EQUITABLE COMPANIES INC
10-Q, 1998-05-14
LIFE INSURANCE
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                  -------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

                   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the Quarter Ended March 31, 1998                 Commission File No. 1-11166
- ----------------------------------------------  --------------------------------


                   The Equitable Companies Incorporated
          (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                      Delaware                                   13-3623351
- ------------------------------------------------  ------------------------------
          (State or other jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer
           incorporation or organization)                    Identification No.)


  1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York                    10104
- -----------------------------------------------  -------------------------------
      (Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 554-1234
                                                   -----------------------------


                                      None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (Former name, former address, and former fiscal year if changed
                              since last report.)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required to file such reports), and (2) been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.
                                                           Yes   X    No
                                                                ----      -----


Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


                                                          Shares Outstanding
              Class                                         at May 11, 1998
- -------------------------------------    ---------------------------------------

   Common Stock, $.01 par value                               222,574,847









                                                                   Page 1 of 30


<PAGE>


                      THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
                                    FORM 10-Q
                    FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         Page #

PART I          FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<S>            <C>                                                                                       <C>
Item 1:         Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
                   Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997..............      3
                   Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Three Months Ended
                  March 31, 1998 and 1997..............................................................      4
                   Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Comprehensive
                  Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997............................      5
                   Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended
                  March 31, 1998 and 1997..............................................................      6
                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................      7

Item 2:         Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                Results of Operations..................................................................     15

PART II         OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1:         Legal Proceedings......................................................................     29

Item 6:         Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.......................................................     29

SIGNATURES.............................................................................................     30
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>

PART I  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
          Item 1:  Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.
                                      THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
                                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 March 31,          December 31,
                                                                                   1998                 1997
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                         (In Millions)
<S>                                                                           <C>                 <C>     
ASSETS
Investments:
  Fixed maturities:
    Available for sale, at estimated fair value.............................  $    20,709.5        $    19,978.5
    Held to maturity, at amortized cost.....................................          139.5                143.0
  Trading account securities, at market value...............................       18,682.5             16,535.7
  Securities purchased under resale agreements..............................       21,094.3             22,628.8
  Mortgage loans on real estate.............................................        2,541.5              2,611.4
  Equity real estate........................................................        2,381.8              2,495.1
  Policy loans..............................................................        1,956.4              2,422.9
  Other equity investments..................................................        1,512.9              1,276.5
  Other invested assets.....................................................          476.7                617.6
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total investments.....................................................       69,495.1             68,709.5
Cash and cash equivalents...................................................          927.9                597.4
Broker-dealer related receivables...........................................       30,383.8             28,184.3
Deferred policy acquisition costs...........................................        3,284.5              3,237.4
Amounts due from discontinued operations....................................          360.5                572.8
Other assets................................................................        5,474.7              4,766.5
Closed Block assets.........................................................        8,591.4              8,566.6
Separate Accounts assets....................................................       39,740.8             36,538.7
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Total Assets................................................................  $   158,258.7        $   151,173.2
                                                                              =================    =================

LIABILITIES
Policyholders' account balances.............................................  $    20,954.7        $    21,578.6
Future policy benefits and other policyholders liabilities..................        4,615.0              4,553.8
Securities sold under repurchase agreements.................................       34,769.3             36,006.7
Broker-dealer related payables..............................................       30,138.7             25,941.5
Short-term and long-term debt...............................................        7,111.4              5,936.3
Other liabilities...........................................................        6,609.6              6,502.8
Closed Block liabilities....................................................        9,086.5              9,073.7
Separate Accounts liabilities...............................................       39,413.4             36,306.3
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total liabilities.....................................................      152,698.6            145,899.7
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Commitments and contingencies (Notes 4, 10 and 12)

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Series D convertible preferred stock........................................          583.6                514.4
Stock employee compensation trust...........................................         (583.6)              (514.4)
Common stock, at par value..................................................            2.2                  2.2
Capital in excess of par value..............................................        3,633.1              3,627.5
Retained earnings...........................................................        1,392.9              1,137.4
Accumulated other comprehensive income......................................          531.9                506.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total shareholders' equity............................................        5,560.1              5,273.5
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity..................................  $   158,258.7        $   151,173.2
                                                                              =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>

                      THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1998                 1997
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                    (In Millions, Except Per
                                                                                         Share Amounts)
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>         
REVENUES
Universal life and investment-type product policy fee income................  $       259.6        $      230.5
Premiums....................................................................          146.5               151.8
Net investment income.......................................................        1,176.1               865.9
Investment gains, net.......................................................          234.3               178.0
Commissions, fees and other income..........................................        1,112.8               768.5
Contribution from the Closed Block..........................................           14.5                35.8
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total revenues........................................................        2,943.8             2,230.5
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

BENEFITS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS
Interest credited to policyholders' account balances........................          299.7               312.9
Policyholders' benefits.....................................................          262.2               254.9
Other operating costs and expenses..........................................        1,874.3             1,386.6
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total benefits and other deductions...................................        2,436.2             1,954.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Earnings from continuing operations before Federal income taxes
  and minority interest.....................................................          507.6               276.1
Federal income taxes........................................................          170.5                87.4
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries................           71.0                49.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
Earnings from continuing operations.........................................          266.1               139.3
Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes........................             .5                (3.3)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Net Earnings................................................................  $       266.6        $      136.0
                                                                              =================    =================

Per Common Share:
  Basic:
    Earnings from continuing operations.....................................  $        1.20        $        .71
    Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....................           -                   (.02)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
    Net Earnings............................................................  $        1.20        $        .69
                                                                              =================    =================
  Diluted:
    Earnings from continuing operations.....................................  $        1.15        $        .64
    Discontinued operations, net of Federal income taxes....................          -                    (.02)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
    Net Earnings............................................................  $        1.15        $        .62
                                                                              =================    =================

Cash Dividend Per Common Share..............................................  $         .05        $        .05
                                                                              =================    =================
</TABLE>


                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>

                      THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                            AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1998                 1997
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                          (In Millions)
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>          
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Series C convertible preferred stock, beginning of year and end of period...  $         -          $        24.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Series D convertible preferred stock, beginning of year.....................          514.4                294.0
Change in market value of shares............................................           69.2                 31.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
Series D convertible preferred stock, end of period.........................          583.6                325.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Stock employee compensation trust, beginning of year........................         (514.4)              (294.0)
Change in market value of shares............................................          (69.2)               (31.4)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
Stock employee compensation trust, end of period............................         (583.6)              (325.4)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Series E convertible preferred stock, beginning of year and end of period...            -                  380.2
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Common stock, at par value, beginning of year and end of period.............            2.2                  1.9
                                                                                                   ---
                                                                              -----------------      ---------------

Capital in excess of par value, beginning of year...........................        3,627.5              2,782.2
Additional capital in excess of par value...................................            5.6                 15.1
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
Capital in excess of par value, end of period...............................        3,633.1              2,797.3
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Retained earnings, beginning of year........................................        1,137.4                632.9
Net earnings................................................................          266.6                136.0
Dividends on preferred stocks...............................................            -                   (6.7)
Dividends on common stock...................................................          (11.1)                (9.5)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
Retained earnings, end of period............................................        1,392.9                752.7
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning of year...................          506.4                166.4
Other comprehensive income..................................................           25.5               (237.8)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
Accumulated other comprehensive income, end of period.......................          531.9                (71.4)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Total Shareholders' Equity, End of Period...................................  $     5,560.1        $     3,885.1
                                                                              =================    =================

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net earnings................................................................  $       266.6        $       136.0
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Change in unrealized gains (losses), net of reclassification adjustment.....           25.5               (237.8)
Minimum pension liability adjustment........................................            -                    -
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
Other comprehensive income..................................................           25.5               (237.8)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Comprehensive Income........................................................  $       292.1        $      (101.8)
                                                                              =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


                                       5
<PAGE>

                      THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1998 AND 1997
                                   (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    1998                 1997
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                          (In Millions)
<S>                                                                           <C>                  <C>          
Net earnings................................................................  $       266.6        $       136.0
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used
    by operating activities:
    Interest credited to policyholders' account balances....................          299.7                312.9
    Universal life and investment-type policy fee income....................         (259.6)              (230.5)
    Net change in trading activities and broker-dealer related
      receivables/payables..................................................         (874.4)            (2,845.9)
    (Increase) decrease in matched resale agreements........................         (232.9)            (5,437.8)
    Increase (decrease) in matched repurchase agreements....................          232.9              5,437.8
    Investment gains, net of dealer and trading gains.......................         (130.0)               (21.7)
    Change in clearing association fees and regulatory deposits.............         (429.1)              (149.4)
    Change in accounts payable and accrued expenses.........................         (239.8)              (553.1)
    Change in Federal income tax payable....................................          106.2                 30.8
    Other, net..............................................................          (55.2)                33.6
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Net cash used by operating activities.......................................       (1,315.6)            (3,287.3)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Maturities and repayments.................................................          506.2                725.8
  Sales....................................................................         4,058.5              2,632.8
  Purchases.................................................................       (4,651.9)            (3,226.9)
  Decrease in loans to discontinued operations..............................          300.0                109.0
  Other, net................................................................         (161.2)              (357.4)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities............................           51.6               (116.7)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
 Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits................................................................          325.7                435.9
    Withdrawals.............................................................         (423.8)              (549.9)
  Increase in short-term financings.........................................        1,421.3              3,862.2
  Additions to long-term debt...............................................          173.6                104.2
  Repayments of long-term debt..............................................          (11.5)               (15.9)
  Other, net................................................................          109.2                (96.1)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Net cash provided by financing activities...................................        1,594.5              3,740.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Change in cash and cash equivalents.........................................          330.5                336.4
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year................................          597.4                755.3
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period....................................  $       927.9        $     1,091.7
                                                                              =================    =================

Supplemental cash flow information
  Interest Paid.............................................................  $     1,173.0        $       786.9
                                                                              =================    =================
  Income Taxes Paid.........................................................  $        20.3        $        61.0
                                                                              =================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

                                       6
<PAGE>

                      THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (UNAUDITED)


 1)   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

      The  accompanying   consolidated  financial  statements  are  prepared  in
      conformity  with GAAP which  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.   These  statements  should  be  read  in
      conjunction  with the consolidated  financial  statements of The Equitable
      for the year ended  December 31, 1997.  The results of operations  for the
      three months ended March 31, 1998 are not  necessarily  indicative  of the
      results to be expected for the full year.

