paid out on the same date(s).
The minimum amount that may be withdrawn is $100. At least $2,000 must remain in
the Contract after a withdrawal is made. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right
to change these minimums. Withdrawals will be effected as of the end of the
valuation period on the date the request is received at Merrill Lynch Life's
Service Center. Unless otherwise directed by the contract owner, withdrawals
will be taken from subaccounts in the same proportion as the owner's contract
value bears to the subaccounts of the Accounts from which the withdrawal is
made. A withdrawal may be effected by telephone, once a proper authorization
form is submitted to Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center, if the amount
withdrawn is to be paid into a Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated brokerage account. Otherwise, a withdrawal request must be
submitted by the contract owner in writing to Merrill Lynch Life's Service
Center. Telephone withdrawal requests received after 4:00 p.m. (ET) will be
deemed to have been received the following business day.
The Contract may be surrendered at any time prior to the annuity date. To
surrender the Contract through a full withdrawal, the Contract must be delivered
to Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center. The surrender will be effected as of the
end of the valuation period on the date the Contract is received at Merrill
Lynch Life's Service Center. The amount payable on surrender is the contract
value as of the end of the valuation period when the surrender is effected, less
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge, less the contract maintenance
charge if the contract value is less than $50,000 and that valuation period is
not a contract anniversary, less any applicable charge for premium taxes. (See
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS on page 28.)
Withdrawals will decrease the contract value. Withdrawals from either Account A
or Account B are subject to tax and prior to age 59 1/2 may also be subject to a
10% federal penalty tax. (See FEDERAL INCOME TAXES on page 41.)
PAYMENTS TO CONTRACT OWNERS
Merrill Lynch Life will generally pay the amount of any withdrawal or surrender,
any annuity payment or death benefit, minus any applicable charges, premium
taxes or tax withholding, within seven days of receipt of a proper request at
its Service Center. However, Merrill Lynch Life may delay the payment of any
withdrawal, surrender, or death benefit, or the processing of any annuity
payment or transfer request if (a) the New York Stock Exchange is closed, other
than for a customary weekend or holiday; (b) trading on the New York Stock
Exchange is restricted by the Securities and Exchange Commission; (c) the
Securities and Exchange Commission declares that an emergency exists such that
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it is not reasonably practical to dispose of securities held in the Accounts or
to determine the value of their assets; (d) the Securities and Exchange
Commission by order so permits for the protection of security holders; or (e)
payment is derived from a check used to make a premium payment which has not
cleared through the banking system.
ANNUITY DATE
The contract owner selects an annuity date when the Contract is applied for. The
annuity date may be changed by telephone or by written notice submitted to
Merrill Lynch Life's Service Center, up to 30 days prior to that date.
Generally, the annuity date for nonqualified Contracts may not be later than the
annuitant's 85th birthday. For IRA Contracts, the annuity date may not be later
than when the owner/annuitant reaches the age of 70 1/2 unless the contract
owner selects a later annuity date. If no annuity date is chosen, the annuity
date will automatically be the date on which the annuitant reaches age 85 or
70 1/2, as outlined above.
The first annuity payment will be made on the annuity date, and payments will
continue thereafter according to the schedule of the annuity option selected.
Contract owners may select from a variety of fixed annuity payment options, as
outlined below in ANNUITY OPTIONS.
ANNUITY OPTIONS
The Contract provides a choice of fixed annuity payment options. If an annuity
option is not chosen by the contract owner, Merrill Lynch Life will
automatically effect the Life Annuity with Payments Guaranteed for 10 Years
annuity option when the contract owner reaches age 85 (age 70 1/2 for an IRA
Contract). The annuity option may be changed up to 30 days prior to the annuity
date. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right to limit annuity options available
to IRA contract owners to comply with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or
regulations thereunder. On the annuity date, the entire contract value, after a
deduction for the cost of any applicable premium taxes, will be transferred to
Merrill Lynch Life's general account, from which the annuity payments will be
made. The amount of each payment is predetermined.
The dollar amount of annuity payments is determined by the contract value on the
annuity date, applied to Merrill Lynch Life's then current annuity purchase
rates. These rates will be furnished on request. The rates will never be less
favorable than those shown in the Contract.
If the age and/or sex of the annuitant was misstated to Merrill Lynch Life,
resulting in an incorrect calculation of annuity payments on a Contract, future
annuity payments on that Contract will be adjusted to reflect the correct age
and/or sex. Any amount Merrill Lynch Life overpaid as the result of a
misstatement will be deducted from future payments with 6% annual interest
charges. Any amount Merrill Lynch Life underpaid as the result of a misstatement
will be paid in full with the next payment made with 6% annual interest
credited.
If the contract value on the annuity date, after the deduction for the cost of
any applicable premium taxes, is less than $5,000 (or a different minimum
amount, if required by state law), Merrill Lynch Life may pay the annuity
benefits in a lump sum, rather than as periodic payments. If any annuity payment
would be less than $50 (or a different minimum amount, if required by state
law), the frequency of payments may be changed so that all payments will be at
least $50 (or the minimum amount required by state law). Otherwise, the contract
owner has the following annuity payment options. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the
right to permit additional annuity payment options.
- - PAYMENTS OF A FIXED AMOUNT--Equal payments in an amount chosen by the contract
owner will be guaranteed until the sum of all annuity payments equals the
contract value transferred to Merrill Lynch Life's general account on the
annuity date, adjusted for interest credited as shown in the Contract. The
amount chosen must provide for payments for at least five years. Payments are
guaranteed irrespective of the annuitant's life. If the annuitant dies before
the end of the guarantee period, the contract owner may elect to receive the
present value of the remaining guaranteed
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payments in a lump sum. If the contract owner dies while guaranteed amounts
remain unpaid, his or her beneficiary may elect to receive the present value
of the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum.
- - PAYMENTS FOR A FIXED PERIOD--Payments will be made for five years or a longer
period if selected by the contract owner. Payments are guaranteed irrespective
of the annuitant's life. If the annuitant dies before the end of the guarantee
period, the contract owner may elect to receive the present value of the
remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum. If the contract owner dies while
guaranteed amounts remain unpaid, his or her beneficiary may elect to receive
the present value of the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum.
- - *LIFE ANNUITY--Payments will be made for the life of the annuitant. Payments
will cease with the last payment due before the annuitant's death.
- - LIFE ANNUITY WITH PAYMENTS GUARANTEED FOR 10 OR 20 YEARS--Payments will be
made for the life of the annuitant. In addition, even if the annuitant dies
before the guarantee period ends, payments will be guaranteed for either 10 or
20 years as selected by the contract owner. If the annuitant dies before the
end of the guarantee period, the contract owner may elect to receive the
present value of the remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum. If the
contract owner dies while guaranteed amounts remain unpaid, his or her
beneficiary may elect to receive the present value of the remaining guaranteed
payments in a lump sum.
- - LIFE ANNUITY WITH GUARANTEED RETURN OF CONTRACT VALUE--Payments will be made
for the life of the annuitant. In addition, even if the annuitant dies
beforehand, payments will be guaranteed until the sum of all annuity payments
equals the contract value transferred to Merrill Lynch Life's general account
on the annuity date, adjusted for interest credited as shown in the Contract.
- - *JOINT AND SURVIVOR LIFE ANNUITY--Payments will be made for the lives of the
annuitant and a designated second person. Payments will continue as long as
either one is living.
- - INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT ANNUITY--This annuity option is available only
to IRA contract owners. Payments will be made annually based on either (a) the
life expectancy of the owner/ annuitant; (b) the joint life expectancy of the
owner/annuitant and his or her spouse; or (c) the life expectancy of the
surviving spouse if the owner/annuitant dies before the annuity date. Each
annual payment will be equal to the remaining contract value transferred to
Merrill Lynch Life's general account, divided by the then current life
expectancy chosen, as defined by Internal Revenue Service regulations.
Payments will be made on each anniversary of the annuity date. If the
measuring life or lives dies before the remaining value has been distributed,
that value will be paid to the contract owner in a lump sum.
*These options are life annuities. Therefore, it is possible for the payee to
receive only one annuity payment if the person (or persons) on whose life
(lives) payment is based dies after only one payment or to receive only two
annuity payments if that person (those persons) dies after only two payments,
etc.
UNISEX
Generally, the Contract provides for sex-distinct annuity purchase rates for
life annuities. However, in those states that have adopted regulations
prohibiting sex-distinct rates, blended unisex annuity purchase rates for life
annuities will be applied, whether the annuitant is male or female. Unisex
annuity purchase rates will provide the same annuity payments for male or female
annuitants that are the same age on their annuity dates.
Employers and employee organizations considering purchasing the Contract should
consult with their legal advisor to determine whether purchasing the Contract
based on sex-distinct annuity purchase rates is consistent with Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 or other applicable law. Merrill Lynch Life may offer
such contract owners Contracts based on unisex annuity purchase rates.
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FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
INTRODUCTION
The Contracts are designed for use in connection with retirement plans that are
not qualified plans under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and also
Individual Retirement Annuities (IRAs). The ultimate effect of federal income
taxes on contract value, on annuity payments, and on the economic benefit to the
contract owner, depends on the type of retirement plan for which the Contract is
purchased, on whether the investments of the Accounts meet Internal Revenue
Service diversification standards (discussed below) and on the tax status of the
individual concerned. The following discussion is general in nature and is not
intended as tax advice. This discussion is not intended to address the tax
consequences resulting from all situations in which a person may by entitled to
or may receive a distribution under the Contract. Contract owners should consult
a competent tax advisor before initiating any transaction. This discussion is
based on the Company's understanding of current federal income tax laws as
currently interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service and generally does not
discuss or consider any applicable state or other tax laws. No representation is
made as to the likelihood of continuation of current federal income tax laws or
of the current interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service. MERRILL LYNCH
LIFE DOES NOT MAKE ANY GUARANTEE REGARDING THE TAX STATUS OF ANY CONTRACT OR ANY
TRANSACTION INVOLVING THE CONTRACTS.
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE'S TAX STATUS
Merrill Lynch Life is taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal
Revenue Code. The Accounts are not a separate entity and for tax purposes their
operations are part of the Company's. Therefore, the Company will be liable for
any taxes attributable to the Accounts. Under existing federal income tax law
the investment income of the Accounts is includable in the Company's gross
income. Merrill Lynch Life currently incurs no income taxes on this income.
Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right, however, to deduct from the Accounts any
such taxes which are imposed on the investment earnings or taxes measured by or
attributable to the receipt of premium.
TAXATION OF ANNUITIES
IN GENERAL
Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code governs taxation of annuities in
general. With respect to contracts held by natural persons, Merrill Lynch Life
believes that the contract owner is not taxed on increases in the value of the
Contract until distribution occurs, either in the form of a withdrawal or as
annuity payments under the annuity option elected. The taxable portion of a
distribution (in the form of a single sum payment or an annuity) is taxable as
ordinary income. Additionally, certain transfers of a Contract for less than
full consideration, such as a gift, will trigger tax on the excess of the net
contract value over the contract owner's investment in the Contract.
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS
In order to be treated as an annuity contract for federal income tax purposes,
section 72(s) of the Code requires any nonqualified Contract to provide that (a)
if any contract owner dies on or after the annuity commencement date but prior
to the time the entire interest in the Contract has been distributed, the
remaining portion of such interest will be distributed at least as rapidly as
under the method of distribution being used as of the date of that contract
owner's death; and (b) if any contract owner dies prior to the annuity
commencement date, the entire interest in the Contract will be distributed
within five years after the date of the contract owner's death. These
requirements will be considered satisfied as to any portion of the contract
owner's interest which is payable to or for the benefit of a "designated
beneficiary" and which is distributed over the life of such "designated
beneficiary" or over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of that
beneficiary, provided that such distributions begin within one year of that
owner's death. The contract owner's "designated
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<PAGE>
beneficiary" (referred to herein as the "Owner's Beneficiary") is the person
designated by such contract owner as a beneficiary and to whom ownership of the
Contract passes by reason of death and must be a natural person. However, if the
contract owner's "designated beneficiary" is the surviving spouse of the
contract owner, the Contract may be continued with the surviving spouse as the
new owner. Solely for purposes of applying the provisions of Section 72(s) of
the Code, when nonqualified Contracts are held by other than a natural person,
the death of, or change of, the annuitant is treated as the death of the
contract owner.
The nonqualified Contracts contain provisions which are intended to comply with
the requirements of section 72(s) of the Code, although no regulations
interpreting these requirements have yet been issued. The Company intends to
review such provisions and modify them if necessary to assure that they comply
with the requirements of Code section 72(s) when clarified by regulation or
otherwise. Other rules may apply to IRAs.
NON-NATURAL OWNERS
Nonqualified contracts held by other than a natural person generally are not
treated as annuities, and the contract owner generally must include in income
any increase in the excess of the contract value over the contract owner's
investment in the Contract. This is not applicable to trusts or other entities
acting as an agent for a natural person, and there are certain other exceptions
to this rule. Prospective contract owners who are not natural persons should
consult a competent tax advisor.
DISTRIBUTIONS
The taxable portion of annuity payments is generally determined by a formula
that establishes the ratio that the cost basis of the contract bears to the
expected return under the contract. After such time as the sum of the nontaxable
portion of annuity payments received equals the sum of premium payments
(adjusted for any withdrawals or outstanding loans), all subsequent annuity
payments are fully taxable as ordinary income. With respect to nonqualified
Contracts, partial withdrawals of contract value are treated as taxable income
to the extent that the contract value just before the withdrawal exceeds the
investment in the Contract. The assignment or pledge (or agreement to assign or
pledge) of any portion of the value of the Contract shall be treated as a
withdrawal subject to this rule. Full withdrawals are treated as taxable income
under section 72(e) of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent that the net
amount received exceeds the investment in the Contract. (For the tax treatment
of any premium paid prior to August 14, 1982, under another annuity contract,
which contract has been exchanged for this Contract, consult your tax advisor.)
Amounts may be distributed from a Contract because of the death of the owner.
Generally, such amounts are includable in the income of the recipient as
follows: (1) if distributed in a lump sum, the amount is taxed in the same
manner as a full withdrawal; or (2) if distributed under a payment option, the
amounts are taxed in the same manner as annuity payments. For both withdrawals
and annuity payments under IRAs, there may be no cost basis in the contract
within the meaning of Section 72 of the Internal Revenue Code, and the total
amount received may be taxable as ordinary income.
MULTIPLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
All nonqualified annuity contracts entered into after October 21, 1988 that are
issued by Merrill Lynch Life (or its affiliates) to the same owner during any
calendar year are treated as one annuity contract for purposes of determining
the amount includable in gross income under Section 72(e) of the Internal
Revenue Code. In addition, the Treasury Department has specific authority to
issue regulations that prevent the avoidance of Section 72(e) through the serial
purchase of annuity contracts or otherwise. Congress has also indicated that the
Treasury Department may have authority to treat the combination purchase of an
immediate annuity contract and a separate deferred annuity contract as a single
annuity contract under its general authority to prescribe rules as may be
necessary to enforce the income tax laws.
