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PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST
[PARAGON LOGO]
GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
INSURANCE POLICIES
Prospectus dated May 1, 1998
50455 Com
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GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
ISSUED BY
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
100 SOUTH BRENTWOOD
ST. LOUIS, MO 63105
(314) 862-2211
This Prospectus describes flexible premium variable life insurance policies
offered by Paragon Life Insurance Company (the "Company"), Internal Revenue
Service Employer Identification Number 43-1235869 which are designed for use
in employer-sponsored insurance programs. In circumstances where a Group
Contract is issued, Individual Policies or Certificates setting forth or
summarizing the rights of the Owners and/or Insureds, will be issued under the
Group Contract. Individual Policies also can be issued in connection with
employer-sponsored insurance programs in circumstances where a Group Contract
is not issued. The terms of the Certificate and the Individual Policy, whether
or not the Individual Policy is issued under a Group Contract, are
substantially the same and are collectively referred to in this Prospectus as
"Policy" or "Policies."
The Policies are designed to provide lifetime insurance protection to age 95
and at the same time provide flexibility to vary premium payments and change
the level of death benefits payable under the Policies. This flexibility
allows an Owner to provide for changing insurance needs under a single
insurance policy. An Owner also has the opportunity to allocate net premiums
among several investment portfolios with different investment objectives.
The Policy provides for: (1) a Cash Surrender Value that can be obtained by
surrendering the Policy; (2) Policy Loans; and (3) a death benefit payable at
the Insured's death. As long as a Policy remains in force, the death benefit
payable on the Insured's death will not be less than the current Face Amount
of the Policy. The insurance under a Policy will remain in force so long as
its Cash Surrender Value is sufficient to pay certain monthly charges imposed
in connection with the Policy.
The Owner may allocate net premiums to one or more of the Divisions of the
Separate Account B (the "Separate Account"). The duration of the Policy and
the amount of the Cash Value will vary to reflect the investment performance
of the Divisions of the Separate Account selected by the Owner, and, depending
on the death benefit option elected, the amount of the death benefit above the
minimum may also vary with that investment performance. Thus, the Owner bears
the entire investment risk under the Policies; there is no minimum guaranteed
Cash Value.
Each Division of the Separate Account will invest solely in a corresponding
investment portfolio of Putnam Variable Trust, an investment company currently
consisting of fourteen separate investment Portfolios, or "Funds":
Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund Putnam VT International Growth and Income
Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund Fund
Putnam VT International New Opportunities
Fund
Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund
Putnam VT Global Growth Fund
Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund Putnam VT Money Market Fund
Putnam VT High Yield Fund Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund
Putnam VT International Growth Fund Putnam VT U.S. Government and High
Quality Bond Fund
Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income
Fund
Putnam VT Voyager Fund
The prospectus for Putnam Variable Trust describes the investment objectives
and policies, and the risks of the Funds.
It may not be advantageous to purchase a Policy as a replacement for another
type of life insurance or as a means to obtain additional insurance protection
if the purchaser already owns another flexible premium variable life insurance
policy.
This Prospectus Must Be Accompanied Or Preceded By A Current Prospectus For
Putnam Variable Trust.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE
CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Please Read This Prospectus Carefully And Retain It For Future Reference.
The Date Of This Prospectus Is May 1, 1998.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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PAGE
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Definitions................................................................ 3
Summary.................................................................... 4
The Company and the Separate Account....................................... 10
The Company.............................................................. 10
The Separate Account..................................................... 11
Putnam Variable Trust.................................................... 11
Addition, Deletion, or Substitution of Investments....................... 13
Payment and Allocation of Premiums......................................... 14
Issuance of a Policy..................................................... 14
Premiums................................................................. 15
Allocation of Net Premiums and Cash Value................................ 17
Policy Lapse and Reinstatement........................................... 17
Policy Benefits............................................................ 18
Death Benefit............................................................ 18
Cash Value............................................................... 22
Policy Rights and Privileges............................................... 23
Exercising Rights and Privileges Under the Policies...................... 23
Loans.................................................................... 23
Surrender and Partial Withdrawals........................................ 24
Transfers................................................................ 25
Right to Examine Policy.................................................. 26
Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy............................... 26
Eligibility Change Conversion............................................ 26
Payment of Benefits at Maturity.......................................... 27
Payment of Policy Benefits............................................... 27
Charges and Deductions..................................................... 28
Sales Charges............................................................ 28
Premium Tax Charge....................................................... 28
Monthly Deduction........................................................ 28
Partial Withdrawal Transaction Charge.................................... 30
Separate Account Charges................................................. 30
General Matters Relating to the Policy..................................... 31
Distribution of the Policies............................................... 34
General Provisions of the Group Contract................................... 35
Federal Tax Matters........................................................ 36
Safekeeping of the Separate Account's Assets............................... 40
Voting Rights.............................................................. 40
State Regulation of the Company............................................ 40
Management of the Company.................................................. 42
Legal Matters.............................................................. 43
Legal Proceedings.......................................................... 43
Experts.................................................................... 43
Additional Information..................................................... 43
Financial Statements....................................................... 43
Appendix A................................................................. A-1
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THE POLICIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT BE LAWFULLY MADE. NO DEALER, SALESMAN, OR OTHER PERSON
IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS,
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON.
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DEFINITIONS
Attained Age--The Issue Age of the Insured plus the number of completed
Policy Years.
Associated Companies--Those companies listed in a Group Contract's
specifications pages that are under common control through stock ownership,
contract or otherwise, with the Contractholder.
Beneficiary--The person(s) named in an application for Individual Insurance
or by later designation to receive Policy proceeds in the event of the
Insured's death. A Beneficiary may be changed as set forth in the Policy and
this Prospectus.
Cash Value--The total amount that a Policy provides for investment at any
time. It is equal to the total of the amounts credited to the Owner in the
Separate Account and in the Loan Account.
Cash Surrender Value--The Cash Value of a Policy on the date of surrender,
less any Indebtedness.
Certificate--A document issued to Owners of Policies issued under Group
Contracts, setting forth or summarizing the Owner's rights and benefits.
Contractholder--The employer, association, sponsoring organization or trust
that is issued a Group Contract.
Corporate Program--A category of Policies available as an Individual Policy
in which the sponsoring employer or its designated trust is generally the
Owner of the Policy.
Division--A subaccount of the Separate Account available for allocation
under the Policy. Each Division invests exclusively in the shares of Putnam
Capital Manager Trust.
Employee--A person who is employed and paid for services by an employer on a
regular basis. To qualify as an employee, a person ordinarily must work for an
employer at least 30 hours per week. The Company may waive or modify this
requirement at its discretion. An employee may also include an independent
contractor acting in many respects as an employee with a sponsoring employer.
An employee may include a partner in a partnership if the employer is a
partnership.
Executive Program--A category of Policies issued under Group Contracts or
employer-sponsored insurance programs that have a maximum Face Amount
available for each Policy generally in excess of $500,000.
Face Amount--The minimum death benefit under the Policy so long as the
Policy remains in force.
Fund--A separate investment portfolio of Putnam Variable Trust, a mutual
fund in which the Separate Account's assets are invested.
Group Contract--A group flexible premium variable life insurance contract
issued to the Contractholder by the Company.
Home Office--The service office of the Company, the mailing address of which
is 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105.
Indebtedness--The sum of all unpaid Policy Loans and accrued interest
charged on loans.
Individual Insurance--Insurance provided under a Group Contract or under an
Individual Policy issued in connection with an employer-sponsored insurance
program on an employee or an employee's spouse.
Insured--The person whose life is insured under a Policy. The term may
include both an employee and an employee's spouse.
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Investment Start Date--The date the initial premium is applied to the
Divisions of the Separate Account. This date is the later of the Issue Date or
the date the initial premium is received at the Company's Home Office.
Issue Age--The Insured's Age at his or her last birthday as of the date the
Policy is issued.
Issue Date--The effective date of coverage under a Policy. The Issue Date is
the date from which Policy Anniversaries, Policy Years, and Policy Months are
measured.
Loan Account--The account of the Company to which amounts securing Policy
Loans are allocated. It is a part of the Company's general assets.
Loan Value--The maximum amount that may be borrowed under a Policy after the
first Policy Anniversary.
Maturity Date--The Policy Anniversary on which the Insured reaches Attained
Age 95.
Monthly Anniversary--The same date in each succeeding month as the Issue
Date except that whenever the Monthly Anniversary falls on a date other than a
Valuation Date, the Monthly Anniversary will be deemed the next Valuation
Date. If any Monthly Anniversary would be the 29th, 30th, or 31st day of a
month that does not have that number of days, then the Monthly Anniversary
will be the last day of that month.
Net Premium--The premium less any premium expense charge and any charge for
premium taxes.
Owner--The Owner of a Policy, as designated in the application or as
subsequently changed.
Policy--Either the Certificate or the Individual Policy offered by the
Company and described in this Prospectus. Under Group Contracts, the Policy
may be issued on the employee or on the employee's spouse.
Policy Anniversary--The same date each year as the Issue Date.
Policy Month--A month beginning on the Monthly Anniversary.
Policy Year--A period beginning on a Policy Anniversary and ending on the
day immediately preceding the next Policy Anniversary.
Separate Account--The Separate Account B, a separate investment account
established by the Company to receive and invest the net premiums paid under
the Policy.
Spouse--An employee's legal spouse. The term does not include a spouse who
is legally separated from the employee.
Valuation Date--Each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading, except on the day after Thanksgiving when the Company is closed.
Valuation Period--The period between two successive Valuation Dates,
commencing at the close of business of a Valuation Date and ending at the
close of business of the next succeeding Valuation Date.
SUMMARY
The following summary of Prospectus information should be read in
conjunction with the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the Policies
contained in this Prospectus assumes that a Policy is in effect and that there
is no outstanding Indebtedness.
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The Policy. The Policies (either an Individual Policy or a Certificate)
described in this Prospectus are designed for use in employer-sponsored
insurance programs and are typically issued in two situations. First, Policies
are issued pursuant to Group Contracts entered into between the Company and
Contractholders. (See "General Provisions of the Group Contract.") Second, in
certain circumstances where Group Contracts are not issued, Individual
Policies are issued in connection with the employer-sponsored insurance
programs. Subject to certain restrictions, the Insured under a Policy may be
either an employee of the Contractholder or sponsoring employer, or the
employee's spouse. Generally, only the employee is eligible to be an Insured
under an Executive Program Policy. Provided there is sufficient Cash Surrender
Value, Individual Insurance under a Group Contract or other employer-sponsored
insurance program will continue should the Group Contract or other program
cease or the employee's employment end. (See "Payment and Allocation of
Premiums--Issuance of a Policy.")
The Policies are life insurance contracts with death benefits, cash values,
surrender rights, policy loan privileges, and other features traditionally
associated with life insurance. On behalf of Owners, the Contractholder will
remit planned premium payments under the Group Contract equal to an amount
authorized by employees to be deducted from their wages. In addition, Owners
may, but are not required to, pay additional premiums. However, in Corporate
Programs, the Owner will generally remit planned and additional premiums. A
similar procedure will apply when an Individual Policy is issued in connection
with an employer-sponsored program where the Group Contract is not issued.
The Policies are "variable" policies because, unlike the fixed benefits
under an ordinary life insurance contract, the Cash Value and, under certain
circumstances, the death benefit under a Policy may increase or decrease
depending upon the investment performance of the Divisions of the Separate
Account to which the Owner has allocated net premium payments. However, so
long as a Policy's Cash Surrender Value continues to be sufficient to pay the
monthly deduction, an Owner is guaranteed a minimum death benefit equal to the
Face Amount of his or her Policy or an accelerated death benefit in a reduced
amount determined in accordance with certain riders available under the
Policy. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance
Benefits.")
The Separate Account. The Owner may allocate the net premiums to one or more
Divisions of the Separate Account. The Separate Account has Divisions, each of
which invests in shares of a corresponding Fund of Putnam Variable Trust. The
fourteen Funds currently available are Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund,
Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund, Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund,
Putnam VT Global Growth Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT High
Yield Fund, Putnam VT International Growth Fund, Putnam VT International
Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund, Putnam
VT Money Market Fund, Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT U.S.
Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income
Fund and Putnam VT Voyager Fund. Each Fund has a different investment
objective. (See "The Separate Account--Putnam Variable Trust.") An Owner may
change future allocations of net premiums at any time by notifying the Company
directly.
Subject to certain restrictions, an Owner may transfer Cash Values among the
Divisions of the Separate Account. Currently, no charge is assessed for
transfers. The Company reserves the right to modify the transfer privilege.
(See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Transfers.")
Premiums. An Owner has flexibility concerning the amount and frequency of
premium payments. An initial premium equal to one-twelfth ( 1/12) of the
planned annual premium set forth in the specifications page of a Policy is
necessary to place a Policy in force. The planned annual premium is an amount
specified for each Policy based on the requested initial Face Amount and
certain other factors. Under Group Contracts and employer-sponsored programs,
the initial premium and subsequent planned premiums generally are remitted by
the Contractholder or sponsoring employer on behalf of the Owner at intervals
agreed to by the Contractholder or employer. In Corporate Programs, the Owner
or its designee will remit premiums generally on a schedule agreed to by the
Company. However, as is discussed below, planned premiums need not be paid so
long as there is sufficient Cash Surrender Value to keep the Policy in force.
Subject to certain limitations, additional premium payments in any amount and
at any frequency may be made directly by the Owner. (See "Payment and
Allocation of Premiums--Issuance of a Policy--Premiums.")
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A Policy will lapse (and terminate without value) when the Cash Surrender
Value is insufficient to pay the next monthly deduction and a grace period of
62 days expires without an adequate payment being made by the Owner (see
"Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement.") The
Policies, therefore, differ in two important respects from conventional life
insurance policies. First, the failure to make planned premium payments
following the initial premium payment will not itself cause a Policy to lapse.
Second, under the circumstances described above, a Policy can lapse even if
planned premiums have been paid. Thus, the payment of premiums in any amount
does not guarantee that the Policy will remain in force until the Maturity
Date. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and
Reinstatement.")
Death Benefit. Death benefit proceeds are payable to the named Beneficiary
when the Insured under a Policy dies or, under certain riders available under
the Policy, to the Owner, prior to the Insured's death under circumstances
described in those riders. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Additional Insurance Benefits.") Two death benefit options are available.
Under the "Level Type" death benefit, the death benefit is the Face Amount of
the Policy or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash Value. Under the
"Increasing Type" death benefit, the death benefit is the Face Amount of the
Policy plus the Cash Value or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash
Value. So long as a Policy remains in force, the minimum death benefit under
either option will be at least equal to the current Face Amount. The death
benefit proceeds will be increased by the amount of the cost of insurance for
the portion of the month from the date of death to the end of the month, and
reduced by any outstanding Indebtedness. (See "Policy Benefits--Death
Benefit.")
The minimum initial Face Amount is generally $25,000 under the Company's
current rules. Executive Program Policies generally have a minimum Face Amount
of $100,000. The maximum Face Amount is generally $500,000. However, in
connection with a particular Group Contract, employer-sponsored insurance
program, Executive Program or Corporate Program the Company may establish a
substantially higher Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or
program. The Owner may generally change the Face Amount (subject to the
minimum and maximum amounts applicable to the Policy as issued) and the death
benefit option, but in certain cases evidence of insurability may be required.
(See "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit.")
Additional insurance benefits offered under the Policy by rider may include
a children's insurance rider, an acceleration of death benefits rider, an
accelerated death benefit settlement option rider, an accidental death benefit
rider, and a waiver of monthly deductions rider. Some Group Contracts and
employer-sponsored insurance programs may not provide each of the additional
benefits described above. Generally, Executive Program Policies only have the
acceleration of death benefits rider. Generally, Corporate Programs have none
of the additional benefits described above. (See "General Matters Relating to
the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.") The cost of these additional
insurance benefits will be deducted from Cash Value as part of the monthly
deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction.")
Benefits under the Policy may be paid in a single sum or under one of the
settlement options set forth in the Policy or an applicable rider. (See
"Policy Benefits--Death Benefit," and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment
of Policy Benefits.")
Cash Value. The Policies provide for a Cash Value equal to the total of the
Policy's Cash Value in the Separate Account and the Loan Account (securing
Policy Loans). A Policy's Cash Value will reflect the amount and frequency of
premium payments, the investment performance of any selected Divisions of the
Separate Account, transfers, any Policy Loans, loan account interest rate
credited, any partial withdrawals, and the charges imposed in connection with
the Policy. (See "Policy Benefits--Cash Value.") There is no minimum
guaranteed Cash Value.
Charges and Deductions. A front-end sales charge of 1% of premiums will be
deducted from each premium paid ("premium expense charge"). An additional
charge will be imposed on Policies that are deemed to be individual Policies
under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 ("OBRA"). The additional
charge, which is for federal income taxes measured by premiums, is equal to 1%
of each premium payment,
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and compensates the Company for a significantly higher corporate income tax
liability resulting from changes made to the Internal Revenue Code by OBRA.
A charge of 2 percent to cover state premium taxes will be deducted from
premiums paid. (See "Charges and Deductions--Premium Tax Charge.")
A monthly deduction will be made from a Policy's Cash Value in the Divisions
of the Separate Account. The monthly deduction includes an administrative
charge, a cost of insurance charge, and the cost of any additional insurance
benefits provided by rider. The amount of the administrative charge will be
set forth in the specification pages of the Policy and will be based on the
number of the Insureds covered under a Group Contract or other employer-
sponsored insurance program and the amount of administrative services provided
by the Company. The charge will not exceed $6.00 per month during the first
Policy Year and $3.50 per month during renewal years.
The cost of insurance charge is calculated on each Monthly Anniversary. (See
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.") Monthly cost
of insurance rates will be determined by the Company based upon its
expectations as to future mortality experience. The Company currently
underwrites Policies on either a simplified issue or guaranteed issue basis.
However, the Company does not vary cost of insurance rates based on a
particular Policy's classification as simplified issue or guaranteed issue.
Rather, the rates are based on the Attained Age and rate class of the Insured,
as well as on the gender mix of the group insured, which is the proportion of
men and women covered under a particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored
program. For a discussion of the factors affecting the rate class of the
Insured, see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance."
Cost of insurance rates are guaranteed not to exceed 125 percent of the
maximum rates that could be charged based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table C ("1980 CSO Table"). The 1980 CSO Table assumes a
blending of sixty percent male and forty percent female. Generally, the rates
currently charged do not exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table. However, instances
in which the Company's current rates may exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table are
generally limited to particular Policies issued to Insureds in small groups
(i.e. generally less than 750 eligible employees) and/or groups that are
predominantly male. The guaranteed rates are higher than the 1980 CSO Table
because, under both guaranteed and simplified underwriting, the Insured is not
required to submit to a medical or paramedical examination although a blood
test may be required. Because the Company gathers less health information
about these individuals, it is exposed to additional insurance risks. Although
the circumstances in which the Company could raise its current mortality
charges are limited, such an increase is permitted under the Policy. To the
extent that the current cost of insurance rates exceed or are raised so that
they exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table, the monthly cost of insurance charge
would, in effect, be a substandard risk charge for healthy Insureds.
A daily charge not to exceed .0024547% (an annual rate of .90%) of the net
assets of each Division of the Separate Account will be imposed for the
Company's assumption of certain mortality and expense risks incurred in
connection with the Policies. (See "Charges and Deductions--Separate Account
Charges.")
No charges are currently made from the Separate Account for Federal or state
income taxes. However, if it is determined that such taxes may be incurred,
then the Company may make deductions from the Separate Account to pay these
taxes or to pay any economic burden resulting from the application of the tax
laws that the Company determines to be properly attributable to the Separate
Account or the Policies. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
The value of the assets of the Divisions of the Separate Account will
reflect the investment advisory fee and other expenses incurred by Putnam
Variable Trust because the Separate Account purchases the shares of Putnam
Variable Trust. (See "Charges and Deductions--Separate Account Charges.") The
total annual investment advisory fee and fund expenses for the funds available
during the last fiscal year as a percentage of net assets are as follows:
Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund 1.07%; Putnam VT Diversified Income
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Fund .80%; Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund .77%; Putnam VT Global
Growth Fund .75%; Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund .53%; Putnam VT High Yield
Fund .72%; Putnam VT International Growth Fund 1.20%; Putnam VT International
Growth and Income Fund 1.12%; Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund
1.60%; Putnam VT Money Market Fund .54%; Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund
.63%; Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund .69%; Putnam VT
Utilities Growth and Income Fund .74%; and Putnam VT Voyager Fund .59%.
Certain funds' expenses reflect an expense limitation. In absence of an
expense limitation, total expenses would have been: Putnam VT International
Growth Fund 1.27% and Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund 1.88%.
A transaction charge equal to the lesser of $25 or two percent of the amount
withdrawn will be assessed on each partial withdrawal of amounts from the
Separate Account. Currently, there are no transaction charges imposed for
transfers of amounts between Divisions of the Separate Account. In addition,
transfers and withdrawals are subject to restrictions relative to amount and
frequency. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Allocation of Net
Premiums and Cash Value," and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and
Partial Withdrawals, Transfers," and "Charges and Deductions--Partial
Withdrawal Transaction Charge.")
Policy Loans. After the first Policy Anniversary an Owner may borrow against
the Cash Value of a Policy. The Loan Value is (a) minus (b), where (a) is 85
percent of the Cash Value of the Policy on the date the Policy Loan is
requested, and (b) is the amount of outstanding Indebtedness. Loan interest is
due and payable in arrears on each Policy Anniversary or on a pro rata basis
for such shorter period as the Policy Loan may exist. All outstanding
Indebtedness will be deducted from proceeds payable at the Insured's death,
upon maturity, or upon surrender.
A Policy Loan will be allocated among the various Divisions of the Separate
Account. A portion of the Policy's Cash Value in each Division of the Separate
Account to which the loan is allocated will be transferred to the Loan Account
as security for the loan. Therefore, a Policy Loan may have a permanent impact
on the Policy's Cash Value even if it is repaid. A Policy Loan may be repaid
in whole or in part at any time while the Policy is in force. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Loans.") Loans taken from, or secured by, a Policy may
in certain circumstances be treated as taxable distributions from the Policy.
Moreover, with certain exceptions, a ten percent additional income tax would
be imposed on the portion of any loan that is included in income. (See
"Federal Tax Matters.")
Surrender and Partial Withdrawals. At any time that a Policy is in effect,
an Owner may elect to surrender the Policy and receive its Cash Surrender
Value. An Owner may also request a partial withdrawal of the Cash Value of the
Policy. When the death benefit under either death benefit option is not based
on an applicable percentage of the Cash Value, a partial withdrawal reduces
the death benefit payable under the Policy by an amount equal to the reduction
in the Policy's Cash Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and
Partial Withdrawals.") Surrenders and partial withdrawals may have federal
income tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Right to Examine Policy. The Owner has a limited right to return a Policy
for cancellation within 20 days after the delivery of the Policy to the Owner,
within 45 days after the Owner signs the application, or within 10 days after
the Company mails a notice of this cancellation right to the Owner whichever
is latest. If a Policy is cancelled within this time period, a refund will be
paid which will equal all premiums paid under the Policy or any different
amount required by law. The Owner also has a right to cancel a requested
increase in Face Amount. Upon cancellation of an increase, the Owner may
request that the Company refund the amount of the additional charges deducted
in connection with the increase, or have the amount of the additional charges
added to the Cash Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Right to Examine
Policy.")
Eligibility Change Conversion. In the event that the Insured is no longer
eligible for coverage under the Group Contract, either because the Group
Contract has terminated or because the employee is no longer employed by the
Contractholder, the Individual Insurance provided by the Policy issued in
connection with the Group Contract will continue unless the Policy is
cancelled or surrendered by the Owner or there is insufficient Cash Surrender
Value to prevent the Policy from lapsing.
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If a Certificate was issued in connection with the Group Contract, the
Certificate will be amended automatically to continue in force as an
Individual Policy. The new Individual Policy will provide benefits which are
identical to those provided under the Certificate. If an Individual Policy was
issued in connection with a Group Contract, the Individual Policy will
continue in force following the termination of the Group Contract. (See
"Policy Right and Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.")
Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy. During the first 24 Policy
Months following a Policy's Issue Date, the Owner may convert the Policy to a
life insurance policy that provides for benefits that do not vary with the
investment return of the Divisions of the Separate Account. The Owner also has
a similar right with respect to increases in the Face Amount. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy.")
Exercising Rights and Privileges Under the Policies. Owners of Policies
issued under a Group Contract or in connection with an employer-sponsored
insurance program may exercise their rights and privileges under the Policies
(i.e., make transfers, change premium allocations, borrow, etc.) by notifying
the Company in writing at its Home Office. Likewise, the Company will send all
reports and other notices described herein or in the Policy directly to the
Owner. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Exercising Rights and Privileges
Under the Policies.")
Illustrations of Death Benefits and Cash Surrender Values. Illustrations on
pages A-1 to A-13 in Appendix A show how death benefits and Cash Surrender
Values may vary based on certain hypothetical rate of return assumptions as
well as assumptions pertaining to the level of the administrative charge and
the level of the sales charges. These illustrations also show how these
benefits compare with amounts which would accumulate if premiums were invested
to earn interest (after taxes) at 5% compounded annually. If a Policy is
surrendered in the early Policy Years, the Cash Surrender Value payable will
be low as compared with premiums accumulated with interest, and consequently
the insurance protection provided prior to surrender will be costly.
Tax Consequences of the Policy. While guidance is limited, the Company
believes that the Policy should be treated as a life insurance contract for
Federal income tax purposes. Assuming that a Policy qualifies as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes, a Policy Owner should not
be deemed to be in constructive receipt of Cash Surrender Value under a Policy
until there is a distribution from the Policy. Moreover, death benefits
payable under a Policy should be completely excludable from the gross income
of the Beneficiary. As a result, the Beneficiary generally should not be taxed
on these proceeds.
Under certain circumstances, a Policy may be treated as a "modified
endowment contract." If the Policy is a modified endowment contract, then all
pre-death distributions, including Policy loans, will be treated first as a
distribution of taxable income and then as a return of basis or investment in
the contract. In addition, prior to age 59 1/2 any such distributions
generally will be subject to a 10% penalty tax.
If the Policy is not a modified endowment contract, distributions generally
will be treated first as a return of basis or investment in the contract and
then as disbursing taxable income. Loans will not be treated as distributions.
Neither distributions, nor loans from a Policy that is not a modified
endowment contract are subject to the 10% penalty tax. (See "Federal Tax
Matters.")
Specialized Uses of the Policy. Because the policy provides for an
accumulation of Cash Value as well as a death benefit, the Policy can be used
for various individual and business financial planning purposes. Purchasing
the Policy in part for such purposes entails certain risks. For example, if
the investment performance of Divisions to which Cash Value is allocated is
poorer than expected or if sufficient premiums are not paid, the Policy may
lapse or may not accumulate sufficient Cash Value to fund the purpose for
which the Policy was purchased. Partial withdrawals and Policy loans may
significantly affect current and future Cash Value, Cash Surrender Value, or
death benefit proceeds. Depending upon Division investment performance and the
amount of a Policy loan, the loan may cause a Policy to lapse. Because the
Policy is designed to provide benefits on a long-term
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basis, before purchasing a Policy for a specialized purpose a purchaser should
consider whether the long-term nature of the Policy is consistent with the
purpose for which it is being considered. Using a Policy for a specialized
purpose may have tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
THE COMPANY AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
THE COMPANY
Paragon Life Insurance Company (the "Company") is a stock life insurance
company incorporated under the laws of Missouri. The Company was organized in
1981 as General American Insurance Company and on December 31, 1987, its name
was changed. No change in operations or ownership took place in connection
with the name change. The Company is principally engaged in writing individual
and group life insurance policies and annuity contracts. As of December 31,
1997, it had assets in excess of $240 million. The Company is admitted to do
business in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The principal offices of
the Company are at 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 ("Home
Office").
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General American Life Insurance
Company (the "Parent Company"), a Missouri life insurance company. The Parent
Company is wholly owned by GenAmerica Corporation, a Missouri general business
corporation, which is wholly owned by General American Mutual Holding Company,
a Missouri mutual insurance holding company. The Parent Company has agreed
that until March 23, 1999, it will maintain capital and surplus within the
Company sufficient to satisfy the capital requirements of the states in which
the Company is authorized to do business.
In addition, the Parent Company agrees to guarantee that the Company will
have sufficient funds to meet all of its contractual obligations. In the event
a policyholder presents a legitimate claim for payment on a Paragon insurance
policy, the Parent Company will pay such claim directly to the policyholder if
Paragon is unable to make such payment. This guarantee, which does not have a
predetermined termination date, can be modified or ended only as to policies
not yet issued. The guarantee agreement is binding on the Parent Company, its
successor or assignee and shall cease only if the guarantee is assigned to an
organization having a financial rating from Standard & Poor's equal to or
better than the Parent Company's rating. The Parent Company does not intend
this guarantee to be a guarantee with regard to the investment experience or
cash values of the Policy.
The Company may from time to time publish in advertisements, sales
literature, and reports to Owners or Contractholders, the ratings and other
information assigned to it by one or more independent rating organizations
such as A. M. Best Company, Standard & Poor's Corporation, and Duff & Phelps.
The purpose of the ratings is to reflect the financial strength and/or claims
paying ability of the Company and should not be considered as bearing on the
investment performance of assets held in the Separate Account. Each year the
A. M. Best Company reviews the financial status of thousands of insurers,
culminating in the assignment of Best's ratings. These ratings reflect Best's
current opinion of the relative financial strength and operating performance
of an insurance company in comparison to the norms of the life/health
insurance industry. In addition, the claims paying ability of the Company as
measured by Standard & Poor's Insurance Ratings Services or Duff & Phelps may
be referred to in advertisements or sales literature or in reports to Owners
or Contractholders. These ratings are opinions of an operating insurance
company's financial capacity to meet the obligations of its insurance policies
in accordance with their terms. These ratings do not reflect the investment
performance of the Separate Account or the degree of risk associated with an
investment in the Separate Account.
The Company also may include in advertisements and other literature certain
rankings assigned to the Company by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC"), and the Company's analyses of statistical information
produced by the NAIC. These rankings and analyses of statistical information
may describe, among other things, the Company's growth, premium income,
investment income, capital gains and losses, policy reserves, policy claims,
and life insurance in force. The Company's use of such rankings and
statistical information is not an endorsement by the NAIC.
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Advertisements and literature prepared by the Company also may include
discussions of taxable and tax-deferred investment programs (including
comparisons based on selected tax brackets), alternative investment vehicles,
and general economic conditions.
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Separate Account B (the "Separate Account") was established by the Company
as a separate investment account on January 4, 1993 under Missouri law. The
Separate Account receives and invests the net premiums paid under the
Policies. In addition, the Separate Account receives and invests net premiums
for other flexible premium variable life insurance policies issued by the
Company.
The Separate Account is divided into Divisions. Each Division for the Policy
invests in shares of a single portfolio of Putnam Variable Trust. Income and
both realized and unrealized gains or losses from the assets of each Division
of the Separate Account are credited to or charged against that Division
without regard to income, gains, or losses from any other Division of the
Separate Account or arising out of any other business the Company may conduct.
Although the assets of the Separate Account are the property of the Company,
the assets in the Separate Account equal to the reserves and other liabilities
of the Separate Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any
other business which the Company may conduct. The assets of the Separate
Account are available to cover the general liabilities of the Company only to
the extent that the Separate Account's assets exceed its liabilities arising
under the Policies. From time to time, these excess assets may be transferred
out of the Separate Account and included in the Company's general assets.
Before making any such transfers, the Company will consider any possible
adverse impact the transfer may have on the Separate Account.
The Separate Account has been registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and meets the definition of a
"separate account" under federal securities laws. Registration with the SEC
does not involve supervision of the management or investment practices or
policies of the Separate Account or the Company by the Commission.
PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST
The Separate Account invests in shares of Putnam Variable Trust, a series-
type mutual fund registered with the SEC as an open-end diversified,
management investment company. Only the Funds described in this section of the
prospectus are currently available as investment choices of the Policies even
though additional Funds may be described in the prospectus for Putnam Variable
Trust. Putnam Variable Trust currently has fourteen separate investment
portfolios or "Funds" which are available in the Policies: Putnam VT Asia
Pacific Growth Fund, Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund, Putnam VT Global Asset
Allocation Fund, Putnam VT Global Growth Fund, Putnam VT Growth and Income
Fund, Putnam VT High Yield Fund, Putnam VT International Growth Fund, Putnam
VT International Growth and Income Fund, Putnam VT International New
Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT Money Market Fund, Putnam VT New Opportunities
Fund, Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam VT
Utilities Growth and Income Fund, and Putnam VT Voyager Fund. The assets of
each Fund are held separate from the assets of the other Funds, and each Fund
has investment objectives and policies which are different from those of the
other Funds. Thus, each Fund operates as a separate investment vehicle, and
the income or losses of one Fund generally have no effect on the investment
performance of any other Fund.
The investment objectives and policies of each Fund are summarized below:
Putnam VT Asia Pacific Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing
primarily in securities of companies located in Asia and in the Pacific Basin.
The Fund's investments will normally include common stocks, preferred stocks,
securities convertible into common stocks or preferred stocks, and warrants to
purchase common stocks or preferred stocks.
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Putnam VT Diversified Income Fund seeks high current income consistent with
capital preservation by investing in the following three sectors of the fixed
income securities markets: a U.S. Government Sector, a High Yield Sector
(which invests primarily in securities commonly known as "junk bonds"), and an
International Sector. See the special considerations for investments in high
yield securities described in the fund prospectus.
Putnam VT Global Asset Allocation Fund seeks a high level of long-term total
return consistent with preservation of capital by investing in U.S. equities,
international equities, U.S. fixed income securities, and international fixed
income securities.
Putnam VT Global Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation through a globally
diversified portfolio of common stocks.
Putnam VT Growth and Income Fund seeks capital growth and current income by
investing primarily in common stocks that offer potential for capital growth,
current income or both.
Putnam VT High Yield Fund seeks high current income and, when consistent
with this objective, a secondary objective of capital growth, by investing
primarily in high yielding, lower-rated fixed income securities (commonly
known as "junk bonds") constituting a portfolio that Putnam Investment
Management, Inc. ("Putnam Management") believes does not involve undue risk to
income or principal. See the special considerations for investments in high
yield securities described in the fund prospectus.
Putnam VT International Growth Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing
primarily in equity securities of companies located in a country other than
the United States.
Putnam VT International Growth and Income Fund seeks capital growth and a
secondary objective of high current income by investing primarily in common
stocks that offer potential for capital growth and may, when consistent with
its investment objectives, invest in common stocks that offer potential for
current income. Under normal market conditions, the Fund expects to invest
substantially all of its assets in securities principally traded on markets
outside the United States.
Putnam VT International New Opportunities Fund seeks long-term capital
appreciation by investing in companies that have above-average growth prospect
due to the fundamental growth of their market sector. Under normal market
conditions, the fund expects to invest substantially all of its total assets,
other than cash or short-term investments held pending investment, in common
stocks, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, convertible bonds, and
other equity securities principally traded in securities markets outside the
United States.
Putnam VT Money Market Fund seeks as high a rate of current income as Putnam
Management believes is consistent with preservation of capital and maintenance
of liquidity by investing in high quality money market instruments.
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing principally in common stocks of companies in sectors of the economy
that Putnam Management believes possess above-average long-term growth
potential.
Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund seeks current income
consistent with preservation of capital by investing primarily in securities
issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government or by
its agencies or instrumentalities and in other debt obligations rated at least
A by a nationally recognized securities rating agency such as Standard &
Poor's or Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or, if not rated, determined by
Putnam Management to be of comparable quality.
Putnam VT Utilities Growth and Income Fund seeks capital growth and current
income concentrating its investments in debt and equity securities issued by
companies in the public utilities industries.
Putnam VT Voyager Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in
common stocks of companies that Putnam Management believes have potential for
capital appreciation that is significantly greater than that of market
averages.
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There is no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve its stated
objective. More detailed information, including a description of risks, is in
the prospectus for Putnam Variable Trust, which must accompany or precede this
Prospectus and which should be read carefully.
Putnam Management provides investment advisory services to Putnam Variable
Trust in accordance with the terms of the current prospectus for Putnam
Variable Trust. The Funds pay investment management fees to Putnam Management
as part of their expenses. See the Putnam Variable Trust prospectus for
details regarding these fees.
Resolving Material Conflicts. All of the Funds of Putnam Variable Trust are
also available to registered separate accounts of other insurance companies
offering variable annuity and variable life insurance products. As a result,
there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise between the
interests of Owners of Policies and of owners of policies whose cash values
are allocated to other separate accounts investing in the Funds. In the event
a material conflict arises, the Company will take any necessary steps,
including removing the assets of the Separate Account from one or more of the
Funds, to resolve the matter. See the Putnam Variable Trust prospectus for
further details.
ADDITION, DELETION, OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
The Company reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law,
to make additions to, deletions from, or substitutions for the shares that are
held by the Separate Account or that the Separate Account may purchase. The
Company reserves the right to eliminate the shares of any of the Funds of
Putnam Variable Trust and to substitute shares of another Fund of Putnam
Variable Trust or of another registered open-end investment company, if the
shares of a Fund are no longer available for investment, or if in the
Company's judgment further investment in any Fund becomes inappropriate in
view of the purposes of the Separate Account. The Company will not substitute
any shares attributable to an Owner's interest in a Division of the Separate
Account without notice to the Owner and prior approval of the SEC, to the
extent required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. Nothing contained in
this Prospectus shall prevent the Separate Account from purchasing other
securities for other series or classes of policies, or from permitting a
conversion between series or classes of policies on the basis of requests made
by Owners.
The Company also reserves the right to establish additional Divisions of the
Separate Account, each of which would invest in a new Fund of Putnam Variable
Trust, or in shares of another investment company, with a specified investment
objective. New Divisions may be established when, in the sole discretion of
the Company, marketing needs or investment conditions warrant, and any new
Division will be made available to existing Owners on a basis to be determined
by the Company. To the extent approved by the SEC, the Company may also
eliminate or combine one or more Divisions, substitute one Division for
another Division, or transfer assets between Divisions if, in its sole
discretion, marketing, tax, or investment conditions warrant.
In the event of a substitution or change, the Company may, if it considers
it necessary, make such changes in the Policy by appropriate endorsement. The
Company will notify all Owners of any such changes.
If deemed by the Company to be in the best interests of persons having
voting rights under the Policy, and to the extent any necessary SEC approvals
or Owner votes are obtained, the Separate Account may be: (a) operated as a
management company under the 1940 Act; (b) deregistered under that Act in the
event such registration is no longer required; or (c) combined with other
separate accounts of the Company. To the extent permitted by applicable law,
the Company may also transfer the assets of the Separate Account associated
with the Policy to another separate account.
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The Company cannot guarantee that the shares of Putnam Variable Trust will
always be available. Putnam Variable Trust sells shares to the Separate
Account in accordance with the terms of a participation agreement between
Putnam Variable Trust and the Company. Should this agreement terminate or
should shares become unavailable for any other reason, the Separate Account
will not be able to purchase Putnam Variable Trust shares. Should this occur,
the Company will be unable to honor Owner requests to allocate their cash
values or premium payments to the Divisions of the Separate Account investing
in shares of Putnam Variable Trust. In the event that Putnam Variable Trust is
no longer available, the Company will, of course, take reasonable steps to
obtain alternative investment options.
PAYMENT AND ALLOCATION OF PREMIUMS
ISSUANCE OF A POLICY
The Company will generally issue a Group Contract to employers whose
employees and/or their spouses may become Owners and/or Insureds thereunder so
long as the employee is within the class of employees eligible to be included
in the Group Contract. The class(es) of employees covered by a particular
Group Contract are set forth in that Group Contract's specifications pages.
The Group Contract will be issued upon receipt of an application for a Group
Contract signed by a duly authorized officer of the employer and acceptance by
a duly authorized officer of the Company at its Home Office. (See "General
Provisions of the Group Contract--Issuance.") Individuals (i.e., eligible
employees or their spouses) wishing to purchase a Policy, whether under a
Group Contract or an employer-sponsored insurance program, must complete the
appropriate application for Individual Insurance and submit it to an
authorized representative of the Company or to the Company's Home Office. The
Company will issue to each Contractholder either a Certificate or an
Individual Policy to give to each Owner. Individual Policies, rather than
Certificates, will be issued (i) to independent contractors of the employer;
(ii) to persons who wish to continue coverage after a Group Contract has
terminated; (iii) to persons who wish to continue coverage after they no
longer are employed by the Group Contractholder; (iv) if state law
restrictions make issuance of a Group Contract impracticable; or (v) if the
employer chooses to use an employer-sponsored insurance program that does not
involve a Group Contract.
Corporate Programs will generally involve Individual Policies. Policies will
be issued on the lives of eligible Insureds, generally employees of a
sponsoring employer, and the Owner will usually be the sponsoring employer or
its designee.
A Policy generally will be issued only to Insureds of Issue Ages 17 through
70 who supply evidence of insurability satisfactory to the Company. The
Company may, at its sole discretion, issue Policies to individuals falling
outside those Issue Ages or decline to issue Policies to individuals within
those Issue Ages.
In order for an individual employee to be eligible to be an Insured under a
Policy, the employee must be actively at work at the time the application for
Individual Insurance is signed. In addition, there may be specific classes to
which the employee must belong to be eligible to be an Insured under a Policy.
Actively at work means that the employee must work for the Contractholder or
sponsoring employer at the employee's usual place of work or such other places
as required by the Contractholder or sponsoring employer in the course of such
work for the full number of hours and the full rate of pay, as set by the
employment practices of the employer. Ordinarily the time worked per week must
not be less than 30 hours. However, the Company reserves the right to waive or
modify the actively at work requirement at its discretion. In addition, the
Contractholder or sponsoring employer may require that, to be eligible to
purchase a Policy, an employee must be employed by the employer as of a
certain date or for a certain period of time. This date or time period will be
set forth in the Group Contract specifications pages. Employees of any
Associated Companies of the Contractholder will be considered employees of the
Contractholder. The Company may also allow an individual who is an independent
contractor working primarily for the sponsoring employer to be considered an
eligible employee. As an
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independent contractor, he may receive an Individual Policy rather than a
Certificate depending upon state law applicable to the contracts. An employee
may include a partner in a partnership if the employer is a partnership.
In other than Executive Programs or Corporate Programs, the first time an
employee is given the opportunity to purchase a Policy, the Company may issue
the Policy and any spouse or children's insurance rider applied for by the
employee pursuant to its guaranteed issue procedure. Under this procedure the
employee is required to answer qualifying questions in the application for
Individual Insurance, but is not required to submit to a medical or
paramedical examination. The maximum Face Amount that an employee can
generally apply for under the guaranteed issue procedure ("Guaranteed Issue
Amount") is three times the employee's salary up to a ceiling that is based on
the number of eligible employees under a Group Contract or other employer-
sponsored insurance program. Guaranteed issue may be available with Executive
Programs or Corporate Programs depending upon number of eligible employees or
if other existing coverage is cancelled.
Where the Face Amount exceeds the guaranteed issue limits, where the Policy
has been offered previously to the employee, where the guaranteed issue
requirements set forth in the application for Individual Insurance are not
met, or in connection with certain programs that may be offered without
guaranteed issue, the employee must submit to a simplified underwriting
procedure which requires the employee to respond satisfactorily to certain
health questions in the application. A blood test may be required. This
requirement is generally applicable only to Executive Programs or Corporate
Programs. Similarly, such questions must be answered if, in connection with
the issuance of any children's rider, if the employee is not eligible for
guaranteed issue underwriting, or, even when the employee is eligible, if the
child does not satisfy the guaranteed issue requirements set forth in the
application for Individual Insurance. However, regardless of which
underwriting procedure is used, acceptance of an application is subject to the
Company's underwriting rules, and the Company reserves the right to reject an
application for any reason.
If a Policy is to be issued to a spouse of an employee who is eligible to
purchase a Policy under a Group Contract or an employer-sponsored insurance
program, the appropriate application for Individual Insurance must be
supplied. The spouse will be subject to the simplified underwriting procedure
described above. Guaranteed issue is not available. Spouse coverage is
generally not available under Executive Program Policies or Corporate Program
Policies.
The Issue Date is the effective date for all coverage provided in the
original application for Individual Insurance. The Issue Date is used to
determine Policy Anniversaries, Policy Years, and Policy Months. A Policy will
not take effect until the appropriate application for Individual Insurance is
signed, the initial premium has been paid prior to the Insured's death, the
Insured is eligible for it, and the information in the application is
determined to be acceptable to the Company. However, prior to the actual
issuance of a Policy which is being underwritten on a guaranteed issue basis,
interim insurance in the amount of insurance applied for up to the Guaranteed
Issue Amount may be available and, if so, will start as of the date of the
application. Interim insurance ends on the earliest of the following dates:
(a) the date insurance begins on the Policy applied for; (b) the date a Policy
other than the Policy applied for is offered to the applicant; (c) the date
the Company notifies the applicant that the application for any proposed
Insured is declined; (d) 60 days from the date of application; or (e)
termination of employment with the Contractholder or sponsoring employer.
PREMIUMS
The initial premium is due on the Issue Date, and usually will be remitted
by the Contractholder or employer on behalf of the Owner. In Corporate
Programs, the Owner or its designated payor will remit premiums. The Company
requires that the initial premium for a Policy be at least equal to one-
twelfth ( 1/12) of the planned annual premium for the Policy set forth in the
specifications pages. The planned annual premium is an amount specified for
each Policy based on the requested initial Face Amount, the Issue Age of the
Insured and the charges under the Policy. (See "Charges and Deductions.")
However, the Owner is not required to pay premiums equal to the planned annual
premium.
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Premiums remitted by a Contractholder or sponsoring employer or designated
payor shall be applied to a Policy when received by the Company. Should
supporting documentation to enable the determination of the amount of premium
per Policy not be received prior to or coincident with the cash premium, the
premiums shall be promptly returned to the entity remitting such premiums.
Following the initial premium, subject to the limitations described below,
premiums may be paid in any amount and at any interval. Under Group Contracts
and Individual Policies issued in connection with other employer-sponsored
insurance programs, the planned annual premium usually will be remitted by the
Contractholder or sponsoring employer on behalf of the Owner pursuant to a
planned premium payment schedule which will provide for premium payments in a
level amount at fixed intervals agreed to by the Contractholder or employer
and the Company (usually monthly). The amount of the premiums remitted by the
sponsoring employer or Contractholder will be that amount authorized to be
deducted by the employee. For Corporate Programs, the Owner or its designated
payor shall remit any scheduled and unscheduled premium payments. The Owner
may skip planned premium payments. Failure to pay one or more planned premium
payments will not cause the Policy to lapse until such time as the Cash
Surrender Value is insufficient to cover the next Monthly Deduction. (See
"Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement.")