      The terms "first quarter 1998" and "first quarter 1997" refer to the three
      months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

      Certain  reclassifications  have been made in the  amounts  presented  for
      prior periods to conform these periods with the current presentation.

 2)   NEW ACCOUNTING CHANGES AND PRONOUNCEMENTS

      In March 1998,  the AICPA  issued SOP 98-1,  "Accounting  for the Costs of
      Computer  Software  Developed  or Obtained  for  Internal  Use".  SOP 98-1
      requires capitalization of external and certain internal costs incurred to
      obtain or develop  internal-use  computer  software during the application
      development stage. The SOP is to be applied prospectively for fiscal years
      beginning after December 15, 1998; earlier application is encouraged.  The
      Equitable  adopted the provisions of SOP 98-1  effective  January 1, 1998.
      The adoption of SOP 98-1 did not have a material impact on The Equitable's
      consolidated  financial statements.  Capitalized  internal-use software is
      amortized on a straight-line  basis over the estimated  useful life of the
      software.  Prior to adopting  SOP 98-1,  software  development  costs were
      expensed as incurred.

 3)   INVESTMENTS

      Investment valuation allowances and changes thereto are shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                           (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                        <C>                <C> 
      Balances, beginning of year............................................... $      384.5        $     137.1
      Additions charged to income...............................................         35.6               23.7
      Deductions for writedowns and asset dispositions..........................        (28.3)             (31.2)
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
      Balances, End of Period................................................... $      391.8        $     129.6
                                                                                 ===============     ===============

      Balances, end of period:
        Mortgage loans on real estate........................................... $       63.5        $      42.7
        Equity real estate......................................................        328.3               86.9
                                                                                ----------------     ---------------
      Total..................................................................... $      391.8        $     129.6
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

      For the first quarters of 1998 and 1997, investment income is shown net of
      investment  expenses  (including  interest  expense to finance  short-term
      trading instruments) of $846.5 million and $693.0 million, respectively.

                                       7
<PAGE>

      As of March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, fixed maturities classified as
      available for sale had amortized costs of $19,808.7  million and $19,107.1
      million,  fixed maturities in the held to maturity portfolio had estimated
      fair  values of $160.8  million and $164.3  million  and  trading  account
      securities had amortized costs of $18,592.2 million and $16,521.9 million,
      respectively.  Other equity  investments  included equity  securities with
      carrying  values of $954.8  million and $767.1 million and costs of $910.0
      million and $741.4  million as of March 31, 1998 and  December  31,  1997,
      respectively.

      For the first  quarters  of 1998 and 1997,  proceeds  received on sales of
      fixed  maturities  classified  as available  for sale amounted to $3,786.0
      million and $2,519.5 million,  respectively.  Gross gains of $54.2 million
      and $43.6 million and gross losses of $36.9 million and $42.6 million were
      realized  on  these  sales  for  the  first  quarters  of 1998  and  1997,
      respectively.  Unrealized  investment  gains  related to fixed  maturities
      classified  as available for sale  increased by $29.7  million  during the
      first three months of 1998,  resulting  in a balance of $900.9  million at
      March 31, 1998.

      Impaired  mortgage  loans (as  defined  under SFAS No. 114) along with the
      related provision for losses were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  March 31,          December 31,
                                                                                     1998                1997
                                                                                ---------------    -----------------
                                                                                           (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                        <C>                <C>        
      Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses.......................   $     196.0        $     196.7
      Impaired mortgage loans without provision for losses....................          10.5                3.6
                                                                                ---------------    -----------------
      Recorded investment in impaired mortgage loans..........................         206.5              200.3
      Provision for losses....................................................         (59.4)             (51.8)
                                                                                ---------------    -----------------
      Net Impaired Mortgage Loans.............................................   $     147.1        $     148.5
                                                                                ===============    =================
</TABLE>

      During the first quarters of 1998 and 1997, respectively,  The Equitable's
      average recorded  investment in impaired mortgage loans was $167.1 million
      and $402.2 million.  Interest income recognized on these impaired mortgage
      loans  totaled  $3.2 million and $5.1 million ($.3 million and $.6 million
      recognized  on a cash  basis)  for the  first  quarters  of 1998 and 1997,
      respectively.

 4)   SECURITIES SOLD UNDER REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

      Securities  sold under  repurchase  agreements  are  treated as  financing
      transactions   and  carried  at  the  amounts  at  which  the   securities
      subsequently  will be  reacquired  per the  respective  agreements.  These
      agreements with  counterparties  were  collateralized  principally by U.S.
      government  securities.  The weighted average interest rates on securities
      sold under  repurchase  agreements  were 5.63% and 6.04% at March 31, 1998
      and December 31, 1997, respectively.

                                       8
<PAGE>

 5)   CLOSED BLOCK

      Summarized financial information for the Closed Block follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 March 31,           December 31,
                                                                                    1998                 1997
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                          (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                    <C>                  <C>    
      Assets
      Fixed maturities:
        Available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of
          $4,082.2 and $4,059.4)............................................. $     4,261.8        $     4,231.0
      Mortgage loans on real estate..........................................       1,398.3              1,341.6
      Policy loans...........................................................       1,674.3              1,700.2
      Cash and other invested assets.........................................         273.0                282.7
      Deferred policy acquisition costs......................................         763.5                775.2
      Other assets...........................................................         220.5                235.9
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total Assets........................................................... $     8,591.4        $     8,566.6
                                                                              =================    =================

      Liabilities
      Future policy benefits and other policyholders' account balances....... $     8,991.2        $     8,993.2
      Other liabilities......................................................          95.3                 80.5
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total Liabilities...................................................... $     9,086.5        $     9,073.7
                                                                              =================    =================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ----------------    ---------------
                                                                                           (In Millions)

      <S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>
      Revenues
      Premiums and other income................................................. $      167.1        $      174.8
      Investment income (net of investment expenses of $5.4 and $7.1)...........        136.4               138.8
      Investment (losses) gains, net............................................         (4.7)                2.3
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
      Total revenues............................................................        298.8               315.9
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------

      Benefits and Other Deductions
      Policyholders' benefits and dividends.....................................        277.3               271.0
      Other operating costs and expenses........................................          7.0                 9.1
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
      Total benefits and other deductions.......................................        284.3               280.1
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------

      Contribution from the Closed Block........................................ $       14.5        $       35.8
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

      Investment  valuation  allowances  amounted  to $13.1  million  and  $18.5
      million on mortgage  loans and $22.9  million and $16.8  million on equity
      real estate at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively.

                                       9
<PAGE>

       Impaired  mortgage  loans (as defined  under SFAS No. 114) along with the
       related provision for losses were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 March 31,         December 31,
                                                                                    1998               1997
                                                                              -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                         (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                      <C>                <C>           
      Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses......................  $       108.2      $        109.1
      Impaired mortgage loans without provision for losses...................             .7                  .6
                                                                              -----------------  -----------------
      Recorded investment in impaired mortgages..............................          108.9               109.7
      Provision for losses...................................................          (11.8)              (17.4)
                                                                              -----------------  -----------------
      Net Impaired Mortgage Loans............................................  $        97.1      $         92.3
                                                                              =================  =================
</TABLE>

      During  the first  quarters  of 1998 and 1997,  respectively,  the  Closed
      Block's average recorded  investment in impaired mortgage loans was $109.3
      million and $122.4 million.  Interest income  recognized on these impaired
      mortgage loans totaled $1.3 million and $2.6 million ($.6 million and $1.2
      million  recognized  on a cash  basis) for the first  quarters of 1998 and
      1997, respectively.

