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File Nos. ________
811-8116
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Initial Registration
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 18
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT OF
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact Name of Registrant)
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Name of Depositor)
440 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01653
(Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)
(508) 855-1000
(Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
Mary Eldridge, Secretary
First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company
440 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01653
(Name and Address of Agent for Service of Process)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
___ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
___ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
___ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
___ on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
___ this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date
for a previously filed post-effective amendment
VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
Pursuant to Reg. Section 270.24f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("the
1940 Act"), Registrant hereby declares that an indefinite amount of its
securities is being registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("the 1933
Act").Registrant will file its Notice pursuant to Rule 24f-2 for its fiscal
year ending December 31, 1999 on or before March 1, 2000.
Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as
may be necessary to delay its effective date until Registrant shall file a
further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act
of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such
date or dates as the Commission, acting pursuant to said section 8(a), may
determine.
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Registrant is making this filing in order to register a new flexible payment
deferred variable annuity contract, which is the purpose of this initial
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and amendment under
the Investment Company Act of 1940. Registrant does not intend this filing to
delete or amend any currently effective prospectus, statement of additional
information, or supplements thereto, contained in any other registration
statement of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933.
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET SHOWING LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS OF
ITEMS CALLED FOR BY FORM N-4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM N-4 ITEM NO. CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
- ----------------- ---------------------
<S> <C>
1........................Cover Page
2........................Special Terms
3........................Summary of Fees and Expenses; Summary of Contract Features
4........................Condensed Financial Information; Performance Information
5........................Description of the Companies, the Variable Accounts,
the Trust, Fidelity VIP and T. Rowe Price.
6........................Charges and Deductions
7........................Description of the Contract - The Accumulation Phase
8........................Electing the Annuity Date; Description of Variable
Annuity Payout Options; Variable Annuity Benefit Payments
9........................Death Benefit
10.......................Payments; Computation of Values; Distribution
11.......................Surrender and Withdrawals; Withdrawals After the
Annuity Date
12.......................Federal Tax Considerations
13.......................Legal Matters
14.......................Statement of Additional Information - Table of Contents
FORM N-4 ITEM NO. CAPTION IN STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- ----------------- ----------------------------------------------
15.......................Cover Page
16.......................Table of Contents
17.......................General Information and History
18 ......................Services
19.......................Underwriters
20.......................Underwriters
21.......................Performance Information
22.......................Annuity Benefit Payments
23.......................Financial Statements
</TABLE>
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ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
PLEASE READ THIS This Prospectus provides important information about
PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY the Allmerica Select variable annuity
BEFORE INVESTING AND contract issued by Allmerica Financial Life Insurance
KEEP IT FOR FUTURE and Annuity Company (in all jurisdictions except New
REFERENCE. York) and by First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance
Company (in New York). The contract is a flexible
payment tax-deferred combination variable and fixed
annuity offered on both a group and individual basis.
Allmerica Select Separate Account is subdivided into
Sub-Accounts, each investing exclusively in shares of
one of the following funds:
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
FUND INVESTMENT ADVISER
--------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
ANNUITIES INVOLVE Select Emerging Markets Fund Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
RISKS INCLUDING Select International Equity Fund Bank of Ireland Asset Management (U.S.) Limited
POSSIBLE LOSS OF T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc.
PRINCIPAL. Select Aggressive Growth Fund Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, L.P
Select Capital Appreciation Fund T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
Select Value Opportunity Fund Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, LLC
Select Growth Fund Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
Select Strategic Growth Fund Cambiar Investors, Inc.
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio Fidelity Management & Research Company
Select Growth and Income Fund J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio Fidelity Management & Research Company
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio Fidelity Management & Research Company
Select Income Fund Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc.
Money Market Fund Allmerica Asset Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
The Fixed Account is part of the Company's General
Account and pays an interest rate guaranteed for one
year from the time a payment is received. The
Guarantee Period Accounts offer fixed rates of
interest for specified periods. A Market Value
Adjustment is applied to payments removed from a
THIS ANNUITY IS Guarantee Period Account before the end of the
NOT: specified period. The Market Value Adjustment may be
- A BANK DEPOSIT OR positive or negative. Payments allocated to a
OBLIGATION; Guarantee Period Account are held in the Company's
- FEDERALLY INSURED; Separate Account GPA (except in California where they
- ENDORSED BY ANY are allocated to the General Account).
BANK OR A Statement of Additional Information dated ,
GOVERNMENTAL 1999 containing more information about this annuity
AGENCY. is on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. A copy may be obtained free of charge by
calling Allmerica Select Customer Service at
1-800-366-1492. The Table of Contents of the
Statement of Additional Information is listed on
page 3 of this Prospectus.
This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information can also be obtained from the Securities
and Exchange Commission's website
(http://www.sec.gov).
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR
DETERMINED THAT THE INFORMATION IS TRUTHFUL OR
COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
DATED ,
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SPECIAL TERMS............................................... 4
SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES................................ 6
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT FEATURES................................ 11
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANIES, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS, AND THE
UNDERLYING FUNDS........................................... 17
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.......................... 19
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES................................ 20
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE....... 23
A. Payments............................................. 23
B. Computation of Values................................ 24
The Accumulation Unit............................... 24
Net Investment Factor............................... 24
C. Right to Cancel...................................... 24
D. Transfer Privilege................................... 24
Asset Allocation Model Reallocations................ 25
Automatic Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging)......... 26
Automatic Account Rebalancing....................... 26
E. Surrender and Withdrawals............................ 27
Systematic Withdrawals.............................. 28
Life Expectancy Distributions....................... 28
Systematic Level Free of Surrender Charge Withdrawal
Program............................................. 29
F. Death Benefit........................................ 29
Standard Death Benefit.............................. 29
Optional Enhanced Death Benefit Rider............... 29
Payment of the Death Benefit Prior to the Annuity
Date................................................ 30
G. The Spouse of the Owner as Beneficiary............... 30
H. Assignment........................................... 31
ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE........................... 32
A. Electing the Annuity Date............................ 32
B. Choosing the Annuity Payout Option................... 32
Fixed Annuity Payout Options........................ 33
Variable Annuity Payout Options..................... 33
C. Description of Annuity Payout Options................ 33
D. Variable Annuity Benefit Payments.................... 34
The Annuity Unit.................................... 34
Determination of the First Annuity Benefit
Payment............................................. 34
Determination of the Number of Annuity Units........ 35
Dollar Amount of Subsequent Variable Annuity Benefit
Payments............................................ 35
Payment of Annuity Benefit Payments................. 35
E. Transfers of Annuity Units........................... 35
F. Withdrawals After the Annuity Date................... 36
Calculation of Proportionate Reduction.............. 37
Calculation of Present Value........................ 38
Deferral of Withdrawals............................. 39
G. Reversal of Annuitization............................ 40
H. NORRIS Decision...................................... 40
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS...................................... 41
A. Variable Account Deductions.......................... 41
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge................... 41
Administrative Expense Charge....................... 41
Other Charges....................................... 41
B. Contract Fee......................................... 42
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
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C. Optional Rider Charges............................... 42
D. Premium Taxes........................................ 42
E. Surrender Charge..................................... 43
Calculation of Surrender Charge..................... 43
Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge................. 44
Reduction or Elimination of Surrender Charge and
Additional Amounts Credited......................... 45
F. Transfer Charge...................................... 46
G. Withdrawal Adjustment Charge......................... 46
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS................................... 47
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.................................. 49
A. General.............................................. 49
The Company......................................... 49
Diversification Requirements........................ 49
Investor Control.................................... 49
B. Qualified and Non-Qualified Contracts................ 50
C. Taxation of the Contract in General.................. 50
Withdrawals Prior to Annuitization.................. 50
Withdrawals After Annuitization..................... 50
Annuity Payouts After Annuitization................. 51
Penalty on Distribution............................. 51
Assignments or Transfers............................ 51
Nonnatural Owners................................... 51
Deferred Compensation Plans of State and Local
Government and Tax-Exempt Organizations............. 51
D. Tax Withholding...................................... 52
E. Provisions Applicable to Qualified Employer Plans.... 52
Corporate and Self-Employed Pension and Profit
Sharing Plans....................................... 52
Individual Retirement Annuities..................... 52
Tax-Sheltered Annuities............................. 52
Texas Optional Retirement Program................... 53
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS...................................... 53
ADDITION, DELETION OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS........... 53
CHANGES TO COMPLY WITH LAW AND AMENDMENTS................... 54
VOTING RIGHTS............................................... 54
DISTRIBUTION................................................ 55
LEGAL MATTERS............................................... 55
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE........................................ 55
FURTHER INFORMATION......................................... 56
APPENDIX A -- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT...... A-1
APPENDIX B -- PERFORMANCE INFORMATION....................... B-1
APPENDIX C -- SURRENDER CHARGES AND THE MARKET VALUE
ADJUSTMENT................................................. C-1
APPENDIX D -- EXAMPLES OF PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS AND
PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS........................................ D-1
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY............................. 2
TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE
COMPANY.................................................... 3
SERVICES.................................................... 3
UNDERWRITERS................................................ 3
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS.................................... 4
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..................................... 5
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................ F-1
</TABLE>
3
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SPECIAL TERMS
ACCUMULATED VALUE: the total dollar amount of all values in the Sub-Accounts,
the Fixed Account and the Guarantee Period Accounts credited to the Contract on
any day before the Annuity Date.
ACCUMULATION UNIT: a measure used to calculate the value of a Sub-Account before
annuity benefit payments begin.
ANNUITANT: the person designated in the Contract whose life is used to determine
the duration of annuity benefit payments involving a life contingency. Joint
Annuitants are permitted and, unless otherwise indicated, any reference to
Annuitant shall include Joint Annuitants.
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT CHANGE FREQUENCY: the frequency (monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually) that changes due to investment performance will be
reflected in the dollar value of an annuity benefit payment under a variable
annuity payout option.
ANNUITY DATE: the date specified in the Contract or a date elected later by the
Owner to begin annuity benefit payments. This date must be at least two years
after the issue date and may not be later than the Owner's (or youngest Joint
Owner's) 99th birthday.
ANNUITY UNIT: a measure used to calculate annuity benefit payments under a
variable payout option.
ANNUITY VALUE: the value of the amount applied under an annuity payout option.
COMPANY: unless otherwise specified, any reference to the "Company" shall refer
exclusively to either Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company or
First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company.
CONTRACT YEAR: a period of twelve consecutive months starting on the Contract's
issue date or on any anniversary of the issue date.
FIXED ACCOUNT: an investment option under the Contract that guarantees principal
and a fixed minimum interest rate and which is part of the Company's General
Account.
FIXED ANNUITY PAYOUT: an annuity payout option with annuity benefit payments
that are fixed in amount and guaranteed throughout the annuity benefit payment
period.
GENERAL ACCOUNT: all the assets of the Company other than those held in a
separate account.
GROSS PAYMENT BASE: the total of all payments invested in the Contract, less any
withdrawals that exceed the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge amount.
GUARANTEE PERIOD: the number of years that a Guaranteed Interest Rate is
credited.
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNT: an account that corresponds to a Guaranteed Interest
Rate for a specified Guarantee Period.
GUARANTEED INTEREST RATE: the annual effective rate of interest, after daily
compounding, credited to a Guarantee Period Account.
ISSUE DATE: the date the Contract is issued and the date that is used to
determine Contract days, Contract months, Contract years and Contract
anniversaries.
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MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT: a positive or negative adjustment assessed if any
portion of a Guarantee Period Account is withdrawn or transferred prior to the
end of its Guarantee Period.
OWNER (YOU): the person, persons (Joint Owners) or entity entitled to exercise
the rights and privileges under this Contract. Unless otherwise indicated, any
reference to Owner shall include Joint Owners.
SUB-ACCOUNT: a subdivision of the Variable Account investing exclusively in the
shares of a corresponding fund of Allmerica Investment Trust, a corresponding
portfolio of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund ("Fidelity VIP") or
the T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio of T. Rowe Price International
Series, Inc. ("T. Rowe Price").
SURRENDER VALUE: the Accumulated Value of the Contract on full surrender after
application of any applicable Contract fee, surrender charge, rider charges and
Market Value Adjustment.
UNDERLYING FUND (OR FUNDS): an investment portfolio of the Trust, Fidelity VIP,
or T. Rowe Price in which a Sub-Account invests.
VALUATION DATE: a day on which the unit values of the Sub-Accounts are
determined. Valuation Dates currently occur on each day on which the New York
Stock Exchange is open for trading, and on such other days (other than a day
during which no payment, withdrawal or surrender of a Contract was received)
when there is a sufficient degree of trading in an Underlying Fund's portfolio
securities such that the current unit value of the Sub-Accounts may be affected
materially.
VARIABLE ACCOUNT: Allmerica Select Separate Account, one of the Company's
separate accounts, consisting of assets segregated from other assets of the
Company. The investment performance of the assets of the Variable Account is
determined separately from the other assets of the Company and the assets are
not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business which the
Company may conduct.
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYOUT: an annuity payout option providing for payments varying
in amount in accordance with the investment experience of the Underlying Funds.
5
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SUMMARY OF FEES AND EXPENSES
There are certain fees and expenses that you will incur directly or indirectly
under the Allmerica Select Contract. The purpose of the following tables
is to help you understand these various charges. The tables show (1) charges
under the Contract, (2) annual expenses of the Sub-Accounts, and (3) annual
expenses of the Funds during the accumulation phase. In addition to the charges
and expenses described below, premium taxes are applicable in some states and
are deducted as described under "D. Premium Taxes."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPLETE YEARS
FROM DATE OF
PAYMENT CHARGE
(1) CONTRACT CHARGES: ------------------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
SURRENDER CHARGE:* 0 - 2 8.0%
This charge may be assessed upon surrender, withdrawals or More than 2 7.0%
reversal of annuitization. The charge is a percentage of More than 3 6.0%
payments applied to the amount surrendered (in excess of More than 4 5.0%
any amount that is free of surrender charge) within the More than 5 4.0%
indicated time period. More than 6 3.0%
More than 7 2.0%
More than 8 0
TRANSFER CHARGE: None
The Company currently does not charge for processing
transfers and guarantees that the first 12 transfers in a
Contract year will not be subject to a transfer charge.
For each subsequent transfer, the Company reserves the
right to assess a charge, guaranteed never to exceed $25,
to reimburse the Company for the costs of processing the
transfer.
ANNUAL CONTRACT FEE: $35**
The fee is deducted annually and upon surrender prior to
the Annuity Date when Accumulated Value is less than
$75,000. The fee is waived for Contracts issued to and
maintained by the trustee of a 401(k) plan.
OPTIONAL RIDER CHARGE:
If the Enhanced Death Benefit Rider is elected, 1/12th of
the annual charge is deducted pro rata on a monthly basis
at the end of each Contract month and at termination of
the rider. The charge for this Rider on an annual basis as
a percentage of Accumulated Value is:
5% Enhanced Death Benefit Rider With Annual Step-up: 0.25%
</TABLE>
* From time to time, the Company may reduce or eliminate the surrender charge,
the period during which it applies, or both, and/or credit additional amounts on
Contracts when Contracts are sold to individuals or groups in a manner that
reduces sales expenses or where the Owner and Annuitant on the date of issue is
within certain classes of eligible individuals. For more information see
"Reduction or Elimination of Surrender Charge and Additional Amounts Credited"
under "E. Surrender Charge."
** The fee may be lower in some jurisdictions. See Contract Specifications for
specific charge.
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
WITHDRAWAL ADJUSTMENT CHARGE AFTER THE ANNUITY DATE:
During the Annuity Payout Phase, you may request
withdrawals which will result in a calculation by the
Company of the Present Value of future annuity payments.
For withdrawals taken within 5 years of the Issue Date,
the Assumed Investment Return ("AIR") you have chosen (in
the case of a variable annuity payout option) or the
interest rate (in the case of a fixed annuity payout
option) used to determine the Present Value is increased
by a Withdrawal Adjustment Charge in the following manner:
ADJUSTMENT TO AIR OR INTEREST RATE:
If 15 or more years of annuity payments are being valued, 1.00%
the increase is
If 10-14 years of annuity payments are being valued, the 1.50%
increase is
If less than 10 years of annuity payments are being 2.00%
valued, the increase is
</TABLE>
The increase to the AIR or the interest rate used to determine the Present Value
results in a greater proportionate reduction in the number of Annuity Units
(under a variable annuity payout option) or dollar amount (under a fixed annuity
payout option), than if the increase had not been made. Because each variable
annuity benefit payment is determined by multiplying the number of Annuity Units
by the value of an Annuity Unit, the reduction in the number of Annuity Units
will result in lower future variable annuity benefit payments. See "D. Variable
Annuity Benefit Payments" and "F. Withdrawals After the Annuity Date" under
ANNUITIZATION--THE PAYOUT PHASE for additional information.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(2) ANNUAL SUB-ACCOUNT EXPENSES:
(on an annual basis as a percentage of average daily net
assets)
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge: 1.20%
Administrative Expense Charge: 0.15%
------
Total Annual Expenses: 1.35%
(3) ANNUAL UNDERLYING FUND EXPENSES: The following table
shows the expenses of the Underlying Funds as a percentage
of average daily net assets for the year ended December 31,
1998. For more information concerning fees and expenses, see
the prospectuses for the Underlying Funds.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MANAGEMENT FEE OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL FUND
(AFTER ANY (AFTER ANY EXPENSES (AFTER ANY
UNDERLYING FUND VOLUNTARY WAIVERS) REIMBURSEMENTS) WAIVERS/REIMBURSEMENTS)
- --------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund(@)......... 1.00%* 1.19% 2.19%(1)(2)*
Select International Equity Fund........ 0.90% 0.12% 1.02%(1)(2)
T. Rowe Price International Stock
Portfolio.............................. 1.05% 0.00% 1.05%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund........... 0.82%** 0.07% 0.89%(1)(2)**
Select Capital Appreciation Fund........ 0.94%** 0.10% 1.04%(1)(2)**
Select Value Opportunity Fund........... 0.90%(1)* 0.08% 0.98%(1)(2)*
Select Growth Fund...................... 0.81%** 0.05% 0.86%(1)(2)**
Select Strategic Growth Fund(@)......... 0.39%* 0.81% 1.20%(1)(2)*
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio........... 0.59% 0.09% 0.69%(3)
Select Growth and Income Fund........... 0.68% 0.05% 0.73%(1)(2)
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio.... 0.49% 0.09% 0.58%(3)
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio...... 0.58% 0.12% 0.70%
Select Income Fund...................... 0.54% 0.10% 0.64%(1)
Money Market Fund....................... 0.26% 0.06% 0.32%(1)
</TABLE>
(@) Select Emerging Markets Fund and Select Strategic Growth Fund commenced
operations on February 20, 1998. Expenses shown are annualized.
7
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* Amount has been adjusted to reflect a voluntary expense limitation currently
in effect for Select Emerging Markets Fund, Select Value Opportunity Fund, and
Select Strategic Growth Fund. Without these adjustments, the Management Fees and
Total Fund Expenses would have been 1.35% and 2.54%, respectively, for Select
Emerging Markets Fund, 0.91% and 0.99%, respectively, for Select Value
Opportunity Fund, and 0.85% and 1.66%, respectively, for the Select Strategic
Growth Fund.
** Effective September 1, 1999, the management fee rates for the Select
Aggressive Growth Fund and Select Capital Appreciation Fund were revised. The
Management Fee and Total Fund Expenses shown in the table above have been
adjusted to assume that the revised rates took effect January 1, 1998.
(1) Until further notice, Allmerica Financial Investment Management
Services, Inc. ("AFIMS") has declared a voluntary expense limitation of 1.35% of
average net assets for Select Aggressive Growth Fund and Select Capital
Appreciation Fund, 1.25% for Select Value Opportunity Fund, 1.50% for Select
International Equity Fund, 1.10% for Select Growth and Income Fund, 1.00% for
Select Income Fund, and 0.60% for Money Market Fund. The total operating
expenses of these Funds of the Trust were less than their respective expense
limitations throughout 1998.
Until further notice, AFIMS has declared a voluntary expense limitation of 1.20%
of average daily net assets for the Select Strategic Growth Fund. In addition,
AFIMS has agreed to voluntarily waive its management fee to the extent that
expenses of the Select Emerging Markets Fund exceed 2.00% of the Fund's average
daily net assets, except that such waiver shall not exceed the net amount of
management fees earned by AFIMS from the Fund after subtracting fees paid by
AFIMS to a sub-adviser.
Until further notice, the Select Value Opportunity Fund's management fee rate
has been voluntarily limited to an annual rate of 0.90% of average daily net
assets, and total expenses are limited to 1.25% of average daily net assets.
The declaration of a voluntary management fee or expense limitation in any year
does not bind AFIMS to declare future expense limitations with respect to these
Funds. These limitations may be terminated at any time.
(2) These Funds have entered into agreements with brokers whereby brokers rebate
a portion of commissions. Had these amounts been treated as reductions of
expenses, the total annual fund operating expense ratios would have been 2.19%
for Select Emerging Markets Fund, 0.86% for Select Aggressive Growth Fund, 1.02%
for Select Capital Appreciation Fund, 0.94% for Select Value Opportunity Fund,
1.01% for Select International Equity Fund, 1.14% for Select Strategic Growth
Fund, and 0.70% for Select Growth and Income Fund.
(3) A portion of the brokerage commissions that the Funds paid was used to
reduce Fund expenses. In addition, certain funds, or Fidelity Management &
Research Company on behalf of certain funds, have entered into arrangements with
their custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances
were used to reduce custodian expenses. Including these reductions, the total
operating expenses would have been 0.57% for Fidelity VIP Equity-Income
Portfolio, and 0.66% for Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio.
The Underlying Fund information above was provided by the Underlying Funds and
was not independently verified by the Company.
EXPENSE EXAMPLES: The following examples demonstrate the cumulative expenses
which an Owner would pay at 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year intervals under
certain contingencies. Each example assumes a $1,000 investment in a Sub-Account
and a 5% annual return on assets. As required by rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the Contract fee is reflected in the examples by a
method designed to show the "average" impact on an investment in the Variable
Account. The total Contract fees collected are divided by the total average net
assets attributable to the Contracts. The resulting percentage is 0.04%, and the
amount of the Contract fee is assumed to be $0.40 in the examples. The Contract
fee is only deducted when the
8
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Accumulated Value is less than $75,000. Lower costs apply to Contracts owned and
maintained under a 401(k) plan. Because the expenses of the Underlying Funds
differ, separate examples are used to illustrate the expenses incurred by an
Owner on an investment in the various Sub-Accounts.
THESE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESSER THAN THOSE SHOWN.
(1)(a) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you surrender your
Contract, you would have paid the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return on assets, and no Riders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund............................... $109 $165 $223 $381
Select International Equity Fund........................... $ 98 $132 $167 $271
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio................ $ 98 $133 $168 $274
Select Aggressive Growth Fund.............................. $ 97 $130 $163 $264
Select Capital Appreciation Fund........................... $ 98 $133 $168 $273
Select Value Opportunity Fund.............................. $ 98 $131 $165 $267
Select Growth Fund......................................... $ 96 $128 $159 $254
Select Strategic Growth Fund............................... $100 $137 $176 $288
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio.............................. $ 95 $123 $149 $236
Select Growth and Income Fund.............................. $ 95 $124 $152 $241
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio....................... $ 94 $120 $144 $226
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio......................... $ 95 $123 $151 $238
Select Income Fund......................................... $ 94 $122 $147 $232
Money Market Fund.......................................... $ 91 $112 $131 $198
</TABLE>
(1)(b) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you surrender your
Contract, you would have paid the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return on assets and election at issue of the 5% Enhanced
Death Benefit Rider With Annual Step-Up.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund............................... $111 $172 $234 $403
Select International Equity Fund........................... $100 $139 $179 $295
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio................ $101 $140 $181 $298
Select Aggressive Growth Fund.............................. $100 $137 $176 $288
Select Capital Appreciation Fund........................... $100 $140 $180 $297
Select Value Opportunity Fund.............................. $100 $138 $177 $291
Select Growth Fund......................................... $ 99 $135 $171 $280
Select Strategic Growth Fund............................... $102 $144 $188 $313
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio.............................. $ 97 $130 $162 $262
Select Growth and Income Fund.............................. $ 98 $131 $165 $267
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio....................... $ 96 $127 $157 $251
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio......................... $ 97 $130 $163 $264
Select Income Fund......................................... $ 97 $129 $160 $258
Money Market Fund.......................................... $ 94 $120 $144 $225
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
(2)(a) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you do not surrender your
Contract or you annuitize,* you would have paid the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return on assets, and no Riders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund............................... $36 $109 $184 $381
Select International Equity Fund........................... $24 $ 74 $127 $271
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio................ $24 $ 75 $128 $274
Select Aggressive Growth Fund.............................. $23 $ 72 $123 $264
Select Capital Appreciation Fund........................... $24 $ 75 $128 $273
Select Value Opportunity Fund.............................. $24 $ 73 $125 $267
Select Growth Fund......................................... $22 $ 69 $119 $254
Select Strategic Growth Fund............................... $26 $ 79 $136 $288
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio.............................. $21 $ 64 $109 $236
Select Growth and Income Fund.............................. $21 $ 65 $112 $241
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio....................... $20 $ 61 $104 $226
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio......................... $21 $ 64 $111 $238
Select Income Fund......................................... $20 $ 63 $107 $232
Money Market Fund.......................................... $17 $ 53 $ 91 $198
</TABLE>
(2)(b) If, at the end of the applicable time period, you do not surrender your
Contract or you annuitize,* you would have paid the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming an annual 5% return on assets and election at issue
of the 5% Enhanced Death Benefit Rider With Annual Step-Up.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITH SURRENDER CHARGE 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- --------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund............................... $38 $116 $196 $403
Select International Equity Fund........................... $27 $ 82 $139 $295
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio................ $27 $ 82 $141 $298
Select Aggressive Growth Fund.............................. $26 $ 79 $136 $288
Select Capital Appreciation Fund........................... $27 $ 82 $140 $297
Select Value Opportunity Fund.............................. $26 $ 80 $137 $291
Select Growth Fund......................................... $25 $ 77 $131 $280
Select Strategic Growth Fund............................... $28 $ 87 $148 $313
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio.............................. $23 $ 71 $122 $262
Select Growth and Income Fund.............................. $24 $ 73 $125 $267
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio....................... $22 $ 68 $117 $251
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio......................... $23 $ 72 $123 $264
Select Income Fund......................................... $23 $ 70 $120 $258
Money Market Fund.......................................... $20 $ 60 $104 $225
</TABLE>
* The Contract fee is not deducted after annuitization. No surrender charges are
deducted at or after annuitization under any of the available annuity payout
options.
10
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT FEATURES
WHAT IS THE ALLMERICA SELECT VARIABLE ANNUITY?
The Allmerica Select variable annuity contract ("Contract") is an
insurance contract designed to help you, the Owner, accumulate assets for your
retirement or other important financial goals on a tax-deferred basis. The
Contract may be purchased up to age 85 of the oldest Owner or, if the Owner is
not a natural person, the oldest Annuitant. The Contract combines the concept of
professional money management with the attributes of an annuity contract.
Features available through the Contract include:
- a customized investment portfolio;
- experienced professional investment advisers;
- tax deferral on earnings;
- guarantees that can protect your family;
- withdrawals during the accumulation and annuitization phases; and
- income that you can receive for life.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ACCUMULATION PHASE?
The Contract has two phases: an accumulation phase and, if you choose to
annuitize, an annuity payout phase (described below). During the accumulation
phase, you may allocate your initial payment and any additional payments to the
combination of portfolios of securities ("Underlying Funds") under your
Contract, to the Guarantee Period Accounts, and to the Fixed Account. You select
the investment options most appropriate for your investment needs. As those
needs change, you may also change your allocation without incurring any tax
consequences. Your Contract's Accumulated Value is based on the investment
performance of the Underlying Funds and any accumulations in the Guarantee
Period Accounts and the Fixed Account. You do not pay taxes on any earnings
under the Contract until you withdraw money. In addition, during the
accumulation phase, your beneficiaries receive certain protections in the event
of your death. See discussion below: WHAT HAPPENS UPON MY DEATH DURING THE
ACCUMULATION PHASE?
WHAT HAPPENS UPON MY DEATH DURING THE ACCUMULATION PHASE?
If you or a Joint Owner dies before the Annuity Date, a standard death benefit
will be paid to the beneficiary. (No death benefit is payable at the death of
any Annuitant except when the Owner is not a natural person.) An optional
Enhanced Death Benefit Rider is also available at issue for a separate monthly
charge. See "F. Death Benefit" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE
ACCUMULATION PHASE.
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE ANNUITY PAYOUT PHASE?
During the annuity payout phase, you, or the payee you designate, can receive
income based on one of the numerous annuity payout options available under the
Contract. You choose:
- the annuity payout option;
- the date annuity benefit payments begin but no earlier than 2 years after
the Issue Date; and
- whether you want variable annuity benefit payments based on the investment
performance of the Underlying Funds, fixed-amount annuity benefit payments
with payment amounts guaranteed by the Company, or a combination of
fixed-amount and variable annuity benefit payments.
You may also take withdrawals during the annuity payout phase. The type of
withdrawal and the number of withdrawals that may be made each calendar year
depend upon whether the Owner annuitizes under an
11
<PAGE>
annuity payout option with payments based on the life of one or more Annuitants
with no guaranteed payments (a "Life" annuity payout option), under a life
annuity payout option that in part provides for a guaranteed number of payments
(a "Life With Period Certain" or "Life With Cash Back" annuity payout option),
or an annuity payout option based on a guaranteed number of payments (a "Period
Certain" annuity payout option). Under a Life annuity payout option, the Owner
may make one Payment Withdrawal each calendar year. Under a Life with Period
Certain or Life with Cash Back annuity payout option, the Owner may make one
Payment Withdrawal and one Present Value Withdrawal in each calendar year. Under
a Period Certain annuity payout option, the Owner may make multiple Present
Value Withdrawals each calendar year. For more information, see "F. Withdrawals
After the Annuity Date" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE. In addition, if
you choose a variable payout option, you may transfer among the available
Sub-Accounts.
WHO ARE THE KEY PERSONS UNDER THE CONTRACT?
The Contract is between you, (the "Owner"), and us, Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance and Annuity Company (for contracts issued in all jurisdictions except
New York) and First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company (in New York).
Each Contract has an Owner (or an Owner and a Joint Owner), an Annuitant (or an
Annuitant and a Joint Annuitant) and one or more beneficiaries. As Owner, you
may:
- make payments
- choose investment allocations
- choose annuity payout options
- receive annuity benefit payments (or designate someone else to receive
annuity benefit payments)
- select the Annuitant and beneficiary.
