AMERICO LIFE INC
10-K, 1998-03-31
LIFE INSURANCE
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=============================================================================

                              UNITED STATES
                   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
              --------------------------------------

                              FORM 10-K

      ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
                  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

              For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 or

             TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
           OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

       For the transition period from _______________ to _______________

                    Commission file number: 33-64820

                            AMERICO LIFE, INC.
            (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

             Missouri                             No. 43-1627599
     (State of Incorporation)        (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                      1055 Broadway
                  Kansas City, Missouri   64105
        (Address of Principal Executive Offices)  (Zip Code)

     Registrant's telephone number including area code: (816) 391-2700

         Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

         Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

   Indicate by check mark if disclosure of  delinquent  filers  pursuant to Item
   405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,  to
   the best of  Registrant's  knowledge,  in  definitive  proxy  or  information
   statements  incorporated  by  reference  in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
   amendment to this Form 10-K.

   Shares of common stock outstanding as of March 25, 1998:  10,000, none of
   which is held by non-affiliates.

                      Documents Incorporated by Reference: None

============================================================================


<PAGE>





<TABLE>


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
  <S>    <C>                                                                                              <C>
  Item                                                                                                     Page
                                   PART I
   1.     Business                                                                                           2
   2.     Properties                                                                                         12
   3.     Legal Proceedings                                                                                  12
   4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                                12

                                   PART II

   5.     Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters                              13
   6.     Selected Consolidated Financial Data                                                               13
   7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations              14
  7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk                                          22
   8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                                                        22
   9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure               22

                                    PART III

  10.     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant                                                 23
  11.     Executive Compensation                                                                             24
  12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management                                     25
  13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                                                     25

                                    PART IV

  14.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K                                    27
</TABLE>

                                            1

<PAGE>


                                     PART I

ITEM 1.     BUSINESS

General

     Americo Life, Inc.  ("Americo" or the "Company") is a financial  services
holding company whose  subsidiaries are engaged in the life insurance
business.  Americo is wholly-owned by Financial Holding  Corporation  ("FHC"), a
privately-owned corporation.

     The Company's  wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries are: Great Southern Life
Insurance Company ("Great Southern"),  located in Dallas, Texas, United Fidelity
Life Insurance Company ("United  Fidelity"),  The College Life Insurance Company
of America ("College Life"), The Victory Life Insurance Company ("Victory Life")
and National Farmers Union Life Insurance  Company  ("National  Farmers Union"),
all located in Kansas City, Missouri,  and The Ohio State Life Insurance Company
("Ohio  State")  and  Investors  Guaranty  Life  Insurance  Company  ("Investors
Guaranty"), located in Columbus, Ohio. Through a joint venture, the Company also
has a 50% interest in  Financial  Assurance  Life  Insurance  Company  (formerly
Financial  Assurance,  Incorporated)  ("FAL")  and Annuity  Service  Corporation
("ASC"), located in Kansas City, Missouri and Austin, Texas, respectively.

     The Company  develops,  markets and administers  life insurance and annuity
products in four target  markets:  (i)  individual  life  insurance sold through
Personal   Producing   General  Agents   ("PPGAs")  and  Independent   Marketing
Organizations  ("IMOs")  (ii)  payroll  deduction  life  insurance  sold through
specialized agents,  (iii) tax-qualified life and annuities sold through a joint
venture  and (iv) life and annuity  products  sold  through  IMOs to the "senior
market".  In  addition,   the  Company  administers  policies  acquired  through
acquisition with which there are no meaningful marketing operations associated.

     Prior to the Great  Southern  acquisition,  the Company  had no  meaningful
marketing  operations  and its  strategy  was to increase the number of policies
administered and assets managed  primarily  through  acquisition.  Following the
acquisition  of Great  Southern in 1989,  the Company  expanded  its strategy to
include the  development of and marketing of life and annuity  products into the
markets described above.

     In addition to the life insurance  operations  described above, the Company
occasionally makes financial and strategic investments in other businesses.  The
Company  has an  investment,  in the form of a 50%  interest,  in  Argus  Health
Systems, Inc. ("Argus"), which is engaged in prescription drug claim processing.
The Company also wholly-owns several real estate partnerships  formerly-owned by
GSSW, Limited Partnerships ("GSSW").

Acquisitions and Reinsurance Transactions

     Along with the  development of new business,  acquisitions  and reinsurance
transactions have been a significant part of the Company's growth strategy since
1989.  Since 1989, the Company has acquired six companies or blocks of insurance
policies and continues to investigate acquisition opportunities in the insurance
industry.  The principal  additions  were Great  Southern in 1989,  Loyalty Life
Insurance Company  ("Loyalty Life") and National Farmers Union in 1991,  Victory
Life in 1995 and Ohio State and Investors  Guaranty in 1997, and two significant
reinsurance transactions in 1996 and 1995.

     In 1993,  the Company  entered into a joint  venture  whose purpose was the
sale of tax-qualified  life and annuity products by the Company's life insurance
subsidiaries. At December 31, 1997, the Company had direct insurance liabilities
generated as a result of this joint venture of approximately $320.5 million.

     The Company has utilized a transaction  structure involving an unaffiliated
reinsurer ("the Reinsurer") in order to acquire insurance companies or blocks of
insurance  business.  The transaction steps result in the policy liabilities and
related  assets being  transferred  to the  Reinsurer  in exchange for a ceding
commission and subsequently  reinsured to the Company on a modified  coinsurance
basis. The assets supporting the insurance liabilities are held in trust for the
benefit of the Company.

     In 1995,  the  Company  entered  into  agreements  with  The Ohio  Casualty
Insurance  Company ("Ohio  Casualty")  and the Reinsurer  under which the direct
liabilities of The Ohio Life  Insurance  Company ("Ohio Life") were reinsured to
the  Reinsurer on a coinsurance  basis.  These  agreements  also provide for the
Company to service the approximately  75,000 life insurance and annuity policies
of Ohio Life. At December 31, 1997, the policy liabilities associated with these
policies totaled $278.1 million.

     In 1996, the Company entered into similar agreements with Fremont  General
Corporation and the Reinsurer covering  approximately 20,000 policies of Fremont
Life  Insurance  Company  ("Fremont  Life").  At December 31,  1997,  the policy
liabilities associated with these policies totaled $444.7 million.

     On April 15, 1997,  the Company  acquired all of the  outstanding  stock 
of Ohio State and Investors  Guaranty from Farmers  Group,  Inc. for a purchase
price of $345.4 million. On April 16, 1997 Ohio State and Investors Guaranty 
entered into coinsurance  agreements to reinsure all of their  insurance 
liabilities  to the Reinsurer. The Company also entered into agreements to 
service the approximately 229,000 policies of Ohio State and Investors Guaranty.
At December 31, 1997, the policy liabilities associated with these policies 
totaled $667.0 million.

     The Company and the Reinsurer entered into modified coinsurance agreements
to reinsure certain risks on the Ohio Life, Fremont Life, Ohio State and 
Investors Guaranty insurance policies to the Company. The risks associated with
the Ohio State and Investors Guaranty policies are reinsured on a 70% quota
share basis. The modified coinsurance agreements provide that the assets related
to the reinsured policies are to be retained by the Reinsurer. The Company began
directly  assuming  the policies of Fremont Life and Ohio Life in 1996 and 1997,
respectively,  and intends to begin  directly  assuming the  Investors  Guaranty
policies in 1998.

     Including  the above  transactions,  at December 31, 1997,  the Company has
approximately  $3.5 billion of invested assets under management.  In addition to
expanding  its  product  offerings,  the  Company's  future  operating  strategy
includes pursuing selected  acquisitions of in-force blocks of life insurance or
insurance companies. The Company will also focus on opportunities to enter other
arrangements, including acquisitions, which can complement the Company's current
marketing and distribution channels and increase its asset and policy base.

     In August  1997,  Great  Southern  sold the stock of Loyalty Life for $12.2
million  resulting  in a $4.8 million gain before  income  taxes.  Prior to this
sale, several of the Company's  insurance  subsidiaries  entered into agreements
with Loyalty Life for the assumption of Loyalty Life insurance liabilities.

     In March 1998, the Company  entered an agreement with an unrelated party to
sell  Investors  Guaranty.  The  Company  will  continue  to  assume  the  risks
associated  with  Investors  Guaranty  policies on a 70% quota share basis.  The
Company intends to reinsure these risks on an assumption basis in the future.

Life Insurance Business

     The Company's  in-force life insurance business consists of traditional and
interest-sensitive  life  insurance  and  annuities.  At December 31, 1997,  the
insurance in force on  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  contracts  was $31.7
billion,  the insurance in force on  traditional  life  insurance  contracts was
$15.7 billion and annuity liabilities totaled $1.1 billion.

     The Company's life insurance  subsidiaries  offer a portfolio of individual
interest-sensitive life insurance products,  including  interest-sensitive whole
life and  universal  life  insurance and customary  riders.  The Company's  life
insurance  subsidiaries  also offer single premium and flexible  premium annuity
products,   including  tax-qualified  annuities,  as  well  as  a  portfolio  of
traditional life insurance  products,  including  individual term and whole life
insurance.    Interest-sensitive   life   insurance   products   accounted   for
substantially  all new life policies written in 1997. The principal  differences
among  the  types of these  products  offered  by the  Company  relate to policy
provisions affecting the amount and timing of premium payments.



<PAGE>


     The following  table shows  collected  premiums of the Company during 1997,
1996 and 1995 by product category.
<TABLE>
                                                                      Premiums Collected
                                                                    for periods indicated
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               First Year                  Renewal                    Total
                                           --------------------     ----------------------    ----------------------
<S>                                            <C>       <C>           <C>         <C>
Product Category                                $         %             $           %              $          %
- - ----------------                                -         -             -           -              -          -
                                                                       (in thousands)

Year ended
December 31, 1997
Traditional                                     11,184      8.5         87,607       28.7        98,791        22.6
Interest-sensitive                              44,524     33.7        173,384       56.7       217,908        49.7
                                             ---------   ------       --------   --------     ---------      ------
   Total life                                   55,708     42.2        260,991       85.4       316,699        72.3
Annuities                                       76,500     57.8         44,693       14.6       121,193        27.7
                                             ---------   ------      ---------   --------     ---------      ------
   Direct and assumed premiums                 132,208    100.0        305,684      100.0       437,892       100.0
                                             =========    =====      =========    =======      (137,159)      =====
   Less ceded premiums                                                                         --------
   Total                                                                                        300,733
                                                                                              =========

Year ended
December 31, 1996
Traditional                                      4,048      4.5         61,475       23.4        65,523        18.6
Interest-sensitive                              34,888     38.6        132,266       50.4       167,154        47.4
                                               -------     ----     ----------    -------      --------     -------
                                                           
   Total life                                   38,936     43.1        193,741       73.8       232,677        66.0
Annuities                                       51,419     56.9         68,734       26.2       120,153        34.0
                                               -------    -----      ---------    -------      --------     -------
     Direct and assumed premiums                90,355    100.0        262,475      100.0       352,830       100.0
                                               =======   ======      =========     ======                    ======
   Less ceded premiums                                                                          (91,711)
                                                                                               --------
   Total                                                                                        261,119
                                                                                               ========

Year ended
December 31, 1995
Traditional                                      3,206      3.9         58,895       29.8        62,101        22.2
Interest-sensitive                              28,731     34.8        118,515       60.0       147,246        52.6
                                               -------    -----      ---------     ------     ---------      ------
   Total life                                   31,937     38.7        177,410       89.8       209,347        74.8
Annuities                                       50,592     61.3         20,064       10.2        70,656        25.2
                                               -------    -----      ---------     ------     ---------      ------
    Direct and assumed premiums                 82,529    100.0        197,474      100.0       280,003       100.0
                                               =======    =====      =========     ======                    ======
   Less ceded premiums                                                                          (80,638)
                                                                                               --------
   Total                                                                                        199,365
                                                                                               ========

</TABLE>

Marketing and Distribution

     The Company's new business  efforts have been divided into four segments as
defined more fully below:  Individual  Markets,  Special Markets,  Tax-qualified
Markets and the Seniors Market.

     Individual  Markets.  The Company  delivers its products to the  individual
markets  using two  methods  of  distribution,  PPGA and  independent  marketing
organizations.  The Company's PPGA marketing system utilizes  approximately  600
independent  agents  who market the  Company's  products.  None of the agents is
employed by the Company, but each is a party to a general agency agreement which
governs  the  terms  of his or her  arrangement  with  the  Company.  PPGAs  who
represent the Company may also represent  other  insurers.  Of the $41.9 million
total  annualized  first-year life insurance  premiums  generated by the Company
during 1997, approximately $17.0 million (or 41%) was derived from sales through
the Company's PPGA system.

     Approximately $9.3 million, or 22%, of the Company's annualized  first-year
life  insurance  premiums in 1997 was  derived  from sales  through  eight large
marketing  organizations  comprised of non-exclusive  independent agents with an
aggregate membership of approximately 2,000 at December 31, 1997.



     Since 1995,  the Company has employed its Career  Partners  Program(TM)  to
increase the production from individual agents and reduce the Company's reliance
on large marketing  organizations and brokers.  The Career Partners  Program(TM)
attempts  to  build a longer  term  relationship  between  the  Company  and the
individual  agents by providing  benefits in addition to  commissions  to reward
production  and  longevity  in the  program.  As a result of this  program,  the
Company has  experienced  improved  retention,  consistency  of  production  and
stronger relationships with participating agents.

     The  individual  markets  experienced  significant  growth in 1997 from two
sources.  The addition of Ohio State's individual  production  contributed $12.3
million, or 29%, of first year annualized life insurance  premiums.  Growth from
the same sources,  excluding Ohio State,  increased  $7.0 million,  or 33%, over
1996.  In total,  this segment  increased  new  premiums by $19.3 million,  
nearly doubling 1996 production.

     Special Markets/Payroll  Deduction. The Company's special marketing efforts
consist of offering  voluntary payroll deduction,  interest-sensitive  universal
life  insurance to employees of large and  medium-sized  companies and accounted
for $6.0 million, or 14%, of the Company's annualized  first-year life insurance
premiums in 1997.  This effort is conducted  through  Great  Southern's  special
marketing  agency force. The agency force,  which consists of approximately  100
general agents, primarily contacts companies that have a minimum of 100 eligible
employees.   The  Company's   special   marketing  efforts  benefited  from  the
introduction of an expanded product  portfolio and increased special marketing
agency force. First year new production increased $4.0 million in 1997.

     Tax-Qualified  Life  Insurance  and Annuity  Markets.  Great  Southern  and
College Life expanded their  marketing  capabilities in the  tax-qualified  life
insurance and annuity markets,  specifically  products  qualified under Internal
Revenue Code Sections 401(k) and 403(b), through a joint venture founded in July
1993 ("Joint Venture"),  effected through College Insurance Group, Inc. ("CIG").
These products are marketed to public school teachers  through a specialty field
force of  managed  agents.  CIG is  owned  equally  by  United  Fidelity  and an
unrelated  individual.  CIG, in turn,  owns 100% of the stock of FAL and 100% of
the stock of ASC.  Pursuant to the Joint Venture,  both parties  generally share
the profits from 401(k) and 403(b)  business  written by marketing  companies on
behalf of Great  Southern and College Life.  Sales  generated  through the Joint
Venture, expressed in terms of collected premiums,  increased from $14.6 million
in 1993 to $107.9 million in 1997.

     Seniors  Market.   In  1996,   Great  Southern   expanded  its  marketing
capabilities into the seniors life insurance and annuity markets.  Following the
Fremont Life  transaction,  the Company was introduced to a select group of IMOs
that  specialize  in the  marketing of fixed  annuities to seniors.  The Company
introduced  products to this distribution  source in the fourth quarter of 1996.
The senior market,  generally  considered to include individuals over age 55, is
expected to  experience  double digit annual growth  resulting  from a number of
factors,  including growth in consumer concerns over social security and pension
plans and the aging of the  consumer  population.  The Company  competes in this
market by offering fixed annuity  products with riders and benefits  tailored to
the needs of maturing  individuals.  Sales generated through the IMOs, expressed
in terms of collected  premiums,  were $17.5 million in 1997.

Competition and Ratings

     The  Company  competes  with a large  number of other  insurers  as well as
non-insurance financial services companies,  such as banks, investment advisors,
mutual  fund  companies  and  other  financial  institutions,  some of which 
have greater financial  resources,  offer  alternative  products and, with 
respect to other insurers, have higher ratings than the Company. National banks,
with their preexisting customer bases for financial services products,  may pose
increasing competition in the future to insurers who sell annuities, including 
the Company, as a result of the U.S.  Supreme  Court's 1994 decision in  
NationsBank of North Carolina v. Variable  Annuity Life  Insurance  Company,  
which permits  national banks  to  sell  annuity  products  of  life  insurance 
companies  in  certain circumstances.


<PAGE>


     The Company believes that the principal  competitive factors in the sale of
life insurance are product features,  product  flexibility,  product pricing and
crediting  rates,  commission  structure,  high credit  standing  and  perceived
stability  of insurer,  and service  provided to the  policyholder.  The Company
believes that its ability to compete with other insurance companies is dependent
upon its ability to attract and retain agents to market its  insurance  products
and its ability to develop  competitive  products that are also profitable.  The
Company  believes that it has good  relationships  with its agents and marketing
groups,  has an  adequate  variety of policies  approved  for  issuance,  and is
generally competitive within the industry.  The Company also competes with other
entities in acquiring life insurance companies and blocks of insurance business.
The  acquisition  of  insurance  companies  or blocks of business  is  extremely
competitive.  Many of the  companies  with  which the  Company  competes  have a
stronger capital position as well as better access to the capital markets.

     A primary  factor in a  company's  ability  to compete in the sales of life
insurance  business  and the  acquisition  of life  insurance  companies  is the
ratings it receives from various rating agencies.  Two of the Company's  primary
marketing   subsidiaries,   Great  Southern  and  College  Life,  are  rated  "A
(Excellent)"  by A.M. Best and have a claims paying ability rating of "A (Good)"
from   Standard   and   Poor's   Corporation   ("S&P").   Ohio  State  is  rated
"A-(Excellent)"  by A.M.  Best and has a claims  paying  ability  rating  of "Aq
(Good)" from S&P. National Farmers Union is rated "B+ (Very Good)" by A.M. Best.
A.M.  Best's  ratings  for  insurance   companies   currently  range  from  "A++
(Superior)" to "F (In Liquidation)", and some insurance companies are not rated.
Publications of A.M. Best indicate that the "A" and "A-" ratings are assigned to
those companies that, in A.M. Best's opinion,  have achieved  excellent  overall
performance  when  compared to the standards  established  by A.M. Best and that
generally  have  demonstrated  a strong  ability  to meet their  obligations  to
policyholders  over a long  period  of time.  The "B+"  rating  is  assigned  to
companies  that,  in A.M.  Best's  opinion,  have  achieved  very  good  overall
performance  when  compared to the standards  established  by A.M. Best and that
generally have a strong ability to meet their obligations to policyholders,  but
whose  financial   strength  may  be  susceptible  to  unfavorable   changes  in
underwriting  or  economic  conditions.  The "A"  rating is  assigned  by S&P to
companies  which,  in S&P's  opinion,  offer good  financial  security,  but the
capacity to meet  policyholder  obligations  is somewhat  susceptible to adverse
economic and underwriting  conditions.  Ohio State's rating of Aq indicates that
the  rating is based  solely on  quantitative  analysis  of  publicly  available
financial data. While ratings do not constitute recommendations to buy or sell a
company's  insurance  products,  and are subject to change or  withdrawal at any
time, they are considered an important measurement in some markets.

Operations

     The Company has made  strategic  decisions  over the last several  years in
order to achieve  its goal of  operating  at the lowest  achievable  cost level.
These decisions  include (i) investments in technology,  (ii)  centralization of
certain functions and (iii) outsourcing its data processing requirements.

     The Company has made  significant  investments in technology  over the past
several years in order to lower its operating  costs. Its use of digital imaging
technology  has  substantially  eliminated  the  typical  paper  intensive  life
insurance processing  procedures,  resulting in lower operating costs,  improved
customer  service and an improved  working  environment.  As part of the imaging
technology,  the Company uses a system  called  Automated  Work  Distributor  to
control workflow and perform other functions designed to increase efficiency. As
the investment in this technology is relatively fixed, the Company has been able
to  leverage  this  investment  through  the  increase  in  the  policies  being
administered.

     In order to more effectively manage the various insurance operations of the
Company,  it has  consolidated  certain  common  functions into its Kansas City,
Missouri  location.  These centralized  functions  include product  development,
marketing,  finance,  investment  management,  data  processing,  personnel  and
regulatory compliance. The Company believes that this approach allows it to more
effectively  manage the  business  and, by  eliminating  duplicative  functions,
reduce operating costs and improve returns on acquired business.


<PAGE>


     The  Company  has  outsourced  its  data  processing  requirements  through
contracts  entered into by FHC. The  principal  contract  entered into by FHC is
with Computer Sciences  Corporation  ("CSC") which provides all of the Company's
data  processing  needs for its  operations  with the  exception  of local  area
networks.  By  outsourcing  these  functions,  the Company  believes that it has
reduced  operating costs by eliminating  the fixed costs  associated with a data
processing function,  and improved its ability to increase its policyholder base
without  significant  investment on its part.  In addition,  the use of a vendor
such as CSC  provides  the  Company  access to current  technology  and a higher
caliber staff than it may be able to achieve on its own.

Investments

     A significant  factor  contributing to the Company's  profitability  is its
ability  to earn  investment  income  sufficient  to provide  for its  insurance
liabilities  and generate a profit.  The  Company's  insurance  liabilities  are
backed by a  portfolio  composed  principally  of fixed  rate  investments  that
generate  predictable  rates of  return.  The rates of  return on the  Company's
investments vary over time depending on the current  interest rate  environment,
the spread at which fixed rate  investments  are priced over the yield curve and
other  factors.  The  Company  manages  its  invested  assets  internally.   Its
investment  philosophy is conservative  with an emphasis on balancing credit and
interest rate risk and is influenced by regulatory and asset-liability  matching
requirements.

     The insurance  subsidiaries of Americo are restricted by insurance statutes
and regulations as to the type of investments they are permitted to make and the
amount of funds that may be used for any one type of  investment.  In compliance
with these regulations and consistent with the Company's investment  philosophy,
the Company  invests  principally  in investment  grade  securities (as rated by
nationally recognized rating  organizations).  At December 31, 1997, 0.8% of the
Company's  fixed  rate  investments  were  non-investment  grade.  There were no
securities which were in default as to principal or interest.

     A goal of the Company's investment strategy is to provide liquidity for its
insurance liabilities.  Through  computer-generated models, the Company conducts
studies  of the  cash  flow  characteristics  of its  liabilities  using  common
interest  rate  scenarios.  The Company  uses this  information  to assist it in
choosing  the  duration of its asset  portfolio  so that it closely  matches the
duration of its liabilities.

     The  Company's  general   investment   philosophy  is  to  hold  fixed-rate
securities for long term  investment.  Thus, the Company does not have a trading
portfolio.  However,  the fixed-rate  portfolio is divided into held to maturity
and available for sale portfolios. Securities have been categorized as available
for sale  except for those  securities  that the  Company has the intent and the
ability  to hold  until  maturity.  The  primary  factor  which  influences  the
Company's  decision to  characterize  its investments as held to maturity is the
cash flow requirements of the Company's  liabilities.  Securities  designated as
available for sale include securities that may be sold in response to changes in
interest  rates,  changes in prepayment  risk,  liquidity  needs,  management of
taxable income and similar economic factors.


<PAGE>


     The carrying amounts of the Company's investments at December 31, 1997 were
as follows:
<TABLE>

                                                                                            Total
                                                               Held to      Available     Carrying
                    Investment Category                      Maturity (1)  for Sale (2)     Amount      Percentage
                    -------------------                      ------------     ---------     ------      ----------
                                                                                 (in thousands)
<S>                                                          <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>
Fixed maturities:
   U.S. Treasury and government securities                    $    2,427     $  64,986     $   67,413      3.1%
Mortgage-backed securities:
   Collateralized mortgage obligations                           276,505        96,767        373,272     17.3
   Pass-through certificates:
     GNMA                                                         18,063       109,165        127,228      5.9
     FHLMC                                                         2,434           554          2,988      0.1
     FNMA                                                          1,560         5,070          6,630      0.3
     Other pass-through securities                                 6,410        25,533         31,943      1.5
Other asset-backed securities                                     30,152        57,603         87,755      4.1
Corporate bonds                                                  514,272       401,406        915,678     42.3
                                                              ----------     ---------    -----------   ------

       Total fixed maturities                                  $ 851,823      $761,084     $1,612,907     74.6%
                                                               =========      ========     ==========

Equity securities                                                                              78,949      3.7
Investment in equity subsidiaries                                                              21,670      1.0
Mortgage loans on real estate                                                                 165,630      7.8
Investment real estate                                                                         27,630      1.3
Policy loans                                                                                  200,137      9.2
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                      36,859      1.6
Other invested assets                                                                          18,890      0.8
                                                                                           ----------    ------
                                                                                               

       Total cash and invested assets                                                      $2,162,672    100.0%
                                                                                           ==========    =====


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



(1)     Carrying  amount is amortized  cost.  The market value of held to maturity  securities at December 31, 1997
       was $873.9 million.
(2)     Carrying  amount is market value.  The amortized cost of available for sale securities at December 31, 1997
       was $736.0 million.
</TABLE>

     See  Note 4 of the  Notes to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements,  and the
discussion  under  the  heading  "Investment  Portfolio"  in  Item  7  appearing
elsewhere  in  this  Form  10-K  for  information   about  the  composition  and
performance of the Company's investment portfolio and the risks inherent in such
investments.

Non-Insurance Operations

     The Company selectively makes investments in businesses outside of the life
insurance industry.  The primary investments of this nature at December 31, 1997
were the investments in Argus,  which was accounted for using the equity method,
and in wholly-owned real estate partnerships.


<PAGE>


     Argus:  The  Company  and an  unrelated  third  party each own a 50% equity
interest  in  Argus.   Argus  is   principally   engaged  in  the   business  of
electronically  processing prescription drug claims including providing services
in connection  with the  point-of-sale  adjudication,  processing and payment of
these  claims.   Argus'   principal   customers   include   health   maintenance
organizations,  preferred provider organizations, health insurance companies and
managed health  companies.  For 1997, Argus generated  revenues of $39.7 million
and processed over 145 million claims  compared to 129 million claims  processed
in 1996, an increase of 12%. At December 31, 1997, Argus had  approximately  251
full-time  employees and maintains  its corporate  headquarters  in Kansas City,
Missouri.  Currently,  there are less than 10 prescription drug claim processors
in the managed care business. Argus faces increasing competition from other drug
claim  processors  and  customers  choosing  to  perform  their  own drug  claim
processing.  In 1997,  a major client  decided to perform its claims  processing
internally, which will have an effect on Argus' 1998 revenues and earnings.

     Real Estate Partnerships: In 1992, the Company and an unrelated third party
formed a limited  partnership,  GSSW, for the purpose of purchasing  real estate
and mortgage loans from the Resolution Trust Corporation. In December 1996, the
Company  liquidated  its 50%  interest  in GSSW in exchange for cash of $22.6
million and 100% interests in several real estate partnerships then owned by
GSSW. In July 1997,  the Company  disposed of several of these  properties for a
gain of $5.1  million.  The proceeds  from these sales have been  reinvested  in
similar  properties.  Currently  the Company  manages ten  properties  including
office space, retail space and apartments.

Reinsurance

     In keeping with industry  practices,  the Company reinsures portions of its
life  insurance   exposure  with   unaffiliated   reinsurance   companies  under
traditional indemnity reinsurance agreements. Generally, the Company enters into
indemnity  reinsurance  arrangements to assist in  diversifying  its risk and to
limit its  maximum  loss on risks that  exceed the  Company's  policy  retention
limits,   currently  ranging  from  $50,000  to  $350,000  per  life.  Indemnity
reinsurance  does not fully  discharge  the  Company's  obligation to pay policy
claims on the reinsured  business.  The Company  remains  responsible for policy
claims to the extent the  reinsurer  fails to pay such  claims.  At December 31,
1997,  the Company had ceded to reinsurers  approximately  $6.1 billion (17%) of
life insurance in force,  of which 80% was reinsured  with  insurance  companies
rated "A (Excellent)" or better by A.M. Best.  Approximately $1.4 billion of the
insurance in force was ceded to a single reinsurer,  which was rated "A" by A.M.
Best.  Additionally,  in connection  with the Joint  Venture,  the Company ceded
$141.6 million of insurance liabilities to FAL at December 31, 1997. The Company
evaluates  the  financial  strength  of  its  reinsurers  upon  inception  of  a
reinsurance treaty and on an annual basis thereafter.

     The  Company  has  entered  into  several  coinsurance  and  modified
coinsurance  agreements  with a  single unaffiliated  reinsurer  with related
insurance  liabilities  totaling  $1.4  billion at December  31,  1997.  See
"Business: Acquisitions and Reinsurance Transactions".

     Certain of the insurance  subsidiaries  of the Company have ceded blocks of
insurance  under  financial  reinsurance  treaties  which  have  the  effect  of
increasing the statutory surplus of the Company. As a result of such reinsurance
transactions,  the Company has increased its statutory  surplus after the effect
of income taxes by  approximately  $20.0 million;  however,  the effect of these
reinsurance  treaties  is not  included in  stockholder's  equity of the Company
presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles ("GAAP").
Financial  reinsurance increases the ceding insurer's statutory surplus with the
expectation that such increased surplus will be returned to the reinsurer out of
future  earnings,  if any,  and  guarantees  the  reinsured  against  any future
statutory losses, if any, on the policies reinsured. The ability of an insurance
subsidiary  to pay  dividends  to Americo may be affected  by the  reduction  in
statutory  earnings caused by reductions in the outstanding  levels of financial
reinsurance.  The risk fees paid to the reinsurers  under these treaties totaled
$0.8  million and $0.9  million for the years ended  December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.  See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated  Financial Statements
of the Company included in Item 8 in this Form 10-K.



<PAGE>


Regulation

     Each of Great Southern, United Fidelity,  College Life and National Farmers
Union are domiciled in Texas. Victory Life is domiciled in Kansas. Ohio State is
domiciled in Ohio and Investors Guaranty is domiciled in California. One or more
of the life insurance subsidiaries is licensed to sell insurance in the District
of Columbia and all states, except New York.

     General Regulation.  The Company is subject to comprehensive  regulation in
the various  states in which it is authorized to conduct  business.  The laws of
these states establish  supervisory agencies with broad regulatory authority to,
among  other  matters,  grant and  revoke  licenses  for  transacting  business,
regulate trade practices, establish reserve requirements,  regulate the form and
content of policies, and prescribe the type and amount of investments permitted.
These supervisory agencies periodically examine the business and accounts of the
Company's  insurance  subsidiaries  and  require  them to file  detailed  annual
statements prepared in accordance with statutory accounting practices.

     Increased scrutiny has been placed upon the insurance regulatory framework,
and a number  of state  legislatures  have  considered  or  enacted  legislative
proposals that alter,  and in many cases  increase,  state authority to regulate
insurance companies and their holding company systems. In addition,  legislation
has been  introduced  periodically in Congress which could result in the federal
government  assuming some role in the regulation of the insurance  industry.  In
recent  years,  the NAIC has  taken  initiatives  to  reduce  insurance  company
insolvencies and market conduct violations. These initiatives include investment
reserve  requirements,  risk-based capital standards,  codification of insurance
accounting principles, new investment standards and restrictions on an insurance
company's  ability  to pay  dividends  to its  stockholders.  The  NAIC has also
approved and  recommended  to states for adoption  model laws related to product
design  and  illustrations.  The  Company  has  evaluated  its  current  product
portfolio  in response to these  initiatives.  It is not possible to predict the
future impact of changing state and federal  regulation on the operations of the
Company and its insurance subsidiaries.

     Under  applicable  state  insurance  laws,  all of the Company's  insurance
subsidiaries  are  required  to  maintain  minimum  levels of capital  stock and
statutory  surplus.  The capital and surplus of each of the Company's  insurance
subsidiaries  exceeds  the  minimum  requirements.  In  addition,  each  of  the
Company's insurance subsidiaries is subject to the supervision of the regulators
of each state in which it is licensed.  Such regulators  have the  discretionary
authority, in connection with the continual licensing of any such subsidiary, to
limit or  prohibit  new  issuances  of business to  policyholders  within  their
jurisdiction  when, in their  judgement,  such  regulators  determine  that such
subsidiary is not maintaining adequate statutory surplus or capital. The Company
does not believe the current or anticipated  levels of statutory  surplus of its
insurance  subsidiaries  present a material risk that any such  regulator  would
limit the amount of new insurance business that an insurance  subsidiary intends
to issue.


     Holding Company Regulations. Substantially all states also regulate members
of insurance  holding  company  systems.  FHC is registered as a holding company
system pursuant to such legislation in Texas,  Kansas, Ohio and California.  The
insurance   holding  company  statutes  regulate  certain   transactions   among
affiliates,  including  the payment of dividends by an insurance  company to its
parent.  Generally,  without the consent of the  domiciliary  state's  insurance
commissioner, an insurance company may not pay dividends to its parent in excess
of the  greater  of (i)  the  insurer's  prior  year  statutory  net  gain  from
operations,  or (ii) 10% of its prior year ending statutory capital and surplus,
subject  in either  case to  sufficient  earned  statutory  surplus  from  which
dividends  may be paid.  Generally,  state laws require an insurance  company to
file a dividend notification prior to payment of ordinary dividends.

     Under Texas regulations, interest and principal on any newly-issued surplus
debentures  may be paid only with  prior  approval  of the Texas  Department  of
Insurance.   Surplus  debentures  issued  by  United  Fidelity  contain  payment
schedules  which  have been  approved  by the  Texas  Department  of  Insurance.
Therefore,  United Fidelity does not require  approval from the Texas Department
of Insurance  for each payment of principal  and interest  unless such  payments
differ from the approved schedule.


<PAGE>


     Risk-Based  Capital  Requirements.  The NAIC's  risk-based  capital ("RBC")
rules are used to  evaluate  the  adequacy of  statutory  capital and surplus in
relation to a company's  investment and insurance risks. The RBC formula is used
by the states as an early warning tool to identify  under-capitalized  companies
for the  purpose  of  initiating  regulatory  action.  The  NAIC's RBC model act
provides  for four  levels of  potential  involvement  by state  regulators  for
inadequately  capitalized  insurance  companies as follows:  (1) Company  Action
Level,  (2)  Regulatory  Action  Level,  (3)  Authorized  Control  Level and (4)
Mandatory Control Level. Generally, action will be triggered when the ratio of a
company's total adjusted capital (defined as the total of its statutory capital,
surplus and asset valuation reserve ("AVR")) to its Authorized Control Level RBC
(the "RBC Ratio") falls below 200%. Based upon the Company's  calculations,  all
of its  insurance  subsidiaries  had RBC ratios  exceeding  200% at December 31,
1997.

     Texas  has its own RBC  requirements,  the  stated  purpose  of which is to
require a  minimum  level of  capital  and  surplus  to  absorb  the  financial,
underwriting and investment risks assumed by an insurer. The Commissioner of the
Texas  Department of Insurance has the power to take corrective  actions similar
to those in the NAIC's  model act if a company  does not  maintain  the required
minimum level of capital and surplus.  Under the Texas  Regulations,  an insurer
has met RBC  requirements  if its admitted  assets exceed its  liabilities by at
least 6%. At December 31, 1997,  the  Company's  Texas  insurance  subsidiaries'
admitted assets exceeded their liabilities by more than the required 6% level.

     There can be no assurance that  insurance-related laws and regulations will
not become more  restrictive  in the future and thereby have a material  adverse
effect on the  operations  of the  Company or on the  ability  of the  Company's
subsidiaries to make payments on the surplus  debentures or to pay dividends and
thus on the Company's ability to service its debt.

Employees

     At  March 1,  1998,  Americo  and its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  employed
approximately 623 persons.


<PAGE>


ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

   The principal  executive offices of the Company are located at 1055 Broadway,
Kansas  City,  Missouri  64105  and the  Company's  telephone  number  is  (816)
391-2700.

     The principal  operations of the insurance  subsidiaries are conducted from
Kansas City,  Missouri;  Dallas,  Texas;  and Columbus,  Ohio.  United Fidelity,
College Life, National Farmers Union and Victory Life operate from approximately
45,000 square feet of leased office space located at 1055 Broadway, Kansas City,
Missouri 64105. The property is leased from Broadway Square Partners, a Missouri
limited partnership of which a corporation  controlled by the Merriman family is
a 50% partner.  The lease expired on February 28, 1998 and current  negotiations
are in progress to renew this lease.

     Great Southern's  operations are conducted from approximately 57,000 square
feet of leased office space located at 500 N. Akard,  Dallas,  Texas 75221.  The
lease expires in June 2007.

     Ohio  State  and  Investors   Guaranty   operations   are  conducted   from
approximately  83,800 square feet of leased office space located at 2500 Farmers
Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43235. The lease expires in April 2000.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     From  time to time  the  Company  is party to  litigation  and  arbitration
proceedings  in the ordinary  course of  business,  none of which is expected to
have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     Great  Southern is a defendant  in four  purported  class  action  lawsuits
alleging  deceptive  sales  practices  in the  marketing  of its whole  life and
universal life insurance policies and seeking unspecified compensatory, punitive
and/or  treble  damages.  These  cases are:  Harriett D. Mann and Dan C. Wynn v.
Great  Southern  Life  Insurance  Company  (U.S.  District  Court for the Middle
District of Florida,  filed on  September  22,  1997);  Irwin  Ginsberg v. Great
Southern Life Insurance  Company (U.S.  District Court for the Southern District
of Florida,  filed on February 24, 1997);  James Morgan McGraw,  Frances Norman,
Robert Harry Bishop and Charlene McGraw v. Great Southern Life Insurance Company
and Ervin  Jackson  (U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District  of Texas,
amended petition alleging class action filed July 1, 1997); and Yvonne H. Massey
v. Great Southern Life Insurance Company, Ralph Williams & Associates,  Inc. and
Ralph Williams (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama,  filed
September 19, 1997).  Great Southern has filed a motion before the U.S. Judicial
Panel on Multidistrict  Litigation requesting that these lawsuits be transferred
to a  single  district  and  consolidated  for  pretrial  proceedings.  A  fifth
purported class action lawsuit making similar  allegations,  Ernest Marqoquin v.
Great Southern Life Insurance Company and Dale Darnell,  was filed against Great
Southern on February 11, 1998 in Cameron County District Court,  Texas. On March
19, 1998,  Great Southern  removed this case to the United States District Court
for the Southern District of Texas.  Great Southern intends to seek to have this
case  added to the  consolidated  multidistrict  litigation  proceedings.  Great
Southern intends to defend all these cases vigorously. There can be no assurance
that the  foregoing  or any future  litigation  relating  to  pricing  and sales
practices will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     None.


<PAGE>


                                     PART II

ITEM 5.    MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
           MATTERS

     All of the outstanding  shares of capital stock of the Company are owned by
FHC.  There is no established  public  trading market for the Company's  capital
stock.

ITEM 6.    SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

     The historical financial  information for the five years ended December 31,
1997 and at December 31, 1997,  1996,  1995, 1994 and 1993 has been derived from
the audited  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of the  Company.  The selected
consolidated  financial  data set forth below is  qualified  in its  entirety by
reference to and should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of  Operations,"  and the Company's
Consolidated  Financial  Statements and the Notes thereto included  elsewhere in
this Form 10-K. <TABLE>

                                                                    Year Ended December 31,
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                               1997 (3)        1996        1995 (2)      1994(1)         1993
                                               --------        ----        --------      -------         ----
                                                         (in thousands, except per share information)
<S>                                          <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Statement of Income Data:
Premiums and policy revenues                  $   203,729   $   165,602   $   140,130   $   134,225    $   134,856
Net investment income                             219,267       186,725       152,047       130,149        132,327
Net realized investment gains (losses)              2,950         (120)         (282)       (3,529)          7,584
Gain on disposition of partnership interest            --        15,825            --            --            --
Other income                                       12,331         3,567         2,168           117          6,736
                                                    -----         -----           ---         -----        -------
    Total income                                  438,277       371,599       294,063       260,962        281,503
Policyholder benefits                             262,940       218,659       169,162       151,835        151,907
Commissions                                        11,230        13,473         9,662         8,711          9,355
Amortization expense                               43,694        29,714        26,666        23,534         22,972
Interest expense                                   12,089        12,263        10,593         9,254          7,540
Other operating expenses                           77,038        56,703        47,124        45,110         44,538
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------
Income before provision for income taxes           31,286        40,787        30,856        22,518         45,191
Provision for income taxes                          9,230        13,513        11,126         9,159         16,190
                                             ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------
                                                                                              
Income before extraordinary loss                   22,056        27,274        19,730        13,359         29,001
Extraordinary loss                                     --            --            --            --           (798)
                                              -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------  -------------
Net income                                    $    22,056  $     27,274  $     19,730  $     13,359   $     28,203
                                              ===========  ============  ============  ============   ============
Net income applicable to common stock per common share:
Income before extraordinary loss              $  2,205.60   $  2,727.40   $  1,973.00   $  1,335.90    $  2,900.10
Extraordinary loss                                     --            --            --            --         (79.80)
                                              -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   ------------
Net income                                    $  2,205.60   $  2,727.40   $  1,973.00   $  1,335.90    $  2,820.30
                                              ===========   ===========   ===========   ===========    ===========

Average common shares outstanding                      10            10            10            10             10
                                                       ==            ==            ==            ==             ==

Balance Sheet Data:
Total investments                              $2,125,813    $2,018,852    $2,014,634    $1,582,592     $1,710,165
Total assets                                    4,038,018     2,769,583     2,459,805     1,994,628      2,056,167
Total debt                                        132,884       133,312       133,451       100,702        100,736
Total liabilities                               3,791,156     2,562,561     2,269,042     1,844,632      1,897,332
Stockholder's equity                              246,862       207,022       190,763       149,996        158,835

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

(1)    On February 28,  1994,  the Company  sold its  investment  in 100% of the
       common  stock  of PFS  Holding  Company  ("PFSH")  and  its  wholly-owned
       subsidiary, Premium Financing Specialists, Inc. to FHC.

(2)     On July 10, 1995, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Victory Life.

(3)     On April 15, 1997,  the Company  acquired all of the  outstanding  common stock of Ohio State and Investors
       Guaranty.

</TABLE>

<PAGE>


ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
           RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                              RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following  discussion analyzes  significant items affecting the results
of operations and the financial condition of the Company. In connection with the
"safe harbor"  provisions  of the Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of
1995, the Company cautions readers regarding certain forward-looking  statements
contained in this report and in any other  statements  made by, or on behalf of,
the Company,  whether or not in future  filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC").  Forward-looking  statements are statements not based on
historical  information  and  which  relate to  future  operations,  strategies,
financial results, or other developments. Statements using verbs such as "plan",
"anticipate",   "believe"  or  words  of  similar   import   generally   involve
forward-looking  statements.  Without  limiting the  foregoing,  forward-looking
statements  include  statements which represent the Company's beliefs concerning
future  levels of sales and  surrenders of the  Company's  products,  investment
spreads  and  yields,  or  the  earnings  and  profitability  of  the  Company's
activities.

     Forward-looking   statements  are   necessarily   based  on  estimates  and
assumptions that are inherently  subject to significant  business,  economic and
competitive  uncertainties  and  contingencies,  many of which  are  beyond  the
Company's control and many of which are subject to change.  These  uncertainties
and  contingencies  could cause actual results to differ  materially  from those
expressed  in any  forward-looking  statements  made by,  or on behalf  of,  the
Company.  Whether or not actual results differ  materially from  forward-looking
statements may depend on numerous  foreseeable and  unforeseeable  developments.
Some may be national in scope, such as general economic  conditions,  changes in
tax law and  changes in  interest  rates.  Some may be related to the  insurance
industry generally,  such as pricing  competition,  regulatory  developments and
industry consolidation.  Others may relate to the Company specifically,  such as
credit,  volatility  and other risks  associated  with the Company's  investment
portfolio. Investors are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties
discussed in documents filed by the Company with the SEC. The Company  disclaims
any obligation to update forward-looking information.  This discussion should be
read in conjunction with the accompanying  consolidated financial statements and
the notes thereto.

General

     The volume of the  Company's  insurance  in force has  increased  156% from
$18.5 billion in 1989 to $47.4 billion in 1997.  This growth has been the result
of a combination of acquisitions,  reinsurance assumed and new business written.
The growth in the Company's volume of life insurance  inforce for the last three
years is summarized in the following table. <TABLE>

                                                                       1997        1996        1995
                                                                       ----        ----        ----
                                                                                (in
                                                                                billions)

<S>                                                                    <C>         <C>        <C>
Beginning of year balance                                              $  27.6     $  26.9    $  23.0
Insurance business acquired or assumed                                    21.3         2.0        4.7
New business written                                                       2.6         2.1        2.0
Terminations                                                              (4.1)       (3.4)      (2.8)
                                                                     ---------   ---------  ---------
End of year balance                                                   $   47.4    $   27.6   $   26.9
                                                                      ========    ========   ========
</TABLE>

     The  Company's  generation  of new business  increased in each of the three
years  ended  December  31,  1997.   Annualized   annuity   premiums   increased
significantly  as a result of an increase in  tax-qualified  business written in
connection  with the Joint  Venture  arrangement  entered into by the Company in
1993. The following table  summarizes the Company's sales in terms of annualized
premiums: <TABLE>

                                                                       1997        1996        1995
                                                                       ----        ----        ----
                                                                               (in millions)

<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>         <C>
Life insurance premiums                                             $    40.2     $ 23.1      $ 20.1
Annuity premiums                                                         75.8       52.6        49.2
                                                                    ----------  ---------    --------
                                                                     $  116.0     $ 75.7      $ 69.3
                                                                     ========     ======      ======
</TABLE>
     The Company intends to continue its focus on the sale of interest-sensitive
life  insurance and annuity  products  through its  marketing  and  distribution
systems.  In  addition,  the Company may also pursue  selected  acquisitions  of
blocks of life insurance policies and life insurance companies.