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PENALTY TAXES
A penalty tax may be imposed equal to 10% of the taxable income portion of a
withdrawal. The penalty tax applies to both nonqualified Contracts and IRAs,
with different exceptions for each. The exceptions applicable to both
nonqualified Contracts and IRAs include (a) distributions made at or after the
contract owner attains age 59 1/2, (b) distributions made on or after the
contract owner's death, (c) distributions attributable to the contract owner's
disability, and (d) substantially equal periodic payments for the contract
owner's life or life expectancy (or joint life or joint life expectancy of the
contract owner and a second designated person). In certain circumstances, other
exceptions may apply. Other tax penalties may apply to certain distributions,
loans and other transactions under IRAs.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE DIVERSIFICATION STANDARDS
The Internal Revenue Service has published regulations prescribing
diversification standards to be met by nonqualified variable annuity contracts
as a condition to being taxed as annuities under Section 72 of the Internal
Revenue Code. The standards provide that investments of a subaccount of the
Accounts are adequately diversified if no more than (a) 55% of the value of its
assets is represented by any one investment, (b) 70% is represented by any two
investments, (c) 80% is represented by any three investments, and (d) 90% is
represented by any four investments. Each Fund is obligated to comply with the
diversification standards imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.
The Treasury Department has announced that the diversification regulations do
not provide guidance concerning the extent to which contract owners may direct
their investments to particular subaccounts of a separate account. Such guidance
will be included in regulations or Revenue Rulings under Section 817(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code relating to the definition of a variable contract. It is
unknown what standards will be adopted in such regulations. Merrill Lynch Life,
however, believes that according to current law the Contract will be treated as
an annuity for federal income tax purposes and that the Company, not the
contract owner, will be treated as the owner of the contract investments.
The ownership rights under the Contract are similar to, but different in certain
respects from, those described by the Internal Revenue Service in rulings in
which it determined that the owners were not owners of separate account assets.
For example, the owner of the Contract has additional flexibility in allocating
premium payments and account values. Moreover, the investment strategy for the
Select Ten Trust is innovative and has not been addressed by the IRS. These
differences could result in the owner being treated as the owner of the assets
of the Accounts. Merrill Lynch Life reserves the right to modify the Contract as
necessary to prevent the contract owner from being considered the owner of the
assets of the Accounts for federal tax purposes. Any such changes will apply
uniformly to affected contract owners and will be made with such notice to
affected contract owners as is feasible under the circumstances.
IRA CONTRACTS
Section 408 of the Internal Revenue Code permits eligible individuals to
contribute to an individual retirement program known as an Individual Retirement
Annuity ("IRA"). IRAs are subject to limits on the amount that may be
contributed, the contributions that may be deducted from taxable income, the
persons who may be eligible, and on the time when distributions may commence and
the duration of those distributions. Also, distributions from certain other
types of qualified plans may be "rolled over" on a tax-deferred basis into an
IRA. The ultimate effect of federal income taxes on the amounts contributed to
and held under a Contract, on annuity payments, and on the economic benefit to
the contract owner, the annuitant, or the beneficiary depends on the tax status
of the individual concerned and on Merrill Lynch Life's tax status. In addition,
certain requirements must be satisfied in purchasing an IRA with proceeds from a
tax qualified retirement plan and receiving distributions from an IRA in order
to continue receiving favorable tax treatment. Sales of the Contract for use
with
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IRAs may be subject to special disclosure requirements of the Internal Revenue
Service. Purchasers of the Contract for use with IRAs will be provided with
supplemental information required by the Internal Revenue Service or other
appropriate agency. Such purchasers will have the right to revoke the Contract
within seven days of the earlier of the establishment of the IRA or the purchase
of the Contract. Purchasers should seek competent tax advice as to the
suitability of the Contract for use with or as an IRA. The Contract is not
available for use as a SEP IRA or a SIMPLE IRA. The Internal Revenue Service has
not reviewed the Contract for qualification as an IRA, and has not addressed in
a ruling of general applicability whether a death benefit provision such as the
provision in the Contract comports with IRA qualification requirements.
ROTH IRAS
The Contract is available for purchase by an individual who has separately
established a Roth IRA custodial account with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated. Effective January 1, 1998, Section 408A of the Code permits
certain eligible individuals to contribute to a Roth IRA. Contributions to a
Roth IRA, which are subject to certain limitations, are not deductible and must
be made in cash or as a rollover or transfer from another Roth IRA or other IRA.
A rollover from or conversion of an IRA to a Roth IRA may be subject to tax and
other special rules may apply. You should consult a tax advisor before combining
any converted amounts with any other Roth IRA contributions, including any other
conversion amounts from other tax years. Distributions from a Roth IRA generally
are not taxed, except that, once aggregate distributions exceed contributions to
the Roth IRA, income tax and a 10% penalty tax may apply to distributions made
(1) before age 59 1/2 (subject to certain exceptions) or (2) during the five
taxable years starting with the year in which the first contribution is made to
the Roth IRA.
TRANSFERS, ASSIGNMENTS, OR EXCHANGES OF A CONTRACT
A transfer of ownership of the Contract, the designation of an annuitant who is
not also the owner, or the exchange of the Contract (or this Contract along with
one or more other annuity contracts) for one or more new annuity contracts may
result in certain tax consequences to the contract owner that are not discussed
herein. A contract owner contemplating any such transfer, assignment, or
exchange should contact a competent tax advisor with respect to the potential
tax effects of such a transaction.
WITHHOLDING
Unless the contract owner elects to the contrary, the taxable portion of any
amounts received under the Contract will be subject to withholding to meet
federal and state income tax obligations. The rate of withholding on annuity
payments will generally be determined on the basis of the withholding
certificate filed by the contract owner with Merrill Lynch Life. If no such
certificate is filed, the contract owner will be treated, for purposes of
determining the withholding rate, as a married person with three exemptions.
The rate of withholding on all other payments made under the Contract, such as
amounts received upon withdrawals, will generally be 10%. Thus, if the contract
owner fails to elect that there be no withholding, Merrill Lynch Life will
withhold from every withdrawal or annuity payment the appropriate percentage of
the amount of the payment that is taxable. Merrill Lynch Life will provide the
contract owner with forms and instructions concerning the right to elect that no
amount be withheld from payments. Generally, there will be no withholding for
taxes until payments are actually received under the Contract.
POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAXATION
Although the likelihood of legislative change is uncertain, there is always the
possibility that the tax treatment of the Contracts could change by legislation
or other means. For instance, the President's 1999 Budget Proposal recommended
legislation that, if enacted, would adversely modify the federal
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taxation of the Contracts. It is also possible that any change could be
retroactive (that is, effective prior to the date of the change). A tax advisor
should be consulted with respect to legislative developments and their effect on
the Contract.
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES
Merrill Lynch Life does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status of the
Contract or any transaction regarding the Contract. As noted above, the
foregoing discussion of the income tax consequences under the Contract is not
exhaustive and special rules are provided with respect to other tax situations
not discussed in the Prospectus. Further, the income tax consequences discussed
herein reflect the Company's understanding of current law and the law may
change. Federal estate and state and local estate, inheritance, and other tax
consequences of ownership or receipt of distributions under the Contract depend
on the individual circumstances of each contract owner or recipient of the
distribution. A competent tax advisor should be consulted for further
information.
OTHER INFORMATION
VOTING RIGHTS
Merrill Lynch Life is the legal owner of all Fund shares and Trust Units held in
the Accounts. As the owner, it has the right to vote on any matter put to vote
at the Funds' shareholder meetings if such meetings are held. However, Merrill
Lynch Life will vote all Fund shares attributable to Contracts according to
instructions received from contract owners. Shares attributable to Contracts for
which no voting instructions are received will be voted in the same proportion
as shares in the respective subaccounts for which instructions are received.
Shares not attributable to Contracts will also be voted in the same proportion
as shares in the respective subaccounts for which instructions are received. If
any federal securities laws or regulations, or their present interpretation,
change to permit Merrill Lynch Life to vote Fund shares in its own right, it may
elect to do so.
Contract owners have voting rights prior to their annuity date. They may give
voting instructions concerning (1) the election of a Fund's Board of Directors;
(2) ratification of a Fund's independent accountant; (3) approval of the
investment advisory agreement for a Fund corresponding to the contract owner's
selected subaccounts; (4) any change in the fundamental investment policy of a
Fund corresponding to the contract owner's selected subaccounts; and (5) any
other matter requiring a vote of the Funds' shareholders. The number of shares
for which a contract owner may give voting instructions prior to the annuity
date is determined by dividing the contract owner's interest in a subaccount by
the net asset value per share of the corresponding Fund. The number of shares
for which contract owners may give voting instructions will be determined as of
a record date chosen by Merrill Lynch Life. The record date will be no earlier
than 90 days prior to the shareholder meeting.
After the annuity date, contract owners no longer have voting rights, since
their contract value has then been moved out of the Funds.
Contract owners will receive periodic reports relating to the Funds in which
they have an interest including proxy material and voting instruction forms.
The Select Ten Trust is a unit investment trust, and as such, has no Board of
Directors. There are no voting rights associated with Trust Units.
REPORTS TO CONTRACT OWNERS
At least once each contract year prior to the annuity date, contract owners will
be sent a statement that provides information pertinent to their own Contract.
The statement will outline all Contract transactions during the year, the
Contract's current number of accumulation units, the value of each accumulation
unit, and the total contract value.
Contract owners will also be sent an annual and a semiannual report containing
financial statements and a list of portfolio securities of the Funds, as
required by the Investment Company Act of 1940.
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SELLING THE CONTRACT
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated is the principal underwriter
of the Contract. It was organized in 1958 under the laws of the state of
Delaware and is registered as a broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. It is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"). Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated's principal
business address is World Financial Center, 250 Vesey Street, New York, New York
10281.
Contracts are sold by registered representatives (Financial Consultants) of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated who are also licensed through
various Merrill Lynch Life Agencies as insurance agents for Merrill Lynch Life.
Merrill Lynch Life has entered into a distribution agreement with Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and companion sales agreements with the
Merrill Lynch Life Agencies through which agreements the Contracts are sold and
the Financial Consultants are compensated by Merrill Lynch Life Agencies and/or
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. The maximum commission paid
to the Financial Consultant is 2.0% of each premium allocated to Separate
Account A. In addition, on the annuity date, the Financial Consultant will
receive compensation of no more than 1.4% of contract value not subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. Additional annual compensation of no more than
0.50% of contract value may also be paid to the Financial Consultant. Commission
may be paid in the form of non-cash compensation, in accordance with NASD rules.
No commission or annuity date compensation will be paid on Contracts purchased
by employees of Merrill Lynch Life or its affiliates or Contracts purchased by
the employees' spouses or dependents.
The maximum commission Merrill Lynch Life will pay to the applicable insurance
agency to be used to pay commissions to Financial Consultants is 5.0% of each
premium allocated to Separate Account A.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may arrange for sales of the
Contract by other broker-dealers who are registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and are members of the NASD. Registered representatives of
these other broker-dealers may be compensated on a different basis than Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated registered representatives.
STATE REGULATION
Merrill Lynch Life is subject to the laws of the State of Arkansas and to the
regulations of the Arkansas Insurance Department. It is also subject to the
insurance laws and regulations of all jurisdictions in which it is licensed to
do business.
An annual statement in the prescribed form is filed with the insurance
departments of jurisdictions where Merrill Lynch Life does business disclosing
the Company's operations for the preceding year and its financial condition as
of the end of that year. Insurance department regulation includes periodic
examination to verify Contract liabilities and reserves and to determine
solvency and compliance with all insurance laws and regulations. Merrill Lynch
Life's books and accounts are subject to insurance department review at all
times. A full examination of Merrill Lynch Life's operations is conducted
periodically by the Arkansas Insurance Department and under the auspices of the
National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
YEAR 2000
Many computer systems were designed using only two digits to designate years.
These systems may not be able to distinguish the Year 2000 from the Year 1900
(commonly known as the "Year 2000 Problem"). Like other investment companies and
financial and business organizations, the Separate Account could be adversely
affected if the computer systems used by Merrill Lynch Life or the other service
providers do not properly address this problem prior to January 1, 2000. Merrill
Lynch & Co., Inc. has established a dedicated group to analyze these issues and
to implement any systems modifications necessary to prepare for the Year 2000.
The resources that are being devoted to this effort are substantial. It is
difficult to predict with precision whether the amount of resources ultimately
devoted, or the outcome of these efforts, will have any negative impact on
Merrill Lynch Life. Currently, Merrill Lynch Life does not anticipate that the
transition to the 21st century will have any material impact on its ability to
continue to service the Contract at current levels. In addition,
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Merrill Lynch Life has sought assurances from the other service providers that
they are taking all necessary steps to ensure that their computer systems will
accurately reflect the Year 2000, and Merrill Lynch Life will continue to
monitor the situation. At this time, however, no assurance can be given that the
other service providers have anticipated every step necessary to avoid any
adverse effect on the Separate Account attributable to the Year 2000 Problem.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no legal proceedings to which the Accounts are a party or to which the
assets of the Accounts are subject. Merrill Lynch Life and Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are engaged in various kinds of routine
litigation that, in the Company's judgment, is not material to its total assets.
No litigation relates to the Accounts.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Merrill Lynch Life as of December 31, 1997 and 1996
and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 and of the
Accounts as of December 31, 1997 and for the periods presented in the Statement
of Additional Information have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, as stated in their reports appearing therein, and are
included in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing. Deloitte & Touche LLP's principal business
address is Two World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281-1420.
LEGAL MATTERS
The organization of the Company, its authority to issue the Contract, and the
validity of the form of the Contract have been passed upon by Barry G. Skolnick,
Merrill Lynch Life's Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Sutherland,
Asbill & Brennan LLP of Washington, D.C. has provided advice on certain matters
relating to federal securities laws.
REGISTRATION STATEMENTS
Registration statements have been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of
1940 that relate to the Contract and its investment options. This Prospectus
does not contain all of the information in the registration statements as
permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. The omitted
information can be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission's
principal office in Washington, D.C., upon payment of a prescribed fee.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The contents of the Statement of Additional Information for the Contract include
the following:
OTHER INFORMATION
Principal Underwriter
Financial Statements
Administrative Services Arrangements
CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE
ACCOUNT A
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE
ACCOUNT B
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
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APPENDIX A
ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT EXAMPLE
THE PURPOSE OF THIS EXAMPLE IS TO ILLUSTRATE THE OPERATION OF THE ENHANCED DEATH
BENEFIT. THE INVESTMENT RETURNS SHOWN ARE HYPOTHETICAL AND ARE NOT
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL INVESTMENT RETURNS MAY BE
MORE OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN AND WILL DEPEND UPON A NUMBER OF FACTORS,
INCLUDING THE INVESTMENT ALLOCATIONS MADE BY A CONTRACT OWNER AND THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE FUNDS.