The Annuitant is the person whose life is used to determine the duration of
annuity benefit payments involving a life contingency. There must be at least
one Annuitant at all times. If an Annuitant dies and a replacement is not named,
the Owner will become the new Annuitant. The beneficiary is the person(s) or
entity entitled to the death benefit at the death of a sole Owner prior to the
Annuity Date. In the case of the death of a Joint Owner, the surviving Joint
Owner will receive the death benefit. Under certain circumstances, the
beneficiary may be entitled to annuity benefit payments upon the death of an
Owner on or after the Annuity Date.
HOW MUCH CAN I INVEST AND HOW OFTEN?
During the Accumulation Phase, you may make additional payments. Total payments
under the Contract can exceed $5,000,000 only with the Company's prior approval.
The number and frequency of your payments are flexible, subject only to a $1,000
minimum for your initial payment and a $50 minimum for any additional payments.
A lower initial payment is permitted for certain qualified plans and where
monthly payments are being forwarded directly from a financial institution. A
minimum of $1,000 is always required to establish a Guarantee Period Account.
12
<PAGE>
WHAT ARE MY INVESTMENT CHOICES?
You may choose among fourteen Sub-Accounts investing in the Underlying Funds,
the Guarantee Period Accounts, and the Fixed Account. The fourteen Funds are:
- Select Emerging Markets Fund
Managed by Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
- Select International Equity Fund
Managed by Bank of Ireland Asset Management (U.S.) Limited
- T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio
Managed by Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc.
- Select Aggressive Growth Fund
Managed by Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, L.P.
- Select Capital Appreciation Fund
Managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
- Select Value Opportunity Fund
Managed by Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, LLC
- Select Growth Fund
Managed by Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
- Select Strategic Growth Fund
Managed by Cambiar Investors, Inc.
- Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio
Managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company
- Select Growth and Income Fund
Managed by J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
- Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio
Managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company
- Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio
Managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company
- Select Income Fund
Managed by Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc.
- Money Market Fund
Managed by Allmerica Asset Management, Inc.
FOR A MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE UNDERLYING FUNDS, SEE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.
Each Underlying Fund operates pursuant to different investment objectives and
this range of investment options enables you to allocate your money among the
Underlying Funds to meet your particular investment needs.
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS. Assets supporting the guarantees under the Guarantee
Period Accounts are held in the Company's Separate Account GPA, a non-unitized
insulated separate account (except in California, where assets are held in the
Company's General Account). Values and benefits calculated on the basis of
Guarantee Period Account allocations, however, are obligations of the Company's
General Account. Amounts allocated to a Guarantee Period Account earn a
Guaranteed Interest Rate declared by the Company. The level of the Guaranteed
Interest Rate depends on the number of years of the Guarantee Period selected.
The
13
<PAGE>
Company may offer up to eight Guarantee Periods ranging from three to ten years
in duration. Once declared, the Guaranteed Interest Rate will not change during
the duration of the Guarantee Period.
If amounts allocated to a Guarantee Period Account are transferred, surrendered
or applied to any annuity payout option at any time other than the day following
the last day of the applicable Guarantee Period, a Market Value Adjustment will
apply that may increase or decrease the value. However, this adjustment will
never be applied against your principal. In addition, earnings in the GPA AFTER
application of the Market Value Adjustment will not be less than an effective
annual rate of 3%. For more information about the Guarantee Period Accounts and
the Market Value Adjustment, see GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS.
THE GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES AND ARE NOT
OFFERED AFTER ANNUITIZATION.
FIXED ACCOUNT. The Fixed Account is part of the General Account, which consists
of all the Company's assets other than those allocated to the Variable Account
and any other separate account. Allocations to the Fixed Account are guaranteed
as to principal and a minimum rate of interest. Additional excess interest may
be declared periodically at the Company's discretion. The initial rate in effect
on the date an amount is allocated to the Fixed Account will be guaranteed for
one year from that date. For more information about the Fixed Account, see
APPENDIX A -- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT.
WHO ARE THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS OF THE FUNDS AND HOW ARE THEY SELECTED?
BARRA RogersCasey, Inc. ("BARRA RogersCasey"), a pension consulting firm,
assists the Company in the selection of the Contract's Funds. In addition, BARRA
RogersCasey assists the Trust in the selection of investment advisers for the
Funds of the Trust. BARRA RogersCasey provides consulting services to pension
plans representing hundreds of billions of dollars in total assets and, in its
consulting capacity, monitors the investment performance of over 1000 investment
advisers. BARRA RogersCasey is wholly-controlled by BARRA, Inc. As a consultant,
BARRA RogersCasey has no discretionary or decision-making authority with respect
to the Funds, and has no responsibility for any investment advice or other
services provided to the Funds by Allmerica Financial Investment Management
Services, Inc. ("AFIMS") or the investment advisers.
AFIMS, an affiliate of the Company, is the investment manager of the Trust.
AFIMS has entered into agreements with investment advisers ("Sub-Advisers")
selected by AFIMS and the Trustees in consultation with BARRA RogersCasey. Each
investment adviser is selected by using strict objective, quantitative, and
qualitative criteria, with special emphasis on the investment adviser's record
in managing similar portfolios. In consultation with BARRA RogersCasey, a
committee monitors and evaluates the ongoing performance of all of the Funds.
The committee may recommend the replacement of an investment adviser of one of
the Funds of the Trust, or the addition or deletion of any other Funds. The
committee includes members who may be affiliated or unaffiliated with the
Company and the Trust. The Sub-Advisers (other than Allmerica Asset
Management, Inc.) are not affiliated with the Company or the Trust.
Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") is the investment adviser of
Fidelity VIP. FMR is one of America's largest investment management
organizations and has its principal business address at 82 Devonshire Street,
Boston, MA. It is composed of a number of different companies, which provide a
variety of financial services and products. FMR is the original Fidelity
company, founded in 1946. It provides a number of mutual funds and other clients
with investment research and portfolio management services.
Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc. ("Price-Fleming") is the investment
adviser of T. Rowe Price. Price-Fleming, founded in 1979 as a joint venture
between T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Roger Fleming Holdings, Limited, is
one of America's largest no-load international mutual fund asset managers with
approximately $32 billion (as of December 31, 1998) under management in its
offices in Baltimore, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and Buenos Aires.
14
<PAGE>
The following are the investment advisers of the Funds:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND INVESTMENT ADVISER
---- ------------------
<S> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
Select International Equity Fund Bank of Ireland Asset Management (U.S.) Limited
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc.
Select Aggressive Growth Fund Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management, L.P.
Select Capital Appreciation Fund T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
Select Value Opportunity Fund Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, LLC
Select Growth Fund Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
Select Strategic Growth Fund Cambiar Investors, Inc.
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio Fidelity Management & Research Company
Select Growth and Income Fund J. P. Morgan Investment Management Inc.
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio Fidelity Management & Research Company
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio Fidelity Management & Research Company
Select Income Fund Standish, Ayer & Wood, Inc.
Money Market Fund Allmerica Asset Management, Inc.
</TABLE>
CAN I MAKE TRANSFERS AMONG THE SUB-ACCOUNTS?
Yes. Prior to the Annuity Date, you may transfer among the Sub-Accounts
investing in the Underlying Funds, the Guarantee Period Accounts, and the Fixed
Account. On and after the Annuity Date, if you have elected a variable option,
you may transfer only among the Sub-Accounts. You will incur no current taxes on
transfers while your money remains in the Contract. See "D. Transfer Privilege"
under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE and "E. Transfers of
Annuity Units" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE.
The first 12 transfers in a Contract year are guaranteed to be free of a
transfer charge. For each subsequent transfer in a Contract year, the Company
does not currently charge but reserves the right to assess a processing charge
guaranteed never to exceed $25.
If you authorize automatic periodic transfers (under an Asset Allocation Model
Reallocation program, Automatic Transfers program (Dollar Cost Averaging) or
Automatic Account Rebalancing program), the first automatic transfer or
rebalancing under a request counts as one transfer for purposes of the 12
transfers guaranteed to be free of a transfer charge in each Contract year. Each
subsequent automatic transfer or rebalancing under that request is without
charge and does not reduce the remaining number of transfers which may be made
free of charge in that Contract year.
WHAT IF I NEED MY MONEY BEFORE THE ANNUITY PAYOUT PHASE BEGINS?
Before the annuity payout phase begins, you may surrender your Contract or make
withdrawals at any time. Each calendar year, you can take without a surrender
charge up to 12% of the total of all payments invested in the Contract less that
portion of any prior withdrawal(s) of payments that are subject to the surrender
charge table (even if the applicable surrender charge is 0%) as of the Valuation
Date for the withdrawal (the Gross Payment Base), less any prior withdrawal(s)
during the same calendar year to which the surrender charge table was not
applicable.
To the extent it exceeds the amount described in the previous paragraph, the
Owner of a Qualified Contract or a Contract issued under a Section 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan may take each calendar year, without surrender charge, an
amount calculated by the Company based on his or her life expectancy. A 10% tax
penalty may apply on all amounts deemed to be earnings if you are under age
59 1/2.
15
<PAGE>
In addition, WHERE PERMITTED BY LAW, the Company will waive surrender charges
if, after the Contract is issued:
- you become disabled before you attain age 65; or
- you are diagnosed with a fatal illness or are confined in a medical care
facility for the later of 90 consecutive days or one year after the Issue
Date.
Additional amounts may be withdrawn at any time. However, the withdrawal of
payments that have not been invested in the Contract for more than eight years
may be subject to a surrender charge. A Market Value Adjustment will apply to
withdrawals from a Guarantee Period Account prior to the expiration of the
Guarantee Period.
CAN I EXAMINE THE CONTRACT?
Yes. Your Contract will be delivered to you after your purchase. If you return
the Contract to the Company within ten days of receipt, the Contract will be
cancelled. There may be a longer period in certain jurisdictions; see the "Right
to Examine" provision on the cover of your Contract.
If you cancel the Contract, you will receive the Contract's Accumulated Value
adjusted for any Market Value Adjustment for amounts allocated to a Guarantee
Period Account, plus any fees or charges that may have been deducted. However,
if required in your state or if the Contract was issued as an Individual
Retirement Annuity (IRA), you will generally receive a refund of your gross
payment(s). In certain jurisdictions this refund may be the greater of (1) your
gross payment(s) or (2) the Accumulated Value adjusted for any Market Value
Adjustment, plus any fees or charges previously deducted. See "C. Right to
Cancel" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
CAN I MAKE FUTURE CHANGES UNDER MY CONTRACT?
You can make several changes after receiving your Contract:
- You may assign your ownership to someone else, except under certain
qualified plans.
- You may change the beneficiary, unless you have designated an irrevocable
beneficiary.
- You may change your allocation of payments.
- You may make transfers among the Sub-Accounts without any tax
consequences.
- You may cancel your Contract within ten days of delivery (or longer if
required by state law).
16
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPANIES, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS,
AND THE UNDERLYING FUNDS
THE COMPANIES. Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company
("Allmerica Financial") is a life insurance company organized under the laws of
Delaware in July 1974. Its Principal Office is located at 440 Lincoln Street,
Worcester, MA 01653, Telephone 508-855-1000. Allmerica Financial is subject to
the laws of the state of Delaware governing insurance companies and to
regulation by the Commissioner of Insurance of Delaware. In addition, Allmerica
Financial is subject to the insurance laws and regulations of other states and
jurisdictions in which it is licensed to operate. As of December 31, 1998,
Allmerica Financial had over $14 billion in assets and over $26 billion of life
insurance in force.
Effective October 1, 1995, Allmerica Financial changed its name from SMA Life
Assurance Company to Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity Company.
Allmerica Financial is a wholly owned subsidiary of First Allmerica Financial
Life Insurance Company ("First Allmerica") which, in turn, is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Allmerica Financial Corporation ("AFC").
First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company ("First Allmerica"), organized
under the laws of Massachusetts in 1844, is among the five oldest life insurance
companies in America. As of December 31, 1998, First Allmerica and its
subsidiaries had over $27 billion in combined assets and over $48 billion of
life insurance in force. Effective October 16, 1995, First Allmerica converted
from a mutual life insurance company known as State Mutual Life Assurance
Company of America to a stock life insurance company and adopted its present
name. First Allmerica is a wholly owned subsidiary of AFC. First Allmerica's
principal office ("Principal Office") is located at 440 Lincoln Street,
Worcester, MA 01653, Telephone 508-855-1000.
First Allmerica is subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
governing insurance companies and to regulation by the Commissioner of Insurance
of Massachusetts. In addition, First Allmerica is subject to the insurance laws
and regulations of other states and jurisdictions in which it is licensed to
operate.
Both companies are charter members of the Insurance Marketplace Standards
Association ("IMSA"). Companies that belong to IMSA subscribe to a rigorous set
of standards that cover the various aspects of sales and service for
individually sold life insurance and annuities. IMSA members have adopted
policies and procedures that demonstrate a commitment to honesty, fairness and
integrity in all customer contacts involving sales and service of individual
life insurance and annuity products.
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNTS. Each Company maintains a separate account
called the Allmerica Select Separate Account (the "Variable Account"). The
Variable Account of Allmerica Financial was authorized by vote of the Board of
Directors of the Company on March 5, 1992 and the Variable Account of First
Allmerica was authorized by vote of the Board of Directors of the Company on
August 20, 1991. Each Variable Account is registered with the SEC as a unit
investment trust under the 1940 Act. This registration does not involve the
supervision or management of investment practices or policies of the Variable
Account or the Company by the SEC.
The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company. The assets
used to fund the variable portions of the Contracts are set aside in the
Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account, and are kept separate and apart from the
general assets of the Company. Each Sub-Account is administered and accounted
for as part of our general business, but the income, capital gains, or capital
losses of each Sub-Account are allocated to such Sub-Account, without regard to
other income, capital gains, or capital losses of the Company. Obligations under
the Contracts are our obligations. Under Delaware and Massachusetts law, the
assets of the Variable Account may not be charged with any liabilities arising
out of any other business of the Company.
We reserve the right, subject to compliance with applicable law, to change the
names of the Variable Account and the Sub-Accounts. We also offer other variable
annuity contracts investing in the Variable Account which
17
<PAGE>
are not discussed in this Prospectus. In addition the Variable Account may
invest in other underlying funds which are not available to the Contracts
described in this Prospectus.
ALLMERICA INVESTMENT TRUST. Allmerica Investment Trust (the "Trust") is an
open-end, diversified, management investment company registered with the SEC
under the 1940 Act. The Trust was established as a Massachusetts business trust
on October 11, 1984, for the purpose of providing a vehicle for the investment
of assets of various separate accounts established by the Company or other
affiliated insurance companies. Nine investment portfolios of the Trust
currently are available under the Contract, each issuing a series of shares:
Select Emerging Markets Fund, Select International Equity Fund, Select
Aggressive Growth Fund, Select Capital Appreciation Fund, Select Value
Opportunity Fund, Select Strategic Growth Fund, Select Growth and Income Fund,
Select Income Fund and the Money Market Fund. The assets of each Fund are held
separate from the assets of the other Funds. Each Fund operates as a separate
investment vehicle and the income or losses of one Fund have no effect on the
investment performance of another Fund. Shares of the Trust are not offered to
the general public but solely to such variable accounts.
Allmerica Financial Investment Management Services, Inc. ("AFIMS"), an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of First Allmerica, serves as the investment adviser of
the Trust and has entered into sub-advisory agreements with other investment
managers ("Sub-Advisers") who manage the investments of the Funds. See
"Investment Advisory Services to the Trust."
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND. Fidelity Variable Insurance Products
Fund ("Fidelity VIP"), managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company
("FMR"), is an open-end, diversified, management investment company organized as
a Massachusetts business trust on November 13, 1981 and registered with the SEC
under the 1940 Act. Three of its investment portfolios are available under the
Contract: Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio, Fidelity VIP Equity-Income
Portfolio, and Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio.
Various Fidelity companies perform certain activities required to operate
Fidelity VIP. FMR is one of America's largest investment management
organizations, and has its principal business address at 82 Devonshire Street,
Boston, Massachusetts. It is composed of a number of different companies which
provide a variety of financial services and products. FMR is the original
Fidelity company, founded in 1946. It provides a number of mutual funds and
other clients with investment research and portfolio management services. The
Portfolios of Fidelity VIP as part of their operating expenses pay an investment
management fee to FMR. See "Investment Advisory Services to Fidelity VIP."
T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL SERIES, INC. T. Rowe Price International Series,
Inc. ("T. Rowe Price"), managed by Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc.
("Price-Fleming"), is an open-end, diversified, management investment company
organized as a Maryland corporation in 1994 and registered with the SEC under
the 1940 Act. One of its investment portfolios is available under the Contract:
the T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio. See "Investment Advisory
Services to T. Rowe Price." One of its affiliates, T. Rowe Price
Associates, Inc., serves as the Sub-Adviser to the Select Capital Appreciation
Fund.
18
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
A summary of investment objectives of each of the Underlying Funds is set forth
below. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES,
RESTRICTIONS AND RISKS, EXPENSES PAID BY THE UNDERLYING FUNDS, AND OTHER
RELEVANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE UNDERLYING FUNDS MAY BE FOUND IN THE
PROSPECTUSES OF THE TRUST, FIDELITY VIP AND T. ROWE PRICE, WHICH PROSPECTUSES
ACCOMPANY THIS PROSPECTUS, AND SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE INVESTING. The
Statements of Additional Information ("SAI") of the Underlying Funds are
available upon request. There can be no assurance that the investment objectives
of the Underlying Funds can be achieved or that the value of the Contract will
equal or exceed the aggregate amount of the purchase payments made under the
Contract.
SELECT EMERGING MARKETS FUND -- seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
in the world's emerging markets. The Sub-Adviser for the Select Emerging Markets
Fund is Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
SELECT INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND -- seeks maximum long-term total return
(capital appreciation and income). The Fund will invest primarily in common
stocks of established non-U.S. companies. The Sub-Adviser for the Select
International Equity Fund is Bank of Ireland Asset Management (U.S.) Limited.
T. ROWE PRICE INTERNATIONAL STOCK PORTFOLIO -- seeks long-term growth of capital
through investments primarily in common stocks of established, non-U.S.
companies. The manager of the Portfolio is Rowe Price-Fleming
International, Inc.
SELECT AGGRESSIVE GROWTH FUND -- seeks above-average capital appreciation by
investing primarily in common stocks of companies which are believed to have
significant potential for capital appreciation. The Sub-Adviser for the Select
Aggressive Growth Fund is Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management L.P.
SELECT CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND -- seeks long-term growth of capital.
Realization of income is not a significant investment consideration and any
income realized on the Fund's investments will be incidental to its primary
objective. The Fund will invest primarily in common stock of industries and
companies which are experiencing favorable demand for their products and
services, and which operate in a favorable competitive environment and
regulatory climate. The Sub-Adviser for the Select Capital Appreciation Fund is
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
SELECT VALUE OPPORTUNITY FUND -- seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
principally in diversified portfolio of common stocks of small and mid-size
companies whose securities at the time of purchase are considered by the
Sub-Adviser to be undervalued. The Sub-Adviser for the Select Value Opportunity
Fund is Cramer Rosenthal McGlynn, LLC.
SELECT GROWTH FUND -- seeks to achieve growth of capital by investing in a
diversified portfolio consisting primarily of common stocks selected on the
basis of their long-term growth potential. The Sub-Advisor for the Select Growth
Fund is Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
SELECT STRATEGIC GROWTH FUND -- seeks long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in common stocks of established companies. The Sub-Adviser for the
Select Strategic Growth Fund is Cambiar Investors, Inc.
FIDELITY VIP GROWTH PORTFOLIO -- seeks to achieve capital appreciation. The
Portfolio normally purchases common stocks, although its investments are not
restricted to any one type of security. Capital appreciation also may be found
in other types of securities, including bonds and preferred stocks.
SELECT GROWTH AND INCOME FUND -- seeks a combination of long-term growth of
capital and current income. The Fund will invest primarily in dividend-paying
common stocks and securities convertible into
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<PAGE>
common stocks. The Sub-Adviser for the Select Growth and Income Fund is J. P.
Morgan Investment Management Inc.
FIDELITY VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO -- seeks reasonable income by investing
primarily in income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities,
the Portfolio also will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The
Portfolio's goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the
securities comprising the S&P 500.
FIDELITY VIP HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO -- seeks to obtain a high level of current
income by investing primarily in high-yielding, lower-rated fixed-income
securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"), while also considering growth
of capital. These securities are often considered to be speculative and involve
greater risk of default or price changes than securities assigned a high quality
rating. For more information about these lower-rated securities, see the
Fidelity VIP prospectus.
SELECT INCOME FUND -- seeks a high level of current income. The Fund will invest
primarily in investment-grade, fixed-income securities. The Sub-Adviser for the
Select Income Fund is Standish, Ayer, & Wood, Inc.
MONEY MARKET FUND -- seeks to obtain maximum current income consistent with the
preservation of capital and liquidity. Allmerica Asset Management, Inc. is the
Sub-Adviser of the Money Market Fund.
If there is a material change in the investment policy of a Sub-Account or the
Fund in which it invests, the Owner will be notified of the change. If the Owner
has Accumulated Value allocated to that Fund, he or she may have the Accumulated
Value reallocated without charge to another Fund or to the Fixed Account, where
available, on written request received by the Company within sixty (60) days of
the later of (1) the effective date of such change in the investment policy, or
(2) the receipt of the notice of the Owner's right to transfer.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Each Underlying Fund pays a management fee to an investment manager or adviser
for managing and providing services to the Fund; however management fee waivers
and/or reimbursements may be in effect for certain or all of the Underlying
Funds. For specific information regarding the existence and effect of any
waivers/reimbursements see "Annual Underlying Fund Expenses" under the SUMMARY
OF FEES AND EXPENSES section. The prospectuses of the Underlying Funds also
contain information regarding fees for advisory services and should be read in
conjunction with the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES TO THE TRUST. The overall responsibility for the
supervision of the affairs of the Trust rests with the trustees. The Trust has
entered into an agreement ("Management Agreement") with Allmerica Financial
Investment Management Services, Inc. ("AFIMS"), an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of First Allmerica, to handle the day-to-day affairs of the Trust.
AFIMS, subject to review by the trustees, is responsible for the general
management of the Funds of the Trust. AFIMS also performs certain administrative
and management services for the Trust, furnishes to the Trust all necessary
office space, facilities and equipment, and pays the compensation, if any, of
officers and trustees affiliated with AFIMS.
Other than the expenses specifically assumed by AFIMS under the Management
Agreement, all expenses incurred in the operation of the Trust are borne by it.
These include fees and expenses associated with the registration and
qualification of the Trust's shares under the Securities Act of 1933 ("the 1933
Act"), other fees payable to the SEC, independent public accountant, legal and
custodian fees, association membership dues, taxes, interest, insurance
premiums, brokerage commission, fees and expenses of the trustees who are not
affiliated with AFIMS, expenses for proxies, prospectuses, reports to
shareholders and other expenses.
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<PAGE>
For providing its services under the Management Agreement, AFIMS will receive a
fee, computed daily at an annual rate based on the average daily net asset value
of each Fund of the Trust as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND NET ASSET VALUE RATE
- ---- ----------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund................................ * 1.35%
First $100
Select International Equity Fund............................ million 1.00%
Next $150 million 0.90%
Over $250 million 0.85%
First $100
Select Aggressive Growth Fund............................... million 1.00%
Next $150 million 0.90%
Next $250 million 0.80%
Next $500 million 0.70%
Over $1 billion 0.65%
First $100
Select Capital Appreciation Fund............................ million 1.00%
Next $150 million 0.90%
Next $250 million 0.80%
Next $500 million 0.70%
Over $1 billion 0.65%
First $250
Select Growth Fund.......................................... million 0.85%
Next $250 million 0.80%
Next $250 million 0.75%
Over $750 million 0.70%
First $100
Select Value Opportunity Fund............................... million 1.00%
Next $150 million 0.85%
Next $250 million 0.80%
Next $250 million 0.75%
Over $750 million 0.70%
Select Strategic Growth Fund................................ * 0.85%
First $100
Select Growth and Income Fund............................... million 0.75%
Next $150 million 0.70%
Over $250 million 0.65%
Select Income Fund.......................................... First $50 million 0.60%
Next $50 million 0.55%
Over $100 million 0.45%
Money Market Fund........................................... First $50 million 0.35%
Next $200 million 0.25%
Over $250 million 0.20%
</TABLE>
* For the Select Emerging Markets Fund and Select Strategic Growth Fund, the
rate applicable to AFIMS does not vary according to the level of assets in the
Fund.
Under the management agreement with the Trust, AFIMS has entered into agreements
with investment advisers ("Sub-Advisers") selected by AFIMS and Trustees in
consultation with BARRA RogersCasey, Inc. ("BARRA RogersCasey"), a pension
consulting firm. The cost of such consultation services is borne by AFIMS. BARRA
RogersCasey provides consulting services to pension plans representing hundreds
of billions of dollars in total assets and, in its consulting capacity, monitors
the investment performance of over 1000 investment advisers. BARRA RogersCasey
is wholly-controlled by BARRA, Inc. As a consultant, BARRA RogersCasey has no
decision-making authority with respect to the Funds, and is not responsible for
any advice provided by AFIMS or the Sub-Advisers.
Each independent Sub-Adviser is selected by using strict objective,
quantitative, and qualitative criteria, with special emphasis on the
Sub-Adviser's record in managing similar portfolios. In consultation with BARRA
RogersCasey, a committee monitors and evaluates the ongoing performance of all
of the Funds. The committee may recommend the replacement of a Sub-Adviser of
one of the Funds of the Trust, or the addition or deletion of any of the other
Funds. The committee includes members who may be affiliated or unaffiliated with
the Company and the Trust. The Sub-Advisers (other than Allmerica Asset
Management, Inc.) are not affiliated with the Company or the Trust. Under each
Sub-Adviser agreement, the Sub-Adviser is authorized
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<PAGE>
to engage in portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund, subject to the
Trustees' instructions. The terms of a Sub-Adviser agreement cannot be
materially changed without the approval of a majority in interest of the
shareholders of the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES TO FIDELITY VIP. For managing investments and
business affairs, each Portfolio pays a monthly fee to Fidelity Management &
Research Company ("FMR"). The fee for each fund is calculated by adding a group
fee rate to an individual fund fee rate, multiplying the result by the fund's
monthly average net assets, and dividing by twelve.
The Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio's annual fee rate is made up of the sum
of two components:
1. A group fee rate based on the average net assets of all the mutual funds
advised by FMR. On an annual basis, this rate cannot rise above 0.37%,
and will drop as the total assets under management increase.
2. An individual fund fee rate of 0.45% for the Fidelity VIP High Income
Portfolio.
Both Fidelity VIP Growth and Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolios' annual fee
rates are made up of two components:
1. A group fee rate based on the average net assets of all the mutual funds
advised by FMR. On an annual basis, this rate cannot rise above 0.52%,
and will drop as the total assets under management increase.
2. An individual fund fee rate of 0.30% for the Fidelity VIP Growth
Portfolio and 0.20% for the Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio.
Thus, the Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio may have a fee as high as 0.82% of
its average net assets. The Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio may have a fee as high
as 0.82% of its average net assets. The Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio may
have a fee as high as 0.72% of its average net assets.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES TO T. ROWE PRICE. To cover investment management
and operating expenses, the T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio pays
Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc. a single, all-inclusive fee of 1.05% of
its average daily net assets.
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<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE
A. PAYMENTS
The latest Issue Date is age 85 of the oldest Owner, or, if the Owner is not a
natural person, the oldest Annuitant. The Company will issue a Contract when its
underwriting requirements are met. These requirements include receipt of the
initial payment and allocation instructions by the Company at its Principal
Office and may include the proper completion of an application; however, where
permitted by law, the Company may issue a Contract without completion of an
application. If all issue requirements are not completed within five business
days of the Company's receipt of the initial payment, the payment will be
returned immediately unless the applicant authorizes the Company to retain it
pending completion of all issue requirements.
Payments may be made to the Contract at any time prior to the Annuity Date, or
prior to the death of an Owner, subject to certain minimums:
- Currently, the initial payment must be at least $1,000.
- Under a salary deduction or monthly automatic payment plan, the minimum
initial payment is $50.
- Each subsequent payment must be at least $50.
- Where the contribution on behalf of an employee under an
employer-sponsored retirement plan is less than $600 but more than $300
annually, the Company may issue a Contract on the employee if the plan's
average annual contribution per eligible plan participant is at least
$600.
- The minimum allocation to a Guarantee Period Account is $1,000. If less
than $1,000 is allocated to a Guarantee Period Account, the Company
reserves the right to apply that amount to the Money Market Fund of the
Trust.
Payments are to be made payable to the Company. The Company may reduce a payment
by any applicable premium tax before applying it to the Contract. The initial
net payment is credited to the Contract and allocated among the requested
accounts as of the date that all issue requirements are properly met. The
allocation instructions for the initial net payment will serve as the allocation
instructions for all future payments. You can change the allocation instructions
for future payments by notifying the Company.
You also have the option of specifying how a specific payment should be
allocated. This will not change the allocation instructions for any subsequent
payment.
For a discussion of future payments to an Automatic Transfer Program (Dollar
Cost Averaging), please see "Automatic Transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging)" below.
In order for the Owner to be able to initiate transactions over the telephone, a
properly completed authorization must be on file before telephone requests will
be honored. The policy of the Company and its agents and affiliates is that we
will not be responsible for losses resulting from acting upon telephone requests
reasonably believed to be genuine. The Company will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine; otherwise,
the Company may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. Such procedures may include, among others, requiring some form of
personal identification prior to acting upon instructions received by telephone.
All telephone instructions are tape-recorded.
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<PAGE>
B. COMPUTATION OF VALUES
The Owner may allocate payments among the Sub-Accounts, Guarantee Period
Accounts, and the Fixed Account. Allocations to the Guarantee Period Accounts
and the Fixed Account are not converted into Accumulation Units, but are
credited interest at a rate periodically set by the Company. See GUARANTEE
PERIOD ACCOUNTS and APPENDIX A -- MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT.
The Accumulated Value under the Contract is determined by:
(1) multiplying the number of Accumulation Units in each Sub-Account by the
value of an Accumulation Unit of that Sub-Account on the Valuation Date,
(2) adding together the values of each Sub-Account, and
(3) adding the amount of the accumulations in the Fixed Account and Guarantee
Period Accounts, if any.
THE ACCUMULATION UNIT. Allocations to the Sub-Accounts are credited to the
Contract in the form of Accumulation Units. Accumulation Units are credited
separately for each Sub-Account. The number of Accumulation Units of each
Sub-Account credited to the Contract is equal to the portion of the payment
allocated to the Sub-Account, divided by the dollar value of the applicable
Accumulation Unit as of the Valuation Date. The number of Accumulation Units
resulting from each payment will remain fixed unless changed by a subsequent
split of Accumulation Unit value, a transfer, a withdrawal, or surrender. The
dollar value of an Accumulation Unit of each Sub-Account varies from Valuation
Date to Valuation Date based on the investment experience of that Sub-Account,
and will reflect the investment performance, expenses, and charges of its
Underlying Funds. The value of an Accumulation Unit was arbitrarily set at $1.00
on the first Valuation Date for each Sub-Account.