Year to Year Comparisons

     The Company entered into four  transactions  during the period 1995 through
1997 which  affect  the  comparability  of its  results  of  operations  between
periods.  In July 1995, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock
of Victory Life for $42.8 million. The Victory Life transaction (the "Victory 
Life Acquisition") added approximately $270 million of insurance  liabilities
and $32.9  million of notes  payable to the Company's consolidated  balance 
sheet.

     In October 1995, in connection with administrative  agreements entered into
with Ohio  Casualty and Ohio Life,  an  unaffiliated  company (the  "Reinsurer")
reinsured  100% of the insurance  business of Ohio Life on a coinsurance  basis.
The Reinsurer  then reinsured  certain risks on these same  liabilities to Great
Southern on a modified coinsurance basis. The associated policy liabilities were
approximately $278 million at December 31, 1997.

     In July  1996,  the  Company  entered  into  similar  agreements  with  the
Reinsurer and Fremont Life. The associated  policy  liabilities  involved in the
transaction were approximately $371 million at December 31, 1997.

     On April 15, 1997,  Great Southern  acquired all of the outstanding  common
stock of Ohio State and  Investors  Guaranty  ("Ohio  State  Acquisition")  from
Farmers Group, Inc. On the acquisition  date, Ohio State and Investors  Guaranty
had combined  assets of $1,039  million and  liabilities  of $694  million.  The
acquisition  was accounted for as a purchase.  On April 16, 1997, Ohio State and
Investors Guaranty entered into separate coinsurance agreements to reinsure 100%
of  their  insurance  liabilities  to the  Reinsurer  in  exchange  for a ceding
commission of $145.7  million.  Concurrently,  the Reinsurer and Great  Southern
entered into a modified  coinsurance  agreement  under which the Reinsurer ceded
certain risks on a 70% quota share basis on the same  insurance  liabilities  to
Great  Southern.  The results of operations of these acquired  policies from the
date of acquisition, less the net 30% coinsurance, are included in the Company's
results of operations.  The Reinsurer will receive 100% of the statutory profits
from the reinsured policies until the Reinsurer has recovered the initial ceding
commission.

     In each of the transactions with the Reinsurer, the invested assets related
to the reinsured  businesses are owned by the  Reinsurer.  At December 31, 1997,
the insurance liabilities associated with these reinsurance transactions totaled
$1.4 billion.  Results from these reinsurance  transactions and the Victory Life
Acquisition and Ohio State  Acquisition are included in the Company's results of
operations from the respective dates of the transactions.

     The  effects of the above  transactions,  collectively  referred  to as the
Acquisitions, on the individual income statement components, excluding the costs
of financing, are set forth in the table below (in millions).
<TABLE>

                                                         1997 and 1996                 1996 and 1995
                                                    Acquisitions Effects on       Acquisitions Effects on
                                                     1997 and 1996 Results         1996 and 1995 Results
                                                              (1)                           (2)
                                                    -------------------------     -------------------------

                                                       1997         1996             1996         1995
                                                       ----         ----             ----         ----

<S>                                                  <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>
Premiums and policy revenues                         $  56.8       $  6.9          $  40.3      $  11.0
Net investment income                                   43.7         14.3             55.2         14.3
Other income                                             3.4          --               0.1          0.5
Policyholder benefits                                   66.8         17.5             67.6         18.3
Commissions                                              1.5          2.4              3.9          0.5
Amortization expense                                    18.4          --               3.6          1.3
Other operating expenses                                14.9          0.7              7.8          1.1

     (1)  Includes the results from the Ohio State  Acquisition  in 1997 and the Fremont  Life  agreements  in 1997
         and 1996.

     (2)  Includes the results from the Fremont Life  agreements in 1996 and the Victory Life  Acquisition  and the
         Ohio Life agreements in 1996 and 1995.
</TABLE>

     The other  operating  expenses in the above table  include  only the direct
expenses related to providing  administration for the policies and assets of the
Acquisitions.  The  operating  expenses  shown do not include any  allocation of
indirect or overhead expenses.


<PAGE>


     Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1996

     Income before  provision for income taxes  decreased  $9.5 million to $31.3
million in 1997 from $40.8  million in 1996.  The  primary  reasons  for the net
decrease were (i) the gain from the  disposition  of the  Company's  interest in
GSSW in 1996,  (ii) an increase in death benefits and (iii) an increase in other
operating  expenses,  partially  offset by (iv) a gain from the  disposition  of
Loyalty Life in 1997 and (v) income resulting from the  Acquisitions.  The items
and significant changes in individual income statement  components are discussed
in more detail below.

     Premiums and policy  revenues.  Premiums and policy revenues totaled $203.7
million in 1997 compared to $165.6 million in 1996.  Excluding the Acquisitions,
premiums and policy  revenues  decreased  $11.8  million from 1996 to 1997.  The
decrease is primarily due to the Company  currently writing small amounts of new
traditional life insurance products and,  therefore,  traditional life insurance
premiums are decreasing as the amount of in-force business decreases.  Also, the
1996 results  included  $2.5 million of  traditional  premiums on  supplementary
contracts and $3.4 million of accident and health  premiums  which did not recur
in 1997.

     Collected premiums on interest sensitive and annuity products including the
Acquisitions  increased  by $51.8  million  from $287.3  million  1996 to $339.1
million in 1997.  This  increase  in  collected  premiums  is not  reflected  in
premiums and policy revenues because generally  accepted  accounting  principles
require that premiums collected on these types of products be treated as deposit
liabilities rather than revenues.

     Net investment  income.  Net investment  income  increased $32.6 million to
$219.3 million in 1997 from $186.7 million in 1996. Excluding the net investment
income from invested  assets  associated with the  Acquisitions,  net investment
income increased $3.1 million, primarily attributable to (i) changes in expected
prepayments on mortgage-backed  securities and (ii) an increase in income of the
Company's equity subsidiaries.

     Management   continually   evaluates  the  expected   prepayments   of  the
mortgage-backed   securities  portfolio  to  more  accurately  reflect  expected
paydowns on the securities as market  interest rates change.  In 1997,  interest
rates decreased, accelerating expected prepayment rates. In 1996, interest rates
increased,  reducing the expected prepayment rate. As a result of the changes in
expected  prepayments,  amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts were
accelerated  in 1997,  causing  an  increase  in net  investment  income of $1.4
million in 1997. The decrease in net  investment  income in 1996 of $1.8 million
resulting  from the reduced  expected  prepayment  rate was partially  offset by
discounts of $0.5 million  recognized upon the early repayment of certain of the
Company's mortgage loans.

     The Company's share of earnings from its equity subsidiaries decreased from
$5.5  million in 1996 to $3.6 million in 1997.  Equity  earnings in GSSW of $4.5
million in 1996 did not recur in 1997 as the Company disposed of GSSW in 1996 in
exchange for 100% interests in several real estate limited partnerships formerly
owned by GSSW. These limited  partnerships  added $1.9 million to net investment
income in 1997. This decrease in earnings from GSSW was offset by an increase in
the income from the Company's other equity subsidiaries.

     Net realized investment gains. The Company recorded net realized investment
gains of $2.9 million in 1997.  During 1997, the Company  recorded gains of $5.1
million  from the sale of three real estate  investment  properties,  which were
offset by various other investment losses.

     Other Income. Other income increased $8.7 million from $3.6 million in 1996
to $12.3 in 1997.  Excluding  other income  related to the  Acquisitions,  other
income  increased $5.4 million from 1996 to 1997. The Company realized a gain of
$4.8  million  in  1997  from  the  sale  of  Loyalty  Life  Insurance   Company
("Loyalty"),  a former  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of the Company.  Prior to this
sale, several of the Company's  insurance  subsidiaries  entered into agreements
with Loyalty for the assumption of Loyalty's insurance liabilities. Other income
in 1997  includes  a  servicing  fee  paid to the  Company  associated  with the
reinsurance of 30% of the Ohio State and Investors Guaranty policies.

     Policyholder  benefits.  Policyholder benefits increased $44.2 million from
$218.7 million in 1996 to $262.9  million in 1997.  Excluding the effects of the
Acquisitions,  policyholder  benefits  decreased $5.1 million from 1996 to 1997.
The decrease in  policyholder  benefits  primarily  resulted  from lower benefit
reserve  increases in 1997 resulting from the decreasing  traditional  premiums,
partially offset by a $5.1 million increase in death benefits.

     Amortization  expense.  Amortization  expense  increased $14.0 million from
$29.7  million in 1996 to $43.7  million in 1997.  Excluding  the effects of the
Acquisitions,  amortization  expense  decreased  $4.4 million from 1996 to 1997.
Included in  amortization  expense are  adjustments to decrease  deferred policy
acquisition  costs and the cost of business  acquired  assets of $2.5 million in
1997 and $3.2 million in 1996. These  adjustments  result from revisions made to
the Company's  estimate of future gross profits from its interest sensitive life
and annuity policies.  Under GAAP,  deferred policy  acquisitions  costs and the
cost of  business  acquired  assets  on  interest-sensitive  life  products  are
amortized based on the estimated future gross profits of the related policies.

     Interest expense.  Interest expense decreased $0.2 million to $12.1 million
in 1997 from $12.3 million in 1996. Average outstanding  indebtedness was $133.1
million with an average cost of 9.06% in 1997 compared with average  outstanding
indebtedness of $133.5 million with an average cost of 9.19% in 1996.

     Other operating expenses.  Other operating expenses increased $20.3 million
to $77.0  million in 1997 from $56.7  million in 1996.  Excluding the effects of
the Acquisitions,  other operating  expenses increased $6.1 million from 1996 to
1997.  The primary  reasons for the increase in operating  expenses from 1996 to
1997 are expenses  associated  with a marketing  office opening in California in
September 1996, increased  depreciation expense in 1997 resulting from purchases
of computer  equipment in 1996 and 1997,  and increased  legal and  professional
fees in 1997.

     Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 1995

     Income before  provision for income taxes  increased  $9.9 million to $40.8
million in 1996 from $30.9  million in 1995.  The  primary  reasons  for the net
increase were (i) income  resulting from the Acquisitions and (ii) gain from the
disposition  of the  Company's  interest  in GSSW,  partially  offset by (iii) a
decrease in net investment income, (iv) an increase in death benefits and (v) an
increase in other operating  expenses.  These items and  significant  changes in
individual income statement components are discussed in more detail below.

     Premiums and policy  revenues.  Premiums and policy revenues totaled $165.6
million in 1996 compared to $140.1 million in 1995. Excluding the effects of the
Acquisitions, premiums and policy revenue decreased by $3.8 million from 1995 to
1996.  Premiums and policy  revenues from  historical  business  decreased  $2.8
million and $1.0 million,  respectively,  between 1996 and 1995. The decrease is
primarily due to the company  currently writing small amounts of new traditional
life insurance products and, therefore,  traditional life insurance premiums are
decreasing  as this  amount of  in-force  business  decreases.  A portion of the
decreasing  policy revenues  between 1996 and 1995 resulted from $0.4 million of
non-recurring  surrender  charges realized in 1995 related to certain group life
annuities.

     Collected  premiums on interest sensitive and annuity products increased by
$69.4  million from 1995 to 1996.  This  increase in  collected  premiums is not
reflected in premiums and policy revenues because generally accepted  accounting
principles require that premiums collected on these types of products be treated
as deposit liabilities rather than revenues.

     Net investment  income.  Net investment  income  increased $34.7 million to
$186.7  million in 1996 from $152.0  million in 1995.  Excluding the  investment
income  resulting  from  the  Acquisitions,  investment  income  decreased  $6.2
million,  primarily  attributable to (i) a decrease in income from the Company's
equity subsidiaries and (ii) changes in expected  prepayments on mortgage-backed
securities.

     The Company's share of earnings from its equity subsidiaries decreased from
$9.4 million in 1995 to $5.5 million in 1996 as a result of a reduction in gains
on the  sale of real  estate  by GSSW in 1996  compared  to 1995  and  increased
expenses at the Company's other equity subsidiaries. Gains from the sale of real
estate by GSSW added $1.2 million to investment  income in 1996 compared to $3.3
million in 1995. Income from the Company's investment in Argus decreased in 1996
due to increased systems development costs incurred by Argus.

     Management   continually   evaluates  the  expected   prepayments   of  the
mortgage-backed   securities  portfolio  to  more  accurately  reflect  expected
paydowns on the securities as market  interest rates change.  In 1996,  interest
rates  increased,  reducing  the expected  prepayment  rate.  In 1995,  expected
prepayments of the portfolio were accelerated as interest rates had declined. As
a result of the changes in expected  prepayments,  amortization  of premiums and
accretion  of discounts  were  accelerated  in 1995,  causing an increase in net
investment  income of $1.3 million in 1995. The decrease in investment income in
1996 resulting from the reduced expected prepayment rate was offset by discounts
recognized upon the early repayment of certain of the Company's mortgage loans.



     Gain on disposition of partnership  interest. In December 1996, the Company
liquidated its 50%  interest  in GSSW in  exchange  for cash of $22.6  million 
and 100%  interests in several real estate  limited  partnerships then owned by 
GSSW resulting in a gain of $15.8 million.

     Other income.  Other income in 1996 and 1995 included $2.5 million and $1.2
million,  respectively, of gains from the sales of blocks of accident and health
business owned by the Company.

     Policyholder  benefits.  Policyholder benefits were $49.5 million higher in
1996 than in 1995 as a result of the Acquisitions. Excluding the effects of such
Acquisitions,  policyholder  benefits  increased $0.2 million from 1995 to 1996.
The Company  experienced an unusually  high level of death  benefits  during the
first half of 1996,  including a small  number of policies  with very large face
amounts which had offsetting benefit reserve releases. These releases,  together
with lower  benefit  reserve  increases in 1996  resulting  from the  decreasing
traditional  premiums,  partially  offset the increasing  policyholder  benefits
resulting from the increased death benefits.

     Amortization  expense.  Amortization expense increased $3.0 million in 1996
to  $29.7  million,  including  an  increase  of  $2.3  million  related  to the
Acquisitions.  Included in  amortization  expense is an  adjustment  to decrease
deferred policy  acquisition  costs and the cost of business  acquired assets of
$3.2 million in 1996 and $4.0  million in 1995.  These  adjustments  result from
revisions made to the Company's estimate of future gross profits of its interest
sensitive life and annuity policies.  Under GAAP,  deferred policy  acquisitions
costs  and the cost of  business  acquired  assets  on  interest-sensitive  life
products  are  amortized  based on the  estimated  future  gross  profits of the
related policies.

     Interest expense.  Interest expense increased $1.7 million to $12.3 million
in 1996 from $10.6 million in 1995.  Average  outstanding  indebtness was $133.5
million  with an average cost of 9.19% in 1996  compared to average  outstanding
indebtness  of $116.5  million  with an average  cost of 9.10% in 1995.  Average
outstanding  indebtedness  was higher in 1996 than 1995 due to the  issuance  of
$32.9 million of notes in connection  with the Victory Life  Acquisition in July
1995.

     Other  operating  expenses.  Other  operating  expenses  increased to $56.7
million in 1996 from $47.1  million in 1995.  The  increase  in other  operating
expenses primarily  resulted from increased  expenses  associated with servicing
the  policies  related  to  the  Acquisitions.  Other  operating  expenses  also
increased in 1996 as a result of increased  product  development  and  marketing
expenses,  partly in  connection  with  marketing  alliances  with Ohio Life and
Fremont Life.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

     Liquidity.  The  liquidity  needs of Americo,  whose  principal  assets are
investments  in its  insurance  subsidiaries,  are  dependent  upon  receipt  of
sufficient funds from its subsidiaries. The cash requirements of Americo consist
of debt service  requirements  on notes payable,  amounts due FHC under Advisory
and Data Processing  Agreements with FHC and its own operating  expenses.  These
cash  requirements  are met by payments  of  principal  and  interest on surplus
debentures issued by United Fidelity and dividends from United Fidelity. Americo
also receives payments under investment advisory and data processing  agreements
with the insurance subsidiaries which permit Americo to recover a portion of the
amounts paid by it under similar agreements with FHC. On a stand-alone basis, at
December 31, 1997,  Americo had $12.5 million of cash and cash  equivalents  and
marketable  equity  securities  available  for debt service and other  corporate
requirements.

     Americo has outstanding  $100.0 million senior  subordinated  notes that it
issued in 1993.  These  senior  subordinated  notes bear  interest  at 9.25% and
mature in May 2005. The notes are redeemable at the option of Americo  beginning
in 1998. The redemption prices are in excess of par in 1998 and 1999.

     In connection  with the  acquisition of Victory Life in July 1995,  Americo
issued notes payable to the seller with face amounts aggregating $17 million and
borrowed $21 million under a $70 million  credit  agreement  with a syndicate of
banks. Of the $17 million face amount of notes payable issued to the seller,  $5
million  mature  in 2015  and the  remaining  $12  million  mature  in 24  equal
semi-annual  installments  which  began in 1995.  The notes are carried at their
discounted value, which assumes an average effective rate of 11.6%.

     Americo's credit  agreement,  which was last amended in February 1997, is a
revolving  credit  facility  until  December  1999,  at which time  amounts then
outstanding  convert  into a term  loan  repayable  in  six,  equal  semi-annual
installments  commencing  July 1,  2000.  Amounts  outstanding  under the credit
facility bear interest at either a bank prime rate or 7/8% over LIBOR.



     At December 31, 1997, United Fidelity had four surplus  debentures  payable
to Americo with an aggregate  outstanding unpaid balance of $137.3 million.  The
terms of the surplus debentures have been established to provide for the payment
of principal  and interest to Americo in amounts  sufficient to make payments on
the  Company's  external  debt  obligations  in  accordance  with their  payment
schedules. The surplus debentures and their payment schedules have been approved
by the Texas Department of Insurance; therefore, each scheduled payment will not
require the approval of the Texas Department of Insurance.

     The surplus debentures  contain  restrictions which prevent United Fidelity
from making  principal  and interest  payments if such  payments  reduce  United
Fidelity's  statutory  capital  and  surplus  below an amount  specified  in the
surplus debenture  agreements.  The most restrictive minimum surplus requirement
contained in the surplus debentures is $37.5 million;  United Fidelity's capital
and  surplus at  December  31,  1997 was $97.7  million.  Any future  payment of
principal or interest on such surplus  debentures will be limited by the ability
of the  subsidiaries  of United Fidelity to pay dividends to United Fidelity and
may be further  limited by United  Fidelity's RBC  requirements.  See "Business:
Regulation".  The Company  does not believe that United  Fidelity  will have any
difficulty  in meeting its  obligations  under these  surplus  debentures in the
foreseeable future.

     In order to meet its  obligations  under  the  surplus  debentures,  United
Fidelity uses funds generated by its direct and assumed insurance operations and
dividends  from  its  insurance  subsidiaries.  The  ability  of  the  insurance
subsidiaries  to pay  dividends  is  subject  to  regulatory  restrictions.  The
insurance  holding company statutes in each of the states in which the Company's
insurance  subsidiaries  are  domiciled  regulate  payment  of  dividends  by an
insurance company to its parent.  Generally,  without the consent of the state's
insurance commissioner, an insurance company may not pay dividends to its parent
in excess of the greater of (i) the insurer's prior year statutory net gain from
operations,  or (ii) 10% of its prior year ending statutory capital and surplus,
subject in either case to sufficient  earned  statutory  surplus from which such
dividends may be paid. Additionally,  an insurance company is required to notify
the respective insurance department prior to the payment of ordinary dividends.

     The ability of life  insurance  subsidiaries  to pay dividends  also may be
affected by reinsurance  treaties.  Under reinsurance treaties with an unrelated
reinsurer,  National  Farmers Union is restricted  from  declaring  dividends if
adjusted surplus is less than $27.5 million.  Adjusted surplus is defined in the
treaties as statutory  capital and surplus,  plus AVR,  less the admitted  asset
value of all  affiliated  investments.  At December 31, 1997,  National  Farmers
Union had adjusted surplus of $39.1 million.

     The principal sources of liquidity for the Company's insurance subsidiaries
are premium  receipts,  net  investment  income  received and net proceeds  from
investments that have been sold or matured or from mortgage loans that have been
repaid.  Cash flows from premiums  received and investment  income are generally
sufficient to meet the subsidiaries'  obligations,  which consist of the payment
of claims and benefits on insurance  policies,  purchases of investments and the
payment  of  operating  expenses.  Although  there is no  intent to  dispose  of
investments at this time, the Company's investments are substantially in readily
marketable securities.

     The  Company has  structured  its  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  and
annuity products to include  substantial  surrender  charges so as to reduce the
probability  of  unexpected  increases in policy or contract  surrenders,  which
would create a need for increased liquidity. At December 31, 1997, approximately
72% of the reserves for  interest-sensitive  life  insurance  products  were for
policies  with  surrender  charges or  otherwise  not  subject to  discretionary
withdrawal by the policyholder.

     The Company believes that its investment portfolio will allow it to satisfy
all existing contractual obligations to policyholders. At December 31, 1997, the
Company's investment portfolio included cash and short-term investments totaling
$36.9 million,  marketable equity  securities  totaling $78.9 million as well as
$359.7  million in U.S.  Treasury  and  government  securities,  mortgage-backed
securities and  asset-backed  securities  and $401.4 million of corporate  bonds
classified  as  available  for sale that  management  believes  could be readily
converted to cash.

     Financial  condition.  Stockholder's  equity increased to $246.9 million at
December 31, 1997 from $207.0 million at December 31, 1996. The increase was the
result  of net  income  of  $22.1  million  and an  increase  in net  unrealized
investment  gains of $19.8  million,  less a $2.0  million  dividend to FHC. Net
unrealized  investment  gains in 1997 were  recorded  due to an  increase in the
market value of both the Company's  available for sale fixed maturity securities
and its marketable equity securities.  See Note 4 to the Company's  Consolidated
Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for further discussion
of the components of the change in net unrealized investment gains.


<PAGE>


     The changes  occurring in the  Company's  consolidated  balance  sheet from
December 31, 1996 to December 31, 1997 primarily  reflect the normal  operations
of the Company's life insurance subsidiaries,  the acquisition of Ohio State and
Investors  Guaranty,  and the  related  reinsurance  transactions  discussed  in
Results  of  Operations.  See  Note 3 to the  Company's  Consolidated  Financial
Statements  included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for further discussion of these
transactions.

     Statutory  capital and surplus of the Company's  insurance  subsidiaries at
December 31, 1997  includes  $20.0  million  relating to  financial  reinsurance
agreements which is not included in stockholder's equity on a GAAP basis.

     Financial reinsurance treaties between National Farmers Union and unrelated
parties contain  statutory  minimum surplus  requirements  and require  National
Farmers  Union to place  securities  in an  escrow  account  ($80.3  million  at
December 31, 1997) to secure National  Farmers Union's  obligations to the third
party reinsurer.

     Investment   Portfolio.   The  Company  has  what  it  considers  to  be  a
conservative  investment  philosophy.  The  Company's  investment  portfolio  is
designed to match investment  maturities as closely as possible to the projected
cash flow requirements of the Company's outstanding  liabilities.  The Company's
policy is to have a  substantial  portion of its  investment  portfolio in fixed
income securities with call protection.

     In November 1995, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
"A  Guide  to   Implementation  of  Statement  115  on  Accounting  for  Certain
Investments  in Debt and Equity  Securities"  (the  Guide)  which,  among  other
things,  provided  entities with a one time  opportunity to transfer some or all
securities  from held to maturity to available for sale. In December  1995,  the
Company  transferred  fixed maturity  securities with an amortized book value of
$195,207  and a market  value of $198,329  out of the held to maturity  category
into the  available for sale  category.  Additionally,  the Company  transferred
fixed maturity  securities with an amortized book value of $169,439 and a market
value  of  $178,883  out of the  available  for sale  category  into the held to
maturity category.

     The NAIC assigns securities quality ratings called "NAIC designations" that
are used by insurers when preparing  their annual  statements.  The NAIC assigns
designations to  publicly-traded  as well as  privately-placed  securities.  The
designations  assigned  by the NAIC range from class 1 to class 6, with a rating
in class 1 being of the  highest  quality.  The  following  table sets forth the
composition  of the  Company's  fixed  maturity  securities  according  to  NAIC
designations and S&P and Moody's ratings at December 31, 1997:
<TABLE>

                                                  Equivalent                  Available      Total
            S&P                    Moody's           NAIC        Held to        for         Carrying
         Rating (1)               Rating (1)        Rating(1)  Maturity(2)      Sale (3)     Amount     Percentage
- - --       -----------         --   ----------      ---------    -----------    ----------    --------    ----------
                                                                                  (in thousands)
<S>                                 <C>               <C>       <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Investment grade:
AAA                                  Aaa               1         $ 346,546     $ 354,862    $   701,408     43.5%
AA                              Aa1,Aa2, Aa3           1            76,946        65,115        142,061      8.8
A                                A1, A2, A3            1           318,255       192,239        510,494     31.7
BBB                           Baa1, Baa2, Baa3         2           107,227       139,011        246,238     15.2
                                                                 ---------     ---------      ---------  -------
Subtotal                                                           848,974       751,227      1,600,201     99.2

Non-investment grade:
BB or below                     Ba1 or below         3, 4            2,849         9,857         12,706      0.8
                                                               ------------  -----------     ----------  -------

Total fixed maturity
  investments                                                    $ 851,823     $ 761,084     $1,612,907    100.0%
                                                                 =========     =========     ==========    =====
</TABLE>

(1)  The ratings  set forth  above are based on the ratings  assigned by S&P and
     Moody's  Investors  Service,  Inc.  ("Moody's").   If  S&P's  ratings  were
     unavailable, ratings assigned by Moody's were used. If ratings assigned S&P
     and Moody's were not equivalent,  securities were categorized in this table
     based upon the rating  assigned  by S&P.  Bonds not rated by S&P or Moody's
     are  classified  for the  purpose  of the  table  according  to the  rating
     assigned  to them by the NAIC as  follows:  NAIC class 1 is included in the
     "A" rating; class 2 in "BBB" and class 3, "BB or below".

(2)  Carrying  amount is  amortized  cost.  The market value of held to maturity
     securities as December 31, 1997 was $873.9 million.

(3)  Carrying  amounts  market value.  The amortized  cost of available for sale
     securities at December 31, 1997 was $736.0 million.


<PAGE>


     The Company  continually  reviews its non-investment  grade debt securities
(NAIC  designations  3 through 6) for  evidence  of  declines in value which are
other than temporary.  The Company does not anticipate any material  increase in
its investments in non-investment  grade debt securities.  At December 31, 1997,
the Company's investment portfolio contained no securities which were in default
as to principal or interest.

     The Company maintains a mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") portfolio, which
consists of "pass-through"  obligations and collateralized  mortgage obligations
("CMOs"). Approximately 90% of the MBS portfolio consists of securities or pools
of  securities  guaranteed  by the U.S.  government,  including  those issued by
Government  National Mortgage  Association,  or those issued by Federal National
Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

     The primary  risk  associated  with MBSs is that a changing  interest  rate
environment might cause prepayment of the underlying  mortgages at speeds slower
or faster than anticipated at the time of their purchase.  The degree to which a
security is at risk to either  increases or reductions in yield is influenced by
the  difference   between  its  carrying  value  and  par  value,  the  relative
sensitivity  of the  underlying  mortgages to prepayment in a changing  interest
rate  environment  and the repayment  priority of the  securities in the overall
securitization structure.

     The  Company  manages  the  yield  and  cash  flow  variability  of its MBS
portfolio  by  (i)  purchasing   securities  backed  by  collateral  with  lower
prepayment  sensitivity  (such as mortgages  priced at a discount to par value),
(ii)  avoiding  securities  whose  values are heavily  influenced  by changes in
prepayments  (such as  interest-only  and  principal-only  securities) and (iii)
concentrating  on  securities  with  prepayment  protected  structures  (such as
planned  amortization  class CMO's).  See Note 4 to the  Company's  Consolidated
Financial  Statements  included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for a summary of the
Company's investments in CMO's.

     At December 31, 1997, approximately $165.6 million in carrying value of the
Company's   investment   portfolio  consisted  of  mortgage  loans,  which  were
collateralized primarily by multi-family apartments, office buildings and retail
properties  located  in 33  states.  Approximately  41%  of  the  portfolio  was
multi-family apartments,  20% was office buildings, 24% was retail space and 15%
was other types of properties.  At December 31, 1997,  approximately  21% of the
mortgage loan portfolio was secured by properties in Texas,  and 22% in Missouri
and 12% in Kansas.  No more than 10% of the  remaining  portfolio was secured by
properties in any one state.

     At December 31, 1997,  8.15% of the mortgage  loan  portfolio  consisted of
loans with balloon  payments that mature before January 1, 1999. At December 31,
1997,  mortgage  loans  delinquent  by more  than 90 days,  as  determined  on a
contract   delinquency  basis,   totaled   approximately  $0.5  million,   which
constituted  0.3% of mortgage  loans and was 0.02% of cash and invested  assets.
Loans  foreclosed  upon and  transferred  to real estate owned in the  Company's
consolidated  balance  sheet  totaled  $1.6  million,  or less  than 1% of total
mortgage  loans at December  31,  1997.  The  favorable  default  experience  is
principally  attributed to the Company  having been selective in the purchase of
mortgages in connection with acquisitions of its life insurance subsidiaries. In
light  of  the  current  market  interest  rate  environment,  the  Company  may
experience  prepayments on its mortgage loan portfolio,  thus reducing its yield
on such  portfolio.  The  Company  plans to  continue  applying  its  historical
underwriting standards to future investments in mortgage loans.

     Real  estate  investments  were  only  1.3% of the  carrying  value  of the
Company's cash and invested assets at December 31, 1997.

     Non-Insurance  Subsidiaries.  During 1996, Americo received a dividend from
Argus consisting of $8.0 million of cash and a $1.5 million note receivable from
Broadway Square Partners, a related party. Americo used $4.5 million of the cash
received to purchase a 50% interest in Hereford LLP,  which owns and manages the
building  leased by Argus.  Hereford  LLP was  formed  in 1996 to  purchase  the
building which was previously owned by Argus.

     Subsequent  Event.  The Company has entered an agreement  with an unrelated
party to sell Investors Guaranty.  The Company will continue to assume the risks
associated  with  Investors  Guaranty  policies on a 70% quota share basis.  The
Company intends to reinsure these risks on an assumption basis in the future.

Effects of Accounting Pronouncements

     In February  1997,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 128  "Earnings  per Share" and
SFAS No. 129, "Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure".  SFAS No. 128
specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings
per share. SFAS No. 129 does not establish new disclosure  requirements,  rather
it  codifies  certain  disclosure  requirements  contained  in other  statements
previously  issued.  These  statements  are effective  for  financial  statement
periods  ending  after  December  15,  1997.  Adoption  of these new  accounting
standards did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the
Company.

     In June  1997,  the FASB  issued  SFAS No.  130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income" and SFAS No. 131,  "Disclosures  about  Segments  of an  Enterprise  and
Related  Information".  SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for the reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in financial statements. SFAS
No. 131  establishes  new guidelines for public  business  enterprises to report
financial and  descriptive  information  about their operating  segments.  These
statements  are  effective  for  financial  statement  periods  beginning  after
December 15, 1997.

     In December 1997, the American  Institute of Certified  Public  Accountants
("AICPA") approved Statement of Position ("SOP") 97-3,  "Accounting by Insurance
and Other  Enterprises  for  Insurance-Related  Assessments."  SOP 97-3 provides
guidance  for  determining  when an entity  should  recognize  a  liability  for
guaranty-fund  and other  insurance-related  assessments and a related asset for
assessments which may be recovered  through future premium tax offsets.  The SOP
is effective for financial  statements for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1998 with early  adoption  encouraged.  Management  has not  determined  the
effects,  if any, of adopting this SOP on the Company's  consolidated  financial
statements.

Year 2000

     Many existing  computer programs were designed and developed without regard
to  the  upcoming  change  in  the  century.  If not  corrected,  many  computer
applications  could fail or create erroneous results by or at the year 2000. The
Company is  dependent  on  computer  systems  and  applications  to conduct  its
business. The Company's significant processing applications are maintained by an
outsider  vendor.   Management  and  vendor  representatives  have  developed  a
conversion plan to prepare the Company's  systems for year 2000 compliance.  The
cost of testing and  conversion  of system  applications  is not  expected to be
material to the Company,  because much of the conversion programming will be the
responsibility  of  the  outside  vendor.   Management   believes  that  planned
modifications  to  existing  systems  and  conversions  to new  systems  will be
complete  before year 2000 and that year 2000 issues will not pose a significant
problem to the Company. The Company is initiating formal communications with its
outside  business  partners to  determine  the extent to which they will be year
2000  compliant.  Where  practicable,  the  Company  will  assess and attempt to
mitigate its risks with respect to such third  parties.  The Company is not able
to estimate the effect, if any, on its results of operations from the failure of
such parties to be year 2000 compliant.

Effects of Inflation and Interest Rate Changes

     Management does not believe that inflation has had a significant  effect on
its consolidated results of operations.

     Management  is aware  that  prevailing  market  interest  rates  may  shift
significantly  and has  strategies  in place to  manage  either an  increase  or
decrease  in  prevailing  rates.  In a rising  interest  rate  environment,  the
Company's  average cost of funds would  increase  over time as it prices its new
and renewing  interest-sensitive  and investment  products to maintain generally
competitive  market  rates.   Management  would  seek  to  place  new  funds  in
investments  which were matched in duration to, and higher  yielding  than,  its
liabilities.  Management  believes that liquidity to fund  withdrawals  would be
available  through  incoming cash flow,  the sale of short-term or floating rate
instruments  or  reverse  repurchase  agreements  on the  Company's  substantial
mortgage-backed  securities  portfolio,  thereby avoiding the sale of fixed rate
assets in an unfavorable bond market.

     In a declining rate environment, the Company's cost of funds would decrease
over time,  reflecting lower interest crediting rates on its  interest-sensitive
and investment products. Should increased liquidity be required for withdrawals,
management  believes that a significant portion of its investments could be sold
without adverse  consequences in light of the general  strengthening which would
be expected in the bond market.

ITEM 7A.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Not applicable.

ITEM 8.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     The Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the three years
ended  December  31,  1997 and the  related  report of  independent  accountants
thereon are set forth at pages F-2 to F-28 hereof and are incorporated herein by
reference.  Reference is made to the Index to Financial  Statements  on page F-1
herein.

ITEM 9.    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
           FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.


<PAGE>


                                    PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     The Company's Directors and Executive Officers are as follows:
<TABLE>

                  Name                     Age                               Position

<S>                                         <C>
Michael A. Merriman                         40    Chairman of the Board

Gary L. Muller                              51    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Timothy S. Sotos                            49    Director

Mark K. Fallon                              43    Senior Vice President and Assistant Secretary-Investments

David F. Hill                               43    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

Gary E. Jenkins                             40    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Donna H. Kinnaird                           46    Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer-Kansas City

Robert B. Thomas, Jr                        51    Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer-Dallas
</TABLE>

     Americo's current Board of Directors consists of three directorships.  Each
director of Americo,  except  Timothy S. Sotos,  was elected to such position in
1992 in  connection  with the Company's  incorporation.  Michael A. Merriman and
Gary L. Muller are also directors of FHC. The executive  officers of Americo are
elected by the Board of  Directors  from time to time as it deems  necessary  or
advisable, and are subject to removal by the Board.

     All executive  decisions,  including decisions concerning executive officer
compensation,  are made by the  Board  of  Directors.  No  member  of the  Board
receives any compensation,  other than  reimbursement  for travel expenses,  for
services as such.

Certain Information About Officers

     Michael A. Merriman was elected Chairman of the Board,  effective  November
1, 1995,  of Americo,  FHC and  several of its  subsidiaries,  including  all of
Americo's insurance subsidiaries.  Previously, Mr. Merriman served as a director
and officer of all these same entities.

     Gary L. Muller is  President  and Chief  Executive  Officer and a director
of Americo.  Mr.  Muller is also a director and officer of FHC and of several of
its subsidiaries, including all of Americo's insurance subsidiaries.

     Timothy S. Sotos was  elected as a director of Americo on November 1, 1995.
He also serves as a director  of all of the  insurance  subsidiaries.  He is the
Chairman  of the  Board and  Executive  Vice  President  of  Clinical  Reference
Laboratory,  which is 80% owned by the Merriman family. He is the brother-in-law
of Michael A. Merriman.

     Mark K.  Fallon  became  Senior  Vice  President  and  Assistant  Secretary
Investments  of Americo  and all of the life  subsidiaries  on November 1, 1995.
Previously,  he  served  as  Vice  President  of  Americo  and  all of the  life
subsidiaries  since 1993. He was the Director of Investments of American General
Corporation from July 1987 to April 1993.

     David F. Hill became Senior Vice President and Chief  Marketing  Officer of
Americo and all of the life insurance  subsidiaries on July 1, 1996. Previously,
he was Senior Vice President of ReliaStar  Financial  Corporation from September
1993 to March 1996. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Pierce
National Life from July 1992 to September 1993.

     Gary E.  Jenkins has served as Senior Vice  President  and Chief  Financial
Officer of  Americo  since July 1994.  He became  Treasurer  of Americo  and the
insurance  subsidiaries  on November 1, 1995.  From June 1993 to July 1994,  Mr.
Jenkins provided financial  consulting  services to Aachen Holdings Inc. (former
shareholder of Academy Life  Insurance  Company).  He served as Chief  Financial
Officer of Academy Life  Insurance  Company for six years before it was acquired
by Providian Corporation in January 1993.

     Donna H. Kinnaird is Senior Vice  President and Chief  Operating  Officer -
Kansas  City of Americo  and has been Senior  Vice  President  of its  insurance
subsidiaries  since  August  1989.  In 1994,  she assumed the  position of Chief
Operating Officer of the Kansas City-based  insurance  companies.  She served as
Chief Financial Officer from 1989 to 1994.

     Robert B. Thomas,  Jr.  became  Senior Vice  President and Chief  Operating
Officer - Dallas of Americo,  and certain of its  insurance  subsidiaries on
June 30, 1997.  He served as Chairman,  President  and Chief  Executive Officer
of United Fidelity Companies from February 1993 to February 1997.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     The  following  table  sets  forth all  compensation  paid to (i) the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and (ii) the other four most highly compensated
Executive Officers of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>

                                           Summary Compensation Table
                      Name and
                Principal Occupation                                  Annual Compensation           All Other
                                                         Year        Salary          Bonus      Compensation (1)

<S>                                                      <C>        <C>              <C>           <C>
Gary L. Muller                                           1997       $ 462,000        $ 350,000     $    3,220
President, Chief Executive Officer and                   1996       $ 462,000        $ 350,000     $    3,203
  Director                                               1995       $ 462,000        $ 350,000     $    3,140

Michael A. Merriman                                      1997       $ 363,000               --     $    3,220
Chairman of the Board                                    1996       $ 363,000               --     $    3,203
                                                         1995       $ 363,000               --     $    3,186

Donna H. Kinnaird                                        1997       $ 200,000        $ 175,000     $    3,168
Senior Vice President and                                1996       $ 190,000        $ 175,000     $    3,203
  Chief Operating Officer-Kansas City                    1995       $ 190,000        $ 150,000     $    3,186

Gary E. Jenkins                                          1997       $ 200,000        $ 175,000     $    3,165
Senior Vice President,                                   1996       $ 175,000        $ 175,000     $    3,203
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer                  1995       $ 175,000        $ 150,000     $      186

David F. Hill                                            1997       $ 200,000        $ 175,000     $  103,308
Senior Vice President and                                1996       $ 100,000        $  75,000     $   31,000
  Chief Marketing Officer                                1995              --               --             --

- - ------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes  amounts  contributed by the Company for the benefit of the person
     identified  under the Company's  Saving Plan (as  hereinafter  defined) and
     Supplemental   Accidental  Death  and  Dismemberment   coverage.   Includes
     relocation and tax reimbursement in 1996 and 1997 for David F. Hill.

     Supplemental  Accidental Death and Dismemberment  coverage in the amount of
$500,000 is  provided  for all senior  officers of Americo and its  subsidiaries
that hold the following named positions: Vice President,  Senior Vice President,
Executive Vice President, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board.  Currently,  this policy covers approximately 35 employees of Americo and
its subsidiaries.

     Executive  officers hold no  outstanding  options to purchase the Company's
stock.




<PAGE>



ITEM 12.      SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The Company has 10,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 25, 1998
all of which were beneficially  owned by FHC, whose principal  executive offices
are located at 300 West 11th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64105 and whose phone
number is (816) 391-2000. The Company has no other outstanding shares of capital
stock.

     The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  with  respect  to
beneficial  ownership by Directors and Executive  Officers of Americo,  named in
Item 11 "Summary Compensation Table" above, of FHC's Common Stock.
<TABLE>

                                                                           
                                                                             Amount and Nature
                                                                               of Beneficial       Actual Percent
   Title of Class                 Names of Beneficial Owners                     Ownership           of Class
                                                                           ------------------     ---------------

<S>                  <C>                                                       <C>      <C>           <C>
Common Stock          Michael Merriman                                          112,000 (1)           29.8%
                      Gary L. Muller                                             52,500 (2)           14.0%
                      Timothy S. Sotos                                           49,800 (3)           13.3%
                      All directors and executive officers as a group           214,300               57.1%
</TABLE>

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

(1)    Includes  (i)  40,000  shares  held in  irrevocable  trust of  Elaine  A.
       Merriman for the benefit of Michael A.  Merriman  and  Marybeth  Merriman
       Sotos (the wife of Timothy S. Sotos),  of which trust Michael A. Merriman
       is the sole Trustee with sole voting and investment  power and (ii) 9,000
       shares held as  Custodian  for Jack D.  Merriman,  II, over which  shares
       Michael A. Merriman has sole voting and investment power.

(2)     During  1995,  FHC paid Mr.  Muller  $234,944  for an option to  acquire
        17,301 of these shares at a per share price of $188.

(3)    Includes  (i) 40,500  shares  owned by Marybeth  Merriman  Sotos and (ii)
       9,300 shares held as Custodian for Maryelaine Sotos, Timothy J. Sotos and
       James P. Sotos,  over which  shares  Timothy S. Sotos has sole voting and
       investment power.

ITEM 13.      CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Agreements with FHC

     Americo or one of its subsidiaries  have the following  agreements with FHC
or its  affiliates,  none of which may be  deemed  the  result  of arm's  length
negotiations between independent parties.

     Advisory Agreement.  The Company appointed FHC to act as investment advisor
on  a  non-exclusive  basis  to  the  Company  and  its  wholly-owned  insurance
subsidiaries  pursuant  to an  advisory  agreement  between  the Company and FHC
("Advisory Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, FHC supervises and directs
the  composition of the  investment  portfolios of the Company and its insurance
subsidiaries in accordance with their  respective  objectives and policies.  For
its services  under the Advisory  Agreement,  FHC is paid in advance a quarterly
fee based on the aggregate  statutory book value of the investable assets of the
Company and its  subsidiaries as of the end of the prior fiscal  quarter.  Under
this formula the fee paid for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $7.2 million.
FHC also is entitled to receive reimbursement for certain commissions, brokerage
and other expenses incurred by it in the performance of its duties.  The Company
recovers  amounts paid to FHC under the Advisory  Agreement  from the  insurance
subsidiaries, subject to regulatory limitations. The Advisory Agreement provides
that FHC shall not be liable for any  losses  except  for those  resulting  from
willful misfeasance,  bad faith or gross negligence,  or from reckless disregard
by FHC of its duties.


<PAGE>


     Data Processing Agreement. Pursuant to a data processing services agreement
("Data  Processing  Agreement")  between FHC and the  Company,  FHC provides the
Company and its insurance subsidiaries with record-keeping  services for certain
life insurance and annuity products.  In providing these services,  FHC utilizes
contract personnel and computerized data processing  systems.  For its services,
FHC is paid a fee of  $15.61  for each  policy  serviced  per year,  subject  to
renegotiation  and annual  adjustments  based on changes in the  consumer  price
index.  This amount  generally  represents FHC's cost of providing such services
plus  amortization of FHC's  development  costs.  The aggregate fee paid for the
year ended  December  31,  1997 under the Data  Processing  Agreement  was $11.8
million. FHC also is entitled to reimbursement for its reasonable  out-of-pocket
expenses  incurred in performing the Data Processing  Agreement.  The Company is
also  a  party  to a  separate  data  processing  services  agreement  with  its
wholly-owned  insurance  subsidiaries wherein the subsidiaries agree to use such
services and to pay for them  pursuant to a separate  data  processing  services
agreement  (the  "Subsidiary  Data  Processing   Agreement").   Under  the  Data
Processing  Agreement,  Americo  agrees to  indemnify  FHC  against  liabilities
arising out of, among other matters, actions taken by FHC under the agreement in
good   faith   and  due   diligence.   Americo's   subsidiaries   made   similar
indemnification  agreements  with Americo under the Subsidiary  Data  Processing
Agreement.

     Reimbursement of Expense  Agreement.  The Company and its subsidiaries have
entered into a cost sharing  agreement with FHC  respecting  air  transportation
expenses  arising  from  the  use of an  airplane  leased  by  FHC.  Under  this
agreement, each party pays the cost of any air transportation expenses which can
be identified  as incurred for its sole benefit and expenses  which cannot be so
identified  are allocated  based on  utilization.  Americo and its  subsidiaries
incurred approximately $0.7 million of expense under this agreement for the year
ended December 31, 1997.

     FHC Lease.  The  Company's  subsidiary,  United  Fidelity,  leases to FHC a
building in Kansas City which is occupied by FHC.  Under the terms of the lease,
FHC pays $8,500 per month in rent and has an option to purchase the building for
$1.2 million, an amount equal to its statutory book value and which approximates
its current fair market value.  The exercise price of the option will be revised
annually  to the  greater of fair  market  value or  statutory  carrying  value.
Management  believes that the rentals  under the lease are  comparable to market
rental values for comparable space and footage in the local market.