 6)   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

      Summarized financial information for discontinued operations follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 March 31,           December 31,
                                                                                    1998                 1997
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                          (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                     <C>                  <C>          
      Assets
      Mortgage loans on real estate.......................................... $       667.6        $       635.2
      Equity real estate.....................................................         809.9                874.5
      Other equity investments...............................................         166.3                209.3
      Other invested assets..................................................          38.2                152.4
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
        Total investments....................................................       1,682.0              1,871.4
      Cash and cash equivalents..............................................          28.5                106.8
      Other assets...........................................................         226.1                243.8
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total Assets........................................................... $     1,936.6        $     2,222.0
                                                                              =================    =================

      Liabilities
      Policyholders liabilities.............................................. $     1,041.2        $     1,048.3
      Allowance for future losses............................................         254.4                259.2
      Amounts due to continuing operations...................................         360.5                572.8
      Other liabilities......................................................         280.5                341.7
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total Liabilities...................................................... $     1,936.6        $     2,222.0
                                                                              =================    =================
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ----------------    ---------------
                                                                                           (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                       <C>                <C>  
      Revenues
      Investment income (net of investment expenses of $19.5 and $25.5)......... $       28.0        $       34.9
      Investment gains (losses), net............................................          5.6                (5.1)
      Policy fees, premiums and other income....................................          (.1)                 .1
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
      Total revenues............................................................         33.5                29.9

      Benefits and Other Deductions.............................................         38.5                47.2
      Losses charged to allowance for future losses.............................         (5.0)              (17.3)
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
      Pre-tax loss from operations..............................................          -                   -
      Pre-tax earnings from releasing (loss from strengthening) the
        allowance for future losses.............................................           .7                (5.1)
      Federal income tax (expense) benefit......................................          (.2)                1.8
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
      Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations.............................. $         .5        $       (3.3)
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

      The Equitable's  quarterly process for evaluating the allowance for future
      losses applies the current  period's  results of  discontinued  operations
      against  the  allowance,  re-estimates  future  losses,  and  adjusts  the
      allowance, if appropriate. The evaluations performed in the first quarters
      of 1998  and  1997  resulted  in  management's  decision  to  release  the
      allowance by $.7 million for the first  quarter of 1998 and to  strengthen
      the allowance by $5.1 million for the first quarter of 1997. This resulted
      in  after-tax  earnings  of $.5  million  for  first  quarter  1998 and an
      after-tax charge of $3.3 million to discontinued  operations'  results for
      first quarter 1997.

      Management  believes the  allowance for future losses at March 31, 1998 is
      adequate to provide for all future losses;  however,  the determination of
      the  allowance  involves  numerous  estimates  and  subjective   judgments
      regarding the expected performance of Discontinued  Operations  Investment
      Assets.  There can be no assurance the losses provided for will not differ
      from the  losses  ultimately  realized.  To the extent  actual  results or
      future  projections of discontinued  operations  differ from  management's
      current  estimates  and  assumptions  underlying  the allowance for future
      losses,  the difference would be reflected in the consolidated  statements
      of earnings  in  discontinued  operations.  In  particular,  to the extent
      income,  sales proceeds and holding  periods for equity real estate differ
      from management's previous  assumptions,  periodic adjustments to the loss
      allowance are likely to result.

      Investment valuation allowances amounted to $8.1 million and $28.4 million
      on  mortgage  loans and $108.2  million  and $88.4  million on equity real
      estate at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, respectively.

      Impaired  mortgage  loans (as  defined  under SFAS No. 114) along with the
      related provision for losses were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 March 31,         December 31,
                                                                                    1998               1997
                                                                              -----------------  -----------------
                                                                                         (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                      <C>                <C>           
      Impaired mortgage loans with provision for losses......................  $       133.2      $        101.8
      Impaired mortgage loans without provision for losses...................             .4                  .2
                                                                              -----------------  -----------------
      Recorded investment in impaired mortgages..............................          133.6               102.0
      Provision for losses...................................................           (6.9)              (27.3)
                                                                              -----------------  -----------------
      Net Impaired Mortgage Loans............................................  $       126.7      $         74.7
                                                                              =================  =================
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>

      During  the  first  quarters  of 1998 and 1997,  discontinued  operations'
      average recorded  investment in impaired mortgage loans was $117.8 million
      and $98.2  million,  respectively.  Interest  income  recognized  on these
      impaired  mortgage  loans  totaled  $1.6  million and $2.0  million  ($1.3
      million  and  $1.4  million  recognized  on a cash  basis)  for the  first
      quarters of 1998 and 1997, respectively.

      Benefits and other deductions  included $10.1 million and $14.8 million of
      interest  expense related to amounts  borrowed from continuing  operations
      for the first quarters of 1998 and 1997, respectively.

 7)   FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

      Federal  income  taxes for interim  periods  have been  computed  using an
      estimated annual  effective tax rate. This rate is revised,  if necessary,
      at the end of each  successive  interim  period  to  reflect  the  current
      estimate of the annual effective tax rate.

 8)   RESTRUCTURING COSTS

      During the first quarter 1997, The Equitable  recorded a pre-tax provision
      of $5.2 million,  primarily for employee  termination and exit costs.  The
      amounts paid during first quarter 1998 totaled $7.2 million.  At March 31,
      1998, the liabilities  included costs related to employee  termination and
      exit costs, the termination of operating  leases and the  consolidation of
      insurance operations' service centers and amounted to $54.8 million.

 9)   COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                           (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                        <C>                 <C>         
      Net earnings.............................................................. $      266.6        $      136.0
      Less - dividends on preferred stocks......................................          -                  (6.7)
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------

      Net earnings applicable to common shares - Basic..........................        266.6               129.3
      Add - dividends on convertible preferred stock and interest on
        convertible subordinated debt, when dilutive............................          -                  10.4
      Less - effect of assumed exercise of options of publicly
        held subsidiaries.......................................................         (7.8)               (2.2)
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------

      Net Earnings Applicable to Common Shares - Diluted........................ $      258.8           $   137.5
                                                                                 ===============     ===============

      Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic........................        222.4               186.3
      Add - assumed exercise of stock options...................................          2.4                 1.4
      Add - assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock...................          -                  17.8
      Add - assumed conversion of convertible subordinated debt.................          -                  14.7
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
      Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted.............................        224.8               220.2
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

10)   LITIGATION

      There  have  been  no new  material  legal  proceedings  and  no  material
      developments in matters which were previously  reported in The Equitable's
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31,
      1997, except as follows:

      On April 7, 1998, the federal district court in Tampa,  Florida entered an
      order  preliminarily  approving the settlement  agreement  relating to the
      Golomb,  Malvin,  Bowler,  Bachman and  Fletcher  cases and  conditionally
      certifying  the  settlement  class.  The order also deems filed an amended
      complaint that asserts on a nationwide basis claims of the kind previously
      made in the five pending  cases.  The court has scheduled a hearing on the
      fairness of the  settlement for August 21, 1998 and will decide whether to
      finally approve the settlement after that hearing.

                                       12
<PAGE>

      In Cole, the court on February 17, 1998,  granted Equitable Life and EOC's
      motion for summary  judgment  dismissing the remaining claims of breach of
      contract  and  negligent  misrepresentation.  The court  therefore  denied
      plaintiffs' motion to certify the class. In April 1998, plaintiffs noticed
      their  appeal  from that  decision  and from the June 1996  decision  (the
      appeal from which had been  dismissed).  This appeal has yet to be briefed
      and argued.

      In Chaviano,  plaintiff filed a substituted motion for class certification
      which is scheduled for hearing on June 9, 1998.

      In Luther,  on February 29, 1998,  Equitable Life responded to plaintiff's
      demand  letter with an offer of settlement  pursuant to the  provisions of
      the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

      In Brown, the court referred the case to mediation, which is pending.

      In National Gypsum,  DLJSC appealed the Bankruptcy  Court's January ruling
      to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

      In April,  1998,  DLJSC's  motions for summary  judgment  were denied in a
      litigation  commenced  in March  1991 by Dayton  Monetary  Associates  and
      Charles  Davison,  who, along with more than 200 other  plaintiffs,  filed
      several   complaints  against  DLJSC  and  a  number  of  other  financial
      institutions  and several  individuals in the U.S.  District Court for the
      Southern  District of New York. The plaintiffs allege that DLJSC and other
      defendants  violated  civil  provisions of RICO by inducing  plaintiffs to
      invest  over  $40.0  million  during the years  1978  through  1982 in The
      Securities  Groups,  a number of tax  shelter  limited  partnerships.  The
      plaintiffs  seek  recovery of the loss of their entire  investment  and an
      approximately  equivalent  amount of  tax-related  damages.  Judgment  for
      damages  under RICO are subject to trebling.  Discovery  is  complete.  No
      trial  date  has  been  set by  the  court.  DLJSC  believes  that  it has
      meritorious  defenses to the  complaints  and will continue to contest the
      suits vigorously. Although there can be no assurance, DLJ does not believe
      that the ultimate  outcome of this litigation will have a material adverse
      effect on its  consolidated  financial  condition  and/or  its  results of
      operations in any particular period.

      In addition to the matters  previously  reported and the matters described
      above,  the Holding Company and its  subsidiaries  are involved in various
      legal actions and proceedings in connection with their businesses. Some of
      the actions and proceedings have been brought on behalf of various alleged
      classes of  claimants  and  certain  of these  claimants  seek  damages of
      unspecified amounts.  While the ultimate outcome of such matters cannot be
      predicted with  certainty,  in the opinion of management no such matter is
      likely to have a material  adverse effect on The Equitable's  consolidated
      financial position or results of operations.