NET INVESTMENT FACTOR. The net investment factor is an index that measures the
investment performance of a Sub-Account from one Valuation Period to the next.
This factor is equal to 1.000000 plus the result (which may be positive or
negative) from dividing (1) by (2) and subtracting (3) and (4) where:
(1) is the investment income of a Sub-Account for the Valuation Period,
including realized or unrealized capital gains and losses during the
Valuation Period, adjusted for provisions made for taxes, if any;
(2) is the value of that Sub-Account's assets at the beginning of the Valuation
Period;
(3) is a charge for mortality and expense risks equal to 1.20% on an annual
basis of the daily value of the Sub-Account's assets; and
(4) is an administrative charge equal to 0.15% on an annual basis of the daily
value of the Sub-Account's assets.
The dollar value of an Accumulation Unit as of a given Valuation Date is
determined by multiplying the dollar value of the corresponding Accumulation
Unit as of the immediately preceding Valuation Date by the appropriate net
investment factor.
For an illustration of an Accumulation Unit calculation using a hypothetical
example see the SAI.
C. RIGHT TO CANCEL
An Owner may cancel the Contract at any time within ten days after receipt of
the Contract (or longer if required by law) and receive a refund. In order to
cancel the Contract, the Owner must mail or deliver it to the Company's
Principal Office at 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01653, or to an authorized
representative. Mailing or delivery must occur within ten days after receipt of
the Contract for cancellation to be effective.
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<PAGE>
In most states, the Company will pay the Owner the Contract's Accumulated Value,
adjusted for any Market Value Adjustment for amounts allocated to a Guarantee
Period Account, plus any amounts deducted for taxes, charges or fees. However,
if the Contract was purchased as an IRA or issued in a state that requires a
full refund of the initial payment(s), the Company will provide a refund equal
to your gross payment(s). In some states, the refund may equal the greater of
(a) your gross payment(s) or (b) the Accumulated Value adjusted for any Market
Value Adjustment, plus any amounts deducted for taxes, charges or fees. At the
time the Contract is issued, the "Right to Examine" provision on the cover of
the Contract will specifically indicate what the refund will be and the time
period allowed to exercise the right to cancel.
The liability of the Variable Account under this provision is limited to the
Owner's Accumulated Value in the Sub-Accounts on the date of cancellation. Any
additional amounts refunded to the Owner will be paid by the Company.
D. TRANSFER PRIVILEGE
Prior to the Annuity Date, the Owner may transfer amounts among accounts at any
time upon written or telephone request to the Company. As discussed in "A.
Payments," a properly completed authorization form must be on file before
telephone requests will be honored. Transfer values will be based on the
Accumulated Value next computed after receipt of the transfer request.
Transfers to a Guarantee Period Account must be at least $1,000. If the amount
to be transferred to a Guarantee Period Account is less than $1,000, the Company
may transfer that amount to the Money Market Fund. Transfers from a Guarantee
Period Account prior to the expiration of the Guarantee Period will be subject
to a Market Value Adjustment.
Currently, the Company does not charge for transfers. The first 12 transfers in
a Contract year are guaranteed to be free of any transfer charge. For each
subsequent transfer in a Contract year, the Company reserves the right to assess
a charge, guaranteed never to exceed $25, to reimburse it for the expense of
processing transfers. The first automatic transfer or rebalancing under an Asset
Allocation Model Reallocation program, Automatic Transfers (Dollar Cost
Averaging) program, or Automatic Account Rebalancing program counts as one
transfer for purposes of the 12 transfers guaranteed to be free of a transfer
charge in each Contract year. Each subsequent automatic transfer or rebalancing
under that request is without charge and does not reduce the remaining number of
transfers which may be made free of charge in that Contract year.
The Company also reserves the right to restrict transfer privileges when
exercised by a market timing firm or any other third party authorized to
initiate allocations, transfers or exchanges on behalf of multiple Contract
Owners. The Company may, among other things, not accept:
- the transfer or exchange instructions of any agent acting under a power of
attorney on behalf of more than one Owner, or
- the transfer or exchange instructions of individual Owners who have
executed pre-authorized transfer or exchange forms which are submitted by
market timing firms or other third parties on behalf of more than one
Owner at the same time.
ASSET ALLOCATION MODEL REALLOCATIONS. If an Owner elects to follow an asset
allocation strategy, the Owner may preauthorize transfers in accordance with the
chosen strategy. The Company may provide administrative or other support
services to independent third parties that provide recommendations as to such
allocation strategies. However, the Company does not engage any third parties to
offer investment allocation services of any type under this Contract, does not
endorse or review any investment allocation recommendations made by such third
parties and is not responsible for the investment allocations and transfers
transacted on the Owner's behalf. The Company does not charge for providing
additional asset allocation support services. Additional
25
<PAGE>
information concerning asset allocation programs for which the Company is
currently providing support services may be obtained from a registered
representative or the Company.
AUTOMATIC TRANSFERS (DOLLAR COST AVERAGING). You may elect automatic transfers
of a predetermined dollar amount on a periodic basis from the Fixed Account or
the Sub-Accounts investing in the Money Market Fund and the Select Income Fund
("source accounts"). You may elect automatic transfers to one or more Sub-
Accounts, subject to the following:
- the predetermined dollar amount may not be less than $100;
- the periodic basis may be monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually;
- automatic transfers may not be made into the selected source account,
Fixed Account, or the Guarantee Period Accounts; and if an automatic
transfer would reduce the balance in the source account(s) to less than
$100, the entire balance will be transferred proportionately to the chosen
Sub-Accounts.
Automatic transfers from a particular source account will continue until the
earlier of:
- the amount in the source account on a transfer date is zero; or
- the Owner's request to terminate the option is received by the Company.
If additional amounts are allocated to a source account before its balance has
fallen to zero, those additional amounts will also be automatically transferred.
The original automatic transfer allocations will apply to all amounts in that
source account unless you provide new allocation instructions. New allocation
instructions will apply to the entire balance in the source account. If
additional amounts are allocated to a source account after its balance has
fallen to zero, automatic transfers will not begin again unless you specifically
instruct the Company to do so.
To the extent permitted by law, the Company reserves the right, from time to
time, to credit an enhanced interest rate to an initial and/or subsequent
payment made to the Fixed Account, which is then used as the source account from
which to process automatic transfers. For more information see APPENDIX A --
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT.
AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT REBALANCING. The Owner may request automatic rebalancing of
Sub-Account allocations on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis in
accordance with his/her specified percentage allocations. As frequently as
elected by the Owner, the Company will review the percentage allocations in the
Underlying Funds and, if necessary, transfer amounts to ensure conformity with
the designated percentage allocation mix. If the amount necessary to
re-establish the mix on any scheduled date is less than $100, no transfer will
be made.
Automatic Account Rebalancing will continue until (1) the Owner's request to
terminate or change the option is received by the Company or (2) the end date
designated by the Owner when the option was elected. If a subsequent payment is
allocated in a manner different from the percentage allocation mix in effect on
the date the payment is received, on the next scheduled rebalancing date the
payment will be reallocated in accordance with the existing mix.
Currently, Dollar Cost Averaging and Automatic Account Rebalancing may not be in
effect simultaneously. Either option may be elected at no additional charge when
the Contract is purchased or at a later date. The Company reserves the right to
limit the number of Sub-Accounts that may be utilized for automatic transfers
and rebalancing, and to discontinue either option upon advance written notice.
26
<PAGE>
E. SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS
Before the Annuity Date, an Owner may surrender the Contract for its Surrender
Value or withdraw a portion of its Accumulated Value. In the case of surrender,
the Owner must send the Contract and a signed written request for surrender,
satisfactory to the Company, to the Principal Office. The Surrender Value will
be calculated based on the Contract's Accumulated Value as of the Valuation
Date.
In the case of a withdrawal, the Owner must submit to the Principal Office a
signed, written request indicating the desired dollar amount and the accounts
from which such amount is to be withdrawn. A withdrawal from a Sub-Account will
result in cancellation of a number of units equivalent in value to the amount
withdrawn. The amount withdrawn will equal the amount requested by the Owner
plus any applicable surrender charge. Each withdrawal must be a minimum of $100.
No withdrawal will be permitted if the Accumulated Value remaining under the
Contract would be reduced to less than $1,000.
A surrender charge and a Contract fee may apply when a withdrawal is made or a
Contract is surrendered. See CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS. However, each calendar year
prior to the Annuity Date, an Owner may withdraw a portion of the Contract's
Accumulated Value without any applicable surrender charge; see "E. Surrender
Charge," "Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge" under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.
Amounts withdrawn from a Guarantee Period Account prior to the end of the
applicable Guarantee Period will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, as
described under GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS.
Any distribution is normally payable within seven days following the Company's
receipt of the surrender or withdrawal request. The Company reserves the right
to defer surrenders and withdrawals of amounts allocated to the Company's Fixed
Account and Guarantee Period Accounts for a period not to exceed six months. The
Company reserves the right to defer surrenders and withdrawals of amounts in
each Sub-Account in any period during which:
- trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the
SEC or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays,
- the SEC has by order permitted such suspension, or
- an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists such that disposal of
portfolio securities or valuation of assets of a separate account is not
reasonably practicable.
The surrender and withdrawal rights of Owners who are participants under Section
403(b) plans or who are participants in the Texas Optional Retirement Program
(Texas ORP) are restricted; see "Tax-Sheltered Annuities" and "Texas Optional
Retirement Program."
For important tax consequences, which may result from surrender or withdrawals,
see FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
For information about Withdrawals after the Annuity Date, see "F. Withdrawals
After the Annuity Date" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE.
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<PAGE>
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS. The Owner may elect an automatic schedule of
withdrawals (systematic withdrawals) from amounts in the Sub-Accounts and/or the
Fixed Account on a periodic basis (monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annually
or annually). Systematic withdrawals from Guarantee Period Accounts are not
available. The Owner may request:
- the withdrawal of a SPECIFIC DOLLAR AMOUNT and the percentage of this
amount to be taken from each designated Sub-Account and/or the Fixed
Account; or
- the withdrawal of a SPECIFIC PERCENTAGE of the Accumulated Value
calculated as of the withdrawal dates, and may designate the percentage of
this amount which should be taken from each account.
The first withdrawal will take place on the latest of 15 days after Issue Date,
the date the written request is received at the Principal Office, or on a date
specified by the Owner.
Systematic withdrawals will first be taken from amounts available as a
"Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge" (see "E. Surrender Charge, Withdrawal
Without Surrender Charge" under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS); then from any
applicable payments not subject to a surrender charge, if any; then from
payments subject to a surrender charge. Any applicable surrender charge will be
deducted from the Contract's remaining Accumulated Value.
The minimum amount of each automatic withdrawal is $100. If a withdrawal would
cause the remaining Accumulated Value to be less than $1,000, systematic
withdrawals may be discontinued. Systematic withdrawals will cease automatically
on the Annuity Date. The Owner may change or terminate systematic withdrawals
only by written request to the Principal Office.
LIFE EXPECTANCY DISTRIBUTIONS (for Qualified Contracts and Contracts issued
under Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plans only). Prior to the Annuity Date,
an Owner may elect to make a series of systematic withdrawals from the Contract
according to the Company's life expectancy distribution ("LED") option by
returning a properly signed LED request form to the Principal Office. Where the
Owner is a trust or other nonnatural person, the Owner may elect the LED option
based on the Annuitant's life expectancy.
If an Owner elects the Company's LED option, in each calendar year a fraction of
the Accumulated Value is withdrawn without a surrender charge, based on the
Owner's life expectancy (or the joint life expectancy of the Owner and a
beneficiary.) The numerator of the fraction is 1 (one). The denominator of the
fraction will be either:
- the remaining life expectancy of the Owner (or Owner and beneficiary), as
determined annually by the Company; or
- the prior year's life expectancy, minus one.
The resulting fraction, expressed as a percentage, is then applied to the
Accumulated Value at the beginning of the year to determine the amount to be
distributed during the year. The Owner may choose to have the applicable life
expectancy redetermined each year or use the prior year's life expectancy, minus
one. Under the Company's LED option, the amount withdrawn from the Contract
changes each year.
The Owner may elect periodic LED distributions on a monthly, bi-monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. The Owner may terminate the LED option
at any time. The LED option will terminate automatically on the maximum Annuity
Date permitted under the Contract, at which time an annuity payout option must
be selected.
The LED option may not produce annual distributions that meet the definition of
"substantially equal periodic payments" as defined under Code Section 72(t). The
withdrawals may be treated by the Internal Revenue
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<PAGE>
Service (IRS) as premature distributions from the Contract and may be subject to
a 10% federal tax penalty. Owners seeking distributions over their life under
this definition should consult their tax advisor. For more information, see
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS, "C. Taxation of the Contract in General." IN
ADDITION, IF THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO MEET THE "SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL PERIODIC
PAYMENT" DEFINITION IS GREATER THAN THE COMPANY'S LED AMOUNT, A SURRENDER CHARGE
MAY APPLY TO THE AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF THE LED AMOUNT.
SYSTEMATIC LEVEL FREE OF SURRENDER CHARGE WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM. In order to
ensure that no surrender charge will ever apply to withdrawals, the Owner may
preauthorize level periodic withdrawals under the Systematic Level Free of
Surrender Charge Withdrawal Program. Withdrawals under the Program may be made
on a monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. In order to
ensure that no surrender charge will ever apply, the periodic withdrawals in any
calendar year are limited to 12% of the total of all payments invested in the
Contract as reduced by certain prior withdrawal(s) of payments. For more
information on how this amount is calculated, see "E. Surrender Charge,"
"Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge" under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.
The program will automatically terminate if a withdrawal that is not part of the
program is made. Otherwise, withdrawals will continue until all available
Accumulated Value has been exhausted or until the Owner terminates the program
by written request.
F. DEATH BENEFIT
A death benefit is payable if the Owner or the first of Joint Owners dies prior
to the Annuity Date. If the Owner is a natural person, no death benefit is
payable at the death of any Annuitant. If the Owner is not a natural person, a
death benefit will be paid upon the death of any Annuitant. A spousal
beneficiary may elect to continue the Contract rather than receive the death
benefit as provided in "G. The Spouse of the Owner as Beneficiary."
STANDARD DEATH BENEFIT. Unless an enhanced death benefit is elected at issue,
the standard death benefit will be paid. The standard death benefit is equal to
the greater of (a) the Contract's Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that
the Company receives proof of death, increased by any positive Market Value
Adjustment or (b) gross payments prior to the date of death, proportionately
reduced to reflect withdrawals.
For each withdrawal under (b), the proportionate reduction is calculated by
multiplying the standard death benefit immediately prior to the withdrawal by
the following fraction:
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Value immediately prior to the withdrawal
OPTIONAL ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT RIDER. When applying for the Contract, an Owner
may elect the optional 5% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up Rider. A
separate charge for this Rider is made against the Contract's Accumulated Value
on the last day of each Contract month for the coverage provided during that
month and, if applicable, on the date the Rider is terminated. The charge is
made through a pro-rata reduction (based on relative values) of Accumulation
Units in the Sub-Accounts and dollar amounts in the Fixed and Guarantee Period
Accounts. For specific charges and more detail, see "C. Optional Rider Charge"
under CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.
The 5% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up Rider provides a death benefit
guarantee if death of an Owner (or an Annuitant if the Owner is not a natural
person) occurs before the Annuity Date. The calculation of the death benefit
depends upon whether death occurs before or on or after the 90th birthday:
I. DEATH BEFORE 90TH BIRTHDAY. If an Owner (or an Annuitant if the Owner is not
a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date and before his/her 90th birthday,
the death benefit is equal to the GREATEST of:
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(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death, increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment;
(b) gross payments, accumulated daily at an effective annual yield of 5%
from the date each payment is applied until the date of death,
proportionately reduced to reflect withdrawals; and
(c) the highest Accumulated Value on any Contract anniversary date prior to
the date of death, as determined after being increased for any positive
Market Value Adjustment and subsequent payments and proportionately
reduced for subsequent withdrawals.
II. DEATH ON OR AFTER 90TH BIRTHDAY. If an Owner (or the Annuitant if the Owner
is not a natural person) dies before the Annuity Date but on or after his/her
90th birthday, the death benefit is equal to the GREATER of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Valuation Date that the Company receives
proof of death, increased by any positive Market Value Adjustment; or
(b) the death benefit, as calculated under Section I above, that would have
been payable on the Contract anniversary prior to the deceased's 90th
birthday, increased for subsequent payments and proportionately reduced
for subsequent withdrawals.
Proportionate reductions are calculated in the same manner as described above
under "Standard Death Benefit."
PAYMENT OF THE DEATH BENEFIT PRIOR TO THE ANNUITY DATE. The death benefit
generally will be paid to the beneficiary in one sum upon receipt of proof of
death at the Principal Office, unless the Owner has elected to apply the
proceeds to a life annuity not extending beyond the beneficiary's life
expectancy. Instead of payment in one sum, the beneficiary may, by written
request, elect to:
(1) defer distribution of the death benefit for a period no more than five
years from the date of death; or
(2) receive distributions over the life of the beneficiary or for a period
certain not extending beyond the beneficiary's life expectancy, with
annuity benefit payments beginning within one year from the date of
death.
If distribution of the death benefit is deferred under (1) or (2), any value in
the Guarantee Period Accounts will be transferred to the Money Market
Sub-Account. The excess, if any, of the death benefit over the Accumulated Value
also will be transferred to the Money Market Sub-Account. The beneficiary may,
by written request, effect transfers and withdrawals during the deferral period
and prior to annuitization under (2), but may not make additional payments. The
death benefit will reflect any earnings or losses experienced during the
deferral period. If there are multiple beneficiaries, the consent of all is
required.
G. THE SPOUSE OF THE OWNER AS BENEFICIARY
If the sole beneficiary is the deceased Owner's spouse, he or she may, by
written request, continue the Contract in lieu of receiving payment of the death
benefit. The spouse will then become the Owner and Annuitant subject to the
following:
(1) any value in the Guarantee Period Accounts will be transferred to the
Money Market Sub-Account; and
(2) the excess, if any, of the death benefit over the Contract's Accumulated
Value also will be added to the Money Market Sub-Account.
The resulting value will never be subject to a surrender charge when withdrawn.
The new Owner may also make additional payments, but a surrender charge will
apply to these additional amounts if they are withdrawn before they have been
invested in the Contract for at least nine years. All other rights and benefits
provided in the Contract will continue, except that any subsequent spouse of the
new Owner, if named as beneficiary, will not be entitled to continue the
Contract when the new Owner dies.
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H. ASSIGNMENT
The Contract, other than one sold in connection with certain qualified plans,
may be assigned by the Owner at any time prior to the Annuity Date and prior to
the death of an Owner (see FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS). The Company will not be
deemed to have knowledge of an assignment unless it is made in writing and filed
at the Principal Office. The Company will not assume responsibility for
determining the validity of any assignment. If an assignment of the Contract is
in effect on the Annuity Date, the Company reserves the right to pay to the
assignee, in one sum, that portion of the Surrender Value of the Contract to
which the assignee appears to be entitled. The Company will pay the balance, if
any, in one sum to the Owner in full settlement of all liability under the
Contract. The interest of the Owner and of any beneficiary will be subject to
any assignment.
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ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE
Subject to certain restrictions discussed below, at annuitization the Owner has
the right:
- to select the annuity payout option under which annuity benefit payments
are to be made;
- to determine whether those payments are to be made on a fixed basis, a
variable basis, or a combination fixed and variable basis. If a variable
payout annuity option is selected, the Owner must choose an Annuity
Benefit Payment Change Frequency ("Change Frequency") and the date the
first Change Frequency will occur;
- to select one of the available Assumed Investment Returns ("AIR") for a
variable option (see "D. Variable Annuity Benefit Payments" below for
details);
- to elect to have the Death Benefit applied under any annuity payout option
not extending beyond the beneficiary's life expectancy. The beneficiary
may not change such an election.
A. ELECTING THE ANNUITY DATE
Generally, annuity benefit payments under the Contract will begin on the Annuity
Date. The Annuity Date may not be earlier than the second Contract Anniversary
and must occur on the first day of any month before the Owner's 99th birthday.
In some states, the Annuity Date may be earlier than Owner's 99th birthday.
If the Owner does not select an Annuity Date, the Annuity Date will be the later
of (a) the Owner's age 85 or (b) two years after the Issue Date.
If there are Joint Owners, the age of the younger will determine the latest
possible Annuity Date. The Owner may elect to change the Annuity Date by sending
a written request to the Principal Office at least one month before the earlier
of the new Annuity Date or the currently scheduled date.
If the Annuity Date occurs when the Owner is at an advanced age, it is possible
that the Contract will not be considered an annuity for federal tax purposes. In
addition, the Internal Revenue Code ("the Code") and/or the terms of qualified
plans may impose limitations on the age at which annuity benefit payments may
commence and the type of annuity payout option that may be elected. The Owner
should carefully review the Annuity Date and the annuity payout options with
his/her tax adviser. See also FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS for further
information.
B. CHOOSING THE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
Regardless of how payments were allocated during the accumulation phase, the
Owner may choose a variable annuity payout option, a fixed annuity payout option
or a combination fixed and variable annuity payout option. Currently, all of the
variable annuity payout options described below are available and may be funded
through all of the variable Sub-Accounts. In addition, each of the variable
annuity payout options is also available on a fixed basis. The Company may offer
other annuity payout options.
The Owner may change the annuity payout option up to one month before the
Annuity Date. If the Owner fails to choose an annuity payout option, monthly
benefit payments will be made under a variable Life with Cash Back annuity
payout option.
The annuity payout option selected must result in an initial payment of at least
$100 (a lower amount may be required in certain jurisdictions.) The Company
reserves the right to increase this minimum amount. If the annuity payout option
selected does not produce an initial payment which meets this minimum, a single
payment may be made.
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FIXED ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS. If the Owner selects a fixed annuity payout
option, each monthly annuity benefit payment will be equal to the first (unless
a withdrawal is made or as otherwise described under certain reduced survivor
annuity benefits.) Any portion of the Contract's Accumulated Value converted to
a fixed annuity will be held in the Company's General Account. The Contract
provides guaranteed fixed annuity option rates that determine the dollar amount
of the first payment under each form of fixed annuity for each $1,000 of applied
value. These rates are based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table and a 3% AIR.
The Company may offer annuity rates more favorable than those contained in the
Contract. Any such rates will be applied uniformly to all Owners of the same
class. For more specific information about fixed annuity payout options, see the
Contract.
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS. If the Owner selects a variable annuity payout
option, he/she will receive monthly payments equal to the value of the fixed
number of Annuity Units in the chosen Sub-Account(s). The first variable annuity
benefit payment will be based on the current annuity option rates made available
by the Company at the time the variable annuity payout option is selected.
Annuity option rates determine the dollar amount of the first payment for each
$1,000 of applied value. The annuity option rates are based on the Annuity 2000
Mortality Table and a 3% AIR.
Since the value of an Annuity Unit in a Sub-Account reflects the investment
performance of the Sub-Account, the amount of each monthly annuity benefit
payment will usually vary. However, under this Contract, if the Owner elects a
variable payout option, he or she must also select a monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual Change Frequency. The Change Frequency is the frequency
that changes due to the Sub-Account's investment performance will be reflected
in the dollar value of a variable annuity benefit payment. As such, the Change
Frequency chosen will determine how frequently monthly variable annuity payments
will vary. For example, if a monthly Change Frequency is in effect, payments may
vary on a monthly basis. If a quarterly Change Frequency is selected, the amount
of each monthly payment may change every three months and will be level within
each three month cycle.
At the time the Change Frequency is elected, the Owner must also select the date
the first change is to occur. This date may not be later than the length of the
Change Frequency elected. For example, if a semi-annual Change Frequency is
elected, the date of the first change may not be later than six months after the
Annuity Date. If a quarterly Change Frequency is elected, the date of the first
change may not be later than three months after the Annuity Date.
C. DESCRIPTION OF ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Company currently provides the following annuity payout options:
LIFE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
- SINGLE LIFE ANNUITY -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's life.
Payments cease with the last annuity benefit payment due prior to the
Annuitant's death.
- JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITIES -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's
and Joint Annuitant's joint lifetimes. Upon the first death, payments will
continue for the remaining lifetime of the survivor at a previously
elected level of 100%, two-thirds or one-half of the total number of
Annuity Units.
LIFE WITH PERIOD CERTAIN ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
- SINGLE LIFE -- Monthly payments guaranteed for a specified number of years
and continuing thereafter during the Annuitant's lifetime. If the
Annuitant dies before all guaranteed payments have been made, the
remaining payments continue to the Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is
applicable).
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- JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITIES -- Monthly payments guaranteed for a
specified number of years and continuing during the Annuitant's and Joint
Annuitant's joint lifetimes. Upon the first death, payments continue for
the survivor's remaining lifetime at the previously elected level of 100%,
two-thirds or one-half of the Annuity Units. If the surviving Annuitant
dies before all guaranteed payments have been made, the remaining payments
continue to the Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is applicable).
LIFE WITH CASH BACK ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
- SINGLE LIFE -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's life. Thereafter,
any excess of the originally applied Annuity Value, over the total amount
of annuity benefit payments made and withdrawals taken, will be paid to
the Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is applicable).
- JOINT AND SURVIVOR ANNUITIES -- Monthly payments during the Annuitant's
and Joint Annuitant's joint lifetimes. At the first death, payments
continue for the survivor's remaining lifetime at the previously elected
level of 100%, two-thirds or one-half of the Annuity Units. Thereafter,
any excess of the original applied Annuity Value, over the total amount of
annuity benefit payments made and withdrawals taken, will be paid to the
Owner or the Beneficiary (whichever is applicable).
PERIOD CERTAIN ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTION
Monthly annuity benefit payments for a chosen number of years ranging from five
to thirty are paid. If the Annuitant dies before the end of the period,
remaining payments will continue. The period certain option does not involve a
life contingency. In the computation of the payments under this option, the
charge for annuity rate guarantees, which includes a factor for mortality risks,
is made.
D. VARIABLE ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS
THE ANNUITY UNIT. On and after the Annuity Date, the Annuity Unit is a measure
of the value of the monthly annuity benefit payments under a variable annuity
payout option. The value of an Annuity Unit in each Sub-Account on its inception
date was set at $1.00. The value of an Annuity Unit under a Sub-Account on any
Valuation Date thereafter is equal to the value of the Annuity Unit on the
immediately preceding Valuation Date multiplied by the product of:
(1) a discount factor equivalent to the AIR and
(2) the Net Investment Factor of the Sub-Account funding the annuity benefit
payments for the applicable Valuation Period.
Annuity benefit payments will increase from one payment date to the next if the
annualized net rate of return during that period is greater than the AIR and
will decrease if the annualized net rate of return is less than the AIR. Where
permitted by law, the Owner may select an AIR of 3%, 5%, or 7%. A higher AIR
will result in a higher initial payment. However, subsequent payments will
increase more slowly during periods when actual investment performance exceeds
the AIR, and will decrease more rapidly during periods when investment
performance is less than the AIR.
DETERMINATION OF THE FIRST ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT. The amount of the first
periodic variable annuity benefit payment depends on the:
- annuity payout option chosen;
- length of the annuity payout option elected;
- age of the Annuitant;
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- gender of the Annuitant (if applicable, see "H. NORRIS Decision");
- value of the amount applied under the annuity payout option;
- applicable annuity option rates based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table;
and
- AIR selected.
The dollar amount of the first periodic annuity benefit payment is determined by
multiplying:
(1) the Accumulated Value applied under that option after application of any
Market Value Adjustment and less premium tax, if any, (or the amount of the
death benefit, if applicable) divided by $1,000, by
(2) the applicable amount of the first monthly payment per $1,000 of value.
DETERMINATION OF THE NUMBER OF ANNUITY UNITS. The dollar amount of the first
variable annuity benefit payment is then divided by the value of an Annuity Unit
of the selected Sub-Account(s) to determine the number of Annuity Units
represented by the first payment. The number of Annuity Units remains fixed
under all annuity payout options (except for the survivor annuity benefit
payment under the joint and two-thirds or joint and one-half option) unless the
Owner transfers among Sub-Accounts, makes a withdrawal, or units are split.
DOLLAR AMOUNT OF SUBSEQUENT VARIABLE ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS. For each
subsequent payment, the dollar amount of the variable annuity benefit payment is
determined by multiplying this fixed number of Annuity Units by the value of an
Annuity Unit on the applicable Valuation Date. The dollar amount of each
periodic variable annuity benefit payment after the first will vary with
subsequent variations in the value of the Annuity Unit of the selected
Sub-Account(s).
For an illustration of the calculation of a variable annuity benefit payment
using a hypothetical example, see "Annuity Benefit Payments" in the SAI.
PAYMENT OF ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS. The Owner will receive the annuity benefit
payments unless he/she requests in writing that payments be made to another
person, persons, or entity. If the Owner (or, if there are Joint Owners, the
surviving Joint Owner) dies on or after the Annuity Date, the beneficiary will
become the Owner of the Contract. Any remaining annuity benefit payments will
continue to the beneficiary in accordance with the terms of the annuity benefit
payment option selected. If there are Joint Owners on or after the Annuity Date,
upon the first Owner's death, any remaining annuity benefit payments will
continue to the surviving Joint Owner in accordance with the terms of the
annuity benefit payment option selected.
If an Annuitant dies on or after the Annuity Date but before all guaranteed
annuity benefit payments have been made, any remaining payments will continue to
be paid to the Owner or the payee the Owner has designated. Unless otherwise
indicated by the Owner, the present value of any remaining guaranteed annuity
benefit payments may be paid in a single sum to the Owner. For discussion of
present value calculation, see "Calculation of Present Value" below.
E. TRANSFERS OF ANNUITY UNITS
After the Annuity Date and prior to the death of the Annuitant, the Owner may
transfer among the available Sub-Accounts upon written or telephone request to
the Company. As discussed in "A. Payments," a properly completed authorization
form must be on file before telephone requests will be honored. A designated
number of Annuity Units equal to the dollar amount of the transfer requested
will be exchanged for an equivalent dollar amount of Annuity Units of another
Sub-Account. Transfer values will be based on the Annuity Value next computed
after receipt of the transfer request.
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Currently, the Company does not charge for transfers. The first 12 transfers in
a Contract year are guaranteed to be free of any transfer charge. For each
subsequent transfer in a Contract year, the Company reserves the right to assess
a charge, guaranteed never to exceed $25, to reimburse it for the expense of
processing transfers. As of the date of this Prospectus, transfers may be made
to all of the Sub-Accounts during the life of the Contract and prior to the
Annuity Date. However, the Company reserves the right to limit the number of
Sub-Accounts to which transfers may be made.
Automatic transfers (Dollar Cost Averaging) are available during the
annuitization phase subject to the same rules described in "E. Transfer
Privilege" except that the Fixed Account is not available as a source account.