FACTS. Assume a 65 year-old person purchases a Contract on June 1, 1998 with an
enhanced death benefit endorsement and makes an initial premium payment of
$100,000, which is allocated completely to Account A. During his life, the
contract owner makes no withdrawals, transfers, or additional premium payments.
The following chart, which is discussed in more detail below, depicts the
potential Death Benefit at certain points over the life of the contract owner.
HYPOTHETICAL VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(GMDB)
GUARANTEED MINIMUM
DEATH BENEFIT
(GREATER OF X OR Y)
------------------------------
(Y)
MAXIMUM
SEVENTH (DB)
(X) ANNIVERSARY DEATH
END OF CONTRACT (CV) PREMIUMS VALUE BENEFIT
CONTRACT OWNER'S CONTRACT COMPOUNDED COMPOUNDED (GREATER OF
YEAR ATTAINED AGE VALUE AT 5% AT 5% CV OR GMDB)
- --------------------------------------------- ------------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Purchase..................................... 65 100,000 100,000 0 100,000
1............................................ 66 104,000 105,000 0 105,000
2............................................ 67 120,000 110,250 0 120,000
............................................
7............................................ 72 160,000 140,710 160,000 160,000
8............................................ 73 130,000 147,746 168,000 168,000
............................................
14........................................... 79 230,000 197,993 230,000 230,000
15........................................... 80 240,000 207,893 241,500 241,500
...........................................
20........................................... 85 270,000 207,893 241,500 270,000
21........................................... 86 260,000 207,893 241,500 260,000
</TABLE>
FORMULA. For Contracts issued with an enhanced death benefit, a Contract's
death benefit (DB) is equal to the greater of the contract value (CV), or the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit for Account A (GMDB) plus the value of Account
B. The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit for Account A (GMDB) is equal to the
greater of "premiums compounded at 5%" (X) or the "maximum seventh anniversary
value compounded at 5%" (Y). To simplify:
DB = GREATER OF [CV OR (GMDB + VALUE OF ACCOUNT B)],
WHERE GMDB = GREATER OF X OR Y
or
IF THE VALUE OF ACCOUNT B = 0, THEN:
DB = GREATEST OF CV, X, OR Y
In this example, the value of Account B is zero throughout because no portion of
the initial premium was allocated to Account B and no transfers were made to
Account B. Accordingly, for purposes of this example, DB will equal the greatest
of CV, X, or Y.
This formula affects DB at various points during the life of the contract owner:
A-1
<PAGE>
PURCHASE. At the time of purchase, CV = $100,000, X = $100,000, and Y = $0
(because the contract has not yet reached a seventh anniversary). Accordingly,
the death benefit would equal $100,000.
FIRST ANNIVERSARY. On the First Anniversary, CV = $104,000, X = $105,000
(premiums of $100,000 at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually
for one year), and Y = $0 (because the contract has not yet reached a seventh
anniversary). Accordingly, the death benefit would equal $105,000, the greatest
of these three values.
SECOND ANNIVERSARY. On the Second Anniversary, CV = $120,000, X = $110,250
(premiums of $100,000 at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually
for two years), and Y = $0 (because the contract has not yet reached a seventh
anniversary). Accordingly, the death benefit would equal $120,000, the greatest
of these three values.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY. On the Seventh Anniversary, CV = $160,000, X = $140,710
(premiums of $100,000 at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually
for seven years), and Y = $160,000. The value of Y is equal to the value of
Account A on the Seventh Anniversary, or $160,000. Accordingly, the death
benefit would equal $160,000, the greatest of CV, X, and Y.
EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY. On the Eighth Anniversary, CV = $130,000, X = $147,746
(premiums of $100,000 at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually
for eight years), and Y = $168,000. The value of Y on the Eighth Anniversary is
equal to the contract value on the Seventh Anniversary at an interest rate
compounded daily to yield 5% annually for one year, or $168,000. Accordingly,
the death benefit would equal $168,000, the greatest of CV, X, and Y.
FOURTEENTH ANNIVERSARY. On the Fourteenth Anniversary, CV = $230,000, X =
$197,993 (premiums of $100,000 at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5%
annually for fourteen years), and Y = $230,000. Because this anniversary falls
on another seventh anniversary, the value of Y equals the greater of (1) the
value of Account A on this date ($230,000), or (2) the Seventh Anniversary value
of Y at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5% annually for seven years
($225,136). Based on a comparison of these two values, Y equals $230,000, the
greater value. Accordingly, the death benefit would equal $230,000 (the greatest
of CV, X, and Y). THE CALCULATION OF SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY VALUES CEASES AFTER
THIS YEAR SINCE THE CONTRACT OWNER WILL ATTAIN AGE 80 PRIOR TO THE TWENTY-FIRST
ANNIVERSARY, WHICH IS THE NEXT SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY.
FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY. On the Fifteenth Anniversary, CV = $240,000, X =
$207,893 (premiums of $100,000 at an interest rate compounded daily to yield 5%
annually for fifteen years), and Y = $241,500. The value of Y is determined by
comparing each seventh anniversary value of Y, which is the greater of (1) the
contract value on the Seventh Anniversary of $160,000 at an interest rate
compounded daily to yield 5% annually for eight years ($236,393) or (2) the
contract value on the Fourteenth Anniversary of $230,000 at an interest rate
compounded daily to yield 5% annually for one year ($241,500). Based on a
comparison of these two values, Y equals $241,500, the greater value.
Accordingly, the death benefit would equal $241,500 (the greatest of CV, X, and
Y). Note that because the 5% interest used to calculate X and Y accrues only
until the earliest of the last day of the 20th contract year, the last day of
the contract year in which the contract owner attains age 80, or the date of
death of the contract owner, and the contract owner in this example has now
reached age 80, NO ADDITIONAL 5% INTEREST WILL ACCRUE TO THE GMDB AFTER THIS
YEAR.
TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY. On the Twentieth Anniversary, CV = $270,000, X =
$207,893 (because no interest has accrued since the contract owner attained age
80, the value of X has not changed since the Fifteenth Anniversary), and Y =
$241,500 (because no interest has accrued since the contract owner attained age
80, the value of Y has not changed since the Fifteenth Anniversary).
Accordingly, the death benefit would equal $270,000, which is the greatest of
CV, X, and Y.
TWENTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY. On the Twenty-First Anniversary, CV = $260,000, X =
$207,893 (because no interest has accrued since the contract owner attained age
80, the value of X has not changed since the Fifteenth Anniversary), and Y =
$241,500. Although this anniversary is another seventh anniversary, the
calculation of seventh anniversary values has ceased because the contract owner
attained age 80 prior to this seventh year anniversary. Moreover, because no
interest has accrued since the contract owner attained age 80, the value of Y
has not changed since the Fifteenth Anniversary. Accordingly, the death benefit
would decrease from the Twentieth Anniversary death benefit to $260,000, which
is the greatest of CV, X, and Y.
Note: Any additional premiums allocated to Account A, transfers, and
withdrawals would affect the values of X and Y, even after the 5% interest stops
accruing or calculation of seventh anniversary values ends.
A-2
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 1, 1998
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
AND
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
ALSO KNOWN AS
MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED
VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
ISSUED BY
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
HOME OFFICE: LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201
SERVICE CENTER: P.O. BOX 44222,
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32231-4222
4804 DEER LAKE DRIVE EAST,
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32246
PHONE: (800) 535-5549
OFFERED THROUGH
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
This individual deferred variable annuity contract (the "Contract") is designed
to provide comprehensive and flexible ways to invest and to create a source of
income protection for later in life through the payment of annuity benefits. An
annuity is intended to be a long term investment. Contract owners should
consider their need for deferred income before purchasing the Contract. The
Contract is issued by Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch
Life") both on a nonqualified basis, and as an Individual Retirement Annuity
("IRA") that is given qualified tax status.
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus and should be read
together with the Contract's Prospectus dated May 1, 1998, which is available on
request and without charge by writing to or calling Merrill Lynch Life at the
Service Center address or phone number set forth above.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
---------
<S> <C>
OTHER INFORMATION......................................................................................... 3
Principal Underwriter..................................................................................... 3
Financial Statements...................................................................................... 3
Administrative Services Arrangements...................................................................... 3
CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS................................................................... 3
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A............................ S-1
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B............................ S-17
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.............................................. G-1
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, an affiliate of Merrill
Lynch Life, performs all sales and distribution functions regarding the
Contracts and may be deemed the principal underwriter of Merrill Lynch Life
Variable Annuity Separate Account A and Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity
Separate Account B (the "Accounts") under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The offering is continuous. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and
1995, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated received $49.4 million,
$26.1 million, and $24.2 million, respectively, in commissions in connection
with the sale of the Contracts.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of Merrill Lynch Life included in this Statement of
Additional Information should be distinguished from the financial statements of
the Accounts and should be considered only as bearing upon the ability of
Merrill Lynch Life to meet any obligations it may have under the Contract.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ARRANGEMENTS
Merrill Lynch Life has entered into a Service Agreement with its parent, Merrill
Lynch Insurance Group, Inc. ("MLIG") pursuant to which Merrill Lynch Life can
arrange for MLIG to provide directly or through affiliates certain services.
Pursuant to this agreement, Merrill Lynch Life has arranged for MLIG to provide
administrative services for the Accounts and the Contracts, and MLIG, in turn,
has arranged for a subsidiary, Merrill Lynch Insurance Group Services, Inc.
("MLIG Services"), to provide these services. Compensation for these services,
which will be paid by Merrill Lynch Life, will be based on the charges and
expenses incurred by MLIG Services, and will reflect MLIG Services' actual
costs. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, Merrill Lynch Life
paid administrative services fees of $43.0 million, $44.5 million, and $43.0
million, respectively.
CALCULATION OF YIELDS AND TOTAL RETURNS
MONEY MARKET YIELDS
From time to time, Merrill Lynch Life may quote in advertisements and sales
literature the current annualized yield for the Domestic Money Market Subaccount
of Account A and the Reserve Assets Subaccount of Account B for a 7-day period
in a manner that does not take into consideration any realized or unrealized
gains or losses on shares of the underlying Funds or on their respective
portfolio securities. The current annualized yield is computed by: (a)
determining the net change (exclusive of realized gains and losses on the sales
of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation) at the end of the
7-day period in the value of a hypothetical account under a Contract having a
balance of 1 unit at the beginning of the period, (b) dividing such net change
in account value by the value of the account at the beginning of the period to
determine the base period return; and (c) annualizing this quotient on a 365-day
basis. The net change in account value reflects: (1) net income from the Fund
attributable to the hypothetical account; and (2) charges and deductions imposed
under the Contract which are attributable to the hypothetical account. The
charges and deductions include the per unit charges for the hypothetical account
for: (1) the mortality and expense risk charge; (2) the administration charge in
the case of the Domestic Money Market Subaccount; and (3) the annual contract
maintenance charge. For purposes of calculating current yields for a Contract,
an average per unit
3
<PAGE>
contract maintenance charge is used, as described below. Current yield will be
calculated according to the following formula:
Current Yield = ((NCF - ES/UV)X(365/7)
Where:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
NCF = the net change in the value of the Fund (exclusive of realized gains and losses
on the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation) for the
7-day period attributable to a hypothetical account having a balance of 1 unit.
ES = per unit expenses for the hypothetical account for the 7-day period.
UV = the unit value on the first day of the 7-day period.
</TABLE>
Merrill Lynch Life also may quote the effective yield of the Domestic Money
Market Subaccount or the Reserve Assets Subaccount for the same 7-day period,
determined on a compounded basis. The effective yield is calculated by
compounding the unannualized base period return according to the following
formula:
Effective Yield = (1 + ((NCF - ES)/UV))(365/7) - 1
Where:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
NCF = the net change in the value of the Fund (exclusive of realized gains and losses
on the sale of securities and unrealized appreciation and depreciation) for the
7-day period attributable to a hypothetical account having a balance of 1 unit.
ES = per unit expenses of the hypothetical account for the 7-day period.
UV = the unit value for the first day of the 7-day period.
</TABLE>
The effective yield for the Domestic Money Market subaccount for the 7-day
period ended December 31, 1997 was 4.05%. The effective yield for the Reserve
Assets subaccount for the 7-day period ended December 31, 1997 was 4.67%.
Because of the charges and deductions imposed under the Contract, the yield for
the Domestic Money Market Subaccount and the Reserve Assets Subaccount will be
lower than the yield for the corresponding underlying Fund.
The yields on amounts held in the Domestic Money Market Subaccount or the
Reserve Assets Subaccount normally will fluctuate on a daily basis. Therefore,
the disclosed yield for any given past period is not an indication or
representation of future yields or rates of return. The actual yield for those
subaccounts is affected by changes in interest rates on money market securities,
average portfolio maturity of the underlying Fund, the types and qualities of
portfolio securities held by the Fund and the Fund's operating expenses. Yields
on amounts held in the Domestic Money Market Subaccount and Reserve Assets
Subaccount may also be presented for periods other than a 7-day period.
OTHER SUBACCOUNT YIELDS
From time to time, Merrill Lynch Life may quote in sales literature or
advertisements the current annualized yield of one or more of the Account A
subaccounts (other than the Domestic Money Market Subaccount) for a contract for
30-day or one-month periods. The annualized yield of a subaccount refers to
income generated by the subaccount over a specified 30-day or one-month period.
Because the yield is annualized, the yield generated by the subaccount during
the 30-day or one-month period is assumed to be generated each period over a
12-month period. The yield is computed by: (1) dividing the net investment
income of the Fund attributable to the subaccount units less subaccount expenses
4
<PAGE>
for the period; by (2) the maximum offering price per unit on the last day of
the period times the daily average number of units outstanding for the period;
then (3) compounding that yield for a 6-month period; and then (4) multiplying
that result by 2. Expenses attributable to the subaccount include the mortality
and expense risk charge, the administration charge and the annual contract
maintenance charge. For purposes of calculating the 30-day or one-month yield,
an average contract maintenance charge per dollar of contract value in the
subaccount is used to determine the amount of the charge attributable to the
subaccount for the 30-day or one-month period; as described below. The 30-day or
one-month yield is calculated according to the following formula:
Yield = 2 ((((NI - ES)/(U X UV)) + 1)(6) - 1)
Where:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
NI = net investment income of the Fund for the 30-day or one-month period attributable
to the subaccount's units.
ES = expenses of the subaccount for the 30-day or one-month period.
U = the average number of units outstanding.
UV = the unit value at the close of the last day in the 30-day or one-month period.