                                       13
<PAGE>

11)   BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ----------------    ---------------
                                                                                           (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                       <C>                  <C>
      Revenues
      Insurance Operations...................................................... $    1,085.0        $      977.0
      Investment Services.......................................................      1,856.9             1,250.5
      Corporate and Other.......................................................          8.9                12.8
      Consolidation/elimination.................................................         (7.0)               (9.8)
                                                                                 ----------------    ---------------
      Total..................................................................... $    2,943.8        $    2,230.5
                                                                                 ===============     ===============

      Earnings from Continuing Operations Before
        Federal Income Taxes and Minority Interest
      Insurance Operations...................................................... $      220.8        $      126.8
      Investment Services.......................................................        308.8               181.7
      Corporate and Other.......................................................          1.2                 2.7
      Consolidation/elimination.................................................          (.3)                (.4)
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
        Subtotal................................................................        530.5               310.8
      Corporate interest expense................................................        (22.9)              (34.7)
                                                                                 ----------------    ---------------
      Total..................................................................... $      507.6        $      276.1
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 March 31,           December 31,
                                                                                    1998                 1997
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                          (In Millions)
      <S>                                                                     <C>                  <C>          
      Assets
      Insurance Operations................................................... $    72,149.9        $    68,041.5
      Investment Services....................................................      86,024.8             83,120.3
      Corporate and Other....................................................         551.4                543.4
      Consolidation/elimination..............................................        (467.4)              (532.0)
                                                                              -----------------    -----------------
      Total.................................................................. $   158,258.7        $   151,173.2
                                                                              =================    =================
</TABLE>

12)   SUBSEQUENT EVENT

      In April 1998,  the Holding  Company  issued $250.0  million 6 1/2% Senior
      Notes due 2008 and $350.0  million 7% Senior  Debentures due 2028. The net
      proceeds  from the  sale of these  securities  were  approximately  $591.1
      million. The interest on these notes will be paid semi-annually on October
      1st and April 1st.

                                       14
<PAGE>

Item 2.
                MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
                       CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The following  analysis of the consolidated  results of operations and financial
condition of The Equitable  should be read in conjunction  with the Consolidated
Financial Statements and the related Notes to Consolidated  Financial Statements
included  elsewhere  herein,  and with the Management's  Discussion and Analysis
("MD&A") section included in The Equitable's 1997 Report on Form 10-K. The terms
"first  quarter  1998" and "first  quarter 1997" refer to the three months ended
March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following  table  presents the results of  operations  outside of the Closed
Block  combined  on a  line-by-line  basis with the  contribution  of the Closed
Block.  The Insurance  Operations  analysis,  which begins on page 16,  likewise
reflects the Closed Block amounts on a  line-by-line  basis.  The MD&A addresses
the combined  results of  operations  unless  noted  otherwise.  The  Investment
Services discussion begins on page 18.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                           (In Millions)
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>        
Policy fee income and premiums.................................................. $      573.4        $     557.4
Net investment income...........................................................      1,312.5            1,004.7
Investment gains, net...........................................................        229.6              180.3
Commissions, fees and other income..............................................      1,112.6              768.2
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
  Total revenues................................................................      3,228.1            2,510.6

Total benefits and other deductions.............................................      2,720.5            2,234.5
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
Earnings from continuing operations before Federal income taxes
  and minority interest.........................................................        507.6              276.1
Federal income taxes............................................................        170.5               87.4
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries....................         71.0               49.4
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------

Earnings from Continuing Operations............................................. $      266.1        $     139.3
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

Continuing Operations

Compared to first quarter 1997,  the higher  pre-tax  results of operations  for
first  quarter 1998  reflected  increased  earnings in  Investment  Services and
Insurance  Operations  and lower losses in Corporate and Other.  Federal  income
taxes increased due to higher pre-tax results of operations and the 3.5% Federal
excise tax  imposed on certain  publicly  traded  master  limited  partnerships,
including Alliance, which became effective January 1, 1998. Minority interest in
net income of consolidated  subsidiaries was higher principally due to increased
earnings at both DLJ and Alliance.

The $717.5  million  increase in revenues for first quarter 1998 compared to the
corresponding  period  in 1997 was  attributed  primarily  to a  $357.1  million
increase in investment  results and a $344.4  million  increase in  commissions,
fees and other income  principally  due to increased  business  activity  within
Investment  Services.  Net investment  income increased $307.8 million for first
quarter 1998 due to increases of $245.5 million and $74.3 million, respectively,
for Investment Services and Insurance Operations.  Investment gains increased by
$49.3 million for first quarter 1998 from $180.3  million for the same period in
1997. In first  quarter  1998, a $47.6  million  gross gain was  recognized as a
result of the exercise of Alliance Unit and DLJ stock options and the conversion
of DLJ restricted stock units. The $14.1 million increase in investment gains on
General Account Investment Assets was offset by a $11.6 million decline at DLJ.

                                       15
<PAGE>

For first quarter 1998, total benefits and other deductions  increased by $486.0
million  from the  comparable  period  in 1997,  reflecting  increases  in other
operating costs and expenses of $485.5 million.  The increase in other operating
costs and expenses  principally  resulted  from $479.3  million  higher costs in
Investment Services associated with increased segment revenues.


COMBINED RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS BY SEGMENT

Insurance Operations

The following table combines the Closed Block amounts with the reported  results
of operations outside of the Closed Block on a line-by-line basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Insurance Operations
                                                   (In Millions)

                                                                    Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       1998
                                                  ------------------------------------------------
                                                       As             Closed                              1997
                                                    Reported           Block           Combined         Combined
                                                  -------------    --------------    -------------    --------------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>        
Policy fees, premiums and other income..........  $    441.9       $    167.1        $      609.0     $     585.1
Net investment income...........................       587.7            136.4               724.1           649.8
Investment gains (losses), net..................        40.9             (4.7)               36.2            22.2
Contribution from the Closed Block..............        14.5            (14.5)                -               -
                                                  -------------    --------------    -------------    --------------
  Total revenues................................     1,085.0            284.3             1,369.3         1,257.1
Total benefits and other deductions.............       864.2            284.3             1,148.5         1,130.3
                                                  -------------    --------------    -------------    --------------
Earnings from Continuing Operations
  before Federal Income Taxes and
  Minority Interest.............................  $    220.8       $      -          $      220.8     $     126.8
                                                  =============    ==============    =============    ==============
</TABLE>

For first quarter 1998,  Insurance  Operations earnings reflected an increase of
$94.0 million from the year earlier period.  Higher investment  results,  higher
policy fees on variable and  interest-sensitive  life and  individual  annuities
contracts,  improved DI results and lower  interest  credited on  policyholders'
account balances were offset by higher mortality.

Total  revenues  increased by $112.2  million  primarily  due to a $88.3 million
increase in investment  results and a $29.1 million increase in policy fees. The
increase in Insurance  Operations'  investment results  principally was due to a
$74.3  million  increase in  investment  income due to higher  yields on General
Account  Investment Assets  principally  related to other equity investments and
higher  earnings  on amounts  invested  in the  Separate  Account  equity  funds
partially  offset by $4.7  million  lower  interest  on lower  amounts  due from
discontinued operations.  Policy fee income rose to $259.6 million due to higher
insurance and annuity account balances.

Total  benefits and other  deductions  for first quarter 1998 rose $18.2 million
from the comparable 1997 period reflecting increases in other operating expenses
due  to  higher  expenses   related  to  increased  sales  and  an  increase  in
policyholders'  benefits  primarily  resulting from higher mortality  experience
partially offset by a decrease in interest  credited on  policyholders'  account
balances due to moderately lower crediting rates.

                                       16
<PAGE>

Premiums  and  Deposits - The  following  table  lists  premiums  and  deposits,
including  universal life and investment-type  contract deposits,  for Insurance
Operations' major product lines.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Premiums and Deposits
                                                   (In Millions)

                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                <C> 
Individual annuities
  First year.................................................................... $      981.2        $     647.3
  Renewal.......................................................................        368.3              340.3
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                      1,349.5              987.6
Individual life(1)
  First year....................................................................         99.5              117.5
  Renewal.......................................................................        543.4              546.7
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                        642.9              664.2
Other(2)
  First year....................................................................          2.8                4.0
  Renewal.......................................................................         94.5               90.4
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
                                                                                         97.3               94.4

Total first year................................................................      1,083.5              768.8
Total renewal...................................................................      1,006.2              977.4
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
Total individual insurance and annuity products.................................      2,089.7            1,746.2

Total group pension products....................................................         90.8               80.8
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------

Total Premiums and Deposits..................................................... $    2,180.5        $   1,827.0
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
<FN>
(1) Includes variable and  interest-sensitive and traditional life products.
(2) Includes health insurance and reinsurance assumed.
</FN>
</TABLE>

First year premiums and deposits for individual  insurance and annuity  products
for first  quarter  1998  increased  from  prior year  levels by $314.7  million
primarily  due to higher sales of  individual  annuities.  Renewal  premiums and
deposits  increased by $28.8  million  during first  quarter 1998 over the prior
year  period as  increases  in the larger  block of  individual  annuities  were
partially  offset by decreases in  traditional  life  policies and other product
lines.  The 51.6%  increase  in first year  individual  annuities  premiums  and
deposits  in first  quarter  1998 over the prior year  period  included a $221.1
million increase in sales of a line of retirement  annuity products sold through
expanded wholesale distribution channels, up from $53.3 million in first quarter
1997.  Also in 1997,  first year  individual  life premiums and deposits for the
quarter  included  $23.3  million  of  premiums  from the sale of two large COLI
policies.