F. WITHDRAWALS AFTER THE ANNUITY DATE
WITHDRAWALS AFTER THE ANNUITY DATE FROM QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
MAY HAVE ADVERSE TAX CONSEQUENCES. BEFORE MAKING A WITHDRAWAL, PLEASE CONSULT
YOUR TAX ADVISOR AND SEE FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS, "B. TAXATION OF THE
CONTRACT IN GENERAL," "WITHDRAWALS AFTER ANNUITIZATION."
After the Annuity Date and prior to the death of the Annuitant, the Owner may
take withdrawals from the Contract. The Owner must submit to the Principal
Office a signed, written request indicating the desired dollar amount of the
withdrawal. The minimum amount of a withdrawal is $1,000. If the amount
requested is greater than the maximum amount that may be withdrawn at that time,
the Company will allow the withdrawal only up to the maximum amount.
The type of withdrawal and the number of withdrawals that may be made each
calendar year depend upon whether the Owner annuitizes under an annuity payout
option with payments based on the life of one or more Annuitants with no
guaranteed payments (a "Life" annuity payout option), under a life annuity
payout option that in part provides for a guaranteed number of payments (a "Life
With Period Certain" or "Life With Cash Back" annuity payout option), or an
annuity payout option based on a guaranteed number of payments (a "Period
Certain" annuity payout option).
- - WITHDRAWALS UNDER LIFE ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Owner may make one Payment Withdrawal in each calendar year. A Payment
Withdrawal cannot exceed the previous monthly annuity benefit payment
multiplied by ten (10). The amount of each Payment Withdrawal represents a
percentage of the present value of the remaining annuity benefit payments.
- - WITHDRAWALS UNDER LIFE WITH PERIOD CERTAIN OR LIFE WITH CASH BACK ANNUITY
PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Owner may make one Payment Withdrawal in each calendar year. A Payment
Withdrawal cannot exceed the previous monthly annuity benefit payment
multiplied by ten (10). The amount of each Payment Withdrawal represents a
percentage of the present value of the remaining annuity benefit payments.
The Owner may make one Present Value Withdrawal in each calendar year, if
there are remaining GUARANTEED annuity benefit payments. The amount of each
Present Value Withdrawal represents a percentage of the present value of the
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments. Each year a Present Value
Withdrawal is taken, the Company records the percentage of the present value
of the then remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments that was
withdrawn. The total percentage withdrawn over the life of the Contract
cannot exceed 75%. This means that each Present Value Withdrawal is limited
by the REMAINING AVAILABLE PERCENTAGE (For example, assume that in year
three the Owner withdraws 15% of the then current present value of the
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments. In year seven, the Owner
withdraws 20% of the then current present value of the remaining guaranteed
annuity benefit payments. Through year seven the total percentage withdrawn
is 35%. After year seven,
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the Owner may make Present Value Withdrawal(s) of up to 40% (75% - 35%) of
the present value of any remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments).
Under a Life with Period Certain annuity payout option or Life with Cash
Back annuity payout option, if the Annuitant is still living after the
guaranteed annuity benefit payments have been made, the number of Annuity
Units or dollar amount applied to future annuity benefit payments will be
restored as if no Present Value Withdrawal(s) had taken place. See
"Calculation of Proportionate Reduction -- Present Value Withdrawals,"
below.
- - WITHDRAWALS UNDER PERIOD CERTAIN ANNUITY PAYOUT OPTIONS
The Owner may make multiple Present Value Withdrawals in each calendar year,
up to 100% of the present value of the guaranteed annuity benefit payments.
Withdrawal of 100% of the present value of the guaranteed annuity benefit
payments will result in termination of the Contract.
The amount of each Payment Withdrawal or Present Value Withdrawal represents a
portion of the present value of the remaining annuity benefit payments or
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments, respectively, and proportionately
reduces the number of Annuity Units (under a variable annuity payout option) or
dollar amount (under a fixed annuity payout option) applied to future annuity
benefit payments. Because each variable annuity benefit payment is determined by
multiplying the number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity Unit, the
reduction in the number of Annuity Units will result in lower future variable
annuity benefit payments. See "Calculation of Proportionate Reduction," below.
The present value is calculated with a discount rate that will include an
additional charge if a withdrawal is taken within 5 years of the Issue Date. See
"Calculation of Present Value," below.
CALCULATION OF PROPORTIONATE REDUCTION. Each Payment Withdrawal proportionately
reduces the number of Annuity Units applied to each future variable annuity
benefit payment or the dollar amount applied to each future fixed annuity
benefit payment. Each Present Value Withdrawal proportionately reduces the
number of Annuity Units applied to each future guaranteed variable annuity
benefit payment or the dollar amount applied to each future guaranteed fixed
annuity benefit payment. Because each variable annuity benefit payment is
determined by multiplying the number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity
Unit, the reduction in the number of Annuity Units will result in lower future
variable annuity benefit payments.
- - PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS. Payment Withdrawals are available under Life, Life with
Period Certain, or Life with Cash Back annuity payout options. The Owner may
make one Payment Withdrawal in each calendar year.
Under a variable annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction in Annuity
Units is calculated by multiplying the number of Annuity Units in each future
variable annuity benefit payment (determined immediately prior to the
withdrawal) by the following fraction:
Amount of the variable withdrawal
-------------------------------------------------
Present value of all remaining variable annuity benefit
payments immediately prior to the withdrawal
Because each variable annuity benefit payment is determined by multiplying the
number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity Unit, the reduction in the
number of Annuity Units will result in lower future variable annuity benefit
payments.
Under a fixed annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction is calculated
by multiplying the dollar amount of each future fixed annuity benefit payment
by a similar fraction, which is based on the amount of the fixed withdrawal
and present value of remaining fixed annuity benefit payments.
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If a withdrawal is taken within 5 years of the Issue Date, the discount rate
used to calculate the present value will include an additional charge. See
"Calculation of Present Value," below.
- - PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS. Present Value Withdrawals are available under Life
with Period Certain or Life with Cash Back annuity payout options (the Owner
may make one Present Value Withdrawal in each calendar year, if there are
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit payments) and under Period Certain
annuity payout options (the Owner may make multiple Present Value Withdrawals
in each calendar year).
Under a variable annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction in Annuity
Units is calculated by multiplying the number of Annuity Units in each future
variable guaranteed annuity benefit payment (determined immediately prior to
the withdrawal) by the following fraction:
Amount of the variable withdrawal
-------------------------------------------------
Present value of remaining guaranteed variable annuity
benefit payments immediately prior to the withdrawal
Under a fixed annuity payout option, the proportionate reduction is calculated
by multiplying the dollar amount of each future fixed annuity benefit payment
by a similar fraction, which is based on the amount of the fixed withdrawal
and present value of remaining guaranteed fixed annuity benefit payments.
Because each variable annuity benefit payment is determined by multiplying the
number of Annuity Units by the value of an Annuity Unit, the reduction in the
number of Annuity Units will result in lower variable annuity benefit payments
with respect to the guaranteed payments. Under a fixed annuity payout option,
the proportionate reduction will result in lower fixed annuity benefit
payments with respect to the guaranteed payments. However, under a Life with
Period Certain annuity payout option or Life with Cash Back annuity payout
option, if the Annuitant is still living after the guaranteed number of
annuity benefit payments has been made, the number of Annuity Units or dollar
amount of future annuity benefit payments will be restored as if no Present
Value Withdrawal(s) had taken place.
If a withdrawal is taken within 5 years of the Issue Date, the discount rate
used to calculate the present value will include an additional charge. See
"Calculation of Present Value," below.
CALCULATION OF PRESENT VALUE. When a withdrawal is taken, the present value of
future annuity benefit payments is calculated based on an assumed mortality
table and a discount rate. The mortality table that is used will be equal to the
mortality table used at the time of annuitization to determine the annuity
benefit payments (currently the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table with male, female,
or unisex rates, as appropriate). The discount rate is the AIR (for a variable
annuity payout option) or the interest rate (for a fixed annuity payout option)
that was used at the time of annuitization to determine the annuity benefit
payments. If a withdrawal is made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the discount
rate is increased by one of the following charges ("Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge"):
- 15 or more years of annuity benefit payments being valued -- 1.00%
- 10-14 years of annuity benefit payments being valued -- 1.50%
- Less than 10 years of annuity benefit payments being valued -- 2.00%
The Withdrawal Adjustment Charge does not apply if a withdrawal is made in
connection with the death of an Annuitant or if a withdrawal is made 5 or more
years after the Issue Date.
For each Payment Withdrawal, the number of years of annuity benefit payments
being valued depends upon the life expectancy of the Annuitant at the time of
the withdrawal. The life expectancy will be determined by a mortality table that
will be equal to the mortality table used at the time of annuitization to
determine the annuity benefit payments (currently the Annuity 2000 Mortality
Table).
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Because the impact of the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge will depend on the type
of withdrawal taken, you should carefully consider the following before making a
withdrawal (especially if you are making the withdrawal under a Life with Period
Certain or Life with Cash Back annuity payout option):
- For a Payment Withdrawal, the present value calculation (including any
applicable adjustments) affects the proportionate reduction of the
remaining number of Annuity Units (under a variable annuity payout option)
or dollar amount (under a fixed annuity payout option), applied to each
future annuity benefit payment, as explained in "Calculation of
Proportionate Reduction -- Payment Withdrawals," above. If a Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge applies, there will be a larger proportionate reduction
in the number of Annuity Units or the dollar amount applied to each future
annuity benefit payment. This will result in lower future annuity benefit
payments, all other things being equal.
- For a Present Value Withdrawal, the discount factor is used in determining
the maximum amount that can be withdrawn under the present value
calculation. If a Withdrawal Adjustment Charge applies, the discount
factor will be higher, and the maximum amount that can be withdrawn will
be lower. In addition, there will be a larger proportionate reduction in
the number of Annuity Units or the dollar amount applied to each future
guaranteed annuity benefit payment. This will result in lower future
annuity benefit payments with respect to the guaranteed payments, all
other things being equal. See "Calculation of Proportionate Reduction --
Present Value Withdrawals," above.
For examples comparing a Payment Withdrawal and a Present Value Withdrawal, see
APPENDIX E -- EXAMPLES OF PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS AND PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS.
DEFERRAL OF WITHDRAWALS. A withdrawal is normally payable within seven days
following the Company's receipt of the withdrawal request. However, the Company
reserves the right to defer withdrawals of amounts in each Sub-Account in any
period during which:
- trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the
SEC or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends and holidays;
- the SEC has by order permitted such suspension; or
- an emergency, as determined by the SEC, exists such that disposal of
portfolio securities or valuation of assets of a separate account is not
reasonably practicable.
The Company reserves the right to defer withdrawals of amounts allocated to the
Company's General Account for a period not to exceed six months.
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<PAGE>
G. REVERSAL OF ANNUITIZATION
The Owner may reverse the decision to annuitize by written request to the
Company within 90 days of the Annuity Date. Upon receipt of such request, the
Company will return the Contract to the Accumulation Phase, subject to the
following:
(1) The value applied under a fixed annuity payout option at the time of
annuitization will be treated as if it had been invested in the Fixed
Account of the Contract on that same date.
(2) The Sub-Account allocations that were in effect at the time of annuitization
will first be used for calculating the reversal. Any transfers between
variable Sub-Accounts during the Annuity Payout phase will then be treated
as transfers during the Accumulation Phase (As a result, the Contract's
Accumulated Value after the reversal will reflect the same Sub-Account
allocations that were in effect immediately prior to the reversal).
(3) Any annuity benefit payments paid and any withdrawals taken during the
Annuity Payout phase will be treated as a withdrawal of the Surrender Value
in the Accumulation Phase, as of the date of the payment or withdrawal.
Surrender charges may apply to these withdrawals, and there may be adverse
tax consequences. See FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS, "C. Taxation of the
Contract in General."
If the Company learns of the Owner's decision to reverse annuitization after the
maximum Annuity Date permitted under the Contract, the Company will contact the
Owner. The Owner must then immediately select an annuity payout option (either
the original annuity payout option or a different annuity payout option). If the
Owner does not select an annuity payout option, payments will begin under a
variable Life with Cash Back annuity payout option.
H. NORRIS DECISION
In the case of ARIZONA GOVERNING COMMITTEE V. NORRIS, the United States Supreme
Court ruled that, in connection with retirement benefit options offered under
certain employer-sponsored employee benefit plans, annuity payout options based
on sex-distinct actuarial tables are not permissible under Title VII of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ruling requires that benefits derived from
contributions paid into a plan after August 1, 1983 be calculated without regard
to the sex of the employee. Annuity benefits attributable to payments received
by the Company under a Contract issued in connection with an employer-sponsored
benefit plan affected by the Norris decision will be based on unisex rates.
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CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
Deductions under the Contract and charges against the assets of the Sub-Accounts
are described below. Other deductions and expenses paid out of the assets of the
Underlying Funds are described in the prospectuses and SAIs of the Trust,
Fidelity VIP, and T. Rowe Price.
A. VARIABLE ACCOUNT DEDUCTIONS
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE. The Company assesses a charge against the
assets of each Sub-Account to compensate for certain mortality and expense risks
it has assumed. The mortality and expense risk charge is assessed daily at an
annual rate of 1.20% of each Sub-Account's assets. The charge is imposed during
both the accumulation phase and the annuity payout phase. The mortality risk
arises from the Company's guarantee that it will make annuity benefit payments
in accordance with annuity rate provisions established at the time the Contract
is issued for the life of the Annuitant (or in accordance with the annuity
payout option selected), no matter how long the Annuitant lives and no matter
how long all Annuitants as a class live. The mortality charge is deducted during
the annuity payout phase on all Contracts, including those that do not involve a
life contingency, even though the Company does not bear direct mortality risk
with respect to variable annuity settlement options that do not involve life
contingencies. The expense risk arises from the Company's guarantee that the
charges it makes will not exceed the limits described in the Contract and in
this Prospectus.
If the charge for mortality and expense risks is not sufficient to cover actual
mortality experience and expenses, the Company will absorb the losses. If
expenses are less than the amounts provided to the Company by the charge, the
difference will be a profit to the Company. To the extent this charge results in
a profit to the Company, such profit will be available for use by the Company
for, among other things, the payment of distribution, sales and other expenses.
This charge may not be increased. Since mortality and expense risks involve
future contingencies that are not subject to precise determination in advance,
it is not feasible to identify specifically the portion of the charge which is
applicable to each.
ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE CHARGE. The Company assesses each Sub-Account with a
daily Administrative Expense Charge at an annual rate of 0.15% of the average
daily net assets of the Sub-Account. The charge is imposed during both the
accumulation phase and the annuity payout phase. The daily Administrative
Expense Charge is assessed to help defray administrative expenses actually
incurred in the administration of the Sub-Account. There is no direct
relationship, however, between the amount of administrative expenses imposed on
a given Contract and the amount of expenses actually attributable to that
Contract.
Deductions for the Contract fee (described below under "B. Contract Fee") and
for the Administrative Expense Charge are designed to reimburse the Company for
the cost of administration and related expenses and are not expected to be a
source of profit. The administrative functions and expense assumed by the
Company in connection with the Variable Account and the Contract include, but
are not limited to, clerical, accounting, actuarial and legal services, rent,
postage, telephone, office equipment and supplies, expenses of preparing and
printing registration statements, expense of preparing and typesetting
prospectuses and the cost of printing prospectuses not allocable to sales
expense, filing and other fees.
OTHER CHARGES. Because the Sub-Accounts purchase shares of the Underlying
Funds, the value of the net assets of the Sub-Accounts will reflect the
investment advisory fee and other expenses incurred by the Underlying Funds. The
prospectuses and SAIs of the Trust, Fidelity VIP, T. Rowe Price and Alliance
contain additional information concerning expenses of the Underlying Funds.
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<PAGE>
B. CONTRACT FEE
A $35 Contract fee (a lower fee may apply in some states) currently is deducted
during the accumulation phase, on the Contract anniversary date and upon full
surrender of the Contract if the Accumulated Value on any of these dates is less
than $75,000. The Contract fee is waived for Contracts issued to and maintained
by the trustee of a 401(k) plan.
Where Accumulated Value has been allocated to more than one account, a
percentage of the total Contract fee will be deducted from the value in each
account. The portion of the charge deducted from each account will be equal to
the percentage which the value in that account bears to the Accumulated Value
under the Contract. The deduction of the Contract fee from a Sub-Account will
result in cancellation of a number of Accumulation Units equal in value to the
portion of the charge deducted from that Sub-Account.
Where permitted by law, the Contract fee also may be waived for Contracts where,
on the Issue Date, either the Owner or the Annuitant is within the following
class of individuals: employees and registered representatives of any
broker-dealer which has entered into a sales agreement with the Company to sell
the Contract; employees of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries,
officers, directors, trustees and employees of any of the Funds; investment
managers or sub-advisers; and the spouses of and immediate family members
residing in the same household with such eligible persons. "Immediate family
members" means children, siblings, parents and grandparents.
C. OPTIONAL RIDER CHARGES
Subject to state availability, the Company offers a Rider that is only available
if elected by the Owner at issue. A separate monthly charge is made for this
Rider through a pro-rata reduction of the Accumulated Value of the Sub-Accounts,
the Fixed Account and the Guarantee Period Accounts. The pro-rata reduction is
based on the relative value that the Accumulation Units of the Sub-Accounts, the
dollar amounts in the Fixed Account and the dollar amounts in the Guarantee
Period Accounts bear to the total Accumulated Value.
The applicable charge for this Rider is assessed on the Accumulated Value on the
last day of each Contract month and, if applicable, on the date the Rider is
terminated, multiplied by 1/12th of the following annual percentage rate:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
5% Enhanced Death Benefit With Annual Step-Up............... 0.25%
</TABLE>
For a description of the Rider, see "Optional Enhanced Death Benefit Rider"
under "F. Death Benefit" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION
PHASE, above.
D. PREMIUM TAXES
Some states and municipalities impose a premium tax on variable annuity
contracts. State premium taxes currently range up to 3.5%. The Company makes a
charge for state and municipal premium taxes, when applicable, and deducts the
amount paid as a premium tax charge. The current practice of the Company is to
deduct the premium tax charge in one of two ways:
1. if the premium tax was paid by the Company when payments were received,
the premium tax charge is deducted on a pro-rata basis when withdrawals
are made, upon surrender of the Contract, or when annuity benefit
payments begin (the Company reserves the right instead to deduct the
premium tax charge for a Contract at the time payments are received); or
2. the premium tax charge is deducted when annuity benefit payments begin.
In no event will a deduction be taken before the Company has incurred a tax
liability under applicable state law.
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If no amount for premium tax was deducted at the time the payment was received,
but subsequently tax is determined to be due prior to the Annuity Date, the
Company reserves the right to deduct the premium tax from the Contract value at
the time such determination is made.
E. SURRENDER CHARGE
No charge for sales expense is deducted from payments at the time the payments
are made. A surrender charge, however, may be deducted from the Accumulated
Value in the case of surrender or withdrawal within certain time limits
described below.
CALCULATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE. For purposes of determining the surrender
charge, the Accumulated Value is divided into four categories:
- The amount available under the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge
provision, described below;
- Old Payments -- total payments invested in the Contract for more than
eight years;
- New Payments -- payments received by the Company during the eight years
preceding the date of the surrender or withdrawal; and
- Earnings.
Amounts available as a Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge, followed by Old
Payments, may be withdrawn from the Contract at any time without the imposition
of a surrender charge. However, if a withdrawal or surrender is attributable all
or in part to New Payments, a surrender charge may be imposed.
The amount of the charge will depend upon the number of years that any New
Payments to which the withdrawal is attributed have remained credited under the
Contract. For the purpose of calculating surrender charges for New Payments, all
amounts withdrawn are assumed to be deducted first from the oldest New Payment
and then from the next oldest New Payment and so on, until all New Payments have
been exhausted pursuant to the first-in-first-out ("FIFO") method of accounting.
(See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS" for a discussion of how withdrawals are
treated for income tax purposes.)
The following surrender charge table outlines these charges:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPLETE YEARS FROM
DATE OF PAYMENT CHARGE
--------------- ------
<S> <C>
0-2 8.0%
more than 2 7.0%
more than 3 6.0%
more than 4 5.0%
more than 5 4.0%
more than 6 3.0%
more than 7 2.0%
more than 8 0
</TABLE>
The amount withdrawn equals the amount requested by the Owner plus the surrender
charge, if any. The charge is applied as a percentage of the New Payments
withdrawn.
The total charge equals the aggregate of all applicable surrender charges for a
surrender and withdrawals, including the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge that may
apply if a withdrawal is taken during the Annuity Payout phase (see
ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE, "F. Withdrawals after the Annuity Date").
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In no event will the total surrender and withdrawal charges exceed a maximum
limit of 8.5% of total gross New Payments.
WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE. Each calendar year prior to the Annuity
Date, an Owner may withdraw a portion of the Contract's Surrender Value without
any applicable surrender charge ("Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount").
The above surrender charge table is not applicable to these withdrawals. The
first time an Owner makes a withdrawal from the Contract, the Withdrawal Without
Surrender Charge Amount is 12% of the total of all payments invested in the
Contract as of the Valuation Date for the withdrawal.
After that first withdrawal from the Contract, the maximum annual Withdrawal
Without Surrender Charge Amount is 12% of the total of all payments invested in
the Contract less that portion of any prior withdrawal(s) of payments that are
subject to the surrender charge table (even if the applicable surrender charge
is 0%) as of the Valuation Date for the withdrawal (the Gross Payment Base),
less any prior withdrawal(s) during the same calendar year to which the
surrender charge table was not applicable.
EFFECT OF WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE AMOUNT. When a withdrawal is
taken, the Company initially determines the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge
Amount in the following order:
- - The Company first deducts the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount from
cumulative earnings.
- - If the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount exceeds cumulative earnings,
the Company will deem the excess to be withdrawn from New Payments on a
last-in-first-out (LIFO) basis, so that the newest New Payments are withdrawn
first. This results in those New Payments, which are otherwise subject to the
highest surrender charge at that point in time, being withdrawn first without
a surrender charge.
- - If more than one withdrawal is made during the year, on each subsequent
withdrawal the Company will waive the surrender charge, if any, until the
entire Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount has been withdrawn.
After the entire Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount available in a
calendar year has been withdrawn, for the purposes of determining the amount of
the surrender charge, if any, withdrawals will be deemed to be taken in the
following order:
- - First from Old Payments.
- The surrender charge table is applicable, but because Old Payments have
been invested in the Contract for more than 8 years, the surrender charge
is 0%.
- - Second from New Payments.
- The surrender charge table is applicable.
- Payments are now withdrawn from this category on a first-in-first-out
(FIFO) basis, so that the oldest New Payments are now withdrawn first.
This results in the withdrawal of New Payments with the lowest surrender
charge first.
- - Third from Earnings.
- The surrender charge table is not applicable to the withdrawal of
Earnings.
For Qualified Contracts and Contracts issued under Section 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans only, the maximum amount available without a surrender charge
during any calendar year will be the greatest of (a),
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(b) and (c) where (a) and (b) are the same as above and (c) is the amount
available as a Life Expectancy Distribution less any Withdrawal Without
Surrender Charge taken during the same calendar year. (see "Life Expectancy
Distributions" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE.
For further information on surrender and withdrawals, including minimum limits
on amount withdrawn and amount remaining under the Contract in the case of
withdrawals, and important tax considerations, see "F. Surrender and
Withdrawals" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE and see
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS.
REDUCTION OR ELIMINATION OF SURRENDER CHARGE AND ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS
CREDITED. Where permitted by law, the Company will waive the surrender charge
in the event that the Owner (or the Annuitant, if the Owner is not an
individual) becomes physically disabled after the Issue Date of the Contract (or
in the event that the original Owner or Annuitant has changed since issue, after
being named Owner or Annuitant) and before attaining age 65. The Company may
require proof of such disability and continuing disability and reserves the
right to obtain an examination by a licensed physician of its choice and at its
expense.
In addition, the Company will waive the surrender charge in the event that an
Owner (or the Annuitant, if the Owner is not an individual) is:
(1) admitted to a medical care facility after becoming the Owner or
Annuitant under the Contract and remains confined there until the later
of one year after the Issue Date or 90 consecutive days; or
(2) first diagnosed by a licensed physician as having a fatal illness after
the Issue Date of the Contract and after being named Owner or Annuitant.
For purposes of the above provision, "medical care facility" means any
state-licensed facility or, in a state that does not require licensing, a
facility that is operating pursuant to state law, providing medically necessary
inpatient care which is prescribed by a licensed "physician" in writing and
based on physical limitations which prohibit daily living in a non-institutional
setting. "Fatal illness" means a condition diagnosed by a licensed "physician"
which is expected to result in death within two years of the diagnosis.
"Physician" means a person (other than the Owner, Annuitant or a member of one
of their families) who is state licensed to give medical care or treatment and
is acting within the scope of that license. "Physically disabled" means that the
Owner or Annuitant, as applicable, has been unable to engage in an occupation or
to conduct daily activities for a period of at least 12 consecutive months as a
result of disease or bodily injury.
Where surrender charges have been waived under any of the situations discussed
above, no additional payments under this Contract will be accepted unless
required by state law.
In addition, from time to time the Company may allow a reduction in or
elimination of the surrender charges, the period during which the charges apply,
or both, and/or credit additional amounts on Contracts, when Contracts are sold
to individuals or groups of individuals in a manner that reduces sales expenses.
The Company will consider factors such as the following:
- the size and type of group or class, and the persistency expected from
that group or class;
- the total amount of payments to be received, and the manner in which
payments are remitted;
- the purpose for which the Contracts are being purchased, and whether that
purpose makes it likely that costs and expenses will be reduced;
- other transactions where sales expenses are likely to be reduced; or
- the level of commissions paid to selling broker-dealers or certain
financial institutions with respect to Contracts within the same group or
class (for example, broker-dealers who offer this Contract in connection
with financial planning services offered on a fee-for-service basis).
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<PAGE>
The Company also may reduce or waive the surrender charge, and/or credit
additional amounts on Contracts, where either the Owner or the Annuitant on the
Issue Date is within the following class of individuals ("eligible persons"):
- employees and registered representatives of any broker-dealer which has
entered into a sales agreement with the Company to sell the Contract;
- employees of the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries; officers,
directors, trustees and employees of any of the Underlying Funds;
- investment managers or sub-advisers of the Underlying Funds; and
- the spouses of and immediate family members residing in the same household
with such eligible persons. "Immediate family members" means children,
siblings, parents, and grandparents.
In addition, if permitted under state law, surrender charge will be waived under
403(b) Contracts where the amount withdrawn is being contributed to a life
policy issued by the Company as part of the individual's 403(b) plan.
Where an Owner who is trustee under a pension plan surrenders, in whole or in
part, a Contract on a terminating employee, the trustee will be permitted to
reallocate all or a part of the Accumulated Value under the Contract to other
Contracts issued by the Company and owned by the trustee, with no deduction for
any otherwise applicable surrender charge. Any such reallocation will be at the
unit values for the Sub-Accounts as of the Valuation Date on which a written,
signed request is received at the Principal Office.
Any reduction or elimination in the amount or duration of the surrender charge
will not discriminate unfairly among purchasers of this Contract. The Company
will not make any changes to this charge where prohibited by law.
F. TRANSFER CHARGE
The Company currently does not assess a charge for processing transfers. The
Company guarantees that the first 12 transfers in a Contract year will be free
of transfer charge, but reserves the right to assess a charge, guaranteed never
to exceed $25, for each subsequent transfer in a Contract year to reimburse it
for the expense of processing transfers. For more information, see "E. Transfer
Privilege" under DESCRIPTION OF THE CONTRACT -- THE ACCUMULATION PHASE and "E.
Transfers of Annuity Units" under ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE.
G. WITHDRAWAL ADJUSTMENT CHARGE
After the Annuity Date, a withdrawal will result in a calculation by the Company
of the present value of either all future annuity benefit payments or future
guaranteed annuity benefit payments. The present value is calculated based on
the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table (male, female or unisex rates as appropriate).
If a withdrawal is made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the AIR or interest
rate used to determine the annuity benefit payments is increased by one of the
following adjustments:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
15 or more years of annuity benefit payments being
valued -- 1.00%
10-14 years of annuity benefit payments being valued -- 1.50%
Less than 10 years of annuity benefit payments being
valued -- 2.00%
</TABLE>
The adjustment to the AIR or interest rate used to determine the present value
results in lower future annuity payments, and may be viewed as a charge under
the Contract. The Withdrawal Adjustment Charge does not apply if a withdrawal is
made in connection with the death of an Annuitant or if a withdrawal is made 5
or more years after the Issue Date.
For more information see "F. Withdrawals After the Annuity Date," under
ANNUITIZATION -- THE PAYOUT PHASE.
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<PAGE>
GUARANTEE PERIOD ACCOUNTS
Due to certain exemptive and exclusionary provisions in the securities laws,
interests in the Guarantee Period Accounts and the Company's Fixed Account are
not registered as an investment company under the provisions of the 1933 Act or
the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the staff of the SEC has not reviewed the disclosures
in this Prospectus relating to the Guarantee Period Accounts or the Fixed
Account. Nevertheless, disclosures regarding the Guarantee Period Accounts and
the Fixed Account of this Contract or any fixed benefits offered under these
accounts may be subject to the provisions of the 1933 Act relating to the
accuracy and completeness of statements made in the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS. In most jurisdictions, Guarantee Periods ranging from two
through ten years may be available. Each Guarantee Period established for the
Owner is accounted for separately in a non-unitized segregated account except in
California where it is accounted for in the Company's General Account. Each
Guarantee Period Account provides for the accumulation of interest at a
Guaranteed Interest Rate. The Guaranteed Interest Rate on amounts allocated or
transferred to a Guarantee Period Account is determined from time to time by the
Company in accordance with market conditions. Once an interest rate is in effect
for a Guarantee Period Account, however, the Company may not change it during
the duration of its Guarantee Period. In no event will the Guaranteed Interest
Rate be less than 3%. The Guarantee Period Accounts are not available in New
York, Oregon, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
To the extent permitted by law, the Company reserves the right at any time to
offer Guarantee Periods with durations that differ from those which were
available when a Contract initially was issued and to stop accepting new
allocations, transfers or renewals to a particular Guarantee Period.
Owners may allocate net payments or make transfers from any of the Sub-Accounts,
the Fixed Account or an existing Guarantee Period Account to establish a new
Guarantee Period Account at any time prior to the Annuity Date. Transfers from a
Guarantee Period Account on any date other than on the day following the
expiration of that Guarantee Period will be subject to a Market Value
Adjustment. The Company establishes a separate investment account each time the
Owner allocates or transfers amounts to a Guarantee Period except that amounts
allocated to the same Guarantee Period on the same day will be treated as one
Guarantee Period Account. The minimum that may be allocated to establish a
Guarantee Period Account is $1,000. If less than $1,000 is allocated, the
Company reserves the right to apply that amount to the Money Market Sub-Account.
The Owner may allocate amounts to any of the Guarantee Periods available.