</TABLE>
Currently, Merrill Lynch Life may quote yields on bond subaccounts within
Account A. The yield for those subaccounts for the 30-day period ended December
31, 1997 was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME OF SUBACCOUNT YIELD
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
Prime Bond 4.60%
High Current Income 7.28%
Global Bond Focus (formerly, World Income Focus) 4.66%
Government Bond (formerly, Intermediate Government Bond) 4.04%
</TABLE>
Because of the charges and deductions imposed under the contracts, the yield for
an Account A subaccount will be lower than the yield for the corresponding Fund.
The yield on the amounts held in the Account A subaccounts normally will
fluctuate over time. Therefore, the disclosed yield for any given past period is
not an indication or representation of future yields or rates of return. A
subaccount's actual yield is affected by the types and quality of portfolio
securities held by the corresponding Fund, and its operating expenses.
Yield calculations do not take into account the declining contingent deferred
sales charge under the Contract of amounts surrendered or withdrawn under the
Contract deemed to consist of premiums paid within the preceding seven years. A
contingent deferred sales charge will not be imposed on the first withdrawal in
any Contract year to the extent that it is deemed to consist of gain on premiums
paid during the preceding seven contract years and/or premiums not subject to
such a charge.
5
<PAGE>
TOTAL RETURNS
From time to time, Merrill Lynch Life also may quote in sales literature or
advertisements, total returns, including average annual total returns for one or
more of the subaccounts for various periods of time. Average annual total
returns will be provided for a subaccount for 1, 5 and 10 years, or for a
shorter period, if applicable. For the year ended December 31, 1997, returns
were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
5 10 SINCE
NAME OF SUBACCOUNT 1 YEAR YEAR YEAR INCEPTION
- ----------------------------------------- ---------- --------- ----- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Prime Bond 0.28% 5.28% N/A 6.01%
High Current Income 2.44% 8.44% N/A 9.07%
Quality Equity 14.92% 13.12% N/A 11.80%
Special Value Focus
(formerly, Equity Growth) 3.11% 11.97% N/A 8.87%
Natural Resources Focus* -19.11% 2.59% N/A 2.96%
American Balanced* 8.42% 9.02% N/A 8.83%
Global Strategy Focus 3.33% 8.80% N/A 7.83%
Basic Value Focus 11.89% N/A N/A 15.15%
Global Bond Focus**
(formerly, World Income Focus) -5.85% N/A N/A 3.95%
Global Utility Focus* 17.09% N/A N/A 10.83%
International Equity Focus** -11.81% N/A N/A 1.82%
Government Bond (formerly, Intermediate
Government Bond) 0.50% N/A N/A 5.16%
Developing Capital Markets Focus -13.63% N/A N/A -3.32%
Index 500 Fund 23.91% N/A N/A 25.38%
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation 4.87% N/A N/A 5.84%
AIM V.I. Value 14.91% N/A N/A 18.24%
Alliance Premier Growth 24.95% N/A N/A 24.83%
MFS Emerging Growth 13.15% N/A N/A 11.61%
MFS Research 11.53% N/A N/A 12.87%
</TABLE>
Total returns assume the Contract was surrendered at the end of the period
shown, and are not indicative of performance if the Contract was continued for a
longer period.
- ------------------------
* Closed to allocations of premiums or contract value following the close of
business on December 6, 1996.
** Closed to allocations of premiums or contract value following the close of
business on June 5, 1998.
6
<PAGE>
Average annual total returns for other periods of time may also be disclosed
from time to time. For example, average annual total returns may be provided
based on the assumption that a subaccount had been in existence and had invested
in the corresponding underlying Fund for the same period as the corresponding
Fund had been in operation. The Funds commenced operations as indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND COMMENCED OPERATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C>
Domestic Money Market February 21, 1992
Prime Bond April 29, 1982
High Current Income April 29, 1982
Quality Equity April 29, 1982
Equity Growth April 29, 1982
Natural Resources Focus* June 1, 1988
American Balanced* June 1, 1988
Global Strategy Focus February 21, 1992
Basic Value Focus July 1, 1993
Global Bond Focus**
(formerly, World Income Focus) July 1, 1993
Global Utility Focus* July 1, 1993
International Equity Focus** July 1, 1993
Government Bond
(formerly, Intermediate Government Bond) May 16, 1994
Developing Capital Markets Focus May 16, 1994
Reserve Assets November 23, 1981
Index 500 Fund December 18, 1996
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation May 5, 1993
AIM V.I. Value May 5, 1993
Alliance Premier Growth March 12, 1992
MFS Emerging Growth Series July 24, 1995
MFS Research Series July 26, 1995
</TABLE>
Average annual total returns represent the average annual compounded rates of
return that would equate an initial investment of $1,000 under a contract to the
redemption value or that investment as of the last day of each of the periods.
The ending date for each period for which total return quotations are provided
will generally be as of the most recent calendar quarter-end.
Average annual total returns are calculated using subaccount unit values
calculated on each valuation day based on the performance of the corresponding
underlying Fund, the deductions for the mortality and expense risk charge, the
administration charge (in the case of Account A subaccounts), and the contract
maintenance charge, and assume a surrender of the Contract at the end of the
period for the return quotation. Total returns therefore reflect a deduction of
the contingent deferred sales charge for any period of less than seven years.
For purposes of calculating total return, an average per dollar contract
maintenance charge attributable to the hypothetical account for the period is
used, as described below. The total return is then calculated according to the
following formula:
TR = ((ERV/P)(1/N)) + 1
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Where:
TR = the average annual total return net of subaccount recurring charges (such as
the mortality and expense risk charge, administration charge, if applicable,
and contract maintenance charge).
ERV = the ending redeemable value (net of any applicable contingent deferred sales
charge) at the end of the period of the hypothetical account with an initial
payment of $1,000.
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
N = the number of years in the period.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* The subaccount corresponding to this Fund was closed to allocations of
premiums or contract value following the close of business on December 6,
1996.
** The subaccount corresponding to this Fund will be closed to allocations of
premiums or contract value following the close of business on June 5, 1998.
7
<PAGE>
From time to time, Merrill Lynch Life also may quote in sales literature or
advertisements, total returns that do not reflect the contingent deferred sales
charge. These are calculated in exactly the same way as average annual total
returns described above, except that the ending redeemable value of the
hypothetical account for the period is replaced with an ending value for the
period that does not take into account any contingent deferred sales charge on
surrender of the Contract. In addition, such nonstandard returns may also be
quoted for other periods.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, returns not reflecting any contingent
deferred sales charge were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
5 10 SINCE
NAME OF SUBACCOUNT 1 YEAR YEAR YEAR INCEPTION
- ----------------------------------------------------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Prime Bond 7.07% 5.76% N/A 6.27%
High Current Income 9.40% 8.87% N/A 9.29%
Quality Equity 21.92% 13.49% N/A 12.00%
Special Value Focus
(formerly, Equity Growth) 10.11% 12.35% N/A 9.09%
Natural Resources Focus* -13.78% 3.12% N/A 3.26%
American Balanced* 15.42% 9.44% N/A 9.06%
Global Strategy Focus 10.33% 9.22% N/A 8.07%
Basic Value Focus 18.89% N/A N/A 15.56%
Global Bond Focus**
(formerly, World Income Focus) 0.48% N/A N/A 4.53%
Global Utility Focus* 24.09% N/A N/A 11.29%
International Equity Focus** -5.93% N/A N/A 2.44%
Government Bond
(formerly, Intermediate Government Bond) 7.32% N/A N/A 6.12%
Developing Capital Markets Focus -7.88% N/A N/A -2.34%
Index 500 Fund 30.91% N/A N/A 31.12%
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation 11.87% N/A N/A 11.61%
AIM V.I. Value 21.91% N/A N/A 23.99%
Alliance Premier Growth 31.95% N/A N/A 30.58%
MFS Emerging Growth 20.15% N/A N/A 17.38%
MFS Research 18.53% N/A N/A 18.63%
</TABLE>
From time to time, Merrill Lynch Life also may quote in sales literature or
advertisements total returns or other performance information for a hypothetical
Contract assuming the initial premium is allocated to more than one subaccount
or assuming monthly transfers from the Domestic Money Market Subaccount to one
or more designated subaccounts under a dollar cost averaging program. These
returns will reflect the performance of the affected subaccount(s) for the
amount and duration of the allocation to each subaccount for the hypothetical
Contract. They also will reflect the deduction of charges described above except
for the contingent deferred sales charge. For example, total return information
for a Contract with a dollar cost averaging program for a 12-month period will
assume commencement of the program at the beginning of the most recent 12-month
period for which average annual total return information is available. This
information will assume an initial lump-sum investment in the Domestic Money
Market Subaccount at the beginning of that period and monthly transfers of a
portion of the contract value from that subaccount to designated subaccount(s)
during the 12-month period. The total return for the Contract for this 12-month
period therefore will reflect the return on the portion of the contract value
that remains invested in the Domestic Money Market Subaccount for the period it
is assumed to be so invested, as affected by monthly transfers, and the return
on amounts transferred to the designated subaccounts for the period during which
those amounts are assumed to be invested in those subaccounts. The return for an
amount invested in a subaccount will be based on the performance of that
subaccount for the duration of the investment, and will reflect the charges
described above other than the contingent deferred sales charge. Performance
information for a dollar cost-averaging program also may show the returns for
various periods for a designated subaccount assuming monthly transfers to the
subaccount, and may compare those returns to returns assuming an initial
lump-sum investment in that subaccount. This information also may be compared to
various indices, such as the Merrill Lynch 91-day Treasury Bills index or the
U.S. Treasury Bills index and may be illustrated by graphs, charts, or
otherwise.
- --------------------------
* The subaccount corresponding to this Fund was closed to allocations of
premiums or contract value following the close of business on December 6,
1996.
** The subaccount corresponding to this Fund will be closed to allocations of
premiums or contract value following the close of business on June 5, 1998.
8
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets of
Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A (the
"Account") as of December 31, 1997 and the related
statements of operations and changes in net assets for each
of the two years in the period then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the management of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation
of mutual fund securities owned at December 31, 1997. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Account
at December 31, 1997 and the results of its operations and
the changes in its net assets for the above periods in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an
opinion on the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
The supplemental schedules included herein are presented for
the purpose of additional analysis and are not a required
part of the basic financial statements. These schedules are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Such
schedules have been subjected to the auditing procedures
applied in our audits of the basic financial statements and,
in our opinion, are fairly stated in all material respects
when considered in relation to the basic financial
statements taken as a whole.
January 23, 1998
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Market
Cost Shares Value
======================= ======================= =======================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. (Note 1):
Domestic Money Market Fund $ 295,301,830 295,301,830 $ 295,301,830
Prime Bond Fund 459,408,280 38,186,293 462,436,007
High Current Income Fund 500,745,340 43,904,972 505,785,275
Quality Equity Fund 563,695,563 19,750,066 758,797,552
Special Value Focus Fund 351,811,427 15,133,357 419,950,663
American Balanced Fund 144,901,992 10,422,228 172,904,764
Natural Resources Focus Fund 26,745,570 2,317,595 24,705,561
Global Strategy Focus Fund 662,906,269 52,807,304 776,795,441
Global Utility Focus Fund 87,759,409 8,315,799 123,406,451
International Equity Focus Fund 395,013,525 34,962,328 377,593,145
Global Bond Focus Fund 71,826,934 7,462,914 69,554,361
Basic Value Focus Fund 425,628,908 33,739,596 534,435,197
Government Bond Fund 162,110,165 15,753,103 166,982,891
Developing Capital Markets Focus Fund 129,753,111 12,973,611 119,616,695
Index 500 Fund 155,245,475 13,253,861 178,636,536
----------------------- -----------------------
4,432,853,798 4,986,902,369
----------------------- -----------------------
Investments in Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc. (Note 1):
Premier Growth Portfolio 209,687,042 233,347,117
----------------------- -----------------------
209,687,042 11,117,061 233,347,117
----------------------- -----------------------
Investments in MFS Variable Insurance Trust (Note 1):
MFS Emerging Growth Series 68,022,318 4,633,311 74,781,632
MFS Research Series 98,145,556 6,857,542 108,280,590
----------------------- -----------------------
166,167,874 183,062,222
----------------------- -----------------------
Investments in AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. (Note 1):
AIM V.I. Value Fund 97,635,954 4,661,775 102,572,802
AIM V.I. Capital Appreciation Fund 97,032,718 4,924,282 101,393,604
----------------------- -----------------------
194,668,672 203,966,406
----------------------- -----------------------
TOTAL ASSETS 5,003,377,386 5,607,278,114
======================= -----------------------
LIABILITIES:
Due to Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company 2,496,434
------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,496,434
------------------------
NET ASSETS $ 5,604,781,680
========================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
======================= =======================
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Reinvested Dividends $ 290,197,843 $ 305,335,555
Mortality and Expense Charges (Note 3) (68,664,481) (54,400,771)
----------------------- -----------------------
Net Investment Income 221,533,362 250,934,784
----------------------- -----------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains:
Net Realized Gains 87,299,391 20,682,599
Net Unrealized Gains 211,226,102 101,585,937
----------------------- -----------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains 298,525,493 122,268,536
----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 520,058,855 373,203,320
----------------------- -----------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 1,036,438,880 507,916,019
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (264,290,075) (207,895,518)
Transfers Out - Net (34,499,626) (25,471,251)
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (Note 3) (1,494,689) (1,481,625)
Transfers from (to) General Account - Net (11,026,253) 827,514
----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 725,128,237 273,895,139
----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets 1,245,187,092 647,098,459
Net Assets Beginning Balance 4,359,594,588 3,712,496,129
----------------------- -----------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 5,604,781,680 $ 4,359,594,588
======================= =======================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account A
("Separate Account A"), a separate account of Merrill
Lynch Life Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch Life"), was
established to support the operations with respect to
certain variable annuity contracts ("Contracts").
Separate Account A is governed by Arkansas State
Insurance Law. Merrill Lynch Life is an indirect wholly-
owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Separate
Account A is registered as a unit investment trust under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and consists of twenty
investment divisions. At any point in time, the Account
may or may not be invested in all available divisions.
The investment divisions are as follows:
- Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc.: Fifteen of
the investment divisions each invest in the securities
of a single mutual fund portfolio of the Merrill Lynch
Variable Series Funds, Inc. (See Note 5.) Three of the
investment divisions; Natural Resources Focus Fund,
American Balanced Fund and Global Utility Focus Fund
were closed to allocations of premiums and contract
value following the close of business on December 6,
1996.
- Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.: One
investment division invests in the securities of a
single mutual fund portfolio of the Alliance Variable
Products Series Fund, Inc.
- MFS Variable Insurance Trust: Two of the investment
divisions each invest in the securities of a single
mutual fund portfolio of the MFS Variable Insurance
Trust.