                                       17
<PAGE>

Surrenders  and   Withdrawals  -  The  following  table   summarizes   Insurance
Operations'   surrenders   and   withdrawals,   including   universal  life  and
investment-type  contract  withdrawals,   for  major  individual  insurance  and
annuities' product lines.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Individual Insurance and Annuities
                                    Surrenders and Withdrawals by Product Line
                                                 (In Millions)

                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>        
Individual annuities............................................................ $      694.2        $     594.4
Variable and interest-sensitive life............................................        697.3              123.2
Traditional life................................................................         98.6              105.6
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
Total........................................................................... $    1,490.1        $     823.2
                                                                                 ===============     ===============

Policy and contract  surrenders and withdrawals  increased $666.9 million during
first  quarter 1998 compared to the same period in 1997  principally  due to the
first quarter 1998  surrender of $561.8  million  related to a single large COLI
contract. Since there were outstanding policy loans on the surrendered contract,
there were no cash  outflows.  Excluding the effect of this one  surrender,  the
remaining $105.1 million increase resulted from $112.9 million higher surrenders
and  withdrawals  in the larger book of  variable  and  interest-sensitive  life
policies and individual  annuities partially offset by a decrease in traditional
life products surrenders and withdrawals.
</TABLE>

Investment Services

The  following  table  summarizes  the  results  of  continuing  operations  for
Investment Services.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Investment Services
                                                   (In Millions)

                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>        
Third party commissions and fees................................................ $    1,075.3        $     723.4
Affiliate fees(1)...............................................................         13.6               30.7
Net dealer and trading gains, investment results and other income...............        768.0              496.4
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
Total revenues..................................................................      1,856.9            1,250.5
Total costs and expenses........................................................      1,548.1            1,068.8
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
Earnings from Continuing Operations before Federal Income Taxes
  and Minority Interest......................................................... $      308.8        $     181.7
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
<FN>

(1)  Includes EREIM in 1997.
</FN>
</TABLE>

For first quarter 1998,  pre-tax earnings for Investment  Services  increased by
$127.1 million from the year-earlier period primarily due to higher earnings for
DLJ and  Alliance  and to the  $47.6  million  gain  recognized  as a result  of
Alliance  Units issued upon the exercise of options and increases in DLJ capital
from tax benefits  from the  exercise of options and  conversion  of  restricted
stock  units.  DLJ's  earnings  were 54% higher in 1998 largely due to increased
underwriting revenues,  strong merger and acquisition activity and the growth in
trading volume on most major  exchanges.  Total segment  revenues were up $606.4
million principally due to higher revenues at DLJ.

Total costs and expenses  increased by $479.3  million for first quarter 1998 as
compared  to the  same  period  in  1997  principally  reflecting  increases  in
compensation and interest expense at DLJ due to increased activity.

                                       18
<PAGE>

The following table summarizes results of operations by business unit.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Investment Services
                                      Results of Operations by Business Unit
                                                   (In Millions)

                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                 <C>
Earnings from  continuing  operations  before  Federal income taxes
  and minority interest:
  DLJ........................................................................... $      202.0        $     131.0
  Alliance......................................................................         78.5               54.1
  Equitable Real Estate(1)......................................................          -                  6.5
  Consolidation/elimination(2)(3)...............................................         28.3               (9.9)
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
Earnings from Continuing Operations before Federal Income Taxes
  and Minority Interest......................................................... $      308.8        $     181.7
                                                                                 ===============     ===============
<FN>

(1) EREIM was sold on June 10, 1997.

(2) Includes  the first  quarter  1998 gain on the  exercise of DLJ and Alliance
    options and the  conversion of DLJ  restricted  stock units  totaling  $40.2
    million (net of $7.4 million of state taxes) as well as interest  expense of
    $3.0 million  related to intercompany  debt issued by  intermediate  holding
    companies  payable to Equitable Life for the first quarters of both 1998 and
    1997.

(3) Pre-tax minority interest related to DLJ was $60.6 million and $38.9 million
    for the first quarters of 1998 and 1997, respectively, and $33.6 million and
    $22.9 million for Alliance for the same respective periods.
</FN>
</TABLE>

DLJ - DLJ's  earnings  from  continuing  operations  for first quarter 1998 were
$202.0 million, up $71.0 million from the comparable prior year period. Revenues
increased $511.9 million to $1.49 billion primarily due to higher net investment
income  of $244.8  million,  higher  underwriting  revenues  of $146.9  million,
increased  fees of $109.3  million,  $40.4 million higher gains on the corporate
development  portfolios and higher  commissions of $30.1 million offset by lower
dealer and trading gains of $52.0 million. DLJ's expenses were $1.29 billion for
first  quarter  1998, up $440.9  million from the  comparable  prior year period
primarily due to a $220.7 million  increase in compensation  and commissions and
higher interest expense of $155.7 million.  The first quarter 1998  compensation
costs included a $29.0 million one-time provision for costs associated primarily
with DLJ's plans for significant expansion in Europe.

DLJ enters into certain  contractual  agreements  referred to as  derivatives or
off-balance-sheet financial instruments involving futures, forwards and options.
DLJ's  derivative  activities  are not as extensive as many of its  competitors.
Instead,  DLJ has focused its  derivative  activities  on writing OTC options to
accommodate  its  customers'  needs,   trading  in  forward  contracts  in  U.S.
government and agency issued or guaranteed  securities and in futures  contracts
on equity based indices,  interest rate instruments and currencies,  and issuing
structured notes.  DLJ's involvement in swap contracts is not significant.  As a
result,  DLJ's  involvement  in  derivatives  products is related  primarily  to
revenue  generation  through the provision of products to its clients as opposed
to hedges  against DLJ's own  positions.  As part of DLJ's  trading  activities,
including trading activities in the related cash market instruments,  DLJ enters
into  forward and futures  contracts  primarily  involving  securities,  foreign
currencies,  indices and forward rate  agreements  as well as options on futures
contracts.  Such forward and futures contracts are entered into as part of DLJ's
covering  transactions  and are  generally  not used for  speculative  purposes.
Revenues  from  option  contracts  (net  of  related   interest   expense)  were
approximately  $15.1 million and $9.6 million for the first quarters of 1998 and
1997, respectively.  Option writing revenues are primarily from the amortization
of option premiums.  The notional value of written options contracts outstanding
was  approximately  $6.7  billion  and $9.3  billion at March 31, 1998 and 1997,


                                       19
<PAGE>

respectively.  The  overall  decrease in the  notional  value of all options was
primarily  due to decreases in customer  activity  related to foreign  sovereign
debt securities.  Such written options  contracts are  substantially  covered by
various financial instruments that DLJ had purchased or sold as principal.

Net trading losses on forward contracts were $23.8 million and $29.3 million and
net trading  (losses) gains on futures  contracts were $(27.0)  million and $5.7
million for the first  quarters  of 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  The  notional
contract  and market  values of the forward and futures  contracts  at March 31,
1998 and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    March 31, 1998                         March 31, 1997
                                           ----------------------------------    -----------------------------------
                                             Purchases            Sales            Purchases             Sales
                                           ---------------    ---------------    ---------------     ---------------
                                                                        (In Millions)
<S>                                        <C>                <C>                <C>                 <C>       
Forward Contracts
  (Notional Contract Value)..............  $   23,288         $    23,555        $    17,222         $   26,189
                                           ===============    ===============    ===============     ===============

Futures Contracts and Options on
  Futures Contracts (Market Value).......  $    1,210         $     2,117        $     2,193         $    6,844
                                           ===============    ===============    ===============     ===============
</TABLE>

DLJ issues structured notes which are customized financing  instruments in which
the amount of interest or principal  paid on a debt  obligation is linked to the
return on specific  cash  instruments.  At March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
DLJ had issued  long-term  structured  notes totaling  $147.6 million and $123.7
million,  respectively. DLJ covers its obligations on structured notes primarily
by purchasing  and selling the financial  instruments  to which the value of its
structured notes are linked.

Alliance - Alliance's earnings from continuing operations for first quarter 1998
were  $78.5  million,  an  increase  of  $24.4  million  from the  prior  year's
comparable  period.  Revenues  totaled $314.7 million for first quarter 1998, an
increase of $95.4 million from the  comparable  period in 1997, due to increased
investment  advisory and service fees.  Alliance's costs and expenses  increased
$71.0  million for first  quarter  1998  primarily  due to increases in employee
compensation  and benefits,  mutual fund  promotional  expenditures  and a $10.0
million  provision  for the estimated  buyout price of the minority  interest in
Cursitor.