At least 45 days, but not more than 75 days, prior to the end of a Guarantee
Period, the Company will notify the Owner in writing of the expiration of that
Guarantee Period. At the end of a Guarantee Period the Owner may transfer
amounts to the Sub-Accounts, the Fixed Account or establish a new Guarantee
Period Account of any duration then offered by the Company without a Market
Value Adjustment. If reallocation instructions are not received at the Principal
Office before the end of a Guarantee Period, the account value automatically
will be applied to a new Guarantee Period Account with the same duration at the
then current rate unless (1) less than $1,000 would remain in the Guarantee
Period Account on the expiration date, or (2) unless the Guarantee Period would
extend beyond the Annuity Date or is no longer available. In such cases, the
Guarantee Period Account value will be transferred to the Sub-Account investing
in the Money Market Sub-Account. Where amounts have been renewed automatically
in a new Guarantee Period, it is the Company's current practice to give the
Owner an additional 30 days to transfer out of the Guarantee Period Account
without application of a Market Value Adjustment.
MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT. No Market Value Adjustment will be applied to
transfers, withdrawals, or surrender from a Guarantee Period Account on the
expiration of its Guarantee Period. In addition, no negative Market Value
Adjustment will be applied to a death benefit although a positive Market Value
Adjustment, if any, will be applied to increase the value of the death benefit
when based on the Contract's Accumulated Value. See "G. Death Benefit." All
other transfers, withdrawals, or a surrender prior to the end of a Guarantee
Period will be subject to a Market Value Adjustment, which may increase or
decrease the value. Amounts
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<PAGE>
applied under an annuity option are treated as withdrawals when calculating the
Market Value Adjustment. The Market Value Adjustment will be determined by
multiplying the amount taken from each Guarantee Period Account before deduction
of any Surrender Charge by the market value factor. The market value factor for
each Guarantee Period Account is equal to:
[(1+i)/(1+j)](n/365) - 1
where: i is the Guaranteed Interest Rate expressed as a decimal for
example: (3% = 0.03) being credited to the current Guarantee
Period;
j is the new Guaranteed Interest Rate, expressed as a decimal,
for a Guarantee Period with a duration equal to the number of
years remaining in the current Guarantee Period, rounded to
the next higher number of whole years. If that rate is not
available, the Company will use a suitable rate or index
allowed by the Department of Insurance; and
n is the number of days remaining from the Valuation Date to the
end of the current Guarantee Period.
Based on the application of this formula, the value of a Guarantee Period
Account will increase after the Market Value Adjustment is applied if the then
current market rates are lower than the rate being credited to the Guarantee
Period Account. Similarly, the value of a Guarantee Period Account will decrease
after the Market Value Adjustment is applied if the then current market rates
are higher than the rate being credited to the Guarantee Period Account. The
Market Value Adjustment is limited; however, so that even if the account value
is decreased after application of a Market Value Adjustment, it will equal or
exceed the Owner's principal plus 3% earnings per year less applicable Contract
fees. Conversely, if the then current market rates are lower and the account
value is increased after the Market Value Adjustment is applied, the increase in
value is also affected by the minimum guaranteed rate of 3%. The amount that
will be added to the Guarantee Period Account is limited to the difference
between the amount earned and the 3% minimum guaranteed earnings. For examples
of how the Market Value Adjustment works, See APPENDIX C -- SURRENDER CHARGES
AND THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT.
WITHDRAWALS. Prior to the Annuity Date, the Owner may make withdrawals of
amounts held in the Guarantee Period Accounts. Withdrawals from these accounts
will be made in the same manner and be subject to the same rules as set forth
under "F. Surrender and Withdrawals." In addition, the following provisions also
apply to withdrawals from a Guarantee Period Account: (1) a Market Value
Adjustment will apply to all withdrawals, including Withdrawals Without
Surrender Charge, unless made at the end of the Guarantee Period; and (2) the
Company reserves the right to defer payments of amounts withdrawn from a
Guarantee Period Account for up to six months from the date it receives the
withdrawal request. If deferred for 30 days or more, the Company will pay
interest on the amount deferred at a rate of at least 3%.
In the event that a Market Value Adjustment applies to a withdrawal of a portion
of the value of a Guarantee Period Account, it will be calculated on the amount
requested and deducted from or added to the amount withdrawn. If a surrender
charge applies to the withdrawal, it will be calculated as set forth under "E.
Surrender Charge" after application of the Market Value Adjustment.
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<PAGE>
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The effect of federal income taxes on the value of a Contract, on withdrawals or
surrenders, on annuity benefit payments, and on the economic benefit to the
Owner, Annuitant, or beneficiary depends upon a variety of factors. The
following discussion is based upon the Company's understanding of current
federal income tax laws as they are interpreted as of the date of this
Prospectus. No representation is made regarding the likelihood of continuation
of current federal income tax laws or of current interpretations by the IRS. In
addition, this discussion does not address state or local tax consequences that
may be associated with the Contract.
IT SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED THAT THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX
ASPECTS OF AMOUNTS RECEIVED UNDER VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE,
DOES NOT PURPORT TO COVER ALL SITUATIONS, AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. A
QUALIFIED TAX ADVISER ALWAYS SHOULD BE CONSULTED WITH REGARD TO THE APPLICATION
OF LAW TO INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
A. GENERAL
THE COMPANY. The Company intends to make a charge for any effect which the
income, assets, or existence of the Contract, the Variable Account or the
Sub-Accounts may have upon its tax. The Variable Account presently is not
subject to tax, but the Company reserves the right to assess a charge for taxes
should the Variable Account at any time become subject to tax. Any charge for
taxes will be assessed on a fair and equitable basis in order to preserve equity
among classes of Owners and with respect to each separate account as though that
separate account was a separate taxable entity.
The Variable Account is considered a part of and taxed with the operations of
the Company. The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under Subchapter L
of the Code. The Company files a consolidated tax return with its affiliates.
DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. The IRS has issued regulations under Section
817(h) of the Code relating to the diversification requirements for variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts. The regulations prescribed by the
Treasury Department provide that the investments of a segregated asset account
underlying a variable annuity contract are adequately diversified if no more
than 55% of the value of its assets is represented by any one investment, no
more than 70% by any two investments, no more than 80% by any three investments,
and no more than 90% by any four investments. Under this section of the Code, if
the investments are not adequately diversified, the Contract will not be treated
as an annuity contract, and therefore the income on the Contract, for any
taxable year of the Owner, would be treated as ordinary income received or
accrued by the Owner. It is anticipated that the Underlying Portfolios will
comply with the current diversification requirements. In the event that future
IRS regulations and/or rulings would require Contract modifications in order to
remain in compliance with the diversification standards, the Company will make
reasonable efforts to comply, and it reserves the right to make such changes as
it deems appropriate for that purpose.
INVESTOR CONTROL. In order for a variable annuity contract to qualify for tax
deferral, the Company, and not the variable contract owner, must be considered
to be the owner for tax purposes of the assets in the segregated asset account
underlying the variable annuity contract. In certain circumstances, however,
variable annuity contract owners may now be considered the owners of these
assets for federal income tax purposes. Specifically, the IRS has stated in
published rulings that a variable annuity contract owner may be considered the
owner of segregated account assets if the contract owner possesses incidents of
ownership in those assets, such as the ability to exercise investment control
over the assets. The Treasury Department has also announced, in connection with
the issuance of regulations concerning investment diversification, that those
regulations do not provide guidance governing the circumstances in which
investor control of the investments of a segregated asset account may cause the
investor (i.e., the contract owner), rather than the insurance company, to be
treated as the owner of the assets in the account. This announcement also states
that guidance would be issued by way of regulations or rulings on the "extent to
which policyholders may direct their
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investments to particular sub-accounts without being treated as owners of the
underlying assets." As of the date of this Prospectus, no such guidance has been
issued. The Company therefore additionally reserves the right to modify the
Contract as necessary in order to attempt to prevent a contract owner from being
considered the owner of a pro rata share of the assets of the segregated asset
account underlying the variable annuity contracts.
B. QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
From a federal tax viewpoint there are two types of variable annuity contracts,
"qualified" contracts and "non-qualified" contracts. A qualified contract is one
that is purchased in connection with a retirement plan which meets the
requirements of Sections 401, 403, or 408 of the Code, while a non-qualified
contract is one that is not purchased in connection with one of the indicated
retirement plans. The tax treatment for certain withdrawals or surrenders will
vary, depending on whether they are made from a qualified contract or a non-
qualified contract. For more information on the tax provisions applicable to
qualified contracts, see "E. Provisions Applicable to Qualified Employer Plans"
below.
C. TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT IN GENERAL
The Company believes that the Contract described in this Prospectus will, with
certain exceptions (see "Nonnatural Owner" below), be considered an annuity
contract under Section 72 of the Code. Please note, however, if the Owner
chooses an Annuity Date beyond the Owner's 85th birthday, it is possible that
the Contract may not be considered an annuity for tax purposes, and therefore,
the Owner will be taxed on the annual increase in Accumulated Value. The Owner
should consult tax and financial advisors for more information. This section
governs the taxation of annuities. The following discussion concerns annuities
subject to Section 72.
WITHDRAWALS PRIOR TO ANNUITIZATION. With certain exceptions, any increase in
the Contract's Accumulated Value is not taxable to the Owner until it is
withdrawn from the Contract. Under the current provisions of the Code, amounts
received under an annuity contract prior to annuitization (including payments
made upon the death of the annuitant or owner), generally are first attributable
to any investment gains credited to the contract over the taxpayer's "investment
in the contract." Such amounts will be treated as gross income subject to
federal income taxation. "Investment in the contract" is the total of all
payments to the Contract which were not excluded from the Owner's gross income
less any amounts previously withdrawn which were not included in income. Section
72(e)(11)(A)(ii) requires that all non-qualified deferred annuity contracts
issued by the same insurance company to the same owner during a single calendar
year be treated as one contract in determining taxable distributions.
WITHDRAWALS AFTER ANNUITIZATION. A withdrawal from a qualified or non-qualified
contract may create significant adverse tax consequences. It is possible that
the Internal Revenue Service may take the view that when withdrawals (other than
annuity payments) are taken during the annuity payout phase of the Contract, all
amounts received by the taxpayer are taxable at ordinary income rates as amounts
"not received as an annuity." In addition, such amounts may be taxable to the
recipient without regard to the Owner's investment in the Contract or any
investment gain that might be present in the current Annuity Value.
For example, assume that a Contract owner with a Contract Value of $100,000 of
which $90,000 is comprised of investment in the Contract and $10,000 is
investment gain, makes a withdrawal of $20,000 during the annuity payout phase.
Under this view, the Contract owner would pay income taxes on the entire $20,000
amount in that tax year. For some taxpayers, such as those under age 59 1/2,
additional tax penalties may also apply.
OWNERS OF QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE
TAX IMPLICATIONS OF ANY WITHDRAWAL REQUESTS AND THEIR NEED FOR CONTRACT FUNDS
PRIOR TO THE EXERCISE OF THE WITHDRAWAL RIGHT. CONTRACT OWNERS SHOULD ALSO
CONTACT THEIR TAX ADVISER PRIOR TO MAKING WITHDRAWALS.
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ANNUITY PAYOUTS AFTER ANNUITIZATION. When annuity benefit payments begin under
the Contract, generally a portion of each payment may be excluded from gross
income. The excludable portion generally is determined by a formula that
establishes the ratio that the investment in the Contract bears to the expected
return under the Contract. The portion of the payment in excess of this
excludable amount is taxable as ordinary income. Once all the investment in the
Contract is recovered, the entire payment is taxable. If the annuitant dies
before cost basis is recovered, a deduction for the difference is allowed on the
Owner's final tax return.
PENALTY ON DISTRIBUTION. A 10% penalty tax may be imposed on the withdrawal of
investment gains if the withdrawal is made prior to age 59 1/2. The penalty tax
will not be imposed on withdrawals: taken on or after age 59 1/2; or if the
withdrawal follows the death of the Owner (or, if the Owner is not an
individual, the death of the primary Annuitant, as defined in the Code); or in
the case of the Owner's "total disability" (as defined in the Code); or if
withdrawals from a qualified Contract are made to an employee who has terminated
employment after reaching age 55; or irrespective of age, if the amount received
is one of a series of "substantially equal" periodic payments made at least
annually for the life or life expectancy of the payee.
The requirement of "substantially equal" periodic payments is met when the Owner
elects to have distributions made over the Owner's life expectancy, or over the
joint life expectancy of the Owner and beneficiary. The requirement is also met
when the number of units withdrawn to make each distribution is substantially
the same. Any modification, other than by reason of death or disability, of
distributions which are part of a series of substantially equal periodic
payments that occurs before the later of the Owner's age 59 1/2 or five years,
will subject the Owner to the 10% penalty tax on the prior distributions.
In a Private Letter Ruling, the IRS took the position that where distributions
from a variable annuity contract were determined by amortizing the accumulated
value of the contract over the taxpayer's remaining life expectancy, and the
option could be changed or terminated at any time, the distributions failed to
qualify as part of a "series of substantially equal payments" within the meaning
of Section 72 of the Code. The distributions, therefore, were subject to the 10%
federal penalty tax. This Private Letter Ruling may be applicable to an Owner
who receives distributions under any LED-type option prior to age 59 1/2.
Subsequent Private Letter Rulings, however, have treated LED-type withdrawal
programs as effectively avoiding the 10% penalty tax. The position of the IRS on
this issue is unclear.
ASSIGNMENTS OR TRANSFERS. If the Owner transfers (assigns) the Contract to
another individual as a gift prior to the Annuity Date, the Code provides that
the Owner will incur taxable income at the time of the transfer. An exception is
provided for certain transfers between spouses. The amount of taxable income
upon such taxable transfer is equal to any investment gain in value over the
Owner's cost basis at the time of the transfer. The transfer also is subject to
federal gift tax provisions.
NONNATURAL OWNERS. As a general rule, deferred annuity contracts owned by
"nonnatural persons" (e.g., a corporation) are not treated as annuity contracts
for federal tax purposes, and the investment income attributable to
contributions made after February 28, 1986 is taxed as ordinary income that is
received or accrued by the owner during the taxable year. This rule does not
apply to annuity contracts purchased with a single payment when the annuity date
is no later than a year from the Issue Date or to deferred annuities owned by
qualified employer plans, estates, employers with respect to a terminated
pension plan, and entities other than employers, such as a trust, holding an
annuity as an agent for a natural person. This exception, however, will not
apply in cases of any employer who is the owner of an annuity contract under a
non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND TAX-EXEMPT
ORGANIZATIONS. Under Section 457 of the Code, deferred compensation plans
established by governmental and certain other tax-exempt employers for their
employees may invest in annuity contracts. Contributions and investment earnings
are not taxable to employees until distributed; however, with respect to
payments made after
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February 28, 1986, a Contract owned by a state or local government or a
tax-exempt organization will not be treated as an annuity under Section 72 as
well.
D. TAX WITHHOLDING
The Code requires withholding with respect to payments or distributions from
non-qualified contracts and IRAs, unless a taxpayer elects not to have
withholding. A 20% withholding requirement applies to distributions from most
other qualified contracts. In addition, the Code requires reporting to the IRS
of the amount of income received with respect to payment or distributions from
annuities.
E. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO QUALIFIED EMPLOYER PLANS
Federal income taxation of assets held inside a qualified retirement plan and of
earnings on those assets is deferred until distribution of plan benefits begins.
As such, it is not necessary to purchase a variable annuity contract solely to
obtain its tax deferral feature. However, other features offered under this
Contract and described in this Prospectus -- such as the minimum guaranteed
death benefit, the guaranteed fixed annuity rates and the wide variety of
investment options -- may make this Contract a suitable investment for your
qualified retirement plan.
The tax rules applicable to qualified retirement plans, as defined by the Code,
are complex and vary according to the type of plan. Benefits under a qualified
plan may be subject to that plan's terms and conditions irrespective of the
terms and conditions of any annuity contract used to fund such benefits. As
such, the following is simply a general description of various types of
qualified plans that may use the Contract. Before purchasing any annuity
contract for use in funding a qualified plan, more specific information should
be obtained.
Qualified Contracts may include special provisions (endorsements) changing or
restricting rights and benefits otherwise available to owners of non-qualified
Contracts. Individuals purchasing a qualified Contract should carefully review
any such changes or limitations which may include restrictions to ownership,
transferability, assignability, contributions, and distributions.
CORPORATE AND SELF-EMPLOYED ("H.R. 10" AND "KEOGH") PENSION AND PROFIT SHARING
PLANS. Sections 401(a), 401(k) and 403(a) of the Code permit business employers
and certain associations to establish various types of tax-favored retirement
plans for employees. The Self-Employed Individuals' Tax Retirement Act of 1962,
as amended, permits self-employed individuals to establish similar plans for
themselves and their employees. Employers intending to use qualified Contracts
in connection with such plans should seek competent advice as to the suitability
of the Contract to their specific needs and as to applicable Code limitations
and tax consequences.
The Company can provide prototype plans for certain pension or profit sharing
plans for review by the plan's legal counsel. For information, ask your
financial representative.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES. Sections 408 and 408A of the Code permits
eligible individuals to contribute to an individual retirement program known as
an Individual Retirement Annuity ("IRA"). Note: This term covers all IRAs
permitted under Sections 408 and 408A of the Code, including Roth IRAs. IRAs are
subject to limits on the amounts that may be contributed, the persons who may be
eligible, and on the time when distributions may commence. In addition, certain
distributions from other types of retirement plans may be "rolled over," on a
tax-deferred basis, to an IRA. Purchasers of an IRA Contract will be provided
with supplementary information as may be required by the IRS or other
appropriate agency, and will have the right to cancel the Contract as described
in this Prospectus. See "D. Right to Cancel."
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Eligible employers that meet specified criteria may establish simplified
employee pension plans (SEP-IRAs) for their employees using IRAs. Employer
contributions that may be made to such plans are larger than the amounts that
may be contributed to regular IRAs and may be deductible to the employer.
TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITIES ("TSAS"). Under the provisions of Section 403(b) of the
Code, payments made to annuity Contracts purchased for employees under annuity
plans adopted by public school systems and certain organizations which are tax
exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code are excludable from the gross income
of such employees to the extent that total annual payments do not exceed the
maximum contribution permitted under the Code. Purchasers of TSA contracts
should seek competent advice as to eligibility, limitations on permissible
payments and other tax consequences associated with the contracts.
Withdrawals or other distributions attributable to salary reduction
contributions (including earnings thereon) made to a TSA contract after
December 31, 1988, may not begin before the employee attains age 59 1/2,
separates from service, dies or becomes disabled. In the case of hardship, an
Owner may withdraw amounts contributed by salary reduction, but not the earnings
on such amounts. Even though a distribution may be permitted under these
rules (e.g., for hardship or after separation from service), it may be subject
to a 10% penalty tax as a premature distribution, in addition to income tax.
TEXAS OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM. Distributions under a TSA contract issued to
participants in the Texas Optional Retirement Program may not be received except
in the case of the participant's death, retirement or termination of employment
in the Texas public institutions of higher education. These additional
restrictions are imposed under the Texas Government Code and a prior opinion of
the Texas Attorney General.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
An Owner is sent a report semi-annually which provides certain financial
information about the Underlying Funds. At least annually, but possibly as
frequently as quarterly, the Company will furnish a statement to the Owner
containing information about his or her Contract, including Accumulation Unit
Values and other information as required by applicable law, rules and
regulations. The Company will also send a confirmation statement to Owners each
time a transaction is made affecting the Accumulated Value. (Certain
transactions made under recurring payment plans may in the future be confirmed
quarterly rather than by immediate confirmations.) The Owner should review the
information in all statements carefully. All errors or corrections must be
reported to the Company immediately to assure proper crediting to the Contract.
The Company will assume that all transactions are accurately reported on
confirmation statements and quarterly/annual statements unless the Owner
notifies the Principal Office in writing within 30 days after receipt of the
statement.
ADDITION, DELETION OR SUBSTITUTION OF INVESTMENTS
The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to make additions to,
deletions from, or substitutions for the shares that are held in the
Sub-Accounts or that the Sub-Accounts may purchase. If the shares of any
Underlying Fund no longer are available for investment or if, in the Company's
judgment, further investment in any Underlying Fund should become inappropriate
in view of the purposes of the Variable Account or the affected Sub-Account, the
Company may withdraw the shares of that Underlying Fund and substitute shares of
another registered open-end management company. The Company will not substitute
any shares attributable to a Contract interest in a Sub-Account without notice
to the Owner and prior approval of the SEC and state insurance authorities, to
the extent required by the 1940 Act or other applicable law. The Variable
Account may, to the extent permitted by law, purchase other securities for other
contracts or permit a conversion between contracts upon request by an Owner.
The Company also reserves the right to establish additional Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account, each of which would invest in shares corresponding to a new
Underlying Fund or in shares of another investment company having a specified
investment objective. Subject to applicable law and any required SEC approval,
the Company may, in its sole discretion, establish new Sub-Accounts or eliminate
one or more Sub-Accounts
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if marketing needs, tax considerations or investment conditions warrant. Any new
Sub-Accounts may be made available to existing Owners on a basis to be
determined by the Company.
Shares of the Underlying Funds also are issued to variable accounts of the
Company and its affiliates which issue variable life contracts ("mixed
funding"). Shares of the Underlying Funds also are issued to other unaffiliated
insurance companies ("shared funding"). It is conceivable that in the future
such mixed funding or shared funding may be disadvantageous for variable life
owners or variable annuity owners. Although the Company, the Trust, Fidelity VIP
and T. Rowe Price do not currently foresee any such disadvantages to either
variable life insurance owners or variable annuity owners, the Company and the
respective trustees intend to monitor events in order to identify any material
conflicts between such owners, and to determine what action, if any, should be
taken in response thereto. If the trustees were to conclude that separate funds
should be established for variable life and variable annuity separate accounts,
the Company will bear the attendant expenses.
If any of these substitutions or changes is made, the Company may endorse the
Contract to reflect the substitution or change, and will notify Owners of all
such changes. If the Company deems it to be in the best interest of Owners, and
subject to any approvals that may be required under applicable law, the Variable
Account or any Sub-Account(s) may be operated as a management company under the
1940 Act, may be deregistered under the 1940 Act if registration is no longer
required, or may be combined with other Sub-Accounts or other separate accounts
of the Company.
The Company reserves the right, subject to compliance with applicable law and to
the provisions of the Participation Agreements, to:
(1) transfer assets from the Variable Account or Sub-Account to another of the
Company's variable accounts or sub-accounts having assets of the same class,
(2) to operate the Variable Account or any Sub-Account as a management
investment company under the 1940 Act or in any other form permitted by law,
(3) to deregister the Variable Account under the 1940 Act in accordance with the
requirements of the 1940 Act,
(4) to substitute the shares of any other registered investment company for the
Fund shares held by a Sub-Account, in the event that Fund shares are
unavailable for investment, or if the Company determines that further
investment in such Fund shares is inappropriate in view of the purpose of
the Sub-Account,
(5) to change the methodology for determining the net investment factor, and
(6) to change the names of the Variable Account or of the Sub-Accounts. In no
event will the changes described be made without notice to Owners in
accordance with the 1940 Act.
CHANGES TO COMPLY WITH LAW AND AMENDMENTS
The Company reserves the right, without the consent of Owners, to suspend sales
of the Contract as presently offered, and to make any change to provisions of
the Contract to comply with, or give Owners the benefit of, any federal or state
statute, rule or regulation (or any laws, regulations or rules of any
jurisdiction in which the Company is doing business), including but not limited
to requirements for annuity contracts and retirement plans under the Code and
pertinent regulations or any state statute or regulation. Any such changes will
apply uniformly to all Contracts that are affected. Owners will be given written
notice of such changes.
VOTING RIGHTS
The Company will vote Underlying Fund shares held by each Sub-Account in
accordance with instructions received from Owners. Each person having a voting
interest in a Sub-Account will be provided with proxy materials of the
Underlying Fund, together with a form with which to give voting instructions to
the Company.
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Shares for which no timely instructions are received will be voted in proportion
to the instructions that are received. The Company also will vote shares in a
Sub-Account that it owns and which are not attributable to Contracts in the same
proportion. If the 1940 Act or any rules thereunder should be amended or if the
present interpretation of the 1940 Act or such rules should change, and as a
result the Company determines that it is permitted to vote shares in its own
right, whether or not such shares are attributable to the Contract, the Company
reserves the right to do so.
The number of votes which an Owner may cast will be determined by the Company as
of the record date established by the Underlying Fund. During the accumulation
period, the number of Underlying Fund shares attributable to each Owner will be
determined by dividing the dollar value of the Accumulation Units of the
Sub-Account credited to the Contract by the net asset value of one Underlying
Fund share. During the annuity payout phase, the number of Underlying Fund
shares attributable to each Owner will be determined by dividing the reserve
held in each Sub-Account for the Owner's Variable Annuity by the net asset value
of one Underlying Fund share. Ordinarily, the Owner's voting interest in the
Underlying Fund will decrease as the reserve for the Variable Annuity is
depleted.
DISTRIBUTION
The Contract offered by this Prospectus may be purchased from certain
independent broker-dealers which are registered under the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934 and members of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). The Contract also is offered through Allmerica
Investments, Inc., which is the principal underwriter and distributor of the
Contracts. Allmerica Investments, Inc., 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01653,
is a registered broker-dealer, a member of the NASD and an indirectly wholly
owned subsidiary of First Allmerica.
The Company pays commissions not to exceed 9.0% of payments to broker-dealers
which sell the Contract. Alternative commission schedules are available with
lower initial commission amounts based on payments, plus ongoing annual
compensation of up to 1% of Contract value. To the extent permitted by NASD
rules, promotional incentives or payments also may be provided to such
broker-dealers based on sales volumes, the assumption of wholesaling functions,
or other sales-related criteria. Additional payments may be made for other
services not directly related to the sale of the Contract, including the
recruitment and training of personnel, production of promotional literature, and
similar services.
The Company intends to recoup commissions and other sales expenses through a
combination of anticipated surrender charges and profits from the Company's
General Account, which may include amounts derived from mortality and risk
charges. Commissions paid on the Contract, including additional incentives or
payments, do not result in any additional charge to Owners or to the Variable
Account. The Company will retain any surrender charges assessed on a Contract.
Owners may direct any inquiries to their financial representative or to
Allmerica Investments, Inc., 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01653, telephone
1-800-366-1492.
LEGAL MATTERS
There are no legal proceedings pending to which the Variable Account is a party,
or to which the assets of the Variable Account are subject. The Company and the
Principal Underwriter are not involved in any litigation that is of material
importance in relation to its total assets or that relates to the Separate
Account.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
computer programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or
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miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among other
things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices or engage
in similar normal business activities.
Based on a third party assessment, the Company determined that significant
portions of its software required modification or replacement to enable its
computer systems to properly process dates beyond December 31, 1999. The Company
has completed the process of modifying or replacing existing software and
believes that this action will resolve the Year 2000 issue. However, should
there be serious unanticipated interruptions from unknown sources, the Year 2000
issue could have a material adverse impact on the operations of the Company.
Specifically, the Company could experience, among other things, an interruption
in its ability to collect and process premiums, process claim payments,
safeguard and manage its invested assets, accurately maintain policyholder
information, accurately maintain accounting records, and perform customer
service. Any of these specific events, depending on duration, could have a
material adverse impact on the results of operations and the financial position
of the Company.
The Company is engaged in formal communications with all of its significant
suppliers to determine the extent to which the Company is vulnerable to those
third parties' failure to remediate their own Year 2000 issue. The Company's
total Year 2000 project cost and estimates to complete the project include the
estimated costs and time associated with the Company's involvement on a third
party's Year 2000 program, and are based on presently available information.
However, there can be no guarantee that the systems of other companies on which
the Company's systems rely will be timely converted, or that a failure to
convert by another company, or a conversion that is incompatible with the
Company's systems, would not have material adverse effect on the Company. The
Company does not believe that it has material exposure to contingencies related
to the Year 2000 issue for the products it has sold. Although the Company does
not believe that there is a material contingency associated with the Year 2000
issue, there can be no assurance that exposure for material contingencies will
not arise.
The cost of the Year 2000 project is being expensed as incurred and is being
funded primarily through a reallocation of resources from discretionary projects
and a reduction in systems maintenance and support costs. Therefore, the Year
2000 project is not expected to result in any significant incremental technology
cost and is not expected to have a material effect on the results of operations.
The Company and its affiliates have incurred and expensed approximately $59
million related to the assessment, plan development and substantial completion
of the Year 2000 project through June 30, 1999. The total remaining cost of the
project is estimated between $10-$20 million.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A Registration Statement under the 1933 Act relating to this offering has been
filed with the SEC. Certain portions of the Registration Statement and
amendments have been omitted in this Prospectus pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the SEC. The omitted information may be obtained from the SEC's
principal office in Washington, D.C., upon payment of the SEC's prescribed fees.
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APPENDIX A
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FIXED ACCOUNT
Because of exemption and exclusionary provisions in the securities laws,
interests in the Fixed Account generally are not subject to regulation under the
provisions of the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act. Disclosures regarding the fixed
portion of the annuity Contract and the Fixed Account may be subject to the
provisions of the 1933 Act concerning the accuracy and completeness of
statements made in this Prospectus. The disclosures in this APPENDIX A have not
been reviewed by the SEC.
The Fixed Account is part of the Company's General Account which is made up of
all of the general assets of the Company other than those allocated to a
separate account. Allocations to the Fixed Account become part of the assets of
the Company and are used to support insurance and annuity obligations. A portion
or all of net payments may be allocated to accumulate at a fixed rate of
interest in the Fixed Account. Such net amounts are guaranteed by the Company as
to principal and a minimum rate of interest. Under the Contract, the minimum
interest which may be credited on amounts allocated to the Fixed Account is 3%
compounded annually. Additional "Excess Interest" may or may not be credited at
the sole discretion of the Company.
STATE RESTRICTIONS. In Massachusetts, payments and transfers to the Fixed
Account are subject to the following restrictions:
If a Contract is issued prior to the Annuitant's 60th birthday,
allocations to the Fixed Account will be permitted until the
Annuitant's 61st birthday. On and after the Annuitant's 61st
birthday, no additional Fixed Account allocations will be
accepted. If a Contract is issued on or after the Annuitant's 60th
birthday, up through and including the Annuitant's 81st birthday,
Fixed Account allocations will be permitted during the first
Contract year. On and after the first Contract anniversary, no
additional allocations to the Fixed Account will be permitted. If
a Contract is issued after the Annuitant's 81st birthday, no
payments to the Fixed Account will be permitted at any time.
In Oregon, no payments to the Fixed Account will be permitted if a Contract is
issued after the Annuitant's 81st birthday. If an allocation designated as a
Fixed Account allocation is received at the Principal Office during a period
when the Fixed Account is not available due to the limitations outlined above,
the monies will be allocated to the Money Market Sub-Account.