Other Transactions

     In connection  with the Joint  Venture,  referred to under  "Marketing  and
Distribution" contained in Item 1 herein, FHC and ASC each entered into separate
services  agreements  with FAL,  pursuant to which FHC and ASC  provide  certain
administrative  functions to FAL with respect to certain tax-qualified insurance
and annuity products ("403(b) Business").  For these services,  FAL pays a fixed
fee (on a per policy  basis) for all 403(b)  Business  existing at December  31,
1992 and a percentage fee (based on first year premiums) for all 403(b) Business
written or reinsured by FAL after December 31, 1992. Generally, these percentage
fees will increase by 4% annually.  These service agreements each had an initial
term of three years  commencing  July 30, 1993,  and renew  annually  thereafter
unless terminated by the parties.  FAL paid $1,484,129 and $2,113,612 to FHC and
ASC,  respectively,  under these service agreements during 1997. Each of FHC and
ASC have agreed to indemnify  FAL against all  liabilities  resulting  from such
servicer's gross negligence,  fraudulent conduct or bad faith in the performance
of its duties under the respective services agreement.

     FHC and  certain of its life insurance and non-life  insurance  
subsidiaries,  including  the Company,  are parties to a tax sharing agreement 
under which (i) tax savings and tax  detriments  inure to the benefit or 
detriment,  respectively,  of the party contributing the expense or other item 
that reduces or increases,  respectively, the  consolidated  group's  taxes from
 what they would have been had each member filed  separately,  and (ii) losses 
arising from filing the consolidated  return and rights to average  income by  
carryforwards  and  carrybacks  are  equitably divided  among the parties in the
same manner that they  benefited  from savings caused by filing a consolidated 
return.

     One of the  Company's  insurance  subsidiaries  leases  office  space  (and
related parking  facilities) in buildings owned by Broadway Square  Partners,  a
general  partnership  in which one of the  partners is SCOL,  Inc.  ("SCOL"),  a
Missouri  corporation,  owned by members of the Merriman  family.  The aggregate
amount paid  (including  rentals and expense  reimbursement)  under the lease to
Broadway Square Partners in 1997 was  approximately  $899,000.  The terms of the
lease are as  favorable  to the  Company's  subsidiary  as those  offered  other
unaffiliated tenants of the building.

     Subsidiaries of the Company paid an aggregate of approximately  $312,000 in
1997 to Clinical Reference  Laboratory,  Inc., a Kansas  corporation  ("Clinical
Laboratory"),  which is 80% owned by the Merriman family and of which Timothy S.
Sotos is Chairman  of the Board.  The  amounts  paid were for  testing  services
performed for the Company's subsidiaries and were competitive with rates charged
by Clinical  Laboratory to similarly situated  unaffiliated  insurance companies
for similar services.


<PAGE>


                                     PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules:

     Reference  is made to the  indexes  set  forth on pages F-1 and S-1 of this
report.

     Financial  statements  of the Company's  50% owned  subsidiaries  have been
omitted because the Company's  proportionate share of the income from continuing
operations  before  income  taxes  of  such  subsidiaries  is less  than  20% of
consolidated  income from  continuing  operations  before income taxes,  and the
Company's  investment in and advances to such  subsidiaries  is less than 20% of
consolidated total assets of the Company.

     (b) Exhibits:

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


- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>

<S>                              <C>
2.1(a)                            Stock Purchase  Agreement  dated March 3, 1995
                                  by and among Victory  Financial  Group,  Inc.,
                                  its  wholly-owned   subsidiary,   Kansas  Life
                                  Insurance    Company   and   the    Registrant
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to
                                  Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for
                                  the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1(b)                            Letter  Agreement  dated July 10, 1995 among  Registrant  and  Victory  Financial
                                  Group,  Inc.  respecting  certain  provisions  of the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement
                                  (incorporated  by reference from Exhibit 2.1(b) to  Registrant's  Form 8-K report
                                  (File No. 33-64820) dated as of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1(c)                            Pledge and Escrow  Agreement  dated July 10, 1995 among the  Registrant,  Victory
                                  Financial Group, Inc. and NationsBank of Texas,  N.A.  (incorporated by reference
                                  from Exhibit 2.1(c) to Registrant's  Form 8-K report (File No. 33-64820) dated as
                                  of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1(d)                            Indemnity Agreement  Respecting Mortgages (and other matters) dated July 10, 1995
                                  between Victory Financial Group,  Inc. and Registrant  (incorporated by reference
                                  from Exhibit 2.1(d) to Registrant's  Form 8-K report (File No. 33-64820) dated as
                                  of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.1(e)                            Letter  Agreement  dated  as of July  7,  1995
                                  among Registrant, The Victory Life Insurance
                                  Company and Victory Financial Group, Inc.
                                  regarding   estimated   federal   income   tax
                                  deposits   (incorporated   by  reference  from
                                  Exhibit 2.1(e) to Registrant's Form 8-K report
                                  (File  No.  33-64820)  dated  as of  July  10,
                                  1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.2                               Reinsurance, Transfer and Assumption Agreement
                                  dated as of July 5, 1995, between Kansas Life
                                  Insurance Company and National Farmers Union
                                  Life  Insurance   Company   (incorporated   by
                                  reference from Exhibit 2.2 to Registrant's
                                  Form 8-K report (File No. 33-64820) dated as
                                  of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3(a)(1)                         Stock  Purchase  Agreement  dated  January 21, 1997 between  Great  Southern Life
                                  Insurance  Company  and Farmers  Group,  Inc.  (incorporated  by  reference  from
                                  Exhibit 2.3(a) to Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No.  33-64820) for the year ended
                                  December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3(a)(2)                         Amendment No. 1 dated April 15, 1997 to Stock  Purchase  Agreement by and between
                                  Farmers Group,  Inc. and Great Southern Life Insurance  Company  (incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit 2.1(b) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for
                                  the quarter ended March 31, 1997).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



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

2.3(b)                            Automatic  Coinsurance  Reassurance Agreement entered into between The Ohio State
                                  Life Insurance  Company and Employers  Reassurance  Corporation  (incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit 2.3(b) to Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No.  33-64820) for
                                  the year ended December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3(c)                            Automatic  Coinsurance  Reassurance  Agreement
                                  entered into between Investors Guaranty Life
                                  Insurance Company and Employers Reassurance
                                  Corporation (incorporated by reference from
                                  Exhibit 2.3(c) to Registrant's Form 10-K (File
                                  No. 33-64820) for the year ended December 31,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ----------------
- - ---------------- ----------------

2.3(d)                            Modified  Coinsurance  Retrocession  Agreement
                                  (Ohio  State  Life   Business)   entered  into
                                  between Great Southern Life Insurance  Company
                                  and    Employers    Reassurance    Corporation
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.3(d)
                                  to Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No. 33-64820)
                                  for the year ended December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ----------------
- - ---------------- ----------------

2.3(e)                            Modified  Coinsurance  Retrocession  Agreement
                                  (Investors   Guaranty  Life  Business)  to  be
                                  entered  into  between  Great   Southern  Life
                                  Insurance Company and Employers Reassurance
                                  Corporation (incorporated by reference from
                                  Exhibit 2.3(e) to Registrant's Form 10-K (File
                                  No. 33-64820) for the year ended December 31,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3(f)                            Escrow  Agreement  (Ohio State  Life/Investors
                                  Guaranty Life  Business)  entered into between
                                  Great  Southern  Life  Insurance  Company  and
                                  Employers       Reinsurance        Corporation
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.3(f)
                                  to Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No. 33-64820)
                                  for the year ended December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3(g)                            Investment  Management  Agreement (Ohio State Life Business) entered into between
                                  Americo  Life,  Inc.  and  Employers  Reassurance  Corporation  (incorporated  by
                                  reference from Exhibit 2.3(g) to Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No.  33-64820) for
                                  the year ended December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2.3(h)                            Investment  Management  Agreement (Investors Guaranty Life Business) entered into
                                  between Americo Life, Inc. and Employers  Reassurance  Corporation  (incorporated
                                  by reference from Exhibit 2.3(h) to  Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No.  33-64820)
                                  for the year ended December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.1                               Restated Articles of Incorporation,  as amended, of the Registrant  (incorporated
                                  by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820) filed
                                  June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3.2                               Bylaws,   as   amended,   of  the   Registrant
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to
                                  Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820)
                                  filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.1(a)                            Conformed  copy of Indenture,  dated as of May 25, 1993,  between  Registrant and
                                  Commerce Bank of Kansas City,  N.A., as trustee  (incorporated  by reference from
                                  Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820) filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.1(b)                            Form of 9 1/4%  Senior  Subordinated  Note Due 2005  (included  in the  Indenture
                                  filed as Exhibit  4.1(a) hereto)  (incorporated  by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to
                                  Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820) filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



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

4.2(a)                            Credit  Agreement  dated  as of July  6,  1995
                                  between  Registrant  and The  Chase  Manhattan
                                  Bank as administrative  agent (incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit 4.1(a) to  Registrant's
                                  Form 8-K (File No. 33-64820) dated as of July
                                  10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.2(b)                            Security  Agreement  dated as of July 5, 1995  between  Registrant  and The Chase
                                  Manhattan Bank as  administrative  agent  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit
                                  4.1(b) to  Registrant's  Form 8-K report (File
                                  No. 33-64820) dated as of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.2(c)(1)                         Amended and  restated  credit  agreement  dated as of December  27, 1996  between
                                  Registrant and The Chase Manhattan Bank as administrative  agent (incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit 4.2(c) to Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No.  33-64820) for
                                  the year ended December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.2(c)(2)                         Amendment  No. 1 to the amended  and  restated
                                  credit  agreement  dated  as of  February  27,
                                  1997,  between  the  Registrant  and The Chase
                                  Manhattan   Bank   as   administrative   agent
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2(d)
                                  to Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No. 33-64820)
                                  for the year ended December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.3(a)                            Form of Registrant's  $5,000,000 5 1/2% Senior
                                  Subordinated    Set-off    Note    due    2015
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1(c)
                                  to  Registrant's  Form 8-K  report  (File  No.
                                  33-64820) dated as of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.3(b)                            Form of Registrant's $6,000,000, 6 1/2% Senior
                                  Subordinated Note (No. VNO-1) due 2010. (Two
                                  identical notes (No. VNO-1 and No. VNO-2) were
                                  originally issued on July 10, 1995. Pursuant
                                  to instruction 2 to Item 601 of Regulation
                                  S-K, only VNO-1 was filed.) (Incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit 4.1(d) to Registrant's
                                  Form 8-K report (File No. 33-64820) dated as
                                  of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.4                               Amended and  Restated  Surplus  Debenture  No.
                                  004, dated December 31, 1993, as amended, in
                                  the  amount  of  $57,760,000  made by United  
                                  Fidelity  Life Insurance  Company  (successor
                                  by merger to FHC Life Insurance
                                  Company) to the Registrant (incorporated by 
                                  reference from Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant's 
                                  Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for the quarter
                                  ended March 31, 1994).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.5                               Amended and Restated  Surplus  Debenture No. 005, dated December 31, 1993, in the
                                  amount of $26,000,000 made by United Fidelity Life Insurance  Company  (successor
                                  by merger to FHC Life  Insurance  Company)  to the  Registrant  (incorporated  by
                                  reference from Exhibit 4.4 to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for the
                                  quarter ended March 31, 1994).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.6                               Amended and  Restated  Surplus  Debenture  No. 006,  dated  December 1, 1995,  as
                                  amended,  in the amount of  $16,125,753  made by United  Fidelity Life  Insurance
                                  Company  to   Registrant   (incorporated   by  reference   from  Exhibit  4.6  to
                                  Registrant's Form 10-K (File No. 33-64820) for the year ended December 31, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.7                               Surplus  Debenture No. 007 dated July 10, 1995, in the amount of $38,000,000 made
                                  by United  Fidelity Life  Insurance  Company to the Registrant  (incorporated  by
                                  reference from Exhibit 4.3 to  Registrant's  Form 8-K report (File No.  33-64820)
                                  dated as of July 10, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.8                               In accordance with Item  601(b)(4)(iii)(A)  of
                                  Regulation S-K, certain instruments respecting
                                  long  term  debt  of the  Registrant  and  its
                                  subsidiaries  have  been  omitted  but will be
                                  furnished to the Commission upon request.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



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

10.1                              Senior  Officer  Accidental  Death  and  Dismemberment  Policy  (incorporated  by
                                  reference from Exhibit 10.1 to  Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820) filed
                                  June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.2(a)                           Tax  Sharing  Agreement  dated as of  December  1,  1994,  among the  Registrant,
                                  Financial  Holding  Corporation,  Cidat Aviation  Incorporated,  Assured  Leasing
                                  Corporation, Landmark Mortgage Company, First Consulting & Administration,  Inc.,
                                  Hanover  Financial  Corporation,  United  Fidelity Life  Insurance  Company,  PFS
                                  Holding  Company,   Premium  Finance   Specialists,   Inc.,   Premium   Financing
                                  Specialists  of  California  and  PFS  Financing  Corporation   (incorporated  by
                                  reference  from Exhibit 10.2 to  Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No.  33-64820) for
                                  the year ended December 31, 1994).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.2(b)                          Amendment, effective as of January 1, 1996, to
                                  Tax Sharing Agreement, adding the Victory Life
                                  Insurance Company as a party.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.3(a)                           Reimbursement   of  Expense   Agreement  dated
                                  January   1,  1993,   among  the   Registrant,
                                  Financial Holding Corporation, United Fidelity
                                  Life  Insurance  Company,   The  College  Life
                                  Insurance  Company of  America,  Loyalty  Life
                                  Insurance Company, National Farmers Union Life
                                  Insurance   Company,   Great   Southern   Life
                                  Insurance  Company,  PFS  Holding  Company and
                                  Premium    Financing     Specialists,     Inc.
                                  (incorporated  by reference  from Exhibit 10.5
                                  to Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820)
                                  filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.3(b)                          Amendment    dated   August   29,   1997,   to
                                  Reimbursement  of Expense  Agreement  removing
                                  Loyalty Life Insurance Company as a party.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.3(c)                          Amendment dated October 1, 1997, to  Reimbursement  of Expense  Agreement  adding
                                  Americo  Services,  Inc. and The Ohio State Life Insurance Company as parties and
                                  removing Argus Health Systems, Inc. as a party.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.4(a)                           Cost Sharing  Agreement dated as of January 1,
                                  1993,  among the  Registrant,  United Fidelity
                                  Life  Insurance  Company,   The  College  Life
                                  Insurance   Company   of   America,    Premium
                                  Financing   Specialists,   Inc.,  PFS  Holding
                                  Company,    Financial    Assurance   Marketing
                                  Corporation,  Great  Southern  Life  Insurance
                                  Company,  Loyalty Life  Insurance  Company and
                                  National Farmers Union Life Insurance  Company
                                  (incorporated  by reference  from Exhibit 10.8
                                  to Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820)
                                  filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.4(b)                          Amendment  dated  August  29,  1997,  to  Cost
                                  Sharing   Agreement,   removing  Loyalty  Life
                                  Insurance Company as a party.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.4(c)                          Amendment  dated  October 1,  1997,  to Cost  Sharing  Agreement  adding  Americo
                                  Services,  Inc. and The Ohio State Life Insurance Company as parties and removing
                                  PFS Holding Company and Premium Financing Specialists, Inc. as parties.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.5                              Data  Processing  Services  Agreement  dated as of January 1, 1993,  between  the
                                  Registrant  and Financial  Holding  Corporation  (incorporated  by reference from
                                  Exhibit 10.9 to Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820) filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.6(a)                           Subsidiary Data Processing  Services Agreement
                                  dated  as  of  January  1,  1993,   among  the
                                  Registrant, FHC Life Insurance Company, United
                                  Fidelity   Life   Insurance   Company,   Great
                                  Southern Life Insurance Company, The College
                                  Life Insurance Company of America, Loyalty
                                  Life Insurance Company and National Farmers
                                  Union Life Insurance Company (incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit 10.10 to Registrant's
                                  Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820) filed June 22,
                                  1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

*10.6(b)                          Amendment dated August 29, 1997, to Subsidiary
                                  Data Processing Services Agreement removing
                                  Loyalty Life as a party.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.6(c)                          Amendment  dated  October  1,  1997,  to  Subsidiary  Data  Processing   Services
                                  Agreement  adding  Americo  Services,  Inc.  and The Ohio  State  Life  Insurance
                                  Company as parties.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.7(a)                           Advisory  Agreement  dated as of January  1, 1993,  between  the  Registrant  and
                                  Financial  Holding  Corporation  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.11 to
                                  Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820) filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.7(b)                           First  Amendment to Advisory  Agreement  dated  September 17, 1993 by and between
                                  the Registrant and Financial Holding Corporation  (incorporated by reference from
                                  Exhibit  10.8(b) to  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for the quarter
                                  ended March 31, 1994).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.8                              Office  Building  Lease dated as of January 1, 1993,  between  Financial  Holding
                                  Corporation  and  United  Fidelity  Life  Insurance   Company   (incorporated  by
                                  reference from Exhibit 10.12 to Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820) filed
                                  June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.9                              Lease   Agreement  dated  February  24,  1988,
                                  between  Broadway  Square  partners and United
                                  Fidelity Life Insurance Company  (incorporated
                                  by   reference    from   Exhibit    10.13   to
                                  Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820)
                                  filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.10                             Lease dated November 1, 1990,  between United Fidelity Life Insurance Company and
                                  First  Consulting  &  Administration,  Inc., a  subsidiary  of Financial  Holding
                                  Corporation  (included as Exhibit A to Exhibit 10.11)  (incorporated by reference
                                  from Exhibit 10.14 to  Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820) filed June 22,
                                  1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.11                             Assignment  of Lease  dated as of April 1,  1993  between  United  Fidelity  Life
                                  Insurance   Company  and  Finance  Holding   Corporation   respecting  the  First
                                  Consulting &  Administration  Lease described in Exhibit 10.10  (incorporated  by
                                  reference from Exhibit 10.15 to Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820) filed
                                  June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.12                            Office  Lease  Agreement  dated  February  19, 1997,  between  Metropolitan  Life
                                  Insurance Company and Great Southern Life Insurance.
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.13(a)                          Stock  Purchase  Agreement  dated February 26,
                                  1993,  among  Financial  Holding  Corporation,
                                  United   Fidelity  Life   Insurance   Company,
                                  Financial Assurance Incorporated and Robert L.
                                  Myer  (incorporated  by reference from Exhibit
                                  10.17  to  Registrant's  Form  S-4  (File  No.
                                  33-64820) filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.13(b)                          First Amendment to Stock Purchase  Agreement dated June 24, 1993, among Financial
                                  Holding Corporation,  United Fidelity Life Insurance Company, Financial Assurance
                                  Incorporated and Robert L. Myer  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17(b)
                                  to Amendment No. 1. to  Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820)  filed August
                                  30, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.14(a)                          Stock  Purchase  Agreement  dated  February 26,  1993,  among  Financial  Holding
                                  Corporation,  Robert L. Myer and Annuity Service Corp. (incorporated by reference
                                  from Exhibit 10.18 to  Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820) filed June 22,
                                  1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



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

10.14(b)                          First Amendment to Stock Purchase  Agreement  dated June 24, 1993,  among Annuity
                                  Service Corp.,  Financial  Holding  Corporation,  United  Fidelity Life Insurance
                                  Company and Robert L. Myer  (incorporated  by reference from Exhibit  10.18(b) to
                                  Amendment No. 1. to  Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.  33-64820) filed August 30,
                                  1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.15                             Subscription   Agreement  dated  February  26,
                                  1993, among Financial Holding Corporation,
                                  Robert L. Myer, Annuity Service Corp. and
                                  United   Fidelity   Life   Insurance   Company
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.19
                                  to Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820)
                                  filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.16                             Shareholders'  Agreement  dated July 30, 1993,
                                  among College Insurance Group, Inc., Robert L.
                                  Myer, United Fidelity Life Insurance Company
                                  and     Financial     Holding      Corporation
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.20
                                  to Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820)
                                  filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.17(a)                          Services   Agreement   dated  July  30,  1993,
                                  between  Financial  Assurance  Life  Insurance
                                  Company    (formerly    Financial    Assurance
                                  Incorporated)     and    Financial     Holding
                                  Corporation  (incorporated  by reference  from
                                  Exhibit 10.21 to  Registrant's  Form S-4 (File
                                  No. 33-64820) filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.17(b)                          Services  Agreement  dated  July  30,  1993,  between  Financial  Assurance  Life
                                  Insurance  Company  (formerly  Financial  Assurance   Incorporated)  and  Annuity
                                  Service Corp.  (incorporated  by reference from Exhibit 10.21(b) to Amendment No.
                                  1. to Registrant's Form S-4 (File No. 33-64820) filed August 30, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.18                             Stock Transfer  Restriction  and Option  Agreement  dated June 30, 1989 among DST
                                  Systems,  Inc.,  Argus Health  Systems,  Inc. and Financial  Holding  Corporation
                                  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22 to Registrant's  Form S-4 (File No.
                                  33-64820) filed June 22, 1993).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.19                             Supplemental  Tax  Sharing   Agreements  dated
                                  December  31,  1993  among  Financial  Holding
                                  Corporation,   the   Registrant   and   United
                                  Fidelity Life Insurance Company  (incorporated
                                  by   reference    from   Exhibit    10.20   to
                                  Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for
                                  the Quarter Ended March 31, 1994).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(a)(1)                       Master  Agreement  dated as of July 31,  1995,
                                  among The Ohio Life Insurance Company, The
                                  Ohio   Casualty   Insurance    Company,    the
                                  Registrant  and Great  Southern Life Insurance
                                  Company   (incorporated   by  reference   from
                                  Exhibit 10.21 to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File
                                  No. 33-64820) for the quarter ended June 30,
                                  1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(a)(2)                       First Amendment to Master Agreement between The Ohio Life Insurance Company,  The
                                  Ohio Casualty  Insurance  Company and Great Southern Life Insurance Company dated
                                  as of October  2, 1995  (incorporated  by  reference  from  Exhibit  10.21(b)  to
                                  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for the quarter ended  September 30,
                                  1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.20(a)(3)                      Second  Amendment to Master  Agreement  between The Ohio Life Insurance  Company,
                                  The Ohio Casualty  Insurance  Company and Great Southern Life  Insurance  Company
                                  dated as of November 17, 1997.
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(b)                          Assignment and Assumption  Agreement  between The Ohio Life Insurance Company and
                                  Great Southern Life Insurance  Company dated as of October 2, 1995  (incorporated
                                  by reference from Exhibit 10.21(c) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820)
                                  for the quarter ended September 30, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>


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

10.20(c)                          Escrow Agreement between Commerce Bank, N.A. of Kansas City, Missouri,  Employers
                                  Reassurance  Corporation  of  Overland  Park,  Kansas  and  Great  Southern  Life
                                  Insurance  Company dated as of October 2, 1995  (incorporated  by reference  from
                                  Exhibit  10.21(e) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for the quarter
                                  ended September 30, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(d)                          Escrow Agreement between Commerce Bank, N.A. of Kansas City, Missouri,  Employers
                                  Reassurance  Corporation of Overland Park, Kansas and The Ohio Casualty Insurance
                                  Company   dated   as  of   October   2,   1995
                                  (incorporated   by   reference   from  Exhibit
                                  10.21(f) to Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No.
                                  33-64820) for the quarter ended  September 30,
                                  1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(e)                          Investment  Management Agreement between the Registrant and Employers Reassurance
                                  Corporation  of Overland Park,  Kansas dated as of October 2, 1995  (incorporated
                                  by reference from Exhibit 10.21(g) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820)
                                  for the quarter ended September 30, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(f)                          Assumption  Reinsurance  Agreement  between The Ohio Life  Insurance  Company and
                                  Great Southern Life Insurance  Company dated as of October 2, 1995  (incorporated
                                  by reference from Exhibit 10.21(i) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820)
                                  for the quarter ended September 30, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(g)(1)                       Reinsurance  Agreement  between Employers  Reassurance  Company of Overland Park,
                                  Kansas and The Ohio Life Insurance  Company,  effective January 1, 1995 (transfer
                                  date October 2, 1995) and  amendments  thereto  (incorporated  by reference  from
                                  Exhibit  10.21(k) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for the quarter
                                  ended September 30, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.20(g)(2)                      Amendment  No.  4 to the  Reinsurance  Agreement  between  Employers  Reassurance
                                  Company of Overland Park,  Kansas and The Ohio Life Insurance  Company  effective
                                  April 1, 1996.
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(h)                          Retrocession   Agreement  between  Great  Southern  Life  Insurance  Company  and
                                  Employers  Reassurance  Company of Overland Park,  Kansas,  effective  January 1,
                                  1995 and amendments  thereto  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21(l) to
                                  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for the quarter ended  September 30,
                                  1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.20(i)(1)                       Services  Agreement  between the Registrant,  The Ohio Life Insurance Company and
                                  The Ohio Casualty  Insurance Company dated as of October 2, 1995 (incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit  10.21(m) to  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820)
                                  for the quarter ended September 30, 1995).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.20(i)(2)                      First  Amendment  to Services  Agreement  between the  Registrant,  The Ohio Life
                                  Insurance  Company and The Ohio Casualty  Insurance Company dated as of March 27,
                                  1997.
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*10.20(i)(3)                      Amendment  to Services  Agreement  between the
                                  Registrant, The Ohio Life Insurance Company
                                  and The Ohio Casualty Insurance Company dated
                                  as of November 17, 1997.
- - ----------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(a)                          Master Agreement dated February 26, 1996 among
                                  Fremont  Life   Insurance   Company,   Fremont
                                  General   Corp.,   the  Registrant  and  Great
                                  Southern Life Insurance Company  (incorporated
                                  by reference  from Exhibit 10 to  Registrant's
                                  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for the quarter
                                  ended March 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.21(b)                          First  Amendment to Master  Agreement dated as
                                  of July 1, 1996, among Fremont Life Insurance
                                  Company, Fremont General Corp., Registrant and
                                  Great   Southern   Life   Insurance    Company
                                  (incorporated   by   reference   from  Exhibit
                                  10.1(b)  to  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.
                                  33-64820)  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(c)                          Letter  Agreement  dated  as of July 1,  1996,
                                  among  Fremont  General  Corp.,  Fremont  Life
                                  Insurance   Company,   Registrant   and  Great
                                  Southern Life Insurance Company  (incorporated
                                  by   reference   from   Exhibit   10.1(c)   to
                                  Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for
                                  the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>


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

10.21(d)                          Services  Agreement  dated as of July 1, 1996,
                                  between  Registrant and Fremont Life Insurance
                                  Company   (incorporated   by  reference   from
                                  Exhibit  10.1(d)  to  Registrant's  Form  10-Q
                                  (File No. 33-64820) for the quarter ended June
                                  30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(e)                          Assumption    Reinsurance    and   Coinsurance
                                  Agreement (Universal Life) dated as of July 1,
                                  1996, between Fremont Life Insurance Company
                                  and Great Southern Life Insurance Company
                                  (incorporated   by   reference   from  Exhibit
                                  10.1(e) to Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No.
                                  33-64820)  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(f)                          Assumption    Reinsurance    and   Coinsurance
                                  Agreement (Annuities) dated as of July 1,
                                  1996, between Fremont Life Insurance Company
                                  and Great Southern Life Insurance Company
                                  (incorporated   by   reference   from  Exhibit
                                  10.1(f) to Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No.
                                  33-64820)  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(g)                          Assignment and Assumption  Agreement  dated as of July 1, 1996,  between  Fremont
                                  Life Insurance  Company and Great Southern Life Insurance  Company  (incorporated
                                  by reference from Exhibit 10.1(g) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820)
                                  for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(h)                          Automatic     Coinsurance    Universal    Life
                                  Reinsurance Agreement dated as of December 31,
                                  1995,  between Fremont Life Insurance  Company
                                  and    Employers    Reassurance    Corporation
                                  (incorporated   by   reference   from  Exhibit
                                  10.1(h)  to  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.
                                  33-64820)  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(i)                          Amendment  No.  1  to  the  Automatic   Coinsurance  Universal  Life  Reinsurance
                                  Agreement  dated  as  of  December  31,  1995,   between  Employers   Reassurance
                                  Corporation and Fremont Life Insurance  Company  (incorporated  by reference from
                                  Exhibit  10.1(i) to  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820) for the quarter
                                  ended June 30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(j)                          Automatic   Coinsurance   Annuity  Reinsurance
                                  Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996, between
                                  Employers Reassurance Corporation and Fremont
                                  Life  Insurance   Company   (incorporated   by
                                  reference from Exhibit 10.1(j) to Registrant's
                                  Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for the quarter
                                  ended June 30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(k)                          Amendment No. 1 to the  Automatic  Coinsurance
                                  Annuity Reinsurance Agreement dated as of
                                  January 1, 1996, between Employers Reassurance
                                  Corporation and Fremont Life Insurance Company
                                  (incorporated   by   reference   from  Exhibit
                                  10.1(k) to Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No.
                                  33-64820)  for  the  quarter  ended  June  30,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<PAGE>



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

10.21(l)                          Escrow  Agreement  dated  as of July 1,  1996,  among  Commerce  Bank,  Employers
                                  Reassurance  Corporation and Great Southern Life Insurance Company  (incorporated
                                  by reference from Exhibit 10.1(l) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820)
                                  for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(m)                          Modified   Coinsurance  Annuity   Retrocession
                                  Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996, between
                                  Employers  Reassurance  Corporation  and Great
                                  Southern Life Insurance Company  (incorporated
                                  by   reference   from   Exhibit   10.1(m)   to
                                  Registrant's Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for
                                  the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(n)                          Modified Coinsurance  Universal Life and Annuity Retrocession  Agreement dated as
                                  of  December  31,  1995,  between  Employers  Reassurance  Corporation  and Great
                                  Southern Life Insurance  Company  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1(n)
                                  to  Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No.  33-64820)  for the quarter  ended June 30,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.21(o)                          Amendment No. 1 to the Investment  Management  Agreement dated as of December 31,
                                  1995, between Registrant and Employers Reassurance  Corporation  (incorporated by
                                  reference from Exhibit 10.1(o) to Registrant's  Form 10-Q (File No. 33-64820) for
                                  the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.22(a)                          Agreement to Redeem  Partnership  Interest  among Great  Southern Life  Insurance
                                  Company, GSSW Limited Partnership,  BGFRTS, L.C., and Southwestern Life Insurance
                                  Company dated December 30, 1996  (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22(a)
                                  to  Registrant's  Form 10-K (File No.  33-64820) for the year ended  December 31,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.22(b)                          Agreement   Regarding   Purchase,   Sale,  and
                                  Assignment of Membership Interest among Great
                                  Southern Life Insurance Company, Southwestern
                                  Financial    Services     Corporation,     and
                                  Southwestern   Life  Insurance  Company  dated
                                  December 30, 1996  (incorporated  by reference
                                  from  Exhibit  10.22(b) to  Registrant's  Form
                                  10-K (File No. 33-64820) for the year ended
                                  December 31, 1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.22(c)                          Agreement   Regarding  Purchase  and  Sale  of
                                  General  Partner   Interests  between  Americo
                                  Services, Inc. and GSSW -- REO Ownership
                                  Corporation    dated    December    30,   1996
                                  (incorporated   by   reference   from  Exhibit
                                  10.22(c) to Registrant's Form 10-K (File No.
                                  33-64820)  for the  year  ended  December  31,
                                  1996).
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*21.                              Subsidiaries of the Registrant
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*27.                              Financial Data Schedule
- - ---------------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- - ----------------------------
</TABLE>

         (c)   Reports on Form 8-K.

              There were no reports on Form 8-K filed for the three months ended
              December 31, 1997.



<PAGE>





                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant  to the  requirements  of Section  13 or 15 (d) of the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned,  thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Kansas
City and the State of Missouri, on the 31st day of March, 1998.


                               AMERICO LIFE, INC.


             By:                     /s/ Gary L. Muller
                -----------------------------------------------------
                Name:  Gary L. Muller
                Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer



     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed by the following  persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated: <TABLE>

                                                         Title                                  Date

<S>                                                     <C>                                    <C>

              /s/ Michael A. Merriman                    Chairman of the Board of               March 31, 1998
- - -----------------------------------------------------    Directors
                Michael A. Merriman


                 /s/ Gary L. Muller                      President, Chief Executive             March 31, 1998
- - -----------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director
                Gary L. Muller


                /s/ Gary E. Jenkins                      Senior Vice President, Chief           March 31, 1998
- - -----------------------------------------------------    Financial Officer and Treasurer
                   Gary E.Jenkins                       (Principal Financial Officer and
                                                         Principal Accounting Officer)
                                            

</TABLE>





<PAGE>



                                       
                       AMERICO LIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                          <C>

                                                                                                             Page
Audited Financial Statements for the Three Years Ended December 31, 1997:


  Report of Independent Accountants                                                                           F-2

  Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996                                                    F-3

  Consolidated Statement of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                       F-4

  Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995         F-5

  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995                   F-6

  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                  F-8
</TABLE>




<PAGE>



                        Report of Independent Accountants


To the Board of Directors and
Stockholder of Americo Life, Inc.

     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated  statements of income,  of  stockholder's  equity and of cash flows
present fairly,  in all materials  respects,  the financial  position of Americo
Life,  Inc. and its  subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results
of their  operations  and their  cash  flows for each of the three  years in the
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.  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 of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan
an 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,  assessing the accounting  principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion  expressed
above.




PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
March 27, 1998



<PAGE>


                       Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                           Consolidated Balance Sheet
                             (Dollars in thousands)
                           December 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>

                                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                                             ----          ----
                                        Assets
<S>                                                                                      <C>            <C>
Investments:
   Fixed Maturities:
     Held to maturity, at amortized cost (market: $873,935 and $847,832)                  $  851,823     $  857,451
     Available for sale, at market (amortized cost: $735,955 and $671,792)                   761,084        670,274
   Equity securities, at market (cost: $50,837 and $33,341)                                   78,949         48,262
   Investment in equity subsidiaries                                                          21,670         18,078
   Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                        165,630        184,326
   Investment real estate, net                                                                27,630         22,417
   Policy loans                                                                              200,137        204,607
   Other invested assets                                                                      18,890         13,437
                                                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total investments                                                                     2,125,813      2,018,852

Cash and cash equivalents                                                                     36,859         96,069
Accrued investment income                                                                     27,620         25,287
Amounts receivable from reinsurers                                                         1,429,679        314,023
Other receivables                                                                             23,875         13,969
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             64,622         72,438
Cost of business acquired                                                                    300,180        200,710
Other assets                                                                                  29,370        28,235
                                                                                         ------------  ------------
     Total assets                                                                         $4,038,018     $2,769,583
                                                                                          ==========     ==========

                         Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Policyholder account balances                                                             $2,486,436     $1,466,959
Reserves for future policy benefits                                                          881,583        681,545
Unearned policy revenues                                                                      12,845         32,128
Policy and contract claims                                                                    36,570         30,959
Other policyholder funds                                                                      75,960         81,442
Notes payable                                                                                132,884        133,312
Amounts payable to reinsurers                                                                 12,200          6,221
Federal income taxes payable                                                                     164            --
Deferred income taxes                                                                         58,126         43,195
Due to broker                                                                                 31,836         50,013
Amounts due to affiliates                                                                      3,137          2,168
Other liabilities                                                                             59,415         34,619
                                                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total liabilities                                                                     3,791,156      2,562,561

Stockholder's equity:
   Common stock ($1 par value,  30,000 shares  authorized,  10,000 shares issued
     and outstanding)                                                                             10             10
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                  3,745          3,745
   Net unrealized investment gains                                                            56,973         37,189
   Retained earnings                                                                         186,134        166,078
                                                                                         -----------    -----------

     Total stockholder's equity                                                              246,862        207,022
                                                                                         -----------    -----------

Commitments and contingencies

     Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                                           $4,038,018     $2,769,583
                                                                                          ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

                See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

<PAGE>


                       Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                      Consolidated Statement of Income
                             (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
                         For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                           <C>          <C>            <C>
Income
   Premiums and policy revenues                                               $203,729      $165,602       $140,130
   Net investment income                                                       219,267       186,725        152,047
   Net realized investment gains (losses)                                        2,950          (120)          (282)
   Gain on disposition of partnership interest                                      --        15,825             --
   Other income                                                                 12,331         3,567          2,168
                                                                           -----------   ------------  ------------
     Total income                                                              438,277       371,599        294,063
                                                                            ----------    ----------     ----------

Benefits and expenses
   Policyholder benefits:
     Death benefits                                                            116,196        91,996         73,346
     Interest credited on universal life and annuity products                  109,392        84,495         59,794
     Other policyholder benefits                                                55,790        57,088         41,828
     Change in reserves for future policy benefits                             (18,438)      (14,920)        (5,806)
   Commissions                                                                  11,230        13,473          9,662
   Amortization expense                                                         43,694        29,714         26,666
   Interest expense                                                             12,089        12,263         10,593
   Other operating expenses                                                     77,038        56,703         47,124
                                                                           -----------   -----------    -----------
     Total benefits and expenses                                               406,991       330,812        263,207
                                                                            ----------    ----------     ----------

     Income before provision for income taxes                                   31,286        40,787         30,856

Provision for income taxes                                                        9,230       13,513         11,126
                                                                           ------------   ----------    -----------
     Net income                                                             $   22,056    $   27,274     $   19,730
                                                                            ==========    ==========     ==========

Net income per common share                                                  $2,205.60     $2,727.40      $1,973.00
                                                                             =========     =========      =========
</TABLE>

                 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>


                                 Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                             Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity
                                            (Dollars in thousands)
                         For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>


                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                       <C>            <C>          <C>
Common stock
   Balance at beginning and end of year                                    $         10  $        10   $        10
                                                                           ------------  -----------   -----------

Additional paid-in capital
   Balance at beginning and end of year                                          3,745         3,745         3,745
                                                                           -----------   -----------   -----------

Net unrealized investment gains
   Balance at beginning of year                                                 37,189        46,204        23,167
   Change during year                                                           19,784        (9,015)       23,037
                                                                           -----------   ------------  -----------
   Balance at end of year                                                       56,973         37,189       46,204
                                                                           -----------   ------------  -----------

Retained earnings
   Balance at beginning of year                                                166,078      140,804        123,074
   Net income                                                                   22,056       27,274         19,730
   Dividends                                                                    (2,000)      (2,000)        (2,000)
                                                                           -----------   -----------   -----------
   Balance at end of year                                                      186,134      166,078        140,804
                                                                            ----------    ---------     ----------
     Total stockholder's equity                                              $ 246,862    $ 207,022      $ 190,763
                                                                             =========    =========      =========
</TABLE>

                   See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>

                          Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                          Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                                 (Dollars in thousands)
                   For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>            <C>          <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income                                                                 $   22,056     $   27,274   $     19,730
                                                                           ----------     ----------   ------------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                                               47,305         30,103        28,850
   Deferred policy acquisition costs                                          (34,220)       (19,337)      (18,565)
   Undistributed earnings of equity subsidiaries                               (3,622)        (5,458)      (10,103)
   Distributed earnings of equity subsidiaries                                     --         14,000            --
   Amortization of unrealized investment gains                                 (6,973)        (6,059)       (6,774)
   (Increase) decrease in assets net of effects from business acquisitions:
     Accrued investment income                                                   (797)        (1,398)         (180)
     Other invested assets                                                         --         (1,596)           78
     Amounts receivable from reinsurers                                      (162,334)       (54,942)      (28,852)
     Amount received from reinsurance transaction                                  --            --         20,854
     Other receivables                                                         (9,824)        (2,527)       (1,417)
     Other assets, net of amortization                                         10,462         (2,274)       (2,274)
   Increase (decrease) in liabilities net of effects from business acquisitions:
     Reserves for future policy benefits and unearned policy revenues             371         (7,489)      (11,524)
     Policyholder account balances                                             72,899         10,573       (11,106)
     Policy and contract claims                                                (2,258)         7,654        (5,460)
     Other policyholder funds                                                  (5,482)       (11,265)       (1,091)
     Amounts payable to reinsurers                                             (2,053)        (6,734)        2,039
     Federal income taxes payable                                                 164            --         (4,330)
     Provision for deferred income taxes                                        4,281          5,576        (3,546)
     Other liabilities                                                          7,207         (5,775)          314
     Amounts due to/due from affiliates                                        (4,100)        10,739        (8,928)
   Net realized (gains) losses on investments                                  (2,950)           120           282
   Gain on disposition of partnership interest                                     --        (15,825)           --
   Gain on sale of subsidiary                                                  (4,848)           --             --
   Amortization on bonds and mortgage loans                                     1,722          2,244           649
   Other changes                                                                (4,568)       (4,470)       (2,065)
                                                                           -----------   -----------   -----------
   Total adjustments                                                          (99,618)       (64,140)      (63,149)
                                                                           ----------     ----------    ----------
       Net cash used by operating activities                                  (77,562)       (36,866)      (43,419)
                                                                           ----------     ----------    ----------


                                                                                                        (Continued)
</TABLE>

                  See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>


                           Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                    Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Continued)
                                    (Dollars in thousands)
                    For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>          <C>
Cash flows from investing activities
   Purchases of fixed maturity investments                                  $ (421,408)    $ (304,743)  $ (463,723)
   Purchases of equity securities                                              (67,815)       (24,072)          --
   Purchases of other investments                                              (21,944)            (6)     (38,760)
   Mortgage loans originated                                                   (24,777)        (1,323)     (25,730)
   Maturities or redemptions of fixed maturity investments                      89,206         45,791      135,402
   Sales of fixed maturity investments:
     Held to maturity                                                               --             --        5,915
     Available for sale                                                        380,251        190,368      233,425
   Sales of equity securities                                                  173,455             --           --
   Sales of other investments                                                   13,257         19,738       17,826
   Sale of subsidiary, net of cash sold                                         10,911            --            --
   Redemption of partnership interest                                               --         22,440           --
   Payment for subsidiary acquired, net of cash acquired                      (248,581)            --      (22,966)
   Repayments from mortgage loans                                               45,287         40,401       24,203
   Change in due to broker                                                     (18,662)         5,014       44,998
   Acquisition of equity subsidiary                                                 --         (4,550)          --
   Change in policy loans                                                        4,470          6,459          680
                                                                           ------------  ------------   ----------
       Net cash used by investing activities                                   (86,350)        (4,483)     (88,730)
                                                                           -----------    -----------   ----------

Cash flows from financing activities
   Notes payable issued                                                             --             --       21,000
   Repayments of notes payable                                                    (542)          (545)        (285)
   Debt issue cost paid                                                             --             --         (737)
   Receipts credited to policyholder account balances                          192,648        176,845      164,386
   Return of policyholder account balances                                     (85,404)       (95,878)    (101,985)
   Dividends paid                                                               (2,000)        (2,000)      (2,000)
                                                                            ----------     ----------  -----------    
                                                                                                     
     Net cash provided by financing activities                                 104,702         78,422       80,379
                                                                            ----------     ----------   ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           (59,210)        37,073      (51,770)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                  96,069         58,996      110,766
                                                                           -----------     ----------   ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                    $   36,859      $  96,069   $   58,996
                                                                            ==========      =========   ==========

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during year for:
Interest                                                                    $   12,095     $   12,280   $   10,432
Income taxes                                                                     4,789          5,226       14,037

Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities
 Acquisition of subsidiaries:
     Fair value of assets acquired, net of cash acquired                    $  948,724   $        --   $  285,870
     Liabilities                                                              (700,143)           --     (251,002)
     Notes payable issued to seller                                                 --            --      (11,902)
                                                                           ------------- ------------  -----------
                                                                                                 
     Payment for subsidiaries acquired, net of cash acquired                $  248,581   $        --   $    22,966
                                                                            ==========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
               See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>


                           Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                  (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

1.    Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Americo Life,  Inc. ("the  Company") is a holding company for the following
stock life insurance  companies,  all of which are 100% owned:  United  Fidelity
Life  Insurance  Company  ("United  Fidelity"),  Great  Southern Life  Insurance
Company ("Great Southern"), The Victory Life Insurance Company ("Victory"),  The
College Life Insurance  Company of America  ("College  Life"),  National Farmers
Union Life Insurance Company ("National Farmers"), The Ohio State Life Insurance
Company ("Ohio State") and Investors Guaranty Life Insurance Company ("Investors
Guaranty"), collectively referred to as the Insurance Companies. In August 1997,
the Company sold Loyalty Life Insurance Company ("Loyalty Life") to an unrelated
party.  United  Fidelity owns 50% of College  Insurance  Group,  Inc., a holding
company  which owns 100% of both  Financial  Assurance  Life  Insurance  Company
("Financial  Assurance"),  a stock life insurance  company,  and Annuity Service
Corp.  The  Company  also has a 50%  interest  in  Argus  Health  Systems,  Inc.
("Argus"),  which  processes  prescription  drug claims.  In December  1996, the
Company  acquired a 50%  interest  in Hereford  LLP,  which owns and manages the
building leased by Argus. Also, in December 1996, Great Southern disposed of its
interest in GSSW Limited  Partnership  ("GSSW"),  a real estate holding company.
The  Company is a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of  Financial  Holding  Corporation
("FHC").

     All of the Insurance  Companies  except  Victory,  Ohio State and Investors
Guaranty are domiciled in Texas.  Victory, Ohio State and Investors Guaranty are
domiciled  in  Kansas,  Ohio and  California,  respectively.  One or more of the
Insurance  Companies  is  licensed in the  District  of Columbia  and all states
except New York. The above companies comprise an Insurance Company Holding Group
as defined by the laws of the State of Texas,  Ohio and California and are bound
by certain regulations thereof in the conduct of their business.

Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

     The consolidated  financial  statements include the accounts of the Company
and its direct and indirect wholly-owned  subsidiaries.  The Insurance Companies
maintain their accounts in conformity  with accounting  practices  prescribed or
permitted  by  state  insurance  regulatory  authorities.  In  the  accompanying
financial statements, such accounts have been adjusted to conform with generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP). All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     The  preparation  of  financial  statements  requires  management  to  make
estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  the  reported  amounts  of assets and
liabilities  and disclosure of contingent  assets and liabilities at the date of
the  financial  statements  and the  reported  amounts of revenues  and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Investments

     Fixed  maturity  investments  classified  as  held  to  maturity  are  debt
securities for which the Company has the positive  intent and ability to hold to
maturity and are stated at amortized cost with premiums  amortized to call dates
and discounts  amortized to maturity  dates.  Marketable  equity  securities and
fixed  maturities  available  for sale are  reported  at  market  value  and the
resulting  unrealized  gains or losses,  net of  applicable  income  taxes,  are
credited or charged to stockholder's equity. If a decline in the market value of
an individual  investment is considered to be other than temporary,  the loss is
recorded as a realized  investment  loss. Gains or losses on sales of securities
are computed using the specific identification method.

     When the  Company  recognizes  changes  in  conditions  that  cause a fixed
maturity  investment to be  transferred to a different  category  (e.g.  held to
maturity or available for sale), the security is transferred at market value. If
the security is  transferred  from  available for sale to held to maturity,  the
related  unrealized  gain or loss is  amortized  to  investment  income over the
remaining  life of the  security.  If the security is  transferred  from held to
maturity  to  available  for sale,  the  unrealized  gain or loss is included in
stockholder's equity.

     For  mortgage-backed   securities,   the  Company  anticipates  prepayments
utilizing published data when applying the interest method. Periodic adjustments
to securities'  carrying values as a result of changes in actual and anticipated
prepayments are credited or charged to net investment income.




<PAGE>

                        Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)


     Equity  securities,  consisting  of  marketable  common  and  nonredeemable
preferred  stocks,  are carried at market value. The Company's 50% or less owned
subsidiaries  are  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method,  under  which the
Company's  proportionate  share of earnings  is  recorded as a component  of net
investment income.

     Mortgage  loans on real  estate are stated at  aggregate  unpaid  principal
balances,  net of unamortized purchase premiums or discounts and less allowances
for estimated losses.  Unamortized  purchase premiums or discounts are amortized
using the effective yield method over the life of the related loan.

     Policy loans are stated at aggregate unpaid principal balances.

     Investment real estate is stated at cost, less allowances for  depreciation
and, as appropriate, provisions for possible losses.

     Futures  contracts  are  accounted  for as hedges.  Gains or losses on open
contracts  are recorded as an  adjustment  to the basis of the assets hedged and
are included in net unrealized  investment gains.  Gains or losses on terminated
hedges  are  recorded  as an  adjustment  to the basis of the asset  hedged  and
amortized into income over the remaining life of the asset hedged.

     In January 1997, the Company implemented  Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards  ("SFAS") No. 125 "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities". SFAS No. 125 establishes new criteria
for determining  whether a transfer of financial  assets in exchange for cash or
other  consideration  should  be  accounted  for  as a  sale  or  as  pledge  of
collateral.  The  implementation  of portions of this  statement with respect to
accounting   for  pledged   collateral,   repurchase   agreements   and  similar
transactions  was  deferred  for one  year by SFAS  No.  127,  "Deferral  of the
Effective  Date of Certain  Provisions of the FASB  Statement No. 125" issued in
December 1996.  Implementation of these new accounting  standards did not have a
material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

     In February  1997,  the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  ("FASB")
issued SFAS No. 128,  "Earnings per Share"  and SFAS No.  129,  "Disclosure  of
Information  about  Capital  Structure".  SFAS No. 128  specifies  the
computation,  presentation  and  disclosure  requirements  for earnings per
share.  SFAS No. 129 does not establish new disclosure  requirements,  rather it
codifies  certain  disclosure  requirements  contained in other statements
previously  issued.  Adoption  of these  new  accounting  standards  did not
have an  impact  on the  consolidated financial statements of the Company.

     In June  1997,  the FASB  issued  SFAS No.  130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income" and SFAS No. 131,  "Disclosures  about  Segments  of an  Enterprise  and
Related  Information".  SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for the reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in financial statements. SFAS
No. 131  establishes  new guidelines for public  business  enterprises to report
financial and  descriptive  information  about their operating  segments.  These
statements  are  effective  for  financial  statement  periods  beginning  after
December 15, 1997.

Cash equivalents

     The Company  considers  all highly  liquid  financial  instruments  with an
original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Deferred policy acquisition costs and cost of business acquired

     The costs of new business produced, principally commissions, certain policy
issue and  underwriting  expenses  and certain  variable  agency  expenses,  are
deferred.  The cost of business acquired represents the amount of purchase price
assigned  to the value of the  policies  at  acquisition.  The cost of  business
acquired asset is no greater than the  actuarially  determined  present value of
future profits of the policies purchased.  For traditional life products,  these
costs are amortized in proportion  to premium  revenues over the  premium-paying
period of  related  policies  using  assumptions  consistent  with those used in
computing  benefit  reserves.   For  universal  life,   interest-sensitive   and
investment products, these costs are amortized in relation to the present value,
using the current  credited  interest  rate,  of expected  gross  profits of the
policies over the anticipated coverage period.


<PAGE>



     Retrospective  adjustment  of  these  amounts  are made  annually  upon the
revision of estimates of current or future gross profits on universal  life-type
and annuity products to be realized from a group of policies.  Recoverability of
deferred policy acquisition costs and the cost of business acquired is evaluated
annually by comparing the current  estimate of future profits to the unamortized
asset  balances.  The revision of estimates  of future gross  profits  increased
(decreased) income related to deferred policy acquisition costs before provision
for income taxes by ($4,131),  $1,446 and $(1,524) for the years ended  December
31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The revision of estimates of future gross
profits  increased  (decreased)  income related to the cost of business acquired
before provision for income taxes by $1,617, $(4,673) and $(2,515) for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

     Anticipated  investment returns,  including realized gains and losses, from
the  investment  of  policyholder  balances are  considered in  determining  the
amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, the cost of business acquired
and unearned policy  revenues.  When fixed maturities are stated at market value
an  adjustment is made to the deferred  policy  acquisition  costs,  the cost of
business   acquired  and  unearned  policy  revenues  equal  to  the  change  in
amortization  that would have been recorded if those fixed  maturities  had been
sold at their fair value and the proceeds  reinvested  at current  yields.  This
adjustment  is  recorded  net of income  tax  directly  to the  unrealized  gain
component of stockholder's equity.

Universal life-type and annuity products

     Policyholder  account balances of universal  life-type,  interest-sensitive
and annuity products represent  accumulated  contract values,  without reduction
for potential  surrender charges and deferred  front-end  contract charges which
are amortized over the term of the policies. Revenue for universal life-type and
other  interest-sensitive  products are  principally  comprised of insurance and
policy  administration  fees and surrender  charges,  as well as amortization of
deferred front-end contract charges.  Benefits and claims are charged to expense
in the period  incurred,  net of related  accumulated  contract values released.
Interest on  accumulated  contract  values is credited to  contracts  as earned.
Crediting rates for universal life-type and annuity products ranged from 3.0% to
7.0% at December 31, 1997.

Traditional life insurance products

     Traditional  life insurance  products include whole life insurance and term
life  insurance.  Reserves for future policy  benefits are estimated using a net
level premium  method based upon  historical  experience  of investment  yields,
mortality and withdrawals  including  provisions for possible adverse deviation.
Investment yield  assumptions are based on historical rates ranging from 7.5% to
9.0%. Mortality assumptions are based on the 1975-1980 Select and Ultimate Basic
Table with certain modifications including underwriting classifications and year
of issue.  Withdrawal  assumptions  for all products are estimated  based on the
Insurance Companies'  experience.  Additions to these reserves are required when
their  balances,  in  addition  to future  net cash flows  including  investment
income,  are  insufficient to cover future  benefits and expenses.  Premiums for
these  products are recognized as revenue when due.  Traditional  life insurance
benefits and claims are charged to expense in the period incurred.

Reinsurance

     Premiums and expenses  include amounts  related to reinsurance  assumed and
are stated net of amounts ceded. Reinsurance receivables and prepaid reinsurance
premiums are reported as assets and are recognized in a manner  consistent  with
the liabilities related to the underlying reinsured contracts.

Participating policies

     Participating life insurance policies  represent  approximately  1.7%, 2.9%
and 4.5% of the ordinary life insurance in force at December 31, 1997,  1996 and
1995,  respectively.  Premium  income  related to  participating  life insurance
policies  represents 3.3%, 4.4% and 6.5% of premiums and policy revenues for the
years 1997,  1996 and 1995,  respectively.  The  dividends  paid and accrued are
calculated in accordance with the terms of the individual  policy provisions and
the  dividend  schedule  as  reviewed  and  approved  annually  by the  Board of
Directors.


<PAGE>



Property and equipment

     Company-occupied  property,  data  processing  equipment  and furniture and
office equipment,  included in other assets, are stated at cost less accumulated
depreciation of $10,036, and $7,213 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Depreciation  is  computed  on a  straight-line  basis for  financial  reporting
purposes using estimated useful lives of three to 30 years. Depreciation expense
was $3,436,  $3,051 and $1,957 for the years ended  December 31, 1997,  1996 and
1995, respectively.

Income taxes

     Provision for income taxes  includes  deferred taxes arising from temporary
differences  between  the  tax and  financial  reporting  basis  of  assets  and
liabilities.  This liability method of accounting for income taxes also requires
the Company to reflect the effect of a tax rate change on  accumulated  deferred
income taxes in income for the period in which the change is enacted.

Net income per common share

     Net income per common  share is  calculated  by  dividing  the  appropriate
income item by the average number of shares of common stock  outstanding  during
the period. There were no common share equivalents outstanding during 1997, 1996
or 1995.

Reclassifications

     Previously  reported  amounts for prior years have in some  instances  been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

2.    Fair values of financial instruments

     The  following   estimated  fair  value  disclosures  are  limited  to  the
reasonable  estimates  of  the  fair  value  of  only  the  Company's  financial
instruments. The Company does not anticipate that any significant assets will be
disposed  of or that  any  significant  liabilities  would be  settled  at these
estimated fair values.

     Investment  securities:   The  estimated  fair  values  of  fixed  maturity
securities are based on quoted market prices where available. For fixed maturity
securities not actively traded,  fair values are estimated using values obtained
from  independent  pricing  services.  In the case of private  placements,  fair
values  are  determined  using  market  values  of  comparable  securities.  The
estimated fair values of equity securities are based on quoted market prices.

     Mortgage  loans:  The fair values of  mortgage  loans are  estimated  using
discounted cash flow analyses and interest rates being offered for similar loans
to borrowers with similar credit ratings.

     Policy  loans:  Policy loans are  generally  issued with coupon rates below
market rates and are considered early payment of the life benefit.  As such, the
carrying amount of these financial instruments is a reasonable estimate of their
fair value.

     Other  invested  assets:  The fair  value of the note  receivable  from PFS
Holding  Company  ("PFSH"),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of FHC, is estimated by
discounting future cash flows at current market rates.

     Cash  and  cash  equivalents:  The  carrying  value  of  these  instruments
approximates fair value.

     Annuities:  The fair values of the Company's  annuities are estimated using
the current  policyholder  account balances reduced for an estimate of
discounted future profits.



<PAGE>



     Notes payable:  The fair value of the Company's senior  subordinated  notes
equals the quoted market price at the reporting  date. The carrying value of the
Company's  senior bank debt  approximates  fair value since the current interest
rate reprices every thirty to ninety days. The fair value of the Company's other
notes payable was  calculated  using a discounted  interest rate which  reflects
prevailing market rates.

     The  estimated  fair  values  of the  Company's  financial  instruments  at
December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>

                                                               1997                               1996
                                                  -------------------------------    -------------------------------

                                                     Carrying          Fair             Carrying          Fair
                                                      Amount          Value              Amount          Value
<S>                                                <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>
Financial assets:
   Fixed maturities held to maturity                $  851,823       $  873,935        $  857,451      $  847,832
   Fixed maturities available for sale                 761,084          761,084           670,274         670,274
   Equity securities                                    78,949           78,949            48,262          48,262
   Mortgage loans                                      165,630          166,634           184,326         183,328
   Policy loans                                        200,137          200,137           204,607         204,607
   Other invested assets                                10,000           10,032            10,000           9,681
   Cash and cash equivalents                            36,859           36,859            96,069          96,069
Financial liabilities:
   Annuities                                         1,072,062        1,039,463           527,324         508,882
   Notes payable                                       132,884          137,794           133,312         132,812
</TABLE>

3.    Changes in Subsidiaries

     On April 15, 1997, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock
of Ohio State and Investors  Guaranty  from Farmers  Group,  Inc.  pursuant to a
stock  purchase  agreement  dated  January  21,  1997.  The  purchase  price was
$345,387. The acquisition of Ohio State and Investors Guaranty was accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting. The operating results of Ohio State and
Investors  Guaranty after the date of acquisition  are included in the Company's
statement of income.

     The assets acquired and  liabilities  assumed related to the acquisition of
Ohio State and Investors Guaranty were as follows:
<TABLE>

<S>                                                                                       <C>
Assets acquired:
         Fixed maturities                                                                  $    623,790
         Equity securities                                                                      123,418
         Cash and cash equivalents                                                               90,219
         Cost of business acquired                                                              141,919
         Other assets                                                                            59,597
                                                                                          -------------
                                                                                            $ 1,038,943
Liabilities assumed:
         Policyholder account balances                                                     $    521,355
         Reserves for future policy benefits                                                    153,482
         Other liabilities                                                                       18,719
                                                                                         --------------
                                                                                           $    693,556
</TABLE>

     On April 16, 1997, Ohio State and Investors  Guaranty entered into separate
coinsurance  agreements to reinsure 100% of their  insurance  liabilities  to an
unaffiliated  insurance  company  (the  "Reinsurer")  in  exchange  for a ceding
commission  of  approximately  $146,000.  On the same day, the Reinsurer and the
Company entered into a modified coinsurance  agreement under which the Reinsurer
ceded certain risks on a 70% quota share basis on the same insurance liabilities
to the Company.  The reinsurance  agreements have the net effect of transferring
30% of the profits on the Ohio State and  Investors Guaranty  policies to the  
Reinsurer. Under the coinsurance  treaty,  the assets supporting the insurance  
liabilities are  retained  by the  Reinsurer  in an  escrow  account  for  the  
benefit  and protection  of the Company.  The  Reinsurer  will receive 100% of 
the  statutory profits from the  reinsured  policies  until the  Reinsurer  has
recovered  the initial ceding commission.


<PAGE>



     Ohio State and Investors Guaranty transferred bonds and policy loans to the
Reinsurer  equal  to  the  statutory   reserves   liabilities  less  the  ceding
commission.  The policy  liabilities remain the direct liabilities of Ohio State
and  Investors  Guaranty  and  therefore  remain on the  Company's  consolidated
balance  sheet.  The  assets  retained  by the  Reinsurer  are  included  on the
Company's  consolidated  balance sheet as a receivable  from the Reinsurer.  The
cost of  business  acquired  asset  related to the  acquired  business  has been
reduced to reflect the net 30% coinsurance.

     The  acquisition  of Ohio State and Investors was funded by internal  funds
and the  proceeds  of a  $240,000  repurchase  agreement.  Upon  receipt  of the
$146,000 ceding commission from the Reinsurer, Ohio State and Investors Guaranty
paid dividends  totaling $200,000 to the Company.  The repurchase  agreement was
closed out in 1997.

     In July 1995,  the Company  acquired  all the  outstanding  common stock of
Victory,  pursuant  to the Stock  Purchase  Agreement  dated as of March 3, 1995
("the  Agreement")  by  and  among  Victory  Financial  Group,  Inc.,  a  Nevada
corporation  (the  "Seller"),  its  wholly-owned  subsidiary,  The  Kansas  Life
Insurance  Company  ("Kansas  Life") and the  Company.  When the  Agreement  was
executed, Kansas Life was the immediate parent of Victory.

     In  connection  with the  acquisition  of  Victory,  the  Company,  through
National Farmers, entered into a Reinsurance,  Transfer and Assumption Agreement
(the  "Reinsurance  Agreement")  under which National Farmers  reinsured all the
insurance business of Kansas Life on a 100% coinsurance basis.  National Farmers
received  securities,  cash  and  other  assets  totaling  $23,295  equal to the
insurance liabilities assumed.  National Farmers has subsequently  completed the
assumption of this business.

     The Company  accounted  for the  acquisition  of Victory and the  insurance
business of Kansas Life using the purchase  method of accounting.  The operating
results of Victory and the insurance business acquired from Kansas Life from the
date of acquisition are included in the Company's statement of income.

     The total amount paid by the Company for (1) the  outstanding  common stock
of  Victory,  (2)  related  consulting  and  noncompetition  agreements  and (3)
transaction expenses, was $42,752. The acquisition was funded by $17,000 of 6.5%
subordinated notes issued by the Company to the Seller, $21,000 borrowed under a
$70,000 revolving credit facility dated as of July 6, 1995 ("Credit Agreement"),
and $4,800 of internal funds.

     The effect of the acquisition of Victory and the  Reinsurance  Agreement on
the Company's balance sheet at the date of acquisition was as follows:
<TABLE>

      <S>                                                                              <C>
      Assets acquired:
         Investments:
           Fixed maturity securities                                                    $   221,873
           Cash                                                                              16,340
           Other                                                                             39,455
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                            277,668
         Cost of business acquired                                                           20,931
         Other assets                                                                         6,054
                                                                                       ------------
                                                                                        $   304,653
      Liabilities assumed:
         Reserves for future policy benefits                                            $   178,862
         Policyholder account balances                                                       46,586
         Other liabilities                                                                   46,303
         Notes payable                                                                       32,902
                                                                                      -------------
                                                                                        $   304,653
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



     Summarized  unaudited pro forma consolidated  financial  information of the
Company is set forth in the  following  table.  This  financial  information  is
presented  assuming the  acquisition  of Victory and the  Reinsurance  Agreement
occurred  on January  1, 1995 and the  acquisition  of Ohio State and  Investors
Guaranty occurred on January 1, 1996. <TABLE>

                                                                 1997          1996          1995
                                                                 ----          ----          ----

     <S>                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
      Total revenue                                            $  458,203    $  452,071    $  308,734
      Net income                                                   21,701        26,083        19,804
      Net income per common share                                2,170.10      2,608.30      1,980.40
</TABLE>

     In  1997,  Great  Southern  sold  the  stock of  Loyalty  Life for  $12,280
resulting  in a  $4,848  gain.  Prior to this  sale,  several  of the  Company's
insurance  subsidiaries  entered  into  agreements  with  Loyalty  Life  for the
assumption of Loyalty Life insurance liabilities.


<PAGE>



4.    Investments

Fixed Maturities

     The amortized cost of investments in fixed  maturities,  the cost of equity
securities  and the estimated  market values of such  investments by category of
securities, are as follows: <TABLE>

                                                                                 December 31, 1997
                                                             ----------------------------------------------------------

                                                                              Gross             Gross       Estimated
                                                              Amortized     Unrealized       Unrealized    Market Value
                                                                 Cost         Gains            Losses
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>
Held to maturity:
   U.S. Treasury and government securities                 $        2,427  $         82     $        (20)  $      2,489
   Public utility securities                                       46,984         1,609             (154)        48,439
   Corporate securities                                           467,288        18,420           (1,591)       484,117
   Asset-backed securities                                         30,152           180             (131)        30,201
   Mortgage-backed pass-through securities                         28,467           967              (33)        29,401
   Collateralized mortgage obligations                            276,505         4,188           (1,405)       279,288
                                                             ------------  ------------     ------------    -----------
                                                                  851,823        25,446           (3,334)       873,935
                                                             ------------  ------------     ------------    -----------
Available for sale:
   U.S. Treasury and government securities                         62,094         2,913              (21)        64,986
   Public utility securities                                       29,732         1,073              (28)        30,777
   Corporate securities                                           355,660        16,408           (1,439)       370,629
   Asset-backed securities                                         56,314         1,289              --          57,603
   Mortgage-backed pass-through securities                        137,328         3,108             (114)       140,322
   Collateralized mortgage obligations                             94,827         2,419             (479)        96,767
                                                             ------------  ------------     ------------   ------------
                                                                  735,955        27,210           (2,081)       761,084
                                                             ------------  ------------     ------------   ------------
     Subtotal, all fixed maturities                             1,587,778        52,656           (5,415)     1,635,019
                                                             ------------  ------------     ------------   ------------
Equity securities                                                  50,837        28,753             (641)        78,949
                                                             ------------  ------------      ------------  ------------
     Total fixed maturities and equity  securities             $1,638,615   $    81,409      $    (6,056)    $1,713,968
                                                               ==========   ===========      ===========     ==========


                                                                                 December 31, 1996
                                                             -----------------------------------------------------------

                                                                              Gross             Gross       Estimated
                                                              Amortized     Unrealized       Unrealized    Market Value
                                                                 Cost         Gains            Losses
Held to maturity:
   U.S. Treasury and government securities                   $      4,594  $        160      $      (110)  $      4,644
   Public utility securities                                       61,929         2,465           (1,470)        62,924
   Corporate securities                                           448,837         7,638          (12,510)       443,965
   Asset-backed securities                                         27,852            28             (629)        27,251
   Mortgage-backed pass-through securities                         36,060           735             (385)        36,410
   Collateralized mortgage obligations                            278,179         1,212           (6,753)       272,638
                                                             ------------  ------------     ------------   ------------
                                                                  857,451        12,238          (21,857)       847,832
                                                             ------------  ------------     ------------   ------------
Available for sale:
   U.S. Treasury and government securities                         98,100           204           (1,293)        97,011
   Public utility securities                                       27,678           274              (18)        27,934
   Corporate securities                                           262,924         2,935           (3,725)       262,134
   Asset-backed securities                                         52,089           897             (122)        52,864
   Mortgage-backed pass-through securities                        156,304           383             (644)       156,043
   Collateralized mortgage obligations                             74,697           844           (1,253)        74,288
                                                             ------------   -----------      -----------   ------------
                                                                  671,792         5,537           (7,055)       670,274
                                                             ------------   -----------      -----------   ------------
     Subtotal, all fixed maturities                             1,529,243        17,775          (28,912)     1,518,106
                                                             -------------  ------------     ------------  ------------
Equity securities                                                  33,341        15,484             (563)        48,262
                                                             ------------   -----------      ------------  ------------
     Total fixed maturities and equity securities              $1,562,584   $    33,259       $  (29,475)    $1,566,368
                                                             ============   ===========      ============  ============

</TABLE>

<PAGE>



     The  amortized  cost and market  values of  mortgage-backed  securities  by
category at December 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>

                                                              Held to Maturity               Available for Sale
                                                         ---------------------------     ---------------------------

                                                                        Estimated                       Estimated
                                                          Amortized    Market Value       Amortized    Market Value
                                                             Cost                            Cost

<S>                                                       <C>           <C>                <C>           <C>
Pass-through agency securities                            $    28,467   $    29,401        $  137,328    $  140,322

Collateralized mortgage obligations:
   Sequential class                                            80,849        81,006            45,343        46,573
   Planned amortization class                                  44,240        45,048            15,505        15,558
   Very accurately defined maturity                            98,750       100,617             6,150         6,048
   Accrual class                                               42,836        43,197            23,539        23,504
   Other                                                        9,830         9,420             4,290         5,084
                                                           ----------    ----------         ---------    ----------
                                                              276,505       279,288            94,827        96,767
                                                           ----------    ----------         ---------    ----------
     Total securities                                      $  304,972    $  308,689         $ 232,155    $  237,089
                                                           ==========    ==========         =========    ==========
</TABLE>

     The amortized cost and estimated market value of fixed maturities which are
held to maturity and  available  for sale at December 31, 1997,  by  contractual
maturity,  are shown below.  Expected  maturities  will differ from  contractual
maturities  because  borrowers may have the right to call or prepay  obligations
with or without penalties. <TABLE>

                                                                Fixed Maturities                Fixed Maturities
                                                                Held to Maturity               Available for Sale
                                                           ---------------------------     ---------------------------

                                                                          Estimated                       Estimated
                                                            Amortized    Market Value       Amortized    Market Value
                                                               Cost                            Cost

<S>                                                        <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>
Due in one year or less                                    $      1,865   $     1,890      $        198    $      200
Due after one year through five years                            59,150        59,129            76,560        78,234
Due after five years through ten years                          202,675       206,588           100,273       103,081
Due after ten years                                             253,009       267,438           270,455       284,877
Mortgage-backed securities                                      335,124       338,890           288,469       294,692
                                                             ----------    ----------         ---------    ----------
                                                             $  851,823    $  873,935         $ 735,955    $  761,084
                                                             ==========    ==========         =========    ==========
</TABLE>

     In November 1995, the FASB issued "A Guide to  Implementation  of Statement
115 on Accounting for Certain  Investments in Debt and Equity  Securities" ("the
Guide") which, among other things, provided entities with a one time opportunity
to transfer some or all securities from held to maturity.  In December 1995, the
Company  transferred  fixed maturity  securities with an amortized book value of
$195,207  and a market  value of $198,329  out of the held to maturity  category
into the  available for sale  category.  Additionally,  the Company  transferred
fixed maturity  securities with an amortized book value of $169,439 and a market
value  of  $178,883  out of the  available  for sale  category  into the held to
maturity  category.  In 1993, the Company also  transferred  securities from the
available for sale category to the held to maturity category. The net unrealized
gains of  $44,550  and  $53,426 at  December  31,  1997 and 1996,  respectively,
relating  to  these  investments  transferred  to held  to  maturity  are  being
amortized  into income  using the  effective  yield method over the lives of the
related securities.

     At December 31, 1997, the Company held below  investment  grade (S&P rating
below BBB-)  corporate  debt  securities  with an  aggregate  carrying  value of
$23,195 and market  value of $23,349.  At December  31,  1996,  the Company held
below  investment  grade corporate debt  securities  with an aggregate  carrying
value of $10,125 and market value of $10,168.  These  holdings  amounted to 0.6%
and  0.4%  of the  Company's  total  assets  at  December  31,  1997  and  1996,
respectively.

     Fixed  maturities  with an amortized book value of $38,205 and $72,062 were
on deposit with insurance  regulatory agencies of certain states at December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively.

     The Company  owns a $10,000,  9.25% senior  subordinated  note ("the note")
issued by PFSH which  matures in September  2004.  The note is included in other
invested assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.



<PAGE>



Mortgage loans on real estate

     At December 31, mortgage loans on real estate consisted of:
<TABLE>

                                                                                         1997           1996
                                                                                         ----           ----

      <S>                                                                             <C>            <C>
      Mortgage loan principal                                                          $ 167,188      $ 187,477
      Net unamortized purchase discount                                                   (1,258)        (2,851)
      Allowance for losses                                                                  (300)          (300)
                                                                                       ---------      ---------
         Net mortgage loans                                                            $ 165,630      $ 184,326
                                                                                       =========      =========
</TABLE>

     The Company's  mortgage  loans on real estate are  diversified  by property
type,  location and loan size and are collateralized by the related  properties.
At December 31, 1997,  mortgage  loans on real estate were  concentrated  in the
following property types and states: <TABLE>

                                                                                                        % of
                                                                                         1997        Portfolio

      <S>                                                                            <C>                <C>
      Property type:
         Commercial
           Multi-family apartments                                                   $    67,785         40.9%
           Office buildings                                                               32,388         19.6
           Retail space                                                                   39,856         24.1
           Industrial/Warehouses                                                          22,955         13.9
         Residential                                                                       2,646          1.5
                                                                                      ----------     --------
           Total                                                                      $  165,630        100.0%
                                                                                      ==========     ========
</TABLE>

     At December 31, 1997, the following  states had a concentration of mortgage
loans  aggregating  more  than  10% of the  Company's  mortgage  loans:  Texas -
$35,121; Missouri - $35,660; and Kansas - $19,820.

Investment in equity subsidiaries

     The following table presents summarized financial information on a combined
proportionate  basis  of the  Company's  equity  affiliates.  Amounts  presented
included the accounts of the Company's equity subsidiaries, CIG, Argus, Hereford
LLP (acquired in 1996), a hotel development joint venture (acquired in 1995) and
GSSW (disposed of in 1996). <TABLE>

                                                                           1997          1996           1995
                                                                           ----          ----           ----

     <S>                                                              <C>            <C>            <C>
      Current assets                                                   $   16,630     $   12,952     $   22,371
      Noncurrent assets                                                    96,494         67,358         90,359
      Current liabilities                                                   4,883          2,829          3,517
      Noncurrent liabilities                                               86,571         59,403         60,157
      Net revenues                                                         28,910         32,401         37,737
      Expenses applicable to net revenues                                  23,521         26,307         25,682
      Income from continuing operations                                     5,083          6,505         11,978
      Net income                                                            3,244          5,458          9,457
</TABLE>

     In 1996, GSSW distributed $6,000 cash to the Company. In December 1996, the
Company  liquidated its  interest  in GSSW in exchange  for cash of $22,629 and
100% interests in several real estate limited  partnerships  which   were   then
owned by GSSW  resulting in a gain of $15,825.  The limited  partnerships,  with
assets  consisting  primarily of  investment  real  estate,  are included in the
consolidated financial statements of the Company at December 31, 1997 and 1996.

     In December 1996, the Company  received a dividend from Argus consisting of
$8,000 cash and a $1,500 note receivable from a related party.  The Company used
$4,500 of the cash  received to purchase a 50% interest in Hereford  LLP,  which
owns and manages the building leased by Argus.


<PAGE>



Net investment income

     Net investment  income for the years ended December 31, is comprised of the
following:
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                         <C>            <C>           <C>
Fixed maturities                                                            $  117,197     $ 104,442     $   98,034
Equity securities                                                                1,437         1,101            524
Equity in earnings of equity subsidiaries                                        3,622         5,458         10,103
Mortgage loans on real estate                                                   16,712        21,344         20,169
Policy loans                                                                    12,420        13,719         12,247
Reinsurance funds held by reinsurer                                             65,747        37,425          6,007
Cash, short-term investments and other                                           8,770         7,452          8,988
                                                                             ---------     ---------      ---------
         Total investment income                                               225,905       190,941        156,072
Less investment expenses                                                        (6,638)       (4,216)        (4,025)
                                                                             ---------     ---------      ---------
         Net investment income                                               $ 219,267     $ 186,725      $ 152,047
                                                                             =========     =========      =========
</TABLE>

Realized gains and losses

     Realized  gains  and  losses  from  the  sales  and  other  redemptions  of
investments for the years ended December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>            <C>
   Held to maturity:
     Realized gains                                                        $       --   $         93   $        --
     Realized losses                                                               --          (124)          (668)
   Available for sale:
     Realized gains                                                             4,688         2,162            274
     Realized losses                                                           (4,097)       (3,524)          (407)
Equity securities:
   Realized gains                                                               4,582         2,340            372
   Realized losses                                                             (5,349)       (1,851)          (264)
Other investments:
   Realized gains                                                               5,339           788            502
   Realized losses                                                             (2,213)           (4)           (91)
                                                                           ----------    -----------   -----------
Total net realized investment gains (losses)                               $    2,950    $     (120)    $     (282)
                                                                           ==========    ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

     During  1995,  the  Company  sold  held  to  maturity  investments  with an
amortized cost of $6,583. The Company sold these investments based upon evidence
of the  deterioration  of the issuers'  creditworthiness.  The Company  realized
losses of $668 on these sales.

     Following  are the  components  of net  unrealized  investment  gains as of
December 31:
<TABLE>

                                                                                 1997          1996
                                                                                 ----          ----
<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>
Investments carried at amortized cost:
   Fixed maturities available for sale                                       $    25,129   $    (1,518)
   Fixed  maturities  reclassified  from  available  for  sale  to  held to       44,550        53,426
maturity
Investments carried at estimated fair value:
   Equity securities                                                              28,112        14,922
Effect on other balance sheet accounts                                           (11,321)      (11,123)
Deferred income taxes                                                            (29,497)      (18,518)
                                                                             -----------   -----------
     Net unrealized investment gains                                         $    56,973   $    37,189
                                                                             ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

     The carrying value of investments that were non-income producing during the
three year period  ended  December  31, 1997 was not  material to the  Company's
consolidated financial position.


<PAGE>



5.    Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs and Cost of Business Acquired

     The balances of and changes in deferred  policy  acquisition  costs and the
cost of  business  acquired as of and for the years  ended  December  31, are as
follows:
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>
Deferred policy acquisition costs:
  Balance, beginning of year                                                $  72,438     $  56,568     $  48,905
  Capitalization of expenses                                                   34,220        19,337        18,565
  Interest accretion                                                            5,802         4,075         3,779
  Amortization                                                                (27,207)       (7,401)      (12,080)
  Amounts related to fair value adjustment of fixed maturity securities       (20,631)         (141)       (2,601)
                                                                           ----------    -----------    ---------
  Balance, end of year                                                      $  64,622     $  72,438      $ 56,568
                                                                            =========     =========      ========

Cost of business acquired:
  Balance, beginning of year                                                 $200,710      $163,660      $132,623
  Additions                                                                   124,052        60,181        52,156
  Interest accretion                                                           18,157        12,210         9,862
  Amortization                                                                (47,741)      (34,908)      (26,394)
  Amounts related to fair value adjustment of fixed maturity securities         4,165         1,658        (4,587)
  Impact of realization of acquired tax benefits                                   837       (2,091)           --
                                                                           -----------   ----------      --------
  Balance, end of year                                                       $300,180      $200,710      $163,660
                                                                             ========      ========      ========
</TABLE>


     The estimated  amortization and interest  accretion of the cost of business
acquired for the five years ending December 31, 2002 are as follows:
<TABLE>

                                                                                Interest           Estimated
                                                          Amortization          Accretion        Net Decrease

        <S>                                               <C>                <C>                 <C>
         1998                                              $  54,932          $  17,981           $  36,951
         1999                                                 50,534             15,665              34,869
         2000                                                 44,890             13,358              31,532
         2001                                                 39,675             11,158              28,517
         2002                                                 34,783              9,587              25,196
</TABLE>


6.    Insurance Liabilities and Reinsurance

     Insurance liabilities at December 31, consist of the following:
<TABLE>

                                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                                             ----          ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>
   Universal life                                                                        $ 1,414,374   $    939,635
   Annuities                                                                               1,072,062        527,324
                                                                                         -----------   ------------
                                                                                         $ 2,486,436   $  1,466,959
                                                                                         ===========   ============


Future policy benefits:
   Traditional life                                                                      $   866,585   $    659,718
   Accident and health                                                                         2,605          3,090
   Supplementary contracts                                                                    12,393         18,737
                                                                                         -----------   ------------
                                                                                         $   881,583   $    681,545
                                                                                         ===========   ============
</TABLE>
     Approximately  72%  of  the  annuity  account  balances  of  the  Insurance
Companies are subject to surrender charges upon early withdrawal.

     The  Insurance  Companies  cede and assume  reinsurance  with  unaffiliated
companies.  The  maximum  portion  of  the  risk  retained  on the  life  of any
individual is $350.

     As more  fully  described  in Note 3, the  Company  entered  into  separate
coinsurance agreements during 1997 to reinsure 100% of the insurance liabilities
of Ohio State and  Investors  Guaranty to the  Reinsurer.  On the same day,  the
Reinsurer  and Great  Southern  entered into a modified  coinsurance  agreement.
These  agreements  effectively  transfer  30% of the  profits  of Ohio State and
Investors Guaranty policies to the Reinsurer.

     In October  1995,  the Company  entered  into  several  agreements  with an
unaffiliated  insurance  company and the Reinsurer.  One of the agreements calls
for the direct insurer to reinsure  substantially all of its insurance  policies
and  contracts  to the  Reinsurer on a  coinsurance  basis.  The direct  insurer
transferred  approximately  $348,000 of assets to the  Reinsurer  and received a
ceding commission of $37,328.  On July 2, 1996, the Company entered into similar
agreements  with another  unaffiliated  insurance  company.  The direct  insurer
transferred  approximately  $405,000 of assets to the  Reinsurer  and received a
ceding commission of $34,745.  The Reinsurer  entered into modified  coinsurance
agreements  to reinsure  certain risks on the same  insurance  policies to Great
Southern.  The  modified  coinsurance  agreements  provide  that the  assets and
insurance  liabilities  related to the reinsured  policies are to be retained by
the  Reinsurer.  The  assets  retained  by the  Reinsurer  are held in an escrow
account for the benefit of Great Southern.

     Great  Southern also entered into  reinsurance  agreements  with the direct
insurers  which  provide  for Great  Southern  to  reinsure  the life  insurance
policies and  contracts  of the direct  insurers on either a  coinsurance  or an
assumption  basis  subject  to the  existing  coinsurance  agreements  with  the
Reinsurers.  The completion of the assumption of the policies will be subject to
necessary insurance department and policyholder approvals.

     These various  agreements are collectively  referred to as the "Reinsurance
Agreements".  The Company accounted for the Reinsurance  Agreements by recording
the direct and assumed  insurance  liabilities  reinsured and a receivable  from
Reinsurer  equal  to the  assets  held by the  Reinsurer.  Premiums  and  policy
revenues  and  policyholder  benefits  assumed  under the  modified  coinsurance
agreements are included in the Company's  statement of income.  Interest  income
earned on the assets held by the Reinsurer is recorded as investment income.

     At  December  31,  the  amounts  receivable  from  reinsurers,  the cost of
business  acquired  and the  insurance  liabilities  related to the  Reinsurance
Agreements included on the Company's consolidated balance sheet are as follows:
<TABLE>

                                                                                         1997           1996
                                                                                         ----           ----

<S>                                                                                   <C>               <C>
Amounts receivable from reinsurers                                                    $1,175,922        $184,234
Cost of business acquired                                                                193,708          88,748
Insurance liabilities                                                                  1,364,453         245,361
</TABLE>

     The  Reinsurer  will  receive  all  statutory  profits  from the  reinsured
policies until the Reinsurer has recovered the initial ceding  commission.  Upon
termination of the modified coinsurance agreement, Great Southern is required to
reimburse the Reinsurer for the amount of the unrecovered ceding commission.

     Amounts  receivable from  reinsurers  consists of the following at December
31:
<TABLE>

                                                                                          1997            1996
                                                                                          ----            ----

<S>                                                                                    <C>            <C>
Amounts recoverable for ceded future policy benefits                                   $ 1,532,449    $   350,062
Unrecovered ceding commission                                                             (144,478)       (61,127)
Amounts recoverable on ceded policy and contract claims                                     15,362         10,223
Amounts recoverable on paid losses                                                           5,971          3,247
Other                                                                                       20,375         11,618
                                                                                     -------------   ------------
                                                                                       $ 1,429,679    $   314,023
                                                                                       ===========    ===========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



     Amounts  receivable  from  reinsurers  include $14,713 and $13,269 from one
unrelated  insurance company at December 31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  Also
included in amounts  receivable  from  reinsurers  is $149,141 and $100,122 from
Financial Assurance at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

     Reinsurance  contracts  do not relieve the Company from its  obligation  to
policyholders.  Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations would result in
losses to the Company.  The Company  evaluates  the  financial  condition of its
reinsurers and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from activities or
economic   characteristics  of  the  reinsurers  to  minimize  its  exposure  to
significant  losses from  reinsurer  insolvencies.  At  December  31,  1997,  no
allowance has been established as all amounts are deemed collectible.

     Premiums  ceded under  reinsurance  agreements  were  $48,279,  $35,050 and
$41,224 for the years ended  December  31,  1997,  1996 and 1995,  respectively.
Reinsurance  recoveries  netted  against  other  policyholder  benefits  totaled
$55,825,  $50,678 and $32,139 for the years ended  December 31,  1997,  1996 and
1995, respectively.  The Insurance Companies are liable for reinsurance ceded to
other  companies in the event the  reinsurers are unable to pay their portion of
the policy benefits.

     Certain of the  Insurance  Companies  have ceded blocks of insurance  under
financial  reinsurance  treaties  to provide  funds for  acquisitions  and other
purposes.  These reinsurance transactions represent financial arrangements under
generally accepted accounting principles, and accordingly,  are not reflected in
the accompanying  financial  statements except for the associated risk fees. The
risk fees paid to the  reinsurers  under these treaties  totaled $766,  $884 and
$1,194 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. These
fees are  charged  against  premiums  and policy  revenues  in the  consolidated
statement  of  income.  For  statutory  accounting  purposes,   these  financial
reinsurance  transactions  provide a reserve  credit which  increases  statutory
surplus.

     Certain  financial  reinsurance  treaties  entered  into  by the  Insurance
Companies  contain  minimum  statutory  surplus  requirements  and  require  the
Insurance  Companies  to place  securities  in an  escrow  account  ($80,260  at
December  31,  1997) to  secure  obligations  to the  reinsurer.  The  Insurance
Companies are in compliance with all requirements at December 31, 1997.

7.    Notes Payable

     Notes payable at December 31, are comprised of the following:
<TABLE>

                                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                                             ----          ----

<S>                                                                                      <C>           <C>
Senior subordinated notes bearing interest at 9.25%, due 2005                             $  100,000    $  100,000
Borrowing under $70,000 amended and restated credit agreement, bearing interest at
7/8% over LIBOR rate (6 7/8% at December 31, 1997), due in six equal semi-annual
installments of $3,500 beginning in 2000                                                      21,000        21,000
Unsecured discounted $12,000 notes, bearing interest at an effective interest rate of
11.5%, payable in semi-annual equal installments due 2010                                      8,297         8,584
Unsecured discounted $5,000 note, bearing interest at an effective interest rate of
12.0% due 2015                                                                                 3,015         2,981
Other                                                                                            572           747
                                                                                          ----------     ---------
                                                                                          $  132,884     $ 133,312
                                                                                          ==========     =========
</TABLE>

     On or after June 1, 1998,  the senior  subordinated  notes (the  Notes) are
redeemable at the option of the Company,  in whole or in part, at the redemption
prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below:
<TABLE>

                  <S>                                                             <C>
                  1998                                                            104.6250%
                  1999                                                            102.3125%
                  2000 and thereafter                                             100.0000%
</TABLE>


     In 1995,  the Company  entered into a $70,000  Credit  Agreement  which was
provided  by a  syndicate  of  lenders  with  The  Chase  Manhattan  Bank as the
administrative  agent. The Credit Agreement was amended and restated in December
1996 and subsequently amended in February 1997. The Credit Agreement operates as
a revolving  credit  facility  until December 31, 1999. The amount of loans then
outstanding will convert into a term loan and amortized in six equal semi-annual
installments  commencing  July 1,  2000.  Amounts  outstanding  under the Credit
Agreement  accrue  interest  at a  variable  rate  or the  prime  rate.  Amounts
outstanding  under the  Credit  Agreement  rank  senior to the  Company's  other
currently  outstanding  debt and are secured by a pledge of the common  stock of
the Company's  subsidiaries,  United Fidelity and Landmark Mortgage Company, and
by the surplus debentures of United Fidelity.  The Company pays 0.2% per year on
the unused portion of the Credit Agreement.

     The unsecured  discounted  notes issued to the Seller bear interest at 6.5%
per annum payable  semi-annually and rank pari passu with the Notes. The Company
recorded the notes at their fair value at the date of issuance  using  effective
interest rates of 11.5% and 12.0%. The unamortized discount at December 31, 1997
was $4,396. The $5,000 note is subject to contractual set-off rights and is held
under a pledge  and escrow  agreement  to secure  the  Seller's  indemnification
obligations to the Company.

     The Notes and the Credit Agreement contain certain covenants including, but
not limited to, limitations on indebtedness,  liens securing indebtedness,  sale
or issuance of capital stock of the Company's subsidiaries, restricted payments,
issuance of other subordinated indebtedness, financial reinsurance, investments,
dividends and other  distributions by the Company's  subsidiaries,  dividends by
the Company,  transactions with affiliates,  the sale of assets and repayment of
subordinated indebtedness by the Company. The Company was in compliance with all
debt covenants at December 31, 1997.

     The aggregate principal payments due during each of the next five years are
as follows:
<TABLE>

           <S>                                                               <C>
           1998                                                               $         628
           1999                                                                         618
           2000                                                                       4,157
           2001                                                                       7,702
           2002                                                                       7,748
           Later years                                                              112,031
                                                                               ------------
                                                                                $   132,884
</TABLE>

8.    Stockholder's Equity and Statutory Surplus

     The Insurance  Companies are required by the applicable  state's department
of insurance to maintain  minimum levels of statutory  capital and surplus.  The
reported statutory capital and surplus of each company at December 31, 1997 was:
<TABLE>

                                                                                  Reported Statutory
Company                                                                          Capital and Surplus

<S>                                                                             <C>
United Fidelity                                                                 $        98,057
Great Southern                                                                          128,720
College Life                                                                             38,728
National Farmers                                                                         33,938
Victory                                                                                   5,958
Ohio State                                                                              117,951
Investors Guaranty                                                                       31,949
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



     Dividend  distributions  of the  Insurance  Companies  to their  respective
stockholder  exceeding the greater of statutory net gain from operations  during
the  preceding  year or 10% of capital and  surplus at the end of the  preceding
year are subject to the prior  approval of the  applicable  state  department of
insurance.  Dividends  from  the  Insurance  Companies  may be  paid  only  from
statutory  earned surplus as determined in accordance with accounting  practices
prescribed  or  permitted  by  the   applicable   state   insurance   regulatory
authorities.  In addition,  the National Association of Insurance  Commissioners
(NAIC)  and Texas  each  have  minimum  risk-based  capital  requirements  which
effectively  restrict the payment of dividends by the  Insurance  Companies.  At
December 31, 1997 the Insurance  Companies had statutory  capital and surplus in
excess  of the  levels  required  by  the  NAIC  and  Texas  risk-based  capital
guidelines.