Fees and Assets Under  Management - As the following  table  illustrates,  third
party clients represent the primary source of fees from assets under management.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Fees and Assets Under Management
                                                   (In Millions)
                                                                                           At or For the
                                                                                         Three Months Ended
                                                                                             March 31,
                                                                                 -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1998                1997
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
<S>                                                                              <C>                 <C>
Fees:
  Third Party
    Unaffiliated third parties.................................................. $      252.6        $     186.6
    Separate Accounts...........................................................         24.1               18.1
  The Equitable.................................................................         10.9               27.7
                                                                                 ---------------     ---------------
Total........................................................................... $      287.6        $     232.4
                                                                                 ===============     ===============

Assets Under Management:
  Third Party
    Unaffiliated third parties.................................................. $    209,219         $  153,920
    Separate Accounts...........................................................       37,081             30,217
  The Equitable.................................................................       60,015             56,684
                                                                                 ----------------     ---------------
Total........................................................................... $    306,315         $  240,821
                                                                                 ================     ===============
</TABLE>

                                       20
<PAGE>

Fees from assets  under  management  increased  for first  quarter 1998 from the
comparable  1997  period  principally  as a result of  growth  in  assets  under
management for third  parties.  Alliance's  third party assets under  management
increased by $63.52 billion primarily due to market appreciation and mutual fund
sales.

At March 31, 1997, third party assets under management by Equitable Real Estate,
including Separate Accounts,  were $14.67 billion.  For first quarter 1997, fees
received for assets under  management  by Equitable  Real Estate  totaled  $48.5
million of which $31.4 million was received from third parties.


CONTINUING OPERATIONS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

The  continuing  operations  investment  portfolio  is  composed  of the General
Account investment portfolio and investment assets of the Holding Company Group.
The General  Account's  portfolio  is  discussed  first,  followed by a separate
discussion on the Holding Company Group investments.

General Account Investment Portfolio

This discussion of the General Account  portfolio  analyzes the results of major
investment  asset  categories,  including the Closed  Block's  investments.  The
following  table  reconciles  the  consolidated  balance  sheet asset amounts to
General Account Investment Assets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         General Account Investment Assets
                                                  Carrying Values
                                                  March 31, 1998
                                                   (In Millions)

                                                                                                          General
                                                                                           Holding        Account
                                        Balance           Closed                           Company       Investment
Balance Sheet Captions:                  Sheet            Block            Other            Group        Assets(1)
- ---------------------------------- -----------------   -------------   ---------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                 <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>
Fixed maturities:
  Available for sale(2)...........  $   20,709.5       $   4,261.8     $    (108.4)     $     336.4     $   24,743.3
  Held to maturity................         139.5               -               -              139.5              -
Trading account securities........      18,682.5               -          18,682.5              -                -
Securities purchased under
  resale agreements...............      21,094.3               -          21,094.3              -                -
Mortgage loans on real estate.....       2,541.5           1,398.3             -                -            3,939.8
Equity real estate................       2,381.8             129.4            (1.5)             -            2,512.7
Policy loans......................       1,956.4           1,674.3             -                -            3,630.7
Other equity investments..........       1,512.9              74.8           496.2             11.6          1,079.9
Other invested assets.............         476.7              (1.0)          291.8             (7.9)           191.8
                                    ----------------   -------------   ---------------  --------------  -------------
  Total investments...............      69,495.1           7,537.6        40,454.9            479.6         36,098.2
Cash and cash equivalents.........         927.9              68.2           363.4             52.9            579.8
                                    ----------------   -------------   ---------------  --------------  -------------

Total.............................  $   70,423.0       $   7,605.8     $  40,818.3      $     532.5     $   36,678.0
                                    ================   =============   ===============  ==============  =============
<FN>

(1)  General Account  Investment Assets are computed by adding the Balance Sheet
     and Closed Block and deducting the Other and Holding Company Group amounts.

(2)  At March 31, 1998,  the amortized cost of the General  Account's  available
     for sale fixed  maturities  portfolio was $23.64  billion  compared with an
     estimated market value of $24.74 billion.
</FN>
</TABLE>

The General Account  Investment  Assets  presentation set forth in the following
pages  includes the  investments  of the Closed Block on a  line-by-line  basis.
Management  believes it is appropriate to discuss the  information on a combined
basis in view of the  similar  asset  quality  characteristics  of  major  asset
categories in the portfolios.

                                       21
<PAGE>

General Account Investment Assets by Category

The  following  table shows the amortized  cost,  valuation  allowances  and net
amortized cost of the major categories of General Account  Investment  Assets at
March 31, 1998 and net amortized cost at December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         General Account Investment Assets
                                               (Dollars In Millions)

                                                    March 31, 1998                               December 31, 1997
                              -----------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------------
                                                                                % of                            % of
                                                                  Net        Total Net          Net          Total Net
                                Amortized      Valuation       Amortized     Amortized       Amortized       Amortized
                                   Cost        Allowances         Cost          Cost            Cost            Cost
                              --------------- -------------   ------------- -------------   -------------   -------------
<S>                           <C>             <C>             <C>               <C>         <C>                 <C>   
Fixed maturities(1).......... $   23,639.2    $      -        $  23,639.2        66.5%      $  22,914.5          65.0%
Mortgages....................      4,016.4          76.6          3,939.8        11.1           3,953.0          11.2
Equity real estate...........      2,863.9         351.2          2,512.7         7.1           2,637.8           7.5
Other equity investments.....      1,079.9           -            1,079.9         3.0           1,037.5           2.9
Policy loans.................      3,630.7           -            3,630.7        10.2           4,123.1          11.7
Cash and short-term
  investments................        771.6           -              771.6         2.1             607.6           1.7
                              --------------- -------------   ------------- -------------   -------------   -------------
Total........................ $   36,001.7    $    427.8      $  35,573.9       100.0%      $  35,273.5         100.0%
                              =============== =============   ============= =============   =============   =============
<FN>

(1) Excludes  unrealized  gains of $1.10  billion  and  $1.07  billion  in fixed
    maturities  classified  as available for sale at March 31, 1998 and December
    31, 1997, respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       22
<PAGE>

Investment Results of General Account Investment Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Investment Results by Asset Category
                                                       (Dollars In Millions)

                                                                            Three Months Ended March 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         1998                          1997
                                                              ---------------------------   ---------------------------
                                                                 (1)                           (1)
                                                                Yield          Amount         Yield          Amount
                                                              -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
<S>                                                             <C>         <C>               <C>         <C>
Fixed Maturities:
  Income....................................................     7.78%      $     453.0        8.00%      $     435.9
  Investment Gains/(Losses).................................     0.26%             15.1        0.57%             31.3
                                                              -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
  Total.....................................................     8.04%      $     468.1        8.57%      $     467.2
  Ending Assets.............................................                $  23,639.2                   $  21,892.8
Mortgages:
  Income....................................................     9.89%      $      97.6        9.47%      $     104.7
  Investment Gains/(Losses).................................    (0.70)%            (6.9)       0.14%              1.6
                                                              -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
  Total.....................................................     9.19%      $      90.7        9.61%      $     106.3
  Ending Assets.............................................                $   3,939.8                   $   4,335.5
Equity Real Estate(2):
  Income....................................................     5.27%      $      26.6        2.09%      $      14.2
  Investment Gains/(Losses).................................     0.49%              2.5       (1.54%)           (10.5)
                                                              -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
  Total.....................................................     5.76%      $      29.1        0.55%      $       3.7
  Ending Assets.............................................                $   1,969.5                   $   2,705.5
Other Equity Investments:
  Income....................................................    14.58%      $      38.6        6.71%      $      15.9
  Investment Gains/(Losses).................................     9.68%             25.6       (0.08%)            (0.2)
                                                              -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
  Total.....................................................    24.26%      $      64.2        6.63%      $      15.7
  Ending Assets.............................................                $   1,079.9                   $     938.9
Policy Loans:
  Income....................................................     7.21%      $      69.9        6.90%      $      69.0
  Ending Assets.............................................                $   3,630.7                   $   4,043.2
Cash and Short-term Investments:
  Income....................................................    11.95%      $      20.6       10.59%      $      12.6
  Ending Assets.............................................                $     771.6                   $     673.7
Total:
  Income....................................................     8.10%      $     706.3        7.59%      $     652.3
  Investment Gains/(Losses).................................     0.42%             36.3        0.26%             22.2
                                                              -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
  Total(3)..................................................     8.52%      $     742.6        7.85%      $     674.5
  Ending Assets.............................................                $  35,030.7                   $  34,589.6

<FN>

(1) Yields have been  annualized and calculated  based on the quarterly  average
    asset  carrying  values   excluding   unrealized  gains  (losses)  in  fixed
    maturities.  Annualized  yields  are not  necessarily  indicative  of a full
    year's results.

(2) Equity  real  estate  carrying  values are shown net of third party debt and
    minority interest in real estate.  Equity real estate income is shown net of
    operating expenses,  depreciation, third party interest expense and minority
    interest.