ENHANCED AUTOMATIC TRANSFER (DOLLAR COST AVERAGING) PROGRAMS. To the extent
permitted by law, the Company reserves the right to offer Enhanced Automatic
Transfer Program(s) from time to time. If you elect to participate, the Company
will credit an enhanced interest rate to payments made to the Enhanced Automatic
Transfer Program. Eligible payments:
- must be new payments to the Contract, including the initial payment,
- must be allocated to the Fixed Account, which will be the source account,
- must be automatically transferred out of the Fixed Account to one or more
Sub-Accounts over a specified time period and
- will receive the enhanced rate while they remain in the Fixed Account.
You may be able to establish more than one Enhanced Automatic Transfer Program.
Payments made to the Contract during the same month will be part of the same
Enhanced Automatic Transfer Program if the length of the time period is the same
and the enhanced rate is the same. The allocation for all of the amounts in the
same program will be in accordance with the instructions for the most recent
payment to this program. The monthly transfer will be made on the date
designated for the initial payment to this program. The amount allocated will be
determined by dividing the amount in the program by the number of remaining
months. For example, for a six-month program, the first automatic transfer will
be 1/6th of the balance; the second automatic transfer will be 1/5th of the
balance, and so on.
Payments to different Enhanced Automatic Transfer Programs will be handled in
accordance with the instructions for each particular program.
A-1
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
This Contract was first offered to the public in . However, in order to help
people understand how investment performance can affect money invested in the
Sub-Accounts, the Company may advertise "total return" and "average annual total
return" performance information based on (1) the periods that the Sub-Accounts
have been in existence and (2) the periods that the Underlying Funds have been
in existence. Performance results in Table 1 reflect the applicable deductions
for the Contract fee, Sub-Account charges and Underlying Fund charges under this
Contract and also assume that the Contract is surrendered at the end of the
applicable period. Performance results in Table 2 do not include the Contract
fee and assume that the Contract is not surrendered at the end of the applicable
period. Neither sets of tables include optional Rider charges. Both the total
return and yield figures are based on historical earnings and are not intended
to indicate future performance.
The "total return" of a Sub-Account refers to the total of the income generated
by an investment in the Sub-Account and of the changes in the value of the
principal (due to realized and unrealized capital gains or losses) for a
specified period, reduced by Variable Account charges, and expressed as a
percentage. The "average annual total" return represents the average annual
percentage change in the value of an investment in the Sub-Account over a given
period of time. It represents averaged figures as opposed to the actual
performance of a Sub-Account, which will vary from year to year.
The yield of the Sub-Account investing in the Money Market Fund refers to the
income generated by an investment in the Sub-Account over a seven-day period
(which period will be specified in the advertisement). This income is then
"annualized" by assuming that the income generated in the specific week is
generated over a 52-week period. This annualized yield is shown as a percentage
of the investment. The "effective yield" calculation is similar but, when
annualized, the income earned by an investment in the Sub-Account is assumed to
be reinvested. Thus the effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield
because of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
Quotations of average annual total return as shown in Table 1 are calculated in
the manner prescribed by the SEC and show the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year period or for a period covering the time the Sub-Account has been in
existence, if less than the prescribed periods. The calculation is adjusted to
reflect the deduction of the annual Sub-Account asset charge of 1.35%, the
effect of the annual Contract fee, the Underlying Fund charges and the surrender
charge which would be assessed if the investment were completely withdrawn at
the end of the specified period. The calculation is not adjusted to reflect the
deduction of any optional Rider charges. Quotations of supplemental average
total returns, as shown in Table 2, are calculated in exactly the same manner
and for the same periods of time except that it does not reflect the Contract
fee and assumes that the Contract is not surrendered at the end of the periods
shown.
For more detailed information about these performance calculations, including
actual formulas, see the SAI.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FOR ANY SUB-ACCOUNT REFLECTS ONLY THE PERFORMANCE OF A
HYPOTHETICAL INVESTMENT IN THE SUB-ACCOUNT DURING THE TIME PERIOD ON WHICH THE
CALCULATIONS ARE BASED. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN LIGHT OF
THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES AND RISK CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
UNDERLYING FUND IN WHICH THE SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTS AND THE MARKET CONDITIONS
DURING THE GIVEN TIME PERIOD, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS A REPRESENTATION
OF WHAT MAY BE ACHIEVED IN THE FUTURE.
Performance information for a Sub-Account may be compared, in reports and
promotional literature, to:
(1) the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index ("S&P 500"), Dow Jones
Industrial Average ("DJIA"), Shearson Lehman Aggregate Bond Index or other
unmanaged indices, so that investors may
B-1
<PAGE>
compare the Sub-Account results with those of a group of unmanaged
securities widely regarded by investors as representative of the securities
markets in general; or
(2) other groups of variable annuity separate accounts or other investment
products tracked by Lipper Analytical Services, a widely used independent
research firm which ranks mutual funds and other investment products by
overall performance, investment objectives, and assets, or tracked by other
services, companies, publications, or persons, who rank such investment
products on overall performance or other criteria; or
(3) the Consumer Price Index (a measure for inflation) to assess the real rate
of return from an investment in the Sub-Account. Unmanaged indices may
assume the reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect deductions
for administrative and management costs and expenses. In addition, relevant
broad-based indices and performance from independent sources may be used to
illustrate the performance of certain Contract features.
At times, the Company may also advertise the ratings and other information
assigned to it by independent rating organizations such as A.M. Best Company
("A.M. Best"), Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's
Insurance Rating Services ("S&P") and Duff & Phelps. A.M. Best's and Moody's
ratings reflect their current opinion of the Company's relative financial
strength and operating performance in comparison to the norms of the life/health
insurance industry. S&P's and Duff & Phelps' ratings measure the ability of an
insurance company to meet its obligations under insurance policies it issues and
do not measure the ability of such companies to meet other non-policy
obligations. The ratings also do not relate to the performance of the Underlying
Funds.
B-2
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
TABLE 1
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS OF SUB-ACCOUNT
FOR PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION OF UNDERLYING FUND
(ASSUMING COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL OF THE INVESTMENT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERLYING
FUND FOR YEAR 10 YEARS OR
INCEPTION ENDED SINCE INCEPTION
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN UNDERLYING FUND DATE 12/31/98 5 YEARS IF LESS
- ---------------------------------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -27.87%
Select International Equity Fund..... 5/2/94 6.43% N/A 9.38%
T. Rowe Price International Stock
Portfolio........................... 3/31/94 5.86% N/A 6.87%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund........ 8/21/92 1.05% 12.11% 15.74%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund..... 4/28/95 4.07% N/A 16.64%
Select Value Opportunity Fund........ 4/30/93 -4.11% 10.26% 12.15%
Select Growth Fund................... 8/21/92 23.63% 19.08% 16.78%
Select Strategic Growth Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -10.61%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio........ 10/9/86 27.31% 18.68% 17.55%
Select Growth and Income Fund........ 8/21/92 6.38% 14.86% 13.21%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio... 10/9/86 2.02% 15.79% 13.81%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio... 9/19/85 -12.46% 6.08% 9.33%
Select Income Fund................... 8/21/92 -2.33% 3.40% 4.41%
Money Market Fund.................... 4/29/85 -3.53% 2.60% 3.94%
</TABLE>
TABLE 2
SUPPLEMENTAL AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS OF SUB-ACCOUNT
FOR PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION OF UNDERLYING FUND
(ASSUMING NO WITHDRAWAL OF THE INVESTMENT AND NO CONTRACT FEES)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERLYING
FUND FOR YEAR 10 YEARS OR
INCEPTION ENDED SINCE INCEPTION
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN UNDERLYING FUND DATE 12/31/98 5 YEARS IF LESS
- ---------------------------------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -22.37%
Select International Equity Fund..... 5/2/94 14.91% N/A 10.74%
T. Rowe Price International Stock
Portfolio........................... 3/31/94 14.30% N/A 8.18%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund........ 8/21/92 9.07% 13.44% 16.52%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund..... 4/28/95 12.34% N/A 18.75%
Select Value Opportunity Fund........ 4/30/93 3.45% 11.56% 13.16%
Select Growth Fund................... 8/21/92 33.61% 20.50% 17.57%
Select Strategic Growth Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -3.60%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio........ 10/9/86 37.61% 20.10% 17.80%
Select Growth and Income Fund........ 8/21/92 14.86% 16.23% 13.97%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio... 10/9/86 10.12% 17.17% 14.06%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio... 9/19/85 -5.62% 7.33% 9.58%
Select Income Fund................... 8/21/92 5.39% 4.62% 5.12%
Money Market Fund.................... 4/29/85 4.09% 3.80% 4.19%
</TABLE>
B-3
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
TABLE 1
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS OF SUB-ACCOUNT
FOR PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION OF UNDERLYING FUND
(ASSUMING COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL OF THE INVESTMENT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERLYING
FUND FOR YEAR 10 YEARS OR
INCEPTION ENDED SINCE INCEPTION
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN UNDERLYING FUND DATE 12/31/98 5 YEARS IF LESS
- ---------------------------------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -27.84%
Select International Equity Fund..... 5/2/94 6.46% N/A 9.41%
T. Rowe Price International Stock
Portfolio........................... 3/31/94 5.90% N/A 6.90%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund........ 8/21/92 1.09% 12.14% 15.77%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund..... 4/28/95 4.10% N/A 16.68%
Select Value Opportunity Fund........ 4/30/93 -4.08% 10.29% 12.19%
Select Growth Fund................... 8/21/92 23.67% 19.12% 16.82%
Select Strategic Growth Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -10.57%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio........ 10/9/86 27.35% 18.72% 17.58%
Select Growth and Income Fund........ 8/21/92 6.42% 14.90% 13.24%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio... 10/9/86 2.06% 15.82% 13.85%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio... 9/19/85 -12.43% 6.12% 9.37%
Select Income Fund................... 8/21/92 -2.30% 3.44% 4.45%
Money Market Fund.................... 4/29/85 -3.50% 2.63% 3.98%
</TABLE>
TABLE 2
SUPPLEMENTAL AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS OF SUB-ACCOUNT
FOR PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1998
SINCE INCEPTION OF UNDERLYING FUND
(ASSUMING NO WITHDRAWAL OF THE INVESTMENT AND NO CONTRACT FEES)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNDERLYING
FUND FOR YEAR 10 YEARS OR
INCEPTION ENDED SINCE INCEPTION
SUB-ACCOUNT INVESTING IN UNDERLYING FUND DATE 12/31/98 5 YEARS IF LESS
- ---------------------------------------- ---------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -22.37%
Select International Equity Fund..... 5/2/94 14.91% N/A 10.74%
T. Rowe Price International Stock
Portfolio........................... 3/31/94 14.30% N/A 8.18%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund........ 8/21/92 9.07% 13.44% 16.52%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund..... 4/28/95 12.34% N/A 18.75%
Select Value Opportunity Fund........ 4/30/93 3.45% 11.56% 13.16%
Select Growth Fund................... 8/21/92 33.61% 20.50% 17.57%
Select Strategic Growth Fund......... 2/20/98 N/A N/A -3.60%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio........ 10/9/86 37.61% 20.10% 17.80%
Select Growth and Income Fund........ 8/21/92 14.86% 16.23% 13.97%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio... 10/9/86 10.12% 17.17% 14.06%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio... 9/19/85 -5.62% 7.33% 9.58%
Select Income Fund................... 8/21/92 5.39% 4.62% 5.12%
Money Market Fund.................... 4/29/85 4.09% 3.80% 4.19%
</TABLE>
B-4
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C
SURRENDER CHARGES AND THE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
PART 1: SURRENDER CHARGES
FULL SURRENDER -- Assume a payment of $50,000 is made on the Issue Date and no
additional payments are made. Assume there are no partial withdrawals and that
the Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount is equal to 12% of the total of
all payments invested in the Contract less that portion of any prior
withdrawal(s) of payments that are subject to the surrender charge table (even
if the applicable surrender charge is 0%) as of the Valuation Date for the
withdrawal less any prior withdrawal(s) during the same calendar year to which
the surrender charge table was not applicable. The table below presents examples
of the surrender charge resulting from a full surrender, based on Hypothetical
Accumulated Values.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HYPOTHETICAL WITHDRAWAL SURRENDER
CONTRACT ACCUMULATED WITHOUT SURRENDER CHARGE SURRENDER
YEAR VALUE CHARGE AMOUNT PERCENTAGE CHARGE
---- ----- ------------- ---------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $ 54,000 $6,000 8.0% $3,840
2 58,320 6,000 8.0% 4,000
3 62,986 6,000 7.0% 3,500
4 68,024 6,000 6.0% 3,000
5 73,466 6,000 5.0% 2,500
6 79,344 6,000 4.0% 2,000
7 85,691 6,000 3.0% 1,500
8 92,547 6,000 2.0% 1,000
9 99,950 6,000 0.0% 0
10 107,946 6,000 0.0% 0
</TABLE>
WITHDRAWALS -- Assume a payment of $50,000 is made on the Issue Date and no
additional payments are made. Assume that the Withdrawal Without Surrender
Charge Amount is equal to 12% of the total of all payments invested in the
Contract less that portion of any prior withdrawal(s) of payments that are
subject to the surrender charge table (even if the applicable surrender charge
is 0%) as of the Valuation Date for the withdrawal less any prior withdrawal(s)
during the same calendar year to which the surrender charge table was not
applicable. There are withdrawals as detailed below. The table below presents
examples of the surrender charge resulting from withdrawals, based on
Hypothetical Accumulated Values:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WITHDRAWAL
WITHOUT
HYPOTHETICAL SURRENDER SURRENDER
CONTRACT ACCUMULATED CHARGE CHARGE SURRENDER
YEAR VALUE WITHDRAWALS AMOUNT PERCENTAGE CHARGE
---- ----- ----------- ------ ---------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 $54,000 $ 0 $6,000 8.0% $ 0
2 58,320 0 6,000 8.0% 0
3 62,986 0 6,000 7.0% 0
4 68,024 30,000 6,000 6.0% 1,440
5 41,066 10,000 3,120 5.0% 344
6 33,552 5,000 2,294 4.0% 108
7 30,836 10,000 1,970 3.0% 241
8 22,503 15,000 1,006 2.0% 280
9 8,103 5,000 0 0.0% 0
10 3,351 3,000 0 0.0% 0
</TABLE>
C-1
<PAGE>
PART 2: MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
The market value factor is: [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
The following examples assume:
1. The payment was allocated to a ten-year Guarantee Period Account with a
Guaranteed Interest Rate of 8%.
2. The date of surrender is seven years (2,555 days) from the expiration
date.
3. The value of the Guarantee Period Account is equal to $62,985.60 at the
end of three years.
4. No transfers or withdrawals affecting this Guarantee Period Account have
been made.
5. Surrender charges, if any, are calculated in the same manner as shown in
the examples in Part 1.
NEGATIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (UNCAPPED)
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 10.00% or 0.10
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.10)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (.98182) to the power of 7 - 1
= -.12054
The market value adjustment = the market value factor multiplied by the withdrawal
= -.12054 X $62,985.60
= -$7,592.11
</TABLE>
POSITIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (UNCAPPED)
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 7.00% or 0.07
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.07)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (1.00935) to the power of 7 - 1
= .06728
The market value adjustment = the market value factor multiplied by the withdrawal
= .06728 X $62,985.60
= $4,237.90
</TABLE>
C-2
<PAGE>
NEGATIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (CAPPED)
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 11.00% or 0.11
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.11)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (.97297) to the power of 7 - 1
= -.17454
The market value adjustment = Minimum of the market value factor multiplied by the
withdrawal or the negative of the excess interest earned
over 3%
= Minimum (-.17454 X $62,985.60 or -$8,349.25)
= Minimum (-$10,992.38 or -$8,349.25)
= -$8,349.25
</TABLE>
POSITIVE MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT (CAPPED)
Assume that on the date of surrender, the current rate (j) is 5.00% or 0.05
<TABLE>
<C> <C> <S>
The market value factor = [(1+i)/(1+j)] to the power of n/365 - 1
= [(1+.08)/(1+.05)] to the power of 2555/365 - 1
= (1.02857) to the power of 7 - 1
= .21798
The market value adjustment = Minimum of the market value factor multiplied by the
withdrawal or the excess interest earned over 3%
= Minimum of (.21798 X $62,985.60 or $8,349.25)
= Minimum of ($13,729.78 or $8,349.25)
= $8,349.25
</TABLE>
C-3
<PAGE>
APPENDIX D
EXAMPLES OF PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS AND PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS
Assume in the examples below that a 65-year-old male annuitizes his contract
exactly two years after the Issue Date. The annuitization amount is $250,000.
Further assume that he selects a variable Life with Period Certain annuity
payout option of Single Life with Payments Guaranteed for 10 Years, an Assumed
Investment Return ("AIR") of 3%, and an annual Change Frequency. Assume that the
Annuity Value purchases 1,370 Annuity Units and the first monthly annuity
benefit payment is equal to $1,370. The following examples assume a net return
of 8% (gross return of 9.35%).
PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWALS
EXAMPLE 1. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Present Value Withdrawal available at the beginning of
the fifth contract year (the third year of the Annuity Payout phase).
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 5% (3% AIR plus 2% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of Future Guaranteed Annuity Benefit Payments = $119,961.92
Maximum Present Value Withdrawal Amount = $89,971.44 ($119,961.92 X 75%)
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 342.50 (1,370 X (1 -
(89,971.44/119,961.92)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $376.56
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since less than 10 years of guaranteed annuity payments are being
valued, the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge is 2%. Because this is a Present Value
Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units will increase to 1,370 after the end of
the 10-year period during which the Company guaranteed to make payments.
EXAMPLE 2. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Present Value Withdrawal available at the beginning of
the tenth contract year (eighth year of the Annuity Payout phase).
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,909.09
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 3% (3% AIR)
Present Value of Future Guaranteed Annuity Benefit Payments = $65,849.08
Maximum Present Value Withdrawal Amount = $49,386.81 ($65,849.08 X 75%)
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 342.50 (1,370 X (1 -
(49,386.81/65,849.08)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $477.27
Because the withdrawal is being made more than 5 years after the Issue Date, the
rate used in the Present Value Determination is not increased by a Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge. Because this is a Present Value Withdrawal, the number of
Annuity Units will increase to 1,370 after the end of the 10-year period during
which the Company guaranteed to make payments.
D-1
<PAGE>
PAYMENT WITHDRAWALS
EXAMPLE 3. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Payment Withdrawal of 10 monthly annuity benefit
payments at the beginning of the fifth contract year (the third year of the
Annuity Payout phase). At that time, the Annuitant's life expectancy is greater
than 15 years.
Last Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment = 1,436.50
Withdrawal Amount = $14,365.00 (10 X 1,436.50)
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 4% (3% AIR plus 1% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of Future Annuity Benefit Payments = $234,482.77
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,286.07 (1,370 X (1
-(14,365.00/234,482.77)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,413.96
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since there are more than 15 years of annuity payments being valued (the
Annuitant's life expectancy is more than 15 years), the Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge is 1%. Because this is a Payment Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units
will not increase after the end of the 10-year period during which the Company
guaranteed to make payments.
EXAMPLE 4. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take the maximum Payment Withdrawal of 10 monthly annuity benefit
payments at the beginning of the tenth contract year (eighth year of the Annuity
Payout phase).
Last Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment = $1,820.71
Withdrawal Amount = $18,207.10 (10 X 1,820.71)
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,909.09
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 3% (3% AIR)
Present Value of Future Annuity Benefit Payments = $268,826.18
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,272.71 (1,370 X (1
-(18,207.10/268,826.18)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.39350
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,779.80
Because the withdrawal is being made more than 5 years after the Issue Date, the
rate used in the Present Value Determination is not increased by a Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge. Because this is a Payment Withdrawal, the number of Annuity
Units will not increase after the end of the 10-year period during which the
Company guaranteed to make payments.
PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWAL VERSUS PAYMENT WITHDRAWAL
EXAMPLE 5. Assume that the Owner has taken no previous withdrawals and would
like to take a $10,000 withdrawal at the beginning of the fifth contract year
(the third year of the Annuity Payout phase). At that time, the Annuitant's life
expectancy is greater than 15 years. The following examples show the impact of
taking the withdrawal under the Present Value Withdrawal Option and the Payment
Withdrawal Option.
D-2
<PAGE>
PRESENT VALUE WITHDRAWAL
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 5% (3% AIR plus 2% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of future Guaranteed Annuity Benefit Payments = $119,961.92
Withdrawal = $10,000
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,255.80 (1,370 X (1 -
(10,000/119,961.92)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,380.67
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since less than 10 years of guaranteed annuity payments are being
valued, the Withdrawal Adjustment Charge is 2%. Because this is a Present Value
Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units will increase to 1,370 at the end of the
10-year period during which the Company guaranteed to make payments.
PAYMENT WITHDRAWAL
Annuity Units prior to withdrawal = 1,370
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment prior to withdrawal = $1,506.24
Rate used in Present Value Determination = 4% (3% AIR plus 1% Withdrawal
Adjustment Charge)
Present Value of future Annuity Benefit Payments = $234,482.77
Withdrawal = $10,000
Annuity Units after withdrawal = 1,311.57 (1,370 X (1 -
(10,000/$234,482.77)))
Annuity Unit Value on the date of withdrawal = 1.09944
Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment after withdrawal = $1,442.00
Because the withdrawal is being made within 5 years of the Issue Date, the rate
used in the Present Value Determination is increased by a Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge. Since there are more than 15 years of annuity payments being valued (the
Annuitant's life expectancy is more than 15 years), the Withdrawal Adjustment
Charge is 1%. Because this is a Payment Withdrawal, the number of Annuity Units
will not increase at the end of the 10-year period during which the Company
guaranteed to make payments.
D-3
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
OF
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS FUNDED THROUGH
SUB-ACCOUNTS OF
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Prospectus of Allmerica Select Separate Account dated
_______ ("the Prospectus"). The Prospectus may be obtained from Annuity Client
Services, First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company, 440 Lincoln Street,
Worcester, Massachusetts 01653, Telephone 1-800-366-1492.
DATED ________
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY.................................... 2
TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT, THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT AND THE COMPANY..... 3
SERVICES........................................................... 3
UNDERWRITERS....................................................... 3
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS........................................... 4
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION............................................ 7
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................... F-1
GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Allmerica Select Separate Account (the "Variable Account") is a separate
investment account of First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company (the
"Company") established by vote of its Board of Directors on August 20, 1991.
The Company, organized under the laws of Massachusetts in 1844, is among the
five oldest life insurance companies in America. As of December 31, 1998, the
Company and its subsidiaries had over $27 billion in combined assets and over
$48 billion of life insurance in force. Effective October 16, 1995, the
Company converted from a mutual life insurance company, known as State Mutual
Life Assurance Company of America, to a stock life insurance company and
adopted its present name. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Allmerica Financial Corporation ("AFC"). The Company's principal office (the
"Principal Office") is located at 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester,
Massachusetts 01653, telephone (508) 855-1000.
The Company is subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
governing insurance companies and to regulation by the Commissioner of
Insurance in Massachusetts. In addition, the Company is subject to the
insurance laws and regulations of other states and jurisdictions in which it
is licensed to operate.
Currently, 14 Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account are available under the
Allmerica Select Reward contract (the "Contract"). Each Sub-Account invests
in a corresponding investment portfolio of Allmerica Investment Trust
("Trust"), Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund ("Fidelity VIP"), or
T. Rowe Price International Series, Inc. ("T. Rowe Price"). The Trust is
managed by Allmerica Financial Investment Management Services, Inc. Fidelity
VIP is managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR). The T. Rowe
Price International Stock Portfolio of T. Rowe Price is managed by Rowe
Price-Fleming International, Inc.
The Trust, Fidelity VIP, Alliance and T. Rowe Price are open-end, diversified
management investment companies. Ten different funds of the Trust are
available under the Contract: the Select Emerging Markets Fund, Select
International Equity Fund, Select Aggressive Growth Fund, Select Capital
Appreciation Fund, Select Value Opportunity Fund, Select Growth Fund, Select
Strategic Growth Fund, Select Growth and Income Fund, Select Income Fund and
Money Market Fund. Three portfolios of Fidelity VIP are available under the
Contract: the Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio, Fidelity VIP Equity-Income
Portfolio, and Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio. The T. Rowe Price International
Stock Portfolio of T. Rowe Price is available under the Contract. Each Fund
and Portfolio available under the Contract (together, the "Underlying Funds")
has its own investment objectives and certain attendant risks.
2
<PAGE>
TAXATION OF THE CONTRACT, THE VARIABLE
ACCOUNT AND THE COMPANY
The Company currently imposes no charge for taxes payable in connection with
the Contract, other than for state and local premium taxes and similar
assessments when applicable. The Company reserves the right to impose a
charge for any other taxes that may become payable in the future in
connection with the Contract or the Variable Account.
The Variable Account is considered to be a part of and taxed with the
operations of the Company. The Company is taxed as a life insurance company
under subchapter L of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), and files a
consolidated tax return with its affiliated companies.
The Company reserves the right to make a charge for any effect which the
income, assets or existence of the Contract or the Variable Account may have
upon its tax. Such charge for taxes, if any, will be assessed on a fair and
equitable basis in order to preserve equity among classes of Contract Owners
("Owners"). The Variable Account presently is not subject to tax.
SERVICES
CUSTODIAN OF SECURITIES. The Company serves as custodian of the assets of the
Variable Account. Underlying Fund shares owned by the Sub-Accounts are held
on an open account basis. A Sub-Account's ownership of Underlying Fund shares
is reflected on the records of the Underlying Fund and is not represented by
any transferable stock certificates.
EXPERTS. The financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 1998 and
1997 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998,
and the financial statements of the Allmerica Select Separate Account of the
Company as of December 31, 1998 and for the periods indicated, included in
this Statement of Additional Information constituting part of this
Registration Statement, have been so included in reliance on the reports of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority
of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The financial statements of the Company included herein should be considered
only as bearing on the ability of the Company to meet its obligations under
the Contract.
UNDERWRITERS
Allmerica Investments, Inc. ("Allmerica Investments"), a registered
broker-dealer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"), serves as
principal underwriter and general distributor for the Contract pursuant to a
contract with Allmerica Investments, the Company and the Variable Account.
Allmerica Investments distributes the Contract on a best-efforts basis.
Allmerica Investments, Inc., 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts
01653 was organized in 1969 as a wholly owned subsidiary of First Allmerica
and presently is indirectly wholly owned by First Allmerica.
The Contract offered by this Prospectus is offered continuously, and may be
purchased from certain independent broker-dealers which are NASD members and
whose representatives are authorized by applicable law to sell variable
annuity contracts.
All persons selling the Contract are required to be licensed by their
respective state insurance authorities for the sale of variable annuity
contracts. The Company pays commissions, not to exceed 9.0% of purchase
payments, to entities which sell the Contract. To the extent permitted by
NASD rules, promotional incentives or payments also may be provided to such
entities based on sales volumes, the assumption of wholesaling functions or
other sales-related criteria. Additional payments may be made for other
services not directly
3
<PAGE>
related to the sale of the Contract, including the recruitment and training
of personnel, production of promotional literature and similar services.
Commissions paid by the Company do not result in any charge to Owners or to
the Variable Account in addition to the charges described under "CHARGES AND
DEDUCTIONS" in the Prospectus. The Company intends to recoup the commission
and other sales expense through a combination of anticipated surrender,
withdrawal and/or annuitization charges, profits from the Company's general
account, including the investment earnings on amounts allocated to accumulate
on a fixed basis in excess of the interest credited on fixed accumulations by
the Company, and the profit, if any, from the mortality and expense risk
charge.
The aggregate amounts of commissions retained by Allmerica Investments for
sales of contracts A3020-92, A3025-96 and A3027-98 funded by Allmerica Select
Separate Account for the years 1996, 1997 and 1998 were $0, $0 and $0,
respectively.
No commissions were paid for Sales of Contract A3031-99 since it was not
offered until _______.
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS
The method by which the Accumulated Value under the Contract is determined is
described in detail under "Computation of Values" in the Prospectus.
ILLUSTRATION OF ACCUMULATION UNIT CALCULATION USING HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE. The
Accumulation Unit calculation for a daily Valuation Period may be illustrated
by the following hypothetical example: Assume that the assets of a
Sub-Account at the beginning of a one-day Valuation Period were $5,000,000;
that the value of an Accumulation Unit on the previous date was $1.135000;
and that during the Valuation Period, the investment income and net realized
and unrealized capital gains exceed net realized and unrealized capital
losses by $1,675. The Accumulation Unit Value at the end of the current
Valuation Period would be calculated as follows:
(1) Accumulation Unit Value -- Previous Valuation Period............$1.135000
(2) Value of Assets -- Beginning of Valuation Period...............$5,000,000
(3) Excess of Investment Income and Net Gains Over Capital Losses......$1,675
(4) Adjusted Gross Investment Rate for the Valuation Period
(3) divided by (2)...............................................0.000335
(5) Annual Charge (one-day equivalent of 1.35% per annum)............0.000039
(6) Net Investment Rate (4) - (5)....................................0.000296
(7) Net Investment Factor 1.000000 + (6).............................1.000296
(8) Accumulation Unit Value -- Current Period (1) x (7).............$1.135336
Conversely, if unrealized capital losses and charges for expenses and taxes
exceeded investment income and net realized capital gains of $1,675, the
Accumulation Unit Value at the end of the Valuation Period would have been
$1.134576.
The method for determining the amount of annuity benefit payments is
described in detail under "Variable Annuity Benefit Payments" in the
Prospectus.
ILLUSTRATION OF VARIABLE ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT CALCULATION USING
HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE. The
4
<PAGE>
determination of the Annuity Unit Value and the variable annuity benefit
payment may be illustrated by the following hypothetical example: Assume an
Owner has 40,000 Accumulation Units in a Variable Account, and that the value
of an Accumulation Unit on the Valuation Date used to determine the amount of
the first variable annuity benefit payment is $1.120000. Therefore, the
Accumulated Value of the Contract is $44,800 (40,000 x $1.120000). Assume
also that the Owner elects an option for which the first monthly payment is
$6.57 per $1,000 of Accumulated Value applied. Assuming no premium tax, the
first monthly payment would be $44,800 multiplied by $6.57, or $294.34.
Next, assume that the Annuity Unit Value for the assumed investment return of
3.0% per annum for the Valuation Date as of which the first payment was
calculated was $1.100000. Annuity Unit Values will not be the same as
Accumulation Unit Values because the former reflect the 3.0% assumed
investment return used in the annuity rate calculations. When the Annuity
Unit Value of $1.100000 is divided into the first monthly payment the number
of Annuity Units represented by that payment is determined to be 267.5818.