In addition to any planned payments made, an Owner may make unscheduled
premium payments at any time in any amount, subject to the minimum and maximum
premium limitations described below. The payment of an unscheduled premium
payment may have Federal income tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Moreover, as mentioned above, an Owner may also skip planned premium payments.
Therefore, unlike conventional insurance policies, a Policy does not obligate
the Owner to pay premiums in accordance with a rigid and inflexible premium
schedule.
Failure of the Contractholder to remit the planned premium payments
authorized by its employees may cause the Group Contract to terminate. (See
"General Provisions of the Group Contract--Termination.") Nonetheless,
provided that there is sufficient Cash Surrender Value to prevent the Policy
from lapsing, the Individual Insurance provided will automatically continue in
the event of such termination. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Eligibility
Change Conversion.") Individual Insurance will also continue if the employee's
employment with the Contractholder or sponsoring employer terminates. In
either circumstance, an Owner of an Individual Policy (or a Certificate
converted by amendment to an Individual Policy) will establish a new schedule
of planned premiums which will have the same planned annual premium, but
ordinarily the payment intervals will be no more frequent than quarterly. In
Corporate Programs, there will generally be no changes in planned or scheduled
premiums upon the discontinuing employment of an Insured.
Premium Limitations. Every premium payment remitted by or on behalf of an
Owner must be at least $20. In no event may the total of all premiums paid
under a Policy in any Policy Year exceed the current maximum premium
limitations for that year established by Federal tax laws. The maximum premium
limitation for a Policy Year is the most premium that can be paid in that
Policy Year such that the sum of the premiums paid under the Policy will not
at any time exceed the guideline premium limitations referred to in section
7702(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any successor provision. If
at any time a premium is paid which would result in total premiums exceeding
the current maximum premium limitation, the Company will accept only that
portion of the premium which will make total premiums equal the maximum. Any
part of the premium in excess of that amount will be returned directly to the
Owner within 60 days of the end of the Policy Year in which payment is
received or applied as otherwise agreed and no further premiums will be
accepted until allowed by the current maximum premium limitations prescribed
by Federal tax law. See "Federal Tax Matters" for a further explanation of
premium limitations. Section 7702A creates an additional premium limitation,
which, if exceeded, can change the tax status of a Policy to that of a
"modified endowment contract." A modified endowment contract is a life
insurance contract, withdrawals from which are, for tax purposes, treated
first as a distribution of any taxable income under the contract, and then as
a distribution of nontaxable investment in the contract. Additionally, such
withdrawals may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. The Company
has adopted administrative steps designed to notify an Owner when it is
believed that a premium
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payment will cause a Policy to become a modified endowment contract. The
Company has administrative procedures to prevent a modified endowment contract
by monitoring premium limits. The Owner will be given a limited amount of time
to request that the premium be reversed in order to avoid the Policy's being
classified as a modified endowment contract. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS AND CASH VALUE
Net Premiums. The net premium equals the premium paid less the premium
expense charge less any charge to compensate the Company for anticipated
higher corporate income taxes resulting from the sale of a policy less the
premium tax charge. (See "Charges and Deductions--Sales Charges.")
Allocation of Net Premiums. In the application for a Policy, the Owner
indicates how net premiums are to be allocated among the Divisions of the
Separate Account. Beginning with the initial premium payment, all premiums
will be allocated in accordance with the Owner's instructions upon receipt of
the premiums at the Company's Home Office. However, the minimum percentage,
other than zero ("0"), that may be allocated to a Division is 10 percent of
the net premium, and fractional percentages may not be used.
The allocation for future net premiums may be changed without charge at any
time by providing notice in writing directly to the Company. Any change in
allocation will take effect immediately upon receipt by the Company of the
written notification. No charge is imposed for changing the allocations of
future net premiums.
The Policy's Cash Value also may be transferred between the Divisions of the
Separate Account. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Transfers.")
The value of amounts allocated to Divisions of the Separate Account will
vary with the investment performance of the chosen Divisions and the Owner
bears the entire investment risk. This will affect the Policy's Cash Value,
and may affect the death benefit as well. Owners should periodically review
their allocations of premiums and values in light of market conditions and
overall financial planning requirements.
POLICY LAPSE AND REINSTATEMENT
Lapse. Unlike conventional life insurance policies, the failure to make a
premium payment following the initial premium will not itself cause a Policy
to lapse. Lapse will occur only when the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient
to cover the monthly deduction, and a grace period expires without a
sufficient payment being made. (See also "General Provisions of the Group
Contract--Grace Period--Termination.")
The grace period, which is 62 days, begins on the Monthly Anniversary on
which the Cash Surrender Value becomes insufficient to meet the next monthly
deduction. The Company will notify the Owner at the beginning of the grace
period by mail addressed to the last known address on file with the Company.
The notice will specify the amount of premium required to keep the Policy in
force and the date the payment is due. Subject to minimum premium
requirements, the amount of the premium required to keep the Policy in force
will be the amount of the current monthly deduction, premium expense charge,
and premium tax charge. (See "Charges and Deductions.") If the Company does
not receive the required amount within the grace period, the Policy will lapse
and terminate without Cash Value. If the Insured dies during the grace period,
any overdue monthly deductions will be deducted from the death benefit
otherwise payable.
Reinstatement. The Owner may reinstate a lapsed Policy by written
application any time within five years after the date of lapse and before the
Maturity Date. The right to reinstate a lapsed Policy will not be affected by
the termination of a Group Contract or the termination of an employee's
employment during the reinstatement period. Reinstatement is subject to the
following conditions:
1. Evidence of the insurability of the Insured satisfactory to the
Company (including evidence of insurability of any person covered by a
rider to reinstate the rider).
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2. Payment of a premium that, after the deduction of any premium expense
charge and any premium tax charge, is large enough to cover: (a) the
monthly deductions due at the time of lapse, and (b) two times the monthly
deduction due at the time of reinstatement.
3. Payment or reinstatement of any Indebtedness. Any Indebtedness
reinstated will cause a Cash Value of an equal amount also to be
reinstated. Any loan paid at the time of reinstatement will cause an
increase in Cash Value equal to the amount of the repaid loan.
4. The Policy cannot be reinstated if it has been surrendered.
The amount of Cash Value on the date of reinstatement will be equal to the
amount of any Indebtedness reinstated, increased by the net premiums paid at
reinstatement and any loans paid at the time of reinstatement.
The effective date of reinstatement will be the date of approval by the
Company of the application for reinstatement. There will be a full monthly
deduction for the Policy Month that includes that date.
POLICY BENEFITS
DEATH BENEFIT
As long as the Policy remains in force, the Company will, upon proof of the
Insured's death, pay the death benefit proceeds of a Policy in accordance with
the death benefit option in effect at the time of the Insured's death. Payment
of death benefit proceeds will not be affected by termination of the Group
Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program or by termination of an
employee's employment.
If a rider permitting the accelerated payment of death benefit proceeds has
been added to the Policy, the death benefit may be paid in a single sum prior
to the death of the Insured and may be less than otherwise would be paid upon
the death of the Insured. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Additional Insurance Benefits.")
The amount of the death benefit proceeds payable will be determined at the
end of the Valuation Period during which the Insured's death occurred. The
proceeds may be paid in a single sum or under one or more of the settlement
options set forth in the Policy. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment
of Policy Benefits.") Death benefit proceeds will be paid to the surviving
Beneficiary or Beneficiaries specified in the application or as subsequently
changed.
The Policy provides two death benefit options: a "Level Type" death benefit
("Option A") and an "Increasing Type" death benefit ("Option B"). Option B
generally will be the only option presented. The death benefit under either
option will never be less than the current Face Amount of the Policy as long
as the Policy remains in force. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--
Policy Lapse and Reinstatement.") The minimum Face Amount currently is
$25,000. The maximum Face Amount is generally $500,000. However, in connection
with a particular Group Contract, employer sponsored insurance program,
Executive Program or Corporate Program, the Company may establish a
substantially higher Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or
program.
Option A. Under Option A, the death benefit is the current Face Amount of
the Policy or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash Value on the date
of death. The applicable percentage is 250 percent for an Insured Attained Age
40 or below on the Policy Anniversary prior to the date of death. For Insureds
with an Attained Age over 40 on that Policy Anniversary, the percentage is
lower and declines with age as shown in the Applicable Percentage Table below.
Accordingly, under Option A the death benefit will remain level at the Face
Amount unless the applicable percentage of Cash Value exceeds the current Face
Amount, in which case the amount of the death benefit will vary as the Cash
Value varies. Owners who prefer to have favorable investment
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<PAGE>
performance reflected in higher Cash Value for the same Face Amount, rather
than increased death benefit, generally should select Option A.
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPLICABLE
ATTAINED AGE PERCENTAGE
- ------------ ----------
<S> <C>
40 or younger........... 250%
41...................... 243
42...................... 236
43...................... 229
44...................... 222
45...................... 215
46...................... 209
47...................... 203
48...................... 197
49...................... 191
50...................... 185
51...................... 178
52...................... 171
53...................... 164
54...................... 157
55...................... 150
56...................... 146
57...................... 142
58...................... 138
59...................... 134
60...................... 130
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPLICABLE
ATTAINED AGE PERCENTAGE
- ------------ ----------
<S> <C>
61...................... 128%
62...................... 126
63...................... 124
64...................... 122
65...................... 120
66...................... 119
67...................... 118
68...................... 117
69...................... 116
70...................... 115
71...................... 113
72...................... 111
73...................... 109
74...................... 107
75 to 90................ 105
91...................... 104
92...................... 103
93...................... 102
94...................... 101
95 or older............. 100
</TABLE>
The applicable percentages in the foregoing table are based on Federal tax
law requirements described in Section 7702(d) of the Code. The Company
reserves the right to alter the applicable percentage to the extent necessary
to comply with changes to Section 7702(d) or any successor provision thereto.
Option B. Under Option B, the death benefit is equal to the current Face
Amount plus the Cash Value of the Policy or, if greater, the applicable
percentage of the Cash Value on the date of death. The applicable percentage
is the same as under Option A: 250 percent for an Insured with an Attained Age
of 40 or below on the Policy Anniversary prior to the date of death, and for
Insureds with an Attained Age over 40 on that Policy Anniversary the
percentage declines as shown in the Applicable Percentage Table above.
Accordingly, under Option B the amount of the death benefit will always vary
as the Cash Value varies (but will never be less than the Face Amount). Owners
who prefer to have favorable investment performance reflected in higher death
benefits for the same Face Amount generally should select Option B. All other
factors equal, for the same premium dollar, Option B provides lower initial
Face Amount resulting in earlier cash accumulation.
Change in Death Benefit Option. After the first Policy Anniversary, the
Owner may change the death benefit option in effect. The Company reserves the
right to limit the number of changes in death benefit options to one each
Policy Year. A request for change must be made directly to the Company in
writing. The effective date of such a change will be the Monthly Anniversary
on or following the date the Company receives the change request.
If the death benefit option is changed from Option A to Option B, the Face
Amount after the change will equal the Face Amount before the change less the
Cash Value on the effective date of the change. Satisfactory evidence of
insurability must be submitted directly to the Company in connection with a
request for a change from Option A to Option B. This change may not be made if
it would result in a Face Amount of less than $25,000.
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<PAGE>
If the death benefit option is changed from Option B to Option A, the Face
Amount after the change will equal the Face Amount before the change plus the
Cash Value on the effective date of change.
A change in death benefit option will not in itself result in an immediate
change in the amount of a Policy's death benefit or Cash Value. No charges
will be imposed upon a change from death benefit Option B to Option A.
Changing from Option A to Option B, however, will result in a decrease in the
Face Amount. In addition, if, prior to or accompanying a change in the death
benefit option, there has been an increase in the Face Amount, the cost of
insurance charge may be different for the increased amount. (See "Charges and
Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.")
No change in death benefit option will be permitted that results in the
death benefit under a Policy being included in gross income due to not
satisfying the requirements of Federal tax law. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Change in Face Amount. Subject to certain limitations set forth below, an
Owner may increase or decrease the Face Amount of a Policy (without changing
the death benefit option) after the first Policy Anniversary. A written
request for a change in the Face Amount must be sent directly to the Company.
A change in Face Amount may affect the cost of insurance rate and the net
amount at risk, both of which affect an Owner's cost of insurance charge. (See
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.") In addition,
a change in Face Amount may have Federal income tax consequences. (See
"Federal Tax Matters.")
Any decrease in the Face Amount will become effective on the Monthly
Anniversary on or following receipt of the written request by the Company. The
amount of the requested decrease must be at least $5,000 and the Face Amount
remaining in force after any requested decrease may not be less than the
minimum amount Face Amount, generally $25,000. If, following a decrease in
Face Amount, the Policy would not comply with the maximum premium limitations
required by Federal tax law (see "Payment and Allocation of Premiums."), the
decrease may be limited or Cash Value may be returned to the Owner (at the
Owner's election), to the extent necessary to meet these requirements. A
decrease in the Face Amount will reduce the Face Amount in the following
order:
(a) The Face Amount provided by the most recent increase;
(b) The next most recent increases successively; and
(c) The initial Face Amount.
This order of reduction will be used to determine the amount of subsequent
cost of insurance charges (see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--
Cost of Insurance.")
For an increase in the Face Amount, the Company requires that satisfactory
evidence of insurability be submitted. If approved, the increase will become
effective on the Monthly Anniversary on or following receipt of the
satisfactory evidence of insurability. In addition, the Insured must have an
Attained Age of not greater than 80 on the effective date of the increase. The
amount of the increase may not be less than $5,000. The Face Amount may not be
increased more than the maximum Face Amount for that Policy, generally
$500,000. However, in connection with a particular Group Contract or employer-
sponsored insurance program, the Company may establish a substantially higher
Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or program. Although an
increase need not necessarily be accompanied by an additional premium (unless
it is required to meet the next monthly deduction), the Cash Surrender Value
in effect immediately after the increase must be sufficient to cover the next
monthly deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions-- Monthly Deduction.") An
increase in the Face Amount may result in certain additional charges. (See
"Charges and Deductions.")
An increase in Face Amount may be cancelled within the later of 20 days from
the date the Owner received the new Policy specifications page for the
increase, within 10 days of mailing the right to cancellation notice to the
Owner, or within 45 days after the application for an increase was signed.
Upon cancellation, any additional charges, which would not have been assessed
without the increase, will be refunded to the Owner if requested. If
20
<PAGE>
a request for a refund is not made, the charges will be restored to the
Policy's Cash Value and allocated to Divisions of the Separate Account in the
same manner as they were deducted. Premiums paid following an increase in Face
Amount and prior to the time the right to cancel the increase expires will
become part of the Policy's Cash Value and will not be subject to refund. (See
"Policy Rights and Privileges--Right to Examine Policy.")
Methods of Affecting Insurance Protection. An Owner may increase or decrease
the pure insurance protection provided by a Policy--the difference between the
death benefit and the Cash Value--in several ways as insurance needs change.
These ways include increasing or decreasing the Face Amount, changing the
level of premium payments, and, to a lesser extent, making partial withdrawals
from the Policy. Although the consequences of each of these methods will
depend upon the individual circumstances, they may be generally summarized as
follows:
(a) A decrease in the Face Amount will, subject to the applicable
percentage limitations (see "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit."), decrease
the pure insurance protection and the cost of insurance charges under the
Policy without reducing the Cash Value.
(b) An increase in the Face Amount may increase the amount of pure
insurance protection, depending on the amount of Cash Value and the
resultant applicable percentage limitation. If the insurance protection is
increased, the Policy charges generally will increase as well.
(c) An increased level of premium payments will reduce the pure insurance
protection if Option A is in effect. However, when the applicable
percentage of Cash Value exceeds either the Face Amount (if Option A is in
effect) or the Cash Value plus the Face Amount (if Option B is in effect),
increased premium payments will increase the pure insurance protection.
Increased premiums should also increase the amount of funds available to
keep the Policy in force.
(d) A reduced level of premium payments generally will increase the
amount of pure insurance protection, depending on the applicable percentage
limitations. If the reduced level of premium payments is insufficient to
cover monthly deductions or to offset negative investment performance, Cash
Value may also decrease, which in turn will increase the possibility that
the Policy will lapse. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy
Lapse and Reinstatement.")
(e) A partial withdrawal will reduce the death benefit. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial Withdrawals.") However, it
only affects the amount of pure insurance protection and cost of insurance
charges if the death benefit before or after the withdrawal is based on the
applicable percentage of Cash Value, because otherwise the decrease in the
death benefit is offset by the amount of Cash Value withdrawn. The primary
use of a partial withdrawal is to withdraw Cash Value.
Payment of Death Benefit Proceeds. Death benefit proceeds under the Policy
ordinarily will be paid within seven days after the Company receives all
documentation required for such a payment at its Home Office. Payment may,
however, be postponed in certain circumstances. (See "General Matters Relating
to the Policy--Postponement of Payments.") The Owner may decide the form in
which the proceeds will be paid. During the Insured's lifetime, the Owner may
arrange for the death benefit proceeds to be paid in a single sum or under one
or more of the optional methods of settlement described below. The death
benefit will be increased by the amount of the monthly cost of insurance for
the portion of the month from the date of death to the end of the month, and
reduced by any outstanding Indebtedness. (See "General Matters Relating to the
Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits," and "Charges and Deductions.")
When no election for an optional method of settlement is in force at the
death of the Insured, the Beneficiary may select one or more of the optional
methods of settlement at any time before death benefit proceeds are paid. (See
"Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment of Policy Benefits.")
An election or change of method of settlement must be in writing. A change
in Beneficiary revokes any previous settlement election. Once payments have
begun, the settlement option may not be changed.
21
<PAGE>
CASH VALUE
The Cash Value of the Policy is equal to the total of the Policy's Cash
Value in the Separate Account and the Loan Account. The Policy's Cash Value in
the Separate Account will reflect the investment performance of the chosen
Divisions of the Separate Account, the frequency and amount of net premiums
paid, transfers, partial withdrawals, Policy Loans, loan account interest rate
credited, and the charges assessed in connection with the Policy. An Owner may
at any time surrender the Policy and receive the Policy's Cash Surrender
Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial
Withdrawals.") There is no guaranteed minimum Cash Value.
Determination of Cash Value. Cash Value is determined on a daily basis. On
the Investment Start Date, the Cash Value in a Division will equal the portion
of any net premium allocated to the Division, reduced by the portion of the
monthly deductions due from the Issue Date through the Investment Start Date
allocated to that Division. Depending upon the length of time between the
Issue Date and the Investment Start Date, this amount may be more than the
amount of one monthly deduction. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums.")
Thereafter, on each Valuation Date, the Cash Value in a Division of the
Separate Account will equal:
(1) The Cash Value in the Division on the preceding Valuation Date,
multiplied by the Division's Net Investment Factor (defined below) for
the current Valuation Period; plus
(2) Any net premium payments received during the current Valuation Period
which are allocated to the Division; plus
(3) Any loan repayments allocated to the Division during the current
Valuation Period; plus
(4) Any amounts transferred to the Division from another Division during
the current Valuation Period; plus
(5) That portion of the interest credited on outstanding Policy Loans which
is allocated to the Division during the current Valuation Period; minus
(6) Any amounts transferred from the Division during the current Valuation
Period plus transfer charges if any; minus
(7) Any partial withdrawals plus any partial withdrawal transaction charge,
from the Division during the current Valuation Period; minus
(8) If a Monthly Anniversary occurs during the current Valuation Period,
the portion of the monthly deduction allocated to the Division during
the current Valuation Period to cover the Policy Month which starts
during that Valuation Period. (See "Charges and Deductions.")
The Policy's Cash Value in the Separate Account equals the sum of the Policy's
Cash Values in each Division.
Net Investment Factor. The Net Investment Factor measures the investment
performance of a Division during a Valuation Period. The Net Investment Factor
for each Division for a Valuation Period is calculated as follows:
(1) The value of the assets at the end of the preceding Valuation Period;
plus
(2) The investment income and capital gains--realized or unrealized--
credited to the assets in the Valuation Period for which the Net
Investment Factor is being determined; minus
(3) The capital losses, realized or unrealized, charged against those
assets during the Valuation Period; minus
(4) Any amount charged against each Division for taxes or other economic
burden resulting from the application of tax laws, determined by the
Company to be properly attributable to the Divisions of the Separate
Account or the Policy, or any amount set aside during the Valuation
Period as a reserve for taxes attributable to the operation or
maintenance of each Division; minus
22
<PAGE>
(5) A charge not to exceed .0024547% of the net assets for each day in the
Valuation Period. This corresponds to 0.90% per year for mortality and
expense risks; divided by
(6) The value of the assets at the end of the preceding Valuation Period.
The Company may use an equivalent method to determine Cash Value in each
Division on each Valuation Date in lieu of the Net Investment Factor method.
This method directly determines the units of Cash Value in each Division and
the corresponding unit value. Unit value is obtained as follows:
(1) The value of assets in a Division are obtained by multiplying shares
outstanding by the net asset value as of the Valuation Date; minus
(2) A reduction based upon a charge not to exceed .0024547% of the net
assets for each day in the Valuation Period is made (This corresponds
to 0.90% per year for mortality and expense risk charge); divided by
(3) Aggregate units outstanding in the Division at the end of the preceding
Valuation Period.
POLICY RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
EXERCISING RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES UNDER THE POLICIES
Owners of Policies issued under a Group Contract or in connection with an
employer-sponsored insurance program may exercise their rights and privileges
under the Policies (i.e., make transfers, change premium allocations, borrow,
etc.) by directly notifying the Company in writing at its Home Office. The
Company will send all reports and other notices described herein or in the
Policy directly to the Owner.
LOANS
Loan Privileges. After the first Policy Anniversary, the Owner may, by
written request directly to the Company, borrow an amount up to the Loan Value
of the Policy, with the Policy serving as sole security for such loan. The
Loan Value is equal to (a) minus (b), where (a) is 85 percent of the Cash
Value of the Policy on the date the Policy Loan is requested and (b) is the
amount of any outstanding Indebtedness. Loan interest is due and payable in
arrears on each Policy Anniversary or on a pro rata basis for such shorter
period as the loan may exist. The minimum amount that may be borrowed is $100.
The loan may be completely or partially repaid at any time while the Insured
is living. Any amount due to an Owner under a Policy Loan ordinarily will be
paid within seven days after the Company receives the loan request at its Home
Office, although payments may be postponed under certain circumstances. (See
"General Matters Relating to the Policy--Postponement of Payments.")
When a Policy Loan is made, Cash Value equal to the amount of the loan will
be transferred to the Loan Account as security for the loan. Unless the Owner
requests a different allocation, amounts will be transferred from the
Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion that the Policy's
Cash Value in each Division bears to the Policy's total Cash Value, less the
Cash Value in the Loan Account, at the end of the Valuation Period during
which the request for a Policy Loan is received. This will reduce the Policy's
Cash Value in the Separate Account. These transactions will not be considered
transfers for purposes of the limitations on transfers between Divisions.
Loan Account Interest Rate Credited. Cash Value transferred to the Loan
Account to secure a Policy Loan will accrue interest daily at an annual rate
not less than five percent. The rate is declared by action of Company
management as authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Loan
Account interest credited will be transferred to the Divisions of the Separate
Account: (1) each Policy Anniversary; (2) when a new loan is made; (3) when a
loan is partially or fully repaid; and (4) when an amount is needed to meet a
monthly deduction.
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<PAGE>
Interest Rate Charged for Policy Loans. The interest rate charged will be at
an annual rate of eight percent. Interest charged will be due and payable
annually in arrears on each Policy Anniversary or for such shorter period as
the Policy Loan may exist. If the Owner does not pay the interest charged when
it is due, an amount of Cash Value equal to that which is due will be
transferred to the Loan Account. (See "Effect of Policy Loans," below.) The
amount transferred will be deducted from the Divisions of the Separate Account
in the same proportion that the portion of the Cash Value in each Division
bears to the total Cash Value of the Policy minus the Cash Value in the Loan
Account.
Effect of Policy Loans. A loan taken from, or secured by, a Policy may have
Federal income tax consequences (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Whether or not a Policy Loan is repaid, it will permanently affect the Cash
Value of a Policy, and may permanently affect the amount of the death benefit,
even if the loan is repaid. This is because the collateral for the Policy Loan
(the amount held in the Loan Account) does not participate in the performance
of the Separate Account while the loan is outstanding. If the Loan Account
interest credited is less than the investment performance of the selected
Division, the Policy values will be lower as a result of the loan. Conversely,
if the Loan Account interest credited is higher than the investment
performance of the Division, the Policy values may be higher.
In addition, if the Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value on any Monthly
Anniversary, the Policy may lapse, subject to a grace period. (See "Charges
and Deductions.") A sufficient payment must be made within the later of the
grace period of 62 days from the Monthly Anniversary immediately before the
date Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value, or 31 days after notice that the
Policy will terminate without a sufficient payment has been mailed, or the
Policy will lapse and terminate without value. A lapsed Policy, however, may
later be reinstated. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse
and Reinstatement.")
All outstanding Indebtedness will be deducted from the proceeds payable upon
the death of the Insured, surrender, or the maturity of the Policy.
Repayment of Indebtedness. A Policy Loan may be repaid in whole or in part
at any time prior to the death of the Insured and as long as a Policy is in
effect. All repayments should be made directly to the Company at its Home
Office. Amounts paid while a Policy Loan is outstanding will be treated as
premiums unless the Owner requests in writing that they be treated as
repayment of Indebtedness. When a loan repayment is made, an amount securing
the Indebtedness in the Loan Account equal to the loan repayment will be
transferred to the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion
that Cash Value in the Loan Account bears to the Cash Value in each Loan
Subaccount. A Loan Subaccount exists for each Division of the Separate
Account, Amounts transferred to the Loan Account to secure Indebtedness are
allocated to the appropriate Loan Subaccount to reflect their origin.
SURRENDER AND PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS
During the lifetime of the Insured and while a Policy is in force, the Owner
may surrender, or make a partial withdrawal under, the Policy by sending a
written request to the Company. Any restrictions are described below. The
amount available upon surrender is the Cash Surrender Value (described below)
at the end of the Valuation Period during which the surrender request is
received at the Company's Home Office. Amounts payable upon surrender or a
partial withdrawal ordinarily will be paid within seven days of receipt of the
written request. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--Postponement of
Payments.") Surrenders and partial withdrawals may have Federal income tax
consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Surrender. To effect a surrender, the Policy itself must be returned to the
Company along with the request, or the request must be accompanied by a
completed affidavit of lost policy, which is available from the Company. Upon
surrender, the Company will pay the Cash Surrender Value to the Owner. The
Cash Surrender Value equals
24
<PAGE>
the Cash Value on the date of surrender, less any Indebtedness. Surrender
proceeds will be paid in a single sum. If the request is received on a Monthly
Anniversary, the monthly deduction otherwise deductible will be included in
the amount paid. Coverage under a Policy will terminate as of the date of
surrender.
Partial Withdrawals. After the first Policy Year, an Owner may make up to
one partial withdrawal each Policy Month from the Separate Account. The
minimum amount of a partial withdrawal, net of any transaction charges, is at
least $500. The minimum amount that can be withdrawn from a Division is $50,
or the Policy's Cash Value in a Division, if smaller. The maximum amount that
may be withdrawn, including the partial withdrawal transaction charge, is the
Loan Value. The partial withdrawal transaction charge is equal to the lesser
of $25 or two percent of the amount withdrawn. The Owner may allocate the
amount withdrawn, subject to the above conditions, among the Divisions of the
Separate Account. If no allocation is specified, then the partial withdrawal
will be allocated among the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same
proportion that the Policy's Cash Value in each Division bears to the total
Cash Value of the Policy, less the Cash Value in the Loan Account, on the date
the request for the partial withdrawal is received.
A partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount in two situations. First,
if the death benefit Option A is in effect and the death benefit equals the
Face Amount then the partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount, and,
thus, the death benefit by an amount equal to the partial withdrawal plus the
partial withdrawal transaction charge. Second, if the death benefit equals a
percentage of Cash Value (whether Option A or Option B is in effect), then a
partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount by the amount that the
partial withdrawal plus the partial withdrawal transaction charge exceeds the
difference between the death benefit and the Face Amount. The death benefit
also will be reduced in this circumstance. If Option B is in effect and the
death benefit equals the Face Amount plus the Cash Value, the partial
withdrawal will not reduce the Face Amount, but it will reduce the Cash Value
and, thus, the death benefit by the amount of the partial withdrawal plus the
partial withdrawal transaction charge. The Face Amount will be decreased in
the following order: (1) the Face Amount at issue; and (2) any increases in
the same order in which they were issued.
Generally, the partial withdrawal transaction charge will be allocated among
the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion as the partial
withdrawal is allocated. If, following a partial withdrawal, insufficient
funds remain in a Division to pay the partial withdrawal transaction charge
allocated to a Division, the unpaid charges will be allocated equally among
the remaining Divisions. In addition, an Owner may request that the partial
withdrawal transaction charge be paid from the Owner's Cash Value in another
Division.
The Face Amount remaining in force after a partial withdrawal may not be
less than $25,000. Any request for a partial withdrawal that would reduce the
Face Amount below this amount will not be executed.
Partial withdrawals may affect the way in which the cost of insurance charge
is calculated and the amount of pure insurance protection afforded under a
Policy. (See "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit--Methods of Affecting Insurance
Protection.")
TRANSFERS
Under the Company's current rules, a Policy's Cash Value, except amounts
credited to the Loan Account, may be transferred among the Divisions of the
Separate Account. Requests for transfers from or among Divisions of the
Separate Account must be made in writing directly to the Company and may be
made once each Policy Month. Transfers must be in amounts of at least $250 or,
if smaller, the Policy's Cash Value in a Division. The Company will effectuate
transfers and determine all values in connection with transfers as of the end
of the Valuation Period during which the transfer request is received.
All requests received on the same Valuation Day will be considered a single
transfer request. Each transfer must meet the minimum requirement of $250 or
the entire Cash Value in a Division. Where a single transfer request calls for
more than one transfer, and not all of the transfers would meet the minimum
requirements, the
25
<PAGE>
Company will effectuate those transfers that do meet the requirements.
Transfers resulting from Policy Loans will not be counted for purposes of the
limitations on the amount or frequency of transfers allowed in each month or
year.
Although the Company currently intends to continue to permit transfers for
the foreseeable future, the Policy provides that the Company may modify the
transfer privilege, by changing the minimum amount transferable, by altering
the frequency of transfers, by imposing a transfer charge, by prohibiting
transfers, or in such other manner as the Company may determine at its
discretion.
RIGHT TO EXAMINE POLICY
The Owner may cancel a Policy within 10 days after receiving it or such
longer period required by state law. If a Policy is cancelled within this time
period, a refund will be paid. The refund will equal all premiums paid under
the Policy.
To cancel the Policy, the Owner should mail or deliver the Policy directly
to the Company. A refund of premiums paid by check may be delayed until the
check has cleared the Owner's bank. (See "General Matters Relating to the
Policy--Postponement of Payments.")
A request for an increase in Face Amount (see "Policy Benefits--Death
Benefit,") also may be cancelled. The request for cancellation must be made
within the latest of 20 days from the date the Owner received the new Policy
specifications pages for the increase, 10 days of mailing the right to
cancellation notice to the Owner, or 45 days after the Owner signed the
application for the increase.
Upon cancellation of an increase, the Owner may request that the Company
refund the amount of the additional charges deducted in connection with the
increase. This will equal the amount by which the monthly deductions since the
increase went into effect exceeded the monthly deductions which would have
been made absent the increase (see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly
Deduction.") If no request is made, the Company will increase the Policy's
Cash Value by the amount of these additional charges. This amount will be
allocated among the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same manner as it
was deducted.
CONVERSION RIGHT TO A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY
Once during the first 24 Policy Months following the Issue Date of the
Policy, the Owner may, upon written request, convert a Policy still in force
to a life insurance policy that provides for benefits that do not vary with
the investment return of the Divisions of the Separate Account. In the event a
Certificate has been amended to operate as an Individual Policy following an
Insured's change in eligibility under a Group Contract, the conversion right
will be measured from the Issue Date of the original Certificate. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion," below). No evidence of
insurability will be required when this right is exercised. However, the
Company will require that the Policy be in force and that the Owner repay any
existing Indebtedness. At the time of the conversion, the new Policy will
have, at the Owner's option, either the same death benefit or the same net
amount at risk as the original Policy. The new Policy will also have the same
Issue Date and Issue Age as the original Policy. The premiums for the new
Policy will be based on the Company's rates in effect for the same Issue Age
and rate class as the original Policy.
ELIGIBILITY CHANGE CONVERSION
If an Insured's eligibility under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored
insurance program ends due to its termination or due to the termination of the
employee's employment, the Insured's coverage will continue unless the Policy
is no longer in force. Even if the Policy is not in force due to lapse, the
right to reinstate and thus to
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convert a lapsed Policy will not be affected by the change in the employee's
eligibility during the reinstatement period.
If a Certificate was issued under the Group Contract, the Certificate will
be amended automatically so that it will continue in force as an Individual
Policy. The rights, benefits, and guaranteed charges will not be altered by
this amendment. The amendment will be mailed to the Owner within 31 days after
the Company receives written notice that (a) the employee's employment ended
or (b) after the termination of the Group Contract. If, at the time the
conversion occurs, the Policy is in a grace period (see "Payment and
Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement,") any premium
necessary to prevent the Policy from lapsing must be paid to the Company at
its Home Office before the new Individual Policy will be mailed. A new planned
premium schedule will be established which will have the same planned annual
premium utilized under the Group Contract, but, ordinarily, the planned
payment intervals will be no more frequent than quarterly. The Company may
allow payment of planned premium through periodic (usually monthly) authorized
electronic funds transfer. Of course, unscheduled premium payments can be made
at any time. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Premiums.")
If an Individual Policy was issued under the Group Contract or other
employer-sponsored insurance program including a Corporate Program or
Executive Program, the Policy will continue in force following the change in
eligibility. The rights, benefits, and guaranteed charges under the Policy
will remain the same following this change in eligibility.
When an employee's spouse is the Insured under a Policy, the spouse's
insurance coverage also will continue in the event the employee is no longer
eligible. If a Certificate was originally issued to the employee's spouse, the
Certificate will be amended automatically as described above. If an Individual
Policy was originally issued, the Individual Policy will continue as described
above. In addition, if an Associated Company ceases be to under common control
with the Contractholder, the Insureds of the Associated Company (i.e.,
employees of the Associated Company and their spouses) may continue their
insurance in the manner described above.
PAYMENT OF BENEFITS AT MATURITY
If the Insured is living and the Policy is in force, the Company will pay
the Cash Surrender Value of the Policy to the Owner on the Maturity Date. An
Owner may elect to have amounts payable on the Maturity Date paid in a single
sum or under a settlement option. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment
of Policy Benefits.") Amounts payable on the Maturity Date ordinarily will be
paid within seven days of that date, although payment may be postponed under
certain circumstances. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Postponement of Payments.") A Policy will mature if and when the Insured
reaches Attained Age 95.
PAYMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
A lump sum payment will be made. Provisions for settlement of proceeds
different from a lump sum payment may only be made upon written agreement with
the Company.
Settlement Options. The Company may offer settlement options that apply to
the payment of death benefit proceeds, as well as to benefits payable at
maturity. Once a settlement option is in effect, there will no longer be value
in the Separate Account.
Accelerated Death Benefits. The Company offers certain riders which permit
the Owner to elect to receive an accelerated payment of the Policy's death
benefit in a reduced amount under certain circumstances. (See "General Matters
Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
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CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
Charges will be deducted in connection with the Policies to compensate the
Company for providing the insurance benefits set forth in the Policies and any
additional benefits added by rider, administering the Policies, incurring
expenses in distributing the Policies, and assuming certain risks in
connection with the Policies. The Company may realize a profit on one or more
of these charges, such as the mortality and expense risk charge. We may use
any such profits for any corporate purpose, including, among other things,
payments of sales expenses.
SALES CHARGES
Prior to allocation of net premiums among the Divisions of the Separate
Account, premium payments will be reduced by a front-end sales charge
("premium expense charge") equal to one percent of the premium.
In addition, as a result of OBRA, insurance companies are generally required
to capitalize and amortize certain policy acquisition expenses over a ten year
period rather than currently deducting such expenses. A higher capitalization
expense applies to the deferred acquisition expenses of Policies that are
deemed to be individual contracts under OBRA and will result in a
significantly higher corporate income tax liability for the Company in early
Policy Years. Thus, under Policies that are deemed to be individual contracts
under OBRA, the Company makes an additional charge of 1% of each premium
payment to compensate the Company for the anticipated higher corporate income
taxes that result from the sale of such a Policy. Among other possible
employer-sponsored programs, Corporate Program Policies are deemed to be
individual contracts.
The premium payment less the premium expense charge less any charge to
compensate the Company for anticipated higher corporate income taxes resulting
from the sale of a Policy less the premium tax charge (described below) equals
the net premium.
The sales charges will not change in the event that an Insured is no longer
eligible under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program, but
continues coverage on an individual basis.
PREMIUM TAX CHARGE
Various states and subdivisions impose a tax on premiums received by
insurance companies. Premium taxes vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. To
cover these premiums taxes, premium payments will be reduced by a premium tax
charge of 2 percent from all Policies.
MONTHLY DEDUCTION
Charges will be deducted monthly from the Cash Value of each Policy
("monthly deduction") to compensate the Company for (a) certain administrative
costs; (b) insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses in connection with
issuing a Policy; (c) the cost of insurance; and (d) the cost of optional
benefits added by rider. The monthly deduction will be deducted on the
Investment Start Date and on each succeeding Monthly Anniversary. It will be
allocated among each Division of the Separate Account in the same proportion
that a Policy's Cash Value in each Division bears to the total Cash Value of
the Policy, less the Cash Value in the Loan Account, on the date the deduction
is made. Because portions of the monthly deduction, such as the cost of
insurance, can vary from month to month, the monthly deduction itself will
vary in amount from month to month.
Monthly Administrative Charge. The Company has responsibility for the
administration of the Policies and the Separate Account. Administrative
expenses include premium billing and collection, recordkeeping, processing
death benefit claims, cash surrenders, partial withdrawals, Policy changes,
reporting and overhead costs, processing applications, and establishing Policy
records. As reimbursement for administrative expenses related to the
maintenance of each Policy and the Separate Account, the Company assesses a
monthly
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administration charge from each Policy. The amount of this charge is set forth
in the specifications pages of the Policy and depends on the number of
employees eligible to be covered at issue of a Group Contract or an employer-
sponsored insurance program. The following table sets forth the general range
of monthly administrative charges under the Policy:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES FIRST YEAR SUBSEQUENT YEARS
------------------ ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
250-499....................... $5.00......................... $2.50
500-999....................... $4.75......................... $2.25
1000+......................... $4.50......................... $2.00
</TABLE>
For Group Contracts or other employer-sponsored insurance programs with fewer
than 250 eligible employees, those with additional administrative costs, or
those that are offered as Executive Programs or Corporate Programs, the
monthly administrative charge may be higher, but will not exceed $6.00 per
month during the first Policy Year and $3.50 per month in renewal years.
These charges, once established at the time a Policy is issued, are
guaranteed not to increase over the life of the Policy. Nor will the
administrative charge change in the event that the Insured is no longer
eligible for group coverage, but continues coverage on an individual basis. In
addition, where the Company believes that lower administrative costs will be
incurred in connection with a particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored
insurance program due to the number of eligible employees or administrative
support provided by the employer, the Company may modify the above schedule
for that Group Contract or other employer-sponsored insurance program. The
amount of the administrative charge applicable to a particular Policy will be
set forth in specifications pages for that Policy.
Cost of Insurance. The cost of insurance is deducted on each Monthly
Anniversary for the following Policy Month. Because the cost of insurance
depends upon a number of variables, the cost will vary for each Policy Month.
The cost of insurance is determined separately for the initial Face Amount and
for any subsequent increases in Face Amount. The Company will determine the
monthly cost of insurance charge by multiplying the applicable cost of
insurance rate or rates by the net amount at risk for each Policy Month.
The cost of insurance rates are determined at the beginning of each Policy
Year for the initial Face Amount and each increase in Face Amount. The current
cost of insurance rates will be determined by the Company based on its
expectations as to future mortality experience. The Company currently issues
the Policies on a guaranteed issue or simplified underwriting basis without
regard to the sex of the Insured. Whether a Policy is issued on a guaranteed
issue or simplified underwriting basis does not affect the cost of insurance
charge determined for that Policy.
The current cost of insurance rates will be based on the Attained Age of the
Insured, the rate class of the Insured, and possibly the gender mix (i.e., the
proportion of men and women covered under a particular Group Contract or
employer-sponsored program). The cost of insurance rates generally increase as
the Insured's Attained Age increases. An Insured's rate class is generally
based on the number of eligible employees as well as other factors that may
affect the mortality risks assumed by the Company in connection with a
particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program. All other
factors being equal, the cost of insurance rates generally decrease by rate
class as the number of eligible employees in the rate class increase. The
Company reserves the right to change criteria on which a rate class will be
based in the future.
If gender mix is a factor, the Company will estimate the gender mix of the
pool of Insureds under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance
program upon issuance of the Contract. Each year on the Group Contract or
employer-sponsored insurance program's anniversary, the Company may adjust the
rate to reflect the actual gender mix for the particular group. In the event
that the Insured's eligibility under a Group Contract (or other employer-
sponsored insurance program) ceases, the cost of insurance rate will continue
to reflect the gender mix of the pool of Insureds at the time the Insured's
eligibility ceased. However, at some time in the future, the Company reserves
the right to base the gender mix and rate class on the group consisting of
those Insureds who are no longer under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored
program.
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The current cost of insurance rates will not be greater than the guaranteed
cost of insurance rates set forth in the Policy. These guaranteed rates are
125 percent of the maximum rates that could be charged based on the 1980
Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table C ("1980 CSO Table"). The
guaranteed rates are higher than 100 percent of the maximum rates in the 1980
CSO Table because the Company uses guaranteed or simplified underwriting
procedures whereby the insured is not required to submit to a medical
or paramedical examination. The current cost of insurance rates are generally
lower than 100 percent of the 1980 CSO Table. Any change in the actual cost of
insurance rates, except those changes made to adjust for changes in the gender
mix of the pool of Insureds under a particular Group Contract or employer-
sponsored insurance program, will apply to all persons of the same Attained
Age and rate class whose initial Face Amounts or increases in Face Amount have
been in force for the same length of time. (For purposes of computing
guideline premiums under Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, the Company will use 100 percent of the 1980 CSO Table.)
The net amount at risk for a Policy Month is (a) the death benefit at the
beginning of the Policy Month divided by 1.0040741 (which reduces the net
amount at risk, solely for purposes of computing the cost of insurance, by
taking into account assumed monthly earnings at an annual rate of five
percent), less (b) the Cash Value at the beginning of the Policy Month.
The net amount at risk may be affected by changes in the Cash Value or
changes in the Face Amount of the Policy. If there is an increase in the Face
Amount and the rate class applicable to the increase is different from that
for the initial Face Amount, the net amount at risk will be calculated
separately for each rate class. If Option A is in effect, for purposes of
determining the net amounts at risk for each rate class, Cash Value will first
be considered a part of the initial Face Amount. If the Cash Value is greater
than the initial Face Amount, the excess Cash Value will then be considered a
part of each increase in order, starting with the first increase. If Option B
is in effect, the net amount at risk for each rate class will be determined by
the Face Amount associated with that rate class. In calculating the cost of
insurance charge, the cost of insurance rate for a Face Amount is applied to
the net amount at risk for the corresponding rate class.
Because the calculation of the net amount at risk is different under Option
A and Option B when more than one rate class is in effect, a change in the
death benefit option may result in a different net amount at risk for each
rate class than would have occurred had the death benefit option not been
changed. Since the cost of insurance is calculated separately for each rate
class, any change in the net amount at risk resulting from a change in the
death benefit option may affect the total cost of insurance paid by the Owner.
Partial withdrawals and decreases in Face Amount will affect the manner in
which the net amount at risk for each rate class is calculated. (See "Policy
Benefits--Death Benefit," and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and
Partial Withdrawals.")
Additional Insurance Benefits. The monthly deduction will include charges
for any additional benefits provided by rider. (See "General Matters Relating
to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL TRANSACTION CHARGE
A transaction charge which is the lesser of $25 or two percent of the
amount withdrawn will be assessed on each partial withdrawal to cover
administrative costs incurred in processing the partial withdrawal.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT CHARGES
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. The Company will deduct a daily charge
from the Separate Account at a rate not to exceed .0024547% of the net assets
of each Division of the Separate Account, which equals an annual rate of .90%
of those net assets. The Company may realize a profit from this charge.
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<PAGE>
The mortality risk assumed by the Company is that Insureds may die sooner
than anticipated and that therefore the Company will pay an aggregate amount
of death benefits greater than anticipated. The expense risk assumed is that
expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Policy will exceed the
amounts realized from the administrative charges assessed against the Policy.
Federal Taxes. Currently no charge is made to the Separate Account for
Federal income taxes that may be attributable to the Separate Account. The
Company may, however, make such a charge in the future. Charges for other
taxes, if any, attributable to the Account may also be made. (See "Federal Tax
Matters.")
Expenses of Putnam Variable Trust. The value of the net assets of the
Separate Account will reflect the investment advisory fee and other expenses
incurred by Putnam Variable Trust. (See "Putnam Variable Trust.")
GENERAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE POLICY
POSTPONEMENT OF PAYMENTS
Payment of any amount due from the Separate Account upon surrender, partial
withdrawals, election of an accelerated death benefit under a rider, death of
the Insured, or the Maturity Date, as well as payments of a Policy loan and
transfers, may be postponed whenever: (i) the New York Stock Exchange is
closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; (ii) the SEC
by order permits postponement for the protection of Owners; or (iii) an
emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which disposal of
securities is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
to determine the value of the Separate Account's net assets.
Payments under the Policy of any amounts derived from premiums paid by check
may be delayed until such time as the check has cleared the Owner's bank.
THE CONTRACT
The Policy, the attached application, any riders, endorsements, any
application for an increase in Face Amount, and any application for
reinstatement constitute the entire contract between the Owner and the
Company. Apart from the rights and benefits described in the Certificate or
Individual Policy and incorporated by reference into the Group Contract, the
Owner has no rights under the Group Contract. All statements made by the
Insured in the application are considered representations and not warranties,
except in the case of fraud. Only statements in the application and any
supplemental applications can be used to contest a claim or the validity of
the Policy. Any change to the Policy must be approved in writing by the
President, a Vice President, or the Secretary of the Company. No agent has the
authority to alter or modify any of the terms, conditions, or agreements of
the Policy or to waive any of its provisions.