     The  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public  Accountants  Statement  of
Position (SOP) 94-5  "Disclosure of Certain Matters in the Financial  Statements
of Insurance  Enterprises"  requires insurance enterprises to disclose permitted
statutory  accounting  practices  which  have a material  effect on capital  and
surplus or RBC. Permitted  practices encompass those practices not prescribed by
state  laws,   regulations  and   administrative   rules  or  by  existing  NAIC
authoritative  literature.  The Company does not have any  statutory  accounting
practices which are required to be disclosed under SOP 94-5.

     Accounting  practices used to prepare  statutory  financial  statements for
regulatory  filings of stock life  insurance  companies  differ  from GAAP.  The
following  tables  reconcile  capital  stock and  surplus  and net income of the
Insurance   Companies   determined  in  accordance  with  accounting   practices
prescribed or permitted by the state  insurance  departments  with  consolidated
stockholder's equity and net income of the Company on a GAAP basis.  Included in
the amounts stated in accordance with statutory  accounting practice are amounts
recorded in accordance with GAAP for non-insurance subsidiaries.

Stockholder's Equity
<TABLE>
                                                                                                December 31,
                                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                                             ----          ----
<S>                                                                                      <C>           <C>
Capital stock and surplus, on basis of statutory accounting practices, as filed with
insurance regulatory authorities                                                          $  124,600    $  115,246
Cost of business acquired                                                                    129,831       109,093
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             64,622        72,438
Invested assets adjustments                                                                   67,630        44,699
Reserves for future policy benefits                                                           52,728        62,506
Asset valuation reserve and interest maintenance reserve                                      31,766        24,833
Surplus debentures                                                                          (137,130)     (137,714)
Reserve credits on financial reinsurance treaties                                            (30,735)      (42,899)
Deferred income taxes                                                                        (58,127)      (43,195)
Other
                                                                                               1,677         2,015
                                                                                          ----------    ---------- 
Stockholder's equity, on basis of GAAP                                                    $  246,862    $  207,022
                                                                                          ==========    ==========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



Net Income
<TABLE>

                                                                                   Year Ended December 31,
                                                                           -----------------------------------------

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>            <C>
Net income, on basis of statutory accounting practices, as filed with
insurance regulatory authorities                                            $  163,927   $    47,124    $   23,140
Amortization of cost of business acquired                                      (29,584)      (22,698)      (16,532)
Net change in deferred policy acquisition costs                                 10,464        13,191        10,264
Change in realized gains (losses)                                                3,020           895        (7,627)
Adjustment of policy and claim liabilities                                      18,347         6,242         6,889
Adjustment of reserves and premiums on financial reinsurance                   (12,164)       (9,188)        4,098
Deferred income tax provision                                                   (1,909)       (5,576)        3,546
Interest expense on notes payable                                               (9,368)      (12,263)      (10,593)
Adjustment of fixed maturity securities amortization                             2,347         2,064         4,176
Effects of reinsurance transaction                                            (124,585)        6,048            --
Amortization of debt acquisition costs                                             (73)         (336)         (301)
Other                                                                            1,634         1,771         2,670
                                                                           -----------   -----------    ----------
Net income, on basis of GAAP                                               $    22,056   $    27,274    $   19,730
                                                                           ===========   ===========    ==========
</TABLE>

9.    Income Taxes

     Americo  Life,  Inc.  and  certain  of  the  Insurance   Companies  file  a
consolidated  federal  life and  non-life  income tax return  with FHC and FHC's
non-life  subsidiaries.  The  remaining  Insurance  Companies  file  separate or
consolidated life insurance  company federal income tax returns,  as applicable.
The  Company and its  subsidiaries  are charged or credited an amount of federal
income  tax  equal to the tax that  would  have  been due for each  entity  on a
separate return basis in accordance with a written tax allocation agreement. Net
operating  losses of  members in each  consolidated  return  are  utilized  on a
first-in, first-out basis. <TABLE>

The provision for U.S. federal income taxes for the years ended December 31, is comprised of the following:

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>           <C>
Current tax provision                                                       $    4,953    $    7,937    $   14,672
Deferred tax provision                                                           4,277         5,576        (3,546)
                                                                            ----------    ----------    ----------
   Provision for income taxes                                               $    9,230     $  13,513    $   11,126
                                                                            ==========     =========    ==========
</TABLE>

     The  provision  for income  taxes  differed  from the  amounts  computed by
applying the applicable U.S.  statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pretax
income from continuing operations as a result of the following differences:
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                         <C>          <C>            <C>
Computed tax at statutory rate                                              $  10,950    $   14,275     $   10,800
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:
   Increase in valuation allowance                                                 --            --            572
   Availability of dividends received deduction to offset taxable
temporary differences                                                          (1,376)         (503)          (934)
   Other                                                                         (344)         (259)           688
                                                                            ---------      --------      ---------
     Provision for income taxes                                             $   9,230      $ 13,513      $  11,126
                                                                            =========      ========      =========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



     The provision for deferred income taxes for the years ended December 31, is
comprised of the following:
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                        <C>           <C>            <C>
Investments                                                                $    3,978    $    2,310     $   (7,759)
Reserves                                                                      (14,023)          727            642
Reinsurance                                                                      (328)         (583)         1,767
Cost of business acquired                                                       7,322        (2,991)         1,467
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                               6,642         3,537            333
Net operating losses                                                              481         2,333            444
Other                                                                             205           243           (440)
                                                                             --------      --------     ----------
     Provision for deferred income taxes                                     $  4,277      $  5,576     $   (3,546)
                                                                             ========      ========     ==========
</TABLE>

     The Company's net deferred federal tax liabilities are comprised of the tax
cost or benefit associated with the following items based on the 35% tax rate in
effect:
<TABLE>

                                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                                             ----          ----
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
Deferred tax liability:
    Cost of business acquired                                                             $   47,184    $   39,862
    Investments                                                                                7,910         3,932
    Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                         12,779         6,137
    Reinsurance                                                                                2,645         3,228
    Net unrealized investment gains                                                           30,156        19,497
    Other                                                                                        201           321
                                                                                           ---------    ----------
         Total deferred tax liability                                                        100,875        72,977
                                                                                           ---------    ----------
Deferred tax asset:
    Policy reserves                                                                           44,847        30,891
    Utilization of net operating losses                                                          455           902
    Other deductible temporary differences                                                        --           542
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
Deferred income tax assets before valuation allowances                                        45,302        32,335
    Less: valuation allowance                                                                 (2,553)       (2,553)
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
         Total deferred tax asset                                                             42,749        29,782
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
Net deferred tax liability                                                                 $  58,126     $  43,195
                                                                                           =========     =========
</TABLE>

     A valuation  allowance is provided at December 31, 1997 and 1996 related to
the tax benefit of loss carryovers and deductible differences because it is more
likely than not that such benefits will not be realized.

     Under the  provision  of the pre-1984  life  insurance  company  income tax
regulations, a portion of "gain from operations" of a life insurance company was
not subject to current  taxation but was  accumulated,  for tax  purposes,  in a
special tax memorandum account  designated as  "Policyholders'  Surplus Account"
(PSA).  Federal  income  taxes will become  payable on this  account at the then
current tax rate when and to the extent the account exceeds a specific  maximum,
or when and if  distributions  to  stockholders,  other than stock dividends and
other limited exceptions, are made in excess of the accumulated previously-taxed
income. At December 31, 1997, the Insurance  Companies had aggregate balances in
their PSA of approximately $11,549. Federal income tax of $4,043 would be due if
the entire  balance is  distributed  at the  current  income tax rate of 35%. No
provision has been recorded relating to any potential distributions from the PSA
subsequent to 1997.

     At December 31, 1997,  the Insurance  Companies  with balances in their PSA
had aggregate  balances in their  Shareholder  Surplus Accounts of approximately
$94,264 from which distributions could be made without incurring any federal tax
liability with respect to the PSA accounts.

     The  Company  has a  non-life  regular  net  operating  loss  carryover  of
approximately  $1,300 which will expire in2008 if unutilized  and no alternative
minimum tax net operating loss carryover.


<PAGE>



10.   Commitments and Contingencies

     The Company leases certain data processing equipment and office space, some
of which are from related parties,  under operating  leases.  Rental expense was
$3,216, $1,931 and $1,881 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively,  and is included
in other operating  expenses.  Approximate  future minimum lease commitments for
leases  whose  terms  are  greater  than one year at  December  31,  1997 are as
follows: <TABLE>

                  <S>                                            <C>
                   1998                                           $    2,556
                   1999                                                2,348
                   2000                                                1,159
                   2001                                                  818
                   2002 and thereafter                                 3,884
                                                                ------------
                                                                  $   10,765
</TABLE>

     Great  Southern is a defendant  in four  purported  class  action  lawsuits
alleging  deceptive  sales  practices  in the  marketing  of its whole  life and
universal life insurance policies and seeking unspecified compensatory, punitive
and/or  treble  damages.  These  cases are:  Harriett D. Mann and Dan C. Wynn v.
Great  Southern  Life  Insurance  Company  (U.S.  District  Court for the Middle
District of Florida,  filed on  September  22,  1997);  Irwin  Ginsberg v. Great
Southern Life Insurance  Company (U.S.  District Court for the Southern District
of Florida,  filed on February 24, 1997);  James Morgan McGraw,  Frances Norman,
Robert Harry Bishop and Charlene McGraw v. Great Southern Life Insurance Company
and Ervin  Jackson  (U.S.  District  Court for the  Eastern  District  of Texas,
amended petition alleging class action filed July 1, 1997); and Yvonne H. Massey
v. Great Southern Life Insurance Company, Ralph Williams & Associates,  Inc. and
Ralph Williams (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama,  filed
September 19, 1997).  Great Southern has filed a motion before the U.S. Judicial
Panel on Multidistrict  Litigation requesting that these lawsuits be transferred
to a  single  district  and  consolidated  for  pretrial  proceedings.  A  fifth
purported class action lawsuit making similar  allegations,  Ernest Marqoquin v.
Great Southern Life Insurance Company and Dale Darnell,  was filed against Great
Southern on February 11, 1998 in Cameron County District Court,  Texas. On March
19, 1998,  Great Southern  removed this case to the United States District Court
for the Southern District of Texas.  Great Southern intends to seek to have this
case  added to the  consolidated  multidistrict  litigation  proceedings.  Great
Southern  intends  to  defend  all these  cases  vigorously.  The  amount of any
liability  that  may  arise  as a  result  of these  cases,  if any,  cannot  be
reasonably estimated at this time and no provision for loss has been made in the
accompanying financial statements.

     The Company is named as  defendant  in a number of other  lawsuits  arising
from the  normal  course of  business.  Management  does not  expect  that these
actions will result in a material loss to the Company.

11.   Employee Benefit Plans

     Great Southern is a sponsor of several contributory  postretirement benefit
plans  which  provide  life  and  medical  insurance  to  participating  retired
employees  and agents.  Pursuant to the  purchase  agreement,  Great  Southern's
former parent assumed  responsibility for employees and agents who retired on or
after  August 1, 1984.  Future costs of benefits  for  employees  and agents who
retired  prior to August 1,  1984,  are the  responsibility  of the  Company.  A
liability  for these  postretirement  benefits  of $2,680 is  included  in other
liabilities at both December 31, 1997 and 1996.


12.   Segment Information

     Consolidated  business  segment  information  as of and for the years ended
December 31, is summarized as follows:
<TABLE>

                                                                    1997              1996             1995
                                                                    ----              ----             ----
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>               <C>
Revenues:
   Individual life and other insurance                         $      422,037   $      365,071    $      283,168
   Corporate and other non-insurance                                   16,240            6,528            10,895
                                                               --------------    -------------    --------------      
     Total                                                     $      438,277   $      371,599    $      294,063
                                                               ==============   ==============    ==============

Income before provision for income taxes:
   Individual life and other insurance                         $       23,465  $        25,398    $       23,439
   Corporate and other non-insurance                                    7,821           15,389             7,417
                                                               --------------   --------------   ---------------
                                                                        
     Total                                                     $       31,286  $        40,787    $       30,856
                                                               ==============   ==============    ==============

Assets:
   Individual life and other insurance                          $   3,968,866    $   2,712,489      $  2,394,397
   Corporate and other non-insurance                                   69,152           57,094            65,408
                                                               ---------------  ---------------   --------------
     Total                                                      $   4,038,018    $   2,769,583      $  2,459,805
                                                                =============    =============    ==============
</TABLE>

     Individual  life and other  insurance  revenues  include  premiums  paid by
policyholders on traditional  insurance contracts,  product charges on universal
life and investment-type  contracts, other income, allocations of net investment
income and net realized investment gains and losses.

     Corporate and other non-insurance  revenues represent  investment income on
equity  affiliates  and  unallocated   assets,   and  unallocated  net  realized
investment gains and losses.

     Individual  life and other  insurance  income  before  provision for income
taxes represents total revenue,  policy and claim benefits,  operating  expenses
and net realized investment gains and losses.  Corporate and other non-insurance
income before provision for income taxes represents corporate revenues, expenses
not directly allocable to product segments, debt service costs,  unallocated net
realized  investment gains and losses and amortization  expense relating to debt
acquisition costs and goodwill. Corporate and non-insurance amortization expense
was $941,  $336 and $301 for the years ended  December 31, 1997,  1996 and 1995,
respectively.

13.   Related Parties

     The Company and FHC are involved in advisory and data  processing  services
agreements.  Under the  advisory  agreement,  FHC  supervises  and  directs  the
composition of the investment  portfolios of the Company and its subsidiaries in
accordance with their  respective  objectives and policies.  For these services,
FHC is compensated based on the aggregate statutory book value of the investable
assets of the Insurance  Companies.  Under the data  processing  agreement,  FHC
provides  the Company and its  subsidiaries  with  record-keeping  services  for
certain life insurance and annuity products. For its services, FHC is paid a fee
per policy  serviced.  The Company and its  subsidiaries  are also involved in a
cost-sharing  agreement with FHC respecting air transportation  expenses arising
from the use of an airplane leased by FHC.

     The Company leases to FHC a building which is occupied by FHC. In addition,
the  Company  utilizes  a  laboratory  which  is   partially-owned   by  several
stockholders of FHC for testing purposes.

     Amounts  due from (to)  affiliates  at December  31, 1997 and 1996  include
$(2,036) and $(293) due from (to) FHC arising from  intercompany  tax allocation
and other amounts from CIG and FHC arising from the normal course of business.


<PAGE>



     The following table summarizes the related party transactions for the three
years ended December 31:
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                         <C>           <C>           <C>
Data processing agreement between the Company and FHC                       $   11,802    $    9,778    $    8,073
Advisory agreement between the Company and FHC                                   7,180         6,143         4,750
Air transportation cost sharing agreement                                          667           765           551
Rental expense                                                                     906           913           899
Laboratory services                                                                312           178           163
</TABLE>

     College Life and Great Southern are involved in coinsurance agreements with
Financial Assurance.  Under the terms of the agreements,  College Life and Great
Southern agree to reinsure certain business,  as defined in a separate marketing
agreement,  to Financial  Assurance on a 50%  coinsurance  basis.  Additionally,
College Life and Great  Southern  agree to reimburse  Financial  Assurance for a
portion of the policy issue and maintenance  expenses  relating to servicing the
policies.

14.   Subsequent Event

     The  Company  has agreed to sell 100% of the  outstanding  common  stock of
Investors  Guaranty to an unrelated  party.  The Company will continue to assume
the risks  associated  with  Investors  Guaranty  policies  on a 70% quota share
basis. The Company intends to reinsure these risks on an assumption basis in the
future.



<PAGE>



                                      

                       AMERICO LIFE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                     INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

<TABLE>


                                                                                        Page
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Report of Independent Accountants on Financial Statement Schedules                      S-2
Schedule II       Condensed Financial Information of Registrant                         S-3
Schedule IV       Reinsurance                                                           S-7
Schedule V        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                                     S-8
</TABLE>


         All other financial  statement schedules for which provision is made in
the applicable  accounting  regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission
are not  required  under  the  related  instructions  or are  inapplicable,  and
therefore have been omitted.




<PAGE>



                      Report of Independent Accountants on
                          Financial Statement Schedules

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholder of Americo Life, Inc.


     Our audits of the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to in our
report  dated  March  27,  1998,  appearing  on page F-2 of this  Form 10-K also
included an audit of the Financial  Statement  Schedules listed in Item 14(a) of
this Form 10-K. In our opinion,  these  Financial  Statement  Schedules  present
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in
conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.




PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
March 27, 1998


<PAGE>



                                                                    Schedule II
                       Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                  Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
                                  Balance Sheet
                             (Dollars in thousands)
                           December 31, 1997 and 1996
<TABLE>


                                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                                             ----          ----
                                     Assets
<S>                                                                                      <C>           <C>
Equity securities, at market (cost: $6,855 and $5,228)                                    $   12,368   $     7,565
Investment in subsidiaries                                                                   227,784       184,584
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                         96         5,259
Surplus debentures receivable                                                                137,305       137,845
Property and equipment, net                                                                    2,127         2,126
Other assets                                                                                  10,506        11,119
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
   Total assets                                                                            $ 390,186     $ 348,498
                                                                                           =========     =========

                         Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Notes payable                                                                              $ 132,312     $ 132,564
Accrued interest payable                                                                         908           915
Amounts due to affiliates                                                                        332         1,515
Deferred income taxes                                                                          5,288         2,612
Other liabilities                                                                              4,484         3,870
                                                                                          ----------     ---------
   Total liabilities                                                                         143,324       141,476
                                                                                          ----------     ---------

Stockholder's equity:
Common stock ($1 par value, 30,000 shares authorized, 10,000 issued and
outstanding)                                                                                      10            10
Additional paid-in capital                                                                     3,745         3,745
Net unrealized investment gains                                                               56,973        37,189
Retained earnings                                                                            186,134       166,078
                                                                                          ----------    ----------
   Total stockholder's equity                                                                246,862       207,022
                                                                                          ----------    ----------
   Total liabilities and stockholder's equity                                              $ 390,186     $ 348,498
                                                                                           =========     =========
</TABLE>

                  See notes to condensed financial information
<PAGE>

                                                                     Schedule II
                                 Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                          Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
                                      Statement of Income
                                    (Dollars in thousands)
                  For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----
<S>                                                                        <C>           <C>           <C>
Income
   Management and data processing fees from subsidiaries                    $   13,602    $  12,055     $  10,708
   Interest income on surplus debentures receivable                             12,757       12,842        11,053
   Net investment income                                                           428          415           819
   Net realized investment gains (losses)                                         (430)         107            --
   Other income                                                                  4,936        6,673         1,557
                                                                           ------------  -----------   ----------
     Total income                                                               31,293       32,092        24,137
                                                                           -----------   ----------    ----------

Expenses
   Management and advisory fees to parent                                       18,982       15,921        12,823
   Interest expense                                                             12,089       12,263        10,593
   Other operating expenses                                                      2,092        2,958         1,454
   Amortization expense                                                            941          664           301
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ----------
     Total expenses                                                             34,104       31,806        25,171
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ----------
     Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes and
 equity in income of subsidiaries                                               (2,811)         286        (1,034)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes                                          614        1,418          (581)
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ----------
     Loss before equity in income of subsidiaries                               (3,425)      (1,132)         (453)
Equity in income of subsidiaries                                                25,481       28,406        20,183
                                                                             ---------    ---------    ----------
     Net income                                                              $  22,056    $  27,274    $   19,730
                                                                             =========    =========    ==========
</TABLE>
                                 See notes to condensed financial information


<PAGE>


                                                                    Schedule II
                       Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                                 Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
                                            Statement of Cash Flows
                                             (Dollars in thousands)
                           For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>

                                                                               1997          1996          1995
                                                                               ----          ----          ----

<S>                                                                        <C>           <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
  Net income                                                                $  22,056     $  27,274      $  19,730
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided (used) by
operating activities:
    Undistributed equity in earnings of subsidiaries                          (25,481)      (28,406)       (20,183)
    Dividends received from subsidiaries                                           --         8,000             --
    Depreciation and amortization                                               1,572           943            462
    (Increase) decrease in other assets, net of amortization expense              328          (545)        (4,820)
    Decrease in other liabilities                                                 (96)       (1,220)        (1,332)
    Provision for deferred income taxes                                         1,564           408            428
    Increase (decrease) in amounts due to/from affiliates                      (1,183)        4,541         (2,684)
    Other changes                                                                 613          (535)           306
                                                                            ---------     ---------      ---------
    Total adjustments                                                         (22,683)      (16,814)       (27,823)
                                                                            ---------     ---------      ---------
    Net cash provided (used) by operating activities                             (627)       10,460         (8,093)
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ----------

Cash flows from investing activities
  Payment for subsidiary acquired                                                  --            --        (23,252)
  Receipt from UFL for subsidiary acquired                                         --            --          5,500
  Amounts collected on surplus debentures receivable                              524           750             --
  Capital contribution to subsidiary acquired                                      --          (261)            --
  Payment for equity subsidiary acquired                                           --        (4,550)            --
  Purchases of equity securities                                               (5,393)         (663)        (6,289)
  Proceeds from sales of equity securities                                      3,507         3,368             --
  Mortgage loans originated                                                        --           (71)           (74)
  Purchases of property and equipment, net                                       (633)       (1,814)            --
                                                                           -----------   ----------      ---------
    Net cash used by investing activities                                      (1,995)       (3,241)       (24,115)
                                                                           ----------    -----------     ---------

Cash flows from financing activities
  Notes payable issued                                                             --            --         21,000
  Repayments of notes payable                                                    (541)         (506)          (244)
  Debt issue costs                                                                 --            --           (737)
  Dividends paid                                                               (2,000)       (2,000)        (2,000)
                                                                           -----------   ----------     ----------
  Net cash provided (used) by financing activities                             (2,541)       (2,506)        18,019
                                                                           -----------   ----------     ----------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           (5,163)        4,713        (14,189)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                                  5,259           546         14,735
                                                                           -----------   ------------   ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                   $       96    $    5,259    $       546
                                                                           ============  ==========    ===========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
  Cash paid during year for interest                                       $   12,095    $   12,280    $    10,432
</TABLE>
                  See notes to condensed financial information

<PAGE>
                                                                    Schedule II
                       
                         Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                 Condensed Financial Information of Registrant
                    Notes to Condensed Financial Information
                               (Dollars in thousands)
             For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

     In 1996, the Company received a dividend  totaling  $15,673  representing a
50% interest in Argus. Subsequently,  the Company received a dividend from Argus
consisting of $8,000 cash and a $1,500 note receivable from a related party.

     The  Company  sold  its  interest  in a  subsidiary  acquired  in 1995 to a
wholly-owned  subsidiary,  in exchange for a surplus  debenture  for $38,000 and
cash of $5,500.

     The  accompanying   condensed  financial  information  should  be  read  in
conjunction  with the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements and the  accompanying
notes thereto in this Form 10-K.

<PAGE>


                                                                    Schedule IV
        
                    Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                               Reinsurance
                         (Dollars in thousands)
          For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>

                                                                                                      Percentage
                                                                      Assumed                         of Amount
         Year Ended                 Gross        Ceded to Other      From Other           Net          Assumed
        December 31,                Amount          Companies        Companies          Amount          to Net


<S>                              <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>                <C>
1997
Insurance in force               $ 44,310,608      $ 13,844,254     $  5,283,041      $ 35,749,395       14.7%
                                 ============      ============     ============      ============       =====

Premiums                         $    244,647      $     48,279     $      7,361      $    203,729        3.6%
                                 ============      ============     ============      ============       =====

1996
Insurance in force               $ 23,125,887      $  5,189,238     $  4,804,462      $ 22,741,111       21.1%
                                 ============      ============     ============      ============       =====

Premiums                         $    174,910      $     35,050     $     25,742      $    165,602       15.5%
                                 ============      ============     ============      ============       =====

1995
Insurance in force               $ 22,836,922      $  4,564,600     $  4,107,256      $ 22,379,578       18.4%
                                 ============      ============     ============      ============       =====

Premiums                         $    176,351      $     41,224     $      5,003      $    140,130        3.6%
                                 ============      ============     ============      ============       =====
</TABLE>



<PAGE>
                                                                     Schedule V
                       
                      Americo Life, Inc. and Subsidiaries

                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
                             (Dollars in thousands)
              For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
<TABLE>

                                                                      Additions
                                                             ---------------------------
                                                Balance at    Charged to    Charged to                  Balance at
         Year Ended                             Beginning      Cost and       Other                       End of
         December 31,                          of Period      Expenses     Accounts      Deductions      Period
                                                                               (1)
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
1997
Reserve for impairment of mortgage loans
on real estate                                 $       300   $        --   $       --    $       --  $       300
Write-down for impairment of real estate               107            --           --            --          107
Allowance for receivables from agents                2,123         1,345           --            --        3,468
                                               ------------  ------------  ----------   -----------  -----------
   Total                                       $     2,530   $     1,345   $       --   $        --  $     3,875
                                               ===========   ===========   ==========   ===========  ===========

1996
Reserve for impairment of mortgage loans
on real estate                                 $       300    $       --   $       --    $       --   $       300
Write-down for impairment of real estate               120            --           --            13           107
Allowance for receivables from agents                2,450           250           --           577         2,123
                                               -----------    ----------   ----------    ----------   -----------
   Total                                       $     2,870    $      250   $       --    $      590    $    2,530
                                               ===========    ==========   ==========    ==========   ===========
                                                                                   

1995
Reserve for impairment of mortgage loans
on real estate                                 $       908    $       --   $       --    $      608    $       300
Write-down for impairment of real estate               351            --           --           231            120
Allowance for receivables from agents                2,467           195           --           212          2,450
                                               -----------   ------------  -----------   -----------    ----------
     Total                                     $     3,726   $       195   $       --    $    1,051     $    2,870
                                               ===========   ============  ===========   ==========     ==========
</TABLE>
                         ----------------------------------------------

(1) Amounts transferred from other allowance accounts.


                                                                 Exhibit 10.2(b)
                                 
                                  AMENDMENT TO
                              TAX SHARING AGREEMENT
                                  Life-Nonlife


         This Amendment to Tax Sharing Agreement--Life-Nonlife (the "Amendment")
is made as of the 1st day of January,  1996,  by and between  FINANCIAL  HOLDING
CORPORATION, a Missouri corporation, AMERICO LIFE, INC., a Missouri corporation,
GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,  a Texas  corporation,  PREMIUM FINANCING
SPECIALISTS,  INC., a Missouri  corporation,  CIDAT  AVIATION,  INC., a Delaware
corporation,  UNITED  FIDELITY  LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY,  a  Texas  corporation
("UFL"), THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA, a Texas corporation, PFS
HOLDING  COMPANY,  a Missouri  corporation,  COLLEGE  INSURANCE  GROUP,  INC., a
Missouri  corporation,  ASSURED  LEASING  CORPORATION,  a Missouri  corporation,
LANDMARK  MORTGAGE  COMPANY,  a  Missouri  corporation,   FIRST  CONSULTING  AND
ADMINISTRATION,  INC., a Missouri corporation,  HANOVER FINANCIAL CORPORATION, a
Missouri  corporation,  PREMIUM  FINANCING  SPECIALISTS OF  CALIFORNIA,  INC., a
California corporation, and PFS FINANCING CORPORATION, a Missouri corporation.

         WHEREAS,   the   parties   entered   into  that   certain  Tax  Sharing
Agreement--Life-Nonlife dated as of December 29, 1995 (the "Agreement"); and

         WHEREAS,  the parties  wish to amend the  Agreement so that The Victory
Life  Insurance  Company  ("Victory"),  a  wholly-owned  subsidiary of UFL, will
become a party;

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the premises and other good and
valuable  consideration,  the  receipt  and  sufficiency  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged,  the parties agree that,  effective January 1, 1996, the Agreement
shall  apply to  Victory,  and Victory  shall  thereafter  enjoy all rights of a
"Subsidiary"  under the  Agreement,  and by its  execution  and delivery of this
Amendment,  Victory  agrees  to be bound  by the  terms  of the  Agreement  as a
"Subsidiary."

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as
of the date first above written.

AMERICO LIFE, INC.                          GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE
                                            COMPANY

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title

PREMIUM FINANCING                           FINANCIAL HOLDING CORPORATION
SPECIALISTS, INC.

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title


UNITED FIDELITY LIFE                        THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
INSURANCE COMPANY                           COMPANY OF AMERICA

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title


PFS HOLDING COMPANY                         ASSURED LEASING CORPORATION

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title


COLLEGE INSURANCE GROUP,                    FIRST CONSULTING AND
INC.                                        ADMINISTRATION, INC.

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title

LANDMARK MORTGAGE                           PREMIUM FINANCING SPECIALISTS
COMPANY ADMINISTRATION,                     OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
INC.

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title

HANOVER FINANCIAL                           PFS FINANCING CORPORATION
CORPORATION

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title

THE VICTORY LIFE INSURANCE                  CIDAT AVIATION, INC.
COMPANY

By                                          By
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title

                                                                 Exhibit 10.3(b)
                                AMENDMENT TO
                      REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSE AGREEMENT


              This  Amendment  to  Reimbursement   of  Expense   Agreement  (the
     AAmendment@)  is made as of the 29th day of August,  1997,  by and  between
     FINANCIAL HOLDING CORPORATION, a Missouri corporation,  AMERICO LIFE, INC.,
     a Missouri  corporation,  GREAT  SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE  COMPANY,  a Texas
     corporation  (AGreat  Southern@),  PREMIUM FINANCING  SPECIALISTS,  INC., a
     Missouri corporation,  ARGUS HEALTH SYSTEMS,  INC., a Delaware corporation,
     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,  a Texas  corporation,  THE COLLEGE
     LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY  OF  AMERICA,  a Texas  corporation,  PFS  HOLDING
     COMPANY,  a Missouri  corporation,  LOYALTY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Texas
     corporation   (ALoyalty@),   COLLEGE  INSURANCE  GROUP,  INC.,  a  Missouri
     corporation,  NATIONAL  FARMERS  UNION  LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY,  a  Texas
     corporation, and FINANCIAL ASSURANCE INCORPORATED, a Texas corporation.

              WHEREAS,  the parties entered into that certain  Reimbursement  of
     Expense Agreement dated as of July 30, 1993 (the AAgreement@); and

              WHEREAS,  on August 29, 1997,  Great Southern  intends to sell all
     the outstanding stock of Loyalty to Healthcare COMPARE Corp.; and

              WHEREAS,  to  facilitate  such sale of stock,  the parties wish to
     amend the  Agreement  to remove  Loyalty  from the  Agreement in the manner
     provided herein;

              NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and other good
     and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
     acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree that,  effective as of the close of
     business on August 29, 1997, the Agreement shall cease to apply to Loyalty,
     and  Loyalty  shall  thereafter  have no  rights or  obligations  under the
     Agreement.

              IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,   the  parties  hereto  have  executed  this
     Amendment as of the date first above written.


     AMERICO LIFE, INC.                        GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE
                                               COMPANY

     By                                        By
         Name                                  Name
         Title                                 Title

<PAGE>
     PREMIUM FINANCING                         FINANCIAL HOLDING CORPORATION
     SPECIALISTS, INC.

     By                                        By
         Name                                  Name
         Title                                 Title

     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE                      THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
     INSURANCE COMPANY                         COMPANY OF AMERICA

     By                                        By
         Name                                  Name
         Title                                 Title

     PFS HOLDING COMPANY                       LOYALTY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

     By                                        By
         Name                                  Name
         Title                                 Title

     NATIONAL FARMERS UNION                    COLLEGE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
     LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

     By                                        By
         Name                                  Name
         Title                                 Title

     ARGUS HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.                FINANCIAL ASSURANCE
                                               INCORPORATED

     By                                        By
         Name                                  Name
         Title                                 Title

                                                                Exhibit 10.3 (c)

                             AMENDMENT TO
                  REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSE AGREEMENT


              This  Amendment  to  Reimbursement   of  Expense   Agreement  (the
     AAmendment@) is made as of October 1, 1997, by and among Financial  Holding
     Corporation,  a  Missouri  corporation,  Americo  Life,  Inc.,  a  Missouri
     corporation  (AAmerico@),  Great Southern Life Insurance  Company,  a Texas
     corporation  (AGreat  Southern@),  Premium Financing  Specialists,  Inc., a
     Missouri  corporation,  Argus Health Systems,  Inc., a Delaware corporation
     (AArgus@), United Fidelity Life Insurance Company, a Texas corporation, The
     College Life Insurance Company of America, a Texas corporation, PFS Holding
     Company, a Missouri corporation,  College Insurance Group, Inc., a Missouri
     corporation,  National  Farmers  Union  Life  Insurance  Company,  a  Texas
     corporation,  and  Financial  Assurance  Life  Insurance  Company,  a Texas
     corporation (formerly, Financial Assurance Incorporated) (collectively, the
     foregoing  are referred to herein as the AExisting  Parties@),  and Americo
     Services,  Inc., a Missouri  corporation  (AASI@),  and The Ohio State Life
     Insurance Company, an Ohio corporation (AOSL@).

              WHEREAS,   the   Existing   Parties   entered  into  that  certain
     Reimbursement  of  Expense  Agreement  dated  as of July  30,  1993,  which
     agreement was amended as of August 29, 1997 (as amended,  the AAgreement@);
     and

              WHEREAS, Great Southern acquired all the outstanding capital stock
     of OSL effective as of April 15, 1997; and

              WHEREAS,  ASI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Americo; and

              WHEREAS,  the Existing Parties wish to amend the Agreement so that
     OSL and ASI will each become a party to the Agreement,  and each of OSL and
     ASI desires to become a party to the Agreement; and

              WHEREAS, the Existing Parties wish to amend the Agreement to 
     remove Argus from the Agreement;

              NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and other good
     and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
     acknowledged, effective as of October 1, 1997:

                      (a) the  Existing  Parties  agree  that the  Agreement  is
              hereby  amended to apply to OSL and ASI,  and that each of OSL and
              ASI  shall  henceforth  enjoy  all  rights  of  a  party  to  such
              Agreement; and



<PAGE>

                      (b) by their  respective  execution  and  delivery of this
              Amendment,  each of OSL and ASI  agree to be bound by the terms of
              the Agreement as a party thereto; and

                      (c) the Agreement shall cease to apply to Argus, and Argus
              shall   thereafter  have  no  rights  or  obligations   under  the
              Agreement.


              Except as herein amended, the Agreement shall remain in full force
              and effect without change.


              IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Existing  Parties  and OSL and ASI have
     executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.


     AMERICO LIFE, INC.                           GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE
                                                  COMPANY

     By                                           By
         Name                                     Name
         Title                                    Title

     PREMIUM FINANCING                            FINANCIAL HOLDING CORPORATION
     SPECIALISTS, INC.

     By                                           By
         Name                                     Name
         Title                                    Title

     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE                         THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
     INSURANCE COMPANY                            COMPANY OF AMERICA

     By                                           By
         Name                                     Name
         Title                                    Title
<PAGE>

PFS HOLDING COMPANY                               AMERICO SERVICES, INC.

     By                                           By
         Name                                     Name
         Title                                    Title

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION                            COLLEGE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

     By                                           By
         Name                                     Name
         Title                                    Title

ARGUS HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.                        FINANCIAL ASSURANCE LIFE
                                                  INSURANCE COMPANY

     By                                           By
         Name                                     Name
         Title                                    Title

THE OHIO STATE LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY

     By
         Name
         Title


                                                                Exhibit 10.4 (b)

                                AMENDMENT TO
                           COST SHARING AGREEMENT


              This Amendment to Cost Sharing Agreement (the AAmendment@) is made
     as of the 29th day of August,  1997, by and between  AMERICO LIFE,  INC., a
     Missouri  corporation,  GREAT  SOUTHERN  LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY,  a Texas
     corporation  (AGreat  Southern@),  PREMIUM FINANCING  SPECIALISTS,  INC., a
     Missouri  corporation,  LANDMARK MORTGAGE COMPANY, a Missouri  corporation,
     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,  a Texas  corporation,  THE COLLEGE
     LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY  OF  AMERICA,  a Texas  corporation,  PFS  HOLDING
     COMPANY,  a Missouri  corporation,  LOYALTY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a Texas
     corporation (ALoyalty@), and NATIONAL FARMERS UNION LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
     a Texas corporation.

              WHEREAS,  the  parties  entered  into that  certain  Cost  Sharing
     Agreement dated as of July 30, 1993 (the AAgreement@); and

              WHEREAS,  on August 29, 1997,  Great Southern  intends to sell all
     the outstanding stock of Loyalty to Healthcare COMPARE Corp.; and

              WHEREAS,  to  facilitate  such sale of stock,  the parties wish to
     amend the  Agreement  to remove  Loyalty  from the  Agreement in the manner
     provided herein;

              NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and other good
     and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
     acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree that,  effective as of the close of
     business on August 29, 1997, the Agreement shall cease to apply to Loyalty,
     and  Loyalty  shall  thereafter  have no  rights or  obligations  under the
     Agreement.


              IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,   the  parties  hereto  have  executed  this
     Amendment as of the date first above written.


     AMERICO LIFE, INC.                      GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE
                                             COMPANY

     By                                      By
         Name                                Name
         Title                               Title
<PAGE>

     PREMIUM FINANCING                       LANDMARK MORTGAGE COMPANY
     SPECIALISTS, INC.

     By                                      By
         Name                                Name
         Title                               Title

     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE                    THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
     INSURANCE COMPANY                       COMPANY OF AMERICA

     By                                      By
         Name                                Name
         Title                               Title

     PFS HOLDING COMPANY                     LOYALTY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

     By                                      By
         Name                                Name
         Title                               Title

     NATIONAL FARMERS UNION
     LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

     By
         Name
         Title


                                                                Exhibit 10.4 (c)

                               AMENDMENT TO
                         COST SHARING AGREEMENT


              This Amendment to Cost Sharing Agreement (the AAmendment@) is made
     as of  October  1,  1997,  by and among  Americo  Life,  Inc.,  a  Missouri
     corporation  (AAmerico@),  Great Southern Life Insurance Company, Premium a
     Texas corporation (AGreat Southern@),  Premium Financing Specialists, Inc.,
     a Missouri  corporation  (APFS@),  Landmark  Mortgage  Company,  a Missouri
     corporation,  United Fidelity Life Insurance  Company, a Texas corporation,
     The College Life Insurance  Company of America,  a Texas  corporation,  PFS
     Holding  Company,  a Missouri  corporation  (APFS  Holding@),  and National
     Farmers Union Life Insurance  Company,  a Texas corporation  (collectively,
     the  foregoing  are referred to herein as the Existing  Parties@),  Americo
     Services,  Inc., a Missouri  corporation  (AASI@),  and The Ohio State Life
     Insurance Company, an Ohio corporation (AOSL@).

              WHEREAS,  the  Existing  Parties  entered  into that  certain Cost
     Sharing Agreement dated as of July 30, 1993, which agreement was amended as
     of August 29, 1997 (as amended, the AAgreement@); and

              WHEREAS,  because Great  Southern  purchased  all the  outstanding
     capital  stock of OSL  effective as of April 15, 1997,  and ASI is a wholly
     owned  subsidiary  of  Americo,  the  Existing  Parties  wish to amend  the
     Agreement  so that OSL and ASI will each  become a party to the  Agreement,
     and each of OSL and ASI desires to become a party to the Agreement;

              WHEREAS, because PFS and PFS Holding are no longer subsidiaries of
     Americo, the Existing Parties wish to amend the Agreement to remove PFS and
     PFS Holding from the Agreement in the manner provided herein;

              NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and other good
     and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
     acknowledged, effective as of October 1, 1997:

                      (a) the  Existing  Parties  agree  that the  Agreement  is
              hereby amended to apply to OSL and ASI, and that OSL and ASI shall
              henceforth enjoy all rights of a ASubsidiary@ under the Agreement;
              and

                      (b) by their  respective  execution  and  delivery of this
              Amendment,  each of OSL and ASI  agree to be bound by the terms of
              the Agreement as a ASubsidiary@; and



<PAGE>

                      (c) the  Agreement  shall  cease  to  apply to PFS and PFS
              Holding,  and PFS and PFS Holding shall  thereafter have no rights
              or obligations under the Agreement.

              Except has herein  amended,  the  Agreement  shall  remain in full
     force and effect without change.

              IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Existing  Parties  and OSL and ASI have
     executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.


     AMERICO LIFE, INC.                     GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE
                                            COMPANY

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

     AMERICO SERVICES, INC.                 LANDMARK MORTGAGE COMPANY

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE                   THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
     INSURANCE COMPANY                      COMPANY OF AMERICA

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

     NATIONAL FARMERS UNION                 THE OHIO STATE LIFE INSURANCE
     LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY                 COMPANY

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

<PAGE>

     PREMIUM FINANCING                      PFS HOLDING, INC.
     SPECIALISTS, INC.

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

                                                               Exhibit 10.6 (b)

                                AMENDMENT TO
                SUBSIDIARY DATA PROCESSING SERVICES AGREEMENT


              This Amendment to Subsidiary  Data Processing  Services  Agreement
     (the  AAmendment@)  is made as of the  29th  day of  August,  1997,  by and
     between  AMERICO LIFE,  INC., a Missouri  corporation,  GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE
     INSURANCE COMPANY, a Texas corporation (AGreat Southern@),  UNITED FIDELITY
     LIFE INSURANCE  COMPANY,  a Texas  corporation,  THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
     COMPANY OF AMERICA, a Texas corporation,  LOYALTY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, a
     Texas  corporation  (ALoyalty@),  and NATIONAL FARMERS UNION LIFE INSURANCE
     COMPANY, a Texas corporation.

              WHEREAS,  the parties  entered into that certain  Subsidiary  Data
     Processing   Services   Agreement   dated  as  of   January  1,  1993  (the
     AAgreement@); and

              WHEREAS,  on August 29, 1997,  Great Southern  intends to sell all
     the outstanding stock of Loyalty to Healthcare COMPARE Corp.; and

              WHEREAS,  to  facilitate  such sale of stock,  the parties wish to
     amend the  Agreement  to remove  Loyalty  from the  Agreement in the manner
     provided herein;

              NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and other good
     and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
     acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree that,  effective as of the close of
     business on August 29, 1997, the Agreement shall cease to apply to Loyalty,
     and  Loyalty  shall  thereafter  have no  rights or  obligations  under the
     Agreement.

              IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,   the  parties  hereto  have  executed  this
     Amendment as of the date first above written.


     AMERICO LIFE, INC.                      GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE
                                             COMPANY

     By                                      By
         Name                                Name
         Title                               Title

<PAGE>

     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE                    THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
     INSURANCE COMPANY                       COMPANY OF AMERICA

     By                                      By
         Name                                Name
         Title                               Title


     NATIONAL FARMERS UNION                  LOYALTY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
     LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

     By                                      By
         Name                                Name
         Title                               Title


                                                                Exhibit 10.6 (c)

                              AMENDMENT TO
               SUBSIDIARY DATA PROCESSING SERVICES AGREEMENT


              This Amendment to Subsidiary  Data Processing  Services  Agreement
     (the AAmendment@) is made as of October 1, 1997, by and among Americo Life,
     Inc., a Missouri  corporation  (AAmerico@),  Great  Southern Life Insurance
     Company,  a Texas  corporation  (AGreat  Southern@),  United  Fidelity Life
     Insurance Company, a Texas corporation,  The College Life Insurance Company
     of America, a Texas corporation,  and National Farmers Union Life Insurance
     Company, a Texas corporation  (collectively,  the foregoing are referred to
     herein as the AExisting Parties@),  and Americo Services,  Inc., a Missouri
     corporation  (AASI@),  and The Ohio State Life Insurance  Company,  an Ohio
     corporation (AOSL@).

              WHEREAS, the Existing Parties entered into that certain Subsidiary
     Data  Processing  Services  Agreement  dated as of January  1, 1993,  which
     agreement was amended as of August 29, 1997 (as amended,  the AAgreement@);
     and

              WHEREAS,  Great  Southern  purchased all the  outstanding  capital
     stock of OSL effective as of April 15, 1997; and

              WHEREAS,  ASI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Americo; and

              WHEREAS,  the Existing Parties wish to amend the Agreement so that
     OSL and ASI will each become a party to the Agreement,  and each of OSL and
     ASI desires to become a party to the Agreement;

              NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and other good
     and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
     acknowledged, effective as of October 1, 1997:

                      (a) the  Existing  Parties  agree  that the  Agreement  is
              hereby  amended to apply to each of OSL and ASI,  and that each of
              OSL and ASI shall  henceforth  enjoy all rights of a  ASubsidiary@
              under the Agreement; and

                      (b) by their  respective  execution  and  delivery of this
              Amendment,  each of OSL and ASI  agree to be bound by the terms of
              the Agreement as a ASubsidiary.@

              Except as herein amended, the Agreement shall remain in full force
     and effect without change.
<PAGE>
              IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  Existing  Parties  and OSL and ASI have
     executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.