- AIM Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.: Two of the
investment divisions each invest in the securities of
a single mutual fund portfolio of the AIM Variable
Insurance Funds, Inc.
The assets of Separate Account A are registered in the
name of Merrill Lynch Life. The portion of Separate
Account A's assets applicable to the Contracts are not
chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other
business Merrill Lynch Life may conduct.
The change in net assets accumulated in Separate Account
A provides the basis for the periodic determination of
the amount of increased or decreased benefits under the
Contracts.
The net assets may not be less than the amount required
under Arkansas State Insurance Law to provide for death
benefits (without regard to the minimum death benefit
guarantee) and other Contract benefits.
The financial statements included herein have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for variable annuity separate accounts
registered as unit investment trusts. The preparation of
financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
2. The following is a summary of significant accounting
policies of Separate Account A:
Investments in the divisions are included in the
statement of net assets at the net asset value of the
shares held.
Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.
All dividends are automatically reinvested.
Realized gains and losses on the sales of investments are
computed on the first in first out method.
The operations of Separate Account A are included in the
Federal income tax return of Merrill Lynch Life. Under
the provisions of the Contracts, Merrill Lynch Life has
the right to charge Separate Account A for any Federal
income tax attributable to Separate Account A. No charge
is currently being made against Separate Account A for
such tax since, under current tax law, Merrill Lynch Life
pays no tax on investment income and capital gains
reflected in variable annuity contract reserves. However,
Merrill Lynch Life retains the right to charge for any
Federal income tax incurred which is attributable to
Separate Account A if the law is changed. Charges for
state and local taxes, if any, attributable to Separate
Account A may also be made.
3. Merrill Lynch Life assumes mortality and expense risks
related to Contracts investing in Separate Account A and
deducts daily charges at a rate of 1.25% (on an annual
basis) of the net assets of Separate Account A to cover
these risks.
An administration charge of .10% annually is deducted
daily from the net asset value of Separate Account A.
This charge is made to reimburse Merrill Lynch Life for
costs associated with the establishment and
administration of Separate Account A.
Merrill Lynch Life deducts a contract maintenance charge
of $40 for each Contract on each Contract's anniversary
that occurs on or prior to the annuity date. It is also
deducted when the Contract is surrendered if it is
surrendered on any date other than a contract anniversary
date. The contract maintenance charge is borne by
Contract owners by redeeming accumulation units with a
value equal to the charge. This charge is waived on all
Contracts with a Contract value equal to or greater than
$50,000 on the date the charge would otherwise be
deducted, and in certain circumstances where multiple
contracts are owned.
Contract owners may make up to six transfers among the
Separate Account A divisions per contract year without
charge. Additional transfers may be permitted at a charge
of $25 per transfer.
4. The net assets attributable to Merrill Lynch Life in
Separate Account A represent an investment in certain
investment divisions to facilitate the establishment of
those investment divisions. Merrill Lynch Life's
investment is not subject to charges for mortality and
expense risks. Excess amounts retained in Separate
Account A may be transferred by Merrill Lynch Life to the
general account.
5. Effective following the close of business on August 15,
1997, the Equity Growth Fund was renamed the Special
Value Focus Fund. The Fund's investment objective was
not modified.
Effective following the close of business on December 6,
1996, (i) the International Bond Fund was merged with and
into the former World Income Focus Fund; the World Income
Focus Fund was renamed the Global Bond Focus Fund; and
the Fund's investment objective was modified; (ii) the
Flexible Strategy Fund was merged with and into the
Global Strategy Focus Fund; and (iii) the Intermediate
Government Bond Fund was renamed the Government Bond
Fund, and the Fund's investment objective was modified.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Separate Total Total
Account Contracts Investment
======================= ======================= =======================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Reinvested Dividends $ 290,197,843 $ 290,177,491 $ 20,352
Mortality and Expense Charges (68,664,481) (68,664,481) 0
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Net Investment Income 221,533,362 221,513,010 20,352
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains 87,299,391 86,293,490 1,005,901
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 211,226,102 211,394,592 (168,490)
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains 298,525,493 297,688,082 837,411
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 520,058,855 519,201,092 857,763
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 1,036,438,880 1,036,438,880 0
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (264,290,075) (264,290,075) 0
Transfers Out - Net (34,499,626) (34,499,626) 0
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (1,494,689) (1,494,689) 0
Transfers To General Account - Net (11,026,253) 0 (11,026,253)
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 725,128,237 736,154,490 (11,026,253)
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 1,245,187,092 1,255,355,582 (10,168,490)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 4,359,594,588 4,349,426,098 10,168,490
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 5,604,781,680 $ 5,604,781,680 $ 0
======================= ======================= =======================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Separate Total Total
Account Contracts Investment
======================= ======================= =======================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Reinvested Dividends $ 305,335,555 $ 304,928,917 $ 406,638
Mortality and Expense Charges (54,400,771) (54,400,771) 0
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Net Investment Income 250,934,784 250,528,146 406,638
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains:
Net Realized Gains 20,682,599 20,576,844 105,755
Net Unrealized Gains 101,585,937 101,253,144 332,793
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains 122,268,536 121,829,988 438,548
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 373,203,320 372,358,134 845,186
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 507,916,019 507,916,019 0
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (207,895,518) (207,895,518) 0
Transfers Out - Net (25,471,251) (25,471,251) 0
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (1,481,625) (1,481,625) 0
Transfers From General Account - Net 827,514 0 827,514
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 273,895,139 273,067,625 827,514
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets 647,098,459 645,425,759 1,672,700
Net Assets Beginning Balance 3,712,496,129 3,704,000,339 8,495,790
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 4,359,594,588 $ 4,349,426,098 $ 10,168,490
======================= ======================= =======================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Domestic
Total Money Prime
Separate Market Bond
Account Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 290,177,491 $ 14,542,862 $ 30,327,250
Mortality and Expense Charges (68,664,481) (3,847,441) (6,195,296)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 221,513,010 10,695,421 24,131,954
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 86,293,490 0 (4,716,434)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 211,394,592 0 11,641,219
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 297,688,082 0 6,924,785
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 519,201,092 10,695,421 31,056,739
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 1,036,438,880 933,644,733 3,761,832
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (264,290,075) (29,212,336) (27,209,883)
Transfers In (Out) - Net (34,499,626) (873,970,780) (14,198,500)
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (1,494,689) (53,790) (129,049)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 736,154,490 30,407,827 (37,775,600)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 1,255,355,582 41,103,248 (6,718,861)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 4,349,426,098 254,057,462 468,949,671
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 5,604,781,680 $ 295,160,710 $ 462,230,810
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1997 24,720,327.5 32,188,775.1
=========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1997 $ 11.94 $ 14.36
=========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
High Special
Current Quality Value
Income Equity Focus
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 40,374,819 $ 36,765,087 $ 20,905,658
Mortality and Expense Charges (5,968,459) (9,739,085) (5,480,346)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 34,406,360 27,026,002 15,425,312
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) (249,044) 21,824,903 19,244,460
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 5,341,214 91,851,168 4,677,975
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 5,092,170 113,676,071 23,922,435
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 39,498,530 140,702,073 39,347,747
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 11,744,090 9,977,901 5,357,994
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (24,818,883) (33,114,921) (19,308,829)
Transfers In (Out) - Net 98,457,214 (45,836,773) (4,985,253)
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (130,439) (232,974) (133,369)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 85,251,982 (69,206,767) (19,069,457)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 124,750,512 71,495,306 20,278,290
Net Assets Beginning Balance 380,806,899 686,967,914 399,487,045
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 505,557,411 $ 758,463,220 $ 419,765,335
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1997 29,861,630.9 38,815,927.3 25,060,617.0
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1997 $ 16.93 $ 19.54 $ 16.75
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Natural Global
American Resources Strategy
Balanced Focus Focus
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 21,360,451 $ 2,948,280 $ 40,369,873
Mortality and Expense Charges (2,385,023) (457,908) (10,835,736)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 18,975,428 2,490,372 29,534,137
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 3,780,214 1,566,646 12,747,513
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 2,712,595 (7,915,418) 36,155,838
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 6,492,809 (6,348,772) 48,903,351
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 25,468,237 (3,858,400) 78,437,488
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 321 0 12,652,689
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (10,401,320) (1,985,165) (43,524,129)
Transfers In (Out) - Net (29,617,130) (11,234,544) (48,413,248)
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (64,708) (11,184) (295,869)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions (40,082,837) (13,230,893) (79,580,557)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets (14,614,600) (17,089,293) (1,143,069)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 187,442,952 41,783,931 777,594,737
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 172,828,352 $ 24,694,638 $ 776,451,668
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1997 10,336,623.9 2,034,154.7 48,987,486.9
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1997 $ 16.72 $ 12.14 $ 15.85
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Global International Global
Utility Equity Bond
Focus Focus Focus
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 4,179,108 $ 8,520,635 $ 4,914,811
Mortality and Expense Charges (1,654,299) (4,978,793) (1,002,848)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 2,524,809 3,541,842 3,911,963
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 8,056,044 1,669,626 (2,555,412)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 15,923,529 (32,014,455) (1,487,176)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 23,979,573 (30,344,829) (4,042,588)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 26,504,382 (26,802,987) (130,625)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 8,133 4,885,367 838,190
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (7,452,535) (17,978,233) (4,883,209)
Transfers In (Out) - Net (26,938,317) 102,717,003 (13,954,908)
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (41,996) (113,230) (22,653)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions (34,424,715) 89,510,907 (18,022,580)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets (7,920,333) 62,707,920 (18,153,205)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 131,272,348 314,717,735 87,676,684
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 123,352,015 $ 377,425,655 $ 69,523,479
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1997 7,581,562.1 33,698,719.2 5,666,135.2
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1997 $ 16.27 $ 11.20 $ 12.27
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Basic Developing
Value Government Capital Markets
Focus Bond Focus
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 49,988,204 $ 8,335,134 $ 1,488,739
Mortality and Expense Charges (6,545,003) (1,725,650) (1,483,500)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 43,443,201 6,609,484 5,239
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 16,585,545 106,665 146,033
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 20,005,200 3,709,134 (12,453,540)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 36,590,745 3,815,799 (12,307,507)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 80,033,946 10,425,283 (12,302,268)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 12,493,113 818,167 2,271,822
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (22,299,460) (5,804,954) (3,904,289)
Transfers In (Out) - Net 9,919,139 78,350,161 54,002,609
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (142,677) (23,186) (31,308)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions (29,885) 73,340,188 52,338,834
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 80,004,061 83,765,471 40,036,566
Net Assets Beginning Balance 454,195,329 83,139,180 79,527,445
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 534,199,390 $ 166,904,651 $ 119,564,011
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1997 27,721,815.8 13,405,996.1 12,981,977.3
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1997 $ 19.27 $ 12.45 $ 9.21
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
MFS
Index Premier Emerging
500 Growth Growth
Fund Portfolio Series
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 1,003 $ 138,947 $ 1,219
Mortality and Expense Charges (1,609,747) (1,671,447) (534,089)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) (1,608,744) (1,532,500) (532,870)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 4,106,058 1,723,613 (30,146)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 23,388,329 23,660,431 6,765,039
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 27,494,387 25,384,044 6,734,893
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 25,885,643 23,851,544 6,202,023
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 3,957,378 9,250,515 5,768,632
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (4,367,198) (2,829,661) (782,634)
Transfers In (Out) - Net 152,765,923 202,844,111 63,330,519
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (18,431) (17,670) (5,085)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 152,337,672 209,247,295 68,311,432
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 178,223,315 233,098,839 74,513,455
Net Assets Beginning Balance 334,490 145,625 235,243
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 178,557,805 $ 233,244,464 $ 74,748,698
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1997 13,455,750.2 17,656,658.9 6,318,571.3
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1997 $ 13.27 $ 13.21 $ 11.83
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
AIM V.I.