CONTROL OF POLICY
The Owner of the Policy is the entity named as the Owner in the application.
Ownership may be changed, however, as described below. The Owner is entitled
to all rights provided by the Policy, prior to its Maturity Date. After the
Maturity Date, the Owner cannot change the payee nor the mode of payment,
unless otherwise provided in the Policy. Any person whose rights of ownership
depend upon some future event will not possess any present rights of
ownership. If there is more than one Owner at a given time, all must exercise
the rights of ownership. If the Owner should die, and the Owner is not the
Insured, the Owner's interest will go to his or her estate unless otherwise
provided.
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<PAGE>
BENEFICIARY
The Beneficiary(ies) is (are) the person(s) specified in the application or
by later designation. Unless otherwise stated in the Policy, the Beneficiary
has no rights in a Policy before the death of the Insured. If there is more
than one Beneficiary at the death of the Insured, each will receive equal
payments unless otherwise provided by the Owner. If no Beneficiary is living
at the death of the Insured, the proceeds will be payable to the Owner or, if
the Owner is not living, to the Owner's estate.
CHANGE OF OWNER OR BENEFICIARY
The Owner may change the ownership and/or Beneficiary designation by written
request in a form acceptable to the Company at any time during the Insured's
lifetime. The Company may require that the Policy be returned for endorsement
of any change. The change will take effect as of the date the request is
signed, whether or not the Insured is living when the request is received at
the Company's Home Office. The Company will not be liable for any payment made
or action taken before the Company received the written request for change. If
the Owner is also a Beneficiary of the Policy at the time of the Insured's
death, the Owner may, within 60 days of the Insured's death, designate another
person to receive the Policy proceeds.
POLICY CHANGES
The Company reserves the right to limit the number of Policy changes to one
per Policy Year and to restrict such changes in the first Policy Year.
Currently, no change may be made during the first Policy Year. For this
purpose, changes include increases or decreases in Face Amount and changes in
the death benefit option. No change will be permitted that would result in the
death benefit under a Policy being included in gross income due to not
satisfying the requirements of Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code or
any applicable successor provision.
CONFORMITY WITH STATUTES
If any provision in a Policy is in conflict with the laws of the state
governing the Policy, the provision will be deemed to be amended to conform to
such laws.
CLAIMS OF CREDITORS
To the extent permitted by law, neither the Policy nor any payment
thereunder will be subject to the claims of creditors or to any legal process.
INCONTESTABILITY
The Policy is incontestable after it has been in force for two years from
the Issue Date during the lifetime of the Insured. An increase in Face Amount
or addition of a rider after the Issue Date is incontestable after such
increase or addition has been in force for two years from its effective date
during the lifetime of the Insured. Any reinstatement of a Policy is
incontestable, except for nonpayment of premiums, only after it has been in
force during the lifetime of the Insured for two years after the effective
date of the reinstatement.
ASSIGNMENT
The Company will be bound by an assignment of a Policy only if: (a) it is in
writing; (b) the original instrument or a certified copy is filed with the
Company at its Home Office; and (c) the Company sends an acknowledged copy to
the Owner. The Company is not responsible for determining the validity of any
assignment. Payment of Policy proceeds is subject to the rights of any
assignee of record. If a claim is based on an assignment, the Company may
require proof of the interest of the claimant. A valid assignment will take
precedence over any claim of a Beneficiary.
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<PAGE>
SUICIDE
Suicide within two years of the Issue Date is not covered by the Policy. If
the Insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within two years from the
Issue Date (or within the maximum period permitted by the laws of the state in
which the Policy was delivered, if less than two years), the amount payable
will be limited to premiums paid, less any partial withdrawals and outstanding
Indebtedness. If the Insured, while sane or insane, dies by suicide within two
years after the effective date of any increase in Face Amount, the death
benefit for that increase will be limited to the amount of the monthly
deductions for the increase.
If the Insured is a Missouri citizen when the Policy is issued, this
provision does not apply on the Issue Date of the Policy, or on the effective
date of any increase in Face Amount, unless the Insured intended suicide at
the time of application for the Policy or any increase in Face Amount.
MISSTATEMENT OF AGE AND CORRECTIONS
If the age of the Insured has been misstated in the application, the amount
of the death benefit will be that which the most recent cost of insurance
charge would have purchased for the correct age.
Any payment or Policy changes made by the Company in good faith, relying on
its records or evidence supplied with respect to such payment, will fully
discharge the Company's duty. The Company reserves the right to correct any
errors in the Policy.
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
Subject to certain requirements, one or more of the following additional
insurance benefits may be added to a Policy by rider. However, some Group
Contracts, employer-sponsored insurance programs, Executive Programs, or
Corporate Programs may not offer each of the additional benefits described
below. Certain riders may not be available in all states. In addition, should
it be determined that the tax status of a Policy as life insurance is
adversely affected by the addition of any of these riders, the Company will
cease offering such riders. The descriptions below are intended to be general;
the terms of the Policy riders providing the additional benefits may vary from
state to state, and the Policy should be consulted. The cost of any additional
insurance benefits will be deducted as part of the monthly deduction. (See
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction.")
Waiver of Monthly Deductions Rider. Provides for the waiver of the monthly
deductions while the Insured is totally disabled, subject to certain
limitations described in the rider. The Insured must have become disabled
before age 65.
Accidental Death Benefit Rider. Provides additional insurance if the
Insured's death results from accidental bodily injury, as defined in the
rider. Under the terms of the rider, the additional benefits provided in the
Policy will be paid upon receipt of proof by the Company that death resulted
directly from accidental injury and independently of all other causes;
occurred within 120 days from the date of injury; and occurred before the
Policy Anniversary nearest age 70 of the Insured.
Children's Life Insurance Rider. Provides for term insurance on the
Insured's children, as defined in the rider. To be eligible for insurance
under the rider, the child to be insured must not be confined in a hospital at
the time the application is signed. Under the terms of the rider, the death
benefit will be payable to the named Beneficiary upon the death of any insured
child. Upon receipt of proof of the Insured's death before the rider
terminates, the rider will be continued on a fully paid-up term insurance
basis.
HIV Acceleration of Death Benefits Rider. Provides for the Owner's election
for the Company to make an accelerated payment, prior to the death of the
Insured upon receipt of satisfactory evidence that the Insured has tested
seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV") after both the
Policy and rider are issued. The Company will pay the Policy's death benefit
(less any Indebtedness and any term insurance added by riders), calculated on
the date that the Company receives satisfactory evidence that the Insured has
tested seropositive
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<PAGE>
for HIV, reduced by a $100 administrative processing fee. The Company will pay
the accelerated benefit to the Owner in a single payment in full settlement of
the Company's obligations under the Policy. The rider may be added to the
Policy only after the Insured satisfactorily meets certain underwriting
requirements which will generally include a negative HIV test result to a
blood or other screening test acceptable to the Company.
The Federal income tax consequences associated with (i) adding the HIV
Acceleration of Death Benefit Rider or (ii) receiving the benefit provided
under the rider are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult a tax
adviser about such consequences before adding the HIV Acceleration of Death
Benefit Rider to your Policy or requesting a benefit under the rider.
Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement Option Rider. Provides for the
accelerated payment of a portion of death benefit proceeds in a single sum to
the Owner if the Insured is terminally ill or permanently confined to a
nursing home. Under the rider, which is available at no additional cost, the
Owner may make a voluntary election to completely settle the Policy in return
for the Company's accelerated payment of a reduced death benefit. The Owner
may make such an election under the rider if evidence, including a
certification from a licensed physician, is provided to the Company that the
Insured (1) has a life expectancy of 12 months or less or (2) is permanently
confined to a qualified nursing home and is expected to remain there until
death. Any irrevocable beneficiary and assignees of record must provide
written authorization in order for the Owner to receive the accelerated
benefit. The Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement Option Rider is not
available with Corporate Programs.
The amount of the death benefit payable under the rider will equal the cash
surrender value under the Policy on the date the Company receives satisfactory
evidence of either (1) or (2), above, (less any Indebtedness and any term
insurance added by other riders) plus the product of the applicable "benefit
factor" multiplied by the difference of (a) minus (b), where (a) equals the
Policy's death benefit proceeds, and (b) equals the Policy's cash surrender
value. The "benefit factor", in the case of terminal illness, is 0.85 and, in
the case of permanent nursing home confinement, is 0.70.
Pursuant to the recently enacted Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996, the Company believes that for federal income tax
purposes an accelerated death benefit payment made under the Accelerated Death
Benefit Settlement Option Rider should be fully excludable from the gross
income of the Beneficiary, as long as the Beneficiary is the Insured under the
Policy. However, you should consult a qualified tax adviser about the
consequences of adding this Rider to a Policy or requesting an accelerated
death benefit payment under this Rider.
An Owner may request in writing a projection of illustrated future Cash
Surrender Values and death benefits. This projection will be furnished by the
Company for a nominal fee.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES
Walnut Street Securities, Inc. ("Walnut Street") acts as principal
underwriter of the Policies pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with the
Company. Walnut Street is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General American
Holding Company, which is an affiliate of the Company. Walnut Street is
registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a broker-
dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers.
Walnut Street's Internal Revenue Service Employer Identification Number is 43-
1333368. It is a Missouri Corporation formed May 4, 1984. The Policies will be
sold by broker-dealers who have entered into written sales agreements with
Walnut Street.
Broker-dealers will receive commissions based upon a commission schedule in
the sales agreement with the Company and Walnut Street. Broker-dealers
compensate their registered representative agents. Commissions are payable on
net collected premiums received by the Company. Maximum commissions payable to
a
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<PAGE>
broker-dealer during the first year of a Group Contract or other employer-
sponsored insurance program are (a) 18% of premiums that do not exceed the
cost of insurance assessed during the first Policy Year plus (b) 1% of
premiums in excess of the cost of insurance assessed during that Policy Year.
In all renewal years of a Group Contract or other employer-sponsored insurance
program maximum commissions are (a) 3% of premiums that do not exceed the cost
of insurance assessed during the respective Policy Year plus (b) 1% of
premiums in excess of the cost of insurance assessed during that Policy Year.
In lieu of the part (b) of renewal commissions described above payable on
premiums received in excess of the cost of insurance assessed, renewal
commissions may be up to 0.25% per year of the average cash value of a Policy
during a Policy Year or calendar year. In no event will commissions be payable
for more than 20 years.
Walnut Street received $34,809 in commissions for the Policies for the year
ended December 31, 1997; $33,667 for the year ended December 31, 1996; and no
commissions for the year ended December 31, 1995.
GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE GROUP CONTRACT
ISSUANCE
The Group Contract will be issued upon receipt of a signed application for
Group Insurance signed by a duly authorized officer of the employer and
acceptance by a duly authorized officer of the Company at its Home Office.
PREMIUM PAYMENTS
The Contractholder will remit planned premium payments for Insureds of the
Contractholder or an Associated Company in an amount authorized by the
employee to be deducted from his wages. All planned premiums under a Group
Contract must be remitted in advance to the Company. The planned premium
payment interval is agreed to by the Contractholder and the Company. Prior to
each planned payment interval, the Company will furnish the Contractholder
with a statement of the planned premium payments to be made under the Group
Contract or such other notification as has been agreed to by the
Contractholder and the Company.
GRACE PERIOD
If the Contractholder does not remit planned premium payments in a timely
fashion, the Group Contract will be in default. A grace period of 31 days
begins on the date that the planned premiums were scheduled to be remitted. If
the Contractholder does not remit premiums prior to the end of the grace
period, the Group Contract will terminate. However, the Individual Insurance
will continue following the Group Contract's termination, provided such
insurance is not surrendered or cancelled by the Owner. (See "Policy Rights
and Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.")
TERMINATION
Except as described in "Grace Period" above, the Group Contract will be
terminated immediately upon default. In addition, the Company may end a Group
Contract or any of its provisions on 31 days notice. If the Group Contract
terminates, any Policies in effect will remain in force on an individual
basis, unless such insurance is surrendered or cancelled by the Owner. New
Policies will be issued as described in "Policy Rights and Privileges--
Eligibility Change Conversion."
RIGHT TO EXAMINE GROUP CONTRACT
The Contractholder may terminate the Group Contract within 20 days after
receiving it, within 45 days after the application was signed or within 10
days of mailing a notice of the cancellation right, whichever is latest. To
cancel the Group Contract, the Contractholder should mail or deliver the Group
Contract to the Company.
35
<PAGE>
ENTIRE CONTRACT
The Group Contract, with the attached copy of the Contractholder's
application and other attached papers, if any, is the entire contract between
the Contractholder and the Company. All statements made by the Contractholder,
any Owner or any Insured will be deemed representations and not warranties.
Misstatements will not be used in any contest or to reduce claim under the
Group Contract, unless it is in writing. A copy of the application containing
such misstatement must have been given to the Contractholder or to the Insured
or to his Beneficiary, if any.
INCONTESTABILITY
The Company cannot contest the Group Contract after it has been in force for
two years from the date of issue.
OWNERSHIP OF GROUP CONTRACT
The Contractholder owns the Group Contract. The Group Contract may be
changed or ended by agreement between the Company and the Contractholder
without the consent of, or notice to, any person claiming rights or benefits
under the Group Contract. However, the Contractholder does not have any
ownership interest in the Policies issued under the Group Contract. The rights
and benefits under the Policies inure to the benefit of the Owners, Insureds,
and Beneficiaries as set forth herein and in the Policies.
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
INTRODUCTION
The following summary provides a general description of the Federal income
tax considerations associated with the Policy and does not purport to be
complete or to cover all situations. This discussion is not intended as tax
advice. Counsel or other competent tax advisers should be consulted for more
complete information. This discussion is based upon the Company's
understanding of the present Federal income tax laws as they are currently
interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service. No representation is made as to
the likelihood of continuation of the present Federal income tax laws or of
the current interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service.
TAXATION OF THE POLICY
Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")
sets forth a definition of a life insurance contract for Federal tax purposes.
Although the Secretary of the Treasury (the "Treasury") is authorized to
prescribe regulations implementing Section 7702, while proposed regulations
and other interim guidance has been issued, final regulations have not been
adopted. In short, guidance as to how Section 7702 is to be applied is
limited. The Company nonetheless believes (largely in reliance on IRS Notice
88-128 and the proposed regulations under Section 7702, issued on July 5,
1991) that the Policy should meet the Section 7702 definition of a life
insurance contract. If a Policy were determined not to be a life insurance
contract for purposes of Section 7702, such Policy would not provide the tax
advantages normally provided by a life insurance policy. Therefore, if it is
subsequently determined that a Policy does not satisfy section 7702, the
Company will take whatever steps are appropriate and necessary to attempt to
cause such Policy to comply with section 7702, including possibly refunding
any premiums paid that exceed the limitations allowable under section 7702
(together with interest or other earnings on any such premiums refunded as
required by law). For these reasons, the Company reserves the right to modify
the Policy as necessary to attempt to qualify it as a life insurance contract
under section 7702.
36
<PAGE>
Section 817(h) of the Code authorizes the Treasury to set standards by
regulation or otherwise for the investments of each Division of the Separate
Account to be "adequately diversified" in order for the Policy to be treated
as a life insurance contract for Federal tax purposes. Although the Company
does not control Putnam Variable Trust or its investments, Putnam Variable
Trust has represented that it intends to comply with the diversification
requirements prescribed by the Treasury in Reg. section 1.817-5. Thus, the
Company believes that each Division of the Separate Account, through Putnam
Variable Trust, will be in compliance with the requirements prescribed by the
Treasury.
The IRS has stated in published rulings that a variable contract owner will
be considered the owner of separate account assets, for federal income tax
purposes, if the contract owner possesses incidents of ownership in those
assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control over the assets. If
that were to be determined to be the case, income and gains from the separate
account assets would be includible in the variable contract owner's gross
income. The Treasury Department has also announced, in connection with the
issuance of regulations concerning diversification, that those regulations "do
not provide guidance concerning the circumstances in which investor control of
the investments of a segregated asset account may cause the investor (i.e.,
the Owner), rather than the insurance company, to be treated as the owner of
the assets in the account." This announcement also stated that guidance would
be issued by way of regulations or rulings on the "extent to which
policyholders may direct their investments to particular subaccounts without
being treated as owners of the underlying assets."
The ownership rights under the Policy are similar to, but different in
certain respects from, those described by the IRS in rulings in which it was
determined that policy owners were not owners of separate account assets. For
example, the Owner has additional flexibility in allocating Premium payments
and Policy Values. These differences could result in an Owner being treated as
the owner of a pro rata portion of the assets of the Separate Account. In
addition, the Company does not know what standards will be set forth, if any,
in the regulations or rulings which the Treasury Department has stated it
expects to issue. The Company therefore reserves the right to modify the
Policy as necessary to attempt to prevent an Owner from being considered the
owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the Separate Account.
The following discussion assumes that the Policy will qualify as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes.
TAX TREATMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
1. IN GENERAL. As a life insurance contract, the proceeds and cash value
increases of a Policy should be treated in a manner consistent with a fixed-
benefit life insurance policy for Federal income tax purposes. Thus, the death
benefit under the Policy should be excludable from the gross income of the
Beneficiary under section 101(a)(1) of the Code.
The exchange of a Policy, a change in the Policy's death benefit option
(e.g., a change from Option B to Option A), a change in the Policy's Face
Amount, a conversion to a fixed policy, an exchange, a Policy loan, an
unscheduled premium payment, a Policy lapse with an outstanding loan, a
partial withdrawal, a surrender, or an assignment of the Policy may have
Federal income tax consequences depending on the circumstances. In addition,
Federal estate and state and local estate, inheritance, and other tax
consequences of ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the
circumstances of each Policy owner or Beneficiary. A competent tax adviser
should be consulted for further information.
Pursuant to the recently enacted Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996, the Company believes that for federal income tax
purposes an accelerated death benefit payment made under the Accelerated Death
Benefit Settlement Option Rider should be fully excludable from the gross
income of the Beneficiary, as long as the Beneficiary is the Insured under the
Policy. However, you should consult a qualified tax adviser about the
consequences of adding this Rider to a Policy or requesting an accelerated
death benefit payment under this Rider.
37
<PAGE>
The Policies may be used in various arrangements, such as nonqualified
deferred compensation or salary continuance plans, split dollar insurance
plans, executive bonus plans, retiree medical benefit plans and others. The
tax consequences of such plans may vary depending on the particular facts and
circumstances of each individual arrangement. Therefore, if you are
contemplating the use of such Policies in any arrangement the value of which
depends in part on its tax consequences, you should be sure to consult a
qualified tax advisor regarding the tax attributes of the particular
arrangement. In recent years, Congress has adopted new rules relating to life
insurance owned by businesses. Any business contemplating the purchase of a
new Policy or a change in an existing Policy should consult a tax advisor.
Generally, the Owner will not be deemed to be in constructive receipt of the
cash value, including increments thereof, under the Policy until there is a
distribution. The tax consequences of distributions from, and loans taken from
or secured by, a Policy depend on whether the Policy is classified as a
"modified endowment contract". Whether a Policy is or is not classified as a
modified endowment contract, upon a complete surrender or lapse of the Policy
or when benefits are paid at the maturity date, if the amount received plus
the amount of indebtedness exceeds the total investment in the Policy, the
excess will generally be treated as ordinary income subject to tax.
2. POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS. In general, a Policy
will be a modified endowment contract if the accumulated premiums paid at any
time during the first seven policy years exceeds the sum of the net level
premiums which would have been paid on or before such time if the Policy
provided for paid-up future benefits after the payment of seven level annual
premiums. Further, a Policy that is not otherwise a modified endowment
contract may become a modified endowment contract if it is "materially
changed." The determination whether a Policy will be a modified endowment
contract after a material change generally depends upon the relationship of
the death benefit and the cash value at the time of such change and the
additional premiums paid in the seven years following the material change.
Due to the Policy's flexibility, classification as a modified endowment
contract will depend on the individual circumstances of each Policy. Moreover,
the rules relating to whether a Policy will be treated as a modified endowment
contract are extremely complex. Therefore, a current or prospective Policy
owner is strongly advised to retain and consult with a competent advisor
before purchasing a Policy, making an unscheduled premium payment on an
existing Policy or making any change in an existing Policy, to determine
whether the Policy will be treated as a modified endowment contract.
The Company has adopted administrative steps designed to protect a
Policyowner against inadvertently having the Policy become a modified
endowment contract. Although the Company cannot provide complete assurance at
this time that a Policy will not inadvertently become a modified endowment
contract, it is continuing its efforts to enhance its administrative systems
to automatically monitor potential modified endowment classifications.
3. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS.
Policies classified as modified endowment contracts will be subject to the
following tax rules: First, all distributions, including distributions upon
surrender and benefits paid at maturity, from such a Policy are treated as
ordinary income subject to tax up to the amount equal to the excess (if any)
of the cash value immediately before the distribution over the investment in
the Policy (described below) at such time. Second, loans taken from, or
secured by, such a Policy (as well as due but unpaid interest that is added to
the loan amount) are treated as distributions from such a Policy and taxed
accordingly. Third, a 10 percent additional income tax is imposed on the
portion of any distribution from, or loan taken from or secured by, such a
Policy that is included in income except where the distributions or loan is
made on or after the Policy owner attains age 59 1/2, is attributable to the
Policy owner's becoming disabled, or is part of a series of substantially
equal periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the Policy owner
or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the Policy owner and the
Policy owner's Beneficiary.
38
<PAGE>
If a Policy becomes a modified endowment contract after it is issued,
distributions made during the policy year in which it becomes a modified
endowment contract, distributions in any subsequent policy year and
distributions within two years before the Policy becomes a modified endowment
contract will be subject to the tax treatment described above. This means that
a distribution from a Policy that is not a modified endowment contract could
later become taxable as a distribution from a modified endowment contract.
4. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES NOT CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT
CONTRACTS. Distributions from a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract, and which is not materially changed, or, if materially changed, is
not classified as a modified endowment contract after such material change,
are generally treated as first recovering the investment in the Policy
(described below) and then, only after the return of all such investment in
the Policy, as distributing taxable income. An exception to this general rule
occurs in the case of a decrease in the Policy's death benefit (e.g., partial
withdrawal or a change from Option B to Option A) or any other change that
reduces benefits under the Policy in the first 15-years after the Policy is
issued and that results in a cash distribution to the Policy owner in order
for the Policy to continue complying with the section 7702 definitional
limits. Such a cash distribution will be taxed in whole or in part as ordinary
income (to the extent of any gain in the Policy) under rules prescribed in
section 7702.
Loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract are not treated as distributions. Instead, such loans are treated as
indebtedness of the Owner.
Finally, neither distributions (including distributions upon surrender or
lapse) nor loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a modified
endowment contract are subject to the 10 percent additional income tax.
5. POLICY LOAN INTEREST. If there is any borrowing against a Policy, the
interest paid on the loan generally will not be tax deductible. A Policyowner
should consult a qualified tax adviser before deducting interest on a policy
loan.
6. INVESTMENT IN THE POLICY. Investment in the Policy means (i) the
aggregate amount of any premiums or other consideration paid for a Policy,
minus (ii) the aggregate amount received under the Policy which is excluded
from gross income of the Policy owner (except that the amount of any loan
from, or secured by, a Policy that is a modified endowment contract, to the
extent such amount is excluded from gross income, will be disregarded), plus
(iii) the amount of any loan from, or secured by, a Policy that is a modified
endowment contract to the extent that such amount is included in the gross
income of the Owner.
7. MULTIPLE POLICIES. All modified endowment contracts that are issued by
the Company (or its affiliates) to the same Policy owner during any calendar
year are treated as one modified endowment contract for purposes of
determining the amount includible in gross income.
POSSIBLE CHARGE FOR TAXES
At the present time, the Company makes no charge to the Separate Account for
any Federal, state or local taxes the Company incurs that may be attributable
to the Separate Account or to the Policies. The Company, however, reserves the
right in the future to make a charge for any such tax or other economic burden
resulting from the application of the tax laws that it determines to be
properly attributable to the Separate Account or to the Policies.
POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAXATION
Although the likelihood of legislative changes is uncertain, there is always
the possibility that the tax treatment of the Policy could change by
legislation or otherwise. For instance, the President's 1999 Budget Proposal
recommended legislation that, if enacted, would adversely modify the federal
taxation of this Policy. It is possible that any legislative change could be
retroactive (that is, effective prior to the date of the change). A tax
adviser should be consulted with respect to legislative developments and their
effect on the Policy.
39
<PAGE>
SAFEKEEPING OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT'S ASSETS
The Company holds assets of the Separate Account. The assets are kept
physically segregated and held separate and apart from the Company's general
assets. The Company maintains records of all purchases and redemptions of Fund
shares by each of the Divisions. Additional protection for the assets of the
Separate Account is afforded by a blended executive risk insurance program,
including blanket fidelity coverage issued by CNA and Chubb Insurance
Companies with a limit of $25 million, covering all officers and employees of
the Company who have access to the assets of the Separate Account.
VOTING RIGHTS
To the extent required by law, the Company will vote the shares of Putnam
Variable Trust held in the Separate Account at regular and special shareholder
meetings of Putnam Variable Trust in accordance with instructions received
from persons having voting interests in the corresponding Divisions of the
Separate Account. If, however, the 1940 Act or any regulation thereunder
should be amended or if the present interpretation thereof should change, and
as a result the Company determines that it is permitted to vote shares of
Putnam Variable Trust in its own right, it may elect to do so.
The Owners of Policies ordinarily are the persons having a voting interest
in the Divisions of the Separate Account. The number of votes which an Owner
has the right to instruct will be calculated separately for each Division. The
number of votes which each Owner has the right to instruct will be determined
by dividing a Policy's Cash Value in a Division by the net asset value per
share of the corresponding Fund in which the Division invests. Fractional
shares will be counted. The number of votes of the Fund which the Owner has
the right to instruct will be determined as of the date coincident with the
date established by that Fund for determining shareholders eligible to vote at
the meeting of Putnam Variable Trust. Voting instructions will be solicited by
written communications prior to such meeting in accordance with procedures
established by Putnam Variable Trust.
Because the Funds of Putnam Variable Trust serve as investment vehicles for
this Policy as well as for other variable life insurance policies sold by
insurers other than the Company and funded through other separate investment
accounts, persons owning the other policies will enjoy similar voting rights.
The Company will vote Fund shares held in the Separate Account for which no
timely voting instructions are received and Fund shares that it owns as a
consequence of accrued charges under the Policies, in proportion to the voting
instructions which are received with respect to all Policies participating in
a Fund. Each person having a voting interest in a Division will receive proxy
material, reports, and other materials relating to the appropriate Fund.
Disregard of Voting Instructions. The Company may, when required by state
insurance regulatory authorities, disregard voting instructions if the
instructions require that the shares be voted so as to cause a change in the
subclassification or investment objective of or one or more of the Funds or to
approve or disapprove an investment advisory contract for a Fund. In addition,
the Company itself may disregard voting instructions in favor of changes
initiated by an Owner in the investment policy or by the investment adviser or
sub-adviser of a Fund of Putnam Variable Trust if the Company reasonably
disapproves of such changes. A proposed change would be disapproved only if
the proposed change is contrary to state law or prohibited by state regulatory
authorities, or the Company determined that the change would have an adverse
effect on its general assets in that the proposed investment policy for a Fund
may result in overly speculative or unsound investments. In the event the
Company does disregard voting instructions, a summary of that action and the
reasons for such action will be included in the next annual report to Owners.
STATE REGULATION OF THE COMPANY
The Company, a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of
Missouri, is subject to regulation by the Missouri Division of Insurance. An
annual statement is filed with the Director of Insurance on or before March 1
each year covering the operations and reporting on the financial condition of
the Company as of
40
<PAGE>
December 31 of the preceding year. Periodically, the Director of Insurance
examines the liabilities and reserves of the Company and the Separate Account
and certifies their adequacy, and a full examination of the Company's
operations is conducted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
at least once every three years.
In addition, the Company is subject to the insurance laws and regulations of
other states within which it is licensed or may become licensed to operate.
Generally, the insurance departments of other states apply the laws of the
state of domicile in determining permissible investments.
PREPARING FOR YEAR 2000
Like all financial services providers, the Company utilizes systems that may
be affected by Year 2000 transition issues and it relies on service providers,
including the Funds, that also may be affected. The Company has developed, and
is in the process of implementing, a Year 2000 transition plan, and is
confirming that its service providers are also so engaged. The resources that
are being devoted to this effort is substantial. It is difficult to predict
with precision whether the amount of resources ultimately devoted, or the
outcome of these efforts, will have any negative impact on the Company.
However, as of the date of this prospectus, it is not anticipated that Policy
owners will experience negative effects on their investment, or on the
services provided in connection therewith, as a result of Year 2000 transition
implementation. The Company currently anticipates that its systems will be
Year 2000 compliant on or about December 1, 1998, but there can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful, or that interaction with other
service providers will not impair the Company's services at that time.
41
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME DURING PAST FIVE YEARS*
---- -----------------------
<C> <S>
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**
Carl H. Anderson@ President and Chief Executive Officer since June, 1986. Vice
President, New Ventures, since June 1986, General American
Life Insurance Co., St. Louis, MO. (GenAm).
Matthew K. Duffy Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July, 1996.
Formerly, Director of Accounting, Prudential Insurance
Company of America, March, 1987-June, 1996.
E. Thomas Hughes, Jr.@ Treasurer since December, 1994. Corporate Actuary and
General American Life Treasurer, GenAm since October, 1994. Executive Vice
Insurance Company President-Group Pensions, GenAm January, 1990-October, 1994.
700 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
Matthew P. McCauley@ Vice President and General Counsel since 1984. Secretary
General American Life since August, 1981. Vice President and Associate General
Insurance Company Counsel, GenAm, since December 30, 1995.
700 Market Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
Craig K. Nordyke@ Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary since November,
1996. Vice President and Chief Actuary August, 1990-
November, 1996; Second Vice President and Chief Actuary,
May, 1987-August, 1990.
George E. Phillips Vice President--Operations and System Development since
January, 1995. Formerly, Senior Vice President, Fortis, Inc.
July, 1991-August, 1994. Vice President, Mutual Benefit
prior to July, 1991.
DIRECTORS***
Richard A. Liddy Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, GenAm,
since May, 1992. President and Chief Operating Officer,
GenAm, May, 1998-May, 1992.
Leonard M. Rubenstein Chairman and Chief Executive Officer--Conning Corporation
and Conning Asset Management Company since January, 1997.
Executive Vice President--Investments, GenAm, February,
1991-January, 1997.
Warren J. Winer Executive Vice President--Group, GenAm, since September,
1995. Formerly, Managing Director, Wm. M. Mercer, July,
1993-August, 1995; President, W F Corroon, September, 1990-
July, 1993.
Bernard H Wolzenski Executive Vice President--Individual, GenAm, since November,
1991. Vice President--Life Product Management, GenAm, May,
1989-November, 1991.
A. Greig Woodring President, Reinsurance Group of America, Inc., since May,
1993, and Executive Vice President--Reinsurance, GenAm,
since January, 1990.
</TABLE>
- --------
*All positions listed are with the Company unless otherwise indicated.
**The principal business address of each person listed is Paragon Life
Insurance Company, 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 unless
otherwise noted.
***The principal business address of each person listed is General American
Life Insurance Company, 700 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101, except A.
Greig Woodring-Reinsurance Group of America, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive,
St. Louis, MO 63141.
@Indicates Executive Officers who are also Directors.
42
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan LLP of Washington, D.C. has provided advice on
certain legal matters relating to aspects of Federal securities laws. All
matters of Missouri law pertaining to the Policies, including the validity of
the Policies and the Company's right to issue the Policies and the Group
Contract under Missouri insurance law, and all legal matters relating to the
Parent Company's resolution concerning policies issued by Paragon have been
passed upon by Matthew P. McCauley, Esquire, General Counsel of Paragon Life
Insurance Company.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no legal proceedings to which the Separate Account is a party or
to which the assets of the Separate Account are subject. The Company is not
involved in any litigation that is of material importance in relation to its
total assets or that relates to the Separate Account.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of the Company and the Separate Account included in
this Prospectus and in the registration statement have been included in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified
public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Actuarial matters included in this Prospectus have been examined by Craig K.
Nordyke, FSA, MAAA, Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary of the Company,
as stated in the opinion filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
Policies offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the registration statement and the amendments and exhibits to the
registration statement, to all of which reference is made for further
information concerning the Separate Account, the Company and the Policy
offered hereby. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of
the Policy and other legal instruments are summaries. For a complete statement
of the terms thereof reference is made to such instruments as filed.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Company which are included in this
Prospectus should be distinguished from the financial statements for the
Separate Account included in this Prospectus, and should be considered only as
bearing on the ability of the Company to meet its obligations under the
Policy. They should not be considered as bearing on the investment performance
of the assets held in the Separate Account.
43
<PAGE>
LOGO
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
The Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Paragon Life Insurance
Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of
operations, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Paragon Life Insurance
Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
February 6, 1998
F-1
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value............ $ 75,704 65,472
Policy loans................................................... 11,487 9,564
Cash and cash equivalents...................................... 5,733 9,106
-------- -------
Total cash and invested assets............................. 92,924 84,142
Reinsurance recoverables....................................... 1,733 841
Deposits relating to reinsured policyholder account balances... 6,416 6,074
Accrued investment income...................................... 1,377 1,298
Deferred policy acquisition costs.............................. 17,980 15,776
Fixed assets and leasehold improvements, net................... 2,609 1,365
Other assets................................................... 179 143
Separate account assets........................................ 118,051 76,995
-------- -------
Total assets............................................... $241,269 186,634
======== =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Policyholder account balances.................................. 85,152 78,120
Policy and contract claims..................................... 1,085 1,108
Federal income taxes payable................................... 163 811
Other liabilities and accrued expenses......................... 3,486 2,704
Payable to affiliates.......................................... 1,620 2,289
Due to separate account........................................ 61 95
Deferred tax liability......................................... 4,394 2,781
Separate account liabilities................................... 118,051 76,995
-------- -------
Total liabilities.......................................... $214,012 164,903
-------- -------
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock, par value $25; 100,000 shares authorized;
82,000 shares issued and outstanding........................ 2,050 2,050
Additional paid-in capital................................... 17,950 17,950
Net unrealized gain on investments, net...................... 1,958 322
Retained earnings............................................ 5,299 1,409
-------- -------
Total stockholder's equity................................. $ 27,257 21,731
-------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity................. $241,269 186,634
======== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Policy contract charges................................ $16,417 13,719 9,931
Net investment income.................................. 6,288 5,663 4,888
Commissions and expense allowances on reinsurance
ceded................................................. 10 114 96
Net realized investment gains.......................... 69 72 1
------- ------ ------
Total revenues....................................... 22,784 19,568 14,916
======= ====== ======
Benefits and expenses:
Policy benefits........................................ 3,876 3,326 2,873
Interest credited to policyholder account balances..... 4,738 4,126 3,833
Commissions, net of capitalized costs.................. 227 79 57
General and administration expenses, net of capitalized
costs................................................. 7,744 6,798 5,528
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs...... 424 285 369
------- ------ ------
Total benefits and expenses.......................... 17,009 14,614 12,660
======= ====== ======
Income before federal income tax expense............. 5,775 4,954 2,256
Federal income tax expense............................... 1,885 1,738 781
------- ------ ------
Net income............................................... $ 3,890 3,216 1,475
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996, AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONAL NET UNREALIZED RETAINED TOTAL
COMMON PAID-IN GAIN (LOSS) ON EARNINGS STOCKHOLDER'S
STOCK CAPITAL INVESTMENTS (DEFICIT) EQUITY
------ ---------- -------------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31,
1994................... $2,050 17,950 (1,824) (3,282) 14,894
Net income............ -- -- -- 1,475 1,475
Change in net
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments.......... -- -- 3,407 -- 3,407
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Balance at December 31,
1995................... $2,050 17,950 1,583 (1,807) 19,776
Net income............ -- -- -- 3,216 3,216
Change in net
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments.......... -- -- (1,261) -- (1,261)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Balance at December 31,
1996................... $2,050 17,950 322 1,409 21,731
Net income............ -- -- -- 3,890 3,890
Change in net
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments.......... -- -- 1,636 -- 1,636
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Balance at December 31,
1997................... $2,050 17,950 1,958 5,299 27,257
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income........................................ $ 3,890 3,216 1,475
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Change in:
Reinsurance recoverables...................... (892) 407 297
Deposits relating to reinsured policyholder
account balances............................. (342) (378) (139)
Accrued investment income..................... (79) (257) (156)
Federal income tax recoverable/payable........ (648) 811 --
Other assets.................................. (1,280) (1,019) (145)
Policy and contract claims.................... (23) 12 387
Other liabilities and accrued expenses........ 782 741 313
Payable to affiliates......................... (669) 397 526
Due to separate account....................... (34) (108) (14)
Deferred tax expense.............................. 732 615 897
Policy acquisition costs deferred................. (2,972) (2,447) (2,263)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. 424 285 369
Interest credited to policyholder accounts........ 4,738 4,126 3,833
Net gain on sales and calls of fixed maturities... (69) (72) (1)
-------- ------- ------
Net cash provided by operating activities........... 3,558 6,329 5,379
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of fixed maturities...................... (12,557) (15,290) (8,423)
Sale or maturity of fixed maturities.............. 5,255 6,860 3,082
Increase in policy loans, net..................... (1,923) (2,358) (1,788)
-------- ------- ------
Net cash used in investing activities............... (9,225) (10,788) (7,129)
-------- ------- ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net policyholder account deposits................. 2,294 6,509 5,764
-------- ------- ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents........................................ (3,373) 2,050 4,014
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...... 9,106 7,056 3,042
-------- ------- ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............ $ 5,733 9,106 7,056
======== ======= ======
Income taxes received (paid)........................ $ (1,801) (198) 93
======== ======= ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Paragon Life Insurance Company (Paragon or the Company) is a wholly owned
subsidiary of General American Life Insurance Company (General American or the
Parent). Paragon markets universal life and variable Universal Life Insurance
products through the sponsorship of major companies and organizations. Paragon
is licensed to do business in the District of Columbia and all states except
New York.
General American has guaranteed that Paragon will have sufficient funds to
meet all of its contractual obligations. In the event a policyholder presents
a legitimate claim for payment on a Paragon insurance policy, General American
will pay such claim directly to the policyholder if Paragon is unable to make
such payment. The guarantee agreement is binding on General American, its
successor or assignee and shall cease only if the guarantee is assigned to an
organization having a financial rating from Standard & Poor's equal to or
better than General American's rating.
The accompanying financial statements are prepared on the basis of generally
accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements
requires the use of estimates by management which affect the amounts reflected
in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounts that the Company deems to be sensitive to changes in estimates
include deferred policy acquisition costs and contract claims.
The significant accounting policies of the Company are as follows:
(a) Recognition of Policy Revenue and Related Expenses
Revenues for universal life products consist of policy charges for the cost
of insurance, administration and surrender charges during the period. Revenues
for variable universal life products also include policy charges for mortality
and expense risks assumed by Paragon. Policy benefits and expenses include
interest credited to policy account balances on universal life products and
death benefit payments made in excess of policy account balances.
Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions and certain costs of policy
issuance and underwriting, are deferred and amortized in relation to the
present value of expected gross profits over the estimated life of the
policies.
(b) Invested Assets
Investment securities are accounted for at fair value. At December 31, 1997
and 1996, fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and
are carried at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss, net of taxes,
being reflected as a separate component of stockholder's equity. Policy loans
are valued at aggregate unpaid balances.
Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities are determined on the
basis of specific identification and include the impact of any related
amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts which is generally computed
consistent with the interest method.
Amortization of the premium or discount on mortgage-backed securities is
recognized using a level-yield method which considers the estimated timing and
amount of prepayments of underlying mortgage loans. Actual prepayment
experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when
differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the
actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. When such differences
occur, the net investment in the mortgage-backed security is adjusted to the
amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since
the acquisition of the security with a corresponding charge or credit to
interest income.
F-6
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(c) Policyholder Account Balances
Policyholder account balances are equal to the policyholder account value
before deduction of any surrender charges. The policyholder account value
represents an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited interest
less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals. These expense charges are
recognized in income as earned. Certain variable life policies allow
policyholders to exchange accumulated assets from the variable rate separate
accounts to a fixed-interest general account policy. The fixed-interest
general account guaranteed minimum crediting rates of 4% in 1997, 1996 and
1995. The actual crediting rate was 6.5% in 1997, ranged from 6.5% to 7.0% in
1996, and was 7.0% in 1995.
(d) Federal Income Taxes
The Company establishes deferred taxes under the asset and liability method,
and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company files its federal income tax return on a consolidated basis with
its Parent and other subsidiaries. In accordance with a tax allocation
agreement between Paragon and General American, taxes are computed as if
Paragon was filing its own income tax return, and tax expense (benefit) is
paid to, or received from, General American. Paragon recognizes a tax benefit
to the extent that its tax losses are utilized by other members of the General
American consolidated tax group.
(e) Reinsurance
Balances resulting from agreements which transfer funds relating to
policyholder account balances have been accounted for as deposits. Other
reinsurance activities are accounted for consistent with terms of the risk
transfer reinsurance contracts. Premiums for reinsurance ceded to other
companies have been reported as a reduction of policy contract charges.
Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for future policy benefits and claim
liabilities have been reported as assets for these items, and commissions and
expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded have been
accounted for in income as earned. Reinsurance does not relieve the Company
from its primary responsibility to meet claim obligations.
(f) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring new business which vary with, and are primarily
related to, the production of new business have been deferred to the extent
that such costs are deemed recoverable from future gross profits. Such costs
include commissions, premium taxes, as well as certain costs of policy
issuance and underwriting. Deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted for
the impact on estimated gross margins of net unrealized gains and losses on
investment securities. The estimates of expected gross margins are evaluated
regularly and are revised if actual experience or other evidence indicates
that revision is appropriate. Upon revision, total amortization recorded to
date is adjusted by a charge or credit to income.
(g) Separate Account Business
The assets and liabilities of the separate accounts represent segregated
funds administered and invested by the Company for purposes of funding
variable life insurance contracts for the exclusive benefit of variable life
insurance contract holders. The Company charges the separate accounts for
risks it assumes in issuing a policy and retains varying amounts of withdrawal
charges to cover expenses in the event of early withdrawals by contract
holders. The assets and liabilities of the separate account are carried at
fair value.
F-7
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(h) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant
market information and information about the financial instrument. These
estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from
offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular
financial instrument. Although fair value estimates are calculated using
assumptions that management believes are appropriate, changes in assumption
could significantly affect the estimates and such estimates should be used
with care. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instrument for which it was practicable to estimate
fair value:
Fixed maturities--Fixed maturities are valued using quoted market prices,
if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is
estimated using quoted market prices of similar securities.
Policy loans--Policy loans are carried at their unpaid balances which
approximates fair value.
Separate account assets and liabilities--The separate account assets are
carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices. Accordingly,
the carrying value of separate account liabilities is equal to their fair
value since it represents the contractholders' interest in the separate
account assets.
Cash and cash equivalents--The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate
of fair value.
(i) Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents represent
demand deposits and highly liquid short-term investments, which include U.S.
Treasury bills, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements with original or
remaining maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.
(j) Reclassifications
The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior period
information to conform to the 1997 presentation.
(2) INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at December
31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
-----------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities........ $ 4,472 131 -- 4,603
Corporate securities............ 56,973 3,098 (142) 59,929
Mortgage-backed securities...... 9,124 233 (48) 9,309
Asset-backed securities......... 1,762 101 -- 1,863
------- ----- ---- ------
$72,331 3,563 (190) 75,704
======= ===== ==== ======
<CAPTION>
1996
-----------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities........ $ 4,410 129 (5) 4,534
Corporate securities............ 51,489 1,161 (844) 51,806
Mortgage-backed securities...... 7,547 137 (110) 7,574
Asset-backed securities......... 1,513 45 -- 1,558
------- ----- ---- ------
$64,959 1,472 (959) 65,472
======= ===== ==== ======
</TABLE>
F-8
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at December
31, 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below (000's). Expected
maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have
the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED COST FAIR VALUE
-------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less......................... $ 3,092 3,124
Due after one year through five years........... 10,443 10,846
Due after five years through ten years.......... 15,444 15,890
Due after ten years through twenty years........ 34,228 36,535
Mortgage-backed securities...................... 9,124 9,309
------- ------
$72,331 75,704
======= ======
</TABLE>
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were
$1,328,585, $4,129,254 and $264,750 respectively. Gross gains of $68,876,
$71,604 and $1,338 were realized on those sales in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
The sources of net investment income follow (000s):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Maturities...................................... $ 4,941 4,626 4,109
Short-term investments................................ 608 449 338
Policy loans and other................................ 807 680 480
------- ----- -----
$ 6,356 5,755 4,927
Investment expenses................................... (68) (92) (39)
======= ===== =====
Net investment income............................. $ 6,288 5,663 4,888
======= ===== =====
</TABLE>
A summary of the components of the net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on invested assets carried at fair value is as follows (in
000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------ ----
<S> <C> <C>
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation):
Fixed maturities available-for-sale....................... $3,373 513
Deferred policy acquisition costs......................... (361) (17)
Deferred income taxes....................................... (1,054) (174)
------ ----
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).................. $1,958 322
====== ====
</TABLE>
The Company has fixed maturities on deposit with various state insurance
departments with an amortized cost of approximately $3,982,000 and $3,909,000
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
(3) REINSURANCE
The Company reinsures certain risks with other insurance companies above a
maximum retention amount (currently $50,000) to help reduce the loss on any
single policy.
Premiums and related reinsurance amounts for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 as they relate to transactions with affiliates are
summarized as follows (000's):
F-9
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Reinsurance transactions with affiliates:
Premiums for reinsurance ceded................ $13,001 10,264 8,607
Policy benefits ceded......................... 14,070 6,274 6,881
Commissions and expenses ceded................ 195 114 94
Reinsurance recoverables...................... 1,661 774 1,183
Ceded premiums and benefits to nonaffiliates for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were
insignificant.