     AMERICO LIFE, INC.                     GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE
                                            COMPANY

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

     UNITED FIDELITY LIFE                   THE COLLEGE LIFE INSURANCE
     INSURANCE COMPANY                      COMPANY OF AMERICA

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

     NATIONAL FARMERS UNION                 AMERICO SERVICES, INC.
     LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

     By                                     By
         Name                               Name
         Title                              Title

     THE OHIO STATE LIFE
     INSURANCE COMPANY

     By
         Name
         Title

                                                                   Exhibit 10.12

                                OFFICE LEASE

                                     at

                                LINCOLN PLAZA

                                   Between

                  METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (LANDLORD)

                                     And

                     GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (TENANT)


                             DATED: February 19, 1997





<PAGE>


                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                  

ARTICLE ONE - BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
         1.01     BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
         1.02     ENUMERATION OF EXHIBITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
         1.03     DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

ARTICLE  TWO - PREMISES, TERM AND FAILURE TO GIVE POSSESSION . . . . .. . 3
         2.01     LEASE OF PREMISES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  3
         2.02     TERM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
         2.03     FAILURE TO GIVE POSSESSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
         2.04.    CONDITION OF PREMISES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  3

ARTICLE THREE - RENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      . . ..3

ARTICLE  FOUR - RENT ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .4
         4.01     RENT ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .4
         4.02     ELECTRICAL COSTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 4
         4.03     PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
         4.04     BOOKS AND RECORDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  4
         4.05     PARTIAL OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  4

ARTICLE  FIVE - SECURITY DEPOSIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

ARTICLE  SIX - SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  5
         6.01     LANDLORD'S GENERAL SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
         6.02     ELECTRICAL SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
         6.03     ADDITIONAL AND AFTER-HOUR SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . .6
         6.04     TELEPHONE SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  . .6
         6.05     DELAYS IN FURNISHING SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . .. .  6

ARTICLE SEVEN - POSSESSION, USE AND CONDITION OF PREMISES . . .  . . . . .6
         7.01     POSSESSION AND USE OF PREMISES . . . . . . . . . . .. . 6   
         7.02     LANDLORD ACCESS TO PREMISES . .  . . . . . . . .        7
         7.03     QUIET ENJOYMENT . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . .        7

ARTICLE EIGHT - MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . ..  . . .8
         8.01     LANDLORD'S MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . 8
         8.02     TENANT'S MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

ARTICLE NINE - ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . .8
         9.01     TENANT'S ALTERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
         9.02     LIENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

ARTICLE TEN - ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . . . .9
         10.01    ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  9
         10.02    RECAPTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  . 9
         10.03    EXCESS RENT . . . . . . . . . . .   . . . . . . . . ..  9
         10.04    TENANT LIABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 9
         10.05    ASSUMPTION AND ATTORNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ARTICLE ELEVEN - DEFAULT AND REMEDIES . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 10
         11.01    EVENTS OF DEFAULT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
         11.02    LANDLORD'S REMEDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 10
         11.03    ATTORNEY'S FEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  .11
         11.04    BANKRUPTCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  11

ARTICLE TWELVE - SURRENDER Of PREMISES . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .11
         12.01    IN GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
         12.02    LANDLORD'S RIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

ARTICLE THIRTEEN - HOLDING OVER . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. .12

ARTICLE FOURTEEN - DAMAGE BY FIRE OR OTHER CASUALTY .. . . . . . . . . . 12
         14.01    SUBSTANTIAL UNTENANTABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
         14.02    INSUBSTANTIAL UNTENANTABILITY . . . . . . . . . . .. . 12
         14.03    RENT ABATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .  12

ARTICLE FIFTEEN - EMINENT DOMAIN . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .12
         15.01    TAKING OF WHOLE OR SUBSTANTIAL PART . . . . . . . . . .12
         15.02    TAKING OF PART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
         15.03    COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

ARTICLE SIXTEEN - INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . 13
         16.01    TENANT'S INSURANCE . . . . . . . . .   . . . . . . . . 13
         16.02    FORM OF POLICIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
         16.03    LANDLORD'S INSURANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .13
         16.04    WAIVER OF SUBROGATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
         16.05    NOTICE OF CASUALTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

ARTICLE SEVENTEEN - WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY . . .. . . . . . . . .14
         17.01    WAIVER OF CLAIMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .14
         17.02    INDEMNITY BY TENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 14

ARTICLE  EIGHTEEN - RULES AND REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
         18.01    RULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  .14
         18.02    ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . .   . . . . . . .  14


                                     i


<PAGE>

ARTICLE  NINETEEN - LANDLORD'S RESERVED RIGHTS . . .  . . . . . . . . . .14
         19.01    RESERVED RIGHTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  14

ARTICLE  TWENTY - ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . .. . 15
         20.01    IN GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .15
         20.02    ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 15

ARTICLE  TWENTY-ONE - RELOCATION OF TENANT . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .15

ARTICLE  TWENTY-TWO - REAL ESTATE BROKERS . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 15

ARTICLE  TWENTY-THREE - MORTGAGEE PROTECTION . . . .  . . . . . . . .. . 15
         23.01    SUBORDINATION AND ATTORNMENT . . .  . . . . . . . .. . 15
         23.02    MORTGAGEE PROTECTION . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .15

ARTICLE  TWENTY-FOUR - NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . .. . 16

ARTICLE  TWENTY-FIVE - MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .16
         25.01    LATE CHARGES . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .16
         25.02    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .16
         25.03    DEFAULT UNDER OTHER LEASE . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 16
         25.04    OPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .16
         25.05    TENANT AUTHORITY . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .16
         25.06    ENTIRE AGREEMENT . . . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . . .16
         25.07    MODIFICATION OF LEASE FOR BENEFIT OF MORTGAGEE  . . . .17
         25.08    EXCULPATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 17
         25.09    ACCORD AND SATISFACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
         25.10    LANDLORD'S OBLIGATIONS ON SALE OF BUILDING . .  . .. . 17
         25.11    BINDING EFFECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . 17
         25.12    CAPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .17
         25.13    APPLICABLE LAW . . . . . . .  . . . . . . . . .  . ..  17
         25.14    ABANDONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . 17
         25.15    LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO PERFORM TENANT'S DUTIES . . .. ..  17

                                   ii


<PAGE>

                                  OFFICE LEASE

                                   ARTICLE ONE
                             BASIC LEASE PROVISIONS

1.01     BASIC LEASE  PROVISIONS  - In the event of any conflict  between  these
         Basic Lease Provisions and any other Lease provision,  such other Lease
         provision shall control.

(1)      BUILDING AND ADDRESS:      One Lincoln Plaza, 500 N. Akard, Dallas, 
         Texas 75201.

(2) LANDLORD: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, a New York corporation.

(3)      TENANT:

         (a) Name: Great Southern Life Insurance Company

         (b) State of incorporation or partnership: Texas

(4)      DATE OF LEASE: February 19, 1997

(5)      LENGTH OF LEASE TERM: approximately 120 months.


(6)      PROJECTED COMMENCEMENT DATE: June 1, 1997

(7)      PROJECTED EXPIRATION DATE: May 31, 2007

(8)      BASE RENT.

  Period from/to  Monthly           Annually          Rate/SF of Rentable Area

  Months 1-120                       $58,230.67        $698,768.00       $14.00

(9)      PREMISES: SUITE NO. 5000

         49,912 SQUARE FEET OF RENTABLE AREA (approx.)

         47,930 SQUARE FEET OF USABLE AREA (approx.)

(10)     SECURITY DEPOSIT: $0.00

(11) TENANT'S USE OF PREMISES: General office use.

1.02     ENUMERATION OF EXHIBITS

The  exhibits  and  riders  set  forth  below  and  attached  to this  Lease  or
incorporated in this Lease by this reference:

EXHIBIT A. Legal Description of Land
EXHIBIT B. Plan of Premises
EXHIBIT C. Workletter Agreement
EXHIBIT D. Rules and Regulations
EXHIBIT E. Parking
EXHIBIT F. Renewal Option
EXHIBIT G. Termination Option
EXHIBIT H. Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement
EXHIBIT I. Right of First Refusal
EXHIBIT J. Right to Lease Additional Space

1.03 DEFINITIONS

For purposes hereof, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

AFFILIATE:  Any corporation or other business entity which is currently owned or
controlled  by, owns or controls,  or is under common  ownership or control with
Tenant.

ALLOWANCE:  "Allowance"  shall mean an amount  equal to the product of $12.25 
times the number of square  feet of  Rentable  Area included in the Premises. 
Tenant may use the allowance for furniture, fixtures and equipment and 
installation and cable costs.

BUILDING: The "Building" shall mean the office building located upon the Land.

CENTRE: (Not Applicable).

COMMENCEMENT  DATE:  The date  specified in Section  1.01(6) as the Projected  
Commencement  Date,  unless changed by operation of Article Two.

COMMON AREAS:  All areas of the Real  Property  made  available by Landlord from
time to time  for the  general  common  use or  benefit  of the  tenants  of the
Building,  and their  employees  and  invitees,  or the  public,  as such  areas
currently exist and as they may be changed from time to time.

DECORATION:  Tenant Alterations which do not require a building permit and which
do not involve any of the  structural  elements of the  Building,  or any of the
Building's system, including,  without limitation,  Its electrical,  mechanical,
plumbing and security and life/safety systems.

DEFAULT RATE: The maximum interest rate permitted by law.

ENVIRONMENTAL  LAWS: Any Law governing the use, storage,  disposal or generation
of any Hazardous  Material,  including  without  limitation,  the  Comprehensive
Environmental  Response  Compensation  and Liability Act of 1980, as amended and
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended.

EXPENSE STOP: The sum of $5.50 per square foot of Rentable Area in the Building.

EXPIRATION DATE: The date specified in Section 1.01(7) unless changed by 
operation of Article Two.

                                  1


<PAGE>




FORCE  MAJEURE:  Any  accident,  casualty,  act of God, war or civil  commotion,
strike or labor troubles,  or any cause whatsoever beyond the reasonable control
of Landlord,  including,  but not limited to, energy  shortages or  governmental
preemption in connection with a national  emergency,  or by reason of government
laws or any rule,  order or regulation of any department or subdivision  thereof
or any governmental  agency, or by reason of the conditions of supply and demand
which have been or are affected by war or other emergency.

HAZARDOUS  MATERIAL:  Such  substances,  material and wastes which are or become
regulated under any  Environmental  Law; or which are classified as hazardous or
toxic under any  Environmental  Law; and  explosives  and firearms,  radioactive
material, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyls.

INDEMNITIES:  Collectively,  Landlord,  any  Mortgagee  or ground  lessor of the
Property,  the  property  manager and the leasing  manager for the  Property and
their respective directors, officers, agents and employees.

INITIAL IMPROVEMENTS: "Initial Improvements", when used herein, shall mean those
improvements  or remodeling to the Premises,  if any, which  Landlord  agrees to
provide according to the Workletter attached hereto as Exhibit "C".

LAND: The parcels of real estate on which the Building is located, as legally 
described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto.

LAWS: All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations and other requirements adopted by
any  governmental  body, or agency or department  having  jurisdiction  over the
Property, the Premises or Tenant's activities at the Premises and any covenants,
conditions or restrictions of record which affect the Property.

LEASE: This instrument and all exhibits and riders attached hereto, as may be 
amended from time to time.

LEASE YEAR:  The twelve  month  period  beginning  on the first day of the first
month following the Commencement Date (unless the Commencement Date is the first
day of a calendar month in which case beginning on the  Commencement  Date), and
each subsequent twelve month, or shorter, period until the Expiration Date.

MONTHLY BASE RENT: The monthly rent specified in Section 1.01(8).

MORTGAGEE: Any holder of a mortgage, deed of trust or other security instrument 
encumbering the Property.

NATIONAL  HOLIDAYS:  New Year's Day,  Memorial  Day,  Independence  Day,  Labor 
Day,  Thanksgiving  Day and Christmas Day and other
holidays recognized by the Landlord.

OPERATING EXPENSES:  Operating Expenses shall mean all direct and indirect costs
and  expenses  in each  calendar  year  of  operating,  maintaining,  repairing,
managing and owning the  Property  plus all  operating  expenses of the Exterior
Common Areas  (defined  below) plus Taxes,  but exclusive of  electrical  costs.
Operating  Expenses  shall  not  include  the  cost  of  capital   improvements,
depreciation,  interest,  lease commissions,  principal payments on mortgage and
other non-operating debts of Landlord, and Landlord's general and administrative
expenses  and  overhead.   Operating  Expenses  shall,   however,   include  the
amortization  of capital  improvements  which are  primarily  for the purpose of
reducing Operating Expenses, or which are required by governmental  authorities.
"Exterior  Common  Areas"  shall mean that  portion of the  Property  (and other
tracts of real property  comprising the multi-building  project in the event the
Building is located in such a project) which are not located within the Building
(or other  building in a  multi-building  project)  and which are  provided  and
maintained  for the  common  use and  benefit  of  Landlord  and  tenants of the
Building (or multi-building  project) generally and the employees,  Invitees and
licensees  of Landlord  and such  tenants;  including  without  limitation,  all
parking areas (enclosed or otherwise) and all streets, sidewalks,  walkways, and
landscaped areas.

PREMISES: The space located in the Building, described In Section 1.01(9) and 
depicted on Exhibit "B" attached hereto.

PROPERTY:  The Building,  the Land, any other Improvements  located on the Land,
including, without limitation, any parking structures and the personal property,
fixtures,  machinery,  equipment,  system  and  apparatus  located in or used in
conjunction with any of the foregoing.

REAL PROPERTY: The Property excluding any personal property.

RENT:  Collectively,  Monthly Base Rent, Rent Adjustments and all other charges,
payments,  late fees or other  amounts  required to be paid by Tenant under this
Lease.

RENTABLE AREA OF THE BUILDING (existing as of the date of this Lease): 1,109,081
square feet.

RENTABLE AREA OF THE PREMISES: The amount of square footage set forth in Section
1.01(9),  which represents the sum of (1) the "Usable Areas" within the Premises
(i.e.,  the gross area enclosed by the surface of the exterior glass walls,  the
mid-point  of any  walls  separating  portions  of the  Premises  from  those of
adjacent tenants, the slab penetration line of all walls separating the Premises
from Service Areas and the corridor side of walls  separating  the Premises from
Common  Areas) plus (2) a pro rate port of the Common Areas within the Building,
such proration to be based upon the ratio of the Usable Area within the Premises
to the total  Usable  Area within the  Building  existing as of the date of this
Lease,  including  the area  encompassed  by any  columns  or  other  structural
elements  which provide  support to the Premises  and/or the Building.  Rentable
Area shall not include any Service Areas.  The estimates of Rentable Area within
the  Premises  and in the  Building  may be revised at  Landlord's  election  if
Landlord's  architect  determines such estimate to be inaccurate in any material
degree after  examination  of the final "as built"  drawings of the Premises and
the Building, and the Base Rental shall be adjusted accordingly,  based upon the
rate per square foot of Rentable Area specified in section 1.01(8) hereof.

RENT ADJUSTMENT:  Any amounts owed by Tenant for payment of Operating  Expenses.
The Rent Adjustments shall be determined and paid as provided in Article Four.

SECURITY DEPOSIT: The funds specified in Section 1.01(10),  if any, deposited by
Tenant with  Landlord as security for Tenant's  performance  of its  obligations
under this Lease.

SERVICE AREAS:  "Service  Areas" shall mean those areas within the outside watts
used for building stairs, elevator shafts, flues, vents, stacks, pipe shafts and
other  vertical  penetrations  (but  shall not  include  any such  areas for the
exclusive use of a particular tenant).

SHELL  IMPROVEMENTS:  "Shell  Improvements"  shall  mean (I)  lay-in  acoustical
ceiling  grid with  acoustical  ceiling tile in the  Premises;  (II) central air
conditioning  and heating ducts and diffusers in a placement  deemed  typical by
Landlord  and (III)  lay-in  fluorescent  light  fixtures in a placement  deemed
typical by Landlord.

SUBSTANTIALLY  COMPLETE: The completion of the initial improvements,  except for
minor   insubstantial   details  of   construction,   decoration  or  mechanical
adjustments  which remain to be done,  as verified  and mutually  agreed upon by
Tenant's architect and Landlord's architect.



<PAGE>



TAXES: All federal, state and local governmental taxes,  assessments and charges
of every kind or nature,  whether general,  special,  ordinary or extraordinary,
which Landlord shall pay or become, obligated to pay because of or in connection
with the ownership, leasing, management, control or operation of the Property or
any of its components,  or any personal  property used in connection  therewith,
which  shall also  include any rental or similar  taxes  levied in lieu of or in
addition to general real and/or personal  property taxes.  For purposes  hereof,
Taxes for any year shall be Taxes  which are  assessed  or become a lien  during
such year,  whether or not such  taxes are  billed and  payable in a  subsequent
calendar  year.  There shall be included in Taxes for any year the amount of all
fees, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) paid by Landlord
during such year in seeking or obtaining any refund or reduction of taxes. Taxes
for any year shall be reduced  by the net amount of any tax refund  received  by
Landlord  attributable  to  such  year.  If  a  special  assessment  payable  in
installments  is levied  against  any part of the  Property,  Taxes for any year
shall include only the installment of such  assessment and any Interest  payable
or paid  during  such  year.  Taxes  shall  not  include  any  federal  or state
Inheritance,  general income,  franchise, gift or estate taxes, except that if a
change  occurs In the method of  taxation  resulting  In whole or in part in the
substitution of any such taxes, or any other assessment,  for any Taxes as above
defined, such substituted taxes or assessments shall be included in the Taxes.

TENANT ALTERATIONS:  Any alterations,  improvements,  additions,  installations
or construction in or to the Premises or any Building systems serving the 
Premises pursuant to Section 9.01.

TENANT DELAY:  Any event or occurrence caused by Tenant which delays the 
competition of the initial  improvements,  as described in
the Workletter.

TERM: The term of this Lease commencing on the Commencement Date and expiring on
the Expiration Date.

TERMINATION  DATE: The Expiration Date or such earlier date as this Lease  
terminates or Tenant's right to possession of the Premises terminates.

WORKLETTER: The Agreement regarding the manner of completion of the initial 
improvements, attached hereto as Exhibit "C".

                                   ARTICLE TWO
                  PREMISES, TERM AND FAILURE TO GIVE POSSESSION


2.01     LEASE OF PREMISES

Landlord  hereby  leases to Tenant and Tenant  hereby  leases from  Landlord the
Premises  for the Term and upon the  conditions  provided in this Lease.  in the
event  Landlord  delivers  possession  of the  Premises  to Tenant  prior to the
Commencement  Date,  Tenant shall be subject to all of the terms,  covenants and
conditions  of this Lease (except with respect to the payment of Rent) as of the
date of such possession.

2.02     TERM

         (a) The  Commencement  Date shall be the date  which is the  earlier to
occur of:

                  (I) the  Projected  Commencement  Date  (provided  the initial
         improvements are Substantially Complete on or before such date; or

                  (II) May 1, 1997.

         (b)  Within  thirty  (30)  days   following   the   occurrence  of  the
Commencement  Date,  Landlord,  through its property  manager,  and Tenant shall
enter into an agreement  confirming  the  Commencement  Date and the  Expiration
Date.

2.03     FAILURE TO GIVE POSSESSION

If the  Landlord  shall be  unable to give  possession  of the  Premises  on the
Projected  commencement  Date  by  reason  of the  following:  (I)  the  initial
improvements are not Substantially  Complete (through no fault of Landlord),  or
(ii) the holding  over or  retention  of  possession  of any tenant,  tenants or
occupants, the Landlord shall not be subject to any liability for the failure to
give  possession on sold date.  Under such  circumstances  the rent reserved and
covenanted  to be paid herein  shall not  commence  until the  Premises are made
available to Tenant by Landlord and the initial  improvements are  Substantially
Complete,  and no such failure to give possession on the Projected  Commencement
Date shall  affect the validity of this Lease or the  obligations  of the Tenant
hereunder.  The Lease shall be amended so that the term shall be extended by the
period of time  possession is delayed.  The said Premises  shall be deemed to be
ready  for  Tenant's  occupancy  in  the  event  the  initial  improvements  are
Substantially  Complete, or if the delay in the availability of the Premises for
occupancy  shall be due to any Tenant Delay and/or default on the part of Tenant
and/or its  subtenant or  subtenants.  In the event of any dispute as to whether
the initial improvements are Substantially  Complete, the decision of Landlord's
architect shall be final and binding on the parties.

2.04     CONDITION OF PREMISES

Tenant shall notify  Landlord in writing within thirty (30) days after the later
of (I) Substantial  Completion of the initial improvements,  or (II) when Tenant
takes  possession of the  Premises,  of any  non-latent  defects in the Premises
claimed by Tenant or in the  materials or  workmanship  furnished by Landlord in
completing  the initial  improvements.  Except for defects stated in such notice
and latent defects  discovered  within the first twelve (12) months of the Term,
of which Tenant gives Landlord  notice within such time period,  Tenant shall be
conclusively  deemed to have  accepted  the  Premises  "AS IS" in the  condition
existing  on the date  Tenant  first  takes  possession,  and to have waived all
claims relating to the then existing  condition of the Premises.  Landlord shall
proceed  diligently to correct the defects stated in such notice unless Landlord
disputes the  existence of any such  defects.  In the event of any dispute as to
the existence of any such defects, the decision of Landlord's architect shall be
final and binding on the parties.  No  agreement of Landlord to alter,  remodel,
decorate,  clean or improve the Premises or the  Building and no  representation
regarding  the  condition of the Premises or the Building has been made by or on
behalf of Landlord to Tenant,  except as my be specifically stated in this Lease
or in the Workletter.

                                  ARTICLE THREE
                                      RENT

Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord at the property  management office specified in
Section 24(b)(1),  or to such other persons,  or at such other places designated
by Landlord,  without any prior demand  therefor in immediately  available funds
and without any  deduction  whatsoever,  Rent,  including,  without  limitation,
Monthly Base Rent and Rent  Adjustments in accordance with Article Four,  during
the Term. Monthly Base Rent shall be paid monthly in advance on the first day of
each month of the Term,  except that the first  installment of Monthly Base Rent
shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord concurrently with Tenant's execution of this
Lease.  Monthly Base Rent shall be prorated for partial  months within the Term.
Unpaid  Rent shall bear  interest  at the  Default  Rate from the date due until
paid. Tenant's covenant to pay Rent shall independent of every other covenant in
this Lease.


                                                                  3

<PAGE>




                                  ARTICLE FOUR
                                 RENT ADJUSTMENT

4.01     RENT ADJUSTMENT

The base Rent payable hereunder shall be adjusted ("Rent  Adjustment") from time
to time in accordance with the following provisions:

         Tenant's  base Rent is based,  in part,  upon the estimate  that annual
Operating  Expenses will be equal to the Expense Stop.  During the Term,  Tenant
shall pay as a Rent  Adjustment  hereunder  an amount  (per each  square foot of
Rentable Area within the Premises)  equal to the excess  ("Excess") from time to
time of Operating Expenses per square foot of Rentable Area in the Building over
the Expense Stop. Landlord may collect such additional Base Rent in arrears on a
yearly basis.  Landlord shall also have the option to make a good faith estimate
of the  excess  for each  upcoming  calendar  year  (or  remainder  thereof,  if
applicable)  and, upon thirty (30) days' written  notice to Tenant,  may require
the  monthly  payment  of Base  Rent to be  adjusted  in  accordance  with  such
estimate.  Any  amounts  paid  based on any such  estimate  shall be  subject to
adjustment  pursuant to Section 4.02 below when Operating Expenses are available
for such calendar year.

4.02     ELECTRICAL COSTS

Notwithstanding  anything  contained  in the  Lease to the  contrary,  Operating
Expenses shall not Include the cost of electricity,  but the Base Rent hereunder
shall be  increased by an amount equal to Tenant's pro rate share of the cost of
electricity to the Building ("Electrical Costs"),  which pro rate share shall be
equal to the product of (I) the Electrical  Costs and (II) the fraction having a
numerator equal to the Rentable Area of the Premises and a denominator  equal to
the  Rentable  Area in the  Building.  The  Electrical  Costs used to  calculate
Tenant's pro rate share as  heretofore  described  shall not include the cost of
any  extraordinary  electrical use by other tenants of the Building,  where such
costs are charged to such  tenants.  Landlord  may from time to time  deliver to
Tenant an invoice for such pro rate share of  Electrical  Costs and Tenant shall
make payment of such amount to Landlord within three (3) days of delivery of the
invoice.  Landlord  from time to time  shall also have the option to make a good
faith  estimate  of  Tenant's  pro rate share of the  Electrical  Costs for each
upcoming year and, upon thirty (30) days' written  notice to Tenant,  my require
the  monthly  payment  of Base  Rent to be  adjusted  in  accordance  with  such
estimate.  Any  amounts  paid  based on such an  estimate  shall be  subject  to
adjustment as hereafter  provided when actual Electrical Costs are available for
such year.

4.03     PROCEDURE

The following additional  provisions shall apply to Rent Adjustments per Section
4.01:

         (a) By April 1 of each calendar year during Tenant's  occupancy,  or as
soon  thereafter  as  practical,  Landlord  shall  furnish to Tenant a statement
("Landlord's  Statement") of Landlord's  Operating Expenses and Electrical Costs
for the previous  calendar year. If for any calendar year  additional  Base Rent
was  collected  for the prior  year,  as a result.  Of  Landlord's  estimate  of
Operating  Expenses and Electrical  Costs in excess of the additional  Base Rent
due during such prior year (as the case may be),  then Landlord  shall  promptly
refund to Tenant any  overpayment.  Likewise,  Tenant shall pay to Landlord,  on
demand,  any  underpayment  with  respect to the prior  year.  In no event shall
operating  Expenses  per square  foot of Rentable  Area  within the  Building be
deemed to be less than the Expense  Stop,  it being the intent of  Landlord  and
Tenant that  Tenant  shall at all times be  responsible  for the payment of, and
shall  pay,  not less then the  amount of Base  Rent for the  applicable  period
(before adjustment) specified in this Lease.

         (b) In the event that the Term  commences on a day other then January 1
or  terminates  on a day other than December 31, the Excess for that part of the
first (1st)  calendar  year or lost  calendar  year during the Term of the Lease
shall be determined as follows:

         (I) The Expense Stop shall be prorated  based upon the number of months
in such  partial  calendar  year.  With  respect to any partial  calendar  month
occurring  during such  partial  calendar  year,  the Expense Stop shall also be
prorated based upon the number of days in that partial calendar month.

         (II) The Excess, if any, for the applicable partial calendar year shall
then be the amount by which (A) actual  Operating  Expenses  per square  foot of
Rentable Area in the Building for such calendar  year,  prorated  based upon the
number of months and days in the applicable  partial  calendar year,  exceed (8)
the Expense Stop,  as prorated  pursuant to the  provisions  of this  Subsection
4.03(b).

         (III) With respect to a proration for the first (1st) calendar year and
in the event that Landlord's  estimate of the Operating  Expenses to be incurred
during such partial calendar year exceeds the Expense Stop, as prorated pursuant
to the  provisions of this  Subsection  4.03(b),  Landlord may, upon thirty (30)
days prior  written  notice to Tenant,  require the Monthly Base Rent  occurring
during  such  partial  calendar  year to be  adjusted  in  accordance  with such
estimate.

4.04     BOOKS AND RECORDS

Landlord  shall  maintain  books  and  records  showing  Operating  Expenses  in
accordance with generally accepted
accounting and management  practices,  consistently  applied.  The Tenant or its
representative  (which  representative  shall be a certified  public  accountant
licensed  to do business  in the state in which the  Property is located)  shall
have the right,  for a period of sixty (60) days  following  the date upon which
Landlord's Statement is delivered to Tenant, to examine the Landlord's books and
records  with  respect  to the items in the  foregoing  statement  of  Operating
Expenses during normal business hours,  upon written notice,  delivered at least
three (3)  business  days in  advance.  If Tenant  does not object in writing to
Landlord's  Statement within (60) days of Tenant's  receipt thereof,  specifying
the nature of the item in dispute  and the  reasons  therefor,  then  Landlord's
Statement  shall be considered  final and accepted by Tenant.  Any amount due to
the Landlord as shown on Landlords Statement,  whether or not disputed by Tenant
as provided herein shall be paid by Tenant when due as provided  above,  without
prejudice to any such written exception.

4.05     PARTIAL OCCUPANCY

Notwithstanding  any language in the lease or in this Article Four  seemingly to
the contrary,  Landlord may at Landlord's  sole election,  determine an estimate
Operating  Expenses  for any  calendar  year within the term by  increasing  the
variable  components of Operating Expenses to the amount which landlord projects
would  have been  incurred  had the  building  been  occupied  to the  extent of
ninety-five  (95%) of the  Rentable  Area therein  during all of the  applicable
calendar year. In such event,  the term  "Operating  Expenses",  as used in this
Article Four and in the lease,  shall include (I) the actual Operating  Expenses
incurred  during any  portion of such  calendar  year in which the  Building  is
occupied to the extent of ninety-five percent (95%) or more of the Rentable Area
therein, plus (ii) the Operating Expenses which would have been incurred had the
Building  been  occupied  to the  extent  of  ninety-five  percent  (95%) of the
Rentable  Area  therein;  and  Landlord  shall  have the  option of making  such
estimate in advance for any upcoming calendar year.

                                                                4


<PAGE>



                                  ARTICLE FIVE
                                SECURITY DEPOSIT

Tenant, concurrently with the execution of this Lease, shall pay to Landlord the
Security  Deposit.  The Security  Deposit may be applied by Landlord to cure any
default  of  Tenant  under  this  Lease,  and upon  notice by  Landlord  of such
application,  Tenant shall  replenish the Security  Deposit in full by paying to
Landlord  within ten (10) days of demand the amount so applied.  Landlord  shall
not pay any interest on the Security Deposit.  The Security Deposit shall not be
deemed an advance  payment of Rent,  nor a measure of damages for any default by
Tenant  under this Lease,  nor shall it be a bar or defense of any action  which
Landlord may at any time  commence  against  Tenant.  In the absence of evidence
satisfactory  to Landlord of an  assignment of the right to receive the Security
Deposit or the  remaining  balance  thereof,  Landlord  may return the  Security
Deposit to the original  Tenant,  regardless of one or more  assignments of this
Lease.  Upon the transfer of Landlord's  interest  under this Lease,  Landlord's
obligation to Tenant with respect to the security  deposit shall  terminate upon
assumption of such obligation by the transferee.

If Tenant  shall fully and  faithfully  comply  with all the terms,  provisions,
covenants,  and conditions of this Lease, the Security  Deposit,  or any balance
thereof, shall be returned to Tenant after the following:

         (a)      the expiration of the Term of this Lease;

         (b)      the removal of Tenant and its property from the Premises;

         (c)      the surrender of the Premises by Tenant to Landlord in 
accordance with this Lease; and

         (d) the payment by Tenant of any outstanding Rent,  including,  without
limitation,  all Rent  Adjustments  due  pursuant  to the Lease as  computed  by
Landlord.


                                   ARTICLE SIX
                                    SERVICES

6.01     LANDLORD'S GENERAL SERVICES

So long as the Lease is in full  force and  effect  and Tenant has paid all Rent
then due, Landlord shall furnish the following services:

(1)      heat and  air-conditioning in the Premises,  Monday through Friday from
         8:00  A.M.  to 6:00  P.M.,  Saturday.  From  8:00  A.M.  to 1:00  P.M.,
         excluding  National  Holidays,  as necessary in  Landlord's  reasonable
         judgment for the  comfortable  occupancy  of the Premises  under normal
         business   operations,   subject  to  compliance  with  all  applicable
         voluntary and mandatory regulations and laws;

(2)      tempered and cold water for use in lavatories in common with other 
         tenants from the regular supply of the Building;

(3)      customary cleaning and janitorial services in the Premises five (5) 
         days per week, excluding National Holidays;

(4)      Washing of the outside  windows in the Premises  weather  permitting at
         intervals reasonably determined by Landlord;

(5)      automatic  passenger  elevator  service in common with other tenants of
         the  Building  and  freight  elevator  service  subject  to  reasonable
         scheduling by Landlord and payment of Landlord's standard charges;

(6)      all  Building  Grade  fluorescent  bulb  replacement  in  the  Premises
         necessary  to  maintain  the  lighting  provided as a part of the Shell
         Improvements and fluorescent and  incandescent  bulb replacement in the
         Common Areas and Service Areas; and

(7)      routine  maintenance and electric Lighting service for all Common Areas
         and  Service  Areas of the  Building  in the  manner  and to the extent
         deemed by Landlord to be standard.

6.02     ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Tenants use of electrical services furnished by Landlord shall be subject to the
following:

         (a) Landlord  will provide the  necessary  facilities to supply (I) two
(2) watts per square foot of Usable Area within the Premises,  at 277 volts, for
Tenant's  fluorescent  lighting and (II) two (2) watts per square foot of Usable
Area within the Promises, at 120 volts, for Tenant's  receptacle/equipment toads
(excluding  Tenant's dedicated  circuits).  Collectively,  Tenant's lighting and
receptacle/equipment  shall not have an  electrical  design load greater then an
average of four (4) watts per square  foot of Usable  Area  within the  Premises
("Standard Building Capacity"). The electrical costs component of Basic Costs Is
calculated on the basis of the Standard Building Capacity.

         (b) The  electrical  facilities In the Building  available for Tenant's
use are (1) 277/480 volts, 3 phase,  for large  equipment  toads and fluorescent
lighting;  and (II)  120/208  volts,  3 phase,  for  small  equipment  toads and
Incandescent  lighting.  Tenant  shall  notify  Landlord,  In  writing,  of  any
equipment  that has a rated  electrical  load greater then 500 watts and/or that
requires a service voltage other than 120 volts, and Landlord's written approval
shall be required with respect to the  installation  of any such high electrical
consumption equipment in the Premises.

         (c)  Tenant  shall pay for all  costs of  meters,  sub-meters,  wiring,
risers,  transformers,  electrical  panels,  air  conditioning  and other  items
required by  Landlord,  in  Landlord's  reasonable  discretion,  to  accommodate
Tenant's  design toads and capacities that exceed  Standard  Building  Capacity,
including,   without  limitation,  the  installation  and  maintenance  thereof.
Installation costs may be paid out of Tenant's  Allowance.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  Landlord  may refuse to install and  withhold  consent for  Tenant's
installation of any wiring,  risers,  transformers,  electrical  panels,  or air
conditioning if, in Landlord's reasonable judgment,  the same would cause damage
or injury to the  Building or the  Premises  or cause or create a  dangerous  or
hazardous  condition or entail excessive or unreasonable  alterations or repairs
to the Building or the Premises, or would interfere with or create or constitute
a disturbance  to other tenants or occupants of the Building.  In no event shall
Landlord incur any liability for Landlord's  refusal to install,  or withholding
of consent  for  Tenant's  installation  of,  any such  electrical  facility  or
equipment.

         (d)  Tenant  shall  pay to  Landlord,  upon  demand,  the  cost  of the
consumption of electrical service in excess of the Standard Building Capacity at
rates  determined by Landlord  which shall be In accordance  with any applicable
laws.

                                                                 5


<PAGE>



         (e)  Landlord  may, at its option,  upon not less then sixty (60) days'
prior  written  notice  to  Tenant,   discontinue   the   availability  of  such
extraordinary electrical service. If Landlord gives any such notice, Tenant will
contract  directly with the applicable  public utility for the supplying of such
electrical service to the Premises.

6.03     ADDITIONAL AND AFTER-HOUR SERVICES

At Tenants request,  Landlord shall furnish additional  quantities of any of the
services or utilities  specified in section 6.01, if Landlord can  reasonably do
so, on the terms set forth  herein.  Tenant shall  deliver to Landlord a written
request for such  additional  services or utilities prior to 3:00 P.M. on Monday
through Friday (except  National  Holidays) for service an those days, and prior
to 3:00 P.M. on the lost  business day prior to  Saturday,  Sunday or a National
Holiday.  For  services  or  utilities  requested  by Tenant  and  furnished  by
Landlord,  Tenant  shot[  pay  to  Landlord  as  a  charge  therefor  Landlord's
prevailing  rates for such services and utilities.  If Tenant shall fail to make
any such  payment,  Landlord  may,  upon  notice to Tenant  and in  addition  to
Landlord's  other  remedies  under this  Lease,  discontinue  any or all of such
additional services.

6.04     TELEPHONE SERVICES

All telegraph, telephone, and electric connections which Tenant may desire shall
be  first  approved  by  Landlord  in  writing,  (which  approval  shall  not be
unreasonably  withheld  or  delayed),  before  the same are  installed,  and the
location of all wires and the work in connection therewith shall be performed by
contractors  approved  by  Landlord  and shall be  subject to the  direction  of
Landlord.  Landlord  reserves the right to  designate  and control the entity or
entities providing telephone or other  communication cable installation,  repair
and  maintenance in the Building and to restrict and control access to telephone
cabinets.  in the event  Landlord  designates a particular  vendor or vendors to
provide such cable installation, repair and maintenance for the Building, Tenant
agrees to abide by and participate in such program.  Tenant shall be responsible
for and shall pay all costs  incurred in  connection  with the  installation  of
telephone  cables and rotated  wiring in the Premises,  which may be paid out of
Tenant's  Allowance,  including,  without  limitation,  any hook-up,  access and
maintenance  fees  related to the  installation  of such wires and cables in the
Premises and the commencement of service therein, and the maintenance thereafter
of such wire and cables;  and there shall be included in Operating  Expenses for
the Building all installation, hook-up or maintenance costs incurred by Landlord
in connection with telephone cables and related wiring in the Building which are
not allocable to any  individual  users of such service but are allocable to the
Building generally. If Tenant fails to maintain all telephone cables and related
wiring in the Premises and such failure effects or interferes with the operation
or maintenance of any other telephone  cables or related wiring In the Building,
Landlord or any vendor  hired by Landlord  may enter into and upon the  Premises
forthwith  and perform such repairs,  restorations  or  alterations  as Landlord
deems  necessary in order to eliminate any such  interference  (and Landlord may
recover from Tenant all of Landlord's costs in connection  therewith).  Upon the
Termination  Date,  Tenant  agrees to remove all  telephone  cables and  related
wiring  installed by Tenant for and during  Tenant's  occupancy,  which Landlord
shall request Tenant to remove.  Tenant agrees that neither  Landlord nor any of
its agents or employees shall be liable to Tenant, or any of Tenant's employees,
agents,  customers or invitees or anyone claiming  through,  by or under Tenant,
for any damages,  injuries, losses, expenses, claims or causes of action because
of any  interruption,  diminution,  delay or  discontinuance at any time for any
reason in the  furnishing  of any  telephone  service  to the  Premises  and the
Building, unless such damages,  injuries,  losses, expenses, claims or causes of
action  result  in  whole  or in part  from  the  gross  negligence  or  willful
misconduct of Landlord.

6.05     DELAYS IN FURNISHING SERVICES

Tenant  agrees  that  Landlord  shall not be liable to  Tenant  for  damages  or
otherwise,  for any failure to furnish,  or a delay in  furnishing,  any service
when such  failure  or delay is  occasioned,  in whole or in part,  by  repairs,
improvements  or mechanical  breakdowns by the act or default of Tenant or other
parties or by an event of Force Majeure.  No  interruption or malfunction of any
utility  service shall  constitute an eviction or disturbance of Tenant's use or
possession  of the  Premises  or a  breech  by  Landlord  of  any of  Landlord's
obligations hereunder or render Landlord liable or responsible to Tenant for any
loss or damage  which  Tenant may  sustain or incur if either  the  quantity  or
character of any utility  service is changed or is no longer  available to or is
no longer  suitable for Tenant's  requirements  or entitle Tenant to be relieved
from any of Tenant's obligations hereunder,  including,  without limitation, the
obligation  to pay Rent,  or grant  Tenant any right to set-off,  abatement,  or
recoupment.  Notwithstanding  any other provision in this Lease seemingly to the
contrary,  at any time when Landlord is making such  facilities for such utility
services available to the Premises, Landlord may, at Landlord's option, upon not
less then sixty  (60) days  prior  written  notice to  Tenant,  discontinue  the
availability of any such utility  service.  If Landlord gives any such notice of
discontinuance,  Landlord  shall make all the  necessary  arrangements  with the
public utility  service  supplying the utility to the area in which the Building
is located with respect to obtaining such utility  service to the Premises;  but
Tenant will contract directly with such public utility service for the supplying
of such utility services to the Premises.  Except as otherwise  provided herein,
failure  to any  extent  to  make  available,  or  any  slowdown,  stoppage,  or
interruption  of,  the  specified  utility  services  resulting  from any cause,
including,  without  limitation,  Landlord's  compliance  with any  voluntary or
similar  governmental or business  guidelines now or hereafter  published or any
requirements now or hereafter  established by any governmental agency, board, or
bureau having  jurisdiction  over the operation of the Building shall not render
Landlord  liable in any  respect  for damages to either  persons,  property,  or
business,  nor be  construed  as an eviction of Tenant or work an  abatement  of
Rent, nor relieve Tenant of Tenant's obligations for fulfillment of any covenant
or agreement  hereof.  Should any  equipment or machinery  furnished by Landlord
break  down or for any cause  cease to  function  properly,  Landlord  shall use
reasonable diligence to repair same promptly, but Tenant shall have no claim for
abatement  of  Rent  or  damages  on  account  of any  interruption  of  service
occasioned thereby or resulting  therefrom.  In the event that Tenant shall give
notice to Landlord stating  correctly that any cessation of a service  described
in Section  6.01(1),  (2).  or (5),  above (not  caused by Tenant,  its  agents,
customers servants, contractors, employees, or invitees) shall have rendered all
or any  portion  of the  Premises  untenantable,  and in  the  event  that  such
cessation  continues for a period of five (5) or more consecutive  business days
after Landlord  receives such notice from Tenant,  and in the further event that
Tenant ceases  occupying such portion of the Premises  solely on account of such
cessation,  then Rent shall abate as to such  portion of the  Premises  from and
after the later to occur of (I) the sixth (6th)  business day  following the day
Tenant gave such notice, or (if) the date Tenant so ceases occupancy, until such
service is restored or Tenant reoccupies such portion of the Premises (whichever
date is earlier).  For purposes of the foregoing  sentence,  Tenant shall not be
considered  to have  occupied the Premises if Tenant  simply enters the Premises
for a temporary  purpose such as accessing or retrieving vital business records.
In the  event  that the  cessation  of such  service  was not a result  of or in
connection  with fire or other casualty (in which case the provisions of Article
14 of this  Lease,  rather  then this  sentence,  shall  apply  with  respect to
Tenant's  rights of  termination of this Lease) and such service is not restored
within  seventy-five  (75) days  after  the  later to occur of the  sixth  (6th)
business  day  following  the date  Tenant  gave such  notice or the date Tenant
ceased to occupy such portion of the Premises solely on account of the cessation
of such service and Tenant has not reoccupied such portion of the Premises, then
Tenant shall have the option to  terminate  this Lease as to that portion of the
Premises by giving written notice of such termination to Landlord within fifteen
(15) days of the  expiration  of such  seventy-five  (75) day  period.  Tenant's
remedies for failure to provide  services as set out in the above two  sentences
of this paragraph shall constitute  Tenant's sole and exclusive remedies for any
interruption  or malfunction of services called for in Section  6.01(1),  (2) or
(5).

                                  ARTICLE SEVEN
                    POSSESSION, USE AND CONDITION OF PREMISES

                                      6


<PAGE>



7.01     POSSESSION AND USE Of PREMISES

         (a) Tenant shall be entitled to  possession  of the  Premises  when the
Work to  Substantially  Complete.  Tenant shall occupy and use the Premises only
for the uses specified in Section 1.01(11) to conduct Tenant's business.  Tenant
shall not occupy or use the  Premises  (or permit  the use or  occupancy  of the
Premises)  for  any  purpose  or in any  manner  which:  (1) is  unlawful  or in
violation  of any Law or  Environmental  Law; (2) may be dangerous to persons or
property  or which  my  increase  the cost of,  or  invalidate,  any  policy  of
insurance carried on the Building or covering its operations; (3) is contrary to
or  prohibited  by the terms and  conditions  of this  Lease or the rules of the
Building set forth in Article Eighteen;  or (4) would tend to create or continue
a nuisance.

         (b) Tenant and Landlord shall each comply with all  Environmental  Laws
concerning the proper storage,  handling and disposal of any Hazardous  Material
with  respect to the  Property.  Tenant  shall not  generate,  store,  handle or
dispose of any  Hazardous  Material  in, on, or about the  Property  without the
prior written consent of Landlord;  provided, however, Tenant shot I be entitled
to store and/or  handle in, on or about the Property  without the prior  written
consent of  Landlord  such  minimal  amounts of  Hazardous  Materials  as may be
necessary or desirable  in the  operation of Tenant's  business and the storage,
use  and/or  disposal  of which do not and  shall  not  violate  any  applicable
Environmental Laws. In the event that Tenant is notified of any investigation or
violation of any  Environmental  Law arising  from  Tenant's  activities  at the
Premises, Tenant shall Immediately deliver to Landlord a copy of such notice. In
such event or In the event  Landlord  reasonably  believes  that a violation  of
Environmental  Law exists,  Landlord may conduct such tests and studies relating
to  compliance  by Tenant with  Environmental  Laws or the  alleged  presence of
Hazardous  Materials upon the Premises as Landlord doom desirable,  all of which
shall be completed at  Landlord's  expense.  Landlord's  inspection  and testing
rights are for Landlord's  own protection  only, and Landlord has not, and shall
not be deemed to have  assumed any  responsibility  to Tenant or any other party
for  compliance  with  Environmental  Laws,  as a  result  of the  exercise,  or
non-exercise of such rights.  Tenant shall indemnify,  defend,  protect and hold
harmless the indemnities from any and all loss,  claim,  expense,  liability and
cost (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or in any way related
to the presence of any Hazardous Material  introduced to the Premises during the
Term by any party other than  Landlord in  violation of the terms of this Lease.
if any Hazardous Material is released, discharged or disposed of on or about the
Property  and such  release,  discharge  or  disposal is not caused by Tenant or
other occupants of the Premises, or their employees, agents or contractors, such
release,  discharge or disposal  shall be deemed  casualty  damage under Article
Fourteen to the extent that the  Premises are  affected  thereby;  in such case,
Landlord  and Tenant  shall have the  obligations  and  rights  respecting  such
casualty damage provided under such Article.

         (c)  Landlord  and  Tenant   acknowledge   that  the   Americans   With
Disabilities  Act of  1990  (42  U.S.C  $12101  at  seq.)  and  regulations  and
guidelines  promulgated  thereunder,  as all  of the  same  may be  amended  and
supplemented  from time to time  (collectively  referred to herein as the "ADA")
establish  requirements  for  business  operations,  accessibility  and  barrier
removal, and that such requirements may or may not apply to the Premises and the
Building  depending on, among other  things:  (1) whether  Tenant's  business is
deemed a "public  accommodation"  or  "commercial  facility",  (2) whether  such
requirements  are  "readily  achievable",  and (3)  whether  a given  alteration
effects a "primary function area" or triggers "path of travel" requirements. The
parties hereby agree that: (a) Landlord  shall be responsible  for  implementing
ADA Title III  compliance in the Common Areas,  (b) Tenant shall be  responsible
for  ADA  Title  III  compliance  in  the  Premises,   including  any  leasehold
Improvements  or  other  work  to be  performed  in  the  Premises  under  or in
connection with this Lease, and (c) Landlord way perform, or require that Tenant
perform, and Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of, ADA Title III "path of
travel" requirements resulting directly from alterations in the Premises. Tenant
shall be solely  responsible for requirements  under Title I of the ADA relating
to Tenant's employees.