The value of this same number of Annuity Units will be paid in each
subsequent month under most options. Assume further that the net investment
factor for the Valuation Period applicable to the next annuity benefit
payment is 1.000190. Multiplying this factor by .999919 (the one-day
adjustment factor for the assumed investment return of 3.0% per annum)
produces a factor of 1.000109. This then is multiplied by the Annuity Unit
Value on the immediately preceding Valuation Date (assumed here to be
$1.105000). The result is an Annuity Unit Value of $1.105121 for the current
monthly payment. The current monthly payment then is determined by
multiplying the number of Annuity Units by the current Annuity Unit Value, or
267.5818 times $1.105121, which produces a current monthly payment of $295.71.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Performance information for a Sub-Account may be compared, in reports and
promotional literature, to certain indices described in the Prospectus under
"PERFORMANCE INFORMATION." In addition, the Company may provide advertising,
sales literature, periodic publications or other material information on
various topics of interest to Owners and prospective Owners. These topics may
include the relationship between sectors of the economy and the economy as a
whole and its effect on various securities markets, investment strategies and
techniques (such as value investing, market timing, dollar cost averaging,
asset allocation, constant ratio transfer and account rebalancing), the
advantages and disadvantages of investing in tax-deferred and taxable
investments, customer profiles and hypothetical purchase and investment
scenarios, financial management and tax and retirement planning, and
investment alternatives to certificates of deposit and other financial
instruments, including comparisons between the Contract and the
characteristics of and market for such financial instruments. Total return
data and supplemental total return information may be advertised based on the
period of time that an Underlying Fund or an underlying Sub-Account has been
in existence, even if longer than the period of time that the Contract has
been offered. The results for any period prior to a Contract being offered
will be calculated as if the Contract had been offered during that period of
time, with all charges assumed to be those applicable to the Contract.
5
<PAGE>
TOTAL RETURN
"Total Return" refers to the total of the income generated by an investment
in a Sub-Account and of the changes of value of the principal invested (due
to realized and unrealized capital gains or losses) for a specified period,
reduced by the Sub-Account's asset charge and any applicable surrender charge
which would be assessed upon complete withdrawal of the investment.
Total Return figures are calculated by standardized methods prescribed by
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The quotations are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the
specified periods that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending
redeemable values, according to the following formula:
(n)
P(1 + T) = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment to the Variable
Account of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = the ending redeemable value of the $1,000 payment
at the end of the specified period
The calculation of Total Return includes the annual charges against the
assets of the Sub-Account. This charge is 1.35% on an annual basis. The
calculation of ending redeemable value assumes (1) the Contract was issued at
the beginning of the period, and (2) a complete surrender of the Contract at
the end of the period. The deduction of the surrender charge, if any,
applicable at the end of the period is included in the calculation, according
to the following schedule:
COMPLETE YEARS FROM
DATE OF PAYMENT CHARGE
--------------- -------
0-2 8.0%
More than 2 7.0%
More than 3 6.0%
More than 4 5.0%
More than 5 4.0%
More than 6 3.0%
More than 7 2.0%
More than 8 0.0%
No surrender charge is deducted upon expiration of the periods specified
above. In each calendar year, a certain amount (withdrawal without surrender
charge amount, as described in the Prospectus) is not subject to the
surrender charge.
The calculations of Total Return include the deduction of the $30 annual
Contract fee.
SUPPLEMENTAL TOTAL RETURN INFORMATION
The Supplemental Total Return Information in this section refers to the total
of the income generated by an investment in a Sub-Account and of the changes
of value of the principal invested (due to realized and unrealized capital
gains or losses) for a specified period reduced by the Sub-Account's asset
charges. It is
6
<PAGE>
assumed, however, that the investment is NOT withdrawn at the end of each
period.
The quotations of Supplemental Total Return are computed by finding the
average annual compounded rates of return over the specified periods that
would equate the initial amount invested to the ending values, according to
the following formula:
(n)
P(1 + T) = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment to the Variable
Account of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = the ending redeemable value of the $1,000 payment
at the end of the specified period
The calculation of Supplemental Total Return reflects the 1.35% annual charge
against the assets of the Sub-Accounts. The ending value assumes that the
Contract is NOT surrendered at the end of the specified period, and therefore
there is no adjustment for the surrender charge that would be applicable if
the Contract was surrendered at the end of the period. The calculation of
supplemental total return does not include the deduction of the $30 annual
Contract fee.
YIELD AND EFFECTIVE YIELD - THE MONEY MARKET SUB-ACCOUNT
Set forth below is yield and effective yield information for the Money Market
Sub-Account for the seven-day period ended December 31, 1998:
Yield 3.57%
Effective Yield 3.64%
The yield and effective yield figures are calculated by standardized methods
prescribed by rules of the SEC. Under those methods, the yield quotation is
computed by determining the net change (exclusive of capital changes) in the
value of a hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one
accumulation unit of the Sub-Account at the beginning of the period, dividing
the difference by the value of the account at the beginning of the same
period to obtain the base period return, and then multiplying the return for
a seven-day base period by (365/7), with the resulting yield carried to the
nearest hundredth of one percent.
The Money Market Sub-Account computes effective yield by compounding the
unannualized base period return by using the formula:
(365/7)
Effective Yield = [ (base period return + 1) ] - 1
The calculations of yield and effective yield reflect the $30 annual Contract
fee.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Statements are included for First Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance Company and for its Allmerica Select Separate Account.
7
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA
FINANCIAL LIFE
INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1998
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholder's equity
and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries (the
"Company") at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, 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 and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
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.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 2, 1999, except for paragraph 2 of Note 18 and Note 20,
which are as of March 19, 1999 and April 1, 1999, respectively
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ALLMERICA FINANCIAL CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Premiums................................................ $2,303.9 $2,311.0 $2,236.3
Universal life and investment product policy fees....... 296.6 237.3 197.2
Net investment income................................... 613.7 641.8 670.8
Net realized investment gains........................... 62.6 76.5 66.8
Other income............................................ 142.6 117.6 108.4
-------- -------- --------
Total revenues...................................... 3,419.4 3,384.2 3,279.5
-------- -------- --------
BENEFITS, LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Policy benefits, claims, losses and loss adjustment
expenses.............................................. 2,050.2 2,004.6 1,957.0
Policy acquisition expenses............................. 452.8 425.1 470.1
Sales practice litigation............................... 31.0 -- --
Loss from exiting reinsurance pools..................... 25.3 -- --
Loss from cession of disability income business......... -- 53.9 --
Restructuring costs..................................... 13.0 -- --
Other operating expenses................................ 559.0 523.7 503.2
-------- -------- --------
Total benefits, losses and expenses................. 3,131.3 3,007.3 2,930.3
-------- -------- --------
Income before federal income taxes.......................... 288.1 376.9 349.2
-------- -------- --------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current................................................. 67.6 83.3 96.8
Deferred................................................ (15.4) 14.2 (15.7)
-------- -------- --------
Total federal income tax expense.................... 52.2 97.5 81.1
-------- -------- --------
Income before minority interest............................. 235.9 279.4 268.1
Minority interest....................................... (55.0) (79.4) (74.6)
-------- -------- --------
Net income.................................................. $ 180.9 $ 200.0 $ 193.5
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-1
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ALLMERICA FINANCIAL CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturities at fair value (amortized cost of
$7,520.8 and $6,992.8)................................. $ 7,683.9 $ 7,253.5
Equity securities at fair value (cost of $253.1 and
$341.1)................................................ 397.1 479.0
Mortgage loans.......................................... 562.3 567.5
Real estate............................................. 20.4 50.3
Policy loans............................................ 154.3 141.9
Other long-term investments............................. 142.7 148.3
--------- ---------
Total investments................................... 8,960.7 8,640.5
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents................................. 504.0 213.9
Accrued investment income................................. 141.0 141.8
Deferred policy acquisition costs......................... 1,161.2 965.5
--------- ---------
Reinsurance receivables:
Future policy benefits.................................. 322.6 307.1
Outstanding claims, losses and loss adjustment
expenses............................................... 652.2 626.7
Other................................................... 161.6 106.4
--------- ---------
Total reinsurance receivables....................... 1,136.4 1,040.2
--------- ---------
Deferred federal income taxes............................. 19.4 --
Premiums, accounts and notes receivable................... 510.5 554.4
Other assets.............................................. 530.6 373.0
Closed Block assets....................................... 803.1 806.7
Separate account assets................................... 13,697.7 9,755.4
--------- ---------
Total assets........................................ $27,464.6 $22,491.4
========= =========
LIABILITIES
Policy liabilities and accruals:
Future policy benefits.................................. $ 2,802.2 $ 2,598.5
Outstanding claims, losses and loss adjustment
expenses............................................... 2,815.9 2,825.0
Unearned premiums....................................... 843.2 846.8
Contractholder deposit funds and other policy
liabilities............................................ 2,637.0 1,852.7
--------- ---------
Total policy liabilities and accruals............... 9,098.3 8,123.0
--------- ---------
Expenses and taxes payable................................ 681.9 662.6
Reinsurance premiums payable.............................. 50.2 37.7
Short-term debt........................................... 221.3 33.0
Deferred federal income taxes............................. -- 12.9
Long-term debt............................................ -- 2.6
Closed Block liabilities.................................. 872.0 885.6
Separate account liabilities.............................. 13,691.5 9,749.7
--------- ---------
Total liabilities................................... 24,615.2 19,507.1
--------- ---------
Minority interest......................................... 532.9 748.9
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 13 and 18)
SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $10 par value, 1 million shares authorized,
500,000 shares issued and outstanding................... 5.0 5.0
Additional paid-in capital................................ 444.0 453.7
Accumulated other comprehensive income.................... 169.2 209.3
Retained earnings......................................... 1,698.3 1,567.4
--------- ---------
Total shareholder's equity.......................... 2,316.5 2,235.4
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholder's equity.......... $27,464.6 $22,491.4
========= =========
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-2
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ALLMERICA FINANCIAL CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCK................................................ $ 5.0 $ 5.0 $ 5.0
-------- -------- --------
ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
Balance at beginning of period.......................... 453.7 392.4 392.4
Contributed from parent................................. -- 61.3 --
Loss on change of interest -- Allmerica P&C............. (9.7) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of period................................ 444.0 453.7 392.4
-------- -------- --------
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net unrealized appreciation on investments:
Balance at beginning of period.......................... 209.3 131.4 153.0
Appreciation (depreciation) during the period:
Net (depreciation) appreciation on available-for-sale
securities............................................ (82.4) 170.9 (35.1)
Benefit (provision) for deferred federal income taxes... 28.9 (59.8) 11.8
Minority interest....................................... 13.4 (33.2) 1.7
-------- -------- --------
(40.1) 77.9 (21.6)
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of period................................ 169.2 209.3 131.4
-------- -------- --------
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period.......................... 1,567.4 1,367.4 1,173.9
Net income.............................................. 180.9 200.0 193.5
Dividend to shareholder................................. (50.0) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of period................................ 1,698.3 1,567.4 1,367.4
-------- -------- --------
Total shareholder's equity.......................... $2,316.5 $2,235.4 $1,896.2
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-3
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ALLMERICA FINANCIAL CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income.................................................. $180.9 $200.0 $193.5
------ ------ ------
Other comprehensive income:
Net (depreciation) appreciation on available-for-sale
securities.............................................. (82.4) 170.9 (35.1)
Benefit (provision) for deferred federal income taxes..... 28.9 (59.8) 11.8
Minority interest......................................... 13.4 (33.2) 1.7
------ ------ ------
Other comprehensive income.............................. (40.1) 77.9 (21.6)
------ ------ ------
Comprehensive income...................................... $140.8 $277.9 $171.9
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-4
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ALLMERICA FINANCIAL CORPORATION)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income.............................................. $ 180.9 $ 200.0 $ 193.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Minority interest................................... 55.0 79.4 74.6
Net realized gains.................................. (62.7) (77.8) (66.8)
Net amortization and depreciation................... 20.7 31.6 44.7
Deferred federal income taxes....................... (15.4) 14.2 (15.7)
Loss from exiting reinsurance pools................. 25.3 -- --
Sales practice litigation expense................... 31.0 -- --
Payment related to exiting reinsurance pools........ (30.3) -- --
Loss from cession of disability income business..... -- 53.9 --
Payment related to cession of disability income
business............................................ -- (207.0) --
Change in deferred acquisition costs................ (185.8) (189.7) (73.9)
Change in premiums and notes receivable, net of
reinsurance payable................................. 56.7 (15.1) (16.8)
Change in accrued investment income................. 0.8 7.1 16.7
Change in policy liabilities and accruals, net...... 168.1 (134.9) (184.3)
Change in reinsurance receivable.................... (115.4) 27.2 123.8
Change in expenses and taxes payable................ (3.3) 49.4 26.0
Separate account activity, net...................... (48.5) -- 5.2
Other, net.......................................... (63.8) 20.4 38.5
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities.......................................... 13.3 (141.3) 165.5
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from disposals and maturities of
available-for-sale fixed maturities.................... 1,929.1 2,892.9 3,985.8
Proceeds from disposals of equity securities............ 285.3 162.7 228.7
Proceeds from disposals of other investments............ 120.8 116.3 99.3
Proceeds from mortgages matured or collected............ 171.2 204.7 176.9
Purchase of available-for-sale fixed maturities......... (2,588.4) (2,596.0) (3,771.1)
Purchase of equity securities........................... (119.9) (67.0) (90.9)
Purchase of other investments........................... (274.4) (175.0) (168.0)
Capital expenditures.................................... (0.7) (15.3) (12.8)
Purchase of minority interest in Citizens Corporation... (195.9) -- --
Other investing activities, net......................... 5.1 1.3 4.3
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing
activities.......................................... (667.8) 524.6 452.2
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Deposits and interest credited to contractholder deposit
funds.................................................. 1,419.2 457.6 268.7
Withdrawals from contractholder deposit funds........... (625.0) (647.1) (905.0)
Change in short-term debt............................... 188.3 (5.4) 10.4
Change in long-term debt................................ (2.6) (0.1) (0.1)
Dividend paid to parent................................. (50.0) -- --
Dividends paid to minority shareholders................. -- (9.4) (3.9)
Additional paid-in capital.............................. -- 0.1 --
Subsidiary treasury stock purchased, at cost............ (1.0) (140.0) (42.0)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities.......................................... 928.9 (344.3) (671.9)
--------- --------- ---------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents..................... 274.4 39.0 (54.2)
Net change in cash held in the Closed Block................. 15.7 (1.0) (6.5)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.............. 213.9 175.9 236.6
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.................... $ 504.0 $ 213.9 $ 175.9
========= ========= =========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest paid............................................... $ 7.3 $ 3.6 $ 18.6
Income taxes paid........................................... $ 133.5 $ 66.3 $ 72.0
</TABLE>
THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
F-5
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
A. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements of First Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance Company ("FAFLIC", or the "Company"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Allmerica Financial Corporation ("AFC"), include the accounts of its wholly
owned life insurance subsidiary Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity
Company ("AFLIAC"), its non-insurance subsidiaries (principally brokerage and
investment advisory subsidiaries), and Allmerica Property and Casualty
Companies, Inc. ("Allmerica P&C") (a 70.06%-owned non-insurance holding
company). The Closed Block (Note 1B) assets and liabilities at December 31, 1998
and 1997, and its results of operations subsequent to demutualization are
presented in the consolidated financial statements as single line items. Unless
specifically stated, all disclosures contained herein supporting the
consolidated financial statements at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the years
then ended exclude the Closed Block related amounts. All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
On December 3, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Citizens Corporation (formerly an 82.5% owned non-insurance subsidiary of
Hanover, a wholly owned subsidiary of Allmerica P&C) that it did not already own
in exchange for cash of $195.9 million (Note 3). The acquisition has been
recognized as a purchase. The minority interest acquired totaled $158.5 million.
A total of $40.8 million representing the excess of the purchase price over the
fair values of the net assets acquired, net of deferred taxes, has been
allocated to goodwill and is being amortized over a 40-year period.
Allmerica P&C and a wholly owned subsidiary of AFC merged on July 16, 1997.
Through the merger, AFC acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
Allmerica P&C that it did not already own in exchange for cash and stock. The
merger has been accounted for as a purchase. A total of $90.6 million,
representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net
assets acquired, net of deferred taxes, has been allocated to goodwill and is
being amortized over a 40-year period. Additional information pertaining to the
merger agreement is included in Note 2, significant transactions.
Minority interest relates to the Company's investment in Allmerica P&C and its
only significant subsidiary, The Hanover Insurance Company ("Hanover").
Hanover's wholly owned subsidiary is Citizens Corporation, the holding company
for Citizens Insurance Company of America ("Citizens"). Minority interest also
includes an amount related to the minority interest in Citizens Corporation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
B. CLOSED BLOCK
The Company established and began operating a closed block (the "Closed Block")
for the benefit of the participating policies included therein, consisting of
certain individual life insurance participating policies, individual deferred
annuity contracts and supplementary contracts not involving life contingencies
which were in force as of FAFLIC's demutualization on October 16, 1995; such
policies constitute the "Closed Block Business". The purpose of the Closed Block
is to protect the policy dividend expectations of such FAFLIC dividend paying
policies and contracts. Unless the Commissioner consents to an earlier
termination, the Closed Block will continue to be in effect until the date none
of the Closed Block policies are in force. FAFLIC allocated to the Closed Block
assets in an amount that is expected to produce cash flows which, together with
future revenues from the Closed Block Business, are reasonably sufficient to
support the Closed Block Business, including provision for payment of policy
benefits, certain future expenses and taxes and for
F-6
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
continuation of policyholder dividend scales payable in 1994 so long as the
experience underlying such dividend scales continues. The Company expects that
the factors underlying such experience will fluctuate in the future and
policyholder dividend scales for Closed Block Business will be set accordingly.
Although the assets and income allocated to the Closed Block inure solely to the
benefit of the holders of policies included in the Closed Block, the excess of
Closed Block liabilities over Closed Block assets as measured on a GAAP basis
represent the expected future post-tax income from the Closed Block which may be
recognized in income over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed
Block remain in force.
If the actual income from the Closed Block in any given period equals or exceeds
the expected income for such period as determined at the inception of the Closed
Block, the expected income would be recognized in income for that period.
Further, any excess of the actual income over the expected income would also be
recognized in income to the extent that the aggregate expected income for all
prior periods exceeded the aggregate actual income. Any remaining excess of
actual income over expected income would be accrued as a liability for
policyholder dividends in the Closed Block to be paid to the Closed Block
policyholders. This accrual for future dividends effectively limits the actual
Closed Block income recognized in income to the Closed Block income expected to
emerge from operation of the Closed Block as determined at inception.
If, over the period the policies and contracts in the Closed Block remain in
force, the actual income from the Closed Block is less than the expected income
from the Closed Block, only such actual income (which could reflect a loss)
would be recognized in income. If the actual income from the Closed Block in any
given period is less than the expected income for that period and changes in
dividends scales are inadequate to offset the negative performance in relation
to the expected performance, the income inuring to shareholders of the Company
will be reduced. If a policyholder dividend liability had been previously
established in the Closed Block because the actual income to the relevant date
had exceeded the expected income to such date, such liability would be reduced
by this reduction in income (but not below zero) in any periods in which the
actual income for that period is less than the expected income for such period.
C. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS
In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
("Statement No. 115"), the Company is required to classify its investments into
one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. The
Company determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time
of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date.
Marketable equity securities and debt securities are classified as
available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value,
with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in a separate
component of shareholder's equity. The amortized cost of debt securities is
adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity.
Such amortization is included in investment income.
Mortgage loans on real estate are stated at unpaid principal balances, net of
unamortized discounts and reserves. Reserves on mortgage loans are based on
losses expected by the Company to be realized on transfers of mortgage loans to
real estate (upon foreclosure), on the disposition or settlement of mortgage
loans and on mortgage loans which the Company believes may not be collectible in
full. In establishing reserves, the Company considers, among other things, the
estimated fair value of the underlying collateral.
Fixed maturities and mortgage loans that are delinquent are placed on
non-accrual status, and thereafter interest income is recognized only when cash
payments are received.
Policy loans are carried principally at unpaid principal balances.
F-7
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
During 1997, the Company adopted a plan to dispose of all real estate assets by
the end of 1998. As of December 31, 1998, there were 7 properties remaining in
the Company's real estate portfolio, all of which are being actively marketed.
As a result of the plan, real estate held by the Company and real estate joint
ventures were written down to the estimated fair value less costs of disposal.
Depreciation is not recorded on these assets while they are held for disposal.
Realized investment gains and losses, other than those related to separate
accounts for which the Company does not bear the investment risk, are reported
as a component of revenues based upon specific identification of the investment
assets sold. When an other-than-temporary impairment of the value of a specific
investment or a group of investments is determined, a realized investment loss
is recorded. Changes in the valuation allowance for mortgage loans are included
in realized investment gains or losses.
D. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions involving
various types of financial instruments, including debt, investments such as
fixed maturities, mortgage loans and equity securities, investment and loan
commitments, swap contracts and interest rate futures contracts. These
instruments involve credit risk and also may be subject to risk of loss due to
interest rate fluctuation. The Company evaluates and monitors each financial
instrument individually and, when appropriate, obtains collateral or other
security to minimize losses.
Derivative financial instruments are accounted for under three different
methods: fair value accounting, deferral accounting and accrual accounting.
Interest rate swap contracts used to hedge interest rate risk are accounted for
using a combination of the fair value method and accrual method, with changes in
fair value reported in unrealized gains and losses in equity consistent with the
underlying hedged security, and the net payment or receipt on the swaps reported
in net investment income. Foreign currency swap contracts used to hedge foreign
currency exchange risk are accounted for using a combination of the fair value
method and accrual method, with changes in fair value reported in unrealized
gains and losses in equity consistent with the underlying hedged security, and
the net payment or receipt on the swaps reported in net investment income.
Futures contracts used to hedge interest rate risk are accounted for using the
deferral method, with gains and losses deferred in unrealized gains and losses
in equity and recognized in earnings in conjunction with the earnings
recognition of the underlying hedged item. Default swap contracts entered into
for investment purposes are accounted for using the fair value method, with
changes in fair value, if any, reported in realized investment gains and losses
in earnings. Premium paid to the Company on default swap contracts is reported
in net investment income in earnings. Other swap contracts entered into for
investment purposes are accounted for using the fair value method, with changes
in fair value reported in realized investment gains and losses in earnings. Any
ineffective swaps or futures hedges are recognized currently in realized
investment gains and losses in earnings.
E. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, amounts due from banks and
highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three
months or less.
F. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
Acquisition costs consist of commissions, underwriting costs and other costs,
which vary with, and are primarily related to, the production of revenues.
Property and casualty, group life and group health insurance business
acquisition costs are deferred and amortized over the terms of the insurance
policies. Acquisition costs related to universal life products, variable
annuities and contractholder deposit funds are deferred and amortized in
proportion to total estimated gross profits from investment yields, mortality,
surrender charges and expense margins over the expected life of the contracts.
This amortization is reviewed annually and adjusted retrospectively when the
Company revises its estimate of current or future gross profits to be realized
F-8
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
from this group of products, including realized and unrealized gains and losses
from investments. Acquisition costs related to fixed annuities and other life
insurance products are deferred and amortized, generally in proportion to the
ratio of annual revenue to the estimated total revenues over the contract
periods based upon the same assumptions used in estimating the liability for
future policy benefits.
Deferred acquisition costs for each life product and property and casualty line
of business are reviewed to determine if they are recoverable from future
income, including investment income. If such costs are determined to be
unrecoverable, they are expensed at the time of determination. Although
realization of deferred policy acquisition costs is not assured, the Company
believes it is more likely than not that all of these costs will be realized.
The amount of deferred policy acquisition costs considered realizable, however,
could be reduced in the near term if the estimates of gross profits or total
revenues discussed above are reduced. The amount of amortization of deferred
policy acquisition costs could be revised in the near term if any of the
estimates discussed above are revised.
G. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided using the
straight-line or accelerated method over the estimated useful lives of the
related assets which generally range from 3 to 30 years. Amortization of
leasehold improvements is provided using the straight-line method over the
lesser of the term of the leases or the estimated useful life of the
improvements.
H. SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
Separate account assets and liabilities represent segregated funds administered
and invested by the Company for the benefit of certain pension, variable annuity
and variable life insurance contractholders. Assets consist principally of
bonds, common stocks, mutual funds, and short-term obligations at market value.
The investment income, gains and losses of these accounts generally accrue to
the contractholders and, therefore, are not included in the Company's net
income. Appreciation and depreciation of the Company's interest in the separate
accounts, including undistributed net investment income, is reflected in
shareholder's equity or net investment income.
I. POLICY LIABILITIES AND ACCRUALS
Future policy benefits are liabilities for life, health and annuity products.
Such liabilities are established in amounts adequate to meet the estimated
future obligations of policies in force. The liabilities associated with
traditional life insurance products are computed using the net level premium
method for individual life and annuity policies, and are based upon estimates as
to future investment yield, mortality and withdrawals that include provisions
for adverse deviation. Future policy benefits for individual life insurance and
annuity policies are computed using interest rates ranging from 2 1/2% to 7 1/4%
for life insurance and 2 1/2% to 9 1/2% for annuities. Estimated liabilities are
established for group life and health policies that contain experience rating
provisions. Mortality, morbidity and withdrawal assumptions for all policies are
based on the Company's own experience and industry standards. Liabilities for
universal life include deposits received from customers and investment earnings
on their fund balances, less administrative charges. Universal life fund
balances are also assessed mortality and surrender charges.
Liabilities for outstanding claims, losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE")
are estimates of payments to be made on property and casualty and health
insurance for reported losses and LAE and estimates of losses and LAE incurred
but not reported. These liabilities are determined using case basis evaluations
and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all
losses incurred but not paid. These estimates are continually reviewed and
adjusted as necessary; such adjustments are reflected in current operations.
Estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation on unpaid property and casualty
losses are deducted from the liability for unpaid claims.
F-9
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Premiums for property and casualty, group life, and accident and health
insurance are reported as earned on a pro-rata basis over the contract period.
The unexpired portion of these premiums is recorded as unearned premiums.
Contractholder deposit funds and other policy liabilities include investment
related products such as guaranteed investment contracts, deposit administration
funds and immediate participation guarantee funds and consist of deposits
received from customers and investment earnings on their fund balances.
All policy liabilities and accruals are based on the various estimates discussed
above. Although the adequacy of these amounts cannot be assured, the Company
believes that it is more likely than not that policy liabilities and accruals
will be sufficient to meet future obligations of policies in force. The amount
of liabilities and accruals, however, could be revised in the near term if the
estimates discussed above are revised.
J. PREMIUM AND FEE REVENUE AND RELATED EXPENSES
Premiums for individual life and health insurance and individual and group
annuity products, excluding universal life and investment-related products, are
considered revenue when due. Property and casualty and group life, accident and
health insurance premiums are recognized as revenue over the related contract
periods. Benefits, losses and related expenses are matched with premiums,
resulting in their recognition over the lives of the contracts. This matching is
accomplished through the provision for future benefits, estimated and unpaid
losses and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs. Revenues for
investment-related products consist of net investment income and contract
charges assessed against the fund values. Related benefit expenses primarily
consist of net investment income credited to the fund values after deduction for
investment and risk charges. Revenues for universal life products consist of net
investment income, and mortality, administration and surrender charges assessed
against the fund values. Related benefit expenses include universal life benefit
claims in excess of fund values and net investment income credited to universal
life fund values. Certain policy charges that represent compensation for
services to be provided in future periods are deferred and amortized over the
period benefited using the same assumptions used to amortize capitalized
acquisition costs.
K. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
AFC and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal
income tax return. Entities included within the consolidated group are
segregated into either a life insurance or non-life insurance company subgroup.
The consolidation of these subgroups is subject to certain statutory
restrictions on the percentage of eligible non-life tax losses that can be
applied to offset life company taxable income. Prior to the merger on July 16,
1997, Allmerica P&C and its subsidiaries filed a separate United States federal
income tax return.
The Board of Directors has delegated to AFC management, the development and
maintenance of appropriate federal income tax allocation policies and
procedures, which are subject to written agreement between the companies. The
Federal income tax for all subsidiaries in the consolidated return of AFC is
calculated on a separate return basis. Any current tax liability is paid to AFC.
Tax benefits resulting from taxable operating losses or credits of AFC's
subsidiaries are not reimbursed to the subsidiary until such losses or credits
can be utilized by the subsidiary on a separate return basis.
Deferred income taxes are generally recognized when assets and liabilities have
different values for financial statement and tax reporting purposes, and for
other temporary taxable and deductible differences as defined by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes ("Statement
No. 109"). These differences result primarily from loss and LAE reserves, policy
reserves, policy acquisition expenses, and unrealized appreciation or
depreciation on investments.
F-10
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
L. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("Statement No. 133"), which establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. Statement No. 133
requires that an entity recognize all derivatives as either assets or
liabilities at fair value in the statement of financial position, and
establishes special accounting for the following three types of hedges: fair
value hedges, cash flow hedges, and hedges of foreign currency exposures of net
investments in foreign operations. This statement is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999. The Company is currently assessing the impact of
the adoption of Statement No. 133.
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA")
issued Statement of Position 98-1, "Accounting for the Cost of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" ("SoP 98-1"). SoP 98-1 requires that
certain costs incurred in developing internal-use computer software be
capitalized and provides guidance for determining whether computer software is
to be considered for internal use. This statement is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1998. In the second quarter, the Company adopted
SoP 98-1 effective January 1, 1998, resulting in an increase in pre-tax income
of $12.4 million through December 31, 1998. The adoption of SOP 98-1 did not
have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position for
the three months ended March 31, 1998.
In December 1997, the AICPA issued Statement of Position 97-3, "Accounting by
Insurance and Other Enterprises for Insurance-Related Assessments" ("SoP 97-3").
SoP 97-3 provides guidance on when a liability should be recognized for guaranty
fund and other assessments and how to measure the liability. This statement
allows for the discounting of the liability if the amount and timing of the cash
payments are fixed and determinable. In addition, it provides criteria for when
an asset may be recognized for a portion or all of the assessment liability or
paid assessment that can be recovered through premium tax offsets or policy
surcharges. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998. The Company believes that the adoption of this statement will
not have a material effect on the results of operations or financial position.
In June 1997, the FASB issued Statement No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information" ("Statement No. 131"). This statement
establishes standards for the way that public enterprises report information
about operating segments in annual financial statements and requires that
selected information about those operating segments be reported in interim
financial statements. This statement supersedes Statement No. 14, "Financial
Reporting for Segments of a Business Enterprise". Statement No. 131 requires
that all public enterprises report financial and descriptive information about
their reportable operating segments. Operating segments are defined as
components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is
available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in
deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. This statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company
adopted Statement No. 131 for the first quarter of 1998, which resulted in
certain segment re-definitions, which have no impact on the consolidation
results of operations. (Note 12)
In June 1997, the FASB also issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" ("Statement No. 130"). Statement No.
130 which establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive
income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements.