(4) DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
A summary of the policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized is as
follows (000's):
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year.................... $15,776 13,006 12,496
Policy acquisition costs deferred............... 2,972 2,447 2,263
Policy acquisition costs amortized.............. (424) (285) (369)
Deferred policy acquisition costs relating to
change in unrealized (gain) loss on investments
available for sale............................. (344) 608 (1,384)
------- ------ ------
Balance at end of year.......................... $17,980 15,776 13,006
======= ====== ======
(5) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Company is taxed as a life insurance company. A summary of Federal income
tax expense is as follows (000s):
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax (benefit) expense................... $ 1,153 1,123 (116)
Deferred tax expense............................ 732 615 897
------- ------ ------
Federal income tax expense...................... $ 1,885 1,738 781
======= ====== ======
A reconciliation of the Company's "expected" federal income tax expense,
computed by applying the federal U.S. corporate tax rate of 35% to income from
operations before federal income tax, is as follows (000s):
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Computed "expected" tax expense................. $ 2,022 1,734 790
Other, net...................................... (137) 4 (9)
------- ------ ------
Federal income tax expense...................... $ 1,885 1,738 781
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1997 and 1996
are presented below (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned reinsurance allowances........................... $ 217 153
Policy and contract liabilities........................... 1,031 1,305
Tax capitalization of acquisition costs................... 1,755 1,386
Other, net................................................ 76 69
------- -----
Total deferred tax assets............................... $ 3,079 2,913
======= =====
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gain on investments............................ $ 1,054 174
Deferred policy acquisition costs......................... 6,419 5,520
------- -----
Total gross deferred tax liabilities.................... $ 7,473 5,694
======= =====
Net deferred tax liabilities............................ $ 4,394 2,781
======= =====
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The Company believes that a valuation allowance with respect to the
realization of the total gross deferred tax asset is not necessary. In
assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, the Company considers
whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be
realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon
the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those
temporary differences become deductible. The Company files a consolidated tax
return with its Parent. Realization of the gross tax asset will not be
dependent solely on the Company's ability to generate its own taxable income.
General American has a proven history of earnings and it appears more likely
than not that the Company's gross deferred tax asset will ultimately be fully
realized.
(6) RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Paragon purchases certain administrative services from General American.
Charges for services performed are based upon personnel and other costs
involved in providing such service. Charges for services during 1997, 1996 and
1995 were $1,348,198, $1,250,396 and $1,103,028, respectively. See Note 3 for
reinsurance transactions with affiliates.
(7) PENSION PLAN
Associates of Paragon participate in a non-contributory multi-employer
defined benefit pension plan jointly sponsored by Paragon and General
American. The benefits are based on years of service and compensation level.
No pension expense was recognized in 1997, 1996 or 1995 due to overfunding of
the plan.
In addition, Paragon has adopted an associate incentive plan applicable to
full-time salaried associates with at least one year of service. Contributions
to the plan are determined annually by General American and are based on
salaries of eligible associates. Full vesting occurs after five years of
continuous service. Total expenses to the company for the incentive plan were
$198,972, $80,434 and $149,747 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Paragon provides for certain health care and life insurance benefits for
retired employees. The Company accounts for these benefits in accordance with
SFAS No. 106--Employer's Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions. The amounts involved are not material.
(8) STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company is subject to financial statement filing requirements of the
State of Missouri Department of Insurance, its state of domicile, as well as
the states in which it transacts business. Such financial statements,
generally referred to as statutory financial statements, are prepared on a
basis of accounting which varies in some respects from generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP). Statutory accounting principles include: (1)
charging of policy acquisition costs to income as incurred; (2) establishment
of policy and contract liabilities computed using required valuation standards
which may vary in methodology utilized; (3) nonprovision of deferred federal
income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities; (4) recognition of statutory
liabilities for asset impairments and yield stabilization on fixed maturity
dispositions prior to maturity with asset valuation reserves based on
statutory determined formulae and interest stabilization reserves designed to
level yields over their original purchase maturities; (5) valuation of
investments in fixed maturities at amortized cost; (6) net presentation of
reinsurance balances; and (7) recognition of deposits and withdrawals on
universal life policies as revenues and expenses.
The stockholder's equity (surplus) and net income (loss) of the Company at
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, as determined using statutory accounting
practices, is summarized as follows (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory surplus as reported to regulatory
authorities..................................... $10,848 10,751 10,778
Net income (loss) as reported to regulatory
authorities..................................... $ 1,452 982 (920)
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(9) DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
Dividend payments by Paragon are restricted by state insurance laws as to
the amount that may be paid without prior notice or approval of the Missouri
Department of Insurance. The maximum amount of dividends which can be paid
without prior approval of the insurance commissioner is limited to the maximum
of (1) 10% of statutory surplus or (2) net gain from operations. The maximum
dividend distribution that can be paid by Paragon during 1998 without prior
notice or approval is $1,452,000. Paragon did not pay dividends in 1997, 1996
or 1995.
(10) RISK-BASED CAPITAL
The insurance departments of various states, including the Company's
domiciliary state of Missouri, impose risk-based capital (RBC) requirements on
insurance enterprises. The RBC calculation serves as a benchmark for the
regulation of life insurance companies by state insurance regulators. The
requirements apply various weighted factors to financial balances or activity
levels based on their perceived degree of risk.
The RBC guidelines define specific capital levels where action by the
Company or regulators is required based on the ratio of a company's actual
total adjusted capital to control levels determined by the RBC formula. At
December 31, 1997, the Company's actual total adjusted capital was in excess
of minimum levels which would require action by the Company or regulatory
authorities under the RBC formula.
(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases certain of its facilities and equipment under
noncancellable leases which expire March 2001. The future minimum lease
obligations under the terms of the leases are summarized as follows (000s):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31:
1998............................ $ 503
1999............................ 490
2000............................ 486
2001............................ 189
------
$1,668
======
</TABLE>
Rent expense totaled $433,864, $388,976 and $256,631 in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
F-12
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company and
Policyholders of Separate Account B's Putnam Divisions:
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets, including the
schedule of investments, of the Money Market, New Opportunities, Growth and
Income, High Yield, Diversified Income, Global Asset Allocation, Voyager, U.S.
Government and High Quality Bond, Global Growth, Utilities, and Asia Pacific
Growth Divisions of Paragon Separate Account B as of December 31, 1997, and
the related statements of operations and changes in net assets for the periods
presented. These financial statements are the responsibility of Paragon
Separate Account B's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our
procedures included confirmation of investments owned at December 31, 1997 by
correspondence with the Putnam Variable Trust. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Money Market, New
Opportunities, Growth and Income, High Yield, Diversified Income, Global Asset
Allocation, Voyager, U.S. Government and High Quality Bond, Global Growth,
Utilities, and Asia Pacific Growth Divisions of Paragon Separate Account B as
of December 31, 1997, and the results of their operations and changes in their
net assets for the periods presented, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
April 4, 1998
F-13
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S.
GLOBAL GOVERNMENT &
MONEY NEW GROWTH & DIVERSIFIED ASSET HIGH GLOBAL
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES INCOME HIGH YIELD INCOME ALLOCATION VOYAGER QUALITY BOND GROWTH UTILITIES
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------- ------------- -------- ---------- ----------- ---------- -------- ------------ -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSETS:
Investments in
Putnam Invest-
ments, at Market
Value (See
Schedule of In-
vestments)...... $12,898 213,410 236,996 95,680 60,116 54,918 186,538 1,884 87,164 2,829
Receivable from
Paragon Life
Insurance
Company......... 237 3,660 5,167 2,001 1,208 1,204 3,202 59 2,304 90
------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ -----
Total Net As-
sets........... 13,135 217,070 242,163 97,681 61,324 56,122 189,740 1,943 89,468 2,919
======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== ======= ===== ====== =====
Group Variable
Universal Life
Cash Value
Invested in
Separate
Account......... 13,135 217,070 242,163 97,681 61,324 56,122 189,740 1,943 89,468 2,919
------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ -----
$13,135 217,070 242,163 97,681 61,324 56,122 189,740 1,943 89,468 2,919
======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== ======= ===== ====== =====
Total Units Held. 12,136 10,360 8,054 6,682 5,135 2,756 4,674 137 4,700 158
Net Asset Value
Per Unit........ $ 1.08 20.95 30.07 14.62 11.94 20.36 40.59 14.18 19.04 18.47
Cost of Invest-
ments........... $12,898 183,753 208,017 88,944 57,832 50,550 159,977 1,816 81,993 2,443
======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== ======= ===== ====== =====
<CAPTION>
ASIA PACIFIC
GROWTH
DIVISION
------------
<S> <C>
NET ASSETS:
Investments in
Putnam Invest-
ments, at Market
Value (See
Schedule of In-
vestments)...... 62,724
Receivable from
Paragon Life
Insurance
Company......... 1,730
------------
Total Net As-
sets........... 64,454
============
Group Variable
Universal Life
Cash Value
Invested in
Separate
Account......... 64,454
------------
64,454
============
Total Units Held. 6,953
Net Asset Value
Per Unit........ 9.27
Cost of Invest-
ments........... 72,697
============
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-14
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 15, 1996
(INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONEY NEW GROWTH & DIVERSIFIED
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES INCOME HIGH YIELD INCOME
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ -------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Dividend Income........ $ 526 79 -- -- 2,280 -- 3,575 -- 1,898 --
Expenses:
Mortality and Expense
Charge................. 76 18 1,064 264 1,191 262 496 122 315 82
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. 450 61 (1,064) (264) 1,089 (262) 3,079 (122) 1,583 (82)
Net Realized Gain on In-
vestments
Realized Gain from Dis-
tributions............. -- -- -- -- 5,550 -- 415 -- 299 --
Proceeds from Sales.... 25,049 16,444 37,344 6,211 12,784 3,792 5,800 9,552 866 898
Cost of Investments
Sold................... 25,049 16,444 36,869 6,257 11,255 3,703 5,459 9,467 827 881
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments.......... -- -- 475 (46) 7,079 89 756 85 338 17
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments:
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Beginning of Year...... -- (1,874) -- 7,003 -- 1,820 -- 1,207 --
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
End of Year............ -- -- 29,656 (1,874) 28,979 7,003 6,736 1,820 2,284 1,207
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. -- 31,530 (1,874) 21,976 7,003 4,916 1,820 1,077 1,207
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Net Gain (Loss) on
Investments.......... -- -- 32,005 (1,920) 29,055 7,092 5,672 1,905 1,415 1,224
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Increase (Decrease) in
Assets Resulting from
Operations.............. $ 450 61 30,941 (2,184) 30,144 6,830 8,751 1,783 2,998 1,142
======= ====== ====== ====== ======= ===== ====== ===== ====== =====
<CAPTION>
U.S.
GOVERNMENT
GLOBAL ASIA PACIFIC GLOBAL ASSET & HIGH
GROWTH UTILITIES GROWTH ALLOCATION VOYAGER QUALITY BOND
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------------- -------------- -------------- ------------ ------------- --------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Dividend Income........ $ 1,086 -- 56 -- 881 -- 1,057 -- 187 -- 63 --
Expenses:
Mortality and Expense
Charge................. 451 110 15 5 388 113 325 69 945 215 11 3
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ------
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. 635 (110) 41 (5) 493 (113) 732 (69) (758) (215) 52 (3)
Net Realized Gain on In-
vestments
Realized Gain from Dis-
tributions............. 1,168 -- 77 -- -- -- 1,806 -- 4,031 -- -- --
Proceeds from Sales.... 9,268 1,760 1,482 991 8,945 2,875 12,504 2,599 23,924 5,842 818 193
Cost of Investments
Sold................... 8,265 1,737 1,333 968 8,631 2,873 11,077 2,539 23,095 5,784 783 189
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ------
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on Invest-
ments................ 2,171 23 226 23 314 2 3,233 60 4,860 58 35 4
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments:
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Beginning of Year...... 2,094 -- 112 -- 1,291 -- 1,369 -- 746 -- 34 --
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
End of Year............ 5,171 2,094 386 112 (9,973) 1,291 4,368 1,369 26,561 746 68 34
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ------
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. 3,077 2,094 274 112 (11,264) 1,291 2,999 1,369 25,815 746 34 34
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ------
Net Gain (Loss) on
Investments.......... 5,248 2,117 500 135 (10,950) 1,293 6,232 1,429 30,675 804 69 38
------- ------ ------ ------ ------- ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ------
Increase (Decrease) in
Assets Resulting from
Operations.............. $ 5,883 2,007 541 130 (10,457) 1,180 6,964 1,360 29,917 589 121 35
======= ====== ====== ====== ======= ===== ====== ===== ====== ===== ====== ======
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-15
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 15, 1996
(INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONEY NEW GROWTH & DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL ASSET
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES INCOME HIGH YIELD INCOME ALLOCATION
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. $ 450 61 (1,064) (264) 1,089 (262) 3,079 (122) 1,583 (82) 732 (69)
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. -- -- 475 (46) 7,079 89 756 85 338 17 3,233 60
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. -- -- 31,530 (1,874) 21,976 7,003 4,916 1,820 1,077 1,207 2,999 1,369
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Increase (Decrease) in
Net Assets Resulting
from Operations........ 450 61 30,942 (2,184) 30,144 6,830 8,751 1,783 2,998 1,142 6,964 1,360
Net Deposits into
Separate Account....... 7,110 5,514 102,551 85,761 126,292 78,897 49,608 37,539 32,252 24,932 24,714 23,084
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Increase in Net
Assets............... 7,560 5,575 133,493 83,577 156,436 85,727 58,359 39,322 35,250 26,074 31,678 24,444
Net Assets, Beginning of
Year.................... 5,575 0 83,577 0 85,727 0 39,322 0 26,074 0 24,444 --
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Assets, End of Year. $13,135 5,575 217,070 83,577 242,163 85,727 97,681 39,322 61,324 26,074 56,122 24,444
======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
<CAPTION>
U.S.
GLOBAL ASIA PACIFIC GOVERNMENT &
GROWTH UTILITIES GROWTH VOYAGER HIGH QUALITY
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION BOND DIVISION
-------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. $ 635 (110) 41 (5) 493 (113) (758) (215) 52 (3)
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. 2,171 23 226 23 314 2 4,860 58 35 4
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. 3,077 2,094 274 112 (11,264) 1,291 25,815 746 34 34
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Increase (Decrease) in
Net Assets Resulting
from Operations........ 5,883 2,007 541 130 (10,457) 1,180 29,917 589 121 35
Net Deposits into
Separate Account....... 47,514 34,064 952 1,296 39,527 34,204 90,250 68,984 875 912
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Increase in Net
Assets............... 53,397 36,071 1,493 1,426 29,070 35,384 120,167 69,573 996 947
Net Assets, Beginning of
Year.................... 36,071 -- 1,426 -- 35,384 -- 69,573 -- 947 --
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net Assets, End of Year. $89,468 36,071 2,919 1,426 64,454 35,384 189,740 69,573 1,943 947
======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-16
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
(1) ORGANIZATION
Paragon Life Insurance Company (Paragon) established Paragon Separate
Account B on January 4, 1993. Paragon Separate Account B (the Separate
Account) commenced operations on March 3, 1994 and is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust. The Division
options included herein commenced operations on April 15, 1996. The Separate
Account receives and invests net premiums for flexible premium group variable
life insurance policies that are issued by Paragon. The Separate Account is
divided into fourteen divisions which invests exclusively in shares of a
single fund of Putnam Variable Trust (Putnam), an open-end, diversified
management investment company. These funds are the Money Market Fund Division,
New Opportunities Fund Division, Growth & Income Fund Division, High Yield
Fund Division, Diversified Income Fund Division, Global Asset Allocation Fund
Division, Voyager Fund Division, U.S. Government Bond and High Quality Bond
Fund Division, Global Growth Fund Division, Utilities Fund Division, Asia
Pacific Growth Fund Division, International Growth Division, International
Growth and Income Division and International New Opportunities Division (the
Divisions). The International Growth, International Growth and Income, and
International New Opportunities Divisions commenced operations on May 1, 1997
and as of December 31, 1997, no activity has occurred. Policyholders have the
option of directing their premium payments into any or all of the Divisions.
(2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
the Separate Account in the preparation of its financial statements. The
policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Investments
The Separate Account's investments in the Funds of Putnam are valued daily
based on the net asset values of the respective fund shares held. The average
cost method is used in determining the cost of shares sold on withdrawals by
the Separate Account. Share transactions are recorded consistent with trade
date accounting. All dividends received are immediately reinvested on the ex-
dividend date.
Federal Income Taxes
The operations of the Separate Account are treated as part of Paragon for
income tax purposes. Under existing Federal income tax law, capital gains from
sales of investments of the Separate Account are not taxable. Therefore, no
Federal income tax has been provided.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions with respect to amounts reported in the financial
statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
The Separate Account has reclassified the presentation of certain prior
period information to conform to the 1997 presentation.
(3) POLICY CHARGES
Charges are deducted from the policies and the Separate Account to
compensate Paragon for providing the insurance benefits set forth in the
contracts and any additional benefits added by rider, administering the
policies, incurring expenses in distributing the policies, and assuming
certain risks in connection with the policy.
F-17
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Premium Expense Charge
Certain policies include a provision that premium payments may be reduced by
a premium expense charge. The premium expense charge is determined by the
costs associated with distributing the policy and, if applicable, is equal to
1% of the premium paid. The premium expense charge compensates Paragon for
providing the insurance benefits set forth in the policies, incurring expenses
of distributing the policies, and assuming certain risks in connection with
the policies. In addition, some policies have a premium tax assessment of 2%
to reimburse Paragon for premium taxes incurred. The premium payment less
premium expense and premium tax charges equals the net premium that is
invested in the underlying separate account.
Monthly Expense Charge
Paragon has responsibility for the administration of the policies and the
Separate Account. As reimbursement for expenses related to the acquisition and
maintenance of each policy and the Separate Account, Paragon assesses a
monthly administration charge to each policy. This charge, which varies due to
the size of the group, has a maximum of $6.00 per month during the first 12
policy months and $3.50 per month thereafter.
Cost of Insurance
The cost of insurance is deducted on each monthly anniversary for the
following policy month. Because the cost of insurance depends upon a number of
variables, the cost varies for each policy month. The cost of insurance is
determined separately for the initial face amount and for any subsequent
increase in face amount. Paragon determines the monthly cost of insurance
charge by multiplying the applicable cost of insurance rate or rates by the
net amount at risk for each policy month.
Optional Rider Benefits Charge
The monthly deduction charge for any additional benefits provided by rider.
Surrender or Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
During the first policy years, certain policies include a provision for a
charge upon surrender or lapse of the policy, a requested decrease in face
amount, or a partial withdrawal that causes the face amount to decrease. The
amount assessed under the policy terms, if any, depends upon the cost
associated with distributing the particular policies. The amount of any charge
depends on a number of factors, including whether the event is a full
surrender or lapse or only a decrease in face amount, the amount of premiums
received by Paragon, and the policy year in which the surrender or other event
takes place.
Mortality and Expense Charge
In addition to the above contract charges a daily charge against the
operations of each division is made for the mortality and expense risks
assumed by Paragon. Paragon deducts a daily charge from the Separate Account
at the rate of .0024547% of the net assets of each division of the Separate
Account which equals an annual rate of .90% of those net assets. The mortality
risk assumed by Paragon is that insureds may die sooner than anticipated and
that, therefore, Paragon will pay an aggregate amount of death benefits
greater than anticipated. The expense risk assumed is that expenses incurred
in issuing and administering the policy will exceed the amounts realized from
the administrative charges assessed against the policy.
F-18
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(4) PURCHASES AND SALES OF PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST SHARES
For the Year ended December 31, 1997 and the Period from April 15, 1996
(inception) to December 31, 1996 purchases and proceeds from the sales of the
Putnam Variable Trust were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NEW DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL ASSET
MONEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES HIGH YIELD INCOME ALLOCATION VOYAGER
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------------- -------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Purchases............... $32,069 21,717 139,967 86,913 55,046 44,834 32,966 24,377 37,308 23,994 114,199 70,439
Sales................... $25,049 16,444 37,344 6,211 5,799 9,552 866 898 12,504 2,599 23,924 5,842
======= ====== ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======= ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
U.S. GOVERN-
MENT & HIGH ASIA PACIFIC
QUALITY BOND GLOBAL GROWTH UTILITIES GROWTH GROWTH & INCOME
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
------------ ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------ ----- ------ ------ ----- ----- ------ ------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Purchases............... $1,675 1,050 55,975 33,766 2,398 2,213 48,243 35,077 137,137 78,008
Sales................... $ 818 193 9,268 1,760 1,482 991 8,945 2,875 12,784 3,792
====== ===== ====== ====== ===== ===== ====== ====== ======== =======
</TABLE>
F-19
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
NOTE 5--ACCUMULATION OF UNIT ACTIVITY
The following is a reconciliation of the accumulation of unit activity for
the year ended December 31, 1997 and the period from April 15, 1996
(inception) to December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GLOBAL
MONEY NEW GROWTH & DIVERSIFIED ASSET
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES INCOME HIGH YIELD INCOME ALLOCATION
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Increase in Units
Deposits............... 30,375 21,520 7,568 5,232 4,996 3,673 4,039 3,205 2,863 2,404 1,962 1,584
Withdrawals............ 23,625 16,134 2,092 348 455 160 410 152 55 77 632 158
------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---
Net Increase in Unit... 6,750 5,386 5,476 4,884 4,541 3,513 3,629 3,053 2,808 2,327 1,330 1,426
Outstanding Units,
Beginning of Year...... 5,386 -- 4,884 -- 3,513 -- 3,053 -- 2,327 -- 1,426 --
------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---
Outstanding Units,
End of Year............ 12,136 5,386 10,360 4,884 8,054 3,513 6,682 3,053 5,135 2,327 2,756 1,426
====== ====== ======= ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===
<CAPTION>
U.S. ASIA
GOVERNMENT & GLOBAL PACIFIC
VOYAGER HIGH QUALITY GROWTH UTILITIES GROWTH
DIVISION BOND DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISON
------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Increase in Units
Deposits............... 3,222 2,330 125 87 3,047 2,256 154 124 4,512 3,498
Withdrawals............ 700 178 60 15 497 106 93 27 794 263
------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Net Increase in Unit... 2,522 2,152 65 72 2,550 2,150 61 97 3,718 3,235
Outstanding Units,
Beginning of Year...... 2,152 -- 72 -- 2,150 -- 97 -- 3,235 --
------ ------ ------- ------ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Outstanding Units,
End of Year............ 4,674 2,152 137 72 4,700 2,150 158 97 6,953 3,235
====== ====== ======= ====== ===== ===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(6) RECONCILIATION OF GROSS AND NET DEPOSITS INTO THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Deposits into the Separate Account purchase shares of Putnam Variable Trust.
Net deposits represent the amount available for investment in such shares after
deduction of premium expense charges, monthly expense charges, cost of
insurance and the cost of optional benefits added by rider. The following is a
summary of net deposits made for the Year ended December 31, 1997 and for the
period from April 15, 1996 (inception) to December 31, 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MONEY NEW DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL ASSET
MARKET OPPORTUNITIES GROWTH & INCOME HIGH YIELD INCOME ALLOCATION
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
----------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total Gross Deposits... $142,131 125,358 176,664 129,671 170,743 105,821 68,686 51,717 41,160 32,211 53,792 37,256
Surrenders and
Withdrawals............ (1,939) (437) (13,699) (584) (2,820) (477) (976) -- (123) -- (5,339) (347)
Transfers Between Funds
and General Account.... (440) (9) (3,765) 126 5,484 227 8 (227) (1) (76) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Gross Deposits
net of Surrenders,
Withdrawals, and
Transfers........... 139,752 124,912 159,200 129,213 173,407 105,571 67,718 51,490 41,036 32,135 48,453 36,909
Deductions:
Premium Expense
Charges............... 4,387 3,763 5,452 3,892 5,270 3,177 2,120 1,552 1,270 967 1,660 1,118
Monthly Expense
Charges............... 2,902 203 3,607 3,045 3,486 3,124 1,402 1,433 840 950 1,098 891
Cost of Insurance and
Optional Benefits..... 125,353 115,432 47,590 36,515 38,359 20,373 14,588 10,966 6,674 5,286 20,981 11,816
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Deductions.... 132,642 119,398 56,649 43,452 47,115 26,674 18,110 13,951 8,784 7,203 23,739 13,825
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders.......... $ 7,110 5,514 102,551 85,761 126,292 78,897 49,608 37,539 32,252 24,932 24,714 23,084
======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
<CAPTION>
U.S. GOVERN-
MENT & HIGH ASIA PACIFIC
VOYAGER QUALITY BOND GLOBAL UTILITIES GROWTH
DIVISION DIVISION GROWTH DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
----------------- ---------------- ---------------- -------------- --------------
1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total Gross Deposits... $149,063 105,904 2,396 1,835 68,166 45,346 3,893 2,733 64,011 50,107
Surrenders and
Withdrawals............ (7,566) (605) (371) -- (5,983) (122) (567) (43) (3,911) (95)
Transfers Between Funds
and General Account.... (2,579) (163) (1) (76) 2,526 248 (580) -- (662) (351)
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Gross Deposits
net of Surrenders,
Withdrawals, and
Transfers........... 138,918 105,136 2,024 1,759 64,709 45,472 2,746 2,690 59,438 49,661
Deductions:
Premium Expense
Charges............... 4,601 3,179 74 55 2,104 1,361 120 82 1,976 1,504
Monthly Expense
Charges............... 3,043 2,535 49 35 1,392 1,314 79 52 1,307 1,289
Cost of Insurance and
Optional Benefits..... 41,024 30,438 1,026 757 13,699 8,733 1,595 1,260 16,628 12,664
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Total Deductions.... 48,668 36,152 1,149 847 17,195 11,408 1,794 1,394 19,911 15,457
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders.......... $ 90,250 68,984 875 912 47,514 34,064 952 1,296 39,527 34,204
======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-21
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER MARKET
OF SHARES VALUE COST
--------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Putnam Variable Trust:.............................
Money Market Fund................................ 12,898 $ 12,898 $ 12,898
New Opportunities Fund........................... 10,052 213,410 183,753
Growth & Income Fund............................. 8,369 236,996 208,017
High Yield Fund.................................. 7,025 95,680 88,944
Diversified Income Fund.......................... 5,315 60,116 57,832
Global Asset Fund................................ 2,927 54,918 50,550
Voyager Fund..................................... 4,773 186,538 159,977
U.S. Government Bond Fund........................ 140 1,884 1,816
Global Growth Fund............................... 4,753 87,164 81,993
Utilities Fund................................... 165 2,829 2,443
Asia Pacific Growth Fund......................... 6,818 62,724 72,697
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Independent Auditors' Report.
F-22
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEATH BENEFITS AND CASH VALUES
The following tables illustrate how the Cash Value and Death Benefit of a
Policy change with the investment experience of a Division of the Separate
Account. The tables show how the Cash Value and Death Benefit of a Policy
issued to an Insured of a given age and at a given premium would vary over
time if the investment return on the assets held in each Division of the
Separate Account were a uniform, gross, after-tax annual rate of 0%, 6% or
12%. In addition, the Cash Values and Death Benefits would be different from
those shown if the gross annual investment rates of return averaged 0%, 6%,
and 12% over a period of years, but fluctuated above and below those averages
for individual Policy years.
The tables illustrate a Policy issued to an Insured, age 45, in an Executive
Program issued as a Group Contract Policy as well as an Insured, age 50, in a
Corporate Program. This assumes the maximum monthly administrative charge. If
a particular Policy has different sales or administrative charges or if a
particular group is larger or smaller or has a different gender mix, the Cash
Values and Death Benefits would vary from those shown in the tables.
The Cash Value column under the "Guaranteed" heading shows the accumulated
value of the premiums paid reflecting deduction of the charges described above
and monthly charges for the cost of insurance based on the guaranteed rate
which is 125% of the maximum allowed under the 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table C. The "Cash Value" column under the "Current"
heading shows the accumulated value of the premiums paid reflecting deduction
of the charges described above and monthly charges for the cost of insurance
at the current level for an Executive Program, which is less than or equal to
125% of the maximum allowed by the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary
Mortality Table C. The illustrations of Death Benefits reflect the above
assumptions. The Death Benefits also vary between tables depending upon
whether Level Type (Option A) or Increasing Type (Option B) Death Benefits are
illustrated.
The amounts shown for the Cash Value and Death Benefit reflect the fact that
the investment rate of return is lower than the gross after-tax return on the
assets held in a Division of the Separate Account. The charges include a .90%
charge for mortality and expense risk, an investment advisory fee of .657%,
representing the average of the fees incurred in 1997 by the Funds in which
the Divisions invest (the actual investment advisory fee is shown in the
Putnam VT prospectus), and a .182% charge that is an estimate of the Funds'
expenses based on the average of the actual expenses incurred in fiscal year
1997. After deduction for these amounts, the illustrated gross annual
investment rates of return of 0%, 6% and 12% correspond to approximate net
annual rates of -1.739%, 4.261%, and 10.261%, respectively. No expense
reimbursement arrangement exists between the Company and Putnam VT.
The hypothetical values shown in the tables reflect all fees and charges
under the Policy, including the premium expense charge, the premium tax
charge, and all components of the monthly deduction. They do not reflect any
charges for federal income taxes against the Separate Account, since the
Company is not currently making any such charges. However, such charges may be
made in the future and, in that event, the gross annual investment rate of
return of the divisions of the Separate Account would have to exceed 0%, 6%,
and 12% by an amount sufficient to cover the tax charges in order to produce
the Death Benefit and Cash Value illustrated. (see "Federal Tax Matters," page
36.) Additionally, the hypothetical values shown in the tables assume that the
Policy for which values are illustrated is not deemed an individual policy
under OBRA, and therefore the values do not reflect the additional 1% premium
expense charge for the Company's increased federal tax liabilities.
The tables illustrate the Policy values that would result based upon the
investment rates of return if premiums are paid as indicated, and if no Policy
loans have been made. The tables are also based on the assumptions that the
Owner has not requested an increase or decrease in the Face Amount, that no
partial withdrawals have been made, that no transfer charges were incurred,
and that no optional riders have been requested.
Upon request, the Company will provide a comparable illustration based upon
the proposed Insured's age, group size and gender mix, the Face Amount and
premium requested and the proposed frequency of premium payments.
A-1
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $6,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$500.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
1.739%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------- -------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 6,161 $ 3,046 $500,000 $ 4,875 $500,000
2 12,630 5,885 500,000 9,581 500,000
3 19,423 8,475 500,000 14,156 500,000
4 26,555 10,808 500,000 18,535 500,000
5 34,045 12,862 500,000 22,728 500,000
6 41,908 14,618 500,000 26,741 500,000
7 50,165 16,046 500,000 30,578 500,000
8 58,834 17,106 500,000 34,182 500,000
9 67,937 17,761 500,000 37,621 500,000
10 77,496 17,982 500,000 40,837 500,000
11 87,532 17,760 500,000 43,778 500,000
12 98,070 17,063 500,000 46,508 500,000
13 109,134 15,887 500,000 48,979 500,000
14 120,752 14,201 500,000 51,138 500,000
15 132,951 11,952 500,000 52,991 500,000
16 145,760 9,076 500,000 54,543 500,000
17 159,209 5,461 500,000 55,742 500,000
18 173,331 970 500,000 56,535 500,000
19 188,159 0 0 56,932 500,000
20 203,728 0 0 56,879 500,000
25 294,060 0 0 46,963 500,000
30 409,348 0 0 7,964 500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-2
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM: $6,000.00
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% (Monthly Premium:
$500.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ 4.261%)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 6,161 $ 3,145 $500,000 $ 5,034 $500,000
2 12,630 6,267 500,000 10,197 500,000
3 19,423 9,318 500,000 15,530 500,000
4 26,555 12,285 500,000 20,972 500,000
5 34,045 15,137 500,000 26,537 500,000
6 41,908 17,848 500,000 32,233 500,000
7 50,165 20,378 500,000 38,069 500,000
8 58,834 22,674 500,000 43,992 500,000
9 67,937 24,688 500,000 50,073 500,000
10 77,496 26,372 500,000 56,261 500,000
11 87,532 27,699 500,000 62,508 500,000
12 98,070 28,619 500,000 68,881 500,000
13 109,134 29,105 500,000 75,338 500,000
14 120,752 29,103 500,000 81,835 500,000
15 132,951 28,534 500,000 88,380 500,000
16 145,760 27,303 500,000 94,985 500,000
17 159,209 25,263 500,000 101,608 500,000
18 173,331 22,234 500,000 108,207 500,000
19 188,159 18,016 500,000 114,797 500,000
20 203,728 12,399 500,000 121,339 500,000
25 294,060 0 0 151,185 500,000
30 409,348 0 0 166,745 500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-3
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $6,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$500.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @
10.261%)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 6,161 $ 3,243 $500,000 $ 5,191 $500,000
2 12,630 6,658 500,000 10,826 500,000
3 19,423 10,215 500,000 16,990 500,000
4 26,555 13,922 500,000 23,667 500,000
5 34,045 17,767 500,000 30,922 500,000
6 41,908 21,747 500,000 38,817 500,000
7 50,165 25,843 500,000 47,427 500,000
8 58,834 30,029 500,000 56,768 500,000
9 67,937 34,278 500,000 66,986 500,000
10 77,496 38,570 500,000 78,123 500,000
11 87,532 42,908 500,000 90,226 500,000
12 98,070 47,269 500,000 103,470 500,000
13 109,134 51,660 500,000 117,940 500,000
14 120,752 56,066 500,000 133,731 500,000
15 132,951 60,448 500,000 151,010 500,000
16 145,760 64,759 500,000 169,963 500,000
17 159,209 68,903 500,000 190,758 500,000
18 173,331 72,758 500,000 213,591 500,000
19 188,159 76,189 500,000 238,739 500,000
20 203,728 79,053 500,000 266,479 500,000
25 294,060 79,889 500,000 457,532 530,737
30 409,348 25,792 500,000 772,369 826,435
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-4
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $12,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
1.739%)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 8,801 $508,801 $ 10,636 $510,636
2 25,261 17,277 517,277 20,992 520,992
3 38,846 25,388 525,388 31,109 531,109
4 53,111 33,127 533,127 40,921 540,921
5 68,090 40,471 540,471 50,437 550,437
6 83,817 47,404 547,404 59,664 559,664
7 100,330 53,896 553,896 68,606 568,606
8 117,669 59,910 559,910 77,204 577,204
9 135,875 65,410 565,410 85,528 585,528
10 154,992 70,372 570,372 93,518 593,518
11 175,064 74,792 574,792 101,115 601,115
12 196,140 78,644 578,644 108,391 608,391
13 218,269 81,933 581,933 115,292 615,292
14 241,505 84,638 584,638 121,759 621,759
15 265,903 86,717 586,717 127,801 627,801
16 291,521 88,121 588,121 133,425 633,425
17 318,419 88,755 588,755 138,572 638,572
18 346,663 88,508 588,508 143,187 643,187
19 376,319 87,273 587,273 147,285 647,285
20 407,457 84,952 584,952 150,808 650,808
25 588,120 55,440 555,440 156,941 656,941
30 818,697 0 0 132,694 632,694
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-5
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $12,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.261%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 9,088 $509,088 $ 10,983 $510,983
2 25,261 18,387 518,387 22,337 522,337
3 38,846 27,857 527,857 34,114 534,114
4 53,111 37,492 537,492 46,258 546,258
5 68,090 47,269 547,269 58,792 558,792
6 83,817 57,169 557,169 71,732 571,732
7 100,330 67,162 567,162 85,094 585,094
8 117,669 77,202 577,202 98,831 598,831
9 135,875 87,249 587,249 113,025 613,025
10 154,992 97,266 597,266 127,629 627,629
11 175,064 107,240 607,240 142,593 642,593
12 196,140 117,133 617,133 157,999 657,999
13 218,269 126,935 626,935 173,806 673,806
14 241,505 136,612 636,612 189,963 689,963
15 265,903 146,103 646,103 206,485 706,485
16 291,521 155,340 655,340 223,389 723,389
17 318,419 164,202 664,202 240,622 740,622
18 346,663 172,545 672,545 258,134 758,134
19 376,319 180,219 680,219 275,940 775,940
20 407,457 187,079 687,079 293,988 793,988
25 588,120 205,412 705,412 384,736 884,736
30 818,697 177,125 677,125 462,344 962,344
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-6
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $12,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @ 10.261%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- -------- ---------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 9,371 $ 509,371 $ 11,325 $ 511,325
2 25,261 19,522 519,522 23,712 523,712
3 38,846 30,481 530,481 37,306 537,306
4 53,111 42,320 542,320 52,158 552,158
5 68,090 55,096 555,096 68,401 568,401
6 83,817 68,881 568,881 86,179 586,179
7 100,330 83,742 583,742 105,649 605,649
8 117,669 99,737 599,737 126,915 626,915
9 135,875 116,939 616,939 150,232 650,232
10 154,992 135,435 635,435 175,740 675,740
11 175,064 155,346 655,346 203,595 703,595
12 196,140 176,778 676,778 234,108 734,108
13 218,269 199,881 699,881 267,489 767,489
14 241,505 224,797 724,797 303,962 803,962
15 265,903 251,654 751,654 343,845 843,845
16 291,521 280,590 780,590 387,489 887,489
17 318,419 311,705 811,705 435,211 935,211
18 346,663 345,092 845,092 487,360 987,360
19 376,319 380,851 880,851 544,398 1,044,398
20 407,457 419,109 919,109 606,758 1,106,758
25 588,120 655,139 1,155,139 1,015,859 1,515,859
30 818,697 982,029 1,482,029 1,643,793 2,143,793
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-7
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 2.00% $12,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
1.739%)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 7,520 $500,000 $ 9,970 $500,000
2 25,261 14,685 500,000 19,703 500,000
3 38,846 21,430 500,000 29,117 500,000
4 53,111 27,729 500,000 38,282 500,000
5 68,090 33,564 500,000 47,149 500,000
6 83,817 38,936 500,000 55,668 500,000
7 100,330 43,826 500,000 63,911 500,000
8 117,669 48,239 500,000 71,837 500,000
9 135,875 52,161 500,000 79,401 500,000
10 154,992 55,552 500,000 86,617 500,000
11 175,064 58,369 500,000 93,498 500,000
12 196,140 60,525 500,000 100,005 500,000
13 218,269 61,915 500,000 106,097 500,000
14 241,505 62,433 500,000 111,796 500,000
15 265,903 61,978 500,000 117,062 500,000
16 291,521 60,481 500,000 121,861 500,000
17 318,419 57,864 500,000 126,210 500,000
18 346,663 54,056 500,000 129,883 500,000
19 376,319 48,961 500,000 132,803 500,000
20 407,457 42,386 500,000 134,933 500,000
25 588,120 0 0 130,021 500,000
30 818,697 0 0 84,226 500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-8
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 2.00% $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.261%)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 7,766 $500,000 $ 10,296 $500,000
2 25,261 15,635 500,000 20,967 500,000
3 38,846 23,544 500,000 31,942 500,000
4 53,111 31,466 500,000 43,306 500,000
5 68,090 39,382 500,000 55,021 500,000
6 83,817 47,295 500,000 67,054 500,000
7 100,330 55,185 500,000 79,490 500,000
8 117,669 63,064 500,000 92,309 500,000
9 135,875 70,920 500,000 105,487 500,000
10 154,992 78,722 500,000 119,060 500,000
11 175,064 86,434 500,000 133,064 500,000
12 196,140 93,981 500,000 147,491 500,000
13 218,269 101,272 500,000 162,340 500,000
14 241,505 108,215 500,000 177,663 500,000
15 265,903 114,724 500,000 193,471 500,000
16 291,521 120,749 500,000 209,784 500,000
17 318,419 126,228 500,000 226,672 500,000
18 346,663 131,113 500,000 244,030 500,000
19 376,319 135,336 500,000 261,888 500,000
20 407,457 138,750 500,000 280,319 500,000
25 588,120 133,975 500,000 383,986 500,000
30 818,697 46,712 500,000 522,706 548,841
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-9
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 2.00% $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @ 10.261%)
----------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------ ------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 8,008 $ 500,000 $ 10,616 $ 500,000
2 25,261 16,607 500,000 22,259 500,000
3 38,846 25,793 500,000 34,945 500,000
4 53,111 35,606 500,000 48,860 500,000
5 68,090 46,099 500,000 64,080 500,000
6 83,817 57,359 500,000 80,699 500,000
7 100,330 69,463 500,000 98,941 500,000
8 117,669 82,531 500,000 118,949 500,000
9 135,875 96,679 500,000 140,883 500,000
10 154,992 112,020 500,000 164,983 500,000
11 175,064 128,690 500,000 191,521 500,000
12 196,140 146,814 500,000 220,761 500,000
13 218,269 166,537 500,000 253,017 500,000
14 241,505 188,049 500,000 288,690 500,000
15 265,903 211,598 500,000 328,211 500,000
16 291,521 237,523 500,000 372,085 500,000
17 318,419 266,233 500,000 420,925 505,900
18 346,663 298,241 500,000 474,979 560,476
19 376,319 334,157 500,000 534,328 625,164
20 407,457 374,698 500,000 599,482 695,399
25 588,120 665,082 711,638 1,037,107 1,109,704
30 818,697 1,136,976 1,193,824 1,745,434 1,832,705
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-10
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 2.00% $26,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$2,166.67)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
1.739%)
---------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
----------------------------- -----------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- ---------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 26,698 $ 20,799 $520,799 $ 23,267 $523,267
2 54,732 40,948 540,948 46,037 546,037
3 84,168 60,381 560,381 68,221 568,221
4 115,075 79,068 579,068 89,895 589,895
5 147,528 96,987 596,987 111,003 611,003
6 181,603 114,140 614,140 131,491 631,491
7 217,382 130,505 630,505 151,433 651,433
8 254,950 146,089 646,089 170,781 670,781
9 294,397 160,877 660,877 189,480 689,480
10 335,816 174,829 674,829 207,540 707,540
11 379,305 187,902 687,902 224,974 724,974
12 424,970 200,003 700,003 241,727 741,727
13 472,917 211,026 711,026 257,746 757,746
14 523,262 220,865 720,865 273,050 773,050
15 576,124 229,430 729,430 287,587 787,587
16 631,629 236,676 736,676 301,304 801,304
17 689,909 242,557 742,557 314,223 814,223
18 751,104 247,048 747,048 326,038 826,038
19 815,358 250,109 750,109 336,645 836,645
20 882,825 251,611 751,611 345,999 845,999
25 1,274,261 227,596 727,596 369,709 869,709
30 1,773,845 129,569 629,569 342,785 842,785
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-11
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 2.00% $26,000.00
(Monthly Premium:
$2,166.67)
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.261%)
--------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
---------------------------- ------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- ---------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 26,698 $ 21,479 $ 521,479 $ 24,028 $ 524,028
2 54,732 43,576 543,576 48,983 548,983
3 84,168 66,236 566,236 74,806 574,806
4 115,075 89,440 589,440 101,602 601,602
5 147,528 113,177 613,177 129,344 629,344
6 181,603 137,456 637,456 158,007 658,007
7 217,382 162,264 662,264 187,696 687,696
8 254,950 187,617 687,617 218,394 718,394
9 294,397 213,509 713,509 250,078 750,078
10 335,816 239,908 739,908 282,789 782,789
11 379,305 266,775 766,775 316,572 816,572
12 424,970 294,020 794,020 351,405 851,405
13 472,917 321,532 821,532 387,267 887,267
14 523,262 349,195 849,195 424,207 924,207
15 576,124 376,899 876,899 462,205 962,205
16 631,629 404,580 904,580 501,240 1,001,240
17 689,909 432,164 932,164 541,361 1,041,361
18 751,104 459,600 959,600 582,288 1,082,288
19 815,358 486,814 986,814 623,927 1,123,927
20 882,825 513,638 1,013,638 666,243 1,166,243
25 1,274,261 631,482 1,131,482 883,565 1,383,565
30 1,773,845 689,457 1,189,457 1,095,577 1,595,577
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a Policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-12
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 50
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 2.00% $26,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$2,166.67)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @ 10.261%)
----------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------ ------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 26,698 $ 22,147 $ 522,147 $ 24,775 $ 524,775
2 54,732 46,260 546,260 51,993 551,993
3 84,168 72,457 572,457 81,803 581,803
4 115,075 100,909 600,909 114,539 614,539
5 147,528 131,809 631,809 150,434 650,434
6 181,603 165,397 665,397 189,741 689,741
7 217,382 201,910 701,910 232,882 732,882
8 254,950 241,644 741,644 280,186 780,186
9 294,397 284,898 784,898 332,012 832,012
10 335,816 331,976 831,976 388,824 888,824
11 379,305 383,210 883,210 451,134 951,134
12 424,970 438,913 938,913 519,438 1,019,438
13 472,917 499,414 999,414 594,283 1,094,283
14 523,262 565,074 1,065,074 676,346 1,176,346
15 576,124 636,305 1,136,305 766,301 1,266,301
16 631,629 713,612 1,213,612 864,890 1,364,890
17 689,909 797,546 1,297,546 973,006 1,473,006
18 751,104 888,738 1,388,738 1,091,291 1,591,291
19 815,358 987,869 1,487,869 1,220,660 1,720,660
20 882,825 1,095,593 1,595,593 1,362,184 1,862,184
25 1,274,261 1,786,857 2,286,857 2,294,769 2,794,769
30 1,773,845 2,815,219 3,315,219 3,752,081 4,252,081
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value, Cash
Surrender Value and Death Benefit for a policy would be different from those
shown if the actual rates of return averaged the rate shown above over a
period of years, but also fluctuated above or below that average for
individual years. No representation can be made by the Company, Walnut Street
Securities, the investment management company, or any representative thereof,
that this hypothetical rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or
sustained over any period of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume premiums are received monthly on the Policy Anniversary and further
assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-13
<PAGE>
Underlying Funds Through:
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II
MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST
SCUDDER VARIABLE LIFE INVESTMENT FUND
T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC.
T. ROWE PRICE FIXED INCOME SERIES, INC.
LOGO
. GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE
INSURANCE POLICIES
Prospectus dated May 1, 1998
50451
Com
<PAGE>
GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
ISSUED BY
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
100 SOUTH BRENTWOOD
ST. LOUIS, MO 63105
(314) 862-2211
This Prospectus describes flexible premium variable life insurance policies
offered by Paragon Life Insurance Company (the "Company") Internal Revenue
Service Employer Identification Number 43-1235869 which are designed for use
in employer-sponsored insurance programs. In circumstances where a Group
Contract is issued, Individual Policies or Certificates setting forth or
summarizing the rights of the Owners and/or Insureds, will be issued under the
Group Contract. Individual Policies also can be issued in connection with
employer-sponsored insurance programs in circumstances where a Group Contract
is not issued. The terms of the Certificate and the Individual Policy, whether
or not the Individual Policy is issued under a Group Contract, are
substantially the same and are collectively referred to in this Prospectus as
"Policy" or "Policies."