MFS AIM V.I. Capital
Research Value Appreciation
Series Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 1,829 $ 3,680,533 $ 1,333,049
Mortality and Expense Charges (949,113) (716,909) (883,789)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) (947,284) 2,963,624 449,260
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 3,235,812 20,750 (969,356)
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 10,138,223 4,932,625 4,362,662
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 13,374,035 4,953,375 3,393,306
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 12,426,751 7,916,999 3,842,566
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 6,271,152 7,848,715 4,888,136
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (1,528,053) (993,891) (1,890,492)
Transfers In (Out) - Net 90,820,896 87,455,713 93,986,539
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (10,875) (6,070) (10,126)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 95,553,120 94,304,467 96,974,057
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 107,979,871 102,221,466 100,816,623
Net Assets Beginning Balance 252,962 306,045 532,401
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 108,232,833 $ 102,527,511 $ 101,349,024
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1997 9,049,568.0 8,189,098.3 9,024,846.3
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1997 $ 11.96 $ 12.52 $ 11.23
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Domestic
Total Money Prime
Separate Market Bond
Account Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 304,928,917 $ 12,769,857 $ 28,083,697
Mortality and Expense Charges (54,400,771) (3,463,704) (5,804,156)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 250,528,146 9,306,153 22,279,541
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 20,576,844 0 197,812
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 101,253,144 0 (17,404,424)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 121,829,988 0 (17,206,612)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 372,358,134 9,306,153 5,072,929
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 507,916,019 431,768,672 4,701,553
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (207,895,518) (23,361,863) (24,893,231)
Transfers In (Out) - Net (25,471,251) (447,973,179) 64,861,016
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (1,481,625) (60,674) (142,790)
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) 0 0 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 273,067,625 (39,627,044) 44,526,548
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 645,425,759 (30,320,891) 49,599,477
Net Assets Beginning Balance 3,704,000,339 284,378,353 419,350,194
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 4,349,426,098 $ 254,057,462 $ 468,949,671
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 22,091,953.2 34,996,244.1
=========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 11.50 $ 13.40
=========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
High Special
Current Quality Value
Income Equity Focus
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 33,137,129 $ 84,157,165 $ 40,488,061
Mortality and Expense Charges (4,816,499) (8,254,005) (4,842,675)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 28,320,630 75,903,160 35,645,386
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) (431,269) 2,287,500 2,353,856
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 5,310,002 15,233,629 (15,848,534)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 4,878,733 17,521,129 (13,494,678)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 33,199,363 93,424,289 22,150,708
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 8,705,380 11,097,642 9,887,726
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (19,067,263) (28,796,257) (15,308,291)
Transfers In (Out) - Net 33,144,580 62,791,585 81,391,997
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (126,439) (234,486) (130,664)
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) 0 0 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 22,656,258 44,858,484 75,840,768
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 55,855,621 138,282,773 97,991,476
Net Assets Beginning Balance 324,951,278 548,685,141 301,495,569
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 380,806,899 $ 686,967,914 $ 399,487,045
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 24,631,752.8 42,908,676.7 26,282,042.4
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 15.46 $ 16.01 $ 15.20
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Natural
Flexible American Resources
Strategy Balanced Focus
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 44,477,092 $ 7,239,257 $ 1,337,540
Mortality and Expense Charges (3,292,483) (2,575,354) (567,041)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 41,184,609 4,663,903 770,499
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 2,525,056 3,436,706 788,059
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) (13,916,660) 6,783,279 3,040,336
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) (11,391,604) 10,219,985 3,828,395
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 29,793,005 14,883,888 4,598,894
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 3,517,990 2,796,890 1,025,133
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (12,485,629) (10,664,004) (2,332,333)
Transfers In (Out) - Net (13,999,757) (6,521,763) (888,528)
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (106,757) (76,755) (13,837)
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) (263,621,085) 0 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions (286,695,238) (14,465,632) (2,209,565)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets (256,902,233) 418,256 2,389,329
Net Assets Beginning Balance 256,902,233 187,024,696 39,394,602
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 0 $ 187,442,952 $ 41,783,931
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 0.0 12,953,901.3 2,971,830.1
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 0.00 $ 14.47 $ 14.06
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Global Global International
Strategy Utility Equity
Focus Focus Focus
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 11,889,024 $ 6,283,801 $ 3,404,013
Mortality and Expense Charges (7,207,973) (1,849,080) (3,910,354)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 4,681,051 4,434,721 (506,341)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 6,709,117 2,552,957 524,063
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 46,086,216 7,317,385 13,362,729
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 52,795,333 9,870,342 13,886,792
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 57,476,384 14,305,063 13,380,451
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 9,160,911 2,466,876 6,673,370
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (25,295,028) (7,622,746) (13,085,931)
Transfers In (Out) - Net (32,338,973) (16,909,768) 62,137,992
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (233,094) (53,892) (114,701)
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) 263,621,085 0 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 214,914,901 (22,119,530) 55,610,730
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 272,391,285 (7,814,467) 68,991,181
Net Assets Beginning Balance 505,203,452 139,086,815 245,726,554
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 777,594,737 $ 131,272,348 $ 314,717,735
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 54,187,786.6 10,020,789.9 26,446,868.5
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 14.35 $ 13.10 $ 11.90
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Global Basic
Bond Value International
Focus Focus Bond
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 6,323,251 $ 19,630,641 $ 1,074,729
Mortality and Expense Charges (1,084,593) (4,888,588) (178,095)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 5,238,658 14,742,053 896,634
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) (828,024) 351,122 23,818
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 657,507 47,906,465 (504,487)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) (170,517) 48,257,587 (480,669)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 5,068,141 62,999,640 415,965
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 1,221,287 9,988,568 1,052,700
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (4,443,757) (14,687,789) (600,784)
Transfers In (Out) - Net (3,466,879) 117,643,971 (937,300)
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (25,783) (121,626) (4,065)
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) 13,511,225 0 (13,511,225)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 6,796,093 112,823,124 (14,000,674)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 11,864,234 175,822,764 (13,584,709)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 75,812,450 278,372,565 13,584,709
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 87,676,684 $ 454,195,329 $ 0
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 7,186,613.4 28,054,066.0 0.0
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 12.20 $ 16.19 $ 0.00
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Developing
Government Capital Markets Index
Bond Focus 500
Fund Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 3,488,502 $ 1,139,526 $ 0
Mortality and Expense Charges (768,612) (896,744) (158)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) 2,719,890 242,782 (158)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 71,965 14,106 0
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) (1,017,190) 4,250,983 2,732
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) (945,225) 4,265,089 2,732
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 1,774,665 4,507,871 2,574
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 1,093,829 2,705,741 0
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (2,101,440) (3,146,906) 0
Transfers In (Out) - Net 43,351,696 30,485,503 331,916
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (12,404) (23,658) 0
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) 0 0 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 42,331,681 30,020,680 331,916
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 44,106,346 34,528,551 334,490
Net Assets Beginning Balance 39,032,834 44,998,894 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 83,139,180 $ 79,527,445 $ 334,490
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 7,173,354.6 7,960,705.2 33,052.4
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 11.59 $ 9.99 $ 10.12
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
MFS
Premier Emerging MFS
Growth Growth Research
Portfolio Series Series
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 0 $ 1,984 $ 3,648
Mortality and Expense Charges (69) (105) (112)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) (69) 1,879 3,536
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 0 0 0
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) (357) (5,725) (3,190)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) (357) (5,725) (3,190)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations (426) (3,846) 346
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 6,876 25,125 9,875
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals 0 0 0
Transfers In (Out) - Net 139,175 213,964 242,741
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges 0 0 0
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) 0 0 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 146,051 239,089 252,616
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 145,625 235,243 252,962
Net Assets Beginning Balance 0 0 0
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 145,625 $ 235,243 $ 252,962
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 14,562.5 23,931.1 25,095.4
=========================== =========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 10.00 $ 9.83 $ 10.08
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND
CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
=======================================================
AIM V.I.
AIM V.I. Capital
Value Appreciation
Fund Fund
=========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income (Loss):
Reinvested Dividends $ 0 $ 0
Mortality and Expense Charges (132) (239)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income (Loss) (132) (239)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains (Losses) 0 0
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 4,224 (1,776)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 4,224 (1,776)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 4,092 (2,015)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 3,000 6,875
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals 0 (2,266)
Transfers In (Out) - Net 298,953 529,807
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges 0 0
Transfer of Merged Funds (Note 5) 0 0
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 301,953 534,416
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 306,045 532,401
Net Assets Beginning Balance 0 0
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 306,045 $ 532,401
=========================== ===========================
Units Outstanding at December 31, 1996 29,828.9 53,080.9
=========================== ===========================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, 1996 $ 10.26 $ 10.03
=========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
INVESTMENT OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Division Investing In
=======================================================
Index
Total 500
Investment Fund
=========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Reinvested Dividends $ 20,352 $ 20,352
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income 20,352 20,352
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains 1,005,901 1,005,901
Net Unrealized Losses (168,490) (168,490)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains 837,411 837,411
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 857,763 857,763
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfers To General Account (11,026,253) (11,026,253)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Decrease in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions (11,026,253) (11,026,253)
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Decrease in Net Assets (10,168,490) (10,168,490)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 10,168,490 10,168,490
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 0 $ 0
=========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
INVESTMENT OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
===================================================================================
Global
Bond International
Total Focus Bond
Investment Fund Fund
=========================== =========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Reinvested Dividends $ 406,638 $ 0 $ 285,799
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income 406,638 0 285,799
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains 105,755 2,155 60,210
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 332,793 0 (181,045)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 438,548 2,155 (120,835)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 845,186 2,155 164,964
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfers (to) from General Account - Net 827,514 (2,155) (3,847,581)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 827,514 (2,155) (3,847,581)
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 1,672,700 0 (3,682,617)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 8,495,790 0 3,682,617
--------------------------- --------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Beginning Balance $ 10,168,490 $ 0 $ 0
=========================== =========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATING SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
INVESTMENT OF MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Divisions Investing In
=======================================================
Developing
Capital Index
Markets 500
Focus Fund Fund
=========================== ===========================
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Reinvested Dividends $ 120,839 $ 0
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Investment Income 120,839 0
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses):
Net Realized Gains 43,390 0
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) 345,348 168,490
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gains (Losses) 388,738 168,490
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 509,577 168,490
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfers (to) from General Account - Net (5,322,750) 10,000,000
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions (5,322,750) 10,000,000
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets (4,813,173) 10,168,490
Net Assets Beginning Balance 4,813,173 0
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Net Assets Beginning Balance $ 0 $ 10,168,490
=========================== ===========================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying statement of net assets of
Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B (the
"Account") as of December 31, 1997 and the related
statements of operations and changes in net assets for each
of the two years in the period then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the management of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that
we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. Our procedures included
confirmation of mutual fund securities owned at December 31,
1997. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Account
at December 31, 1997 and the results of its operations and
the changes in its net assets for the above periods in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
January 23, 1998
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Market
Cost Shares Value
======================= ======================= =======================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc. (Note 1):
Reserve Assets Fund $ 11,309,357 11,309,357 $ 11,309,357
----------------------- -----------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 11,309,357 11,309,357
======================= -----------------------
LIABILITIES:
Due to Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company 2,557
-----------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,557
-----------------------
NET ASSETS $ 11,306,800
=======================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
======================= =======================
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Reinvested Dividends $ 533,221 $ 530,920
Mortality and Expense Charges (Note 3) (68,596) (69,404)
----------------------- -----------------------
Net Investment Income 464,625 461,516
----------------------- -----------------------
Increase in Net Assets
Resulting from Operations 464,625 461,516
----------------------- -----------------------
Changes from Principal Transactions:
Transfer of Net Premiums 1,478,356 1,559,526
Transfer of Contract Owner Withdrawals (35,909,137) (28,394,316)
Transfers In - Net 34,778,242 25,559,441
Transfer of Contract Maintenance Charges (Note 3) (2,868) (3,394)
----------------------- -----------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Resulting from Principal Transactions 344,593 (1,278,743)
----------------------- -----------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 809,218 (817,227)
Net Assets Beginning Balance 10,497,582 11,314,809
----------------------- -----------------------
Net Assets Ending Balance $ 11,306,800 $ 10,497,582
======================= =======================
Division Investing In
===============================================
Reserve Reserve
Assets Assets
Fund Fund
1997 1996
======================= =======================
<S> <C> <C>
Units Outstanding at December 31, 917,759.7 890,380.2
======================= =======================
Accumulation Unit Value at December 31, $ 12.32 $ 11.79
======================= =======================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Merrill Lynch Life Variable Annuity Separate Account B
("Separate Account B"), a separate account of Merrill
Lynch Life Insurance Company ("Merrill Lynch Life"), was
established to support the operations with respect to
certain variable annuity contracts ("Contracts").
Separate Account B is governed by Arkansas State
Insurance Law. Merrill Lynch Life is an indirect wholly-
owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Separate
Account B is registered as a unit investment trust under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and consists of one
investment division. The investment division invests in
the securities of the Reserve Assets Fund portfolio of
the Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc.
The assets of Separate Account B are registered in the
name of Merrill Lynch Life. Separate Account B's assets
are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any
other business Merrill Lynch Life may conduct.
The change in net assets accumulated in Separate Account
B provides the basis for the periodic determination of
the amount of increased or decreased benefits under the
Contracts.
The net assets may not be less than the amount required
under Arkansas State Insurance Law to provide for death
benefits (without regard to the minimum death benefit
guarantee) and other Contract benefits.
The financial statements included herein have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for variable annuity separate accounts
registered as unit investment trusts. The preparation of
financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
2. The following is a summary of significant accounting
policies of Separate Account B:
Investments in the divisions are included in the
statement of net assets at the net asset value of the
shares held.
Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.
All dividends are automatically reinvested.
The operations of Separate Account B are included in the
Federal income tax return of Merrill Lynch Life. Under
the provisions of the Contracts, Merrill Lynch Life has
the right to charge Separate Account B for any Federal
income tax attributable to Separate Account B. No charge
is currently being made against Separate Account B for
such tax since, under current tax law, Merrill Lynch Life
pays no tax on investment income and capital gains
reflected in variable annuity contract reserves. However,
Merrill Lynch Life retains the right to charge for any
Federal income tax incurred which is attributable to
Separate Account B if the law is changed. Charges for
state and local taxes, if any, attributable to Separate
Account B may also be made.
3. Merrill Lynch Life assumes mortality and expense risks
related to Contracts investing in Separate Account B and
deducts a daily charge at a rate of .65% (on an annual
basis) of the net assets of Separate Account B to cover
these risks.