(3) Total  yields  are  shown  before  deducting  investment  fees  paid  to its
    investment  advisors.  These fees  include  asset  management,  acquisition,
    disposition,  accounting  and  legal  fees.  If  investment  fees  had  been
    deducted,  total  yields  would  have  been  8.20%  and  7.58% for the first
    quarters of 1998 and 1997, respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                       23
<PAGE>

Writedowns on fixed  maturities were $6.1 million and $4.6 million for the first
quarters  of 1998 and  1997,  respectively.  The  following  table  shows  asset
valuation  allowances and additions to and deductions  from such  allowances for
mortgages and equity real estate for the first quarters of 1998 and 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         General Account Investment Assets
                                               Valuation Allowances
                                                   (In Millions)

                                                                                    Equity Real
                                                                  Mortgages            Estate             Total
                                                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------
<S>                                                            <C>                 <C>                <C> 
March 31, 1998
Beginning balances............................................  $     74.3         $     345.5        $     419.8
Additions.....................................................        10.0                33.9               43.9
Deductions(1).................................................        (7.7)              (28.2)             (35.9)
                                                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------
Ending Balances...............................................  $     76.6         $     351.2        $     427.8
                                                                ===============    ===============    ==============

March 31, 1997
Beginning balances............................................  $     64.2         $      90.4        $     154.6
Additions.....................................................        14.8                14.7               29.5
Deductions(1).................................................       (18.4)              (15.4)             (33.8)
                                                                ---------------    ---------------    --------------
Ending Balances...............................................  $     60.6         $      89.7        $     150.3
                                                                ===============    ===============    ==============
<FN>

(1) Primarily  reflected  releases of allowances due to asset  dispositions  and
    writedowns.
</FN>
</TABLE>

Fixed Maturities. Fixed maturities consist of publicly traded debt and privately
placed debt securities and small amounts of redeemable  preferred  stock,  which
represented 74.3%, 25.1% and 0.6%,  respectively,  of the amortized cost of this
asset category at March 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Fixed Maturities By Credit Quality
                                                       (Dollars In Millions)

                                              March 31, 1998                           December 31, 1997
               Rating Agency      ---------------------------------------   -----------------------------------------
  NAIC          Equivalent          Amortized       % of     Estimated         Amortized        % of      Estimated
 Rating         Designation            Cost        Total     Fair Value           Cost         Total     Fair Value
- ---------- ---------------------- --------------- --------- -------------   ----------------- --------- --------------
<S>                               <C>               <C>     <C>             <C>                 <C>     <C>        
    1-2    Aaa/Aa/A and Baa...... $  20,187.8        85.4%  $  21,133.7     $  19,488.9          85.0%  $  20,425.3
    3-6    Ba and lower..........     3,315.7(1)     14.0       3,448.7         3,294.9(2)       14.4       3,395.4
                                  ------------  ---------- ---------------  ------------      --------- -------------

Subtotal........................     23,503.5        99.4      24,582.4        22,783.8          99.4      23,820.7
Redeemable preferred stock
  and other.....................        135.7         0.6         160.9           130.7           0.6         166.2
                                  ------------  ----------- --------------  ------------  ------------- -------------
Total...........................  $  23,639.2       100.0%  $  24,743.3     $  22,914.5         100.0%  $  23,986.9
                                  ============  =========== ==============  ============  ============= =============

<FN>

(1)  Includes Class B Notes with an amortized cost of $93.5 million, eliminated in consolidation.
(2)  Includes Class B Notes with an amortized cost of $95.2 million, eliminated in consolidation.
</FN>
</TABLE>

At March 31, 1998, The Equitable held mortgage  pass-through  securities with an
amortized cost of $2.76 billion,  $2.23 billion of CMOs, including $2.12 billion
in publicly  traded CMOs,  and $1.54  billion of public and private asset backed
securities,  primarily  backed  by home  equity,  mortgage,  airline  and  other
equipment, and credit card receivables.

                                       24
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Fixed Maturities
                                  Problems, Potential Problems and Restructureds
                                                  Amortized Cost
                                                   (In Millions)

                                                                                  March 31,          December 31,
                                                                                     1998                1997
                                                                                ---------------    -----------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>          
FIXED MATURITIES..............................................................  $   23,639.2       $    22,914.5
Problem fixed maturities......................................................          60.9                31.0
Potential problem fixed maturities............................................          38.6                17.9
Restructured fixed maturities(1)..............................................           0.2                 1.8

<FN>

(1) Excludes  restructured  fixed  maturities of $2.1million  and $2.1 million 
    that are shown as problems at March 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, 
    respectively.
</FN>
</TABLE>

Mortgages. Mortgages consist of commercial,  agricultural and residential loans.
At March 31, 1998,  commercial  mortgages  totaled $2.30  billion  (57.2% of the
amortized cost of the category),  agricultural  loans were $1.71 billion (42.7%)
and residential loans were $2.0 million (0.1%).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Mortgages
                                  Problems, Potential Problems and Restructureds
                                                  Amortized Cost
                                               (Dollars In Millions)

                                                                                  March 31,          December 31,
                                                                                     1998                1997
                                                                                ---------------    -----------------
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C> 
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES..........................................................  $   2,300.0        $     2,305.8
Problem commercial mortgages..................................................         15.0                 19.3
Potential problem commercial mortgages........................................        187.0                180.9
Restructured commercial mortgages(1)..........................................        193.3                194.9

AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGES........................................................  $   1,714.4        $     1,719.2
Problem agricultural mortgages................................................         13.3                 12.2
Potential problem agricultural mortgages......................................          7.0                  -
Restructured agricultural mortgages...........................................          1.1                  1.1

<FN>

(1) No restructured  commercial mortgages were shown as problems at either March
    31,  1998 or December  31,  1997;  excludes  $57.9  million of  restructured
    commercial  mortgages that are shown as potential problems at March 31, 1998
    and December 31, 1997.
</FN>
</TABLE>

The original  weighted average coupon rate on the $193.3 million of restructured
mortgages  was  9.5%.  As a result  of these  restructurings,  the  restructured
weighted average coupon rate was 8.3% and the restructured weighted average cash
payment  rate  was  7.8%.  The  foregone  interest  on  restructured  commercial
mortgages (including  restructured  commercial mortgages presented as problem or
potential problem commercial mortgages) for first quarter 1998 was $0.6 million.

                                       25
<PAGE>

As of March 31,  1998,  the  distribution  of problem  commercial  mortgages  by
property type was: retail ($14.3 million or 95.3%), hotel ($0.4 million or 2.7%)
and industrial  ($0.3 million or 2.0%).  By state,  the  distribution  was: Ohio
($14.3 million or 95.3%),  Wyoming ($0.4 million or 2.7%) and  California  ($0.3
million or 2.0%). The distribution of potential problem commercial  mortgages by
property type was: retail ($154.0 million or 82.4%),  industrial  ($18.8 million
or 10.1%),  hotel ($12.4 million or 6.6%),  apartment ($1.4 million or 0.7%) and
office ($0.4 million or 0.2%).  By states  representing 5% or more of the total,
the distribution was: New York ($102.0 million or 54.5%),  Massachusetts  ($26.8
million or 14.3%),  Puerto Rico ($18.7  million or 10.0%),  Pennsylvania  ($18.4
million or 9.8%) and Ohio ($12.2 million or 6.5%).

At March  31,  1998  and  1997,  respectively,  management  identified  impaired
mortgage loans with carrying  values of $234.9 million and $403.5  million.  The
provisions for losses for these  impaired  mortgage loans were $71.2 million and
$52.3 million at March 31, 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  For the first quarters
of 1998 and 1997,  respectively,  income accrued on these loans was $4.5 million
and $7.7 million, including cash received of $3.1 million and $7.6 million.

For  first  quarter  1998,   scheduled  principal   amortization   payments  and
prepayments on commercial  mortgage loans received  aggregated $67.8 million. In
addition,  $30.0  million of commercial  mortgage  loan  maturity  payments were
scheduled, of which $23.5 million were paid as due. Of the amount not paid, $6.5
million were granted extensions; none were foreclosed,  delinquent or in default
for non-payment of principal.

Equity Real Estate.  As of March 31, 1998, on the basis of amortized  cost,  the
equity  real  estate  category   included  $1.96  billion  (68.3%)  acquired  as
investment real estate and $906.6 million (31.7%) acquired through or in lieu of
foreclosure (including in-substance foreclosures).

Management  announced  in January  1998 plans to  accelerate  equity real estate
sales over the next 12 to 15 months. During the first quarters of 1998 and 1997,
respectively, proceeds from the sale of equity real estate totaled $91.0 million
and $66.1 million, with gains of $35.8 million and $4.2 million.

At March 31, 1998, the vacancy rate for The  Equitable's  office  properties was
10.6%  in  total,  with a  vacancy  rate  of 8.3%  for  properties  acquired  as
investment real estate and 19.6% for properties  acquired  through  foreclosure.
The national  commercial  office vacancy rate was 9.9% (as of December 31, 1997)
as measured by CB Commercial.

Other  Equity   Investments.   Other  equity  investments   consist  of  limited
partnership  interests  managed by third parties ($585.4 million or 54.2% of the
amortized cost of this portfolio at March 31, 1998) and other equity  securities
($494.5 million or 45.8%).  The other equity  investments can create significant
volatility in investment  income since they  predominately  are accounted for in
accordance  with the equity  method that treats  increases  and decreases in the
estimated fair value of the underlying assets (or allocable portion thereof,  in
the case of partnerships),  whether realized or unrealized, as investment income
or loss to The  Equitable.  Though not  included in General  Account  Investment
Assets, the excess of Separate Account assets over Separate Accounts liabilities
at March 31, 1998 of $325.7  million  represented  an  investment by the General
Account principally in equity securities.  Returns on all equity investments are
very  volatile  and  there  can  be no  assurance  recent  performance  will  be
sustained.


Holding Company Group Investment Portfolio

For first  quarter 1998,  Holding  Company  Group  investment  results were $9.2
million,  as compared to $12.9 million in the year-earlier  period. The decrease
primarily was due to lower investment  income on the Holding  Company's  smaller
fixed maturities portfolio.