The Policies are designed to provide lifetime insurance protection to age 95
and at the same time provide flexibility to vary premium payments and change
the level of death benefits payable under the Policies. This flexibility
allows an Owner to provide for changing insurance needs under a single
insurance policy. An Owner also has the opportunity to allocate net premiums
among several investment portfolios with different investment objectives.
The Policy provides for: (1) a Cash Surrender Value that can be obtained by
surrendering the Policy; (2) Policy Loans; and (3) a death benefit payable at
the Insured's death. As long as a Policy remains in force, the death benefit
payable on the Insured's death will not be less than the current Face Amount
of the Policy. The insurance under a Policy will remain in force so long as
its Cash Surrender Value is sufficient to pay certain monthly charges imposed
in connection with the Policy.
The Owner may allocate net premiums to one or more of the Divisions of the
Separate Account B (the "Separate Account"). The duration of the Policy and
the amount of the Cash Value will vary to reflect the investment performance
of the Divisions of the Separate Account selected by the Owner, and, depending
on the death benefit option elected, the amount of the death benefit above the
minimum may also vary with that investment performance. Thus, the Owner bears
the entire investment risk under the Policies; there is no minimum guaranteed
Cash Value.
Each Division of the Separate Account will invest in the following
corresponding investment company portfolios ("Funds"):
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND OR MANAGER
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II Fidelity Management & Research
VIP Growth Portfolio Company
VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
VIP II Index 500 Portfolio MANAGER
VIP II Contrafund Portfolio Massachusetts Financial
Services Company
MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
MFS Emerging Growth Series MANAGER
Putnam Investment Management,
PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST Inc. ("Putnam Management")
Putnam VT High Yield Fund
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund MANAGER
Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Scudder, Kemper Investments
Quality Bond Fund
Putnam VT Voyager Fund
MANAGER
SCUDDER VARIABLE LIFE INVESTMENT FUND T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
Money Market Portfolio
International Portfolio
T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC. AND
T. ROWE PRICE FIXED INCOME SERIES, INC.
New America Growth Portfolio
Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio
Limited-Term Bond Portfolio
The date of this prospectus is May 1, 1998.
1
<PAGE>
A full description of the Funds, including the investment policies,
restrictions, risks, and charges is contained in the prospectus of each Fund.
It may not be advantageous to purchase a Policy as a replacement for another
type of life insurance or as a means to obtain additional insurance protection
if the purchaser already owns another flexible premium variable life insurance
policy.
This Prospectus Must Be Accompanied Or Preceded By A Current Prospectus For
the underlying Funds.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Please Read This Prospectus Carefully And Retain It For Future Reference.
2
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Definitions.............................................................. 4
Summary.................................................................. 5
The Company and the Separate Account..................................... 11
The Company
The Separate Account
The Underlying Funds
Addition, Deletion, or Substitution of Investments
Payment and Allocation of Premiums....................................... 16
Issuance of a Policy
Premiums
Allocation of Net Premiums and Cash Value
Policy Lapse and Reinstatement
Policy Benefits.......................................................... 20
Death Benefit
Cash Value
Policy Rights and Privileges............................................. 25
Exercising Rights and Privileges Under the Policies
Loans
Surrender and Partial Withdrawals
Transfers
Right to Examine Policy
Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy
Eligibility Change Conversion
Payment of Benefits at Maturity
Payment of Policy Benefits
Charges and Deductions................................................... 29
Sales Charges
Premium Tax Charge
Monthly Deduction
Partial Withdrawal Transaction Charge
Separate Account Charges
General Matters Relating to the Policy................................... 33
Distribution of the Policies............................................. 36
General Provisions of the Group Contract................................. 37
Federal Tax Matters...................................................... 38
Safekeeping of the Separate Account's Assets............................. 41
Voting Rights............................................................ 42
State Regulation of the Company.......................................... 42
Management of the Company................................................ 44
Legal Matters............................................................ 45
Legal Proceedings........................................................ 45
Experts.................................................................. 45
Additional Information................................................... 45
Financial Statements..................................................... 45
Appendix A............................................................... A-1
</TABLE>
THE POLICIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH
SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT BE LAWFULLY MADE. NO DEALER, SALESMAN, OR OTHER PERSON
IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN
CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS,
AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON.
3
<PAGE>
DEFINITIONS
Attained Age--The Issue Age of the Insured plus the number of completed
Policy Years.
Associated Companies--Those companies listed in a Group Contract's
specifications pages that are under common control through stock ownership,
contract or otherwise, with the Contractholder.
Beneficiary--The person(s) named in an application for Individual Insurance
or by later designation to receive Policy proceeds in the event of the
Insured's death. A Beneficiary may be changed as set forth in the Policy and
this Prospectus.
Cash Value--The total amount that a Policy provides for investment at any
time. It is equal to the total of the amounts credited to the Owner in the
Separate Account and in the Loan Account.
Cash Surrender Value--The Cash Value of a Policy on the date of surrender,
less any Indebtedness.
Certificate--A document issued to Owners of Policies issued under Group
Contracts, setting forth or summarizing the Owner's rights and benefits.
Contractholder--The employer, association, sponsoring organization or trust
that is issued a Group Contract.
Corporate Program--A category of Policies available, usually as an
Individual Policy, in which the sponsoring employer or its designated trust is
generally the Owner of the Policy.
Division--A subaccount of the Separate Account. Each Division invests
exclusively in an available underlying Fund.
Employee--A person who is employed and paid for services by an employer on a
regular basis. To qualify as an employee, a person ordinarily must work for an
employer at least 30 hours per week. The Company may waive or modify this
requirement at its discretion. An employee may also include an independent
contractor acting in many respects as an employee with a sponsoring employer.
An employee may include a partner in a partnership if the employer is a
partnership.
Executive Program--A category of Policies issued under Group Contracts or
employer-sponsored insurance programs that have a maximum Face Amount
available for each Policy generally in excess of $500,000.
Face Amount--The minimum death benefit under the Policy so long as the
Policy remains in force.
Fund--A separate investment portfolio of Fidelity Variable Insurance
Products Fund, Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II, MFS Variable
Insurance Trust, Putnam Variable Trust, Scudder Variable Life Insurance Fund,
or two T. Rowe Price Funds, mutual funds in which the Separate Account's
assets are invested. Although sometimes referred to elsewhere as "Portfolios,"
they are referred to herein as "Funds," except where "Portfolio" is a part of
the name.
Group Contract--A group flexible premium variable life insurance contract
issued to the Contractholder by the Company.
Home Office--The service office of the Company, the mailing address of which
is 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105.
Indebtedness--The sum of all unpaid Policy Loans and accrued interest
charged on loans.
Individual Insurance--Insurance provided under a Group Contract or under an
Individual Policy issued in connection with an employer-sponsored insurance
program on an employee or an employee's spouse.
4
<PAGE>
Insured--The person whose life is insured under a Policy. The term may
include both an employee and an employee's spouse.
Investment Start Date--The date the initial premium is applied to the
Divisions of the Separate Account. This date is the later of the Issue Date or
the date the initial premium is received at the Company's Home Office.
Issue Age--The Insured's Age at his or her last birthday as of the date the
Policy is issued.
Issue Date--The effective date of coverage under a Policy. The Issue Date is
the date from which Policy Anniversaries, Policy Years, and Policy Months are
measured.
Loan Account--The account of the Company to which amounts securing Policy
Loans are allocated. It is a part of the Company's general assets.
Loan Value--The maximum amount that may be borrowed under a Policy after the
first Policy Anniversary.
Maturity Date--The Policy Anniversary on which the Insured reaches Attained
Age 95.
Monthly Anniversary--The same date in each succeeding month as the Issue
Date except that whenever the Monthly Anniversary falls on a date other than a
Valuation Date, the Monthly Anniversary will be deemed the next Valuation
Date. If any Monthly Anniversary would be the 29th, 30th, or 31st day of a
month that does not have that number of days, then the Monthly Anniversary
will be the last day of that month.
Net Premium--The premium less any premium expense charge and any charge for
premium taxes.
Owner--The Owner of a Policy, as designated in the application or as
subsequently changed.
Policy--Either the Certificate or the Individual Policy offered by the
Company and described in this Prospectus. Under Group Contracts, the Policy
may be issued on the employee or on the employee's spouse.
Policy Anniversary--The same date each year as the Issue Date.
Policy Month--A month beginning on the Monthly Anniversary.
Policy Year--A period beginning on a Policy Anniversary and ending on the
day immediately preceding the next Policy Anniversary.
Separate Account--The Separate Account B, a separate investment account
established by the Company to receive and invest the net premiums paid under
the Policy.
Spouse--An employee's legal spouse. The term does not include a spouse who
is legally separated from the employee.
Valuation Date--Each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading, except on the day after Thanksgiving when the Company is closed.
Valuation Period--The period between two successive Valuation Dates,
commencing at the close of business of a Valuation Date and ending at the
close of business of the next succeeding Valuation Date.
SUMMARY
The following summary of Prospectus information should be read in
conjunction with the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated, the description of the Policies
contained in this Prospectus assumes that a Policy is in effect and that there
is no outstanding Indebtedness.
5
<PAGE>
The Policy. The Policies (either an Individual Policy or a Certificate)
described in this Prospectus are designed for use in employer-sponsored
insurance programs and are typically issued in two situations. First, Policies
are issued pursuant to Group Contracts entered into between the Company and
Contractholders. (See "General Provisions of the Group Contract.") Second, in
certain circumstances where Group Contracts are not issued, Individual
Policies are issued in connection with the employer-sponsored insurance
programs. Subject to certain restrictions, the Insured under a Policy may be
either an employee of the Contractholder or sponsoring employer, or the
employee's spouse. Generally, only the employee is eligible to be an Insured
under an Executive Program Policy. Provided there is sufficient Cash Surrender
Value, Individual Insurance under a Group Contract or other employer-sponsored
insurance program will continue should the Group Contract or other program
cease or the employee's employment end. (See "Payment and Allocation of
Premiums--Issuance of a Policy.")
The Policies are life insurance contracts with death benefits, cash values,
surrender rights, policy loan privileges, and other features traditionally
associated with life insurance. On behalf of Owners, the Contractholder will
remit planned premium payments under the Group Contract equal to an amount
authorized by employees to be deducted from their wages. In addition, Owners
may, but are not required to, pay additional premiums. However, the Owner in
Corporate Programs will remit planned and additional premiums. A similar
procedure will apply when an Individual Policy is issued in connection with an
employer-sponsored program where the Group Contract is not issued.
The Policies are "variable" policies because, unlike the fixed benefits
under an ordinary life insurance contract, the Cash Value and, under certain
circumstances, the death benefit under a Policy may increase or decrease
depending upon the investment performance of the Divisions of the Separate
Account to which the Owner has allocated net premium payments. However, so
long as a Policy's Cash Surrender Value continues to be sufficient to pay the
monthly deduction, an Owner is guaranteed a minimum death benefit equal to the
Face Amount of his or her Policy or an accelerated death benefit in a reduced
amount determined in accordance with certain riders available under the Policy
(See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
The Separate Account. The Owner may allocate the net premiums to one or more
Divisions of the Separate Account. See "The Company and the Separate Account"
for a complete description of the available Funds. An Owner may change future
allocations of net premiums at any time by notifying the Company directly.
Subject to certain restrictions, an Owner may transfer Cash Values among the
Divisions of the Separate Account. Currently, no charge is assessed for
transfers. The Company reserves the right to modify the transfer privilege.
(See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Transfers.")
Premiums. An Owner has flexibility concerning the amount and frequency of
premium payments. An initial premium equal to one-twelfth (1/12) of the
planned annual premium set forth in the specifications page of a Policy is
necessary to place a Policy in force. The planned annual premium is an amount
specified for each Policy based on the requested initial Face Amount and
certain other factors. Under Group Contracts and employer-sponsored programs,
the initial premium and subsequent planned premiums generally are remitted by
the Contractholder or sponsoring employer on behalf of the Owner at intervals
agreed to by the Contractholder or employer. In Corporate Programs, the Owner
or its designee will remit premiums generally on a schedule agreed to by the
Company. However, as is discussed below, planned premiums need not be paid so
long as there is sufficient Cash Surrender Value to keep the Policy in force.
Subject to certain limitations, additional premium payments in any amount and
at any frequency may be made directly by the Owner. (See "Payment and
Allocation of Premiums--Issuance of a Policy--Premiums.")
A Policy will lapse (and terminate without value) when the Cash Surrender
Value is insufficient to pay the next monthly deduction and a grace period of
62 days expires without an adequate payment being made by the Owner (see
"Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement"). The
Policies, therefore, differ in two important respects from conventional life
insurance policies. First, the failure to make
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planned premium payments following the initial premium payment will not itself
cause a Policy to lapse. Second, under the circumstances described above, a
Policy can lapse even if planned premiums have been paid. Thus, the payment of
premiums in any amount does not guarantee that the Policy will remain in force
until the Maturity Date. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy
Lapse and Reinstatement.")
Death Benefit. Death benefit proceeds are payable to the named Beneficiary
when the Insured under a Policy dies or, under certain riders available under
the Policy, to the Owner, prior to the Insured's death under circumstances
described in those riders. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Additional Insurance Benefits.") Two death benefit options are available.
Under the "Level Type" death benefit, the death benefit is the Face Amount of
the Policy or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash Value. Under the
"Increasing Type" death benefit, the death benefit is the Face Amount of the
Policy plus the Cash Value or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash
Value. So long as a Policy remains in force, the minimum death benefit under
either option will be at least equal to the current Face Amount. The death
benefit proceeds will be increased by the amount of the cost of insurance for
the portion of the month from the date of death to the end of the month, and
reduced by any outstanding Indebtedness. (See "Policy Benefits--Death
Benefit.")
The minimum initial Face Amount is generally $25,000 under the Company's
current rules. Executive Program Policies generally have a minimum Face Amount
of $100,000. The maximum Face Amount is generally $500,000. However, in
connection with a particular Group Contract, employer-sponsored insurance
program, Executive Programs or Corporate Programs, the Company may establish a
substantially higher Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or
program. The Owner may generally change the Face Amount (subject to the
minimum and maximum amounts applicable to his or her policy) and the death
benefit option, but in certain cases evidence of insurability may be required.
(See "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit.")
Additional insurance benefits offered under the Policy by rider may include
a children's insurance rider, an acceleration of death benefits rider, an
accelerated death benefit settlement option rider, an accidental death benefit
rider, and a waiver of monthly deductions rider. Some Group Contracts and
employer-sponsored insurance programs may not provide each of the additional
benefits described above. Generally, Executive Program Policies only have the
acceleration of death benefits rider. Generally, Corporate Programs have none
of the additional benefits described above. (See "General Matters Relating to
the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.") The cost of these additional
insurance benefits will be deducted from Cash Value as part of the monthly
deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction.")
Benefits under the Policy may be paid in a single sum or under one of the
settlement options set forth in the Policy or an applicable rider. (See
"Policy Benefits--Death Benefit" and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment of
Policy Benefits.")
Cash Value. The Policies provide for a Cash Value equal to the total of the
Policy's Cash Value in the Separate Account and the Loan Account (securing
Policy Loans). A Policy's Cash Value will reflect the amount and frequency of
premium payments, the investment performance of any selected Divisions of the
Separate Account, transfers, any Policy Loans, loan account interest rate
credited, any partial withdrawals, and the charges imposed in connection with
the Policy. (See "Policy Benefits--Cash Value.") There is no minimum
guaranteed Cash Value.
Charges and Deductions. A front-end sales charge of 1% of premiums will be
deducted from each premium paid ("premium expense charge"). An additional
charge will be imposed on Policies that are deemed to be individual Policies
under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 ("OBRA"). The additional
charge, which is for federal income taxes measured by premiums, is equal to 1%
of each premium payment, and compensates the Company for a significantly
higher corporate income tax liability resulting from changes made to the
Internal Revenue Code by OBRA.
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A charge of 2 percent to cover state premium taxes will be deducted from
premiums paid. (See "Charges and Deductions--Premium Tax Charge.")
A monthly deduction will be made from a Policy's Cash Value in the Divisions
of the Separate Account. The monthly deduction includes an administrative
charge, a cost of insurance charge, and the cost of any additional insurance
benefits provided by rider. The amount of the administrative charge will be
set forth in the specification pages of the Policy and will be based on the
number of the Insureds covered under a Group Contract or other employer-
sponsored insurance program and the amount of administrative services provided
by the Company. The charge will not exceed $6.00 per month during the first
Policy Year and $3.50 per month during renewal years.
The cost of insurance charge is calculated on each Monthly Anniversary. (See
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.") Monthly cost
of insurance rates will be determined by the Company based upon its
expectations as to future mortality experience. The Company currently
underwrites Policies on either a simplified issue or guaranteed issue basis.
However, the Company does not vary cost of insurance rates based on a
particular Policy's classification as simplified issue or guaranteed issue
within a particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored program. Rather, the
rates are based on the Attained Age and rate class of the Insured, as well as
on the gender mix of the group insured, which is the proportion of men and
women covered under a particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored program.
For a discussion of the factors affecting the rate class of the Insured, see
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance."
Cost of insurance rates are guaranteed not to exceed 125 percent of the
maximum rates that could be charged based on the 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table C ("1980 CSO Table"). The 1980 CSO Table assumes a
blending of sixty percent male and forty percent female. Generally, the rates
currently charged do not exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table. However, instances
in which the Company's current rates may exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table are
generally limited to particular Policies issued to Insureds in small groups
(i.e. generally less than 750 eligible employees) and/or groups that are
predominantly male. The guaranteed rates are higher than the 1980 CSO Table
because, under both guaranteed and simplified underwriting, the Insured is not
required to submit to a medical or paramedical examination although a blood
test may be required. Because the Company gathers less health information
about these individuals, it is exposed to additional insurance risks. Although
the circumstances in which the Company could raise its current mortality
charges are limited, such an increase is permitted under the Policy. To the
extent that the current cost of insurance rates exceed or are raised so that
they exceed 100% of the 1980 CSO Table, the monthly cost of insurance charge
would, in effect, be a substandard risk charge for healthy Insureds.
A daily charge not to exceed .0024547% (an annual rate of .90%) of the net
assets of each Division of the Separate Account will be imposed for the
Company's assumption of certain mortality and expense risks incurred in
connection with the Policies. (See "Charges and Deductions--Separate Account
Charges.")
No charges are currently made from the Separate Account for Federal or state
income taxes. However, if it is determined that such taxes may be incurred,
then the Company may make deductions from the Separate Account to pay these
taxes or to pay any economic burden resulting from the application of the tax
laws that the Company determines to be properly attributable to the Separate
Account or the Policies. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
The value of the assets of the Divisions of the Separate Account will
reflect the investment advisory fee and other expenses incurred by the Funds.
(See "The Company and the Separate Account.") The total annual investment
advisory fee and fund expenses for the funds available during the last fiscal
year as a percentage of net assets are as follows: Fidelity Variable Insurance
Products Fund--VIP Growth Portfolio .67% and VIP Equity-Income Portfolio .57%;
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II--VIP II Index 500 Portfolio .28%
and VIP II Contrafund Portfolio .68%; MFS Variable Insurance Trust--Emerging
Growth Series .90%; Putnam Variable Trust--Putnam VT High Yield Fund .72%;
Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund .63%. Putnam VT U.S. Government and High
Quality Bond Fund .69%, and Putnam VT Voyager Fund .59%; Scudder Variable Life
Investment Fund--Money Market Portfolio .46%, and International Portfolio
1.00%; T. Rowe Price Equity
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Series, Inc.--New America Growth Portfolio .85% and Personal Strategy Balanced
Portfolio .90%; and T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc--Limited-Term Bond
Portfolio .70%. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") agreed to
reimburse a portion of VIP II Index 500 Portfolio's expenses during the
period. Without this reimbursement, the fund's total expenses would have been
.40%. A portion of the brokerage commissions that certain funds pay was used
to reduce funds' expenses. In addition, certain funds have entered into
arrangements with their custodian whereby credits realized, as a result of
uninvested cash balances were used to reduce custodian expenses. Without these
reductions, the total operating expenses as a percentage of net assets would
have been as follows: Fidelity Insurance Products Fund--VIP Growth Portfolio
.69% and VIP Equity-Income Portfolio .58%; Fidelity Variable Insurance
Products Fund II--VIP II Contrafund Portfolio .71%.
A transaction charge equal to the lesser of $25 or two percent of the amount
withdrawn will be assessed on each partial withdrawal of amounts from the
Separate Account. Currently, there are no transaction charges imposed for
transfers of amounts between Divisions of the Separate Account. In addition,
transfers and withdrawals are subject to restrictions relative to amount and
frequency. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Allocation of Net
Premiums and Cash Value," "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial
Withdrawals--Transfers," and "Charges and Deductions--Partial Withdrawal
Transaction Charge.")
Policy Loans. After the first Policy Anniversary an Owner may borrow against
the Cash Value of a Policy. The Loan Value is (a) minus (b), where (a) is 85
percent of the Cash Value of the Policy on the date the loan request is
received and (b) is any outstanding Indebtedness. Loan interest is due and
payable in arrears on each Policy Anniversary or on a pro rata basis for such
shorter period as the Policy Loan may exist. All outstanding Indebtedness will
be deducted from proceeds payable at the Insured's death, upon maturity, or
upon surrender.
A Policy Loan will be allocated among the various Divisions of the Separate
Account. A portion of the Policy's Cash Value in each Division of the Separate
Account to which the loan is allocated will be transferred to the Loan Account
as security for the loan. Therefore, a Policy Loan may have a permanent impact
on the Policy's Cash Value even if it is repaid. A Policy Loan may be repaid
in whole or in part at any time while the Policy is in force. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Loans," page 21.) Loans taken from, or secured by, a
Policy may in certain circumstances be treated as taxable distributions from
the Policy. Moreover, with certain exceptions, a ten percent additional income
tax would be imposed on the portion of any loan that is included in income.
(See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Surrender and Partial Withdrawals. At any time that a Policy is in effect,
an Owner may elect to surrender the Policy and receive its Cash Surrender
Value. An Owner may also request a partial withdrawal of the Cash Value of the
Policy. When the death benefit under either death benefit option is not based
on an applicable percentage of the Cash Value, a partial withdrawal reduces
the death benefit payable under the Policy by an amount equal to the reduction
in the Policy's Cash Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and
Partial Withdrawals.") Surrenders and partial withdrawals may have federal
income tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Right to Examine Policy. The Owner has a limited right to return a Policy
for cancellation within 20 days after the delivery of the Policy to the Owner,
within 45 days after the Owner signs the application, or within 10 days after
the Company mails a notice of this cancellation right to the Owner whichever
is latest. If a Policy is cancelled within this time period, a refund will be
paid which will equal all premiums paid under the Policy or any different
amount required by state law. The Owner also has a right to cancel a requested
increase in Face Amount. Upon cancellation of an increase, the Owner may
request that the Company refund the amount of the additional charges deducted
in connection with the increase, or have the amount of the additional charges
added to the Cash Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Right to Examine
Policy.")
Eligibility Change Conversion. In the event that the Insured is no longer
eligible for coverage under the Group Contract, either because the Group
Contract has terminated or because the employee is no longer
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<PAGE>
employed by the Contractholder, the Individual Insurance provided by the
Policy issued in connection with the Group Contract will continue unless the
Policy is cancelled or surrendered by the Owner or there is insufficient Cash
Surrender Value to prevent the Policy from lapsing.
If a Certificate was issued in connection with the Group Contract, the
Certificate will be amended automatically to continue in force as an
Individual Policy. The new Individual Policy will provide benefits which are
identical to those provided under the Certificate. If an Individual Policy was
issued in connection with a Group Contract, the Individual Policy will
continue in force following the termination of the Group Contract. (See
"Policy Right and Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.")
Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy. During the first 24 Policy
Months following a Policy's Issue Date, the Owner may convert the Policy to a
life insurance policy that provides for benefits that do not vary with the
investment return of the Divisions of the Separate Account. The Owner also has
a similar right with respect to increases in the Face Amount. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Conversion Right to a Fixed Benefit Policy.")
Exercising Rights and Privileges Under the Policies. Owners of Policies
issued under a Group Contract or in connection with an employer-sponsored
insurance program may exercise their rights and privileges under the Policies
(i.e., make transfers, change premium allocations, borrow, etc.) by notifying
the Company in writing at its Home Office. Likewise, the Company will send all
reports and other notices described herein or in the Policy directly to the
Owner. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Exercising Rights and Privileges
Under the Policies.")
Illustrations of Death Benefits and Cash Surrender Values. Illustrations on
pages A-1 to A-7 in Appendix A show how death benefits and Cash Surrender
Values may vary based on certain hypothetical rate of return assumptions as
well as assumptions pertaining to the level of the administrative charge and
the level of the sales charges. These illustrations also show how these
benefits compare with amounts which would accumulate if premiums were invested
to earn interest (after taxes) at 5% compounded annually. If a Policy is
surrendered in the early Policy Years, the Cash Surrender Value payable will
be low as compared with premiums accumulated with interest, and consequently
the insurance protection provided prior to surrender will be costly.
Tax Consequences of the Policy. While guidance is limited, the Company
believes that the Policy should be treated as a life insurance contract for
Federal income tax purposes. Assuming that a Policy qualifies as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes, a Policy Owner should not
be deemed to be in constructive receipt of Cash Surrender Value under a Policy
until there is a distribution from the Policy. Moreover, death benefits
payable under a Policy should be completely excludable from the gross income
of the Beneficiary. As a result, the Beneficiary generally should not be taxed
on these proceeds.
Under certain circumstances, a Policy may be treated as a "modified
endowment contract." If the Policy is a modified endowment contract, then all
pre-death distributions, including Policy loans, will be treated first as a
distribution of taxable income and then as a return of basis or investment in
the contract. In addition, prior to age 59 1/2 any such distributions
generally will be subject to a 10% penalty tax.
If the Policy is not a modified endowment contract, distributions generally
will be treated first as a return of basis or investment in the contract and
then as disbursing taxable income. Loans will not be treated as distributions.
Neither distributions nor loans from a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract are subject to the 10% penalty tax. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Specialized Uses of the Policy. Because the Policy provides for an
accumulation of Cash Value as well as a death benefit, the Policy can be used
for various individual and business financial planning purposes. Purchasing
the Policy in part for such purposes entails certain risks. For example, if
the investment performance of Divisions to which Cash Value is allocated is
poorer than expected or if sufficient premiums are not paid, the Policy may
lapse or may not accumulate sufficient Cash Value to fund the purpose for
which the Policy was purchased.
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Partial withdrawals and Policy loans may significantly affect current and
future Cash Value, Cash Surrender Value, or death benefit proceeds. Depending
upon Division investment performance and the amount of a Policy loan, the loan
may cause a Policy to lapse. Because the Policy is designed to provide
benefits on a long-term basis, before purchasing a Policy for a specialized
purpose a purchaser should consider whether the long-term nature of the Policy
is consistent with the purpose for which it is being considered. Using a
Policy for a specialized purpose may have tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax
Matters.")
THE COMPANY AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
THE COMPANY
Paragon Life Insurance Company (the "Company") is a stock life insurance
company incorporated under the laws of Missouri. The Company was organized in
1981 as General American Insurance Company and on December 31, 1987, its name
was changed. No change in operations or ownership took place in connection
with the name change. The Company is principally engaged in writing individual
and group life insurance policies and annuity contracts. As of December 31,
1997, it had assets in excess of $240 million. The Company is admitted to do
business in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The principal offices of
the Company are at 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 ("Home
Office").
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General American Life Insurance
Company (the "Parent Company"), a Missouri life insurance company. The Parent
Company is wholly owned by GenAmerica Corporation, a Missouri general business
corporation, which is wholly owned by General American Mutual Holding Company,
a Missouri mutual insurance holding company. The Parent Company has agreed
that until March 23, 1999, it will maintain capital and surplus within the
Company sufficient to satisfy the capital requirements of the states in which
the Company is authorized to do business.
In addition, the Parent Company agrees to guarantee that the Company will
have sufficient funds to meet all of its contractual obligations. In the event
a policyholder presents a legitimate claim for payment on a Paragon insurance
policy, the Parent Company will pay such claim directly to the policyholder if
Paragon is unable to make such payment. This guarantee, which does not have a
predetermined termination date, can be modified or ended only as to policies
not yet issued. The guarantee agreement is binding on the Parent Company, its
successor or assignee and shall cease only if the guarantee is assigned to an
organization having a financial rating from Standard & Poor's equal to or
better than the Parent Company's rating. The Parent Company does not intend
this guarantee to be a guarantee with regard to the investment experience or
cash values of the Policy.
The Company may from time to time publish in advertisements, sales
literature, and reports to Owners or Contractholders, the ratings and other
information assigned to it by one or more independent rating organizations
such as A. M. Best Company, Standard & Poor's, and Duff & Phelps. The purpose
of the ratings is to reflect the financial strength and/or claims paying
ability of the Company and should not be considered as bearing on the
investment performance of assets held in the Separate Account. Each year the
A. M. Best Company reviews the financial status of thousands of insurers,
culminating in the assignment of Best's ratings. These ratings reflect Best's
current opinion of the relative financial strength and operating performance
of an insurance company in comparison to the norms of the life/health
insurance industry. In addition, the claims paying ability of the Company as
measured by Standard & Poor's Insurance Ratings Services or Duff & Phelps may
be referred to in advertisements or sales literature or in reports to Owners
or Contractholders. These ratings are opinions of an operating insurance
company's financial capacity to meet the obligations of its insurance policies
in accordance with their terms. These ratings do not reflect the investment
performance of the Separate Account or the degree of risk associated with an
investment in the Separate Account.
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<PAGE>
The Company also may include in advertisements and other literature certain
rankings assigned to the Company by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners ("NAIC"), and the Company's analyses of statistical information
produced by the NAIC. These rankings and analyses of statistical information
may describe, among other things, the Company's growth, premium income,
investment income, capital gains and losses, policy reserves, policy claims,
and life insurance in force. The Company's use of such rankings and
statistical information is not an endorsement by the NAIC.
Advertisements and literature prepared by the Company also may include
discussions of taxable and tax-deferred investment programs (including
comparisons based on selected tax brackets), alternative investment vehicles,
and general economic conditions.
THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Separate Account B (the "Separate Account") was established by the Company
as a separate investment account on January 4, 1993 under Missouri law. The
Separate Account receives and invests the net premiums paid under the
Policies. In addition, the Separate Account receives and invests net premiums
for other flexible premium variable life insurance policies issued by the
Company.
The Separate Account is divided into Divisions. Each Division of the
Separate Account will invest in the following corresponding portfolios
("Funds") of the following investment companies: (1) Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products Fund or Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II--VIP
Growth Portfolio, VIP Equity-Income Portfolio, VIP II Index 500 Portfolio, VIP
II Contrafund Portfolio; (2) MFS Variable Insurance Trust--Emerging Growth
Series; (3) Putnam Variable Trust--Putnam VT High Yield Fund, Putnam VT New
Opportunities Fund, Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund and
Putnam VT Voyager Fund; (4) Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund--Money
Market Portfolio, and Class A Shares of International Portfolio; and (5) T.
Rowe Price--New America Growth Portfolio, Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio
and Limited-Term Bond Portfolio. Income and both realized and unrealized gains
or losses from the assets of each Division of the Separate Account are
credited to or charged against that Division without regard to income, gains,
or losses from any other Division of the Separate Account or arising out of
any other business the Company may conduct.
Although the assets of the Separate Account are the property of the Company,
the assets in the Separate Account equal to the reserves and other liabilities
of the Separate Account are not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any
other business which the Company may conduct. The assets of the Separate
Account are available to cover the general liabilities of the Company only to
the extent that the Separate Account's assets exceed its liabilities arising
under the Policies. From time to time, these excess assets may be transferred
out of the Separate Account and included in the Company's general assets.
Before making any such transfers, the Company will consider any possible
adverse impact the transfer may have on the Separate Account.
The Separate Account has been registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and meets the definition of a
"separate account" under federal securities laws. Registration with the SEC
does not involve supervision of the management or investment practices or
policies of the Separate Account or the Company by the Commission.
THE UNDERLYING FUNDS
The Separate Account invests in shares of various investment management
companies. These are series-type mutual funds registered with the SEC as open-
end, investment management companies. The assets of each Fund used by the
Policies are held separate from the assets of the other Funds, and each Fund
has investment objectives and policies which are generally different from
those of the other Funds. The income or losses of one Fund generally have no
effect on the investment performance of any other Fund.
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The following summarizes the investment policies of each Fund under the
corresponding investment management company:
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND
Variable Insurance Products Fund ("VIP") is an open-end diversified
management investment company. Only the Funds described in this section of the
prospectus are currently available as investment choices of the Policies even
though additional Funds may be described in the prospectus for VIP. Fidelity
Management & Research Company ("FMR") of Boston, Massachusetts is the manager
of the Funds.
. VIP Growth Portfolio
The investment objective seeks to achieve capital appreciation. The
Portfolio normally purchases common stocks, although its investments
are not restricted to any one type of security. Capital appreciation
may also be found in other types of securities, including bonds and
preferred stocks.
. VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
The investment objective seeks reasonable income by investing primarily
in income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities,
the Portfolio will also consider the potential for capital
appreciation. The Portfolio's goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds
the composite yield on the securities comprising the Standard & Poor's
500 Composite Stock Price Index.
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II
Variable Insurance Products II Fund ("VIP II") is an open-end diversified
management investment company. Only the Funds described in this section of the
prospectus are currently available as investment choices of the Policies even
though additional Funds may be described in the prospectus for VIP II.
Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") of Boston, Massachusetts is the
manager of the Funds.
.VIP II Index 500 Portfolio
The investment objective seeks to provide investment results that
correspond to the total return (i.e., the combination of capital change
and income) of common stocks publicly traded in the United States as
represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index
while keeping transaction costs and other expenses low. The Portfolio
is designed as a long-term money-market option.
. VIP II Contrafund Portfolio
The investment objective seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing in securities of companies whose value FMR believes is not
fully recognized by the public..
MFS VARIABLE INSURANCE TRUST
MFS Variable Insurance Trust ("MFS Trust") is an open-end diversified
management investment company. Only the Funds described in this section of the
prospectus are currently available as investment choices of the Policies even
though additional Funds may be described in the prospectus for MFS Trust.
Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS") provides investment advisory
services to MFS Trust for fees in accordance with the terms of the current
prospectus for the Fund.
. Emerging Growth Series
The investment objective seeks to provide long-term growth of capital.
Dividend and interest income from portfolio securities, if any, is
incidental to the Series investment objective of long-term growth of
capital. The Series' policy is to invest primarily (i.e., at least 80%
of its assets under normal circumstances) in common stocks of small and
medium-sized companies that are early in their life cycle but which
have the potential to become major enterprises (emerging growth
companies).
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PUTNAM VARIABLE TRUST
Putnam Variable Trust is an open-end diversified management investment
company. Only the Funds described in this section of the prospectus are
currently available as investment choices of the Policies even though
additional Funds may be described in the prospectus for Putnam Variable Trust.
Putnam Management provides investment advisory services to Putnam Variable
Trust for fees in accordance with the terms described in the current Fund
prospectus.
. Putnam VT High Yield Fund
Seeks high current income and, when consistent with this objective, a
secondary objective of capital growth, by investing primarily in high-
yielding, lower-rated fixed income securities (commonly known as "junk
bonds"), constituting a portfolio that Putnam Management believes does
not involve undue risk to income or principal. See the special
considerations for investments in high yield securities described in
the Putnam Variable Trust prospectus.
. Putnam VT New Opportunities Fund
Seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing principally in common
stocks of companies in sectors of the economy that Putnam Management
believes possess above-average long-term growth potential.
. Putnam VT U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund
Seeks current income consistent with preservation of capital by
investing primarily in securities issued or guaranteed as to principal
and interest by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or
instrumentalities and in other debt obligations rated at least A by a
nationally recognized securities rating agency such as Standard &
Poor's or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or, if not rated, determined
by Putnam Management to be of comparable quality.
. Putnam VT Voyager Fund
Seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in common stocks of
companies that Putnam Management believes have potential for capital
appreciation that is significantly greater than that of market
averages.
SCUDDER VARIABLE LIFE INVESTMENT FUND
Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund ("Scudder VLI") is a series-type
mutual fund registered with the SEC as an open-end, diversified management
investment company. Only the Money Market Portfolio and the Class A Shares of
the International Portfolio described herein are currently available as
investment choices of the Policies even though other classes and other Funds
may be described in the prospectus for Scudder VLI. Scudder Kemper Investments
("Scudder") provides investment advisory services to Scudder VLI whose terms
and fees are set forth in the Scudder VLI prospectus.
. Money Market Portfolio
The investment objective seeks to maintain the stability of capital
and, consistent therewith, to maintain the liquidity of capital and to
provide current income. The Fund seeks to maintain a constant net asset
value of $1.00 per share, although there can be no assurance that this
will be achieved.
. International Portfolio
The investment objective seeks long-term growth of capital primarily
through diversified holdings of marketable foreign equity investments.
The Fund invests in companies, wherever organized, which do business
primarily outside the United States. The Fund intends to diversify
investments among several countries and to have represented in its
holdings, in substantial portions, business activities in not less than
three different countries. The Fund does not intend to concentrate
investments in any particular industry.
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T. ROWE PRICE EQUITY SERIES, INC.
T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc. (referred to as "TRP") is an open-end
management investment company. Only the Funds described in this section of the
prospectus are currently available as investment choices of the Policies even
though additional Funds may be described in the prospectus for TRP. T. Rowe
Price Associates, Inc. provides investment advisory services to TRP for fees
in accordance with the terms described in the current Fund prospectus.
. New America Growth Portfolio
The investment objective seeks long-term growth of capital through
investment in common stock of U.S. companies which operate in the
service sector of the economy.
. Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio
The investment objective seeks the highest total return consistent with
an emphasis on both capital appreciation and income by investing in a
diversified portfolio typically consisting of approximately 60% stocks,
30% bonds, and 10% money market securities.
T. ROWE PRICE INCOME SERIES, INC.
T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc. (referred to as "TRP") is an open-
end management investment company. Only the Funds described in this section of
the prospectus are currently available as investment choices of the Policies
even though additional Funds may be described in the prospectus for TRP. T.
Rowe Price Associates, Inc. provides investment advisory services to TRP for
fees in accordance with the terms described in the current Fund prospectus.
.Limited-Term Bond Portfolio
The investment objective seeks a high level of current income
consistent with modest price fluctuations by investing primarily in
short-term and intermediate-term investment-grade debt securities.
There is no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve its stated
objective. More detailed information, including a description of risks, is in
the prospectus for the Funds, which must accompany or precede this Prospectus
and which should be read carefully.
The Company has entered into or may enter into arrangements with Funds
pursuant to which the Company receives a fee based upon an annual percentage
of the average net asset amount invested by the Company on behalf of the
Separate Account and other separate accounts of the Company. These
arrangements reflect administrative services provided by the Company.
Resolving Material Conflicts. All of the Funds are also available to
registered separate accounts of other insurance companies offering variable
annuity and variable life insurance products. As a result, there is a
possibility that a material conflict may arise between the interests of Owners
of Policies and of owners of policies whose cash values are allocated to other
separate accounts investing in the Funds. In the event a material conflict
arises, the Company will take any necessary steps, including removing the
assets of the Separate Account from one or more of the Funds, to resolve the
matter.
ADDITION, DELETION, OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
The Company reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law,
to make additions to, deletions from, or substitutions for the shares that are
held by the Separate Account or that the Separate Account may purchase. The
Company reserves the right to eliminate the shares of any of the Funds and to
substitute shares of another Fund of the existing management investment
companies or of another registered open-end investment company, if the shares
of a Fund are no longer available for investment, or if in the Company's
judgment further investment in any Fund becomes inappropriate in view of the
purposes of the Separate Account. The Company
15
<PAGE>
will not substitute any shares attributable to an Owner's interest in a
Division of the Separate Account without notice to the Owner and prior
approval of the SEC, to the extent required by the 1940 Act or other
applicable law. Nothing contained in this Prospectus shall prevent the
Separate Account from purchasing other securities for other series or classes
of policies, or from permitting a conversion between series or classes of
policies on the basis of requests made by Owners.
The Company also reserves the right to establish additional Divisions of the
Separate Account, each of which would invest in a new Fund of the existing
management investment companies, or in shares of another investment company,
with a specified investment objective. New Divisions may be established when,
in the sole discretion of the Company, marketing needs or investment
conditions warrant, and any new Division will be made available to existing
Owners on a basis to be determined by the Company. To the extent approved by
the SEC, the Company may also eliminate or combine one or more Divisions,
substitute one Division for another Division, or transfer assets between
Divisions if, in its sole discretion, marketing, tax, or investment conditions
warrant.
In the event of a substitution or change, the Company may, if it considers
it necessary, make such changes in the Policy by appropriate endorsement. The
Company will notify all Owners of any such changes.
If deemed by the Company to be in the best interests of persons having
voting rights under the Policy, and to the extent any necessary SEC approvals
or Owner votes are obtained, the Separate Account may be: (a) operated as a
management company under the 1940 Act; (b) deregistered under that Act in the
event such registration is no longer required; or (c) combined with other
separate accounts of the Company. To the extent permitted by applicable law,
the Company may also transfer the assets of the Separate Account associated
with the Policy to another separate account.
The Company cannot guarantee that the shares of the Funds will always be
available. The Funds each sell shares to the Separate Account in accordance
with the terms of a participation agreement between the Fund distributors and
the Company. Should this agreement terminate or should shares become
unavailable for any other reason, the Separate Account will not be able to
purchase the existing Fund shares. Should this occur, the Company will be
unable to honor Owner requests to allocate their cash values or premium
payments to the Divisions of the Separate Account investing in such shares. In
the event that a Fund is no longer available, the Company will, of course,
take reasonable steps to obtain alternative investment options.
PAYMENT AND ALLOCATION OF PREMIUMS
ISSUANCE OF A POLICY
The Company will generally issue a Group Contract to employers whose
employees and/or their spouses may become Owners and/or Insureds thereunder so
long as the employee is within the class of employees eligible to be included
in the Group Contract. The class(es) of employees covered by a particular
Group Contract are set forth in that Group Contract's specifications pages.
The Group Contract will be issued upon receipt of an application for a Group
Contract signed by a duly authorized officer of the employer and acceptance by
a duly authorized officer of the Company at its Home Office. (See "General
Provisions of the Group Contract--Issuance.") Individuals (i.e., eligible
employees or their spouses) wishing to purchase a Policy, whether under a
Group Contract or an employer-sponsored insurance program, must complete the
appropriate application for Individual Insurance and submit it to an
authorized representative of the Company or to the Company's Home Office. The
Company will issue to each Contractholder either a Certificate or an
Individual Policy to give to each Owner. Individual Policies, rather than
Certificates, will be issued (i) to independent contractors of the employer;
(ii) to persons who wish to continue coverage after a Group Contract has
terminated; (iii) to persons who wish to continue coverage after they no
longer are employed by the Group Contractholder; (iv) if state law
restrictions make issuance of a Group Contract impracticable; or (v) if the
employer chooses to use an employer-sponsored insurance program that does not
involve a Group Contract.
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<PAGE>
Corporate Programs will generally involve Individual Policies. Policies will
be issued on the lives of eligible Insureds, generally employees of a
sponsoring employer, and the Owner will usually be the sponsoring employer or
its designee.
A Policy generally will be issued only to Insureds of Issue Ages 17 through
70 who supply evidence of insurability satisfactory to the Company. The
Company may, at its sole discretion, issue Policies to individuals falling
outside those Issue Ages or decline to issue Policies to individuals within
those Issue Ages.
In order for an employee to be eligible to purchase a Policy, the employee
must be actively at work at the time the application for Individual Insurance
is signed. In addition, the Contractholder may determine specific classes to
which the employee must belong to be eligible to purchase a Policy. Actively
at work means that the employee must work for the Contractholder or sponsoring
employer at the employee's usual place of work or such other places as
required by the Contractholder or sponsoring employer in the course of such
work for the full number of hours and the full rate of pay, as set by the
employment practices of the employer. Ordinarily the time worked per week must
not be less than 30 hours. However, the Company reserves the right to waive or
modify the actively at work requirement at its discretion. In addition, the
Contractholder may require that, to be eligible to purchase a Policy, an
employee must be employed by the employer as of a certain date or for a
certain period of time. This date or time period will be set forth in the
Group Contract specifications pages. Employees of any Associated Companies of
the Contractholder will be considered employees of the Contractholder. The
Company may also allow an individual who is an independent contractor working
primarily for the sponsoring employer to be considered an eligible employee.
As an independent contractor, he may receive an Individual Policy rather than
a Certificate depending upon state law applicable to the contracts. An
employee may include a partner in a partnership if the employer is a
partnership.
In other than Executive Programs or Corporate Programs, the first time an
employee is given the opportunity to purchase a Policy, the Company will issue
the Policy and any children's insurance rider applied for by the employee
pursuant to its guaranteed issue procedure. Under this procedure the employee
is required to answer qualifying questions in the application for Individual
Insurance, but is not required to submit to a medical or paramedical
examination. The maximum Face Amount that an employee can generally apply for
under the guaranteed issue procedure ("Guaranteed Issue Amount") is three
times the employee's salary up to a ceiling that is based on the number of
eligible employees under a Group Contract or other employer-sponsored
insurance program. Guaranteed issue may be available with Executive Programs
or Corporate Programs depending upon number of eligible employees or if other
existing insurance coverage is cancelled.
Where the Face Amount exceeds the guaranteed issue limits, where the Policy
has been offered previously to the employee, where the guaranteed issue
requirements set forth in the application for Individual Insurance are not
met, or in connection with certain programs that may be offered without
guaranteed issue the employee must submit to a simplified underwriting
procedure which requires the employee to respond satisfactorily to certain
health questions in the application. A blood test may be required. This
requirement is generally applicable only to Executive Programs or Corporate
Programs. Similarly, such questions must be answered if, in connection with
the issuance of any children's rider, if the employee is not eligible for
guaranteed issue underwriting, or, even when the employee is eligible, if the
child does not satisfy the guaranteed issue requirements set forth in the
application for Individual Insurance. However, regardless of which
underwriting procedure is used, acceptance of an application is subject to the
Company's underwriting rules, and the Company reserves the right to reject an
application for any reason.
If a Policy is to be issued to a spouse of an employee who is eligible to
purchase a Policy under a Group Contract or an employer-sponsored insurance
program, the appropriate application for Individual Insurance must be
supplied. The spouse will be subject to the simplified underwriting procedure
described above. Guaranteed issue is not available. Spouse coverage is
generally not available under Executive Program Policies or Corporate Program
Policies.