         (d)  Landlord  and  Tenant  acknowledge  that the  Texas  Architectural
Barriers Act, Art.  9102,  Tex. Civ.  Stat.  Am.  (1994),  and  regulations  and
guidelines  promulgated  thereunder,  as all  of the  same  may  be  mended  and
supplemented  from  time to time  (collectively  referred  to  herein  as "TABA"
establish requirements for accessibility and barrier removal. The parties hereby
agree that, (1) with respect to the Premises,  Tenant shall be  responsible  for
compliance with TABA,  including,  without  limitation,  submission (through the
Property  manager) of  required  plans and  documents  to the State of Texas for
approval of accessibility design features, in connection with the work set forth
in the  Worktetter  attached  hereto,  if any,  and any  other  construction  or
alterations to the Premises  during the Term,  except that Landlord agrees to be
responsible  for such  compliance in  connection  with any work done by Landlord
pursuant to Section  8.01  hereof;  and (2) Landlord  shall be  responsible  for
compliance  with TABA,  including,  without  limitation,  submission of required
plans and documents to the State of Texas for approval of  accessibility  design
features,  in connection  with  construction or alterations to the Common Areas,
except that Tenant agrees to be  responsible  for such  compliance in connection
with any such work which my be  necessitated  solely as a result of Tenant's use
of the Premises.

7.02     LANDLORD ACCESS TO PREMISES

         (a) Tenant shall  permit  Landlord to erect,  use and  maintain  pipes,
ducts, wiring and conduits in and through the Premises, so long as Tenant's use,
layout or design of the Premises is not materially affected or altered. Landlord
or  Landlord's  agents  shall have the right to enter upon the  Premises  in the
event of an emergency,  or to inspect the Premises,  to perform  janitorial  and
other services,  to conduct safety and other testing in the Premises and to make
such  repairs,  alterations,  improvements  or  additions to the Premises or the
Building as Landlord may deem necessary or desirable so long as such  activities
do not interfere with or interrupt Tenant's business activities.  Janitorial and
cleaning  services shall be performed after normal business hours.  Any entry or
work by  Landlord  may be during  normal  business  hours and  Landlord  may use
reasonable  efforts  to  ensure  that any  entry or work  shall  not  materially
interfere  with  Tenant's   occupancy  of  the  Promises,   however,   any  such
interference shall not be a default by Landlord.

         (b) If Tenant shall not be  personally  present to permit an entry into
the  Premises  when for any  reason  an entry  therein  shall  be  necessary  or
permissible,  Landlord (or Landlord's agents), after attempting to notify Tenant
(unless Landlord believes an emergency situation exists), may enter the Premises
without  rendering  Landlord or its agents liable therefor (if during such entry
Landlord or Landlord's agent shall accord reasonable care to Tenants  property),
and without relieving Tenant of any obligations under this Lease.

         (c) Landlord may enter the Premises for the purpose of conducting  such
inspections,  tests and studies as Landlord  may deem  desirable or necessary to
confirm Tenant's  compliance with all Laws and  Environmental  Laws or for other
purposes  necessary  in  Landlord's  reasonable  judgment  to  ensure  the sound
condition of the Building and the system serving the Building. Landlord's rights
under this Section 7.02(c) are for Landlord's own protection  only, and Landlord
has not, and shall not be deemed to have assumed any responsibility to Tenant or
any other party for compliance with Laws or  Environmental  Laws, as a result of
the exercise or non-exercise of such rights.

         (d)  Landlord  may do any of the  foregoing,  or  undertake  any of the
inspection  or work  described in the preceding  paragraphs  without such action
constituting an actual or constructive  eviction of Tenant, in whole or in part,
or giving  rise to an  abatement  of Rent by reason of loss or  interruption  of
business of the Tenant, or otherwise.

7.03     QUIET ENJOYMENT

Landlord  covenants  that so long as Tenant is in compliance  with the covenants
and  conditions  set forth in this Lease,  Tenant  shall have the right to quiet
enjoyment of the Premises  without  hindrance or  interference  from Landlord or
those claiming through Landlord, and subject to the rights of any Mortgagee.

                                7


<PAGE>



                                  ARTICLE EIGHT
                                   MAINTENANCE
8.01     LANDLORD'S MAINTENANCE

Subject to the provisions of Article Fourteen,  Landlord shall maintain and make
necessary repairs to the foundations,  roofs, exterior walls, and the structural
elements of the Building,  the electrical,  plumbing,  heating,  ventilation and
air-conditioning systems of the Building and the public corridors, washrooms and
lobby of the Building,  except that: (a) Landlord  shall not be responsible  for
the  maintenance or repair of any floor or wall coverings in the Premises or any
of such system which are located  within the Premises  and are  supplemental  or
special to the  Building's  standard  system;  and (b) subject to section  16.04
below,  the cost of performing any of said maintenance or repairs whether to the
Premises or to the  Building  caused  solely by the  negligence  of Tenant,  its
employees,  agents, servants,  licensees,  subtenants,  contractors or invitees,
shall be paid by Tenant. Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for any expense,
injury,  loss or damage  resulting  from work done in the  Building  or upon the
Property or the use of any adjacent or nearby building, land, street, or alley.

8.02     TENANT'S MAINTENANCE

Subject to the provision of Article Fourteen, Tenant, at its expense, shall keep
and maintain the Premises and all Tenant  Alterations  in good order,  condition
and repair and in accordance with all Laws and Environmental  Laws. Tenant shall
not permit  waste and shall  promptly and  adequately  repair all damages to the
Premises  and replace or repair all damaged or broken  glass in the  interior of
the Premises,  fixtures or  appurtenances.  Any repairs or maintenance  shall be
completed with materials of similar quality to the original materials,  all such
work to be completed  under the  supervision  of  Landlord.  Any such repairs or
maintenance  shall be performed  only by  contractors  or mechanics  approved by
Landlord,  which approval  shall not be  unreasonably  withheld or delayed,  and
whose work will not cause or threaten to cause  disharmony or interference  with
Landlord  or other  tenants  in the  Building  and their  respective  agents and
contractors performing work in or about the Building. If Tenant fails to perform
any of its obligations set forth in this Section 8.02, Landlord may, in its sole
discretion  and upon 24 hours prior notice to Tenant  (except  without notice in
the case of emergencies), perform the same, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord any
costs or expenses incurred by Landlord upon demand.

                                  ARTICLE NINE
                          ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

9.01     TENANT'S ALTERATIONS

         (a) Except for completion of the Initial  Improvements  pursuant to the
Workletter,  the following  provisions shall apply to the completion of " Tenant
Alterations:

(1)      Tenant shall not, except as provided herein,  without the prior written
         consent of Landlord,  which consent shall not be unreasonably  withheld
         or delayed,  make or cause to be made any Tenant  Alterations  in or to
         the  Premises or any Building  system  serving the  Premises.  Prior to
         making any Tenant Alterations, Tenant shall give Landlord five (5) days
         prior  written  notice (or such  earlier  notice as would be  necessary
         pursuant to applicable law) to permit Landlord  sufficient time to post
         appropriate  notices  of  non-responsibility.   Subject  to  all  other
         requirements of this Article Nine, Tenant may undertake Decoration work
         without Landlord's prior written consent. Tenant shall furnish Landlord
         with the names and addresses of all contractors and  subcontractors and
         copies of all contracts.  All Tenant  Alterations shall be completed at
         such  time  and in  such  manner  as  Landlord  may  from  time to time
         designate,  and only by contractors or mechanics  approved by Landlord,
         which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and whose
         work will not cause or threaten  to cause  disharmony  or  interference
         with  Landlord or other  tenants in the Building  and their  respective
         agents  and  contractors  performing  work in or  about  the  Building.
         Landlord may further  condition  its consent upon Tenant  furnishing to
         Landlord and Landlord  approving prior to the  commencement of any work
         or  delivery  of  materials  to the  Premises  related  to  the  Tenant
         Alterations   such  of  the   following   as   specified  by  Landlord:
         architectural  plans  and   specifications,   opinions  from  engineers
         reasonably  acceptable to Landlord stating that the Tenant  Alterations
         will not in any way adversely effect the Building's systems, Including.
         without  limitation,  the  mechanical,   heating,  plumbing,  security,
         ventilating, air-conditioning, electrical, and the fire and life safety
         systems in the Building,  necessary permits and licenses,  certificates
         of  insurance,  and  such  other  documents  in  such  form  reasonably
         requested by  Landlord.  Landlord  may, in the  exercise of  reasonable
         judgment,   request  that  Tenant  provide  Landlord  with  appropriate
         evidence of Tenant's  ability to complete and pay for the completion of
         the Tenant  Alterations such as a performance bond or letter of credit.
         Upon  completion  of the Tenant  Alterations.  Tenant shall  deliver to
         Landlord an as-built  mylar and digitized (if  available)  set of plans
         and  specifications  for the Tenant  Alterations.  Notwithstanding  the
         foregoing,  Landlord's  approval  shall not be required with respect to
         any  alteration(s)  to the  Premises  which (a)  together  cost Fifteen
         Thousand  and  No/100  Dollars  ($15,000.00)  or  less,  and (b) do not
         affect,  in  any  way,  the  mechanical,  electrical,  plumbing  and/or
         structural components of the Premises or Property.

(2)      Tenant  shall pay the cost of all  Tenant  Alterations  and the cost of
         decorating  the  Premises  and  any  work  to the  Building  occasioned
         thereby.  In  connection  with  completion  of any Tenant  Alterations,
         Tenant  shall  pay  Landlord  a  construction  fee at  Landlord's  then
         standard rate;  provided,  however,  such construction fee shall not in
         any event exceed two percent  (2%) of the contract  amount with respect
         to such Tenant  Alterations.  Upon  completion  of Tenant  Alterations,
         Tenant shall furnish Landlord with contractors' affidavits and full and
         final  waivers  of lien and  receipted  bills  covering  all  labor and
         materials expended and used in connection therewith.

(3)      Tenant  agrees to cause to be completed all Tenant  Alterations  (I) in
         accordance  with all Laws,  Environmental  Laws,  all  requirements  of
         applicable  insurance  companies  and  in  accordance  with  Landlord's
         standard  construction  rules and  regulations,  and (II) in a good and
         workmanlike  manner  with the use of good grades of  materials.  Tenant
         shall  notify  Landlord  immediately  if Tenant  receives any notice of
         violation  of any  Low in  connection  with  completion  of any  Tenant
         Alterations and shall  immediately  take such steps as are necessary to
         remedy  such  violation.  Such  supervision  or right to  supervise  by
         Landlord or any approvals  given by Landlord under this Lease shall not
         constitute  any  warranty by Landlord to Tenant of the  adequacy of the
         design,  workmanship  or quality of such work or materials for Tenant's
         intended  use  or  of  compliance  with  the  requirements  of  Section
         9.01(a)(3)(i)  and (ii) above or impose any liability  upon Landlord In
         connection with the performance of such work.

         (b) All Tenant Alterations which cannot be removed without  substantial
damage to the Premises,  whether installed by Landlord or Tenant,  shall without
compensation  or credit to Tenant,  become part of the Premises and the property
of Landlord at the time of their  installation and shall remain in the Premises,
unless  pursuant  to Article  Twelve,  Tenant may remove  them or s required  to
remove them at Landlord's request.

                                8



<PAGE>



9.02     LIENS

Tenant shall not permit any lien or claim for lien of any  mechanic,  laborer or
supplier  or any other lien to be filed  against  the  Building,  the Land,  the
Premises, or any part thereof arising out of work performed,  or alleged to have
been  performed by, or at the direction of, or on behalf of Tenant.  If any such
lien or claim for lien is filed,  Tenant shall within ten (10) days of receiving
notice of such lien or claim  (a) have such lien or claim for lien  released  of
record or (b) deliver to Landlord a bond in form, content, amount, and issued by
surety,  satisfactory  to  Landlord,  indemnifying,  protecting,  defending  and
holding  harmless the indemnities  against all costs and  liabilities  resulting
from such lien or claim for lian and the  foreclosure  or attempted  foreclosure
thereof.  If tenant fails to take any of the above  actions,  Landlord,  without
investigating  the  validity  of such lien or claim for lien,  way,  upon  prior
notice to Tenant,  pay or  discharge  the same and Tenant  shall,  as payment of
additional Rent hereunder, reimburse Landlord upon demand for the amount so paid
by Landlord, including Landlord's expenses and attorneys' fees.

                                   ARTICLE TEN
                            ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

10.01    ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

         (a) Without the prior written  consent of Landlord (which consent shall
not be  unreasonably  withheld or  delayed),  Tenant may not  sublease,  assign,
mortgage,  pledge,  hypothecate or otherwise  transfer or permit the transfer of
this Lease or the encumbering of Tenant's  interest therein in whole or in part,
by operation of law or otherwise or permit the use or occupancy of the Premises,
or any part thereof,  by anyone other then Tenant.  Except as otherwise provided
herein,  if  Tenant  desires  to enter  into any  sublease  of the  Premises  or
assignment  of this  Lease,  Tenant  shall  deliver  written  notice  thereof to
Landlord  ("Tenant's  Notice"),  together  with  the  identity  of the  proposed
subtenant or assignee and the proposed principal terms thereof and financial and
other  information  sufficient  for Landlord to make an informed  judgment  with
respect to such proposed subtenant or assignee at least sixty (60) days prior to
the  commencement  date of the term of the proposed  sublease or assignment.  if
Tenant  proposes to sublease less then all of the Rentable Area of the Premises,
the space  proposed to be sublet and the space retained by Tenant must each be a
marketable unit as reasonably determined by Landlord and otherwise in compliance
with all Laws.  Landlord  shall  notify  Tenant in  writing of its  approval  or
disapproval  of the proposed  sublease or assignment or its decision to exercise
its rights under Section 10.02 within thirty (30) days after receipt of Tenant's
Notice  (and &it  required  information).  In no event may Tenant  sublease  any
portion of the Premises or assign the Lease to any other tenant of the Building.
Tenant  shall  submit  for  Landlord's  approval  (which  approval  shelf not be
unreasonably  withheld) any advertising which Tenant or its agents Intend to use
with respect to the space proposed to be sublet.

         (b) In making its  determination  of whether to consent to any proposed
sublease  or  assignment,  Landlord  may take into  consideration  the  business
reputation  and  credit-worthiness  of the proposed  subtenant or assignee;  the
intended use of the Premises by the proposed  subtenant or assignee;  the nature
of the  business  conducted  by such  subtenant  or assignee  and  whether  such
business  would be  deleterious to the reputation of the Building or Landlord or
would violate the provisions of any other losses of tenants of the Building; the
estimated  pedestrian and vehicular  traffic in the Premises and to the Building
which would be  generated by the  proposed  subtenant  or assignee;  whether the
proposed assignee or subtenant is a department,  representative or agency of any
governmental  body,  foreign or  domestic;  whether  the  proposed  assignee  or
subtenant  is a bonafide  prospective  tenant of  Landlord in the  Building,  as
demonstrated  by a written  proposal  dated within ninety (90) days prior to the
date of Tenant's  request for approval;  and any other  factors  which  Landlord
shall deem  relevant.  In no event  shall  Landlord be  obligated  to consider a
consent to any proposed (I) sublease of the Premises or  assignment of the Lease
if a Default then exists under the Lease, or a fact condition exists,  which but
for the giving of notice or the passage of time would  constitute a Default,  or
(II) assignment of the Lease which would assign less then the entire Premises.

         (c) If  Landlord  chooses  not to  recapture  the space  proposed to be
subleased  or  assigned  as  provided  in  Section  10.02,  Landlord  shall  not
unreasonably  withhold  its consent to a  subletting  or  assignment  under this
Section 10.01. Any approved sublease or assignment shall be expressly subject to
the terms and  conditions of this Lease.  Any such  subtenant or assignee  shall
execute  such  documents  as Landlord may  reasonably  require to evidence  such
subtenant or assignee's  assumption of such obligations and liabilities.  Tenant
shall  deliver to Landlord a copy of all  agreements  executed by Tenant and the
proposed  subtenant  and  assignee  with  respect  to the  Premises.  Landlord's
approval of a sublease or assignment  shall not  constitute a waiver of Tenant's
obligation to obtain Landlord's consent to further assignments or subleases.

         (d) For purposes of this Article Ten, an assignment  shall be deemed to
include a change in the majority control of Tenant, resulting from any transfer,
sale or assignment of shares of stock of Tenant occurring by operation of law or
otherwise  if  Tenant is a  corporation  whose  shares  of stock are not  traded
publicly. If Tenant is a partnership, any change in the partners of Tenant shall
be deemed to be an assignment.

         (e) Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in this Article
Ten, Tenant shall have the right, without the prior written consent of Landlord,
to sublease the Premises, or to assign this Lease to an Affiliate.

10.02    RECAPTURE

Except as provided in Section 10.01(e) Landlord shall have the option to exclude
from the Premises covered by this Lease ("recapture"),  the space proposed to be
sublet or subject to the assignment,  effective as of the proposed  commencement
date of such sublease or  assignment.  If Landlord  elects to recapture,  Tenant
shall  surrender  possession of the space proposed to be subleased or subject to
the  assignment to Landlord on the effective  date of such proposed  sublease or
assignment of the Premises such date being the Termination  Date for such space.
Effective as of the date of recapture of any portion of the Premises pursuant to
this section,  the Monthly Base Rent, Rentable Area of the Premises and Tenant's
Rent Adjustment shall be adjusted accordingly.

10.03    EXCESS RENT

Tenant  shelf pay Landlord on the first day of each month during the term of the
sublease or  assignment,  fifty  percent (50%) of the amount by which the sum of
all rent and other consideration  (direct or indirect) due from the subtenant or
assignee for such month  exceeds:  (I) that portion of the Monthly Base Rent and
Rent  Adjustments  due under this Lease for said month which is allocable to the
space  sublet or  assigned;  and (II) the  following  costs and expenses for the
subletting or assignment of such space: (1) brokerage commissions and attorneys'
fees and expenses,  (2) advertising for subtenants or assignees;  (3) the actual
costs paid in making any improvements or substitutions in the Premises  required
by any  sublease  or  assignment;  and (4)  "free  rent"  periods,  costs of any
inducements or  concessions  given to subtenant or assignee,  moving costs,  and
other  amounts in respect of such  subtenant's  or  assignee's  other  leases or
occupancy  arrangements.  All such costs will be amortized  over the term of the
sublease or assignment pursuant to sound accounting principles.

10.04    TENANT LIABILITY

In the event of any  sublease  or  assignment,  whether  or not with  Landlord's
consent, Tenant shall not be released or discharged from any liability,  whether
post, present or future, under this Lease,  including any liability arising from
the  exercise  of any  renewal or  expansion  option,  to the  extent  expressly
permitted by

                                        9

<PAGE>


Landlord.  If Landlord  grants  consent to such sublease or  assignment,  Tenant
shall pay all reasonable  attorneys' fees and expenses incurred by Landlord with
respect to such assignment or sublease.  In addition,  if Tenant has any options
to extend the term of this  Lease or to add other  space to the  Premises,  such
options  shall not be  available  to any  subtenant  or  assignee,  directly  or
indirectly without Landlord's express written consent.

10.05    ASSUMPTION AND ATTORNMENT

If Tenant  shall  assign this Lease as  permitted  herein,  the  assignee  shall
expressly  assure  all of the  obligations  of  Tenant  hereunder  in a  written
instrument  satisfactory  to Landlord  and  furnished to Landlord not later then
fifteen (15) days prior to the effective date of the assignment. If Tenant shall
sublease the Premises an permitted herein,  Tenant shall, at Landlord's  option,
within fifteen (15) days  following any request by Landlord,  obtain and furnish
to  Landlord  the written  agreement  of such  subtenant  to the effect that the
subtenant  will  attorn  to  Landlord  and will pay all Rent  (and  excess  rent
described in Section 10.03 above) directly to Landlord.

                                 ARTICLE ELEVEN
                              DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

11.01    EVENTS OF DEFAULT

The occurrence or existence of any one or more of the following shall constitute
a "Default" by Tenant under this Lease:

(1) Tenant  fails to pay any  installment  or other  payment  of Rent  including
without limitation Rent Adjustment Deposits or Rent Adjustments, within ten (10)
days after the later to occur of (A) the date of written  notice  from  Landlord
that such sum is due, provided,  however, that Landlord shall not be required to
give more then two (2) such notices  during any twelve (12) month period  during
the Term, or (B) the date on which such payment is due hereunder if Landlord has
previously  given two (2) such  notices  with respect to payments due during the
prior eleven (11) months;

(2) Tenant fails to observe or perform any of the other covenants, conditions or
provisions of this Lease or the Workletter and fails to cure such default within
thirty  (30) days after  written  notice  thereof to Tenant  (unless the default
involves a  hazardous  condition,  which  shall be cured  forthwith);  provided,
however, if such default is incapable of being cured within said thirty (30) day
period,  Tenant  shall have such period of time as may be  necessary in order to
cure such default as long as Tenant has commences  such cure within said initial
thirty  (30)  day  period  and  hereafter  diligently  prosecutes  such  cure to
completion, not to exceed sixty (60) days.

(3) the interest of Tenant in this Lease is levied upon under execution or other
legal process;

(4) a petition  is filed by or  against  Tenant to declare  Tenant  bankrupt  or
seeking  a plan of  reorganization  or  arrangement  under  any  Chapter  of the
bankruptcy Act, or any amendment,  replacement or substitution  therefor,  or to
delay  payment  of,  reduce or modify  Tenant's  debts,  which in the case of an
involuntary action is not discharged within thirty (30) days;

(5) Tenant is declared  insolvent by law or any general  assignment  of Tenant's
property is made for the benefit of creditors;

(6) a receiver is appointed for Tenant or Tenants property, which appointment is
not discharged within thirty (30) days;

(7) any  action  taken by or against  Tenant to  reorganize  or modify  Tenant's
capital  structure  in a  materially  adverse  way  which  in  the  case  of  an
involuntary action is not discharged within thirty (30) days;

(8) upon the dissolution of Tenant; or

(9) the failure to immediately  surrender  occupancy and deliver up the Premises
as provided in Paragraph 5 of the  Termination  Option  Exhibit,  Exhibit "G" to
this Lease.

11.02    LANDLORD'S REMEDIES

         (a) If a Default  occurs,  Landlord  shall have the rights and remedies
hereinafter set forth, which shall be distinct and cumulative:  (I) Landlord may
terminate this Lease by giving Tenant notice of Landlord's election to do so, in
which  event,  the term of this Lease shall end and all of  Tenant's  rights and
interests  shall  expire on the date stated in such  notice;  (II)  Landlord may
terminate Tenant's right of possession of the Premises without  terminating this
Lease by giving notice to Tenant that Tenant's right of possession  shall end on
the date specified in such notice;  or (III) Landlord may enforce the provisions
of this Lease and may enforce and protect the rights of the  Landlord  hereunder
by a suit or suits  in  equity  or at law for the  specific  performance  of any
covenant or agreement  contained  herein,  or for the  enforcement  of any other
appropriate legal or equitable remedy,  including  recovery of all monies due or
to  become  due from  Tenant  under any of the  provisions  of this  Lease.  All
Landlord remedies shall be cumulative and not exclusive.

         (b) In the event that Landlord terminates the Lease,  Landlord shall be
entitled to recover (I) the sum of all Rents and other  indebtedness  accrued to
the date of such  termination,  plus (II) the cost of  recovering  the Premises,
(III) the cost of  reletting  the  Premises,  or  portions  thereof  (including,
without  limitation,  brokerage  commissions)  and  (IV)  the  cost of  repairs,
alterations,  improvements,  additions  and  decorations  to the Premises to the
extent  Landlord deems  reasonably  necessary or desirable.  (Items (II) through
(IV) are herein defined as the "Recovery Costs"). In addition, in the event that
Tenant's Default  constitutes a material  breach,  Landlord shall be entitled to
recover a sum equal to the difference  between (x) the total lose Rent due under
this Lease for the  remainder  of the Term and (y) the then fair  market  rental
value of the Premises  during such period,  discounted  to present  value at the
rate of ten percent (10%) ("Discounted Future Rent").

         (c ) In the event Landlord  proceeds  pursuant to subparagraph  (a)(II)
above,  Landlord shall be entitled to recover (1) the sum of all Rents and other
indebtedness  accrued to the date of such  termination  of Tenant's  possession,
plus (2) the Recovery Costs (as defined  above).  Landlord may, but shall not be
obligated to (except as may be required by law), relet the Premises, or any part
thereof  for the  account of Tenant,  for such rent and term and upon such terns
and  conditions as are reasonably  acceptable to Landlord.  For purposes of such
reletting,  Landlord is  authorized to decorate,  repair,  alter and improve the
Premises to the extent  reasonably  necessary or desirable.  If the Premises are
relet and the consideration  realized  therefrom after payment of all Landlord's
reletting  Expenses,  is  insufficient  to satisfy the payment  when due of Rent
reserved under this Lease for any monthly period, then Tenant shall pay Landlord
upon  demand  any  such  deficiency  monthly  ("Rental  Deficiency").   If  such
consideration is greater than the amount necessary to pay the full amount of the
Rent,  the full mount of such excess  shall be retained by Landlord and shall in
no event be payable to Tenant.  Tenant  agrees  that  Landlord  may file suit to
recover any sums due to Landlord  hereunder from time to time and that such suit
or recovery of any amount due Landlord hereunder shall not be any defense to any
subsequent action brought for any amount not theretofore  reduced to judgment in
favor of  Landlord.  Notwithstanding  any such  reletting  without  termination,
Landlord  may at any time  thereafter  elect to  terminate  this  Lease for such
previous  Default.  In the  alternative  (but  only in the event  that  Tenant's
Default constitutes a material breach), Landlord may elect to terminate Tenant's
right to occupy the Premises and to immediately  recover as damages,  in lieu of
the Rental  Deficiency,  a sum equal to the  Discounted  Future Rent (as defined
above).

                                 10



<PAGE>




         (d) In the event a Default occurs,  Landlord may, at Landlord's option,
enter into the Premises, remove Tenant's property, fixtures,  furnishings, signs
and other  evidences  of  tenancy,  and take and hold such  property;  provided,
however,  that such  entry and  possession  shall not  terminate  this  Lease or
release Tenant,  in whole or in part,  from Tenant's  obligation to pay the Rent
reserved  hereunder  for the full  Term or from any other  obligation  of Tenant
under this Lease. Any and all property which may be removed from the Premises by
Landlord  pursuant to the  authority  of the Lease or law, to which Tenant is or
may be entitled, may be handled, removed or stored by Landlord at the risk, cost
and expense of Tenant,  and Landlord  shall in no event be  responsible  for the
value,  preservation  or safekeeping  thereof.  Tenant shall pay Landlord,  upon
demand,  any and all expenses  incurred in such removal and all storage  charges
against such property so long as the same shall be in the Landlord's  possession
or under the  Landlord's  control.  Any such property of Tenant not retaken from
storage by Tenant within thirty (30) days after the Termination  Date,  shall be
conclusively  presumed to have been  conveyed  by Tenant to Landlord  under this
Lease as a bill of sate without further payment or credit by Landlord to Tenant.

11.03    ATTORNEY'S FEES

Tenant  shall pay upon  demand,  all costs and  expenses,  including  reasonable
attorneys' fees, incurred by Landlord and resulting from Tenant's Default.

11.04    BANKRUPTCY

The  following  provisions  shall  apply  in  the  event  of the  bankruptcy  or
insolvency of Tenant:

         (a) In connection with any proceeding under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy
Code where the trustee of Tenant elects to assume this Lease for the purposes of
assigning it, such election or assignment, may only be made upon compliance with
the  provisions  of (b) and (c)  below,  which  conditions  Landlord  and Tenant
acknowledge to be  commercially  reasonable.  In the event the trustee elects to
reject this Lease then Landlord  shall  immediately be entitled to possession of
the Premises without further obligation to Tenant or the trustee.

         (b) Any  election to assume  this Lease  under  Chapter 11 or 13 of the
Bankruptcy Code by Tenant as  debtor-in-possession  or by Tenant's  trustee (the
"Electing Party") must provide for:

         The Electing  Party to cure or provide to Landlord  adequate  assurance
         that it will cure all monetary defaults under this Lease within fifteen
         (15) days from the date of assumption and it will cure all  nonmonetary
         defaults  under this  Lease  within  thirty  (30) days from the date of
         assumption.  Landlord  and  Tenant  acknowledge  such  condition  to be
         commercially reasonable.

         (c) If the  Electing  Party has assumed  this Lease or elects to assign
Tenant's  interest  under this Lease to any other  person,  such interest may be
assigned only if the intended assignee has provided adequate assurance of future
performance (as herein  defined),  of all of the  obligations  imposed on Tenant
under  this  Lease.  For the  purposes  hereof,  "adequate  assurance  of future
performance"  means that  Landlord has  ascertained  that each of the  following
conditions has been satisfied:

                  (I) The assignee has submitted a current financial  statement,
         certified by its chief financial  officer,  which shows a net worth and
         working capital in amounts  sufficient to assure the future performance
         by the assignee of Tenant's obligations under this Lease; and

                  (II) Landlord has obtained  consents or waivers from any third
         parties  which  may be  required  under a  lease,  mortgage,  financing
         arrangement,  or other  agreement by which Landlord is bound, to enable
         Landlord to permit such assignment.

         (d)  Landlord's  acceptance  of  rent or any  other  payment  from  any
trustee, receiver,  assignee, person, or other entity will not be deemed to have
waived,  or waive,  the requirement of Landlord's  consent,  Landlord's right to
terminate  this Lease for any  transfer  of Tenant's  interest  under this Lease
without  such  consent,  or  Landlord's  claim  for any  amount of Rent due from
Tenant.

                                 ARTICLE TWELVE
                              SURRENDER OF PREMISES

12.01    IN GENERAL

Upon the  Termination  Date,  Tenant  shall  surrender  and vacate the  Premises
immediately  and deliver  possession  thereof to  Landlord in a clean,  good and
tenantable  condition,  ordinary  wear and tear,  and damage caused by casualty,
condemnation or Landlord excepted.  Tenant shall deliver to Landlord all keys to
the  Premises.  Tenant shall be entitled to remove from the Promises all movable
personal property of Tenant, Tenant's trade fixtures and such Tenant Alterations
which  at the time of their  installation  Landlord  and  Tenant  agreed  may be
removed by Tenant or which may be otherwise  removed  pursuant to the provisions
of this  Lease.  Tenant  shall also  remove  such other  Tenant  Alterations  as
required by  Landlord,  including,  but not  limited to, any Tenant  Alterations
containing  Hazardous  Materials.  Tenant  immediately  shall  repair all damage
resulting  from  removal  of any of  Tenant's  property,  furnishings  or Tenant
Alterations,  shall close all floor, ceiling and roof openings and shall restore
the Premises to a tenantable condition as reasonably  determined by Landlord. If
any of the  Tenant  Alterations  which were  installed  by Tenant  involved  the
towering of ceilings,  raising of floors or the installation of specialized wall
or floor coverings or lights, then Tenant shall also be obligated to return such
surfaces to their  condition  prior to the  commencement  of this Lease.  Tenant
shall also be required to close any staircases or other openings between floors.
in the event  possession  of the  Premises is not  delivered  to  Landlord  when
required  hereunder,  or if Tenant  shall fail to remove  those  item  described
above,  Landlord may, at Tenants expense,  remove any of such property therefrom
without any  liability  to Landlord  and  undertake,  at Tenant's  expense  such
restoration work as my be required hereunder.

12.02    LANDLORD'S RIGHTS

All  property  which  my be  removed  from the  Premises  by  Landlord  shall be
conclusively  presumed to have been  abandoned  by Tenant and  Landlord may deal
with such property as provided In Section 11.02(d).  Tenant shalt also reimburse
Landlord  for all costs and  expenses  Incurred by  Landlord In removing  any of
Tenant  Alterations  and In restoring the Premises to the condition  required by
this Lease at the Termination Date.

                                   11


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                                ARTICLE THIRTEEN
                                  HOLDING OVER

Tenant shall pay Landlord the greater of (I) double the monthly Rent payable for
the month immediately  preceding the holding over (including  increases for Rent
Adjustments  which  Landlord my  reasonably  estimate)  or, (II) double the fair
market  rental value of the Premises as  reasonably  determined  by Landlord for
each month or portion thereof that Tenant retains possession of the Premises, or
any portion  thereof,  after the  Termination  Date  (without  reduction for any
partial month that Tenant retains possession).  Tenant shall also pay all actual
damages  sustained by Landlord by reason of such  retention of  possession.  The
provisions  of this Article  shall not  'constitute  a waiver by Landlord of any
re-entry  rights of Landlord  and Tenant's  continued  occupancy of the Premises
shall be as a tenancy in sufferance.

                                ARTICLE FOURTEEN
                        DAMAGE BY FIRE OR OTHER CASUALTY

14.01    SUBSTANTIAL UNTENANTABILITY

         (a) if any  fire or  other  casualty  (whether  insured  or  uninsured)
renders  all  or  a  substantial   portion  of  the  Premises  or  the  Building
untenantable, Landlord shall, with reasonable promptness after the occurrence of
such damage,  estimate the length of time that will be required to Substantially
Complete the repair and  restoration  and shall by notice  advise Tenant of such
estimate  ("Landlord's  Notice").  If Landlord estimates that the amount of time
required to  Substantially  Complete such repair and restoration will exceed one
hundred eighty (180) days from the date such damage occurred,  then Landlord, or
Tenant if all or a substantial portion of the Premises is rendered untenantable,
shall have the right to terminate  this Lease as of the date of such damage upon
giving  written  notice to the other at any time  within  twenty (20) days after
delivery of Landlord's Notice, provided that if Landlord so chooses,  Landlord's
Notice may also constitute such notice of termination.

         (b) Unless  this  Lease is  terminated  as  provided  in the  preceding
subparagraph,  Landlord shall proceed with  reasonable  promptness to repair and
restore the Premises to its condition as existed prior to such casualty, subject
to reasonable  delays for insurance  adjustments and Force Majeure  delays,  and
also subject to zoning laws and building  codes then in effect.  Landlord  shall
have no liability to Tenant,  and Tenant shall not be entitled to terminate this
Lease if such repairs and restoration are not in fact completed  within the time
period  estimated by Landlord so long as Landlord shall proceed with  reasonable
diligence to complete such repairs and restoration.

         (c) Tenant  acknowledges  that  Landlord  shall be entitled to the full
proceeds of any insurance  coverage,  whether carried by Landlord or Tenant, for
damages to the Premises,  except for those proceeds of Tenant's insurance of its
own personal  property and  equipment  which would be removable by Tenant at the
Termination  Date.  All such  insurance  proceeds  shall be payable to  Landlord
whether or not the Premises are to be repaired and restored.

         (d)  Notwithstanding  anything to the  contrary  herein set forth:  (I)
Landlord  shall have no duty  pursuant to this  Section to repair or restore any
portion of any Tenant  Alterations or to expend for any repair or restoration of
the  Premises  or  Building  amounts  in excess of  Insurance  proceeds  paid to
Landlord and available for repair or restoration; and (II) Tenant shall not have
the right to  terminate  this Lease  pursuant  to this  Section if any damage or
destruction was caused by the act or neglect of Tenant, its agent or employees.

         (e) Any repair or restoration of the Premises performed by Tenant shall
be in accordance with the provisions of Article Nine hereof.

14.02    INSUBSTANTIAL UNTENANTABILITY

If the Premises or the Building is damaged by a casualty but neither is rendered
substantially  untenantable,  then Landlord  shall proceed to repair and restore
the  Building or the Premises  other then Tenant  Alterations,  with  reasonable
promptness, unless such damage is to the Premises and occurs during the last six
(6) months of the Term, in which event either Tenant or Landlord  shall have the
right to terminate  this Lease as of the date of such casualty by giving written
notice  thereof  to the other  within  twenty  (20) days  after the date of such
casualty.

14.03    RENT ABATEMENT

Except for the  negligence  or willful act of Tenant or its  agents,  employees,
contractors  or  invitees,  if all or any  part  of the  Premises  are  rendered
untenentable by fire or other casualty and this Lease is not terminated, Monthly
Base Rent and Rent  Adjustments  shall abate for that part of the Premises which
is untenantable on a per diem basis from the date of the casualty until Landlord
has  Substantially  Completed  the repair and  restoration  work in the Premises
which it is required to perform,  provided,  that as a result of such  casualty,
Tenant does not occupy the portion of the Premises which is untenantable  during
such period.

                                 ARTICLE FIFTEEN
                                 EMINENT DOMAIN

15.01    TAKING OF WHOLE OR SUBSTANTIAL PART

In the  event  the  whole  or any  substantial  part of the  Building  or of the
Premises is taken or condemned by any competent  authority for any public use or
purpose (including a deed given in lieu of condemnation) and is thereby rendered
untenantable,  this Lease  shall  terminate  as of the date title  vests in such
authority, and Monthly Base Rent and Rent Adjustments shall be apportioned as of
the Termination Date.

15.02 TAKING OF PART

In the event a part of the Building or the Premises is taken or condemned by any
competent  authority (or a deed is delivered in lieu of  condemnation)  and this
Lease is not  terminated,  the Lease shall be amended to reduce the Monthly Base
Rent and Tenant's  Rent  Adjustment to reflect the Rentable Area of the Premises
or  Building,   as  the  case  may  be,  remaining  after  any  such  taking  or
condemnation.  Landlord,  upon  receipt  and  to the  extent  of  the  award  in
condemnation (or proceeds of sale) shall make necessary repairs and restorations
to the Premises  (exclusive  of Tenant  Alterations)  and to the Building to the
extent  necessary  to  constitute  the portion of the  Building  not so taken or
condemned  as  a  complete   architectural  and  economically   efficient  unit.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if as a result of any taking, or a governmental
order that the grade of any street or alley  adjacent  to the  Building is to be
changed and such taking or change of grade makes it  necessary  or  desirable to
substantially  remodel  or restore  the  Building  or  prevents  the  economical
operation of the Building, Landlord shall have the right to terminate this Lease
upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to Tenant.

                              12


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15.03    COMPENSATION

Landlord  shall be entitled to receive the entire award (or sate  proceeds) from
any such taking,  condemnation or sale without any payment to Tenant, and Tenant
hereby assigns to Landlord Tenant's interest,  if any, in such award;  provided,
however, Tenant shall have the right separately to pursue against the condemning
authority a separate award in respect of the loss, if any, to Tenant Alterations
paid for by Tenant  without  any credit or  allowance  from  Landlord so long as
there is no diminution of Landlord's award as a result.

                                 ARTICLE SIXTEEN
                                    INSURANCE

16.01    TENANT'S INSURANCE

Tenant,  at Tenant's  expense,  agrees to  maintain in force,  with a company or
companies  reasonably  acceptable to Landlord,  during the Term:  (a) Commercial
General  Liability  insurance  on a  primary  basis  and  without  any  right of
contribution  from any insurance carried by Landlord covering the Premises on an
occurrence  basis against all claims for personal injury,  bodily injury,  death
and   property   damage,    including   contractual   liability   covering   the
indemnification  provisions  in this  Lease.  Such  insurance  shall be for such
limits that are  reasonably  required by Landlord from time to time but not less
than a combined single limit of Two Million and No/100 Dollars  (S2,000,000.00);
(b) Workers'  Compensation and Employers,  Liability  Insurance for an amount of
not less then One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00), both in accordance
with the laws of The State of Texas;  (c) "All Risks"  property  insurance in an
amount  adequate  to  cover  the  full   replacement   cost  of  all  equipment,
installations,  fixtures  and  contents of the Premises in the event of loss and
any such policy shall contain a provision  requiring  the Insurance  carriers to
waive their rights of subrogation against Landlord; and (d) in the event a motor
vehicle is to be used by Tenant in connection  with its business  operation from
the Premises,  Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance coverage with limits
of not less than One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00)  combined single
limit coverage  against bodily injury  liability and property  damage  liability
arising out of the use by or on behalf of Tenant,  its agents and  employees  In
connection with this Lease, of any owned, non-owned or hired motor vehicles.

16.02    FORM OF POLICIES

Each policy referred to in 16.01 shall satisfy the following requirements.  Each
policy shall (I) name Landlord and the indemnities as additional insureds,  (II)
be issued by one or more responsible insurance companies licensed to do business
in Texas reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, (III) not permit coinsurance, (IV)
shall provide that such insurance may not be canceled or amended  without thirty
(30) days' prior written notice to the Landlord,  and (v) shall provide that the
policy shall not be  invalidated  should the insured waive in writing prior to a
loss,  any or all rights of recovery  against any other party for losses covered
by such policies.  Tenant shall deliver to Landlord,  certificates  of insurance
and at  Landlord's  request,  copies of all policies and renewals  thereof to be
maintained  by  Tenant  hereunder,  not less  then ten  (10)  days  prior to the
Commencement  Date and not less then ten (10) days prior to the expiration  date
of each policy.

16.03    LANDLORDS INSURANCE

Landlord,  agrees to purchase and keep in full force and effect  during the Term
hereof,  including any extensions or renewals thereof,  insurance under policies
issued by insurers of  recognized  responsibility,  qualified  to do business in
Texas on the  Building  in amounts  not less then the  greater  of eighty  (80%)
percent of the then full replacement cost (without depreciation) of the Building
(above  foundations) or an amount sufficient to prevent Landlord from becoming a
co-insurer  under the term of the  applicable  policies,  against  fire and such
other risks as may be included in standard form of all risk  coverage  insurance
reasonably  available  from time to time.  Landlord  agrees to maintain in force
during the Term, Commercial General Liability insurance covering the Building on
an occurrence basis against all claims for personal injury, bodily injury, death
and property damage. Such insurance shall be for a combined single limit of Five
Million and No/100 Dollars  ($5,000,000.00).  Neither  Landlord's  obligation to
carry such insurance nor the carrying of such insurance  shall,  be deemed to be
an indemnity by Landlord  with respect to any claim,  liability,  loss,  cost or
expense  due, in whole or in part,  to Tenant's  negligent  acts or omissions or
willful misconduct.

16.04    WAIVER OF SUBROGATION

         (a) Landlord  agrees that if obtainable  at no, or minimal,  additional
cost,  and so long as the same is  permitted  under the laws of  Texas,  It will
Include In Its "All Risks" policies  appropriate  clauses  pursuant to which the
Insurance  companies  (I) waive all right of  subrogation  against  Tenant  with
respect  to tosses  payable  under  such  policies  and/or  (II) agree that such
policies shall not be invalidated should the Insured waive in writing prior to a
loss any or sit right of recovery  against any party for tosses  covered by such
policies.

         (b)  Tenant  agrees  to  include,  if  obtainable  at no,  or  minimal,
additional  cost, and so long as the same is permitted  under the laws of Texas,
In its "All Risks" Insurance  policy or policies on Its furniture,  furnishings,
fixtures and other  property  removable by Tenant under the provisions of its to
lease  of space in the  Building,  appropriate  clauses  pursuant  to which  the
insurance  company  or  companies  (I) waive the  right of  subrogation  against
Landlord  and/or ny  tenant  of space In the  Building  with  respect  to losses
payable  under such  policy or policies  and/or  (III) agree that such policy or
policies shall not be invalidated should the insured waive in writing prior to a
loss any or all right of recovery  against any party for losses  covered by such
policy or  policies.  If Tenant is unable to obtain in such  policy or  policies
either of the clauses  described in the preceding  sentence,  Tenant  shall,  if
legally possible and without necessitating a change in insurance carriers,  have
Landlord named in such policy or policies as an additional  insured. If Landlord
shall  be named as an  additional  insured  in  accordance  with the  foregoing,
Landlord agrees to endorse  promptly to the order of Tenant,  without  recourse,
any check, draft, or order for the payment of money representing the proceeds of
any such policy or  representing  any other payment  growing out of or connected
with said  policies,  and  Landlord  does hereby  irrevocably  waive any and all
rights in and to such proceeds and payments.

         (c)  Provided  that  Landlord's  right of full  recovery  under all its
policy or policies  aforesaid is not adversely  affected or prejudiced  thereby,
Landlord  hereby waives any and all right of recovery  which it might  otherwise
have against  Tenant,  its servants,  agents and  employees,  for loss or damage
occurring to the Building and the fixtures, appurtenances and equipment therein,
to the extent the same is covered by Landlord's insurance,  notwithstanding that
such loss or damage  may result  from the  negligence  or fault of  Tenant,  its
servants,  agents or employees.  Provided  that Tenant's  right of full recovery
under its aforesaid  policy or policies is not adversely  affected or prejudiced
thereby,  Tenant  hereby  waives  any and all right of  recovery  which it might
otherwise have against Landlord, its servants,  agents and employees and against
every other tenant in the Building who shall have  executed a similar  waiver as
set forth in this  Section  16.04 (c) for lose or damage to Tenant's  furniture,
furnishings,   fixtures  and  other  property  removable  by  Tenant  under  the
provisions  hereof to the extent  that same Is covered  by  Tenant's  insurance,
notwithstanding  that such loss or damage my result from the negligence or fault
of Landlord,  its servants,  agents or  employees,  or such other tenant and the
servants, agents or employees thereof.