Merrill Lynch Life deducts a contract maintenance charge
of $40 for each Contract on each Contract's anniversary
that occurs on or prior to the annuity date. It is also
deducted when the Contract is surrendered if it is
surrendered on any date other than a contract anniversary
date. The contract maintenance charge is borne by
Contract owners by redeeming accumulation units with a
value equal to the charge. This charge is waived on all
Contracts with a Contract value equal to or greater than
$50,000 on the date the charge would otherwise be
deducted, and in certain circumstances where multiple
contracts are owned.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors of
Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Merrill
Lynch Life Insurance Company (the "Company"), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc., as of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of
earnings, comprehensive income, stockholder's equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
February 23, 1998
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)
BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
- ------
INVESTMENTS:
Fixed maturity securities, at estimated fair value
(amortized cost: 1997 - $2,927,562; 1996 - $3,232,643) $ 3,008,608 $ 3,301,588
Equity securities, at estimated fair value
(cost: 1997 - $72,599; 1996 - $32,988) 73,612 35,977
Trading account securities, at estimated fair value 15,625 -
Mortgage loans - 70,503
Real estate held-for-sale 31,805 28,851
Policy loans on insurance contracts 1,118,139 1,092,071
-------------- --------------
Total Investments 4,247,789 4,528,990
-------------- --------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 86,388 94,991
ACCRUED INVESTMENT INCOME 78,224 86,186
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS 365,105 366,461
REINSURANCE RECEIVABLES 1,617 2,642
AFFILIATED RECEIVABLES - NET 166 -
RECEIVABLES FROM SECURITIES SOLD 75,820 -
OTHER ASSETS 49,353 42,861
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS ASSETS 9,149,119 7,615,362
-------------- --------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 14,053,581 $ 12,737,493
============== ==============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
- ------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
POLICY LIABILITIES AND ACCRUALS:
Policyholders' account balances $ 4,188,110 $ 4,480,048
Claims and claims settlement expenses 50,574 39,666
-------------- --------------
Total policy liabilities and accruals 4,238,684 4,519,714
OTHER POLICYHOLDER FUNDS 27,160 19,420
LIABILITY FOR GUARANTY FUND ASSESSMENTS 15,374 18,773
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - DEFERRED 1,183 6,714
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES - CURRENT 24,438 20,968
AFFILIATED PAYABLES - NET - 6,164
PAYABLES FOR SECURITIES PURCHASED 95,135 13,483
OTHER LIABILITIES 54,434 37,243
SEPARATE ACCOUNTS LIABILITIES 9,149,119 7,605,194
-------------- --------------
Total Liabilities 13,605,527 12,247,673
-------------- --------------
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
Common stock, $10 par value - 200,000 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding 2,000 2,000
Additional paid-in capital 347,324 402,937
Retained earnings 80,735 79,387
Accumulated other comprehensive income 17,995 5,496
-------------- --------------
Total Stockholder's Equity 448,054 489,820
-------------- --------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $ 14,053,581 $ 12,737,493
============== ==============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES:
Investment revenue:
Net investment income $ 308,702 $ 336,661 $ 376,166
Net realized investment gains 13,289 8,862 4,525
Policy charge revenue 178,933 158,829 141,722
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Revenues 500,924 504,352 522,413
-------------- -------------- --------------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES:
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances 209,542 235,255 261,760
Market value adjustment expense 4,079 6,071 5,805
Policy benefits (net of reinsurance recoveries: 1997 - $10,439;
1996 - $8,317; 1995 - $6,482) 27,029 21,052 19,374
Reinsurance premium ceded 17,879 15,582 13,896
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 72,111 62,036 58,669
Insurance expenses and taxes 49,105 47,077 44,124
------------- -------------- --------------
Total Benefits and Expenses 379,745 387,073 403,628
------------- -------------- --------------
Earnings Before Federal Income Tax Provision 121,179 117,279 118,785
------------- -------------- --------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT):
Current 52,705 22,814 38,335
Deferred (12,261) 15,078 3,968
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Federal Income Tax Provision 40,444 37,892 42,303
-------------- -------------- --------------
NET EARNINGS $ 80,735 $ 79,387 $ 76,482
============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET EARNINGS $ 80,735 $ 79,387 $ 76,482
-------------- -------------- --------------
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX:
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities:
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period 22,347 (79,749) 310,981
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings (12,390) (8,622) (4,351)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities 9,957 (88,371) 306,630
Adjustments for:
Policyholder liabilities 10,094 58,415 (123,856)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (822) 12,411 (89,261)
Income tax (expense) benefit related to items of
other comprehensive income (6,730) 6,141 (32,729)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 12,499 (11,404) 60,784
-------------- -------------- --------------
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 93,234 $ 67,983 $ 137,266
============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Additional Other Total
Common paid-in Retained Comprehensive stockholder's
stock capital earnings Income equity
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, JANUARY 1, 1995 $ 2,000 $ 535,450 $ 66,005 $ (43,884) $ 559,571
Dividend to Parent (33,995) (66,005) (100,000)
Net earnings 76,482 76,482
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 60,784 60,784
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995 2,000 501,455 76,482 16,900 596,837
Dividend to Parent (98,518) (76,482) (175,000)
Net earnings 79,387 79,387
Other comprehensive income, net of tax (11,404) (11,404)
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996 2,000 402,937 79,387 5,496 489,820
Dividend to Parent (55,613) (79,387) (135,000)
Net earnings 80,735 80,735
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 12,499 12,499
------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997 $ 2,000 $ 347,324 $ 80,735 $ 17,995 $ 448,054
============= ============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(Dollars in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings $ 80,735 $ 79,387 $ 76,482
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash and cash
equivalents provided (used) by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 72,111 62,036 58,669
Capitalization of policy acquisition costs (71,577) (43,668) (54,014)
Amortization, (accretion) and depreciation of investments (4,672) (4,836) (6,763)
Net realized investment gains (13,289) (8,862) (4,525)
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances 209,542 235,255 261,760
Provision (benefit) for deferred Federal income tax (12,261) 15,078 3,968
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accrued investment income 7,962 5,756 3,191
Claims and claims settlement expenses 10,908 9,854 3,635
Federal income taxes - current 3,470 13,935 4,759
Other policyholder funds 7,740 5,813 (7,614)
Liability for guaranty fund assessments (3,399) (2,371) (3,630)
Affiliated payables (6,330) 3,735 5,542
Policy loans on insurance contracts (26,068) (52,804) (54,054)
Trading account securities (14,928) - -
Other, net 11,721 (2,393) (12,280)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash and cash equivalents provided
by operating activities 251,665 315,915 275,126
-------------- -------------- ---------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Sales of available-for-sale securities 846,041 847,091 620,853
Maturities of available-for-sale securities 595,745 536,449 570,923
Purchases of available-for-sale securities (1,156,222) (956,840) (816,564)
Mortgage loans principal payments received 68,864 22,789 30,767
Purchases of mortgage loans (5,375) - (3,608)
Sales of real estate held-for-sale 6,060 5,407 9,710
Improvements to real estate held-for-sale - - (683)
Recapture of investment in Separate Accounts 11,026 8,829 6,559
Investment in Separate Accounts (21) (10,063) (377)
-------------- -------------- ---------------
Net cash and cash equivalents provided
by investing activities 366,118 453,662 417,580
-------------- -------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements. (Continued)
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance Group, Inc.)
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(Concluded) (Dollars In Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends paid to parent $ (135,000) $ (175,000) $ (100,000)
Policyholders' account balances:
Deposits 1,101,934 542,062 567,430
Withdrawals (including transfers to/from Separate Accounts) (1,593,320) (1,090,572) (1,250,299)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash and cash equivalents used
by financing activities (626,386) (723,510) (782,869)
-------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS (8,603) 46,067 (90,163)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Beginning of year 94,991 48,924 139,087
-------------- ------------- -------------
End of year $ 86,388 $ 94,991 $ 48,924
============== ============= =============
Supplementary Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid to affiliates for:
Federal Federal iincome taxes $ 49,235 $ 8,880 $ 33,576
Interest 842 988 1,310
</TABLE>
See notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
MERRILL LYNCH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch Insurance
Group, Inc.)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands)
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Reporting: Merrill Lynch Life Insurance Company (the
"Company") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch
Insurance Group, Inc. ("MLIG"). The Company is an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
("Merrill Lynch & Co.").
The Company sells non-participating life insurance and annuity
products which comprise one business segment. The primary
products that the Company currently markets are variable life
insurance, variable annuities, market value adjusted annuities,
and immediate annuities. The Company is currently licensed to
sell insurance in forty-nine states, the District of Columbia,
the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. The Company markets its
products solely through the retail network of Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Incorporated ("MLPF&S"), a wholly-owned
broker-dealer subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and
prevailing industry practices, both of which require
management to make estimates that affect the reported amounts
and disclosure of contingencies in the financial statements.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition: Revenues for the Company's interest-
sensitive life, interest-sensitive annuity, variable life and
variable annuity products consist of policy charges for the
cost of insurance, deferred sales charges, policy
administration charges and/or withdrawal charges assessed
against policyholders' account balances during the period.
Policyholders' Account Balances: Liabilities for the Company's
universal life type contracts, including its life insurance
and annuity products, are equal to the full accumulation value of
such contracts as of the valuation date plus deficiency
reserves for certain products. Interest-crediting rates for
the Company's fixed-rate products are as follows:
Interest-sensitive life products 4.00% - 5.70%
Interest-sensitive deferred annuities 3.55% - 8.77%
Immediate annuities 3.00% - 10.00%
These rates may be changed at the option of the Company, subject
to minimum guarantees, after initial guaranteed rates expire.
Liabilities for unpaid claims equal the death benefit for those
claims which have been reported to the Company and an estimate
based upon prior experience for those claims which are unreported
as of the valuation date.
Reinsurance: In the normal course of business, the Company seeks
to limit its exposure to loss on any single insured life and to
recover a portion of benefits paid by ceding reinsurance to
other insurance enterprises or reinsurers under indemnity
reinsurance agreements, primarily excess coverage and
coinsurance agreements. The maximum amount of mortality risk
retained by the Company is approximately $500 on a single life.
Indemnity reinsurance agreements do not relieve the Company from
its obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor
their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The
Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its
reinsurers so as to minimize its exposure to significant losses
from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company holds collateral under
reinsurance agreements in the form of letters of credit and
funds withheld totaling $635 that can be drawn upon for
delinquent reinsurance recoverables.
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had life insurance inforce
that was ceded to other life insurance companies of $2,879,306.
The Company entered into an indemnity reinsurance agreement with
an unaffiliated insurer whereby the Company coinsures, on a
modified coinsurance basis, 50% of the unaffiliated insurer's
variable annuity premiums sold through the Merrill Lynch & Co.
distribution system. At December 31, 1997, the Company's quota
share of variable annuity premiums related to this agreement was
$35 million.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs: Policy acquisition costs for
life and annuity contracts are deferred and amortized based on
the estimated future gross profits for each group of contracts.
These future gross profit estimates are subject to periodic
evaluation by the Company, with necessary revisions applied
against amortization to date. It is reasonably possible that
estimates of future gross profits could be reduced in the
future, resulting in a material reduction in the carrying amount
of deferred policy acquisition costs.
Policy acquisition costs are principally commissions and a
portion of certain other expenses relating to policy
acquisition, underwriting and issuance, that are primarily
related to and vary with the production of new business. Certain
costs and expenses reported in the statements of earnings are
net of amounts deferred. Policy acquisition costs can also arise
from the acquisition or reinsurance of existing in-force
policies from other insurers. These costs include ceding
commissions and professional fees related to the reinsurance
assumed. The deferred costs are amortized in proportion to the
estimated future gross profits over the anticipated life of the
acquired insurance contracts utilizing an interest methodology.
The Company has entered into an assumption reinsurance agreement
with an unaffiliated insurer. The acquisition costs relating to
this agreement are being amortized over a twenty-year period
using an effective interest rate of 9.01%. This
reinsurance agreement provides for payment of contingent ceding
commissions based upon the persistency and mortality experience
of the insurance contracts assumed. Any payments made for the
contingent ceding commissions are capitalized and amortized
using an identical methodology as that used for the initial
acquisition costs. The following is a reconciliation of the
acquisition costs related to the reinsurance agreement for the
years ended December 31:
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
Beginning balance $ 112,249 $ 124,833 $ 133,388
Capitalized amounts 5,077 5,077 13,708
Interest accrued 9,653 10,669 11,620
Amortization (24,727) (28,330) (33,883)
------------ ------------ ------------
Ending balance $ 102,252 $ 112,249 $ 124,833
============ ============ ============
The following table presents the expected amortization, net of
interest accrued, of these deferred acquisition costs over the next
five years. The amortization may be adjusted based on periodic
evaluation of the expected gross profits on the reinsured policies.
1998 11,030
1999 9,927
2000 8,935
2001 8,041
2002 7,237
Investments: The Company's investments in debt and equity securities
are classified as either available-for-sale or trading and are
reported at estimated fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on
available-for-sale securities are included in stockholder's equity,
net of tax. Unrealized gains and losses on trading account
securities are included in net realized investment gains. If a
decline in value of a security is determined by management to be
other-than-temporary, the carrying value is adjusted to the estimated
fair value at the date of this determination and recorded as net realized
investment gains (losses).
For fixed maturity securities, premiums are amortized to the
earlier of the call or maturity date, discounts are accreted to
the maturity date, and interest income is accrued daily. For
equity securities, dividends are recognized on the ex-dividend
date. Realized gains and losses on the sale or maturity of the
investments are determined on the basis of specific identification.
Certain fixed maturity securities are considered non-investment
grade. The Company defines non-investment grade fixed maturity
securities as unsecured debt obligations that do not have a
rating equivalent to Standard and Poor's (or similar rating
agency) BBB- or higher.
During the first quarter 1997, the Company terminated its
interest rate swap contracts that were carried at estimated fair
value and recorded as a component of fixed maturity securities.
Interest income and realized and unrealized gains and losses
were recorded on the same basis as fixed maturity securities
available-for-sale.
As of December 31, 1997, the Company had no mortgage loans
outstanding. Mortgage loans were stated at unpaid principal
balances, net of valuation allowances. Such valuation allowances
were based on the decline in value expected to be realized on
mortgage loans that may not be collectible in full. In
establishing valuation allowances, management considered, among
other things, the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.
The Company recognized income from mortgage loans based on the
cash payment interest rate of the loan, which may be different
from the accrual interest rate of the loan for certain
outstanding mortgage loans. The Company recognized a realized
gain at the date of the satisfaction of the loan at contractual
terms for loans where there was a difference between the cash
payment interest rate and the accrual interest rate. For all
loans the Company stopped accruing income when an interest
payment default either occurred or was probable. Impairments of
mortgage loans were established as valuation allowances and
recorded to net realized investment gains or losses.
Real estate held-for-sale, is stated at estimated fair value
less estimated selling costs.
Policy loans on insurance contracts are stated at unpaid
principal balances.
Investments in limited partnerships are carried at cost.
Income Taxes: The results of operations of the Company are
included in the consolidated Federal income tax return of
Merrill Lynch & Co. The Company has entered into a tax-sharing
agreement with Merrill Lynch & Co. whereby the Company will
calculate its current tax provision based on its operations.
Under the agreement, the Company periodically remits to Merrill
Lynch & Co. its current Federal tax liability.
The Company uses the asset and liability method in providing
income taxes on all transactions that have been recognized in
the financial statements. The asset and liability method
requires that deferred taxes be adjusted to reflect the tax
rates at which future taxable amounts will be settled or
realized. The effects of tax rate changes on future deferred
tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, as well as other
changes in income tax laws, are recognized in net earnings in
the period such changes are enacted. Valuation allowances are
established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
amounts expected to be realized.
Insurance companies are generally subject to taxes on premiums
and in substantially all states are exempt from state income
taxes.
Separate Accounts: Separate Accounts are established in
conformity with Arkansas State Insurance law, the Company's
domiciliary state, and are generally not chargeable with
liabilities that arise from any other business of the Company.
Separate Accounts assets may be subject to general claims of the
Company only to the extent the value of such assets exceeds
Separate Accounts liabilities.
Assets and liabilities of Separate Accounts, representing net
deposits and accumulated net investment earnings less fees, held
primarily for the benefit of policyholders, are shown as
separate captions in the balance sheets.
Statements of Comprehensive Income: During 1997, the Company
adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS
No. 130"). SFAS No. 130 defines comprehensive income as all non-
owner changes in equity during a period. Comprehensive
income is reported in the Statements of Comprehensive Income
included in the financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.
Statements of Cash Flows: For the purpose of reporting cash
flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on
deposit and short-term investments with original maturities of
three months or less.
Reclassifications: To facilitate comparisons with the current
year, certain amounts in the prior years have been
reclassified.
<PAGE>
NOTE 2. ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Financial instruments are carried at fair value or amounts that
approximate fair value. The carrying value of financial
instruments as of December 31 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities:
Securities (1) $ 3,008,608 $ 3,301,858
Interest rate swaps (2) - (270)
-------------- -------------
Total fixed maturity securities 3,008,608 3,301,588
-------------- -------------
Equity securities (1) 73,612 35,977
Trading account securities (1) 15,625 -
Mortgage loans (3) - 70,503
Policy loans on insurance contracts (4) 1,118,139 1,092,071
Cash and cash equivalents (5) 86,388 94,991
Separate Accounts assets (6) 9,149,119 7,615,362
-------------- --------------
Total financial instruments recorded as assets $ 13,451,491 $ 12,210,492
============== ==============
</TABLE>
(1) For publicly traded securities, the estimated fair value
is determined using quoted market prices. For securities
without a readily ascertainable market value, the Company
has determined an estimated fair value using a discounted
cash flow model, including provision for credit risk, based
upon the assumption that such securities will be held to
maturity. Such estimated fair values do not necessarily
represent the values for which these securities could have
been sold at the dates of the balance sheets. At December
31, 1997 and 1996, securities without a readily
ascertainable market value, having an amortized cost of
$389,728 and $338,515, had an estimated fair value of
$396,253 and $348,066, respectively.