The Issue Date is the effective date for all coverage provided in the
original application for Individual Insurance. The Issue Date is used to
determine Policy Anniversaries, Policy Years, and Policy Months. A Policy
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<PAGE>
will not take effect until the appropriate application for Individual
Insurance is signed, the initial premium has been paid prior to the Insured's
death, the Insured is eligible for it, and the information in the application
is determined to be acceptable to the Company. However, prior to the actual
issuance of a Policy which is being underwritten on a guaranteed issue basis,
interim insurance in the amount of insurance applied for up to the Guaranteed
Issue Amount may be available and, if so, will start as of the date of the
application. Interim insurance ends on the earliest of the following dates:
(a) the date insurance begins on the Policy applied for; (b) the date a Policy
other than the Policy applied for is offered to the applicant; (c) the date
the Company notifies the applicant that the application for any proposed
Insured is declined; (d) 60 days from the date of application; or (e)
termination of employment with the Contractholder or sponsoring employer.
PREMIUMS
The initial premium is due on the Issue Date, and usually will be remitted
by the Contractholder or employer on behalf of the Owner. The Company requires
that the initial premium for a Policy be at least equal to one-twelfth ( 1/12)
of the planned annual premium for the Policy set forth in the specifications
pages. The planned annual premium is an amount specified for each Policy based
on the requested initial Face Amount, the Issue Age of the Insured and the
charges under the Policy. (See "Charges and Deductions.") However, the Owner
is not required to pay premiums equal to the planned annual premium.
Premiums remitted by a Contractholder or sponsoring employer or designated
payor shall be applied to a Policy as of the Valuation Date received by the
Company. Premiums will be deemed to be received on a Valuation Date when both
supporting documentation necessary to enable the determination of the amount
of premium per Policy and the cash premium have been received by the Company
at its Home Office.
Following the initial premium, subject to the limitations described below,
premiums may be paid in any amount and at any interval. Under Group Contracts
and Individual Policies issued in connection with other employer-sponsored
insurance programs, the planned annual premium usually will be remitted by the
Contractholder or sponsoring employer on behalf of the Owner pursuant to a
planned premium payment schedule which will provide for premium payments in a
level amount at fixed intervals agreed to by the Contractholder or employer
and the Company (usually monthly). The amount of the premiums remitted by the
sponsoring employer or Contractholder will be that amount authorized to be
deducted by the employee. The Owner may skip planned premium payments. Failure
to pay one or more planned premium payments will not cause the Policy to lapse
until such time as the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient to cover the next
Monthly Deduction. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and
Reinstatement.")
In addition to any planned payments made, an Owner may make unscheduled
premium payments at any time in any amount, subject to the minimum and maximum
premium limitations described below. The payment of an unscheduled premium
payment may have Federal income tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Moreover, as mentioned above, an Owner may also skip planned premium payments.
Therefore, unlike conventional insurance policies, a Policy does not obligate
the Owner to pay premiums in accordance with a rigid and inflexible premium
schedule.
Failure of the Contractholder to remit the planned premium payments
authorized by its employees may cause the Group Contract to terminate. (See
"General Provisions of the Group Contract--Termination.") Nonetheless,
provided that there is sufficient Cash Surrender Value to prevent the Policy
from lapsing, the Individual Insurance provided will automatically continue in
the event of such termination. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Eligibility
Change Conversion.") Individual Insurance will also continue if the employee's
employment with the Contractholder or sponsoring employer terminates. In
either circumstance, an Owner of an Individual Policy (or a Certificate
converted by amendment to an Individual Policy) will establish a new schedule
of planned premiums which will have the same planned annual premium, but
ordinarily the payment intervals will be no more frequent than quarterly. In
Corporate Programs, there will generally be no change in planned or scheduled
premiums upon the discontinuing employment of an Insured.
Premium Limitations. Every premium payment remitted by or on behalf of an
Owner must be at least $20. In no event may the total of all premiums paid
under a Policy in any Policy Year exceed the current maximum
18
<PAGE>
premium limitations for that year established by Federal tax laws. The maximum
premium limitation for a Policy Year is the most premium that can be paid in
that Policy Year such that the sum of the premiums paid under the Policy will
not at any time exceed the guideline premium limitations referred to in
section 7702(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any successor
provision. If at any time a premium is paid which would result in total
premiums exceeding the current maximum premium limitation, the Company will
accept only that portion of the premium which will make total premiums equal
the maximum. Any part of the premium in excess of that amount will be returned
directly to the Owner within 60 days of the end of the Policy Year in which
payment is received or applied as otherwise agreed and no further premiums
will be accepted until allowed by the current maximum premium limitations
prescribed by Federal tax law. See "Federal Tax Matters" for a further
explanation of premium limitations. Section 7702A creates an additional
premium limitation, which, if exceeded, can change the tax status of a Policy
to that of a "modified endowment contract." A modified endowment contract is a
life insurance contract, withdrawals from which are, for tax purposes, treated
first as a distribution of any taxable income under the contract, and then as
a distribution of nontaxable investment in the contract. Additionally, such
withdrawals may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. The Company
has adopted administrative steps designed to notify an Owner when it is
believed that a premium payment will cause a Policy to become a modified
endowment contract. The Company has administrative procedures to prevent a
modified endowment contract by monitoring premium limits. The Owner will be
given a limited amount of time to request that the premium be reversed in
order to avoid the Policy's being classified as a modified endowment contract.
(See "Federal Tax Matters.")
ALLOCATION OF NET PREMIUMS AND CASH VALUE
Net Premiums. The net premium equals the premium paid less the premium
expense charge less any charge to compensate the Company for anticipated
higher corporate income taxes resulting from the sale of a Policy less the
premium tax charge. (See "Charges and Deductions--Sales Charges.")
Allocation of Net Premiums. In the application for a Policy, the Owner
indicates how net premiums are to be allocated among the Divisions of the
Separate Account. Beginning with the initial premium payment, all premiums
will be allocated in accordance with the Owner's instructions upon receipt of
the premiums at the Company's Home Office. However, the minimum percentage,
other than zero ("0"), that may be allocated to a Division is 10 percent of
the net premium, and fractional percentages may not be used.
The allocation for future net premiums may be changed without charge at any
time by providing notice in writing directly to the Company. Any change in
allocation will take effect immediately upon receipt by the Company of the
written notification. No charge is imposed for changing the allocations of
future net premiums.
The Policy's Cash Value also may be transferred between the Divisions of the
Separate Account. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Transfers.")
The value of amounts allocated to Divisions of the Separate Account will
vary with the investment performance of the chosen Divisions and the Owner
bears the entire investment risk. This will affect the Policy's Cash Value,
and may affect the death benefit as well. Owners should periodically review
their allocations of premiums and values in light of market conditions and
overall financial planning requirements.
POLICY LAPSE AND REINSTATEMENT
Lapse. Unlike conventional life insurance policies, the failure to make a
premium payment following the initial premium will not itself cause a Policy
to lapse. Lapse will occur only when the Cash Surrender Value is insufficient
to cover the monthly deduction, and a grace period expires without a
sufficient payment being made. (See also "General Provisions of the Group
Contract--Grace Period--Termination.")
The grace period, which is 62 days, begins on the Monthly Anniversary on
which the Cash Surrender Value becomes insufficient to meet the next monthly
deduction, premium expense charge, and premium tax charge.
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<PAGE>
The Company will notify the Owner at the beginning of the grace period by mail
addressed to the last known address on file with the Company. The notice will
specify the amount of premium required to keep the Policy in force and the
date the payment is due. Subject to minimum premium requirements, the amount
of the premium required to keep the Policy in force will be the amount of the
current monthly deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions.") If the Company does
not receive the required amount within the grace period, the Policy will lapse
and terminate without Cash Value. If the Insured dies during the grace period,
any overdue monthly deductions will be deducted from the death benefit
otherwise payable.
Reinstatement. The Owner may reinstate a lapsed Policy by written
application any time within five years after the date of lapse and before the
Maturity Date. The right to reinstate a lapsed Policy will not be affected
by the termination of a Group Contract or the termination of an employee's
employment during the reinstatement period. Reinstatement is subject to the
following conditions:
1. Evidence of the insurability of the Insured satisfactory to the
Company (including evidence of insurability of any person covered by a
rider to reinstate the rider).
2. Payment of a premium that, after the deduction of any premium expense
charge and any premium tax charge, is large enough to cover: (a) the
monthly deductions due at the time of lapse, and (b) two times the monthly
deduction due at the time of reinstatement.
3. Payment or reinstatement of any Indebtedness. Any Indebtedness
reinstated will cause a Cash Value of an equal amount also to be
reinstated. Any loan paid at the time of reinstatement will cause an
increase in Cash Value equal to the amount of the repaid loan.
4. The Policy cannot be reinstated if it has been surrendered.
The amount of Cash Value on the date of reinstatement will be equal to the
amount of any Indebtedness reinstated, increased by the net premiums paid at
reinstatement and any loans paid at the time of reinstatement.
The effective date of reinstatement will be the date of approval by the
Company of the application for reinstatement. There will be a full monthly
deduction for the Policy Month that includes that date.
POLICY BENEFITS
DEATH BENEFIT
As long as the Policy remains in force, the Company will, upon proof of the
Insured's death, pay the death benefit proceeds of a Policy in accordance with
the death benefit option in effect at the time of the Insured's death. Payment
of death benefit proceeds will not be affected by termination of the Group
Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program or by termination of an
employee's employment.
If a rider permitting the accelerated payment of death benefit proceeds has
been added to the Policy, the death benefit may be paid in a single sum prior
to the death of the Insured and may be less than otherwise would be paid upon
the death of the Insured. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Additional Insurance Benefits.")
The amount of the death benefit proceeds payable will be determined at the
end of the Valuation Period during which the Insured's death occurred. The
proceeds may be paid in a single sum or under one or more of the settlement
options set forth in the Policy. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment
of Policy Benefits.") Death benefit proceeds will be paid to the surviving
Beneficiary or Beneficiaries specified in the application or as subsequently
changed.
The Policy provides two death benefit options: a "Level Type" death benefit
("Option A") and an "Increasing Type" death benefit ("Option B"). Option B
generally will be the only option presented. The death benefit under either
option will never be less than the current Face Amount of the Policy as long
as the Policy remains in force. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--
Policy Lapse and Reinstatement.") The
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<PAGE>
minimum Face Amount currently is $25,000. The maximum Face Amount is generally
$500,000. However, in connection with a particular Group Contract or employer
sponsored insurance program, the Company may establish a substantially higher
Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or program.
Option A. Under Option A, the death benefit is the current Face Amount of
the Policy or, if greater, the applicable percentage of Cash Value on the date
of death. The applicable percentage is 250 percent for an Insured Attained Age
40 or below on the Policy Anniversary prior to the date of death. For Insureds
with an Attained Age over 40 on that Policy Anniversary, the percentage is
lower and declines with age as shown in the Applicable Percentage Table below.
Accordingly, under Option A the death benefit will remain level at the Face
Amount unless the applicable percentage of Cash Value exceeds the current Face
Amount, in which case the amount of the death benefit will vary as the Cash
Value varies. Owners who prefer to have favorable investment performance
reflected in higher Cash Value for the same Face Amount, rather than increased
death benefit, generally should select Option A.
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPLICABLE
ATTAINED AGE PERCENTAGE
- ------------ ----------
<S> <C>
40 or younger........... 250%
41...................... 243
42...................... 236
43...................... 229
44...................... 222
45...................... 215
46...................... 209
47...................... 203
48...................... 197
49...................... 191
50...................... 185
51...................... 178
52...................... 171
53...................... 164
54...................... 157
55...................... 150
56...................... 146
57...................... 142
58...................... 138
59...................... 134
60...................... 130
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
APPLICABLE
ATTAINED AGE PERCENTAGE
- ------------ ----------
<S> <C>
61...................... 128%
62...................... 126
63...................... 124
64...................... 122
65...................... 120
66...................... 119
67...................... 118
68...................... 117
69...................... 116
70...................... 115
71...................... 113
72...................... 111
73...................... 109
74...................... 107
75 to 90................ 105
91...................... 104
92...................... 103
93...................... 102
94...................... 101
95 or older............. 100
</TABLE>
The applicable percentages in the foregoing table are based on Federal tax
law requirements described in Section 7702(d) of the Code. The Company
reserves the right to alter the applicable percentage to the extent necessary
to comply with changes to Section 7702(d) or any successor provision thereto.
Option B. Under Option B, the death benefit is equal to the current Face
Amount plus the Cash Value of the Policy or, if greater, the applicable
percentage of the Cash Value on the date of death. The applicable percentage
is the same as under Option A: 250 percent for an Insured with an Attained Age
of 40 or below on the Policy Anniversary prior to the date of death, and for
Insureds with an Attained Age over 40 on that Policy Anniversary the
percentage declines as shown in the Applicable Percentage Table above.
Accordingly, under Option B the amount of the death benefit will always vary
as the Cash Value varies (but will never be less than the Face Amount). Owners
who prefer to have favorable investment performance reflected in higher death
benefits for the same Face Amount generally should select Option B. All other
factors equal, for the same premium dollar, Option B provides lower initial
Face Amount resulting in earlier cash accumulation.
Change in Death Benefit Option. After the first Policy Anniversary, the
Owner may change the death benefit option in effect. The Company reserves the
right to limit the number of changes in death benefit options to one
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<PAGE>
each Policy Year. A request for change must be made directly to the Company in
writing. The effective date of such a change will be the Monthly Anniversary
on or following the date the Company receives the change request.
If the death benefit option is changed from Option A to Option B, the Face
Amount after the change will equal the Face Amount before the change less the
Cash Value on the effective date of the change. Satisfactory evidence of
insurability must be submitted directly to the Company in connection with a
request for a change from Option A to Option B. This change may not be made if
it would result in a Face Amount of less than $25,000.
If the death benefit option is changed from Option B to Option A, the Face
Amount after the change will equal the Face Amount before the change plus the
Cash Value on the effective date of change.
A change in death benefit option will not in itself result in an immediate
change in the amount of a Policy's death benefit or Cash Value. No charges
will be imposed upon a change from death benefit Option B to Option A.
Changing from Option A to Option B, however, will result in a decrease in the
Face Amount. In addition, if, prior to or accompanying a change in the death
benefit option, there has been an increase in the Face Amount, the cost of
insurance charge may be different for the increased amount. (See "Charges and
Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.")
No change in death benefit option will be permitted that results in the
death benefit under a Policy being included in gross income due to not
satisfying the requirements of Federal tax law. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Change in Face Amount. Subject to certain limitations set forth below, an
Owner may increase or decrease the Face Amount of a Policy (without changing
the death benefit option) after the first Policy Anniversary. A written
request for a change in the Face Amount must be sent directly to the Company.
A change in Face Amount may affect the cost of insurance rate and the net
amount at risk, both of which affect an Owner's cost of insurance charge. (See
"Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--Cost of Insurance.") In addition,
a change in Face Amount may have Federal income tax consequences. (See
"Federal Tax Matters.")
Any decrease in the Face Amount will become effective on the Monthly
Anniversary on or following receipt of the written request by the Company. The
amount of the requested decrease must be at least $5,000 and the Face Amount
remaining in force after any requested decrease may not be less than the
minimum amount Face Amount, generally $25,000. If, following a decrease in
Face Amount, the Policy would not comply with the maximum premium limitations
required by Federal tax law (see "Payment and Allocation of Premiums"), the
decrease may be limited or Cash Value may be returned to the Owner (at the
Owner's election), to the extent necessary to meet these requirements. A
decrease in the Face Amount will reduce the Face Amount in the following
order:
(a) The Face Amount provided by the most recent increase;
(b) The next most recent increases successively; and
(c) The initial Face Amount.
This order of reduction will be used to determine the amount of subsequent
cost of insurance charges (see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly Deduction--
Cost of Insurance").
For an increase in the Face Amount, the Company requires that satisfactory
evidence of insurability be submitted. If approved, the increase will become
effective on the Monthly Anniversary on or following receipt of the
satisfactory evidence of insurability. In addition, the Insured must have an
Attained Age of not greater than 80 on the effective date of the increase. The
amount of the increase may not be less than $5,000. The Face Amount may not be
increased more than the maximum Face Amount for that Policy, generally
$500,000. However, in connection with a particular Group Contract or employer-
sponsored insurance program, the Company may establish a substantially higher
Face Amount for Policies issued under that Contract or program.
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<PAGE>
Although an increase need not necessarily be accompanied by an additional
premium (unless it is required to meet the next monthly deduction), the Cash
Surrender Value in effect immediately after the increase must be sufficient to
cover the next monthly deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions--Monthly
Deduction.") An increase in the Face Amount may result in certain additional
charges. (See "Charges and Deductions.")
An increase in Face Amount may be cancelled within the later of 20 days from
the date the Owner received the new Policy specifications page for the
increase, within 10 days of mailing the right to cancellation notice to the
Owner, or within 45 days after the application for an increase was signed.
Upon cancellation, any additional charges, which would not have been assessed
without the increase, will be refunded to the Owner if requested. If a request
for a refund is not made, the charges will be restored to the Policy's Cash
Value and allocated to Divisions of the Separate Account in the same manner as
they were deducted. Premiums paid following an increase in Face Amount and
prior to the time the right to cancel the increase expires will become part of
the Policy's Cash Value and will not be subject to refund. (See "Policy Rights
and Privileges--Right to Examine Policy.")
Methods of Affecting Insurance Protection. An Owner may increase or decrease
the pure insurance protection provided by a Policy--the difference between the
death benefit and the Cash Value--in several ways as insurance needs change.
These ways include increasing or decreasing the Face Amount, changing the
level of premium payments, and, to a lesser extent, making partial withdrawals
from the Policy. Although the consequences of each of these methods will
depend upon the individual circumstances, they may be generally summarized as
follows:
(a) A decrease in the Face Amount will, subject to the applicable
percentage limitations (see "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit"), decrease the
pure insurance protection and the cost of insurance charges under the
Policy without reducing the Cash Value.
(b) An increase in the Face Amount may increase the amount of pure
insurance protection, depending on the amount of Cash Value and the
resultant applicable percentage limitation. If the insurance protection is
increased, the Policy charges generally will increase as well.
(c) An increased level of premium payments will reduce the pure insurance
protection if Option A is in effect. However, when the applicable
percentage of Cash Value exceeds either the Face Amount (if Option A is in
effect) or the Cash Value plus the Face Amount (if Option B is in effect),
increased premium payments will increase the pure insurance protection.
Increased premiums should also increase the amount of funds available to
keep the Policy in force.
(d) A reduced level of premium payments generally will increase the
amount of pure insurance protection, depending on the applicable percentage
limitations. If the reduced level of premium payments is insufficient to
cover monthly deductions or to offset negative investment performance, Cash
Value may also decrease, which in turn will increase the possibility that
the Policy will lapse. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy
Lapse and Reinstatement.")
(e) A partial withdrawal will reduce the death benefit. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial Withdrawals.") However, it
only affects the amount of pure insurance protection and cost of insurance
charges if the death benefit before or after the withdrawal is based on the
applicable percentage of Cash Value, because otherwise the decrease in the
death benefit is offset by the amount of Cash Value withdrawn. The primary
use of a partial withdrawal is to withdraw Cash Value.
Payment of Death Benefit Proceeds. Death benefit proceeds under the Policy
ordinarily will be paid within seven days after the Company receives all
documentation required for such a payment at its Home Office. Payment may,
however, be postponed in certain circumstances. (See "General Matters Relating
to the Policy--Postponement of Payments," page 30.) The Owner may decide the
form in which the proceeds will be paid. During the Insured's lifetime, the
Owner may arrange for the death benefit proceeds to be paid in a single sum or
under one or more of the optional methods of settlement described below. The
death benefit will be increased by the amount of the monthly cost of insurance
for the portion of the month from the date of death to the end of
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<PAGE>
the month, and reduced by any outstanding Indebtedness. (See "General Matters
Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits," and "Charges and
Deductions.")
When no election for an optional method of settlement is in force at the
death of the Insured, the Beneficiary may select one or more of the optional
methods of settlement at any time before death benefit proceeds are paid. (See
"Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment of Policy Benefits.")
An election or change of method of settlement must be in writing. A change
in Beneficiary revokes any previous settlement election. Once payments have
begun, the settlement option may not be changed.
CASH VALUE
The Cash Value of the Policy is equal to the total of the Policy's Cash
Value in the Separate Account and the Loan Account. The Policy's Cash Value in
the Separate Account will reflect the investment performance of the chosen
Divisions of the Separate Account, the frequency and amount of net premiums
paid, transfers, partial withdrawals, Policy Loans, loan account interest rate
credited, and the charges assessed in connection with the Policy. An Owner may
at any time surrender the Policy and receive the Policy's Cash Surrender
Value. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and Partial
Withdrawals.") There is no guaranteed minimum Cash Value.
Determination of Cash Value. Cash Value is determined on a daily basis. On
the Investment Start Date, the Cash Value in a Division will equal the portion
of any net premium allocated to the Division, reduced by the portion of the
monthly deductions due from the Issue Date through the Investment Start Date
allocated to that Division. Depending upon the length of time between the
Issue Date and the Investment Start Date, this amount may be more than the
amount of one monthly deduction. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums.")
Thereafter, on each Valuation Date, the Cash Value in a Division of the
Separate Account will equal:
(1) The Cash Value in the Division on the preceding Valuation Date,
multiplied by the Division's Net Investment Factor (defined below) for
the current Valuation Period; plus
(2) Any net premium payments received during the current Valuation Period
which are allocated to the Division; plus
(3) Any loan repayments allocated to the Division during the current
Valuation Period; plus
(4) Any amounts transferred to the Division from another Division during
the current Valuation Period; plus
(5) That portion of the interest credited on outstanding Policy Loans which
is allocated to the Division during the current Valuation Period; minus
(6) Any amounts transferred from the Division during the current Valuation
Period plus transfer charges if any; minus
(7) Any partial withdrawals plus any partial withdrawal transaction charge,
from the Division during the current Valuation Period; minus
(8) If a Monthly Anniversary occurs during the current Valuation Period,
the portion of the monthly deduction allocated to the Division during
the current Valuation Period to cover the Policy Month which starts
during that Valuation Period. (See "Charges and Deductions.")
The Policy's Cash Value in the Separate Account equals the sum of the Policy's
Cash Values in each Division.
Net Investment Factor. The Net Investment Factor measures the investment
performance of a Division during a Valuation Period. The Net Investment Factor
for each Division for a Valuation Period is calculated as follows:
(1) The value of the assets at the end of the preceding Valuation Period;
plus
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<PAGE>
(2) The investment income and capital gains--realized or unrealized--
credited to the assets in the Valuation Period for which the Net
Investment Factor is being determined; minus
(3) The capital losses, realized or unrealized, charged against those
assets during the Valuation Period; minus
(4) Any amount charged against each Division for taxes or other economic
burden resulting from the application of tax laws, determined by the
Company to be properly attributable to the Divisions of the Separate
Account or the Policy, or any amount set aside during the Valuation
Period as a reserve for taxes attributable to the operation or
maintenance of each Division; minus
(5) A charge not to exceed .0024547% of the net assets for each day in the
Valuation Period. This corresponds to 0.90% per year for mortality and
expense risks; divided by
(6) The value of the assets at the end of the preceding Valuation Period.
The Company may use an equivalent method to determine Cash Value in each
Division on each Valuation Date in lieu of the Net Investment Factor method.
This method directly determines the units of Cash Value in each Division and
the corresponding unit value. Unit value is obtained as follows:
(1) The value of assets in a Division are obtained by multiplying shares
outstanding by the net asset value as of the Valuation Date: minus
(2) A reduction based upon a charge not to exceed .0024547% of the net
assets for each day in the Valuation Period is made (This corresponds
to 0.90% per year for mortality and expense risk charge); divided by
(3) Aggregate units outstanding in the Division at the end of the preceding
Valuation Period.
POLICY RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES
EXERCISING RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES UNDER THE POLICIES
Owners of Policies issued under a Group Contract or in connection with an
employer-sponsored insurance program may exercise their rights and privileges
under the Policies (i.e., make transfers, change premium allocations, borrow,
etc.) by directly notifying the Company in writing at its Home Office. The
Company will send all reports and other notices described herein or in the
Policy directly to the Owner.
LOANS
Loan Privileges. After the first Policy Anniversary, the Owner may, by
written request directly to the Company, borrow an amount up to the Loan Value
of the Policy, with the Policy serving as sole security for such loan. The
Loan Value is equal to (a) minus (b), where (a) is 85 percent of the Cash
Value of the Policy on the date the Policy Loan is requested and (b) is the
amount of any outstanding Indebtedness. Loan interest is due and payable in
arrears on each Policy Anniversary or on a pro rata basis for such shorter
period as the loan may exist. The minimum amount that may be borrowed is $100.
The loan may be completely or partially repaid at any time while the Insured
is living. Any amount due to an Owner under a Policy Loan ordinarily will be
paid within seven days after the Company receives the loan request at its Home
Office, although payments may be postponed under certain circumstances. (See
"General Matters Relating to the Policy--Postponement of Payments.")
When a Policy Loan is made, Cash Value equal to the amount of the loan will
be transferred to the Loan Account as security for the loan. Unless the Owner
requests a different allocation, amounts will be transferred from the
Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion that the Policy's
Cash Value in each Division bears to the Policy's total Cash Value, less the
Cash Value in the Loan Account, at the end of the Valuation Period during
which the request for a Policy Loan is received. This will reduce the Policy's
Cash Value in the
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<PAGE>
Separate Account. These transactions will not be considered transfers for
purposes of the limitations on transfers between Divisions.
Loan Account Interest Rate Credited. Cash Value transferred to the Loan
Account to secure a Policy Loan will accrue interest daily at an annual rate
not less than five percent. The rate is declared by action of Company
management as authorized by the Board of Directors of the Company. The Loan
Account interest credited will be transferred to the Divisions of the Separate
Account: (1) each Policy Anniversary; (2) when a new loan is made; (3) when a
loan is partially or fully repaid; and (4) when an amount is needed to meet a
monthly deduction.
Interest Rate Charged for Policy Loans. The interest rate charged will be at
an annual rate of eight percent. Interest charged will be due and payable
annually in arrears on each Policy Anniversary or for such shorter period as
the Policy Loan may exist. If the Owner does not pay the interest charged when
it is due, an amount of Cash Value equal to that which is due will be
transferred to the Loan Account. (See "Effect of Policy Loans.") The amount
transferred will be deducted from the Divisions of the Separate Account in the
same proportion that the portion of the Cash Value in each Division bears to
the total Cash Value of the Policy minus the Cash Value in the Loan Account.
Effect of Policy Loans. A loan taken from, or secured by, a Policy may have
Federal income tax consequences. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Whether or not a Policy Loan is repaid, it will permanently affect the Cash
Value of a Policy, and may permanently affect the amount of the death benefit,
even if the loan is repaid. This is because the collateral for the Policy Loan
(the amount held in the Loan Account) does not participate in the performance
of the Separate Account while the loan is outstanding. If the Loan Account
interest credited is less than the investment performance of the selected
Division, the Policy values will be lower as a result of the loan. Conversely,
if the Loan Account interest credited is higher than the investment
performance of the Division, the Policy values may be higher.
In addition, if the Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value on any Monthly
Anniversary, the Policy may lapse, subject to a grace period. (See "Charges
and Deductions.") A sufficient payment must be made within the later of the
grace period of 62 days from the Monthly Anniversary immediately before the
date Indebtedness exceeds the Cash Value, or 31 days after notice that the
Policy will terminate without a sufficient payment has been mailed, or the
Policy will lapse and terminate without value. A lapsed Policy, however, may
later be reinstated. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse
and Reinstatement.")
All outstanding Indebtedness will be deducted from the proceeds payable upon
the death of the Insured, surrender, or the maturity of the Policy.
Repayment of Indebtedness. A Policy Loan may be repaid in whole or in part
at any time prior to the death of the Insured and as long as a Policy is in
effect. All repayments should be made directly to the Company at its Home
Office. Amounts paid while a Policy Loan is outstanding will be treated as
premiums unless the Owner requests in writing that they be treated as
repayment of Indebtedness. When a loan repayment is made, an amount securing
the Indebtedness in the Loan Account equal to the loan repayment will be
transferred to the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion
that Cash Value in the Loan Account bears to the Cash Value in each Loan
Subaccount. A Loan Subaccount exists for each Division of the Separate
Account. Amounts transferred to the Loan Account to secure Indebtedness are
allocated to the appropriate Loan Subaccount to reflect their origin.
SURRENDER AND PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS
During the lifetime of the Insured and while a Policy is in force, the Owner
may surrender, or make a partial withdrawal under, the Policy by sending a
written request to the Company. Any restrictions are described below. The
amount available upon surrender is the Cash Surrender Value (described below)
at the end of the Valuation
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<PAGE>
Period during which the surrender request is received at the Company's Home
Office. Amounts payable upon surrender or a partial withdrawal ordinarily will
be paid within seven days of receipt of the written request. (See "General
Matters Relating to the Policy--Postponement of Payments.") Surrenders and
partial withdrawals may have Federal income tax consequences. (See "Federal
Tax Matters.")
Surrender. To effect a surrender, the Policy itself must be returned to the
Company along with the request, or the request must be accompanied by a
completed affidavit of lost policy, which is available from the Company. Upon
surrender, the Company will pay the Cash Surrender Value to the Owner. The
Cash Surrender Value equals the Cash Value on the date of surrender, less any
Indebtedness. Surrender proceeds will be paid in a single sum. If the request
is received on a Monthly Anniversary, the monthly deduction otherwise
deductible will be included in the amount paid. Coverage under a Policy will
terminate as of the date of surrender.
Partial Withdrawals. After the first Policy Year, an Owner may make up to
one partial withdrawal each Policy Month from the Separate Account. The
minimum amount of a partial withdrawal, net of any transaction charges, is at
least $500. The minimum amount that can be withdrawn from a Division is $50,
or the Policy's Cash Value in a Division, if smaller. The maximum amount that
may be withdrawn, including the partial withdrawal transaction charge, is the
Loan Value. The partial withdrawal transaction charge is equal to the lesser
of $25 or two percent of the amount withdrawn. The Owner may allocate the
amount withdrawn, subject to the above conditions, among the Divisions of the
Separate Account. If no allocation is specified, then the partial withdrawal
will be allocated among the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same
proportion that the Policy's Cash Value in each Division bears to the total
Cash Value of the Policy, less the Cash Value in the Loan Account, on the date
the request for the partial withdrawal is received.
A partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount in two situations. First,
if the death benefit Option A is in effect and the death benefit equals the
Face Amount then the partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount, and,
thus, the death benefit by an amount equal to the partial withdrawal plus the
partial withdrawal transaction charge. Second, if the death benefit equals a
percentage of Cash Value (whether Option A or Option B is in effect), then a
partial withdrawal will decrease the Face Amount by the amount that the
partial withdrawal plus the partial withdrawal transaction charge exceeds the
difference between the death benefit and the Face Amount. The death benefit
also will be reduced in this circumstance. If Option B is in effect and the
death benefit equals the Face Amount plus the Cash Value, the partial
withdrawal will not reduce the Face Amount, but it will reduce the Cash Value
and, thus, the death benefit by the amount of the partial withdrawal plus the
partial withdrawal transaction charge. The Face Amount will be decreased in
the following order: (1) the Face Amount at issue; and (2) any increases in
the same order in which they were issued.
Generally, the partial withdrawal transaction charge will be allocated among
the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same proportion as the partial
withdrawal is allocated. If, following a partial withdrawal, insufficient
funds remain in a Division to pay the partial withdrawal transaction charge
allocated to a Division, the unpaid charges will be allocated equally among
the remaining Divisions. In addition, an Owner may request that the partial
withdrawal transaction charge be paid from the Owner's Cash Value in another
Division.
The Face Amount remaining in force after a partial withdrawal may not be
less than $25,000. Any request for a partial withdrawal that would reduce the
Face Amount below this amount will not be executed.
Partial withdrawals may affect the way in which the cost of insurance charge
is calculated and the amount of pure insurance protection afforded under a
Policy. (See "Policy Benefits--Death Benefit--Methods of Affecting Insurance
Protection.")
TRANSFERS
Under the Company's current rules, a Policy's Cash Value, except amounts
credited to the Loan Account, may be transferred among the Divisions of the
Separate Account available with the Policy. Requests for transfers from or
among Divisions of the Separate Account must be made in writing directly to
the Company and may be made once each Policy Month. Transfers must be in
amounts of at least $250 or, if smaller, the Policy's Cash Value in a
Division. The Company will effectuate transfers and determine all values in
connection with transfers as of the end of the Valuation Period during which
the transfer request is received.
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<PAGE>
All requests received on the same Valuation Day will be considered a single
transfer request. Each transfer must meet the minimum requirement of $250 or
the entire Cash Value in a Division. Where a single transfer request calls for
more than one transfer, and not all of the transfers would meet the minimum
requirements, the Company will effectuate those transfers that do meet the
requirements. Transfers resulting from Policy Loans will not be counted for
purposes of the limitations on the amount or frequency of transfers allowed in
each month or year.
Although the Company currently intends to continue to permit transfers for
the foreseeable future, the Policy provides that the Company may modify the
transfer privilege, by changing the minimum amount transferable, by altering
the frequency of transfers, by imposing a transfer charge, by prohibiting
transfers, or in such other manner as the Company may determine at its
discretion.
RIGHT TO EXAMINE POLICY
The Owner may cancel a Policy within 10 days of after receiving it or such
longer period required by state law. If a Policy is cancelled within this time
period, a refund will be paid. The refund will equal all premiums paid under
the Policy.
To cancel the Policy, the Owner should mail or deliver the Policy directly
to the Company. A refund of premiums paid by check may be delayed until the
check has cleared the Owner's bank. (See "General Matters Relating to the
Policy--Postponement of Payments.")
A request for an increase in Face Amount (see "Policy Benefits--Death
Benefit") also may be cancelled. The request for cancellation must be made
within the latest of 20 days from the date the Owner received the new Policy
specifications pages for the increase, 10 days of mailing the right to
cancellation notice to the Owner, or 45 days after the Owner signed the
application for the increase.
Upon cancellation of an increase, the Owner may request that the Company
refund the amount of the additional charges deducted in connection with the
increase. This will equal the amount by which the monthly deductions since the
increase went into effect exceeded the monthly deductions which would have
been made absent the increase (see "Charges and Deductions--Monthly
Deduction"). If no request is made, the Company will increase the Policy's
Cash Value by the amount of these additional charges. This amount will be
allocated among the Divisions of the Separate Account in the same manner as it
was deducted.
CONVERSION RIGHT TO A FIXED BENEFIT POLICY
Once during the first 24 Policy Months following the Issue Date of the
Policy, the Owner may, upon written request, convert a Policy still in force
to a life insurance policy that provides for benefits that do not vary with
the investment return of the Divisions of the Separate Account. In the event a
Certificate has been amended to operate as an Individual Policy following an
Insured's change in eligibility under a Group Contract, the conversion right
will be measured from the Issue Date of the original Certificate. (See "Policy
Rights and Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.") No evidence of
insurability will be required when this right is exercised. However, the
Company will require that the Policy be in force and that the Owner repay any
existing Indebtedness. At the time of the conversion, the new Policy will
have, at the Owner's option, either the same death benefit or the same net
amount at risk as the original Policy. The new Policy will also have the same
Issue Date and Issue Age as the original Policy. The premiums for the new
Policy will be based on the Company's rates in effect for the same Issue Age
and rate class as the original Policy.
ELIGIBILITY CHANGE CONVERSION
If an Insured's eligibility under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored
insurance program ends due to its termination or due to the termination of the
employee's employment, the Insured's coverage will continue unless the Policy
is no longer in force. Even if the Policy is not in force due to lapse, the
right to reinstate and thus to convert a lapsed Policy will not be affected by
the change in the employee's eligibility during the reinstatement period.
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<PAGE>
If a Certificate was issued under the Group Contract, the Certificate will
be amended automatically so that it will continue in force as an Individual
Policy. The rights, benefits, and guaranteed charges will not be altered by
this amendment. The amendment will be mailed to the Owner within 31 days after
the Company receives written notice that (a) the employee's employment ended
or (b) after the termination of the Group Contract. If, at the time the
conversion occurs, the Policy is in a grace period (see "Payment and
Allocation of Premiums--Policy Lapse and Reinstatement"), any premium
necessary to prevent the Policy from lapsing must be paid to the Company at
its Home Office before the new Individual Policy will be mailed. A new planned
premium schedule will be established which will have the same planned annual
premium utilized under the Group Contract, but, ordinarily, the planned
payment intervals will be no more frequent than quarterly. The Company may
allow payment of planned premium through periodic (usually monthly) authorized
electronic funds transfer. Of course, unscheduled premium payments can be made
at any time. (See "Payment and Allocation of Premiums--Premiums.")
If an Individual Policy was issued under the Group Contract or other
employer-sponsored insurance program including a Corporate Program or
Executive Program, the Policy will continue in force following the change in
eligibility. The rights, benefits, and guaranteed charges under the Policy
will remain the same following this change in eligibility.
When an employee's spouse is the Insured under a Policy, the spouse's
insurance coverage also will continue in the event the employee is no longer
eligible. If a Certificate was originally issued to the employee's spouse, the
Certificate will be amended automatically as described above. If an Individual
Policy was originally issued, the Individual Policy will continue as described
above. In addition, if an Associated Company ceases be to under common control
with the Contractholder, the Insureds of the Associated Company (i.e.,
employees of the Associated Company and their spouses) may continue their
insurance in the
manner described above.
PAYMENT OF BENEFITS AT MATURITY
If the Insured is living and the Policy is in force, the Company will pay
the Cash Surrender Value of the Policy to the Owner on the Maturity Date. An
Owner may elect to have amounts payable on the Maturity Date paid in a single
sum or under a settlement option. (See "Policy Rights and Privileges--Payment
of Policy Benefits.") Amounts payable on the Maturity Date ordinarily will be
paid within seven days of that date, although payment may be postponed under
certain circumstances. (See "General Matters Relating to the Policy--
Postponement of Payments.") A Policy will mature if and when the Insured
reaches Attained Age 95.
PAYMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
A lump sum payment will be made. Provisions for settlement of proceeds
different from a lump sum payment may only be made upon written agreement with
the Company.
Settlement Options. The Company may offer settlement options that apply to
the payment of death benefit proceeds, as well as to benefits payable at
maturity. Once a settlement option is in effect, there will no longer be value
in the Separate Account.
Accelerated Death Benefits. The Company offers certain riders which permit
the Owner to elect to receive an accelerated payment of the Policy's death
benefit in a reduced amount under certain circumstances. (See "General Matters
Relating to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
Charges will be deducted in connection with the Policies to compensate the
Company for providing the insurance benefits set forth in the Policies and any
additional benefits added by rider, administering the Policies, incurring
expenses in distributing the Policies, and assuming certain risks in
connection with the Policies. The
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<PAGE>
Company may realize a profit on one or more of these charges, such as the
mortality and expense risk charge. We may use any such profits for any
corporate purpose, including, among other things, payments of sales expenses.
SALES CHARGES
Prior to allocation of net premiums among the Divisions of the Separate
Account, premium payments will be reduced by a front-end sales charge
("premium expense charge") equal to one percent of the premium.
In addition, as a result of OBRA, insurance companies are generally required
to capitalize and amortize certain policy acquisition expenses over a ten year
period rather than currently deducting such expenses. A higher capitalization
expense applies to the deferred acquisition expenses of Policies that are
deemed to be individual contracts under OBRA and will result in a
significantly higher corporate income tax liability for the Company in early
Policy Years. Thus, under Policies that are deemed to be individual contracts
under OBRA, the Company makes an additional charge of 1% of each premium
payment to compensate the Company for the anticipated higher corporate income
taxes that result from the sale of such a Policy. Among other possible
employer-sponsored programs, Corporate Program Policies are deemed to be
individual contracts.
The premium payment less the premium expense charge less any charge to
compensate the Company for anticipated higher corporate income taxes resulting
from the sale of a Policy less the premium tax charge (described below) equals
the net premium.
The sales charges will not change in the event that an Insured is no longer
eligible under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program, but
continues coverage on an individual basis.
PREMIUM TAX CHARGE
Various states and subdivisions impose a tax on premiums received by
insurance companies. Premium taxes vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. To
cover these premium taxes, premium payments will be reduced by a premium tax
charge of 2 percent from all Policies.
MONTHLY DEDUCTION
Charges will be deducted monthly from the Cash Value of each Policy
("monthly deduction") to compensate the Company for (a) certain administrative
costs; (b) insurance underwriting and acquisition expenses in connection with
issuing a Policy; (c) the cost of insurance; and (d) the cost of optional
benefits added by rider. The monthly deduction will be deducted on the
Investment Start Date and on each succeeding Monthly Anniversary. It will be
allocated among each Division of the Separate Account in the same proportion
that a Policy's Cash Value in each Division bears to the total Cash Value of
the Policy, less the Cash Value in the Loan Account, on the date the deduction
is made. Because portions of the monthly deduction, such as the cost of
insurance, can vary from month to month, the monthly deduction itself will
vary in amount from month to month.
Monthly Administrative Charge. The Company has responsibility for the
administration of the Policies and the Separate Account. Administrative
expenses include premium billing and collection, recordkeeping, processing
death benefit claims, cash surrenders, partial withdrawals, Policy changes,
reporting and overhead costs, processing applications, and establishing Policy
records. As reimbursement for administrative expenses related to the
maintenance of each Policy and the Separate Account, the Company assesses a
monthly administration charge from each Policy. The amount of this charge is
set forth in the specifications pages of the Policy and depends on the number
of employees eligible to be covered at issue of a Group Contract or an
employer-sponsored insurance program. The following table sets forth the range
of monthly administrative charges under the Policy:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES FIRST YEAR SUBSEQUENT YEARS
------------------ ---------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
250-499....................... $5.00......................... $2.50
500-999....................... $4.75......................... $2.25
1000+......................... $4.50......................... $2.00
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
For Group Contracts or other employer-sponsored insurance programs with fewer
than 250 eligible employees, those with additional administrative costs, or
those that are offered as Executive Programs or Corporate Programs, the
monthly administrative charge may be higher, but will not exceed $6.00 per
month during the first Policy Year and $3.50 per month in renewal years.
These charges, once established at the time a Policy is issued, are
guaranteed not to increase over the life of the Policy. Nor will the
administrative charge change in the event that the Insured is no longer
eligible for group coverage, but continues coverage on an individual basis. In
addition, where the Company believes that lower administrative costs will be
incurred in connection with a particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored
insurance program due to the number of eligible employees or administrative
support provided by the employer, the Company may modify the above schedule
for that Group Contract or other employer-sponsored insurance program. The
amount of the administrative charge applicable to a particular Policy will be
set forth in specifications pages for that Policy.
Cost of Insurance. The cost of insurance is deducted on each Monthly
Anniversary for the following Policy Month. Because the cost of insurance
depends upon a number of variables, the cost will vary for each Policy Month.
The cost of insurance is determined separately for the initial Face Amount and
for any subsequent increases in Face Amount. The Company will determine the
monthly cost of insurance charge by multiplying the applicable cost of
insurance rate or rates by the net amount at risk for each Policy Month.
The cost of insurance rates are determined at the beginning of each Policy
Year for the initial Face Amount and each increase in Face Amount. The current
cost of insurance rates will be determined by the Company based on its
expectations as to future mortality experience. The Company currently issues
the Policies on a guaranteed issue or simplified underwriting basis without
regard to the sex of the Insured. Whether a Policy is issued on a guaranteed
issue or simplified underwriting basis does not affect the cost of insurance
charge determined for that Policy.
The current cost of insurance rates will be based on the Attained Age of the
Insured, the rate class of the Insured, and possibly the gender mix (i.e., the
proportion of men and women covered under a particular Group Contract or
employer-sponsored program). The cost of insurance rates generally increase as
the Insured's Attained Age increases. An Insured's rate class is generally
based on the number of eligible employees as well as other factors that may
affect the mortality risks assumed by the Company in connection with a
particular Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance program. All other
factors being equal, the cost of insurance rates generally decrease by rate
class as the number of eligible employees in the rate class increase. The
Company reserves the right to change criteria on which a rate class will be
based in the future.
If gender mix is a factor, the Company will estimate the gender mix of the
pool of Insureds under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored insurance
program upon issuance of the Contract. Each year on the Group Contract or
employer-sponsored insurance program's anniversary, the Company may adjust the
rate to reflect the actual gender mix for the particular group. In the event
that the Insured's eligibility under a Group Contract (or other employer-
sponsored insurance program) ceases, the cost of insurance rate will continue
to reflect the gender mix of the pool of Insureds at the time the Insured's
eligibility ceased. However, at some time in the future, the Company reserves
the right to base the gender mix and rate class on the group consisting of
those Insureds who are no longer under a Group Contract or employer-sponsored
program.
The current cost of insurance rates will not be greater than the guaranteed
cost of insurance rates set forth in the Policy. These guaranteed rates are
125 percent of the maximum rates that could be charged based on the 1980
Commissioners Standard Ordinary Mortality Table C ("1980 CSO Table"). The
guaranteed rates are higher than 100 percent of the maximum rates in the 1980
CSO Table because the Company uses guaranteed or simplified underwriting
procedures whereby the insured is not required to submit to a medical or
paramedical examination. The current cost of insurance rates are generally
lower than 100 percent of the 1980 CSO Table. Any change in the actual cost of
insurance rates, except those changes made to adjust for changes in the gender
mix of the pool of Insureds under a particular Group Contract or employer-
sponsored insurance program, will
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apply to all persons of the same Attained Age and rate class whose initial
Face Amounts or increases in Face Amount have been in force for the same
length of time. (For purposes of computing guideline premiums under Section
7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Company will use
100 percent of the 1980 CSO Table.)
The net amount at risk for a Policy Month is (a) the death benefit at the
beginning of the Policy Month divided by 1.0040741 (which reduces the net
amount at risk, solely for purposes of computing the cost of insurance, by
taking into account assumed monthly earnings at an annual rate of five
percent), less (b) the Cash Value at the beginning of the Policy Month.
The net amount at risk may be affected by changes in the Cash Value or
changes in the Face Amount of the Policy. If there is an increase in the Face
Amount and the rate class applicable to the increase is different from that
for the initial Face Amount, the net amount at risk will be calculated
separately for each rate class. If Option A is in effect, for purposes of
determining the net amounts at risk for each rate class, Cash Value will first
be considered a part of the initial Face Amount. If the Cash Value is greater
than the initial Face Amount, the excess Cash Value will then be considered a
part of each increase in order, starting with the first increase. If Option B
is in effect, the net amount at risk for each rate class will be determined by
the Face Amount associated with that rate class. In calculating the cost of
insurance charge, the cost of insurance rate for a Face Amount is applied to
the net amount at risk for the corresponding rate class.