                                  13


<PAGE>



         (d)  Landlord and Tenant  hereby agree to advise the other  promptly if
the clauses to be included in their respective  insurance  policies  pursuant to
subparagraphs  (a) and (b) above  cannot be obtained  an the terms  hereinbefore
provided and  thereafter to furnish the other with a certificate of insurance or
copy of such policies showing the naming of the other as an additional  insured,
as aforesaid. Landlord and Tenant hereby also agree to notify the other promptly
of any  cancellation or change of the term of any such policy which would affect
such clauses or naming. All such policies which name both Landlord and Tenant as
additional  insureds shall to the extent  obtainable,  contain agreements by the
insurers to the effect  that no act or mission of any  additional  insured  will
invalidate the policy as to the other additional insureds.

16.05    NOTICE OF CASUALTY

Tenant shall give Landlord notice in case of a fire or material  accident in the
Premises promptly after Tenant is aware of such event.

                                ARTICLE SEVENTEEN
                         WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY

17.01    WAIVER OF CLAIMS

To the extent permitted by law, Tenant releases the indemnities from, and waives
all claims  for,  damage to person or  property  sustained  by the Tenant or any
occupant of the Building or Premises  resulting  directly or indirectly from any
existing or future condition,  defect, matter or thing in and about the Property
or the Premises or any part of either or any equipment or appurtenance  therein,
or resulting from any accident in or about the Property,  or resulting  directly
or indirectly  from any act or neglect of any tenant or occupant of the Building
or of any other person,  including Landlord's agents and servants,  except where
resulting  from the willful and wrongful act of any of the  indemnities.  Tenant
hereby   waives  any   consequential   damages,   compensation   or  claims  for
inconvenience or lose of business,  rents, or profits as a result of such injury
or damage.  If any such  damage,  whether to the  Premises or to any part of the
Property or any part thereof,  or whether to Landlord or to other tenants in the
Building,  results from any act or neglect of Tenant,  its employees,  servants,
agents, contractors, invitees and customers, Tenant shall be liable therefor and
Landlord may, at Landlord's  option,  repair such damage and Tenant shall,  upon
demand by Landlord, as payment of additional Rent hereunder,  reimburse Landlord
within ten (10) days of demand for the total cost of such repairs,  in excess of
amounts, if any, paid to Landlord under insurance covering such damages.  Tenant
shall not be liable for any damage  caused by its acts or neglect if Landlord or
a tenant has  recovered the full amount of the damage from proceeds of Insurance
policies and the Insurance  company has waived its right of subrogation  against
Tenant.

17.02    INDEMNITY BY TENANT

Intentionally Deleted.

                                ARTICLE EIGHTEEN
                              RULES AND REGULATIONS

18.01    RULES

Tenant agrees for itself and for its subtenants, employees, agents, and invitees
to empty with the rules and  regulations  listed an Exhibit "D" attached  hereto
and with all reasonable  modifications  and additions thereto which Landlord may
make from time to time.

18.02    ENFORCEMENT

Nothing in this Lease shall be construed to impose upon the Landlord any duty or
obligation to enforce the rules and  regulations  as set forth on Exhibit "D" or
as hereafter adopted,  or the terms,  covenants or conditions of any other lease
as against any other tenant,  and the Landlord shall not be liable to the Tenant
for violation of the same by any other tenant, its servants,  employees, agents,
visitors or  licensees.  Landlord  shall use  reasonable  efforts to enforce the
rules  and  regulations  of the  Building  in a uniform  and  non-discriminatory
manner.  Tenant shall pay to Landlord all damages caused by Tenant's  failure to
comply  with the  provisions  of this  Article  Eighteen  and shall  also pay to
Landlord as additional Rent an amount equal to any increase in insurance premium
caused by such failure to comply.

                                ARTICLE NINETEEN
                           LANDLORD'S RESERVED RIGHTS

19.01    RESERVED RIGHTS

Landlord shall have the following  rights  exercisable  without notice to Tenant
and without  liability  to Tenant for damage or injury to  persons,  property or
business and without being deemed an eviction or  disturbance of Tenant's use or
possession  of the  Premises or giving rise to any claim for setoff or abatement
of Rent:  (1) To change the  Building's  name or street address upon thirty (30)
days' prior  written  notice to Tenant;  (2) To install,  affix and maintain all
signs on the exterior and for interior of the Building;  (3) To designate and/or
approve  prior to  installation,  all types of  signs,  window  shades,  blinds,
drapes,  awnings or other  similar item,  and all internal  lighting that may be
visible from the exterior of the Premises; (4) Upon reasonable notice to Tenant,
to display the Premises to  prospective  tenants at reasonable  hours during the
last  twelve (12)  months of the Term;  (5) To grant to any party the  exclusive
right to  conduct  any  business  or render any  service in or to the  Building,
provided such  exclusive  right shall not operate to prohibit  Tenant from using
the Premises for the purpose permitted hereunder;  (6) To change the arrangement
and/or  location of entrances or  passageways,  doors and  doorways,  corridors,
elevators,  stairs,  washroom or public  portions of the Building,  and to close
entrances, doors, corridors,  elevators or other facilities,  provided that such
action shall not materially and adversely  interfere with Tenant's access to the
Premises or the  Building;  (7) To have access for Landlord and other tenants of
the  Building  to any mail  chutes and boxes  located in or on the  Premises  as
required by any  applicable  rules of the United States Post Office;  and (8) To
close the  Building  after  normal  business  hours,  except that Tenant and its
employees and invitees  shall be entitled to admission at all times,  under such
regulations as Landlord prescribes for security purposes.

                                 ARTICLE TWENTY
                              ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE

20.01 IN GENERAL

Within  twenty (20) days after  request  therefor by Landlord,  Mortgagee or any
prospective  mortgagee  or owner,  Tenant  agrees as directed in such request to
execute an  Estoppel  Certificate  in  recordable  form,  binding  upon  Tenant,
certifying (I) that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if
there have been modifications, a description of such modifications and that this
Lease as modified is in full force and effect

                                   14


<PAGE>



(II) the  dates  to  which  Rent has been  paid;  (III)  that  Tenant  is in the
possession  of the  Premises if that is the case;  (Iv) that  Landlord is not In
default under this Lease,  or, If Tenant  believes  Landlord is in default,  the
nature  thereof in detail;  (V) that  Tenant has no  off-sets or defenses to the
performance of its obligations under this Lease (or if Tenant believes there are
any off-sets or defenses,  a full and complete explanation  thereof);  (VI) that
the Premises  have been  completed in  accordance  with the term and  provisions
hereof  or the  Workletter,  that  Tenant  has  accepted  the  Premises  and the
condition  thereof and of all  improvements  thereto  and has no claims  against
Landlord  or any  other  party  with  respect  thereto;  and  (VII)  that  if an
assignment  of rents or teases has been served  upon the Tenant by a  Mortgagee,
Tenant will acknowledge  receipt thereof and agree to be bound by the provisions
thereof;  (VIII) that Tenant  will give to the  Mortgagee  copies of all notices
required or permitted  to be given by Tenant to Landlord;  and (IX) to any other
information reasonably requested.

20.02 ENFORCEMENT

In the event that  Tenant  fails to deliver an Estoppel  Certificate,  then such
failure shall be a Default for which there shall be no cure or grace period.  In
addition  to any other  remedy  available  to  Landlord,  Landlord  may impose a
penalty  equal to $500.00 for each day that Tenant  fails to deliver an Estoppel
Certificate and Tenant shall be deemed to have irrevocably appointed Landlord as
Tenant's attorney-in-fact to execute and deliver such Estoppel Certificate.

                               ARTICLE TWENTY-ONE
                              RELOCATION OF TENANT

                             Intentionally Deleted.

                               ARTICLE TWENTY-TWO
                               REAL ESTATE BROKERS

Tenant  represents that Tenant has not dealt with any real estate broker,  sales
person,  or finder in connection with this Lease other then  Landlord's  broker,
Lincoln  Property  Company  (the  "Broker"),  and no such  person  initiated  or
participated  in the negotiation of this Lease, or showed the Premises to Tenant
other  than  Broker  Landlord  shall  be  responsible  for  the  payment  of all
commissions to the Broker, if any, specified in this Article.

                              ARTICLE TWENTY-THREE
                              MORTGAGEE PROTECTION

23.01    SUBORDINATION AND ATTORNMENT

This Lease is and shall be expressly subject and subordinate at all times to (I)
any ground or underlying lease of the Real Property,  now or hereafter existing,
and all amendments,  renewals and  modifications to any such lease, and (II) the
lien of my first mortgage or trust deed now or hereafter  encumbering  fee title
to the Real Property  and/or the lease hold estate under any such lease,  unless
such ground lease or ground lessor, or mortgage or Mortgagee, expressly provides
or elects that the Lease shall be  superior  to such lease or  mortgage.  If any
such mortgage or trust deed is  foreclosed,  or if any such lease is terminated,
upon request of the Mortgagee or ground lessor,  as the case may be, Tenant will
attorn to the  purchaser at the  foreclosure  sale or to the ground lessor under
such lease, as the case my be, provided,  however, that such purchaser or ground
lessor  shall not be (I) bound by any payment of Rent for more then one month in
advance except  payments in the nature of security for the performance by Tenant
of its  obligations  under this Lease;  (II)  subject to any offset,  defense or
damages arising out of a default of any  obligations of any preceding  Landlord;
or (III) bound by any amendment or  modification  of this Lease made without the
written  consent  of the  Mortgagee  Or ground  lessor;  or (IV)  liable for any
security  deposits  not  actually  received in cash by such  purchaser or ground
lessor. This subordination shall be self-operative and no further certificate or
instrument  of  subordination  need be required by any such  Mortgages or ground
lessor.  In confirmation of such  subordination,  however,  Tenant shall execute
promptly any reasonable  certificate or instrument  that Landlord,  Mortgagee or
ground  lessor  may  request.  Tenant  hereby  constitutes  Landlord's  Tenant's
attorney-in-fact  to execute such certificate or instrument for and on behalf of
Tenant upon Tenant's  failure to do so within  fifteen (15) days of a request to
do so. Upon  request by such  successor in  interest,  Tenant shall  execute and
deliver reasonable instruments confirming the attornment provided for herein. In
addition,  Landlord will use its reasonable  efforts to obtain a non-disturbance
agreement from any future  mortgagee.  Which shall be acceptable to Tenant if in
form and content,  except for the completion of the applicable  blanks  therein,
identical to the form of Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement
attached  hereto as Exhibit "H" and  incorporated  herein by  reference  for all
purposes or shall  contain  term and  conditions  no more adverse to Tenant then
contained  in the  form  attached  hereto  as  Exhibit  "H"  then  such  form of
non-disturbance agreement shall be deemed reasonably satisfactory to Tenant.

23.02    MORTGAGEE PROTECTION

Tenant agrees to give any Mortgagee or ground lessor, by registered or certified
mail,  a copy of any  notice of  default  served  upon the  Landlord  by Tenant,
provided that prior to such notice Tenant has received notice (by way of service
on Tenant of a copy of an assignment  of rents and leases,  or otherwise) of the
address of such  Mortgagee  or ground  lessor.  Tenant  further  agrees  that if
Landlord  shall have failed to cure such default within the time provided for in
this Lease,  then the Mortgagee or ground lessor shall have an additional thirty
(30) days after receipt of notice  thereof  within which to cure such default or
if such default cannot be cured within that time,  then such  additional  notice
time as way be  necessary,  if,  within such thirty (30) days,  any Mortgagee or
ground lessor has commenced and is diligently pursuing the remedies necessary to
cure such default  (including  but not limited to  commencement  of  foreclosure
proceedings or other proceedings to acquire possession of the Real Property,  if
necessary  to effect  such  cure).  Such period of time shall be extended by any
period within which such Mortgagee or ground lessor is prevented from commencing
or  pursuing  such  foreclosure  proceedings  or other  proceedings  to  acquire
possession of the Real Property by reason of  Landlord's  bankruptcy.  Until the
time allowed as aforesaid  for  Mortgagee or ground lessor to cure such defaults
has  expired  without  cure,  Tenant  shall  have no right to,  and  shall  not,
terminate  this Lease on account of  default.  This Lease my not be  modified or
amended  so as to reduce  the rent or shorten  the term,  or so as to  adversely
affect in any other  respect to any material  extent the rights of the Landlord,
nor shall this Lease be  canceled  or  surrendered,  without  the prior  written
consent, in each instance, of the ground lessor or the Mortgagee.

                               ARTICLE TWENTY-FOUR
                                     NOTICES

         (a) All  notices,  demands or requests  provided for or permitted to be
given  pursuant  to this  Lease  must be in  writing  and  shall  be  personally
delivered, sent by Federal Express or other overnight courier service, or mailed
by first class, registered or certified mall, return receipt requested,  postage
prepaid.

                                  15


<PAGE>



         (b) All notices,  demands or requests to be sent pursuant to this Lease
shall be deemed to have been  properly  given or served by delivering or sending
the same in  accordance  with this Section,  addressed to the parties  hereto at
their respective addresses listed below:


                  (1)       Notices to Landlord shall be addressed:

                           Lincoln Property Company
                           Attn: Mack Pogue or Building Manager
                           500 N. Akard, Suite 3300
                           Dallas, Texas 75201

                  with a copy to the following:

                           Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
                           Attn: Assistant Vice-President
                           5420 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1310
                           Dallas, Texas 75240

                  (2)      Notices to Tenant shall be addressed:

                           500 N. Akard
                           Suite 5000
                           Dallas, TX 75201

                  with a copy to the following:

                           Jenkens & Gilchrist, A Professional Corporation
                           1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 3200
                           Dallas, Texas 75202
                           Attention: Mark A. Todd, Esq.

         (c) If notices, demands or requests are sent by registered or certified
mail, said notices,  demands or requests shall be effective upon being deposited
in the United States mail.  However,  the time period in which a response to any
such notice, demand or request must be given shall commence to run from the date
of  receipt  on the  return  receipt  of the  notice,  demand or  request by the
addressee  thereof.  Rejection  or other  refusal to accept or the  inability to
deliver  because of changed address of which no notice was given shall be deemed
to be receipt of notice,  demand or request sent.  Notices may also be served by
personal service upon any officer,  director or partner of Landlord or Tenant or
in the case of delivery by Federal Express or other overnight  courier  service,
notices shall be effective upon acceptance of delivery by an employee,  officer,
director or partner of Landlord or Tenant.

         (d) By giving  to the other  party at least  thirty  (30) days  written
notice  thereof,  either party shall have the right from time to time during the
term of this Lease to change their respective addresses for notices, statements,
demands  and  requests,  provided  such new  address  shall be within the United
States of America.


                               ARTICLE TWENTY-FIVE
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

25.01    LATE CHARGES

All  payments  required  hereunder  (other then the  Monthly  Base Rent and Rent
Adjustments,  which shall be due as hereinbefore  provided) to Landlord shall be
paid within ten (10) days after  Landlord's  demand  therefor.  All such amounts
(including,  without  limitation Monthly Base Rent and Rent Adjustments not paid
when due  shall  bear  interest  from the date due  until  the date  paid at the
Default Rate in effect on the date such payment was due.

25.02    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

Intentionally Deleted.

25.03    DEFAULT UNDER OTHER LEASE

Intentionally Deleted.

25.04    OPTION
This Lease shall not become effective as a lease or otherwise until executed and
delivered by both  Landlord and Tenant.  The  submission  of the Lease to Tenant
does not constitute a reservation of or option for the Premises,  except that it
shall  constitute  an  irrevocable  offer on the part of Tenant  in  effect  for
fifteen  (15) days to lease the  Premises  on the  terms and  conditions  herein
contained.

25.05    TENANT AUTHORITY

Tenant  represents and warrants to Landlord that it has full authority and power
to enter into and perform  its  obligations  under this  Lease,  that the person
executing  this  Lease is fully  empowered  to do so,  and  that no  consent  or
authorization  is  necessary  from any third  party.  Landlord  may request that
Tenant provide Landlord evidence of Tenant's authority.

25.06    ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Lease, the Exhibits  attached hereto and the Workletter  contain the entire
agreement  between Landlord and Tenant  concerning the Premises and there are no
other  agreements,  either  oral or  written.  This Lease  shall not be modified
except by a writing executed by Landlord and Tenant.

25.07    MODIFICATION OF LEASE FOR BENEFIT OF MORTGAGEE

If Mortgagee of Landlord  requires a modification  of this Lease which shall not
result in any increased  cost or expense to Tenant or in any other  material and
adverse change in the rights and  obligations of Tenant  hereunder,  then Tenant
agrees that the Lease may be so modified.

                                16


<PAGE>



25.08    EXCULPATION

Tenant agrees,  on its behalf and on behalf of its successors and assigns,  that
any  liability  or  obligation  under this Lease shall only be enforced  against
Landlord's  equity  interest in the Property  and in no event  against any other
assets of the Landlord, or Landlord's officers or directors.

25.09    ACCORD AND SATISFACTION

No  payment  by  Tenant or  receipt  by  Landlord  of a lesser  amount  then any
installment  or  payment of Rent due shall be deemed to be other than on account
of the mount due,  and no  endorsement  or  statement on any check or any letter
accompanying  any  check or  payment  of Rent  shall be  deemed  an  accord  and
satisfaction, and Landlord may accept such check or payment without prejudice to
Landlord's  right to recover the balance of such  installment or payment of Rent
or pursue  any other  remedies  available  to  Landlord.  No receipt of money by
Landlord from Tenant after the  termination  of this Lease or Tenant's  right of
possession of the Premises shall reinstate, continue or extend the Term.

25.10    LANDLORD'S OBLIGATIONS ON SALE OF BUILDING

In the event of any sale or other  transfer of the Building,  Landlord  shall be
entirely  freed and  relieved  of all  agreements  and  obligations  of Landlord
hereunder  accruing or to be performed  after the date of such sale or transfer,
provided that all of Landlord's  obligations  hereunder are specifically assumed
by the buyer or transferee.

25.11    BINDING EFFECT

This Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Landlord and Tenant
and their  respective  heirs,  legal  representatives,  successors and permitted
assigns.

25.12    CAPTIONS

The Article and Section  captions in this Lease are inserted  only as smatter of
convenience  and in no way define,  limit,  construe,  or describe  the scope or
intent of such Articles and Sections.

25.13    APPLICABLE LAW

This Lease shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
If any term,  covenant or condition of this Lease or the application  thereof to
any person or circumstance  shall I, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable,
the  remainder  of this  Lease,  or the  application  of such term,  covenant or
condition  to persons or  circumstances  other then those as to which it is held
invalid or unenforceable,  shall not be affected thereby and each item, covenant
or condition of this Lease shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest  extent
permitted by law.

25.14    ABANDONMENT

In the event Tenant  abandons the Promises but is otherwise in  compliance  with
all the terms,  covenants and conditions of this Lease,  Landlord shall (I) have
the right to enter into the  Premises in order to show the space to  prospective
tenants,  (II) have the right to reduce the services provided to Tenant pursuant
to the terms of this Lease to such levels as Landlord  reasonably  determines to
be adequate  services for an  unoccupied  premises and (III) during the last six
(6) months of the Term,  have the right to prepare the Premises for occupancy by
another tenant upon the end of the Term.

25.15    LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO PERFORM TENANT'S DUTIES

Except as otherwise  provided  heroin,  if Tenant fails timely to perform any of
its duties  under this Lease or the  Workletter,  Landlord  shall have the right
(but not the  obligation),  to perform such duty on behalf and at the expense of
Tenant upon prior notice to Tenant,  and all sums expended or expenses  incurred
by Landlord in performing  such duty shall be deemed to be additional Rent under
this Lease and shall be due and payable upon demand by Landlord.

25.16 TERMINATION OF EXISTING LEASE

"As of the  Commencement  Date of this Lease,  Tenant's  existing  lease between
Tenant  and One  Lincoln  Plaza - A Joint  Venture,  Landlord's  predecessor  in
interest, dated August 4, 1993 as amended by the First Amendment to Office Lease
Agreement  dated  March 4, 1994  ("First  Amendment"),  as amended by the Second
Amendment to Office Lease  Agreement  dated April 18, 1995 ("Second  Amendment")
and as amended by the Third  Amendment to Office Lease Agreement dated September
18, 1995  ("Third  Amendment")  covering  50,961 s.f of  Rentable  Area shall be
terminated and of no further force or effect."

NOTICE OF  INDEMNIFICATION:  THE  PARTIES TO THIS LEASE  HEREBY  ACKNOWLEDGE  
AND AGREE THAT THIS LEASE (AND  ATTACHED  EXHIBITS)CONTAINS CERTAIN 
INDEMNIFICATION PROVISIONS.

IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  this Lease has been  executed  as of the date set forth in
Section 1.01(4) hereof.


LANDLORD:                              TENANT:

METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE            GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
COMPANY

By: __________________________         By:  _________________________________

David G. Rogers,                       Richard Juneau, Secretary
Asst. Vice-President
Date: ___2/14/97______________         Date:  _2/11/97_______________________

                                    17


<PAGE>

                FIRST AMENDMENT TO OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT


         This First  Amendment to Office Lease Agreement  ("Amendment"),  by and
between   METROPOLITAN   LIFE  INSURANCE   COMPANY,   a  New  York   corporation
("Landlord"),  and GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE  COMPANY.,  a Texas corporation
("Tenant"), is dated the 2nd day of December, 1997.

                                                         WITNESSETH:


         WHEREAS,  Landlord  and Tenant  heretofore  entered  into that  certain
Office Lease Agreement dated February 19, 1997 ("Lease"),  under and pursuant to
the terms of which Tenant has leased from Landlord certain office space known as
Suite 5000 and  containing  approximately  49,912  square feet of Rentable  Area
("Premises")  in that certain  office  building  commonly  known as "One Lincoln
Plaza"  ("Building"),  which is located at 500 N. Akard St.,  Dallas,  Texas, as
more particularly described in the Lease; and

         WHEREAS,  Tenant  desires to add  approximately  7,664  square  feet of
Rentable Area on the 31 floor  ("Expansion  Space") (being  approximately  6,663
square feet of Usable Area) to the Existing  Premises,  which Expansion Space is
outlined on Exhibit "A' attached hereto; and

         WHEREAS, Tenant agrees, within thirty (30) days after receipt of notice
from  Landlord,  to vacate  the  Expansion  Space;  should  Tenant  elect not to
exercise its right to lease additional  space, as more  particularly  defined on
Schedule 1 to Exhibit "J" of the Lease; and

         WHEREAS, Tenant and Landlord agree to amend the suite number from Suite
5000 to Suite 500.

         NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the mutual
covenants  contained  herein  and in the  Lease,  the  parties  hereto do hereby
covenant and agree as follows:

         1. Defined Terms.  Terms defined in the Lease and delineated  herein by
initial  capital  letters  shall have the same meaning  ascribed  thereto in the
Lease,  except to the  extent  that the  meaning  of such  term is  specifically
modified by the provisions  hereof. In addition,  other terms not defined in the
Lease but defined herein will, when  delineated  with initial  capital  letters,
have the meanings  ascribed  thereto in this Amendment.  Terms and phrases which
are not delineated by initial capital  letters shall have the meanings  commonly
ascribed thereto.

         2. Premise.  From and after the Expansion Space  Commencement Date, the
term  "Premises" (as defined in Article  1.01(9) of the Lease) shall include the
Expansion  Space  for  all  purposes,   including,   without   limitation,   the
determination of Tenant's share of Basic Costs,  and thereafter,  the "Premises"
shall be comprised of the Existing  Premises and the  Expansion  Space,  and the
Premises are stipulated for all purposes to contain  approximately 57,576 square
feet of Rentable Area. Being approximately 54,593 square feet of Usable Area.

         3. Expansion Space  Commencement  Date, As used herein,  the "Expansion
Space Commencement Date" Shall mean December 1, 1997.

         4. Lease Term. The Lease Term for the Expansion Space ("Expansion Space
Lease Term") shall mean a term  commencing of the Expansion  Space  Commencement
Date and  continuing  on a month  to  month  basis  expiring  on June 30,  1998.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  and without changing the Lease Term with respect
to the existing  Premises,  the Lease Term for the Existing Premises will expire
on May 31, 2007.

         5.       Base  Rental.  Article  1.01(8) of the Lease  shall be  
amended , and the  following  additional  paragraphs shall be inserted in the 
Lease:

         With respect to the Expansion Space,  commencing on the Expansion Space
         Commencement Date and continuing through,  June 30, 1998, "Base Rental"
         shall mean the sum of $12.00 per square  foot of  Rentable  Area within
         the Expansion Space per annum, all as adjusted pursuant to Article 4.01
         of the Lease.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  and without changing the
         Base Rental with respect to the Existing Premises,  Base Rental for the
         Existing  Premises  shall  remain at $14.00 per square feet of Rentable
         Area within the Existing Premises.

         6.  Commissions.  Tenant  represents  and  warrants  that no broker has
represented  it in this  Amendment  transaction  and  that no  broker  is owed a
commission  or fee  in  connection  with  the  consummation  of  this  Amendment
transaction.  Tenant hereby  indemnities and holds Landlord harmless against any
loss,  claim,  expense or liability with respect to any commissions or brokerage
fees  claimed on  account of the  amendment  of this Lease or  expansion  of the
Premises hereunder,  if applicable,  due to any action of Tenant. The provisions
of this  Paragraph  6 shall  survive  the  expiration  of the Lease  Term or any
renewal or extension thereof.
         7.       Exhibits.  The following  exhibit and schedule are attached 
hereto and incorporated  herein and made a part of this Lease for all purposes: 
Exhibit "Al Floor Plan of Expansion Space

         8. Effect of Amendment.  Except as expressly  amended by the provisions
hereof, the terms and provisions contained in the Lease shall continue to govern
the rights and  obligations of the parties;  and all provisions and covenants in
the Lease shall remain in full force and effect as stated therein, except to the
extent specifically modified by the provisions of this Amendment. This Amendment
and the Lease shall be construed as one instrument.



FIRST AMENDMENT TO OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT - Page 1



<PAGE>



NOTICE OF INDEMNIFICATION: THE PARTIES TO THIS AMENDMENT HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND
AGREE THAT THIS AMENDMENT AND ATTACHED EXHIBITS CONTAIN CERTAIN INDEMNIFICATION
PROVISIONS.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Amendment in
multiple counterparts as of the last day and year written below.


LANDLORD:



METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY,
a New York corporation

By:_______________________________
David G. Rogers,
Date:______12/2/97______________                       
Assistant Vice President

TENANT:


GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
a Texas corporation

By:

Name:
Date: 11/18/97                    
Secretary

                                                               Exhibit 10.20(a3)



                                SECOND AMENDMENT

                                       TO

                                MASTER AGREEMENT


     This Second Amendment to Master Agreement (the "Amendment") is entered into
by and among The Ohio Life Insurance Company, an Ohio corporation ("Ohio Life"),
The Ohio Casualty  Insurance  company,  an Ohio corporation  ("Ohio  Casualty"),
Americo Life,  Inc., a Missouri  corporation  ("ALI"),  and Great  Southern Life
Insurance Company, a Texas corporation  ("Great  Southern").  Ohio Life and Ohio
Casualty  are  referred  to  collectively  herein as  "Ohio",  and ALI and Great
Southern are referred to collectively herein as "Americo".

     WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, the parties originally entered into a Master Agreement on July 31,
1995, which was subsequently  amended by the First Amendment to Master Agreement
as of October 2, 1995 (collectively hereinafter, the "Master Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, the parties now desire to amend certain provisions of the Master 
Agreement, as provided in this Amendment;

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  for and in  consideration  of the premises and the mutual
agreements,  representations and warranties contained in this Amendment, and for
other   consideration,   the  receipt  and   sufficiency  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

     1.   Modification of Reinsured Business.

     A portion of the Reinsured  Business (as that term is defined in the Master
Agreement) relates to a deferred  compensation  program  established by Ohio for
certain  agents (the  "Deferred  Comp  Program").  The accounts  comprising  the
Deferred Comp Program are identified in Exhibit 1, which is attached  hereto and
incorporated  herein by this reference  (the "Deferred Comp Program  Accounts").
Effective  April 1, 1997,  the Deferred Comp Program  Accounts shall cease to be
Reinsured  Business,  as that term is  defined  in and for all  purposes  of the
Master Agreement.

     2. No Other Revisions. Except only as provided in this Amendment, all terms
and conditions of the Master Agreement remain in full force and effect.


<PAGE>



     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed
by their  respective  officers by all requisite  corporate and other actions and
approval as of November 17, 1997.


                           THE OHIO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                            By
                               -------------------------------

                            Name      Lauren N. Patch
                               -------------------------------

                            Title     Vice Chairman and President
                               -------------------------------


                           THE OHIO CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

                            By
                               -------------------------------

                             Name     Lauren N. Patch
                               -------------------------------

                             Title    Vice Chairman and President
                               -------------------------------


                           AMERICO LIFE, INC.

                            By
                               -------------------------------

                             Name    Gary L. Jenkins
                               -------------------------------

                             Title   Senior Vice Pres. & Chief Financial Officer
                               -------------------------------


                           GREAT SOUTHERN LIFE INSURANE
                           COMPANY.

                            By
                               -------------------------------

                             Name    Donna Kinnaird
                               -------------------------------

                             Title   Senior Vice Pres. & Assistant Treasurer
                               -------------------------------


                                                               Exhibit 10.20(g2)
                          AMENDMENT NO. 4

         The  Coinsurance  Life,   Annuity  and  Disability  Income  Reinsurance
Agreement  effective as of January 1, 1995 (as amended by Amendment  No. 1 dated
as of August 3, 1995,  and Amendment  Nos. 2 and 3 dated as of October 2, 1995),
between   EMPLOYERS   REASSURANCE   CORPORATION   of   Overland   Park,   Kansas
(?CORPORATION?),   and  THE  OHIO  LIFE  INSURANCE  COMPANY  of  Hamilton,  Ohio
(?CEDANT?), is hereby amended as follows:

         On and after April 1, 1996, the following exclusion is added to Article
I:

                  This  Agreement  does not apply to the following  accident and
         health insurance policies (the ?Excluded Policies?):

                  All individual  disability  income insurance  contracts of the
                  CEDANT in force on the  effective  date of this  agreement and
                  issued  by the  CEDANT  to  become  effective  on or after the
                  effective date of this agreement (January 1, 1995),  including
                  all  riders  originally   written  therewith  or  later  added
                  thereto.

                  All  group  accident  and  health   insurance  of  the  CEDANT
                  (including  accidental death and dismemberment  plan issued to
                  its  affiliate)  in  force  on  the  effective  date  of  this
                  agreement  and issued by the CEDANT to become  effective on or
                  after the effective date of this agreement.

                  All group accident and health  insurance  policies  (including
                  long term care) reinsured by the CEDANT prior to the effective
                  date of this agreement and certificates  issued  thereunder to
                  become  effective  on or  after  the  effective  date  of this
                  agreement.

         Losses paid by the CEDANT on and after April 1, 1996,  with  respect to
the Excluded Policies  (regardless of when such losses were incurred) are hereby
excluded  from  this  Agreement  and  shall  not  be the  responsibility  of the
CORPORATION.

         Immediately after execution of this Amendment,  cash in an amount equal
to $4,801,115, constituting the net amount calculated to reflect:

                  (a) that portion of the reserves  identified  in Article VI of
         this Agreement  attributable  to the Excluded  Policies at the close of
         business  on March 31,  1996,  less the amount of any losses  that have
         been paid on or after April 1, 1996,  through  December 31, 1996,  with
         respect to the Excluded Policies; and


<PAGE>

                  (b) the net result of all other  activity  with respect to the
         Excluded  Policies  for  periods  beginning  on or after April 1, 1996,
         through December 31, 1996;

shall be  transferred  by the  CORPORATION  to CEDANT  via wire  transfer  to an
account designated by CEDANT. The calculation of such amount is set forth below:

         (1)      Liabilities as of 3/31/96 equal to:                $3,551,996

                  reserves as agreed upon as of 3/31/96, including
                  reserves for losses incurred but not reported       3,597,761
                  less due premium as of 3/31/96                        (45,765)

         (2)      Plus  investment  income  on the  liabilities  for the  period
                  4/1/96 through 12/31/96, based on
                  7% interest rate per year                             186,480

         (3)      Plus activity on the business from 4/1/96 through 12/31/96, as
                  defined by the following
                  calculation:                                        1,497,472

                  premiums collected net of reinsurance               2,174,167
                  less benefits paid net of reinsurance                (417,035)
                  less commissions paid net of reinsurance             (205,306)
                  less premium tax (2.5% of premiums net
                           of reinsurance)                              (54,354)
                  less due and unpaid reinsurance amounts
                           as of 12/31/96                                     0

         (4)      Less amounts due under Services Agreement            (434,833)
                                                                ----------------

         (5)      TOTAL TRANSFER AMOUNT (1+2+3 - 4)                  $4,801,115

         In all other respects not inconsistent  herewith,  said Agreement shall
remain unchanged.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be
executed in duplicate.

THE OHIO LIFE INSURANCE                     EMPLOYERS REASSURANCE
COMPANY                                              CORPORATION

By                                          By   
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title
    Date    3/26/97                         Date         3/26/97


                                                              Exhibit 10.20 (i2)

                     FIRST AMENDMENT TO SERVICES AGREEMENT

              This First  Amendment to Services  Agreement (the  AAmendment@) is
     made as of the 27th day of March,  1997, by and among AMERICO LIFE, INC., a
     Missouri  corporation  (AALI@),  THE OHIO LIFE INSURANCE  COMPANY,  an Ohio
     corporation (AOhio Life@), and THE OHIO CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, an Ohio
     corporation (AOhio Casualty@). Ohio Life and Ohio Casualty are collectively
     referred to herein as AOhio.@

              WHEREAS,  ALI  and  Ohio  are  parties  to that  certain  Services
     Agreement dated as of October 2, 1995 (the AServices Agreement@); and

              WHEREAS,  the  parties  wish to amend the  Services  Agreement  in
     the manner  provided  in this
     Amendment;

              NOW,  THEREFORE,  for and in consideration of the premises and the
     mutual agreements contained in this Amendment, and for other consideration,
     the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby  acknowledged,  the parties
     agree as follows:

              1. SERVICED BUSINESS.  Effective as of April 1, 1996, the Serviced
     Business (as defined in the Services Agreement) shall exclude the following
     accident and health insurance policies (the AExcluded Policies@):

              All  liabilities  associated  with the accident and health (AA&H@)
              insurance  policies  of Ohio Life in force on January 1, 1995,  or
              issued by Ohio Life to become  effective  on or after  January  1,
              1995,  and  all  related  riders  and  contracts  of  reinsurance,
              including:

                      (a)  All individual A&H contracts issued by Ohio Life;

                      (b) All  individual  A&H contracts  reinsured to Ohio Life
              from Ohio Casualty; and

                      (c) All group A&H contracts issued by or reinsured to Ohio
              Life,  including the Ohio Casualty employee  voluntary  accidental
              death and dismemberment  insurance and the CIGNA RE long term care
              insurance.

              Such exclusion  shall not affect any  settlements  occurring after
     April 1, 1996,  under the Services  Agreement with respect to periods prior
     to April 1, 1996. Cash in an amount equal to $434,833, constituting the net
     amount  calculated to reflect all settlements that have occurred under this
     Agreement with respect to the Excluded Policies for periods beginning on or
     after April 1, 1996, through December 31, 1996, shall be transferred by ALI
     to Ohio  immediately  upon execution of this Amendment via wire transfer to
     an account  designated by Ohio. The calculation of such amount is set forth
     on the attached Schedule A.


<PAGE>


         2. OTHER  PROVISIONS.  All references in the Services  Agreement to the
AAgreement@ shall be deemed to include this Amendment and the terms contained in
this Amendment. Except as amended by this Amendment, all terms and conditions of
the Services Agreement remain in full force and effect.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the  parties to this  Amendment  have caused this
Amendment to be executed by their respective duly authorized  officers as of the
date first above written.


THE OHIO LIFE INSURANCE                     THE OHIO CASUALTY
INSURANCE COMPANY                           COMPANY

By                                          By  
  ------------------------------            ---------------------------
    Name                                    Name
    Title                                   Title

                                            AMERICO LIFE, INC.
                                            By 
                                            ---------------------------  
                                            Title



                                                              Exhibit 10.20 (i3)



                             AMENDMENT

                                TO

                        SERVICES AGREEMENT

     The Amendment to Services  Agreement  ("Amendment")  is entered into by and
among  Americo  Life,  Inc.,  a  Missouri  corporation  ("ALI"),  The Ohio  Life
Insurance  Company,  and Ohio corporation  ("Ohio Life"),  and the Ohio Casualty
Insurance Company,  an Ohio corporation  ("Ohio  Casualty").  Ohio Life and Ohio
Casualty sometimes are collectively referred to herein as "Ohio."

     WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS,  ALI and Ohio originally  entered into the Services Agreement (the
"Services Agreement") on October 2, 1995; and

     WHEREAS,  ALI and  Ohio  now  desire  to amend  certain  provisions  of the
Services Agreement, as provided in this Amendment;

     NOW, THEREFORE,  for and in consideration of the foregoing recitals,  which
are  incorporated  into the operative  provisions of this Amendment,  the mutual
covenants  and  agreements  contained  herein,  and for other good and  valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

     1.   Modification of Serviced Business

     (A) A portion  of the  Serviced  Business  (as that term is  defined in the
Services  Agreement  relates to deferred  compensation  established  by Ohio for
certain  agents (the  "Deferred  Comp  Program").  The accounts  comprising  the
Deferred Comp Program are identified on Exhibit 1, which is attached  hereto and
incorporated herein by this reference (the "Deferred Comp Program Accounts").

Notwithstanding  any provisions of this Amendment and/or the Services  Agreement
to the contrary:

         i.       ALI shall be wholly and solely  responsible  for servicing and
                  administering the Deferred Comp Program Accounts from April 1,
                  1997 until the closing  contemplated by the Global  Settlement
                  Agreement  between  ALI  and  Ohio,  among  others  (the  "GSA
                  Closing"), and ALI shall be liable to Ohio and/or the Deferred
                  Comp Program  Account  beneficiaries,  as the case may be, for
                  any errors  committed  or  omissions  made by ALI in rendering
                  such services;

         ii.      Ohio shall be wholly and solely  responsible for servicing and
                  administering  the  Deferred  Comp Program  Accounts  from and
                  after the GSA  Closing,  and shall be liable to ALI and/or the
                  Deferred Comp Program Account  beneficiaries,  as the case may
                  be,  for any errors  committed  or  omissions  made by Ohio in
                  rendering such services; and

         iii.     Ohio shall be wholly and  solely  responsible  for any and all
                  benefits  payable under the Deferred Comp Program  Accounts to
                  the Deferred Comp Program Account beneficiaries from and after
                  April 1, 1997.

     (B)          i.  Ohio  administered  and  serviced  certain  pension  plans
                  identified  on  Exhibit  2,  which  is  attached   hereto  and
                  incorporated  herein by this reference (the "Pension  Plans").
                  Effective October 2, 1995, the Pension Plans shall be Serviced
                  Business,  as that term is defined in and for all  purposes of
                  the Services Agreement.

         ii.       Ohio and ALI recognize that certain  problems exist with 
                  respect to the  administration and servicing  prior to October
                  2, 1995 of the Mearhoff and Hartz pension  plans,  which are
                  included  in the  Pension  Plans.  As of April 1,  1997,  the
                  Mearhoff  and  Hartz pension   plans  shall  cease  to  be  
                  Pension   Plans,   and  Ohio  shall  assume  sole 
                  responsibility  for the  administration  and servicing of the
                  Mearhoff and Hartz pension plans.  However,  the assets  
                  comprising  the  Mearhoff  and Hartz  pension  plans shall
                  remain in the  possession  of ALI, at all times being held,  
                  invested,  distributed  and otherwise  utilized  for the sole
                  benefit of such plans.  Ohio shall  attempt to resolve these
                  problems  and in doing so,  Ohio  shall be solely  responsible
                  for all costs and expenses,   including  any  penalties  and
                  fines,   associated   with  resolving  these problems.  Ohio
                  shall also  administer  and service the Mearhoff and Hartz
                  pension plans in their  ordinary  course of business,  
                  utilizing  the funds held by ALI.  Concurrently with the  
                  execution of this  Amendment,  ALI shall  transfer to Ohio 
                  all  documents  and records,  including  electronic  data,  
                  in the  possession  or under the  control of ALI which are  
                  necessary,  desirable or  appropriate  for Ohio to administer
                  and service the Mearhoff and Hartz plans.

         iii.     When the  problems  associated  with the  Mearhoff  and  Hartz
                  pension  plans have been  resolved to the  reasonable,  mutual
                  satisfaction  of Ohio and ALI,  Ohio shall cease (with written
                  notice  to  ALI)  its  administration  and  servicing  of  the
                  Mearhoff  and Hartz  pension  plans and the Mearhoff and Hartz
                  pension  plans again  shall be deemed to be Serviced  Business
                  for a purposes under the Services Agreement from and after the
                  date of tender to ALI.

         iv.      Except  only  for the  Mearhoff  and  Hartz  pension  plans as
                  provided  for  above,  Ohio shall be  relieved  of any and all
                  administration,    servicing   and   other   liabilities   and
                  responsibilities of any kind or type whatsoever related to the
                  Pension  Plans  arising  after and  pertaining  to the  period
                  October 2, 1995.

     2.  Modifications  to  Servicing.   ALI  shall  use  its  best  efforts  to
immediately cure all existing  servicing  deficiencies  related to policyholders
and structured settlement beneficiaries, as identified specifically by Ohio in a
letter from Richard B. Kelly to Donna  Kinnaird and Gary Jenkins  dated  October
31, 1997.

     Additionally,  all  communications  from ALI with  respect to the  Serviced
Business shall reflect  consistently  and clearly ALI's role in the servicing of
such business.  ALI shall not represent to policyholders that it is Ohio Life or
Ohio  Casualty,  and ALI shall answer  telephone  calls  related to the Serviced
Business as "Insurance Companies," rather than "Ohio Life." ALI shall also cease
using  Ohio Life  stationery  and other  printed  materials,  except  only where
required to do so by applicable state law.

     On or before  June 30,  1998,  ALI shall  cease  using  the  existing  Ohio
telephone number  (1-800-456-Ohio) with respect to the Serviced Business,  shall
transfer all rights in and to that telephone number of Ohio Casualty.

     3. No other Revisions. Except only as provided in this Amendment, all terms
and conditions of the Services Agreement remain in full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties have caused this Amendment to be executed
by their  respective  officers duly  authorized  by all requisite  corporate and
other actions and other actions and approval, as of November 17, 1997.



                     AMERICO LIFE, INC.

                     By
                     --------------------------------------------------------

                     Name      Gary L. Jenkins
                     ----------------------------------------------

                     Title     Senior Vice Pres. & Chief Financial Officer
                     ----------------------------------------------   
                     
                     THE OHIO LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
                     By
                     --------------------------------------------------------

                     Name      Lauren N. Patch
                     ----------------------------------------------

                     Title     Vice Chairman and President
                     ----------------------------------------------


                     THE OHIO CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

                     By
                     --------------------------------------------------------

                     Name      Lauren N. Patch
                     ----------------------------------------------

                     Title     Vice Chairman and President
                     ----------------------------------------------




                                                                      Exhibit 21

LIFE OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT


WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES:

         Americo Services, Inc.                               Missouri
         United Fidelity Life Insurance Company               Texas
         Great Southern Life Insurance Company                Texas
         The College Life Insurance Company of America        Texas
         National Farmers Union Life Insurance Company        Texas
         The Victory Life Insurance Company                   Kansas
         The Ohio State Life Insurance Company                Ohio
         Investors Guaranty Life Insurance Company            California
         Landmark Mortgage Company                            Missouri
         GSSW-REO Westwood Arlington, L.P.                    Texas
         GSSW-REO Westwood Briarwood, L.P.                    Kansas
         GSSW-REO Westwood Baytown, L.P.                      Kansas
         Dickinson Arms-REO L.P.                              Kansas
         GSSW-REO Land L.P.                                   Florida
         GSSW REO Landmark L.P.                               Alabama
         Windrush-REO L.P.                                    Texas
         Riverdale Square-REO L.P.                            Georgia
         GSSW-REO L.C.                                        Texas

50%-OWNED SUBSIDIARIES:

         Argus Health Systems, Inc.                           Delaware
         Hereford LLP                                         Missouri
         College Insurance Group                              Missouri
         Financial Assurance Life Insurance Company           Texas
         Annuity Service Corporation                          Texas


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                                           7
<LEGEND>
     (Replace this text with the legend)
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                                          0000908139
<NAME>                                         Americo Life, Inc.
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1000
<CURRENCY>                                     US $
       
<S>                                            <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   DEC-31-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1
<DEBT-HELD-FOR-SALE>                           761084
<DEBT-CARRYING-VALUE>                          851823
<DEBT-MARKET-VALUE>                            873935
<EQUITIES>                                     78949
<MORTGAGE>                                     165630
<REAL-ESTATE>                                  27630
<TOTAL-INVEST>                                 2125813
<CASH>                                         36859
<RECOVER-REINSURE>                             1429679
<DEFERRED-ACQUISITION>                         64622
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 4038018
<POLICY-LOSSES>                                3368019
<UNEARNED-PREMIUMS>                            12845
<POLICY-OTHER>                                 36570
<POLICY-HOLDER-FUNDS>                          75960
<NOTES-PAYABLE>                                132884
                          0
                                    0
<COMMON>                                       10
<OTHER-SE>                                     246852
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   4038018
                                     203729
<INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            219267
<INVESTMENT-GAINS>                             2950
<OTHER-INCOME>                                 12331
<BENEFITS>                                     262940
<UNDERWRITING-AMORTIZATION>                    43694
<UNDERWRITING-OTHER>                           77038
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                31286
<INCOME-TAX>                                   9230
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            22056
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   22056
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  2205.60
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  2205.60
<RESERVE-OPEN>                                 0
<PROVISION-CURRENT>                            0
<PROVISION-PRIOR>                              0
<PAYMENTS-CURRENT>                             0
<PAYMENTS-PRIOR>                               0
<RESERVE-CLOSE>                                0
<CUMULATIVE-DEFICIENCY>                        0
        

</TABLE>


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