At March 31, 1998,  the Holding  Company  Group  investment  portfolio's  $532.5
million carrying value was made up of $475.9 million of fixed maturities ($331.3
million with an NAIC 1 rating), $45.0 million of cash and short-term investments
and $11.6  million of other  equity  investments.  At  December  31,  1997,  the
portfolio's carrying value was $524.0 million,  which included $490.6 million of
fixed maturities  ($418.1 million with an NAIC 1 or 2 rating),  $24.3 million of
cash and short-term investments and $9.1 million of other equity investments.

                                       26
<PAGE>

YEAR 2000

Year 2000 compliance  efforts  continue at Equitable Life, DLJ and Alliance with
costs of $3.8 million,  $11.0 million and $2.1 million,  respectively,  incurred
during first quarter 1998.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

In April 1998,  the Holding  Company  completed  an offering  under its existing
shelf  registration  of $250.0  million 6 1/2% Senior  Notes due 2008 and $350.0
million  7%  Senior  Debentures  due 2028  (together  the "1998  Senior  Debt"),
resulting  in net  proceeds of $591.1  million to be used for general  corporate
purposes.  Pre-tax  debt  service  on the 1998  Senior  Debt is  expected  to be
approximately  $29.9 million in 1998, and approximately  $40.8 million per annum
thereafter.

On May 13, 1998,  the Holding  Company's  Board of Directors  authorized a stock
repurchase  program pursuant to which the Holding Company may repurchase up to 8
million  shares of its  common  stock  from  time to time in the open  market or
through privately negotiated transactions.

Equitable  Life has a  commercial  paper  program  with an issue  limit of up to
$500.0 million.  This program is available for general corporate purposes and is
supported by Equitable  Life's  existing  $350.0  million bank credit  facility,
which expires in June 2000.  Equitable  Life uses this program from time to time
in its  liquidity  management.  At March 31, 1998,  no amounts were  outstanding
under either the commercial paper program or the revolving credit facility.

On March 16, 1998,  members of the NAIC approved its  Codification  of Statutory
Accounting Principles ("Codification") project. Codification provides regulators
and insurers with uniform statutory  guidance,  addressing areas where statutory
accounting  previously  was  silent  and  changing  certain  existing  statutory
positions.  Equitable Life will be subject to  Codification to the extent and in
the form adopted in New York State,  which would require  action by both the New
York  legislature and the New York Insurance  Department.  It is not possible to
predict whether, in what form, or when Codification will be adopted in New York,
and  accordingly  it is not  possible to predict the effect of  Codification  on
Equitable Life.

Consolidated Cash Flows

The net cash used by operating  activities  was $1.32  billion for first quarter
1998 compared to $3.29  billion for first  quarter  1997.  The 1998 cash used by
operations  principally  was due to the  $874.4  million  net  change in trading
activities and broker-dealer related receivables/payables at DLJ as increases in
operating  assets more than offset  increases in operating  liabilities  and the
$429.1 million change in clearing association fees and regulatory deposits. Cash
used by operating  activities in 1997  principally was attributable to the $2.85
billion   net   change  in  trading   activities   and   broker-dealer   related
receivables/payables  at DLJ reflecting an increase in operating  assets and the
$553.1 million reduction in accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Net cash  provided by investing  activities  was $51.6 million for first quarter
1998 as compared to net cash used by investing  activities of $116.7 million for
the  same  period  in  1997.  In  1998,  investment  purchases  exceeded  sales,
maturities  and  repayments  by $87.2  million.  Loans to the  discontinued  GIC
segment were reduced by $300.0 million  during first quarter 1998.  Cash used by
investing  activities  during  the  first  three  months of 1997  primarily  was
attributable  to the  increase  in other  invested  assets  partially  offset by
investment sales, maturities and repayments exceeding purchases by approximately
$131.7 million.

Net cash  provided by financing  activities  was $1.59 billion for first quarter
1998 as compared to $3.74 billion in first  quarter  1997.  During first quarter
1998, cash provided by net additions to long-term debt of $162.1 million and the
net increase of $1.42 billion in short-term financing,  principally at DLJ, were
partially offset by withdrawals from policyholders' accounts exceeding additions
by $98.1 million. Net cash provided by financing activities during first quarter
1997 primarily resulted from a $3.86 billion increase in short-term  financings,
principally  due  to  net  repurchase   agreement  activity.   Withdrawals  from
policyholders' account balances exceeded deposits by $114.0 million during first
quarter 1997.

                                       27
<PAGE>

The operating, investing and financing activities described above resulted in an
increase in cash and cash  equivalents  during the first three months of 1998 of
$330.5 million to $927.9 million.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The  Equitable's  management has made in this report,  and from time to time may
make in its public filings and press  releases as well as in oral  presentations
and   discussions,   forward-looking   statements   concerning  The  Equitable's
operations,  economic  performance  and  financial  condition.   Forward-looking
statements include,  among other things,  discussions concerning The Equitable's
potential   exposure  to  market  risks,   as  well  as  statements   expressing
management's  expectations,   beliefs,  estimates,  forecasts,  projections  and
assumptions,  as indicated by words such as "believes,"  "estimates," "intends,"
"anticipates,"  "expects,"  "projects,"  "should," "probably," "risk," "target,"
"goals,"  "objectives,"  or  similar  expressions.   The  Equitable  claims  the
protection afforded by the safe harbor for forward-looking  statements contained
in the Private Securities  Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and assumes no duty to
update any forward-looking statement.  Forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and  uncertainties.  Actual  results  could differ  materially  from those
anticipated by  forward-looking  statements due to a number of important factors
including those discussed  elsewhere in this report and in The Equitable's other
public  filings,  press  releases,  oral  presentations  and discussions and the
following:  (i) the intensity of competition from other financial  institutions;
(ii) secular trends and The  Equitable's  experience  with respect to mortality,
morbidity,  persistency and claims experience;  (iii) The Equitable's ability to
develop,  distribute  and  administer  competitive  products  and  services in a
timely,  cost-effective  manner;  (iv) The Equitable's  visibility in the market
place and its financial and claims paying ratings;  (v) the effect of changes in
laws and regulations affecting The Equitable's businesses,  including changes in
tax laws affecting  insurance and annuity products;  (vi) the volatile nature of
the  securities  business,  the  future  results  of DLJ  and  Alliance  and the
potential losses that could result from DLJ's merchant  banking  activities as a
result of its capital intensive  nature;  (vii) market risks related to interest
rates, equity prices, derivatives,  foreign currency exchange and credit; (viii)
the volatility of returns from The Equitable's  other equity  investments;  (ix)
The  Equitable's  ability  to  develop  information  technology  and  management
information systems to support strategic goals while continuing to control costs
and  expenses;   (x)  the  costs  of  defending   litigation  and  the  risk  of
unanticipated  material  adverse  outcomes in such  litigation;  (xi) changes in
accounting and reporting practices;  (xii) the performance of others on whom The
Equitable relies for distribution,  investment management, reinsurance and other
services;  (xiii) The  Equitable's  access to adequate  financing to support its
future business and (xiv) the effect of any future acquisitions.

                                       28
<PAGE>

PART II        OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.        Legal Proceedings.

There have been no new material legal  proceedings and no material  developments
in matters which were previously  reported in the Registrant's Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1997, except as set forth in Note 10 to the Registrant's
Unaudited  Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1998.


Item 6.        Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

                (a) Exhibits

                    Exhibit 27      Financial Data Schedule

                (b) Reports on Form 8-K

                    On April 7, 1998, the Holding Company filed a Current Report
                    on Form  8-K  attaching  certain  exhibits  relating  to the
                    issuance of the 1998 Senior Debt.

                                       29
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  The
Equitable Companies Incorporated has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


Date:    May 13, 1998              THE EQUITABLE COMPANIES INCORPORATED


                                   By:      /s/Stanley B. Tulin
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Name:   Stanley B. Tulin
                                            Title:  Executive Vice President and
                                                    Chief Financial Officer


Date:    May 13, 1998                       /s/Alvin H. Fenichel
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Alvin H. Fenichel
                                            Senior Vice President and Controller




                                       30


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE>                                      7
<MULTIPLIER>                                              1,000
                                                
<S>                                            <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                   MAR-31-1998
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                                 20,709,500
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                                   139,500
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                                     160,800
<EQUITIES>                                            1,512,900
<MORTGAGE>                                            2,541,500
<REAL-ESTATE>                                         2,381,800
<TOTAL-INVEST>                                       69,495,100
<CASH>                                                  927,900
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                                            0
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                                3,284,500
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                      158,258,700
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                               0
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                                           0
<POLICY-OTHER>                                        4,615,000
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                                20,954,700
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                       7,111,400
                                         0
                                                   0
<COMMON>                                                  2,200
<OTHER-SE>                                            5,557,900
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                        158,258,700
                                              406,100
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                                   1,176,100
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                                      234,300
<OTHER-INCOME>                                        1,127,300
<BENEFITS>                                              262,200
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                              80,900
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                                  1,793,400
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                         507,600
<INCOME-TAX>                                            170,500
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                     266,100
<DISCONTINUED>                                              500
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                               0
<CHANGES>                                                     0
<NET-INCOME>                                            266,600
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                 1.20
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                 1.15
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                                0
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                                           0
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                                             0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                                            0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                                              0
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                               0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                                       0
                                                

</TABLE>


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