Because the calculation of the net amount at risk is different under Option
A and Option B when more than one rate class is in effect, a change in the
death benefit option may result in a different net amount at risk for each
rate class than would have occurred had the death benefit option not been
changed. Since the cost of insurance is calculated separately for each rate
class, any change in the net amount at risk resulting from a change in the
death benefit option may affect the total cost of insurance paid by the Owner.
Partial withdrawals and decreases in Face Amount will affect the manner in
which the net amount at risk for each rate class is calculated. (See "Policy
Benefits--Death Benefit," and "Policy Rights and Privileges--Surrender and
Partial Withdrawals.")
Additional Insurance Benefits. The monthly deduction will include charges
for any additional benefits provided by rider. (See "General Matters Relating
to the Policy--Additional Insurance Benefits.")
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL TRANSACTION CHARGE
A transaction charge which is the lesser of $25 or two percent of the
amount withdrawn will be assessed on each partial withdrawal, to cover
administrative costs incurred in processing the partial withdrawal.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT CHARGES
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge. The Company will deduct a daily charge
from the Separate Account at the rate not to exceed .0024547% of the net
assets of each Division of the Separate Account, which equals an annual rate
of .90% of those net assets. This deduction is guaranteed not to increase for
the duration of the Policy. The Company may realize a profit from this charge.
The mortality risk assumed by the Company is that Insureds may die sooner
than anticipated and that therefore the Company will pay an aggregate amount
of death benefits greater than anticipated. The expense risk assumed is that
expenses incurred in issuing and administering the Policy will exceed the
amounts realized from the administrative charges assessed against the Policy.
Federal Taxes. Currently no charge is made to the Separate Account for
Federal income taxes that may be attributable to the Separate Account. The
Company may, however, make such a charge in the future. Charges for other
taxes, if any, attributable to the Account may also be made. (See "Federal Tax
Matters.")
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Expenses of the Funds. The value of the net assets of the Separate Account
will reflect the investment advisory fee and other expenses incurred by the
Funds. (See "The Company and the Separate Account--the Underlying Funds.")
GENERAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE POLICY
POSTPONEMENT OF PAYMENTS
Payment of any amount due from the Separate Account upon surrender, partial
withdrawals, election of an accelerated death benefit under a rider, death of
the Insured, or the Maturity Date, as well as payments of a Policy loan and
transfers, may be postponed whenever: (i) the New York Stock Exchange is
closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or trading on the
New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; (ii) the SEC
by order permits postponement for the protection of Owners; or (iii) an
emergency exists, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which disposal of
securities is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
to determine the value of the Separate Account's net assets.
Payments under the Policy of any amounts derived from premiums paid by check
may be delayed until such time as the check has cleared the Owner's bank.
THE CONTRACT
The Policy, the attached application, any riders, endorsements, any
application for an increase in Face Amount, and any application for
reinstatement constitute the entire contract between the Owner and the
Company. Apart from the rights and benefits described in the Certificate or
Individual Policy and incorporated by reference into the Group Contract, the
Owner has no rights under the Group Contract. All statements made by the
Insured in the application are considered representations and not warranties,
except in the case of fraud. Only statements in the application and any
supplemental applications can be used to contest a claim or the validity of
the Policy. Any change to the Policy must be approved in writing by the
President, a Vice President, or the Secretary of the Company. No agent has the
authority to alter or modify any of the terms, conditions, or agreements of
the Policy or to waive any of its provisions.
CONTROL OF POLICY
The Insured will be considered Owner of the Policy unless another person is
shown as the Owner in the application. Ownership may be changed, however, as
described below. The Owner is entitled to all rights provided by the Policy,
prior to its Maturity Date. After the Maturity Date, the Owner cannot change
the payee nor the mode of payment, unless otherwise provided in the Policy.
Any person whose rights of ownership depend upon some future event will not
possess any present rights of ownership. If there is more than one Owner at a
given time, all must exercise the rights of ownership. If the Owner should
die, and the Owner is not the Insured, the Owner's interest will go to his or
her estate unless otherwise provided.
BENEFICIARY
The Beneficiary(ies) is (are) the person(s) specified in the application or
by later designation. Unless otherwise stated in the Policy, the Beneficiary
has no rights in a Policy before the death of the Insured. If there is more
than one Beneficiary at the death of the Insured, each will receive equal
payments unless otherwise provided by the Owner. If no Beneficiary is living
at the death of the Insured, the proceeds will be payable to the Owner or, if
the Owner is not living, to the Owner's estate.
CHANGE OF OWNER OR BENEFICIARY
The Owner may change the ownership and/or Beneficiary designation by written
request in a form acceptable to the Company at any time during the Insured's
lifetime. The Company may require that the Policy be returned for endorsement
of any change. The change will take effect as of the date the request is
signed,
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whether or not the Insured is living when the request is received at the
Company's Home Office. The Company will not be liable for any payment made or
action taken before the Company received the written request for change. If
the Owner is also a Beneficiary of the Policy at the time of the Insured's
death, the Owner may, within 60 days of the Insured's death, designate another
person to receive the Policy proceeds.
POLICY CHANGES
The Company reserves the right to limit the number of Policy changes to one
per Policy Year and to restrict such changes in the first Policy Year.
Currently, no change may be made during the first Policy Year. For this
purpose, changes include increases or decreases in Face Amount and changes in
the death benefit option. No change will be permitted that would result in the
death benefit under a Policy being included in gross income due to not
satisfying the requirements of Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code or
any applicable successor provision.
CONFORMITY WITH STATUTES
If any provision in a Policy is in conflict with the laws of the state
governing the Policy, the provision will be deemed to be amended to conform to
such laws.
CLAIMS OF CREDITORS
To the extent permitted by law, neither the Policy nor any payment
thereunder will be subject to the claims of creditors or to any legal process.
INCONTESTABILITY
The Policy is incontestable after it has been in force for two years from
the Issue Date during the lifetime of the Insured. An increase in Face Amount
or addition of a rider after the Issue Date is incontestable after such
increase or addition has been in force for two years from its effective date
during the lifetime of the Insured. Any reinstatement of a Policy is
incontestable, except for nonpayment of premiums, only after it has been in
force during the lifetime of the Insured for two years after the effective
date of the reinstatement.
ASSIGNMENT
The Company will be bound by an assignment of a Policy only if: (a) it is in
writing; (b) the original instrument or a certified copy is filed with the
Company at its Home Office; and (c) the Company sends an acknowledged copy to
the Owner. The Company is not responsible for determining the validity of any
assignment. Payment of Policy proceeds is subject to the rights of any
assignee of record. If a claim is based on an assignment, the Company may
require proof of the interest of the claimant. A valid assignment will take
precedence over any claim of a Beneficiary.
SUICIDE
Suicide within two years of the Issue Date is not covered by the Policy. If
the Insured dies by suicide, while sane or insane, within two years from the
Issue Date (or within the maximum period permitted by the laws of the state in
which the Policy was delivered, if less than two years), the amount payable
will be limited to premiums paid, less any partial withdrawals and outstanding
Indebtedness. If the Insured, while sane or insane, dies by suicide within two
years after the effective date of any increase in Face Amount, the death
benefit for that increase will be limited to the amount of the monthly
deductions for the increase.
If the Insured is a Missouri citizen when the Policy is issued, this
provision does not apply on the Issue Date of the Policy, or on the effective
date of any increase in Face Amount, unless the Insured intended suicide at
the time of application for the Policy or any increase in Face Amount.
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MISSTATEMENT OF AGE AND CORRECTIONS
If the age of the Insured has been misstated in the application, the amount
of the death benefit will be that which the most recent cost of insurance
charge would have purchased for the correct age.
Any payment or Policy changes made by the Company in good faith, relying on
its records or evidence supplied with respect to such payment, will fully
discharge the Company's duty. The Company reserves the right to correct any
errors in the Policy.
ADDITIONAL INSURANCE BENEFITS
Subject to certain requirements, one or more of the following additional
insurance benefits may be added to a Policy by rider. However, some Group
Contracts or employer-sponsored insurance programs may not offer each of the
additional benefits described below. Certain riders may not be available in
all states. In addition, should it be determined that the tax status of a
Policy as life insurance is adversely affected by the addition of any of these
riders, the Company will cease offering such riders. The descriptions below
are intended to be general; the terms of the Policy riders providing the
additional benefits may vary from state to state, and the Policy should be
consulted. The cost of any additional insurance benefits will be deducted as
part of the monthly deduction. (See "Charges and Deductions--Monthly
Deduction.")
Waiver of Monthly Deductions Rider. Provides for the waiver of the monthly
deductions while the Insured is totally disabled, subject to certain
limitations described in the rider. The Insured must have become disabled
before age 65.
Accidental Death Benefit Rider. Provides additional insurance if the
Insured's death results from accidental bodily injury, as defined in the
rider. Under the terms of the rider, the additional benefits provided in the
Policy will be paid upon receipt of proof by the Company that death resulted
directly from accidental injury and independently of all other causes;
occurred within 120 days from the date of injury; and occurred before the
Policy Anniversary nearest age 70 of the Insured.
Children's Life Insurance Rider. Provides for term insurance on the
Insured's children, as defined in the rider. To be eligible for insurance
under the rider, the child to be insured must not be confined in a hospital at
the time the application is signed. Under the terms of the rider, the death
benefit will be payable to the named Beneficiary upon the death of any insured
child. Upon receipt of proof of the Insured's death before the rider
terminates, the rider will be continued on a fully paid-up term insurance
basis.
HIV Acceleration of Death Benefits Rider. Provides for the Owner's election
for the Company to make an accelerated payment, prior to the death of the
Insured upon receipt of satisfactory evidence that the Insured has tested
seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus ("HIV") after both the
Policy and rider are issued. The Company will pay the Policy's death benefit
(less any Indebtedness and any term insurance added by riders), calculated on
the date that the Company receives satisfactory evidence that the Insured has
tested seropositive for HIV, reduced by a $100 administrative processing fee.
The Company will pay the accelerated benefit to the Owner in a single payment
in full settlement of the Company's obligations under the Policy. The rider
may be added to the Policy only after the Insured satisfactorily meets certain
underwriting requirements which will generally include a negative HIV test
result to a blood or other screening test acceptable to the Company.
The Federal income tax consequences associated with (i) adding the HIV
Acceleration of Death Benefit Rider or (ii) receiving the benefit provided
under the rider are uncertain. Accordingly, we urge you to consult a tax
adviser about such consequences before adding the HIV Acceleration of Death
Benefit Rider to your Policy or requesting a benefit under the rider.
Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement Option Rider. Provides for the
accelerated payment of a portion of death benefit proceeds in a single sum to
the Owner if the Insured is terminally ill or permanently confined to a
nursing home. Under the rider, which is available at no additional cost, the
Owner may make a voluntary election
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to completely settle the Policy in return for the Company's accelerated
payment of a reduced death benefit. The Owner may make such an election under
the rider if evidence, including a certification from a licensed physician, is
provided to the Company that the Insured (1) has a life expectancy of 12
months or less or (2) is permanently confined to a qualified nursing home and
is expected to remain there until death. Any irrevocable beneficiary and
assignees of record must provide written authorization in order for the Owner
to receive the accelerated benefit. The Accelerated Death Benefit Settlement
Option Rider is not available with Corporate Programs.
The amount of the death benefit payable under the rider will equal the cash
surrender value under the Policy on the date the Company receives satisfactory
evidence of either (1) or (2), above, (less any Indebtedness and any term
insurance added by other riders) plus the product of the applicable "benefit
factor" multiplied by the difference of (a) minus (b), where (a) equals the
Policy's death benefit proceeds, and (b) equals the Policy's cash surrender
value. The "benefit factor", in the case of terminal illness, is 0.85 and, in
the case of permanent nursing home confinement, is 0.70.
Pursuant to the recently enacted Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996, the Company believes that for federal income tax
purposes an accelerated death benefit payment made under the Accelerated Death
Benefit Settlement Option Rider should be fully excludable from the gross
income of the Beneficiary, as long as the Beneficiary is the Insured under the
Policy. However, you should consult a qualified tax adviser about the
consequences of adding this Rider to a Policy or requesting an accelerated
death benefit payment under this Rider.
RECORDS AND REPORTS
The Company will maintain all records relating to the Separate Account and
will mail to the Owner once each Policy Year, at the last known address of
record, a report which shows the current Policy values, premiums paid,
deductions made since the last report, and any outstanding Policy Loans. The
Owner will also be sent without comment periodic reports for the Funds and a
list of the portfolio securities held in each Fund. Receipt of premium
payments directly from the Owner, transfers, partial withdrawals, Policy
Loans, loan repayments, changes in death benefit options, increases or
decreases in Face Amount, surrenders and reinstatements will be confirmed
promptly following each transaction.
An Owner may request in writing a projection of illustrated future Cash
Surrender Values and death benefits. This projection will be furnished by the
Company for a nominal fee.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICIES
Walnut Street Securities, Inc. ("Walnut Street") acts as principal
underwriter of the Policies pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with the
Company. Walnut Street is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General American
Holding Company, which is an affiliate of the Company. Walnut Street is
registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a broker-
dealer and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers.
Walnut Street's Internal Revenue Service employer identification No. is 43-
1333368. It is a Missouri corporation formed May 4, 1984. The Policies will be
sold by broker-dealers who have entered into written sales agreements with
Walnut Street.
Broker-dealers will receive commissions based upon a commission schedule in
the sales agreement with the Company and Walnut Street. Broker-dealers
compensate their registered representative agents. Commissions are payable on
net collected premiums received by the Company. Maximum commissions payable to
a broker-dealer during the first year of a Group Contract or other employer-
sponsored insurance program are (a) 18% of premiums that do not exceed the
cost of insurance assessed during the first Policy Year plus (b) 1% of
premiums in excess of the cost of insurance assessed during that Policy Year.
In all renewal years of a Group Contract or other employer-sponsored insurance
program maximum commissions are (a) 3% of premiums that do not exceed the cost
of insurance assessed during the respective Policy Year plus (b) 1% of
premiums in excess of the cost
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of insurance assessed during that Policy Year. In lieu of the part (b) of
renewal commissions described above payable on premiums received in excess of
the cost of insurance assessed, renewal commissions may be up to 0.25% per
year of the average cash value of a Policy during a Policy Year or calendar
year. In no event will commissions be payable for more than 20 years.
Walnut Street received $117,139 in commissions for the year ended December
31, 1997; and zero commissions during the years ended December 31, 1996, and
December 31, 1995.
GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE GROUP CONTRACT
ISSUANCE
The Group Contract will be issued upon receipt of a signed application for
Group Insurance signed by a duly authorized officer of the employer and
acceptance by a duly authorized officer of the Company at its Home Office.
PREMIUM PAYMENTS
The Contractholder will remit planned premium payments for Insureds of the
Contractholder or an Associated Company in an amount authorized by the
employee to be deducted from his wages. All planned premiums under a Group
Contract must be remitted in advance to the Company. The planned premium
payment interval is agreed to by the Contractholder and the Company. Prior to
each planned payment interval, the Company will furnish the Contractholder
with a statement of the planned premium payments to be made under the Group
Contract or such other notification as has been agreed to by the
Contractholder and the Company.
GRACE PERIOD
If the Contractholder does not remit planned premium payments in a timely
fashion, the Group Contract will be in default. A grace period of 31 days
begins on the date that the planned premiums were scheduled to be remitted. If
the Contractholder does not remit premiums prior to the end of the grace
period, the Group Contract will terminate. However, the Individual Insurance
will continue following the Group Contract's termination, provided such
insurance is not surrendered or cancelled by the Owner. (See "Policy Rights
and Privileges--Eligibility Change Conversion.")
TERMINATION
Except as described in "Grace Period" above, the Group Contract will be
terminated immediately upon default. In addition, the Company may end a Group
Contract or any of its provisions on 31 days notice. If the Group Contract
terminates, any Policies in effect will remain in force on an individual
basis, unless such insurance is surrendered or cancelled by the Owner. New
Policies will be issued as described in "Policy Rights and Privileges--
Eligibility Change Conversion."
RIGHT TO EXAMINE GROUP CONTRACT
The Contractholder may terminate the Group Contract within 20 days after
receiving it, within 45 days after the application was signed or within 10
days of mailing a notice of the cancellation right, whichever is latest. To
cancel the Group Contract, the Contractholder should mail or deliver the Group
Contract to the Company.
ENTIRE CONTRACT
The Group Contract, with the attached copy of the Contractholder's
application and other attached papers, if any, is the entire contract between
the Contractholder and the Company. All statements made by the Contractholder,
any Owner or any Insured will be deemed representations and not warranties.
Misstatements will
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not be used in any contest or to reduce claim under the Group Contract, unless
it is in writing. A copy of the application containing such misstatement must
have been given to the Contractholder or to the Insured or to his Beneficiary,
if any.
INCONTESTABILITY
The Company cannot contest the Group Contract after it has been in force for
two years from the date of issue.
OWNERSHIP OF GROUP CONTRACT
The Contractholder owns the Group Contract. The Group Contract may be
changed or ended by agreement between the Company and the Contractholder
without the consent of, or notice to, any person claiming rights or benefits
under the Group Contract. However, the Contractholder does not have any
ownership interest in the Policies issued under the Group Contract. The rights
and benefits under the Policies inure to the benefit of the Owners, Insureds,
and Beneficiaries as set forth herein and in the Policies.
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
INTRODUCTION
The following summary provides a general description of the Federal income
tax considerations associated with the Policy and does not purport to be
complete or to cover all situations. This discussion is not intended as tax
advice. Counsel or other competent tax advisers should be consulted for more
complete information. This discussion is based upon the Company's
understanding of the present Federal income tax laws as they are currently
interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service. No representation is made as to
the likelihood of continuation of the present Federal income tax laws or of
the current interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service.
TAXATION OF THE POLICY
Section 7702 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")
sets forth a definition of a life insurance contract for Federal tax purposes.
Although the Secretary of the Treasury (the "Treasury") is authorized to
prescribe regulations implementing Section 7702, while proposed regulations
and other interim guidance has been issued, final regulations have not been
adopted. In short, guidance as to how Section 7702 is to be applied is
limited. The Company nonetheless believes (largely in reliance on IRS Notice
88-128 and the proposed regulations under Section 7702, issued on July 5,
1991) that the Policy should meet the Section 7702 definition of a life
insurance contract. If a Policy were determined not to be a life insurance
contract for purposes of Section 7702, such Policy would not provide the tax
advantages normally provided by a life insurance policy. Therefore, if it is
subsequently determined that a Policy does not satisfy section 7702, the
Company will take whatever steps are appropriate and necessary to attempt to
cause such Policy to comply with section 7702, including possibly refunding
any premiums paid that exceed the limitations allowable under section 7702
(together with interest or other earnings on any such premiums refunded as
required by law). For these reasons, the Company reserves the right to modify
the Policy as necessary to attempt to qualify it as a life insurance contract
under section 7702.
Section 817(h) of the Code authorizes the Treasury to set standards by
regulation or otherwise for the investments of each Division of the Separate
Account to be "adequately diversified" in order for the Policy to be treated
as a life insurance contract for Federal tax purposes. Although the Company
does not control the investment management companies or their investments, the
investment management companies have represented that they intend to comply
with the diversification requirements prescribed by the Treasury in Reg.
section 1.817-5. Thus, the Company believes that each Division of the Separate
Account will be in compliance with the requirements prescribed by the
Treasury.
The IRS has stated in published rulings that a variable contract owner will
be considered the owner of separate account assets, for federal income tax
purposes, if the contract owner possesses incidents of ownership
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in those assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control over the
assets. If that were to be determined to be the case, income and gains from
the separate account assets would be includible in the variable contract
owner's gross income. The Treasury Department has also announced, in
connection with the issuance of regulations concerning diversification, that
those regulations "do not provide guidance concerning the circumstances in
which investor control of the investments of a segregated asset account may
cause the investor (i.e., the Owner), rather than the insurance company, to be
treated as the owner of the assets in the account." This announcement also
stated that guidance would be issued by way of regulations or rulings on the
"extent to which policyholders may direct their investments to particular
subaccounts without being treated as owners of the underlying assets."
The ownership rights under the Policy are similar to, but different in
certain respects from, those described by the IRS in rulings in which it was
determined that policy owners were not owners of separate account assets. For
example, the Owner has additional flexibility in allocating Premium payments
and Policy Values. These differences could result in an Owner being treated as
the owner of a pro rata portion of the assets of the Separate Account. In
addition, the Company does not know what standards will be set forth, if any,
in the regulations or rulings which the Treasury Department has stated it
expects to issue. The Company therefore reserves the right to modify the
Policy as necessary to attempt to prevent an Owner from being considered the
owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the Separate Account.
The following discussion assumes that the Policy will qualify as a life
insurance contract for Federal income tax purposes.
TAX TREATMENT OF POLICY BENEFITS
1. IN GENERAL. As a life insurance contract, the proceeds and cash value
increases of a Policy should be treated in a manner consistent with a fixed-
benefit life insurance policy for Federal income tax purposes. Thus, the death
benefit under the Policy should be excludable from the gross income of the
Beneficiary under section 101(a)(1) of the Code.
The exchange of a Policy, a change in the Policy's death benefit option
(e.g., a change from Option B to Option A), a change in the Policy's Face
Amount, a conversion to a fixed policy, an exchange, a Policy loan, an
unscheduled premium payment, a Policy lapse with an outstanding loan, a
partial withdrawal, a surrender, or an assignment of the Policy may have
Federal income tax consequences depending on the circumstances. In addition,
Federal estate and state and local estate, inheritance, and other tax
consequences of ownership or receipt of Policy proceeds depend on the
circumstances of each Policy owner or Beneficiary. A competent tax adviser
should be consulted for further information.
Pursuant to the recently enacted Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996, the Company believes that for federal income tax
purposes an accelerated death benefit payment made under the Accelerated Death
Benefit Settlement Option Rider should be fully excludable from the gross
income of the Beneficiary, as long as the Beneficiary is the Insured under the
Policy. However, you should consult a qualified tax adviser about the
consequences of adding this Rider to a Policy or requesting an accelerated
death benefit payment under this Rider.
The Policies may be used in various arrangements, such as nonqualified
deferred compensation or salary continuance plans, split dollar insurance
plans, executive bonus plans, retiree medical benefit plans and others. The
tax consequences of such plans may vary depending on the particular facts and
circumstances of each individual arrangement. Therefore, if you are
contemplating the use of such Policies in any arrangement the value of which
depends in part on its tax consequences, you should be sure to consult a
qualified tax advisor regarding the tax attributes of the particular
arrangement. In recent years, Congress has adopted new rules relating to life
insurance owned by businesses. Any business contemplating the purchase of a
new Policy or a change in an existing Policy should consult a tax advisor.
Generally, the Owner will not be deemed to be in constructive receipt of the
cash value, including increments thereof, under the Policy until there is a
distribution. The tax consequences of distributions from, and loans taken from
or secured by, a Policy depend on whether the Policy is classified as a
"modified endowment
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contract". Whether a Policy is or is not classified as a modified endowment
contract, upon a complete surrender or lapse of the Policy or when benefits
are paid at the maturity date, if the amount received plus the amount of
indebtedness exceeds the total investment in the Policy, the excess will
generally be treated as ordinary income subject to tax.
2. POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS. In general, a Policy
will be a modified endowment contract if the accumulated premiums paid at any
time during the first seven policy years exceeds the sum of the net level
premiums which would have been paid on or before such time if the Policy
provided for paid-up future benefits after the payment of seven level annual
premiums. Further, a Policy that is not otherwise a modified endowment
contract may become a modified endowment contract if it is "materially
changed." The determination whether a Policy will be a modified endowment
contract after a material change generally depends upon the relationship of
the death benefit and the cash value at the time of such change and the
additional premiums paid in the seven years following the material change.
Due to the Policy's flexibility, classification as a modified endowment
contract will depend on the individual circumstances of each Policy. Moreover,
the rules relating to whether a Policy will be treated as a modified endowment
contract are extremely complex. Therefore, a current or prospective Policy
owner is strongly advised to retain and consult with a competent advisor
before purchasing a Policy, making an unscheduled premium payment on an
existing Policy or making any change in an existing Policy, to determine
whether the Policy will be treated as a modified endowment contract.
The Company has adopted administrative steps designed to protect a
Policyowner against inadvertently having the Policy become a modified
endowment contract. Although the Company cannot provide complete assurance at
this time that a Policy will not inadvertently become a modified endowment
contract, it is continuing its efforts to enhance its administrative systems
to monitor potential modified endowment classifications automatically.
3. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT CONTRACTS.
Policies classified as modified endowment contracts will be subject to the
following tax rules: First, all distributions, including distributions upon
surrender and benefits paid at maturity, from such a Policy are treated as
ordinary income subject to tax up to the amount equal to the excess (if any)
of the cash value immediately before the distribution over the investment in
the Policy (described below) at such time. Second, loans taken from, or
secured by, such a Policy (as well as due but unpaid interest that is added to
the loan amount) are treated as distributions from such a Policy and taxed
accordingly. Third, a 10 percent additional income tax is imposed on the
portion of any distribution from, or loan taken from or secured by, such a
Policy that is included in income except where the distributions or loan is
made on or after the Policy owner attains age 59 1/2, is attributable to the
Policy owner's becoming disabled, or is part of a series of substantially
equal periodic payments for the life (or life expectancy) of the Policy owner
or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the Policy owner and the
Policy owner's Beneficiary.
If a Policy becomes a modified endowment contract after it is issued,
distributions made during the policy year in which it becomes a modified
endowment contract, distributions in any subsequent policy year and
distributions within two years before the Policy becomes a modified endowment
contract will be subject to the tax treatment described above. This means that
a distribution from a Policy that is not a modified endowment contract could
later become taxable as a distribution from a modified endowment contract.
4. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM POLICIES NOT CLASSIFIED AS MODIFIED ENDOWMENT
CONTRACTS. Distributions from a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract, and which is not materially changed, or, if materially changed, is
not classified as a modified endowment contract after such material change,
are generally treated as first recovering the investment in the Policy
(described below) and then, only after the return of all such investment
40
<PAGE>
in the Policy, as distributing taxable income. An exception to this general
rule occurs in the case of a decrease in the Policy's death benefit (e.g.,
partial withdrawal or a change from Option B to Option A) or any other change
that reduces benefits under the Policy in the first 15-years after the Policy
is issued and that results in a cash distribution to the Policy owner in order
for the Policy to continue complying with the section 7702 definitional
limits. Such a cash distribution will be taxed in whole or in part as ordinary
income (to the extent of any gain in the Policy) under rules prescribed in
section 7702.
Loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a modified endowment
contract are not treated as distributions. Instead, such loans are treated as
indebtedness of the Owner.
Finally, neither distributions (including distributions upon surrender or
lapse) nor loans from, or secured by, a Policy that is not a modified
endowment contract are subject to the 10 percent additional income tax.
5. POLICY LOAN INTEREST. If there is any borrowing against a Policy, the
interest paid on the loan generally will not be tax deductible. A Policyowner
should consult a qualified tax adviser before deducting interest on a policy
loan.
6. INVESTMENT IN THE POLICY. Investment in the Policy means (i) the
aggregate amount of any premiums or other consideration paid for a Policy,
minus (ii) the aggregate amount received under the Policy which is excluded
from gross income of the Policy owner (except that the amount of any loan
from, or secured by, a Policy that is a modified endowment contract, to the
extent such amount is excluded from gross income, will be disregarded), plus
(iii) the amount of any loan from, or secured by, a Policy that is a modified
endowment contract to the extent that such amount is included in the gross
income of the Owner.
7. MULTIPLE POLICIES. All modified endowment contracts that are issued by
the Company (or its affiliates) to the same Policy owner during any calendar
year are treated as one modified endowment contract for purposes of
determining the amount includible in gross income.
POSSIBLE CHARGE FOR TAXES
At the present time, the Company makes no charge to the Separate Account for
any Federal, state or local taxes the Company incurs that may be attributable
to the Separate Account or to the Policies. The Company, however, reserves the
right in the future to make a charge for any such tax or other economic burden
resulting from the application of the tax laws that it determines to be
properly attributable to the Separate Account or to the Policies.
POSSIBLE CHANGES IN TAXATION
Although the likelihood of legislative changes is uncertain, there is always
the possibility that the tax treatment of the Policy could change by
legislation or otherwise. For instance, the President's 1999 Budget Proposal
recommended legislation that, if enacted, would adversely modify the federal
taxation of this Policy. It is possible that any legislative change could be
retroactive (that is, effective prior to the date of the date of the change).
A tax advisor should be consulted with respect to legislative developments and
their effect on the Policy.
SAFEKEEPING OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT'S ASSETS
The Company holds assets of the Separate Account. The assets are kept
physically segregated and held separate and apart from the Company's general
assets. The Company maintains records of all purchases and redemptions of Fund
shares by each of the Divisions. Additional protection for the assets of the
Separate Account is afforded by a blended executive risk insurance program,
including blanket fidelity coverage issued by CNA and Chubb Insurance
Companies with a limit of $25 million, covering all officers and employees of
the Company who have access to the assets of the Separate Account.
41
<PAGE>
VOTING RIGHTS
To the extent required by law, the Company will vote the shares held in the
Separate Account at regular and special shareholder meetings of the underlying
Funds in accordance with instructions received from persons having voting
interests in the corresponding Divisions of the Separate Account. If, however,
the 1940 Act or any regulation thereunder should be amended or if the present
interpretation thereof should change, and as a result the Company determines
that it is permitted to vote shares of the underlying Funds in its own right,
it may elect to do so.
The Owners of Policies ordinarily are the persons having a voting interest
in the Divisions of the Separate Account. The number of votes which an Owner
has the right to instruct will be calculated separately for each Division. The
number of votes which each Owner has the right to instruct will be determined
by dividing a Policy's Cash Value in a Division by the net asset value per
share of the corresponding Fund in which the Division invests. Fractional
shares will be counted. The number of votes of the Fund which the Owner has
right to instruct will be determined as of the date coincident with the date
established by that Fund for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the
meeting of the underlying Funds. Voting instructions will be solicited by
written communications prior to such meeting in accordance with procedures
established by the underlying Funds.
Because the Funds serve as investment vehicles for this Policy as well as
for other variable life insurance policies sold by insurers other than the
Company and funded through other separate investment accounts, persons owning
the other policies will enjoy similar voting rights. The Company will vote
Fund shares held in the Separate Account for which no timely voting
instructions are received and Fund shares that it owns as a consequence of
accrued charges under the Policies, in proportion to the voting instructions
which are received with respect to all Policies participating in a Fund. Each
person having a voting interest in a Division will receive proxy material,
reports, and other materials relating to the appropriate Fund.
Disregard of Voting Instructions. The Company may, when required by state
insurance regulatory authorities, disregard voting instructions if the
instructions require that the shares be voted so as to cause a change in the
subclassification or investment objective of or one or more of the Funds or to
approve or disapprove an investment advisory contract for a Fund. In addition,
the Company itself may disregard voting instructions in favor of changes
initiated by an Owner in the investment policy or by the investment adviser or
sub-adviser of a Fund if the Company reasonably disapproves of such changes. A
proposed change would be disapproved only if the proposed change is contrary
to state law or prohibited by state regulatory authorities, or the Company
determined that the change would have an adverse effect on its general assets
in that the proposed investment policy for a Fund may result in overly
speculative or unsound investments. In the event the Company does disregard
voting instructions, a summary of that action and the reasons for such action
will be included in the next annual report to Owners.
STATE REGULATION OF THE COMPANY
The Company, a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of
Missouri, is subject to regulation by the Missouri Division of Insurance. An
annual statement is filed with the Director of Insurance on or before March 1
each year covering the operations and reporting on the financial condition of
the Company as of December 31 of the preceding year. Periodically, the
Director of Insurance examines the liabilities and reserves of the Company and
the Separate Account and certifies their adequacy, and a full examination of
the Company's operations is conducted by the National Association of Insurance
Commissioners at least once every three years.
In addition, the Company is subject to the insurance laws and regulations of
other states within which it is licensed or may become licensed to operate.
Generally, the insurance departments of other states apply the laws of the
state of domicile in determining permissible investments.
PREPARING FOR YEAR 2000
Like all financial services providers, the Company utilizes systems that may
be affected by Year 2000 transition issues and it relies on service providers,
including the Funds, that also may be affected. The Company
42
<PAGE>
has developed, and is in the process of implementing, a Year 2000 transition
plan, and is confirming that its service providers are also so engaged. The
resources that are being devoted to this effort is substantial. It is
difficult to predict with precision whether the amount of resources ultimately
devoted, or the outcome of these efforts, will have any negative impact on the
Company. However, as of the date of this prospectus, it is not anticipated
that Policy owners will experience negative effects on their investment, or on
the services provided in connection therewith, as a result of Year 2000
transition implementation. The Company currently anticipates that its systems
will be Year 2000 complaint on or about December 1, 1998, but there can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful, or that interaction with other
service providers will not impair the Company's services at that time.
43
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
DURING PAST FIVE YEARS*
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**
Carl H. Anderson@ President and Chief Executive Officer since June,
1986. Vice President, New Ventures, since June
1986, General American Life Insurance Co., St.
Louis, Mo. (GenAm).
Matthew K. Duffy Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since
July, 1996. Formerly Director of Accounting,
Prudential Insurance Company of America, March,
1987-June, 1996.
E. Thomas Hughes, Jr.@ Treasurer since December, 1994. Corporate Actuary
General American Life and Treasurer, GenAm since October, 1994. Executive
Insurance Company Vice President--Group Pensions, GenAm January,
700 Market Street 1990-October, 1994.
St. Louis, MO 63101
Matthew P. McCauley@ Vice President and General Counsel since 1984. Sec-
General American Life retary since August, 1981. Vice President and Asso-
Insurance Company ciate General Counsel, GenAm, since December 30,
700 Market Street 1995.
St. Louis, MO 63101
Craig K. Nordyke@ Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary since
November, 1996. Vice President and Chief Actuary
August, 1990-November, 1996; Second Vice President
and Chief Actuary, May, 1987-August, 1990.
George E. Phillips Vice President--Operations and System Development
since January, 1995. Formerly, Senior Vice Presi-
dent, Fortis, Inc. July, 1991-August, 1994. Vice
President, Mutual Benefit prior to July, 1991.
DIRECTORS***
Richard A. Liddy Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer,
GenAm, since May, 1992. President and Chief Operat-
ing Officer, GenAm, May, 1988-May, 1992.
Leonard M. Rubenstein Chairman and Chief Executive Officer--Conning Cor-
poration and Conning Asset Management Company since
January, 1997. Executive Vice President--Invest-
ments, GenAm, February, 1991-January, 1997.
Warren J. Winer Executive Vice President--Group, GenAm, since Sep-
tember, 1995. Formerly, Managing Director, Wm. M.
Mercer, July, 1993-August, 1995; President, W F
Corroon, September, 1990-July, 1993.
Bernard H Wolzenski Executive Vice President--Individual, GenAm, since
November, 1991. Vice President--Life Product Man-
agement, GenAm, May, 1989- November, 1991.
A. Greig Woodring President, Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.,
since May, 1993, and Executive Vice President--Re-
insurance, GenAm, since January, 1990.
- --------
*All positions listed are with the Company unless otherwise indicated.
**The principal business address of each person listed is Paragon Life
Insurance Company, 100 South Brentwood, St. Louis, Missouri 63105 unless
otherwise noted.
***The principal business address of each person listed is General American
Life Insurance Company, 700 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101, except A.
Greig Woodring--Reinsurance Group of America, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive,
St. Louis, MO 63141.
@Indicates Executive Officers who are also Directors.
44
<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan LLP of Washington, D.C. has provided advice on
certain legal matters relating to aspects of Federal securities laws. All
matters of Missouri law pertaining to the Policies, including the validity of
the Policies and the Company's right to issue the Policies and the Group
Contract under Missouri insurance law, and all legal matters relating to the
Parent Company's resolution concerning policies issued by Paragon have been
passed upon by Matthew P. McCauley, Esquire, General Counsel of Paragon Life
Insurance Company.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no legal proceedings to which the Separate Account is a party or
to which the assets of the Separate Account are subject. The Company is not
involved in any litigation that is of material importance in relation to its
total assets or that relates to the Separate Account.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of the Company and the Separate Account included in
this Prospectus and in the registration statement have been included in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified
public accountants, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Actuarial matters included in this Prospectus have been examined by Craig K.
Nordyke, FSA, MAAA, Executive Vice President and Chief Actuary of the Company,
as stated in the opinion filed as an exhibit to the registration statement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the
Policies offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information
set forth in the registration statement and the amendments and exhibits to the
registration statement, to all of which reference is made for further
information concerning the Separate Account, the Company and the Policy
offered hereby. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of
the Policy and other legal instruments are summaries. For a complete statement
of the terms thereof reference is made to such instruments as filed.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Company which are included in this
Prospectus should be distinguished from the financial statements for the
Separate Account included in this Prospectus, and should be considered only as
bearing on the ability of the Company to meet its obligations under the
Policy. They should not be considered as bearing on the investment performance
of the assets held in the Separate Account.
45
<PAGE>
LOGO
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
The Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Paragon Life Insurance
Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related statements of
operations, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Paragon Life Insurance
Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
February 6, 1998
F-1
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
-------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Fixed maturities, available for sale, at fair value............ $ 75,704 65,472
Policy loans................................................... 11,487 9,564
Cash and cash equivalents...................................... 5,733 9,106
-------- -------
Total cash and invested assets............................. 92,924 84,142
Reinsurance recoverables....................................... 1,733 841
Deposits relating to reinsured policyholder account balances... 6,416 6,074
Accrued investment income...................................... 1,377 1,298
Deferred policy acquisition costs.............................. 17,980 15,776
Fixed assets and leasehold improvements, net................... 2,609 1,365
Other assets................................................... 179 143
Separate account assets........................................ 118,051 76,995
-------- -------
Total assets............................................... $241,269 186,634
======== =======
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Policyholder account balances.................................. 85,152 78,120
Policy and contract claims..................................... 1,085 1,108
Federal income taxes payable................................... 163 811
Other liabilities and accrued expenses......................... 3,486 2,704
Payable to affiliates.......................................... 1,620 2,289
Due to separate account........................................ 61 95
Deferred tax liability......................................... 4,394 2,781
Separate account liabilities................................... 118,051 76,995
-------- -------
Total liabilities.......................................... $214,012 164,903
-------- -------
Stockholder's equity:
Common stock, par value $25; 100,000 shares authorized;
82,000 shares issued and outstanding........................ 2,050 2,050
Additional paid-in capital................................... 17,950 17,950
Net unrealized gain on investments, net...................... 1,958 322
Retained earnings............................................ 5,299 1,409
-------- -------
Total stockholder's equity................................. $ 27,257 21,731
-------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity................. $241,269 186,634
======== =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Policy contract charges................................ $16,417 13,719 9,931
Net investment income.................................. 6,288 5,663 4,888
Commissions and expense allowances on reinsurance
ceded................................................. 10 114 96
Net realized investment gains.......................... 69 72 1
------- ------ ------
Total revenues....................................... 22,784 19,568 14,916
======= ====== ======
Benefits and expenses:
Policy benefits........................................ 3,876 3,326 2,873
Interest credited to policyholder account balances..... 4,738 4,126 3,833
Commissions, net of capitalized costs.................. 227 79 57
General and administration expenses, net of capitalized
costs................................................. 7,744 6,798 5,528
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs...... 424 285 369
------- ------ ------
Total benefits and expenses.......................... 17,009 14,614 12,660
======= ====== ======
Income before federal income tax expense............. 5,775 4,954 2,256
Federal income tax expense............................... 1,885 1,738 781
------- ------ ------
Net income............................................... $ 3,890 3,216 1,475
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996, AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ADDITIONAL NET UNREALIZED RETAINED TOTAL
COMMON PAID-IN GAIN (LOSS) ON EARNINGS STOCKHOLDER'S
STOCK CAPITAL INVESTMENTS (DEFICIT) EQUITY
------ ---------- -------------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31,
1994................... $2,050 17,950 (1,824) (3,282) 14,894
Net income............ -- -- -- 1,475 1,475
Change in net
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments.......... -- -- 3,407 -- 3,407
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Balance at December 31,
1995................... $2,050 17,950 1,583 (1,807) 19,776
Net income............ -- -- -- 3,216 3,216
Change in net
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments.......... -- -- (1,261) -- (1,261)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Balance at December 31,
1996................... $2,050 17,950 322 1,409 21,731
Net income............ -- -- -- 3,890 3,890
Change in net
unrealized gain
(loss) on
investments.......... -- -- 1,636 -- 1,636
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Balance at December 31,
1997................... $2,050 17,950 1,958 5,299 27,257
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income........................................ $ 3,890 3,216 1,475
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Change in:
Reinsurance recoverables...................... (892) 407 297
Deposits relating to reinsured policyholder
account balances............................. (342) (378) (139)
Accrued investment income..................... (79) (257) (156)
Federal income tax recoverable/payable........ (648) 811 --
Other assets.................................. (1,280) (1,019) (145)
Policy and contract claims.................... (23) 12 387
Other liabilities and accrued expenses........ 782 741 313
Payable to affiliates......................... (669) 397 526
Due to separate account....................... (34) (108) (14)
Deferred tax expense.............................. 732 615 897
Policy acquisition costs deferred................. (2,972) (2,447) (2,263)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. 424 285 369
Interest credited to policyholder accounts........ 4,738 4,126 3,833
Net gain on sales and calls of fixed maturities... (69) (72) (1)
-------- ------- ------
Net cash provided by operating activities........... 3,558 6,329 5,379
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of fixed maturities...................... (12,557) (15,290) (8,423)
Sale or maturity of fixed maturities.............. 5,255 6,860 3,082
Increase in policy loans, net..................... (1,923) (2,358) (1,788)
-------- ------- ------
Net cash used in investing activities............... (9,225) (10,788) (7,129)
-------- ------- ------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net policyholder account deposits................. 2,294 6,509 5,764
-------- ------- ------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents........................................ (3,373) 2,050 4,014
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year...... 9,106 7,056 3,042
-------- ------- ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year............ $ 5,733 9,106 7,056
======== ======= ======
Income taxes received (paid)........................ $ (1,801) (198) 93
======== ======= ======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Paragon Life Insurance Company (Paragon or the Company) is a wholly owned
subsidiary of General American Life Insurance Company (General American or the
Parent). Paragon markets universal life and variable Universal Life Insurance
products through the sponsorship of major companies and organizations. Paragon
is licensed to do business in the District of Columbia and all states except
New York.
General American has guaranteed that Paragon will have sufficient funds to
meet all of its contractual obligations. In the event a policyholder presents
a legitimate claim for payment on a Paragon insurance policy, General American
will pay such claim directly to the policyholder if Paragon is unable to make
such payment. The guarantee agreement is binding on General American, its
successor or assignee and shall cease only if the guarantee is assigned to an
organization having a financial rating from Standard & Poor's equal to or
better than General American's rating.
The accompanying financial statements are prepared on the basis of generally
accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements
requires the use of estimates by management which affect the amounts reflected
in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Accounts that the Company deems to be sensitive to changes in estimates
include deferred policy acquisition costs and contract claims.
The significant accounting policies of the Company are as follows:
(a) Recognition of Policy Revenue and Related Expenses
Revenues for universal life products consist of policy charges for the cost
of insurance, administration and surrender charges during the period. Revenues
for variable universal life products also include policy charges for mortality
and expense risks assumed by Paragon. Policy benefits and expenses include
interest credited to policy account balances on universal life products and
death benefit payments made in excess of policy account balances.
Policy acquisition costs, such as commissions and certain costs of policy
issuance and underwriting, are deferred and amortized in relation to the
present value of expected gross profits over the estimated life of the
policies.
(b) Invested Assets
Investment securities are accounted for at fair value. At December 31, 1997
and 1996, fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and
are carried at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss, net of taxes,
being reflected as a separate component of stockholder's equity. Policy loans
are valued at aggregate unpaid balances.
Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities are determined on the
basis of specific identification and include the impact of any related
amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts which is generally computed
consistent with the interest method.
Amortization of the premium or discount on mortgage-backed securities is
recognized using a level-yield method which considers the estimated timing and
amount of prepayments of underlying mortgage loans. Actual prepayment
experience is periodically reviewed and effective yields are recalculated when
differences arise between the prepayments originally anticipated and the
actual prepayments received and currently anticipated. When such differences
occur, the net investment in the mortgage-backed security is adjusted to the
amount that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since
the acquisition of the security with a corresponding charge or credit to
interest income.
F-6
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(c) Policyholder Account Balances
Policyholder account balances are equal to the policyholder account value
before deduction of any surrender charges. The policyholder account value
represents an accumulation of gross premium payments plus credited interest
less expense and mortality charges and withdrawals. These expense charges are
recognized in income as earned. Certain variable life policies allow
policyholders to exchange accumulated assets from the variable rate separate
accounts to a fixed-interest general account policy. The fixed-interest
general account guaranteed minimum crediting rates of 4% in 1997, 1996 and
1995. The actual crediting rate was 6.5% in 1997, ranged from 6.5% to 7.0% in
1996, and was 7.0% in 1995.
(d) Federal Income Taxes
The Company establishes deferred taxes under the asset and liability method,
and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax
rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company files its federal income tax return on a consolidated basis with
its Parent and other subsidiaries. In accordance with a tax allocation
agreement between Paragon and General American, taxes are computed as if
Paragon was filing its own income tax return, and tax expense (benefit) is
paid to, or received from, General American. Paragon recognizes a tax benefit
to the extent that its tax losses are utilized by other members of the General
American consolidated tax group.
(e) Reinsurance
Balances resulting from agreements which transfer funds relating to
policyholder account balances have been accounted for as deposits. Other
reinsurance activities are accounted for consistent with terms of the risk
transfer reinsurance contracts. Premiums for reinsurance ceded to other
companies have been reported as a reduction of policy contract charges.
Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for future policy benefits and claim
liabilities have been reported as assets for these items, and commissions and
expense allowances received in connection with reinsurance ceded have been
accounted for in income as earned. Reinsurance does not relieve the Company
from its primary responsibility to meet claim obligations.
(f) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
The costs of acquiring new business which vary with, and are primarily
related to, the production of new business have been deferred to the extent
that such costs are deemed recoverable from future gross profits. Such costs
include commissions, premium taxes, as well as certain costs of policy
issuance and underwriting. Deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted for
the impact on estimated gross margins of net unrealized gains and losses on
investment securities. The estimates of expected gross margins are evaluated
regularly and are revised if actual experience or other evidence indicates
that revision is appropriate. Upon revision, total amortization recorded to
date is adjusted by a charge or credit to income.