(2) Estimated fair values for the Company's interest rate swaps
are based on a discounted cash flow model.
(3) The estimated fair value of mortgage loans approximates
the carrying value.
(4) The Company estimates the fair value of policy loans as
equal to the book value of the loans. Policy loans are
fully collateralized by the account value of the associated
insurance contracts, and the spread between the policy loan
interest rate and the interest rate credited to the account
value held as collateral is fixed.
(5) The estimated fair value of cash and cash equivalents
approximates the carrying value.
(6) Assets held in Separate Accounts are carried at quoted
market values.
<PAGE>
NOTE 3. INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in
fixed maturity securities and equity securities (excluding
trading account securities) as of December 31 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost / Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate debt securities $ 2,412,171 $ 73,318 $ 6,963 $ 2,478,526
Mortgage-backed securities 339,015 12,320 224 351,111
U.S. Government and agencies 119,107 2,767 111 121,763
Foreign governments 36,585 198 1,125 35,658
Municipals 20,684 866 - 21,550
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total fixed maturity securities $ 2,927,562 $ 89,469 $ 8,423 $ 3,008,608
============= ============= ============= =============
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 67,845 $ 1,187 $ 185 $ 68,847
Common stocks 4,754 11 - 4,765
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total equity securities $ 72,599 $ 1,198 $ 185 $ 73,612
============= ============= ============= =============
1996
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost / Gross Gross Estimated
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Cost Gains Losses Value
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Fixed maturity securities:
Corporate debt securities $ 2,652,225 $ 67,590 $ 11,765 $ 2,708,050
Mortgage-backed securities 503,997 12,447 1,948 514,496
U.S. Government and agencies 54,386 2,303 158 56,531
Foreign governments 18,111 182 140 18,153
Municipals 3,924 434 - 4,358
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total fixed maturity securities $ 3,232,643 $ 82,956 $ 14,011 $ 3,301,588
============= ============= ============= =============
Equity securities:
Non-redeemable preferred stocks $ 30,554 $ 2,983 $ 85 $ 33,452
Common stocks 2,434 91 - 2,525
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total equity securities $ 32,988 $ 3,074 $ 85 $ 35,977
============= ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
securities at December 31, 1997 by contractual maturity were:
Estimated
Amortized Fair
Cost Value
------------- --------------
Fixed maturity securities:
Due in one year or less $ 224,663 $ 225,887
Due after one year through five years 1,343,383 1,380,248
Due after five years through ten years 740,784 764,272
Due after ten years 279,717 287,090
------------- --------------
2,588,547 2,657,497
Mortgage-backed securities 339,015 351,111
------------- --------------
Total fixed maturity securities $ 2,927,562 $ 3,008,608
============= ==============
Fixed maturity securities not due at a single maturity date
have been included in the preceding table in the year of final
maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual
maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
securities at December 31, 1997 by rating agency equivalent
were:
Estimated
Amortized Fair
Cost Value
------------- -------------
AAA $ 623,503 $ 642,188
AA 169,805 172,454
A 926,398 950,610
BBB 1,046,614 1,080,036
Non-investment grade 161,242 163,320
------------- -------------
Total fixed maturity securities $ 2,927,562 $ 3,008,608
============= =============
<PAGE>
The Company has recorded certain adjustments to deferred policy
acquisition costs and policyholders' account balances in
connection with investments classified as available-for-sale. The Company
adjusts those assets and liabilities as if the unrealized investment gains
or losses from securities classified as available-for-sale had actually
been realized, with corresponding credits or charges reported directly to
stockholder's equity. The following reconciles the net unrealized
investment gain on investment securities classified as available- for-
sale as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities $ 81,046 $ 68,945
Equity securities 1,013 2,989
Deferred policy acquisition costs (5,452) (4,630)
Separate Accounts assets - 168
-------------- --------------
76,607 67,472
-------------- --------------
Liabilities:
Policyholders' account balances 48,923 59,017
Federal income taxes - deferred 9,689 2,959
-------------- --------------
58,612 61,976
-------------- --------------
Stockholder's equity:
Net unrealized investment gain on investment securities $ 17,995 $ 5,496
============== ==============
</TABLE>
During the third quarter 1997, the Company provided $15,000
initial funding for a trading portfolio, composed of
convertible debt and equity securities. The net unrealized
holdings gains on trading account securities earned as of
December 31, 1997, and included in net realized investment gains
are $520.
During the first quarter 1997, the Company terminated its
interest rate swap contracts which it held for the purpose of
minimizing exposure to fluctuations in interest rates related
to specific investment securities held. The notional
amount of such swaps outstanding at December 31 1996 was
approximately $9,000. The swaps were transacted with
investment grade counterparties. As of December 31, 1996, the
Company's interest rate swap contracts were in a $270
unrealized loss position. During 1997, 1996
and 1995, there were no realized investment gains or losses
recorded.
<PAGE>
Proceeds and gross realized investment gains and losses from
the sale of available-for-sale securities for the years ended
December 31 were:
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
Proceeds $ 846,041 $ 847,091 $ 620,853
Gross realized investment gains 16,783 19,078 14,196
Gross realized investment losses 7,193 10,749 10,813
The Company had investment securities with a carrying value
of $26,508 and $27,726 that were deposited with insurance
regulatory authorities at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
During 1997, the Company realized a $1,005 gain on the sale of
its remaining investment in the Separate Accounts. At December
31, 1996, the Company had invested $10,168 in Separate Accounts,
including $168 of unrealized gains. The investments in Separate
Accounts are for the purpose of providing original funding of
certain mutual fund portfolios available as investment options to
variable life and annuity policyholders.
At December 31, 1997, the Company held no mortgage loans on real
estate. The carrying value and established valuation allowances
of impaired mortgage loans on real estate as of December 31,
1996 were $44,239 and $17,652, respectively.
Additional information on impaired loans for the years ended
December 31 follows:
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
Average investment in impaired loans $ 30,945 $ 79,668 $ 124,089
Interest income recognized (cash-basis) 2,830 4,848 5,482
For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, $7,891,
$28,555 and $1,300, respectively, of real estate held-for-sale
was acquired in satisfaction of debt.
<PAGE>
Net investment income arose from the following sources for the
years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities $ 236,325 $ 266,916 $ 305,648
Equity securities 3,020 1,876 1,329
Mortgage loans 4,627 9,764 12,250
Real estate held-for-sale 1,939 563 153
Policy loans on insurance contracts 57,998 56,512 53,576
Cash and cash equivalents 9,570 6,710 8,463
Other 709 899 1,753
------------ ------------ ------------
Gross investment income 314,188 343,240 383,172
Less investment expenses (5,486) (6,579) (7,006)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net investment income $ 308,702 $ 336,661 $ 376,166
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
Net realized investment gains (losses), including changes in
valuation allowances for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturity securities $ 6,149 $ 4,690 $ 1,908
Equity securities 3,441 3,639 1,475
Trading account securities 697 - -
Investment in Separate Accounts 1,005 106 (369)
Mortgage loans 6,252 599 334
Real estate held-for-sale (4,252) (171) 1,177
Cash and cash equivalents (3) (1) -
------------ ------------ ------------
Net realized investment gains $ 13,289 $ 8,862 $ 4,525
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The following is a reconciliation of the change in valuation
allowances that have been recorded to reflect other-than-
temporary declines in estimated fair value of mortgage loans
for the years ended December 31:
Balance at Additions Balance at
Beginning Charged to Write - End
of Year Operations Downs of Year
----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Mortgage loans:
1997 $ 17,652 $ - $ 17,652 $ -
1996 35,881 - 18,229 17,652
1995 40,070 - 4,189 35,881
The Company held no investments at December 31, 1997 which have
been non-income producing for the preceding twelve months.
The Company has committed to participate in a limited
partnership that invests in leveraged transactions. As of
December 31, 1997, $4,744 has been advanced towards the
Company's $10,000 commitment to the limited partnership.
NOTE 4. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The following is a reconciliation of the provision for income
taxes based on earnings before income taxes, computed using the
Federal statutory tax rate, with the provision for income taxes
for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Provision for income taxes computed at Federal
statutory rate $ 42,413 $ 41,048 $ 41,575
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting
from:
Dividend received deduction (1,969) (3,135) (532)
Release of policyholders' surplus - - 1,991
Tax deductible interest - - (718)
Other - (21) (13)
---------- ---------- ----------
Federal income tax provision $ 40,444 $ 37,892 $ 42,303
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The Federal statutory rate for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1997 was 35%.
The Company provides for deferred income taxes resulting from
temporary differences that arise from recording certain
transactions in different years for income tax reporting
purposes than for financial reporting purposes. The sources of
these differences and the tax effect of each are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Deferred policy acquisition costs $ (2,422) $ (5,770) $ (2,179)
Policyholders' account balances (16,099) 15,004 66
Liability for guaranty fund assessments 1,190 760 249
Investment adjustments 5,070 5,122 5,563
Other - (38) 269
-------------- -------------- --------------
Deferred Federal income tax
provision (benefit) $ (12,261) $ 15,078 $ 3,968
============== ============== ==============
</TABLE>
Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are
determined as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Policyholders' account balances $ 95,182 $ 79,083
Investment adjustments 601 5,671
Liability for guaranty fund assessments 5,381 6,571
-------------- --------------
Total deferred tax assets 101,164 91,325
-------------- --------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs 88,670 91,092
Net unrealized investment gain on investment securities 9,689 2,959
Other 3,988 3,988
-------------- --------------
Total deferred tax liabilities 102,347 98,039
-------------- --------------
Net deferred tax liability $ 1,183 $ 6,714
================ ==============
</TABLE>
The Company anticipates that all deferred tax assets will be
realized; therefore no valuation allowance has been provided.
<PAGE>
NOTE 5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company and MLIG are parties to a service agreement whereby
MLIG has agreed to provide certain accounting, data processing,
legal, actuarial, management, advertising and other services to
the Company. Expenses incurred by MLIG in relation to this
service agreement are reimbursed by the Company on an allocated
cost basis. Charges billed to the Company by MLIG pursuant to
the agreement were $43,028, $43,515 and $41,729 for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The
Company is allocated interest expense on its accounts payable
to MLIG which approximates the daily Federal funds rate. Total
intercompany interest paid was $842, $988 and $1,310 for 1997,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
The Company and Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM")
are parties to a service agreement whereby MLAM has agreed to
provide certain invested asset management services to the
Company. The Company pays a fee to MLAM for these services
through the MLIG service agreement. Charges attributable to
this agreement and allocated to the Company by MLIG were
$1,913, $2,279 and $2,635 for 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
MLAM and MLIG have entered into an agreement with respect to
administrative services for the Merrill Lynch Series Fund, Inc.
("Series Fund") and Merrill Lynch Variable Series Funds, Inc.
("Variable Series Funds"). The Company invests in the various
mutual fund portfolios of the Series Fund and the Variable
Series Funds in connection with the variable life and annuities
the Company has in-force. Under this agreement, MLAM pays
compensation to MLIG in an amount equal to a portion of the
annual gross investment advisory fees paid by the Series Fund
and the Variable Series Funds to MLAM. The Company received
from MLIG its allocable share of such compensation in the
amount of $19,057, $16,514 and $13,293 during 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
The Company has a general agency agreement with Merrill Lynch
Life Agency Inc. ("MLLA") whereby registered representatives of
MLPF&S, who are the Company's licensed insurance agents,
solicit applications for contracts to be issued by the Company.
MLLA is paid commissions for the contracts sold by such agents.
Commissions paid to MLLA were $72,729, $42,639 and $43,984 for
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Substantially all of these
commissions were capitalized as deferred policy acquisition
costs and are being amortized in accordance with the policy
discussed in Note 1.
During the first quarter 1997, the Company terminated its
interest rate swap contracts which it entered into with Merrill
Lynch Capital Services, Inc. ("MLCS") with a guarantee from
Merrill Lynch & Co. At December 31, 1996, the notional amount
of such interest rate swap contracts outstanding was $9,000.
Net interest received from these interest rate swap contracts
was $4, ($117), and $256 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Affiliated agreements generally contain reciprocal indemnity
provisions pertaining to each party's representations and
contractual obligations thereunder.
During 1997, the Company sold its investment in 2141 E.
Camelback, Corp. to Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital, Inc. The
investment was sold at its carrying value of $5,375.
NOTE 6. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY AND STATUTORY REGULATIONS
During 1997, 1996, and 1995 the Company paid dividends of
$135,000, $175,000, and $100,000, respectively, to MLIG. Of
these stockholder's dividends, $110,030, $175,000 and $73,757,
respectively, were extraordinary dividends as defined by
Arkansas Insurance Law and were paid pursuant to approval
granted by the Arkansas Insurance Commissioner.
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, approximately $24,304 and
$24,970, respectively, of stockholder's equity was available
for distribution to MLIG. Statutory capital and surplus at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, was $245,042 and $251,697,
respectively.
Applicable insurance department regulations require that the
Company report its accounts in accordance with statutory
accounting practices. Statutory accounting practices primarily
differ from the principles utilized in these financial
statements by charging policy acquisition costs to expense as
incurred, establishing future policy benefit reserves using
different actuarial assumptions, not providing for deferred
income taxes, and valuing securities on a different basis. The
Company's statutory net income for 1997, 1996 and 1995 was
$81,963, $93,532 and $121,451, respectively.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC")
utilizes the Risk Based Capital ("RBC") adequacy monitoring
system. The RBC calculates the amount of adjusted capital which
a life insurance company should have based upon that company's
risk profile. As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, based on the
RBC formula, the Company's total adjusted capital level was
394% and 403%, respectively, of the minimum amount of capital
required to avoid regulatory action.
NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
State insurance laws generally require that all life insurers
who are licensed to transact business within a state become
members of the state's life insurance guaranty association.
These associations have been established for the protection of
policyholders from loss (within specified limits) as a result of
the insolvency of an insurer. At the time an insolvency occurs,
the guaranty association assesses the remaining members of the
association an amount sufficient to satisfy the insolvent
insurer's policyholder obligations (within specified limits).
During 1991, and to a lesser extent 1992, there were certain
highly publicized life insurance insolvencies. The Company has
utilized public information to estimate what future assessments
it will incur as a result of these insolvencies. At December 31,
1997 and 1996, the Company has established an estimated
liability for future guaranty fund assessments of $15,374 and
$18,773, respectively. The Company regularly monitors public
information regarding insurer insolvencies and adjusts its
estimated liability as appropriate.
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to
various claims and assessments. Management believes the
settlement of these matters would not have a material effect on
the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
<PAGE>