(g) Separate Account Business
The assets and liabilities of the separate accounts represent segregated
funds administered and invested by the Company for purposes of funding
variable life insurance contracts for the exclusive benefit of variable life
insurance contract holders. The Company charges the separate accounts for
risks it assumes in issuing a policy and retains varying amounts of withdrawal
charges to cover expenses in the event of early withdrawals by contract
holders. The assets and liabilities of the separate account are carried at
fair value.
F-7
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(h) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant
market information and information about the financial instrument. These
estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from
offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular
financial instrument. Although fair value estimates are calculated using
assumptions that management believes are appropriate, changes in assumption
could significantly affect the estimates and such estimates should be used
with care. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instrument for which it was practicable to estimate
fair value:
Fixed maturities--Fixed maturities are valued using quoted market prices,
if available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is
estimated using quoted market prices of similar securities.
Policy loans--Policy loans are carried at their unpaid balances which
approximates fair value.
Separate account assets and liabilities--The separate account assets are
carried at fair value as determined by quoted market prices. Accordingly,
the carrying value of separate account liabilities is equal to their fair
value since it represents the contractholders' interest in the separate
account assets.
Cash and cash equivalents--The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate
of fair value.
(i) Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents represent
demand deposits and highly liquid short-term investments, which include U.S.
Treasury bills, commercial paper, and repurchase agreements with original or
remaining maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.
(j) Reclassifications
The Company has reclassified the presentation of certain prior period
information to conform to the 1997 presentation.
(2) INVESTMENTS
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at December
31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
-----------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities........ $ 4,472 131 -- 4,603
Corporate securities............ 56,973 3,098 (142) 59,929
Mortgage-backed securities...... 9,124 233 (48) 9,309
Asset-backed securities......... 1,762 101 -- 1,863
------- ----- ---- ------
$72,331 3,563 (190) 75,704
======= ===== ==== ======
<CAPTION>
1996
-----------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities........ $ 4,410 129 (5) 4,534
Corporate securities............ 51,489 1,161 (844) 51,806
Mortgage-backed securities...... 7,547 137 (110) 7,574
Asset-backed securities......... 1,513 45 -- 1,558
------- ----- ---- ------
$64,959 1,472 (959) 65,472
======= ===== ==== ======
</TABLE>
F-8
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at December
31, 1997, by contractual maturity, are shown below (000's). Expected
maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have
the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment
penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED
AMORTIZED COST FAIR VALUE
-------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less......................... $ 3,092 3,124
Due after one year through five years........... 10,443 10,846
Due after five years through ten years.......... 15,444 15,890
Due after ten years through twenty years........ 34,228 36,535
Mortgage-backed securities...................... 9,124 9,309
------- ------
$72,331 75,704
======= ======
</TABLE>
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities during 1997, 1996 and 1995 were
$1,328,585, $4,129,254 and $264,750 respectively. Gross gains of $68,876,
$71,604 and $1,338 were realized on those sales in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
The sources of net investment income follow (000s):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Maturities...................................... $ 4,941 4,626 4,109
Short-term investments................................ 608 449 338
Policy loans and other................................ 807 680 480
------- ----- -----
$ 6,356 5,755 4,927
Investment expenses................................... (68) (92) (39)
======= ===== =====
Net investment income............................. $ 6,288 5,663 4,888
======= ===== =====
</TABLE>
A summary of the components of the net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on invested assets carried at fair value is as follows (in
000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------ ----
<S> <C> <C>
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation):
Fixed maturities available-for-sale....................... $3,373 513
Deferred policy acquisition costs......................... (361) (17)
Deferred income taxes....................................... (1,054) (174)
------ ----
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation).................. $1,958 322
====== ====
</TABLE>
The Company has fixed maturities on deposit with various state insurance
departments with an amortized cost of approximately $3,982,000 and $3,909,000
at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
(3) REINSURANCE
The Company reinsures certain risks with other insurance companies above a
maximum retention amount (currently $50,000) to help reduce the loss on any
single policy.
Premiums and related reinsurance amounts for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995 as they relate to transactions with affiliates are
summarized as follows (000's):
F-9
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Reinsurance transactions with affiliates:
Premiums for reinsurance ceded................ $13,001 10,264 8,607
Policy benefits ceded......................... 14,070 6,274 6,881
Commissions and expenses ceded................ 195 114 94
Reinsurance recoverables...................... 1,661 774 1,183
Ceded premiums and benefits to nonaffiliates for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were
insignificant.
(4) DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
A summary of the policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized is as
follows (000's):
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year.................... $15,776 13,006 12,496
Policy acquisition costs deferred............... 2,972 2,447 2,263
Policy acquisition costs amortized.............. (424) (285) (369)
Deferred policy acquisition costs relating to
change in unrealized (gain) loss on investments
available for sale............................. (344) 608 (1,384)
------- ------ ------
Balance at end of year.......................... $17,980 15,776 13,006
======= ====== ======
(5) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
The Company is taxed as a life insurance company. A summary of Federal income
tax expense is as follows (000s):
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current tax (benefit) expense................... $ 1,153 1,123 (116)
Deferred tax expense............................ 732 615 897
------- ------ ------
Federal income tax expense...................... $ 1,885 1,738 781
======= ====== ======
A reconciliation of the Company's "expected" federal income tax expense,
computed by applying the federal U.S. corporate tax rate of 35% to income from
operations before federal income tax, is as follows (000s):
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Computed "expected" tax expense................. $ 2,022 1,734 790
Other, net...................................... (137) 4 (9)
------- ------ ------
Federal income tax expense...................... $ 1,885 1,738 781
======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 1997 and 1996
are presented below (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
------- -----
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned reinsurance allowances........................... $ 217 153
Policy and contract liabilities........................... 1,031 1,305
Tax capitalization of acquisition costs................... 1,755 1,386
Other, net................................................ 76 69
------- -----
Total deferred tax assets............................... $ 3,079 2,913
======= =====
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gain on investments............................ $ 1,054 174
Deferred policy acquisition costs......................... 6,419 5,520
------- -----
Total gross deferred tax liabilities.................... $ 7,473 5,694
======= =====
Net deferred tax liabilities............................ $ 4,394 2,781
======= =====
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The Company believes that a valuation allowance with respect to the
realization of the total gross deferred tax asset is not necessary. In
assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, the Company considers
whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be
realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon
the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those
temporary differences become deductible. The Company files a consolidated tax
return with its Parent. Realization of the gross tax asset will not be
dependent solely on the Company's ability to generate its own taxable income.
General American has a proven history of earnings and it appears more likely
than not that the Company's gross deferred tax asset will ultimately be fully
realized.
(6) RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Paragon purchases certain administrative services from General American.
Charges for services performed are based upon personnel and other costs
involved in providing such service. Charges for services during 1997, 1996 and
1995 were $1,348,198, $1,250,396 and $1,103,028, respectively. See Note 3 for
reinsurance transactions with affiliates.
(7) PENSION PLAN
Associates of Paragon participate in a non-contributory multi-employer
defined benefit pension plan jointly sponsored by Paragon and General
American. The benefits are based on years of service and compensation level.
No pension expense was recognized in 1997, 1996 or 1995 due to overfunding of
the plan.
In addition, Paragon has adopted an associate incentive plan applicable to
full-time salaried associates with at least one year of service. Contributions
to the plan are determined annually by General American and are based on
salaries of eligible associates. Full vesting occurs after five years of
continuous service. Total expenses to the company for the incentive plan were
$198,972, $80,434 and $149,747 for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Paragon provides for certain health care and life insurance benefits for
retired employees. The Company accounts for these benefits in accordance with
SFAS No. 106--Employer's Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than
Pensions. The amounts involved are not material.
(8) STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company is subject to financial statement filing requirements of the
State of Missouri Department of Insurance, its state of domicile, as well as
the states in which it transacts business. Such financial statements,
generally referred to as statutory financial statements, are prepared on a
basis of accounting which varies in some respects from generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP). Statutory accounting principles include: (1)
charging of policy acquisition costs to income as incurred; (2) establishment
of policy and contract liabilities computed using required valuation standards
which may vary in methodology utilized; (3) nonprovision of deferred federal
income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial reporting
and tax bases of assets and liabilities; (4) recognition of statutory
liabilities for asset impairments and yield stabilization on fixed maturity
dispositions prior to maturity with asset valuation reserves based on
statutory determined formulae and interest stabilization reserves designed to
level yields over their original purchase maturities; (5) valuation of
investments in fixed maturities at amortized cost; (6) net presentation of
reinsurance balances; and (7) recognition of deposits and withdrawals on
universal life policies as revenues and expenses.
The stockholder's equity (surplus) and net income (loss) of the Company at
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, as determined using statutory accounting
practices, is summarized as follows (000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory surplus as reported to regulatory
authorities..................................... $10,848 10,751 10,778
Net income (loss) as reported to regulatory
authorities..................................... $ 1,452 982 (920)
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
PARAGON LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
(9) DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
Dividend payments by Paragon are restricted by state insurance laws as to
the amount that may be paid without prior notice or approval of the Missouri
Department of Insurance. The maximum amount of dividends which can be paid
without prior approval of the insurance commissioner is limited to the maximum
of (1) 10% of statutory surplus or (2) net gain from operations. The maximum
dividend distribution that can be paid by Paragon during 1998 without prior
notice or approval is $1,452,000. Paragon did not pay dividends in 1997, 1996
or 1995.
(10) RISK-BASED CAPITAL
The insurance departments of various states, including the Company's
domiciliary state of Missouri, impose risk-based capital (RBC) requirements on
insurance enterprises. The RBC calculation serves as a benchmark for the
regulation of life insurance companies by state insurance regulators. The
requirements apply various weighted factors to financial balances or activity
levels based on their perceived degree of risk.
The RBC guidelines define specific capital levels where action by the
Company or regulators is required based on the ratio of a company's actual
total adjusted capital to control levels determined by the RBC formula. At
December 31, 1997, the Company's actual total adjusted capital was in excess
of minimum levels which would require action by the Company or regulatory
authorities under the RBC formula.
(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company leases certain of its facilities and equipment under
noncancellable leases which expire March 2001. The future minimum lease
obligations under the terms of the leases are summarized as follows (000s):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31:
1998............................ $ 503
1999............................ 490
2000............................ 486
2001............................ 189
------
$1,668
======
</TABLE>
Rent expense totaled $433,864, $388,976 and $256,631 in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
F-12
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP]
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Paragon Life Insurance Company and
Policyholders of Separate Account B's Multi Manager Divisions:
We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets, including the
schedule of investments, of the Scudder Money Market, Scudder International,
Fidelity Equity Income, Fidelity Growth, Fidelity Index 500, Fidelity
Contrafund, Putnam High Yield, Putnam Voyager, Putnam U.S. Government and High
Quality Bonds, Putnam New Opportunities, TR Price New America Growth, TR Price
Limited-Term Bond, TR Price Personal Strategy Balanced, and MFS Emerging
Growth Divisions of Paragon Separate Account B as of December 31, 1997 and the
related statements of operations and changes in net assets for the period
presented. These financial statements are the responsibility of Paragon
Separate Account B's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our
procedures included confirmation of investments owned at December 31, 1997 by
correspondence with the Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund, the Fidelity
Variable Insurance Products Fund, the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products
Fund II, the Putnam Variable Trust, the T. Rowe Price Equity Series, Inc., the
T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc., and the MSF Variable Insurance Trust.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Scudder Money Market,
Scudder International, Fidelity Equity Income, Fidelity Growth, Fidelity Index
500, Fidelity Contrafund, Putnam High Yield, Putnam Voyager, Putnam U.S.
Government and High Quality Bonds, Putnam New Opportunities, TR Price New
America Growth, TR Price Limited-Term Bond, TR Price Personal Strategy
Balanced, and MFS Emerging Growth Divisions of Paragon Separate Account B as
of December 31, 1997, and the results of their operations and changes in their
net assets for the period presented, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
April 4, 1998
F-13
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCUDDER FIDELITY PUTNAM
MONEY SCUDDER EQUITY FIDELITY FIDELITY FIDELITY HIGH PUTNAM
MARKET INTERNATIONAL INCOME GROWTH INDEX 500 CONTRAFUND YIELD VOYAGER
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
--------- ------------- -------- -------- --------- ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSETS:
Investments in Putnam
Investments, at
Market Value (See
Schedule of
Investments)......... $ 124,932 754,995 959,205 688,079 2,170,115 1,424,022 221,565 449,103
Receivable from
Paragon Life
Insurance Company.... (17) 565 (155) (352) 1,073 (109) 448 78
--------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------- -------
Total Net Assets.... 124,915 755,560 959,050 687,727 2,171,188 1,423,913 222,013 449,181
========= ======= ======= ======= ========= ========= ======= =======
Group Variable
Universal Life Cash
Value Invested in
Separate Account..... 124,915 755,560 959,050 687,727 2,171,188 1,423,913 222,013 449,181
--------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------- -------
$ 124,915 755,560 959,050 687,727 2,171,188 1,423,913 222,013 449,181
========= ======= ======= ======= ========= ========= ======= =======
TOTAL UNITS HELD........ 120,779 53,871 39,719 18,620 19,067 71,707 15,357 11,025
NET ASSET VALUE PER
UNIT................... $ 1.03 14.03 24.15 36.93 113.87 19.86 14.46 40.74
COST OF INVESTMENTS..... $ 124,932 780,874 902,625 658,003 2,011,926 1,340,860 207,215 402,679
========= ======= ======= ======= ========= ========= ======= =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TR PRICE MFS
PUTNAM US GVT & PUTNAM NEW TR PRICE LIMITED-TERM TR PRICE EMERGING
HIGH QUALITY BOND OPPORTUNITIES NEW AMERICA BOND PERSONAL STRATEGY GROWTH
DIVISION DIVISION GROWTH DIVISION DIVISION BALANCED DIVISION DIVISION
----------------- ------------- --------------- ------------ ----------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSETS:
Investments in Putnam
Investments, at
Market Value (See
Schedule of
Investments)......... $392,120 539,042 824,025 42,905 500,527 941,270
Receivable from Para-
gon Life Insurance
Company.............. (288) 62 1,493 (31) 3,113 1,349
-------- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------
Total Net Assets.... 391,832 539,104 825,518 42,874 503,640 942,619
======== ======= ======= ====== ======= =======
Group Variable
Universal Life Cash
Value Invested in
Separate Account..... 391,832 539,104 825,518 42,874 503,640 942,619
-------- ------- ------- ------ ------- -------
$391,832 539,104 825,518 42,874 503,640 942,619
======== ======= ======= ====== ======= =======
TOTAL UNITS HELD........ 27,910 25,559 38,813 8,373 32,071 59,126
NET ASSET VALUE PER
UNIT................... $ 14.04 21.09 21.27 5.12 15.70 15.94
COST OF INVESTMENTS..... $372,053 480,663 749,882 42,557 490,030 872,364
======== ======= ======= ====== ======= =======
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-14
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY 26, 1997 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCUDDER FIDELITY FIDELITY FIDELITY PUTNAM
MONEY SCUDDER EQUITY EQUITY INDEX FIDELITY HIGH PUTNAM
MARKET INTERNATIONAL INCOME GROWTH 500 CONTRAFUND YIELD VOYAGER
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISON DIVISION DIVISION
-------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Dividend Income........ $ 3,261 1 -- -- -- -- 277 32
Expenses:
Mortality and Expense
Charge................. 455 2,631 2,552 1,885 6,310 4,049 775 1,503
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. 2,806 (2,630) (2,552) (1,885) (6,310) (4,049) (498) (1,471)
Net Realized Gain on In-
vestments
Realized Gain from Dis-
tributions............. -- -- -- -- -- -- 32 692
Proceeds from Sales.... 289,611 173,610 38,007 26,952 153,926 45,697 22,023 39,294
Cost of Investments
Sold................... 289,611 177,689 36,223 25,580 146,855 42,658 20,837 36,437
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on
Investments.......... -- (4,079) 1,784 1,372 7,071 3,039 1,218 3,549
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments:
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Beginning of Year...... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
End of Year............ -- (25,879) 56,580 30,076 158,189 83,162 14,350 46,424
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. -- (25,879) 56,580 30,076 158,189 83,162 14,350 46,424
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Net Gain (Loss) on
Investments.......... -- (29,958) 58,364 31,448 165,260 86,201 15,568 49,973
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------ ------ ------
Increase (Decrease) in
Assets Resulting from
Operations.............. $ 2,806 (32,588) 55,812 29,563 158,950 82,152 15,070 48,502
======= ======= ====== ====== ======= ====== ====== ======
<CAPTION>
PUTNAM
US GVT & TR PRICE TR PRICE TR PRICE
HIGH NEW LIMITED- PERSONAL MFS
QUALITY PUTNAM AMERICA TERM STRATEGY EMERGING
BOND NEW GROWTH BOND BALANCED GROWTH
DIVISION OPPORTUNITIES DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISON
-------- ------------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment Income:
Dividend Income........ $ 24 -- -- 1,148 8,442 --
Expenses:
Mortality and Expense
Charge................. 1,336 1,771 2,619 141 1,615 3,269
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. (1,312) (1,771) (2,619) 1,007 6,827 (3,269)
Net Realized Gain on In-
vestments
Realized Gain from Dis-
tributions............. -- -- 1,910 -- 7,070 --
Proceeds from Sales.... 13,191 21,590 25,684 3,027 128,464 85,782
Cost of Investments
Sold................... 12,846 19,924 24,158 2,981 125,119 80,415
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on Invest-
ments................ 345 1,666 3,436 46 10,415 5,367
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments:
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Beginning of Year...... -- -- -- -- -- --
Unrealized Gain (Loss)
End of Year............ 20,067 58,379 74,143 348 10,497 68,906
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. 20,067 58,379 74,143 348 10,497 68,906
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------
Net Gain (Loss) on
Investments.......... 20,412 60,045 77,579 394 20,912 74,273
------- ------- ------ ------ ------- ------
Increase (Decrease) in
Assets Resulting from
Operations.............. $19,100 58,274 74,960 1,401 27,739 71,004
======= ======= ====== ====== ======= ======
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-15
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY 26, 1997 (INCEPTION) TO DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCUDDER FIDELITY
MONEY SCUDDER EQUITY FIDELITY FIDELITY FIDELITY PUTNAM PUTNAM
MARKET INTERNATIONAL INCOME GROWTH INDEX 500 CONTRAFUND HIGH YIELD VOYAGER
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
------------- ------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. $ 2,806 (2,630) (2,552) (1,885) (6,310) (4,049) (498) (1,471)
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. -- (4,079) 1,784 1,372 7,071 3,039 1,218 3,549
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. -- (25,879) 56,580 30,076 158,189 83,162 14,350 46,424
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------- -------
Increase (Decrease) in
Net Assets Resulting
from Operations........ 2,806 (32,588) 55,812 29,563 158,950 82,152 15,070 48,502
Net Deposits into
Separate Account....... 122,109 788,148 903,238 658,164 2,012,238 1,341,761 206,943 400,679
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------- -------
Increase in Net
Assets............... 124,915 755,560 959,050 687,727 2,171,188 1,423,913 222,013 449,181
Net Assets, Beginning of
Year.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------- --------- ------- -------
Net Assets, End of Year. $124,915 755,560 959,050 687,727 2,171,188 1,423,913 222,013 449,181
======== ======= ======= ======= ========= ========= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
TR PRICE TR PRICE
PUTNAM PUTNAM NEW TR PRICE PERSONAL MFS
US GVT & HIGH NEW AMERICA LIMITED- STRATEGY EMERGING
QUALITY BOND OPPORTUNITIES GROWTH TERM BOND BALANCED GROWTH
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
------------- ------------- -------- --------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net Investment Income
(Expense).............. $ (1,312) (1,771) (2,619) 1,007 6,827 (3,269)
Net Realized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. 345 1,666 3,436 46 10,415 5,367
Net Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments.. 20,067 58,379 74,143 348 10,497 68,906
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Increase (Decrease) in
Net Assets Resulting
from Operations........ 19,100 58,274 74,960 1,401 27,739 71,004
Net Deposits into
Separate Account....... 372,732 480,830 750,558 41,473 475,901 871,615
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Increase in Net
Assets............... 391,832 539,104 825,518 42,874 503,640 942,619
Net Assets, Beginning of
Year.................... -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- ------- ------- ------- --------- ---------
Net Assets, End of Year. $391,832 539,104 825,518 42,874 503,640 942,619
======== ======= ======= ======= ========= =========
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
F-16
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
(1) ORGANIZATION
Paragon Life Insurance Company (Paragon) established Paragon Separate
Account B on January 4, 1993. Paragon Separate Account B (the Separate
Account) commenced operations on March 3, 1994 and is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 as a unit investment trust. The Division
options included herein commenced operations on February 26, 1997. The
Separate Account receives and invests net premiums for flexible premium group
variable life insurance policies that are issued by Paragon. The Separate
Account is divided into fourteen divisions which invests exclusively in shares
of Scudder Variable Life Investment Fund (Scudder), Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products Fund (Fidelity VIP I), Fidelity Variable Insurance Products
Fund II (Fidelity VIP II), Putnam Variable Trust (Putnam), T. Rowe Price
Equity Series, Inc. (TR Price I), T. Rowe Price Fixed Income Series, Inc. (TR
Price II), and MFS Variable Insurance Trust (MFS), open-end, diversified
management investment companies. These funds are the Scudder Money Market
Fund, Scudder International Fund, Fidelity Equity Income Fund, Fidelity Growth
Fund, Fidelity Index 500 Fund, Fidelity Contra Fund, Putnam High Yield Fund,
Putnam Voyager Fund, Putnam U.S. Government and High Quality Bond Fund, Putnam
New Opportunities Fund, TR Price New America Growth Fund, TR Price Limited-
Term Bond Fund, TR Price Personal Strategy Balanced Fund, and MFS Emerging
Growth Fund (the Divisions). Policyholders have the option of directing their
premium payments into any or all of the Divisions.
(2) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
the Separate Account in the preparation of its financial statements. The
policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Investments
The Separate Account's investments in the Funds are valued daily based on
the net asset values of the respective fund shares held. The average cost
method is used in determining the cost of shares sold on withdrawals by the
Separate Account. Share transactions are recorded consistent with trade date
accounting. All dividends received are immediately reinvested on the ex-
dividend date.
Federal Income Taxes
The operations of the Separate Account are treated as part of Paragon for
income tax purposes. Under existing Federal income tax law, capital gains from
sales of investments of the Separate Account are not taxable. Therefore, no
Federal income tax has been provided.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions with respect to amounts reported in the financial
statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
The Separate Account has reclassified the presentation of certain prior
period information to conform to the 1997 presentation.
(3) POLICY CHARGES
Charges are deducted from the policies and the Separate Account to
compensate Paragon for providing the insurance benefits set forth in the
contracts and any additional benefits added by rider, administering the
policies, incurring expenses in distributing the policies, and assuming
certain risks in connection with the policy.
F-17
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Premium Expense Charge
Certain policies include a provision that premium payments may be reduced by
a premium expense charge. The premium expense charge is determined by the costs
associated with distributing the policy and, if applicable, is equal to 1% of
the premium paid. The premium expense charge compensates Paragon for providing
the insurance benefits set forth in the policies, incurring expenses of
distributing the policies, and assuming certain risks in connection with the
policies. In addition, some policies have a premium tax assessment equal to 2%
or 2.25% to reimburse Paragon for premium taxes incurred. The premium payment
less premium expense and premium tax charges equals the net premium that is
invested in the underlying separate account.
Monthly Expense Charge
Paragon has responsibility for the administration of the policies and the
Separate Account. As reimbursement for expenses related to the acquisition and
maintenance of each policy and the Separate Account, Paragon assesses a monthly
administration charge to each policy. This charge, which varies due to the size
of the group, has a maximum of $6.00 per month during the first 12 policy
months and $3.50 per month thereafter.
Cost of Insurance
The cost of insurance is deducted on each monthly anniversary for the
following policy month. Because the cost of insurance depends upon a number of
variables, the cost varies for each policy month. The cost of insurance is
determined separately for the initial face amount and for any subsequent
increase in face amount. Paragon determines the monthly cost of insurance
charge by multiplying the applicable cost of insurance rate or rates by the net
amount at risk for each policy month.
Optional Rider Benefits Charge
The monthly deduction charge for any additional benefits provided by rider.
Surrender or Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
During the first policy years, certain policies include a provision for a
charge upon surrender or lapse of the policy, a requested decrease in face
amount, or a partial withdrawal that causes the face amount to decrease. The
amount assessed under the policy terms, if any, depends upon the cost
associated with distributing the particular policies. The amount of any charge
depends on a number of factors, including whether the event is a full surrender
or lapse or only a decrease in face amount, the amount of premiums received by
Paragon, and the policy year in which the surrender or other event takes place.
Mortality and Expense Charge
In addition to the above contract charges a daily charge against the
operations of each division is made for the mortality and expense risks assumed
by Paragon. Paragon deducts a daily charge from the Separate Account at the
rate of .0024547% of the net assets of each division of the Separate Account
which equals an annual rate of .90% of those net assets. The mortality risk
assumed by Paragon is that insureds may die sooner than anticipated and that,
therefore, Paragon will pay an aggregate amount of death benefits greater than
anticipated. The expense risk assumed is that expenses incurred in issuing and
administering the policy will exceed the amounts realized from the
administrative charges assessed against the policy.
F-18
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
NOTE 4 PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT COMPANY SHARES
During the period from February 26, 1997 (inception) to December 31, 1997
purchases and proceeds from the sales of Investment Company Shares were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCUDDER FIDELITY PUTNAM
MONEY SCUDDER EQUITY FIDELITY FIDELITY FIDELITY HIGH
MARKET INTERNATIONAL INCOME GROWTH INDEX 500 CONTRAFUND YIELD
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------- ------------- -------- -------- --------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Purchases............... $411,282 958,562 938,848 683,583 2,158,781 1,383,519 227,743
Sales................... $289,611 173,610 38,007 26,952 153,926 45,697 22,023
======== ======= ======= ======= ========= ========= =======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PUTNAM TR PRICE TR PRICE
US GOVT & NEW TR PRICE PERSONAL MSF
PUTNAM HIGH QUALITY PUTNAM NEW AMERICA LIMITED- STRATEGY EMERGING
VOYAGER BOND OPPORTUNITIES GROWTH TERM BD BALANCED GROWTH
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------- ------------ ------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Purchases............... $438,392 384,876 500,587 772,129 44,390 599,637 952,779
Sales................... $ 39,294 13,191 21,590 25,684 3,027 128,464 85,782
======== ======= ======= ======= ====== ======= =======
</TABLE>
NOTE 5 ACCUMULATION OF UNIT ACTIVITY
The following is a reconciliation of the accumulation of unit activity for
the period from February 26, 1997 (Inception) to December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCUDDER FIDELITY PUTNAM
MONEY SCUDDER FIDELITY FIDELITY INDEX FIDELITY HIGH
MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INCOME GROWTH 500 CONTRAFUND YIELD
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------- ------------- ------------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Increase in Units
Deposits............... 406,623 65,985 41,371 19,373 20,471 74,108 16,908
Withdrawals............ 285,844 12,114 1,652 753 1,404 2,401 1,551
------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Outstanding Units,
End of Year............ 120,779 53,871 39,719 18,620 19,067 71,707 15,357
======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
<CAPTION>
TR PRICE TR PRICE
PUTNAM NEW TR PRICE PERSONAL MSF
PUTNAM US GOVT & PUTNAM NEW AMERICA LIMITED- STRATEGY EMERGING
VOYAGER HIGH QUALITY OPPORTUNITIES GROWTH TERM BD BALANCED GROWTH
DIVISION BOND DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
-------- ------------- ------------- -------- -------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Increase in Units
Deposits............... 12,048 28,842 26,662 40,110 8,977 40,523 64,495
Withdrawals............ 1,023 932 1,103 1,297 604 8,452 5,369
------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Outstanding Units,
End of Year............ 11,025 27,910 25,559 38,813 8,373 32,071 59,126
======= ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-19
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 6--RECONCILIATION OF GROSS AND NET DEPOSITS INTO THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
Deposits into the Separate Account purchase shares of various funds. Net
deposits represent the amount available for investment in such shares after
deduction of premium expense charges, monthly expense charges, cost of
insurance and the cost of optional benefits added by rider. The following is a
summary of net deposits made for the period from February 26, 1997 (Inception)
to December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SCUDDER
MONEY SCUDDER FIDELITY FIDELITY FIDELITY FIDELITY PUTNAM
MARKET INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INCOME GROWTH INDEX 500 CONTRAFUND HIGH YIELD
DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
--------- ------------- ------------- -------- --------- ---------- ----------
1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997
--------- ------------- ------------- -------- --------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total Gross Deposits.... $ 572,646 806,785 1,039,412 756,226 2,274,729 1,858,957 263,896
Surrenders and
Withdrawals............. (74) (72) (14,044) (2,270) (15,614) (2,130) (7,735)
Transfers Between Funds
and General Account..... (206,826) 66,433 20,328 (56,593) 76,287 (283,887) (1,230)
--------- ------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Gross Deposits
net of Surrenders,
Withdrawals, and
Transfers.............. 365,746 873,146 1,045,696 697,363 2,335,402 1,572,940 254,931
Deductions:
Premium Expense
Charges................ 16,024 22,575 29,085 21,161 63,651 52,017 7,384
Monthly Expense
Charges................ 4,660 6,565 8,458 6,154 18,511 15,127 2,147
Cost of Insurance and
Optional Benefits...... 222,953 55,858 104,915 11,884 241,002 164,035 38,457
--------- ------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Deductions..... 243,637 84,998 142,458 39,199 323,164 231,179 47,988
--------- ------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders........... $ 122,109 788,148 903,238 658,164 2,012,238 1,341,761 206,943
========= ======= ========= ======= ========= ========= =========
<CAPTION>
TR PRICE TR PRICE
PUTNAM NEW TR PRICE PERSONAL MFS
PUTNAM US GOVT & PUTNAM NEW AMERICA LIMITED- STRATEGY EMERGING
VOYAGER HIGH QUALITY OPPORTUNITIES GROWTH TERM BD BALANCED GROWTH
DIVISION BOND DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION
--------- ------------- ------------- -------- --------- ---------- ----------
1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997
--------- ------------- ------------- -------- --------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total Gross Deposits.... $ 454,188 269,041 597,955 809,931 43,399 617,298 937,102
Surrenders and
Withdrawals............. (14,199) (1) (214) (1,562) -- (12,595) (1,608)
Transfers Between Funds
and General Account..... 48,745 150,618 8,343 81,731 4,089 (42,168) 80,406
--------- ------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Gross Deposits
net of Surrenders,
Withdrawals, and
Transfers.............. 488,734 419,658 606,084 890,100 47,488 562,535 1,015,900
Deductions:
Premium Expense
Charges................ 12,709 7,528 16,732 22,663 1,214 17,273 26,222
Monthly Expense
Charges................ 3,696 2,189 4,866 6,591 353 5,023 7,626
Cost of Insurance and
Optional Benefits...... 71,650 37,209 103,656 110,288 4,448 64,338 110,437
--------- ------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Deductions..... 88,055 46,926 125,254 139,542 6,015 86,634 144,285
--------- ------- --------- ------- --------- --------- ---------
Net Deposits from
Policyholders........... $ 400,679 372,732 480,830 750,558 41,473 475,901 871,615
========= ======= ========= ======= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
PARAGON SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER MARKET
OF SHARES VALUE COST
--------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Putnam Variable Trust:
Scudder Money Market Division................ 124,932 $ 124,932 $ 124,932
Scudder International Division............... 53,508 754,995 780,874
Fidelity Equity Income Division.............. 39,506 959,205 902,625
Fidelity Growth Division..................... 18,547 688,079 658,003
Fidelity Index 500 Division.................. 18,971 2,170,115 2,011,926
Fidelity Contrafund Division................. 71,415 1,424,022 1,340,860
Putnam High Yield Division................... 16,268 221,565 207,215
Putnam Voyager Division...................... 11,492 449,103 402,679
Putnam Us Gov & High Quality Bond Division... 29,219 392,120 372,053
Putnam New Opportunities Division............ 25,391 539,042 480,663
TR Price New America Growth Division......... 38,596 824,025 749,882
TR Price Limited-Term BD Division............ 8,650 42,905 42,557
TR Price Personal Strategy Balanced Division. 33,082 500,527 490,030
MFS Emerging Growth Division................. 58,319 941,270 872,364
</TABLE>
See Accompanying Independent Auditors' Report.
F-21
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
ILLUSTRATIONS OF DEATH BENEFITS AND CASH VALUES
The following tables illustrate how the Cash Value and Death Benefit of a
Policy change with the investment experience of a Division of the Separate
Account. The tables show how the Cash Value and Death Benefit of a Policy
issued to an Insured of a given age and at a given premium would vary over
time if the investment return on the assets held in each Division of the
Separate Account were a uniform, gross, after-tax annual rate of 0%, 6% or
12%. In addition, the Cash Values and Death Benefits would be different from
those shown if the gross annual investment rates of return averaged 0%, 6%,
and 12% over a period of years, but fluctuated above and below those averages
for individual Policy years.
The tables illustrate a Policy issued to an Insured, age 45, in an Executive
Program issued as a Group Contract Policy. This assumes the maximum monthly
administrative charge. If a particular Policy has different sales or
administrative charges or if a particular group is larger or smaller or has a
different gender mix, the Cash Values and Death Benefits would vary from those
shown in the tables.
The Cash Value column under the "Guaranteed" heading shows the accumulated
value of the premiums paid reflecting deduction of the charges described above
and monthly charges for the cost of insurance based on the guaranteed rate
which is 125% of the maximum allowed under the 1980 Commissioners Standard
Ordinary Mortality Table C. The "Cash Value" column under the "Current"
heading shows the accumulated value of the premiums paid reflecting deduction
of the charges described above and monthly charges for the cost of insurance
at the current level for an Executive Program, which is less than or equal to
125% of the maximum allowed by the 1980 Commissioners Standard Ordinary
Mortality Table C. The illustrations of Death Benefits reflect the above
assumptions. The Death Benefits also vary between tables depending upon
whether Level Type (Option A) or Increasing Type (Option B) Death Benefits are
illustrated.
The amounts shown for the Cash Value and Death Benefit reflect the fact that
the investment rate of return is lower than the gross after-tax return on the
assets held in a Division of the Separate Account. The charges include a
maximum .90% charge for mortality and expense risk, an assumed combined
investment advisory fee (representing the average of the fees incurred by The
Funds in which The Divisions invest) and the Funds' expenses (based on the
average of the actual expenses incurred in fiscal year 1997) of .689%. See the
respective Fund prospectus for details. After deduction for these amounts, the
illustrated gross annual investment rates of return of 0%, 6% and 12%
correspond to approximate net annual rates of -1.589%, 4.411%, and 10.411%,
respectively. An expense reimbursement arrangement exists between the Company
and Scudder VLI as part of the participation agreement with the Company.
However, fund assets are of a sufficient size that no reimbursement is
currently necessary. No other expense reimbursement arrangement exists between
the Company and the other investment Funds. FMR reimbursed expenses in 1996
for the Index 500 Portfolio. MFS reimbursed expenses in 1996 for the Emerging
Growth Series.
The hypothetical values shown in the tables reflect all fees and charges
under the Policy, including the premium expense charge. The premium tax
charge, and all components of the monthly deduction. They do not reflect any
charges for federal income taxes against the Separate Account, since the
Company is not currently making any such charges. However, such charges may be
made in the future and, in that event, the gross annual investment rate of
return of the divisions of the Separate Account would have to exceed 0%, 6%,
and 12% by an amount sufficient to cover the tax charges in order to produce
the Death Benefit and Cash Value illustrated. (See "Federal Tax Matters.")
Additionally, the hypothetical values shown in the tables assume that the
Policy for which values are illustrated is not deemed an individual policy
under OBRA, and therefore the values do not reflect the additional 1% premium
expense charge for the Company's increased federal tax liabilities.
The tables illustrate the Policy values that would result based upon the
investment rates of return if premiums are paid as indicated, and if no Policy
loans have been made. The tables are also based on the assumptions that the
Owner has not requested an increase or decrease in the Face Amount, that no
partial withdrawals have been made, that no transfer charges were incurred,
and that no optional riders have been requested.
Upon request, the Company will provide a comparable illustration based upon
the proposed Insured's age, group size and gender mix, the Face Amount and
premium requested and the proposed frequency of premium payments.
A-1
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $6,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$500.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
1.589%)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------- -------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 6,161 $ 3,048 $500,000 $ 5,009 $500,000
2 12,630 5,892 500,000 9,911 500,000
3 19,423 8,495 500,000 14,679 500,000
4 26,555 10,844 500,000 19,259 500,000
5 34,045 12,915 500,000 23,655 500,000
6 41,908 14,692 500,000 27,930 500,000
7 50,165 16,143 500,000 32,029 500,000
8 58,834 17,227 500,000 35,958 500,000
9 67,937 17,908 500,000 39,720 500,000
10 77,496 18,155 500,000 43,314 500,000
11 87,532 17,960 500,000 46,636 500,000
12 98,070 17,289 500,000 49,805 500,000
13 109,134 16,137 500,000 52,767 500,000
14 120,752 14,474 500,000 55,414 500,000
15 132,951 12,244 500,000 57,806 500,000
16 145,760 9,385 500,000 59,954 500,000
17 159,209 5,781 500,000 61,805 500,000
18 173,331 1,296 500,000 63,306 500,000
19 188,159 0 0 64,521 500,000
20 203,728 0 0 65,338 500,000
25 294,060 0 0 61,598 500,000
30 409,348 0 0 35,043 500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value and Death
Benefit for a policy would be different from those shown if the actual rates
of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No representation
can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the investment
management companies, or any representative thereof, that this hypothetical
rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over any period
of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume any additional premiums shown are received monthly on the Policy
anniversary and further assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-2
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $6,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$500.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE 4.411%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 6,161 3,148 500,000 5,172 500,000
2 12,630 6,277 500,000 10,545 500,000
3 19,423 9,340 500,000 16,098 500,000
4 26,555 12,324 500,000 21,782 500,000
5 34,045 15,198 500,000 27,606 500,000
6 41,908 17,937 500,000 33,637 500,000
7 50,165 20,500 500,000 39,830 500,000
8 58,834 22,835 500,000 46,195 500,000
9 67,937 24,892 500,000 52,743 500,000
10 77,496 26,625 500,000 59,482 500,000
11 87,532 28,007 500,000 66,316 500,000
12 98,070 28,986 500,000 73,369 500,000
13 109,134 29,536 500,000 80,597 500,000
14 120,752 29,603 500,000 87,908 500,000
15 132,951 29,106 500,000 95,365 500,000
16 145,760 27,953 500,000 102,989 500,000
17 159,209 25,993 500,000 110,743 500,000
18 173,331 23,047 500,000 118,591 500,000
19 188,159 18,914 500,000 126,602 500,000
20 203,728 13,383 500,000 134,695 500,000
25 294,060 0 0 175,492 500,000
30 409,348 0 0 211,626 500,000
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value and Death
Benefit for a Policy would be different from those shown if the actual rates
of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No representation
can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the investment
management companies, or any representative thereof, that this hypothetical
rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over any period
of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume any additional premiums shown are received monthly on the Policy
Anniversary and further assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-3
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: A ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $6,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$500.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE 10.411%
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
-------------------------------- ---------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- ------- ------ ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 6,161 3,246 500,000 5,333 500,000
2 12,630 6,668 500,000 11,193 500,000
3 19,423 10,239 500,000 17,607 500,000
4 26,555 13,965 500,000 24,572 500,000
5 34,045 17,838 500,000 32,153 500,000
6 41,908 21,854 500,000 40,476 500,000
7 50,165 25,997 500,000 49,567 500,000
8 58,834 30,240 500,000 59,512 500,000
9 67,937 34,559 500,000 70,408 500,000
10 77,496 38,937 500,000 82,357 500,000
11 87,532 43,375 500,000 95,376 500,000
12 98,070 47,856 500,000 109,700 500,000
13 109,134 52,389 500,000 125,425 500,000
14 120,752 56,960 500,000 142,620 500,000
15 132,951 61,535 500,000 161,513 500,000
16 145,760 66,070 500,000 182,316 500,000
17 159,209 70,475 500,000 205,221 500,000
18 173,331 74,631 500,000 230,452 500,000
19 188,159 78,412 500,000 258,350 500,000
20 203,728 81,681 500,000 289,189 500,000
25 294,060 85,748 500,000 502,172 582,520
30 409,348 38,847 500,000 851,807 911,433
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value and Death
Benefit for a Policy would be different from those shown if the actual rates
of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No representation
can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the investment
management companies, or any representative thereof, that this hypothetical
rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over any period
of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume any additional premiums shown are received monthly on the Policy
Anniversary and further assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-4
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 0.00% (NET RATE @ -
1.589%)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
------------------------------ -------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------ -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $8,808 $508,808 $10,775 $510,775
2 25,261 17,305 517,305 21,343 521,343
3 38,846 25,448 525,448 31,679 531,679
4 53,111 33,231 533,231 41,726 541,726
5 68,090 40,629 540,629 51,489 551,489
6 83,817 47,626 547,626 61,032 561,032
7 100,330 54,193 554,193 70,299 570,299
8 117,669 60,288 560,288 79,294 579,294
9 135,875 65,878 565,878 88,022 588,022
10 154,992 70,935 570,935 96,482 596,482
11 175,064 75,457 575,457 104,558 604,558
12 196,140 79,415 579,415 112,383 612,383
13 218,269 82,813 582,813 119,893 619,893
14 241,505 85,631 585,631 126,971 626,971
15 265,903 87,823 587,823 133,682 633,682
16 291,521 89,342 589,342 140,037 640,037
17 318,419 90,091 590,091 145,979 645,979
18 346,663 89,958 589,958 151,447 651,447
19 376,319 88,832 588,832 156,515 656,515
20 407,457 86,617 586,617 161,059 661,059
25 588,120 57,508 557,508 173,963 673,963
30 818,697 0 0 161,239 661,239
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value and Death
Benefit for a Policy would be different from those shown if the actual rates
of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No representation
can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the investment
management companies, or any representative thereof, that this hypothetical
rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over any period
of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume any additional premiums shown are received monthly on the Policy
Anniversary and further assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-5
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 6.00% (NET RATE @ 4.411%)
-----------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
----------------------------- -----------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 9,095 $509,095 $ 11,126 $ 511,126
2 25,261 18,416 518,416 22,708 522,708
3 38,846 27,921 527,921 34,732 534,732
4 53,111 37,607 537,607 47,159 547,159
5 68,090 47,451 547,451 60,006 560,006
6 83,817 57,437 557,437 73,352 573,352
7 100,330 67,533 567,533 87,159 587,159
8 117,669 77,696 577,696 101,446 601,446
9 135,875 87,886 587,886 116,236 616,236
10 154,992 98,067 598,067 131,544 631,544
11 175,064 108,227 608,227 147,270 647,270
12 196,140 118,329 618,329 163,562 663,562
13 218,269 128,363 628,363 180,378 680,378
14 241,505 138,296 638,296 197,611 697,611
15 265,903 148,070 648,070 215,343 715,343
16 291,521 157,615 657,615 233,601 733,601
17 318,419 166,812 666,812 252,341 752,341
18 346,663 175,518 675,518 271,518 771,518
19 376,319 183,582 683,582 291,217 791,217
20 407,457 190,861 690,861 311,329 811,329
25 588,120 211,699 711,699 416,333 916,333
30 818,697 186,513 686,513 518,431 1,018,431
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value and Death
Benefit for a Policy would be different from those shown if the actual rates
of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No representation
can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the investment
management companies, or any representative thereof, that this hypothetical
rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over any period
of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume any additional premiums shown are received monthly on the Policy
Anniversary and further assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-6
<PAGE>
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
FACE AMOUNT OF COVERAGE: $500,000 AGE: 45
DEATH BENEFIT OPTION: B ANNUAL PREMIUM:
PREMIUM EXPENSE CHARGE: 1.00% $12,000.00
PREMIUM TAX: 2.00% (Monthly Premium:
$1,000.00)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR SEPARATE ACCOUNT B--A HYPOTHETICAL GROSS
ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN @ 12.00% (NET RATE @ 10.411%)
------------------------------------------------------------------
GUARANTEED* CURRENT**
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
PREM CASH DEATH CASH DEATH
YR @ 5.00% VALUE BENEFIT VALUE BENEFIT
--- -------- ------------ ------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 12,322 $ 9,378 $ 509,378 $ 11,472 $ 511,472
2 25,261 19,550 519,550 24,101 524,101
3 38,846 30,549 530,549 37,976 537,976
4 53,111 42,447 542,447 53,163 553,163
5 68,090 55,306 555,306 69,799 569,799
6 83,817 69,202 569,202 88,098 588,098
7 100,330 84,205 584,205 108,170 608,170
8 117,669 100,379 600,379 130,199 630,199
9 135,875 117,803 617,803 154,389 654,389
10 154,992 136,570 636,570 180,960 680,960
11 175,064 156,806 656,806 210,033 710,033
12 196,140 178,627 678,627 242,002 742,002
13 218,269 202,192 702,192 277,097 777,097
14 241,505 227,652 727,652 315,514 815,514
15 265,903 255,147 755,147 357,660 857,660
16 291,521 284,826 784,826 403,931 903,931
17 318,419 316,805 816,805 454,688 954,688
18 346,663 351,192 851,192 510,328 1,010,328
19 376,319 388,105 888,105 571,431 1,071,431
20 407,457 427,689 927,689 638,426 1,138,426
25 588,120 673,806 1,173,806 1,083,114 1,583,114
30 818,697 1,019,700 1,519,700 1,780,809 2,280,809
</TABLE>
- --------
*These values reflect investment results using guaranteed cost of insurance
rates.
**These values reflect investment results using current cost of insurance
rates.
The hypothetical investment rate of return shown above is illustrative only,
and should not be deemed a representation of past or future results. Actual
investment results may be more or less than those shown and will depend on a
number of factors, including the investment allocation made by the Policy
Owner, and the investment results for the Funds. The Cash Value and Death
Benefit for a Policy would be different from those shown if the actual rates
of return averaged the rate shown above over a period of years, but also
fluctuated above or below that average for individual years. No representation
can be made by the Company, Walnut Street Securities, the investment
management companies, or any representative thereof, that this hypothetical
rate of return can be achieved for any one year, or sustained over any period
of time.
Illustrated values shown above are as of the end of the years indicated and
assume any additional premiums shown are received monthly on the Policy
Anniversary and further assume there is no Policy indebtedness outstanding.
A-7