All items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as
components of comprehensive income are to be reported in a financial statement
that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. This
statement stipulates that comprehensive income reflect the change in equity of
an enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and
circumstances from non-owner sources. This statement is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company adopted
F-11
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Statement No. 130 for the first quarter of 1998, which resulted primarily in
reporting unrealized gains and losses on investments in debt and equity
securities in comprehensive income.
M. RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year
presentation.
2. SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS
On December 3, 1998 Citizens Acquisition Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Allmerica P&C, completed a cash tender offer to acquire the outstanding
shares of Citizens Corporation common stock that AFC or its subsidiaries did not
already own at a price of $33.25 per share. Approximately 99.8% of publicly held
shares of Citizens Corporation common stock were tendered. On December 14, 1998,
the Company completed a short-form merger, acquiring all shares of common stock
of Citizens Corporation not purchased in its tender offer, through the merger of
its wholly owned subsidiary, Citizens Acquisition Corporation with Citizens
Corporation at a price of $33.25 per share. Total consideration for the
transactions amounted to $195.9 million. The acquisition has been recognized as
a purchase. The minority interest acquired totaled $158.5 million. A total of
$40.8 million representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair values
of the net assets acquired, net of deferred taxes, has been allocated to
goodwill and is being amortized over a 40-year period.
The Company's consolidated results of operations include minority interest in
Citizens prior to December 3, 1998. The unaudited pro forma information below
presents consolidated results of operation as if the acquisition had occurred at
the beginning of 1997.
The following unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of
the consolidated results of operations of the combined Company had the
acquisition occurred at the beginning of 1997, nor is it necessarily indicative
of future results.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenue..................................................... $3,405.1 $3,366.3
======== ========
Net realized capital gains included in revenue.............. $ 59.8 $ 71.8
======== ========
Income before taxes and minority interest................... 272.9 358.0
Income taxes................................................ (47.2) (91.3)
Minority Interest:
Equity in earnings...................................... (42.6) (64.1)
-------- --------
Net income.................................................. $ 183.1 $ 202.6
======== ========
</TABLE>
On October 29, 1998, the Company announced that had adopted a formal
restructuring plan for its Risk Management business. As part of this initiative,
the Company, in its Corporate Risk Management Services segment, has exited its
accident and health assumed reinsurance pool business, as well as its
administrative services only business. Additionally, it has commenced the
closing of nearly half of its nationwide Corporate Risk Management Services'
sales offices, eliminated certain staff and discontinued certain automation
initiatives. In addition to the aforementioned initiatives in the Corporate Risk
Management Services segment, the Property and Casualty segment is consolidating
its field support activities from fourteen regional branches into three hub
locations. As a result of the Company's restructuring initiative, it recognized
a pretax loss of $13.0 million, in the fourth quarter of 1998. Approximately
$5.5 million of this loss relates to severance and other employee related costs
resulting from the elimination of 339 positions, of which 129 employees had
F-12
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
been terminated as of December 31, 1998. In addition, contract terminations and
lease cancellations resulted in losses of approximately $4.1 million and $3.4
million, respectively. During 1998, the Company made payments of approximately
$1.6 million related to this restructuring initiative.
Effective July 1, 1998, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with a
highly rated reinsurer that cedes current and future underwriting losses,
including unfavorable development of prior year reserves, up to a $40.0 million
maximum, of which $19.7 million relating to the Company's accident and health
assumed reinsurance pool business has been utilized as of December 31, 1998.
These pools consist primarily of the Corporate Risk Management Services
segment's assumed stop loss business, small group managed care pools, long-term
disability and long-term care pools, student accident and special risk business.
The agreement is consistent with management's decision to exit this line of
business, which the Company expects to run-off over the next three years. As a
result of this transaction, the Company recognized a $25.3 million pre-tax loss
in the third quarter of 1998.
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement with a highly
rated reinsurer to reinsure the mortality risk on the universal life and
variable universal life blocks of business. The agreement did not have a
material effect on its results of operations or financial position.
In 1998 and 1997, Allmerica P&C redeemed 3,289.5 and 5,735.3 shares,
respectively, of its issued and outstanding common stock owned by AFC for $125.0
million and $195.0 million, respectively, thereby increasing FAFLIC's ownership
of Allmerica P&C by 4.3% and 6.3%, respectively. The 1998 transaction consisted
of $124.0 million of securities and $1.0 million of cash. The 1997 transaction
consisted of $55.0 million of securities and $140.0 million of cash.
The merger of Allmerica P&C and a wholly owned subsidiary of AFC was consummated
on July 16, 1997. Through the merger, AFC acquired all of the outstanding common
stock of Allmerica P&C that FAFLIC did not already own in exchange for cash of
$425.6 million and approximately 9.7 million shares of AFC stock valued at
$372.5 million. At consummation of this transaction AFC owned 59.5% through
FAFLIC and 40.5% directly.
The merger has been accounted for as a purchase. Total consideration of
approximately $798.1 million has been allocated to the minority interest in the
assets and liabilities based on estimates of their fair values. The minority
interest acquired totaled $703.5 million. A total of $90.6 million representing
the excess of the purchase price over the fair values of the net assets
acquired, net of deferred taxes, has been allocated to goodwill and is being
amortized over a 40-year period.
On February 3, 1997, AFC Capital Trust (the "Trust"), a subsidiary business
trust of AFC, issued $300 million Series A Capital Securities, which pay
cumulative dividends at a rate of 8.207% semiannually commencing August 15,
1997. The Trust exists for the sole purpose of issuing the Capital Securities
and investing the proceeds thereof in an equivalent amount of 8.207% Junior
Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due 2027 of AFC (the "Subordinated
Debentures"). Through certain guarantees, the Subordinated Debentures and the
terms of related agreements, AFC has irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed
the obligations of the Trust under the Capital Securities. Net proceeds from the
offering of approximately $296.3 million funded a portion of the acquisition of
the 24.2 million publicly-held shares of Allmerica P&C pursuant to the merger on
July 16, 1997.
The Company's consolidated results of operations include minority interest in
Allmerica P&C prior to July 16, 1997. The unaudited pro forma information below
presents consolidated results of operations as if the merger and issuance of
Capital Securities had occurred at the beginning of 1996 and reflects
adjustments which include interest expense related to the assumed financing of a
portion of the cash consideration paid and amortization of goodwill.
F-13
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of
the consolidated results of operations of the combined Company had the merger
and issuance of Capital Securities occurred at the beginning of 1996, nor is it
necessarily indicative of future results.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(UNAUDITED)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenue..................................................... $3,362.7 $3,246.4
======== ========
Net realized capital gains included in revenue.............. $ 63.0 $ 46.7
======== ========
Income before taxes and minority interest................... 353.0 311.6
Income taxes................................................ (89.6) (68.7)
Minority Interest:
Equity in earnings...................................... (75.5) (67.3)
-------- --------
Net income.................................................. $ 187.9 $ 175.6
======== ========
</TABLE>
On April 14, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement in principle to cede
substantially all of the Company's individual disability income line of business
under a 100% coinsurance agreement with a highly rated reinsurer. The
coinsurance agreement became effective October 1, 1997. The transaction has
resulted in the recognition of a $53.9 million pre-tax loss in the first quarter
of 1997.
3. INVESTMENTS
A. SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
The Company accounts for its investments, all of which are classified as
available-for-sale, in accordance with Statement No. 115.
The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale fixed maturities and
equity securities were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998
----------------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS
DECEMBER 31, AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
(IN MILLIONS) COST (1) GAINS LOSSES VALUE
- ------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. government and
agency securities................................ $ 192.8 $ 12.0 $ 24.5 $ 180.3
States and political subdivisions................. 2,408.9 83.0 5.2 2,486.7
Foreign governments............................... 107.9 7.7 4.5 111.1
Corporate fixed maturities........................ 4,293.3 167.8 81.9 4,379.2
Mortgage-backed securities........................ 517.9 11.5 2.8 526.6
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total fixed maturities............................ $7,520.8 $282.0 $118.9 $7,683.9
======== ====== ====== ========
Equity securities................................. $ 253.1 $151.1 $ 7.1 $ 397.1
======== ====== ====== ========
</TABLE>
F-14
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
----------------------------------------------
GROSS GROSS
DECEMBER 31, AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
(IN MILLIONS) COST (1) GAINS LOSSES VALUE
- ------------- --------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. government and
agency securities................................ $ 265.3 $ 9.5 $ 0.9 $ 273.9
States and political subdivisions................. 2,200.6 78.3 3.1 2,275.8
Foreign governments............................... 110.8 8.5 2.2 117.1
Corporate fixed maturities........................ 4,041.6 175.1 12.2 4,204.5
Mortgage-backed securities........................ 374.5 9.7 2.0 382.2
-------- ------ ------ --------
Total fixed maturities............................ $6,992.8 $281.1 $ 20.4 $7,253.5
======== ====== ====== ========
Equity securities................................. $ 341.1 $141.9 $ 4.0 $ 479.0
======== ====== ====== ========
</TABLE>
(1) Amortized cost for fixed maturities and cost for equity securities.
In connection with AFLIAC's voluntary withdrawal of its license in New York,
AFLIAC agreed with the New York Department of Insurance to maintain, through a
custodial account in New York, a security deposit, the market value of which
will at all times equal 102% of all outstanding general account liabilities of
AFLIAC for New York policyholders, claimants and creditors. At December 31,
1998, the amortized cost and market value of assets on deposit in New York were
$268.5 million and $284.1 million, respectively. At December 31, 1997, the
amortized cost and market value of assets on deposit were $276.8 million and
$291.7 million, respectively.
In addition, fixed maturities, excluding those securities on deposit in New
York, with an amortized cost of $105.4 million and $105.1 million were on
deposit with various state and governmental authorities at December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
There were no contractual fixed maturity investment commitments at December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
The amortized cost and fair value by maturity periods for fixed maturities are
shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because
borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call
or prepayment penalties, or the Company may have the right to put or sell the
obligations back to the issuers. Mortgage backed securities are included in the
category representing their ultimate maturity.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998
--------------------
DECEMBER 31, AMORTIZED FAIR
(IN MILLIONS) COST VALUE
- ------------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less..................................... $ 384.7 $ 391.5
Due after one year through five years....................... 2,309.4 2,341.2
Due after five years through ten years...................... 2,173.3 2,199.6
Due after ten years......................................... 2,653.4 2,751.6
-------- --------
Total....................................................... $7,520.8 $7,683.9
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The proceeds from voluntary sales of available-for-sale securities and the gross
realized gains and gross realized losses on those sales were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, PROCEEDS FROM GROSS GROSS
(IN MILLIONS) VOLUNTARY SALES GAINS LOSSES
- ------------- --------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Fixed maturities............................................ $ 993.3 $18.2 $11.9
Equity securities........................................... $ 276.4 $76.3 $ 9.6
1997
Fixed maturities............................................ $1,894.8 $27.6 $16.2
Equity securities........................................... $ 145.5 $55.8 $ 1.3
1996
Fixed maturities............................................ $2,432.8 $19.3 $30.5
Equity securities........................................... $ 228.1 $56.1 $ 1.3
</TABLE>
Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale and other securities, are
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, FIXED SECURITIES
(IN MILLIONS) MATURITIES AND OTHER (1) TOTAL
- ------------- ---------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Net appreciation, beginning of year........................ $122.6 $ 86.7 $209.3
------ ------ ------
Net (depreciation) appreciation on available-for-sale
securities................................................ (99.3) 4.4 (94.9)
Appreciation due to Allmerica P&C purchase of minority in
interest of Citizens...................................... 10.7 10.7 21.4
Net appreciation from the effect on deferred policy
acquisition costs and on policy liabilities............... 6.3 -- 6.3
Provision for deferred federal income taxes and minority
interest.................................................. 38.7 (11.6) 27.1
------ ------ ------
(43.6) 3.5 (40.1)
------ ------ ------
Net appreciation, end of year.............................. $ 79.0 $ 90.2 $169.2
====== ====== ======
1997
Net appreciation, beginning of year........................ $ 71.3 $ 60.1 $131.4
------ ------ ------
Net appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale
securities................................................ 83.2 (5.9) 77.3
Appreciation due to AFC purchase of minority interest of
Allmerica P&C............................................. 50.7 59.6 110.3
Net depreciation from the effect on deferred policy
acquisition costs and on policy liabilities............... (16.7) -- (16.7)
Provision for deferred federal income taxes and minority
interest.................................................. (65.9) (27.1) (93.0)
------ ------ ------
51.3 26.6 77.9
------ ------ ------
Net appreciation, end of year.............................. $122.6 $ 86.7 $209.3
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-16
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, FIXED SECURITIES
(IN MILLIONS) MATURITIES AND OTHER (1) TOTAL
- ------------- ---------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996
Net appreciation, beginning of year........................ $108.7 $ 44.3 $153.0
------ ------ ------
Net (depreciation) appreciation on available-for-sale
securities................................................ (94.1) 35.9 (58.2)
Net appreciation from the effect on deferred policy
acquisition costs and on policy liabilities............... 23.1 -- 23.1
Provision for deferred federal income taxes and minority
interest.................................................. 33.6 (20.1) 13.5
------ ------ ------
(37.4) 15.8 (21.6)
------ ------ ------
Net appreciation, end of year.............................. $ 71.3 $ 60.1 $131.4
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
(1) Includes net appreciation on other investments of $0.8 million, $1.8
million, and $0.6 million in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
B. MORTGAGE LOANS AND REAL ESTATE
FAFLIC's mortgage loans and real estate are diversified by property type and
location. Real estate investments have been obtained primarily through
foreclosure. Mortgage loans are collateralized by the related properties and
generally are no more than 75% of the property's value at the time the original
loan is made.
The carrying values of mortgage loans and real estate investments net of
applicable reserves were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Mortgage loans.............................................. $562.3 $567.5
Real estate held for sale................................... 20.4 50.3
------ ------
Total mortgage loans and real estate........................ $582.7 $617.8
====== ======
</TABLE>
Reserves for mortgage loans were $11.5 million and $20.7 million at December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
During 1997, the Company committed to a plan to dispose of all real estate
assets by the end of 1998. At December 31, 1998, there were 7 properties
remaining in the Company's portfolio, which are being actively marketed. As a
result of the plan, during 1997 real estate assets with a carrying amount of
$54.7 million were written down to the estimated fair value less cost of
disposal of $50.3 million, and a net realized investment loss of $4.4 million
was recognized. Depreciation is not recorded on these assets while they are held
for disposal. There were no non-cash investing activities, including real estate
acquired through foreclosure of mortgage loans, in 1998 and 1997. During 1996,
non-cash investing activities included real estate acquired through foreclosure
of mortgage loans, which had a fair value of $0.9 million.
There were no contractual commitments to extend credit under commercial mortgage
loan agreements at December 31, 1998. These commitments generally expire within
one year.
F-17
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Mortgage loans and real estate investments comprised the following property
types and geographic regions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Property type:
Office building........................................... $304.4 $265.1
Residential............................................... 52.8 66.6
Retail.................................................... 108.5 132.8
Industrial/warehouse...................................... 110.0 107.2
Other..................................................... 18.5 66.8
Valuation allowances...................................... (11.5) (20.7)
------ ------
Total....................................................... $582.7 $617.8
====== ======
Geographic region:
South Atlantic............................................ $136.1 $173.4
Pacific................................................... 155.1 152.8
East North Central........................................ 80.5 102.0
Middle Atlantic........................................... 61.2 73.8
West South Central........................................ 54.7 34.9
New England............................................... 60.7 46.9
Other..................................................... 45.9 54.7
Valuation allowances...................................... (11.5) (20.7)
------ ------
Total....................................................... $582.7 $617.8
====== ======
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1998, scheduled mortgage loan maturities were as follows: 1999
- -- $84.7 million; 2000 -- $131.6 million; 2001 -- $33.9 million; 2002 -- $28.4
million; 2003 -- $42.5 million; and $241.2 million thereafter. Actual maturities
could differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to
prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties and loans may be
refinanced. During 1998, the Company did not refinance any mortgage loans based
on terms which differed from those granted to new borrowers.
C. INVESTMENT VALUATION ALLOWANCES
Investment valuation allowances which have been deducted in arriving at
investment carrying values as presented in the consolidated balance sheets and
changes thereto are shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, BALANCE AT BALANCE AT
(IN MILLIONS) JANUARY 1 PROVISIONS WRITE-OFFS DECEMBER 31
- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Mortgage loans................................... $20.7 $(6.8) $ 2.4 $11.5
===== ===== ===== =====
1997
Mortgage loans................................... $19.6 $ 2.5 $ 1.4 $20.7
Real estate...................................... 14.9 6.0 20.9 --
----- ----- ----- -----
Total........................................ $34.5 $ 8.5 $22.3 $20.7
===== ===== ===== =====
1996
Mortgage loans................................... $33.8 $ 5.5 $19.7 $19.6
Real estate...................................... 19.6 -- 4.7 14.9
----- ----- ----- -----
Total........................................ $53.4 $ 5.5 $24.4 $34.5
===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Provisions on mortgages during 1998 reflect the release of redundant reserves.
Write-offs of $20.9 million to the investment valuation allowance related to
real estate in 1997 primarily reflect write downs to the estimated fair value
less costs to sell pursuant to the aforementioned 1997 plan of disposal.
The carrying value of impaired loans was $22.0 million and $30.5 million, with
related reserves of $6.0 million and $13.8 million as of December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively. All impaired loans were reserved as of December 31, 1998 and
1997.
The average carrying value of impaired loans was $26.1 million, $30.8 million
and $50.4 million, with related interest income while such loans were impaired
of $3.2 million, $3.2 million and $5.8 million as of December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively.
D. FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Company purchases long futures contracts and sells short futures contracts
on margin to hedge against interest rate fluctuations associated with the sale
of Guaranteed Investment Contracts ("GICs"). The Company is exposed to interest
rate risk from the time of sale of the GIC until the receipt of the deposit and
purchase of the underlying asset to back the liability. Futures contract
activity increased significantly in 1998 due to the increase in sale of GICs.
The Company's exposure to credit risk under futures contracts is limited to the
margin deposited with the broker. The Company only trades futures contracts with
nationally recognized brokers, which the Company believes have adequate capital
to ensure that there is minimal danger of default. The Company does not require
collateral or other securities to support financial instruments with credit
risk.
The notional amount of futures contracts outstanding at December 31, 1998 was
$92.7 million. There were no futures contracts outstanding at December 31, 1997.
The notional amounts of the contracts represent the extent of the Company's
investment but not the future cash requirements, as the Company generally
settles open positions prior to maturity. The maturity of all futures contracts
outstanding is less than one year. The fair value of futures contracts
outstanding was $92.5 million at December 31, 1998.
Gains and losses on hedge contracts related to interest rate fluctuations are
deferred and recognized in income over the period being hedged corresponding to
related guaranteed investment contracts. If instruments being hedged by futures
contracts are disposed, any unamortized gains or losses on such contracts are
included in the determination of the gain or loss from the disposition. Deferred
hedging gains (losses) were $(1.8) million in 1998. There were no deferred
hedging gains or losses in 1997. Gains and losses on hedge contracts that are
deemed ineffective by the Company are realized immediately. There were
$0.1 million of gains realized on ineffective hedges in 1998. There was no gain
or loss in 1997 or 1996.
A reconciliation of the notional amount of futures contracts is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- --------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contracts outstanding, beginning of year.................... $ -- $(33.0) $ 74.7
New contracts............................................... 1,117.5 (0.2) (1.1)
Contracts terminated........................................ (1,024.8) 33.2 (106.6)
--------- ------ -------
Contracts outstanding, end of year.......................... $ 92.7 $-- $ (33.0)
========= ====== =======
</TABLE>
E. FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP CONTRACTS
The Company enters into foreign currency swap contracts with swap counterparties
to hedge foreign currency exposure on specific fixed income securities. Interest
and principal related to foreign fixed income securities payable in foreign
currencies, at current exchange rates, are exchanged for the equivalent payment
in U.S dollars translated at a specific currency exchange rate. The primary risk
associated with these transactions is
F-19
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
the inability of the counterparty to meet its obligation. The Company regularly
assesses the financial strength of its counterparties and generally enters into
forward or swap agreements with counterparties rated "A" or better by nationally
recognized rating agencies. The Company's maximum exposure to counterparty
credit risk is the difference between the foreign currency exchange rate, as
agreed upon in the swap contract, and the foreign currency spot rate on the date
of the exchange, as indicated by the fair value of the contract. The fair values
of the foreign currency swap contracts outstanding were $1.2 million and
$1.3 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Changes in the fair
value of contracts are reported as an unrealized gain or loss, consistent with
the underlying hedged security. The Company does not require collateral or other
security to support financial instruments with credit risk.
The difference between amounts paid and received on foreign currency swap
contracts is reflected in the net investment income related to the underlying
assets and is not material in 1998, 1997 and 1996. Any gain or loss on the
termination of swap contracts is deferred and recognized with any gain or loss
on the hedged transaction. The Company had no deferred gain or loss on foreign
currency swap contracts in 1998 or 1997.
A reconciliation of the notional amount of foreign currency swap contracts is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contracts outstanding, beginning of year.................... $42.6 $ 47.6 $ 69.4
New contracts............................................... -- 5.0 --
Contracts expired........................................... -- (10.0) (21.8)
----- ------ ------
Contracts outstanding, end of year.......................... $42.6 $ 42.6 $ 47.6
===== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Expected maturities of foreign currency swap contracts outstanding at December
31, 1998 are $24.0 million in 1999, $8.3 million in 2000 and $10.3 million
thereafter. There are no expected maturities of such foreign currency swap
contracts in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
F. INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS
The Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to hedge exposure to
interest rate fluctuations. Specifically, for floating rate GIC liabilities that
are matched with fixed rate securities, the Company manages the interest rate
risk by hedging with interest rate swap contracts. Under these swap contracts,
the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between
fixed and floating interest amounts calculated on an agreed-upon notional
principal amount. The use of interest rate swap contracts increased during 1998
due to the increase in floating rate GIC liabilities. As with foreign currency
swap contracts, the primary risk associated with these transactions is the
inability of the counterparty to meet its obligation. The Company regularly
assesses the financial strength of its counterparties and generally enters into
forward or swap agreements with counterparties rated "A" or better by nationally
recognized rating agencies. Because the underlying principal of swap contracts
is not exchanged, the Company's maximum exposure to counterparty credit risk is
the difference in payments exchanged, which at December 31, 1998 was a net
payable of $3.9 million. The Company does not require collateral or other
security to support financial instruments with credit risk.
The net amount receivable or payable is recognized over the life of the swap
contract as an adjustment to net investment income. The (decrease) or increase
in net investment income related to interest rate swap contracts was $(2.8)
million, $(0.4) million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. The fair value of interest rate swap contracts
outstanding were $(28.3) million and $(2.3) million at December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively. Changes in the fair value of contracts are reported as an
unrealized gain or loss, consistent with the underlying hedged security. Any
gain or loss on the termination of interest rate swap contracts accounted for as
hedges are deferred and recognized with the gain or loss on the
F-20
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
hedged transaction. The Company had no deferred gain or loss on interest rate
swap contracts in 1998 or 1997. A reconciliation of the notional amount of
interest rate swap contracts is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contracts outstanding, beginning of year.................... $ 244.1 $ 5.0 $ 17.5
New contracts............................................... 873.5 244.7 5.0
Contracts expired........................................... (5.0) (5.6) (17.5)
-------- ------ ------
Contracts outstanding, end of year.......................... $1,112.6 $244.1 $ 5.0
======== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Expected maturities of interest rate swap contracts outstanding at December 31,
1998 is $44.0 million in 2000, $234.5 million in 2002, $810.5 million in 2003
and $23.6 million thereafter. There are no expected maturities of interest rate
contracts in 1999 or 2001.
G. OTHER SWAP CONTRACTS
The Company enters into security return-linked and insurance portfolio-linked
swap contracts for investment purposes. Under the security return-linked
contracts, the Company agrees to exchange cash flows according to the
performance of a specified security or portfolio of securities. Under the
insurance portfolio-linked swap contracts, the Company agrees to exchange cash
flows according to the performance of a specified underwriter's portfolio of
insurance business. As with interest rate swap contracts, the primary risk
associated with these transactions is the inability of the counterparty to meet
its obligation. The Company regularly assesses the financial strength of its
counterparties and generally enters into forward or swap agreements with
counterparties rated "A" or better by nationally recognized rating agencies.
Because the underlying principal of swap contracts is not exchanged, the
Company's maximum exposure to counterparty credit risk is the difference in
payments exchanged, which at December 31, 1998, was not material to the Company.
The Company does not require collateral or other security to support financial
instruments with credit risk.
In 1998, the Company also entered into credit default swap agreements. Under the
terms of these agreements, the Company assumes the default risk of a specific
high credit quality issuer in exchange for a stated annual premium. In the case
of default, the Company will pay the counterparty par value for a pre-determined
security of the issuer. The primary risk associated with these transactions is
the default risk of the underlying companies. The Company regularly assesses the
financial strength of the underlying companies and generally enters into default
swap agreements for companies rated "A" or better by nationally recognized
rating agencies.
The swap contracts are marked to market with any gain or loss recognized
currently. The fair values of swap contracts outstanding were $(0.1) million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997. The net amount receivable or payable under
security-returned-linked and insurance portfolio-linked swap contracts is
recognized when the contracts are marked to market. The net increase (decrease)
in realized investment gains related to these contracts was $1.1 million in 1998
and $(1.6) million in 1997. There were no realized investment gains or losses on
other swap contracts recognized in 1996.
The stated annual premium under credit default swap contracts is recognized
currently in net investment income. The net increase to investment income
related to credit default swap contracts was $0.2 million in 1998. There was no
investment income recognized in 1997 and 1996.
F-21
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation of the notional amount of other swap contracts is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contracts outstanding, beginning of year.................... $ 15.0 $ 58.6 $--
New contracts............................................... 266.3 192.1 58.6
Contracts expired........................................... (26.3) (211.6) --
Contracts terminated........................................ -- (24.1) --
------ ------- -----
Contracts outstanding, end of year.......................... $255.0 $ 15.0 $58.6
====== ======= =====
</TABLE>
Expected maturities of other swap contracts outstanding at December 31, 1998 are
as follows: $115.0 million in 1999, $115.0 million in 2000 and $25.0 million in
2001. There are no expected maturities of such other swap contracts in 2002 or
2003.
H. OTHER
At December 31, 1998, FAFLIC had no concentration of investments in a single
investee exceeding 10% of shareholders' equity. At December 31, 1997, FAFLIC had
no concentration of investments in a single investee exceeding 10% of
shareholder's equity, except for investments with the U.S. Treasury with a
carrying value of $262.4 million.
4. INVESTMENT INCOME AND GAINS AND LOSSES
A. NET INVESTMENT INCOME
The components of net investment income were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities............................................ $530.8 $541.9 $553.8
Mortgage loans.............................................. 58.3 57.5 69.5
Equity securities........................................... 7.4 10.6 11.1
Policy loans................................................ 11.9 10.9 10.3
Real estate................................................. 7.2 20.1 40.8
Other long-term investments................................. (0.5) 12.4 19.9
Short-term investments...................................... 14.3 12.8 10.6
------ ------ ------
Gross investment income..................................... 629.4 666.2 716.0
Less investment expenses.................................... (15.7) (24.4) (45.2)
------ ------ ------
Net investment income....................................... $613.7 $641.8 $670.8
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
At December 31, 1998, there was one mortgage loan on non-accrual status which
had an outstanding principal balance of $4.3 million. This loan was restructured
and fully impaired. There were no fixed maturities which were on non-accrual
status at December 31, 1998. The effect of non-accruals, compared with amounts
that would have been recognized in accordance with the original terms of the
investments, had no impact in 1998 and 1997, and reduced net income by $0.5
million in 1996.
The payment terms of mortgage loans may from time to time be restructured or
modified. The investment in restructured mortgage loans, based on amortized
cost, amounted to $28.7 million, $40.3 million and $51.3 million at
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Interest income on restructured
mortgage loans that would have been recorded in accordance with the original
terms of such loans amounted to $3.3 million, $3.9 million and $7.7 million in
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Actual interest income on
F-22
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
these loans included in net investment income aggregated $3.3 million,
$4.2 million and $4.5 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
There were no fixed maturities which were non-income producing for the year
ended December 31, 1998. There was one mortgage loan which was non-income
producing for the year ended December 31, 1998, which had an outstanding
principal balance of $4.3 million and was fully impaired.
Included in other long-term investments is a loss from limited partnerships of
$7.5 million in 1998, and income of $7.8 million and $13.7 million in 1997 and
1996, respectively.
B. REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES
Realized gains (losses) on investments were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed maturities............................................ $(11.8) $14.7 $(9.7)
Mortgage loans.............................................. 8.8 (1.2) (2.4)
Equity securities........................................... 66.6 53.6 54.8
Real estate................................................. 13.7 12.8 21.1
Other....................................................... (14.7) (3.4) 3.0
------ ----- -----
Net realized investment gains............................... $ 62.6 $76.5 $66.8
====== ===== =====
</TABLE>
C. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME RECONCILIATION
The following table provides a reconciliation of gross unrealized gains to the
net balance shown in the Statement of Comprehensive Income:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unrealized gains on securities:
Unrealized holding gains arising during period, (net of
taxes and minority interest of $(20.8) million,
$123.7 million and $10.7 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively).............................................. $ (6.8) $115.5 $ (0.7)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net
income (net of taxes and minority interest of
$21.5 million, $30.7 million and $24.2 million in 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively)............................... 33.3 37.6 20.9
------ ------ ------
Other comprehensive income.................................. $(40.1) $ 77.9 $(21.6)
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
5. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Statement No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments",
requires disclosure of fair value information about certain financial
instruments (insurance contracts, real estate, goodwill and taxes are excluded)
for which it is practicable to estimate such values, whether or not these
instruments are included in the balance sheet. The fair values presented for
certain financial instruments are estimates which, in many cases, may differ
significantly from the amounts which could be realized upon immediate
liquidation. In cases where market prices are not available, estimates of fair
value are based on discounted cash flow analyses, which utilize current interest
rates for similar financial instruments which have comparable terms and credit
quality. Included in the fair value of fixed maturities are swap contracts used
to hedge fixed maturities with a fair value of $(27.1) million at December 31,
1998. Fair values of interest rate futures were not material at December 31,
1997.
F-23
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instruments:
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
For these short-term investments, the carrying amount approximates fair value.
FIXED MATURITIES
Fair values are based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market
price is not available, fair values are estimated using independent pricing
sources or internally developed pricing models using discounted cash flow
analyses.
EQUITY SECURITIES
Fair values are based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market
price is not available, fair values are estimated using independent pricing
sources or internally developed pricing models.
MORTGAGE LOANS
Fair values are estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using
the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar
credit ratings. The fair value of below investment grade mortgage loans are
limited to the lesser of the present value of the cash flows or book value.
POLICY LOANS
The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets approximates
fair value since policy loans have no defined maturity dates and are inseparable
from the insurance contracts.
INVESTMENT CONTRACTS (WITHOUT MORTALITY FEATURES)
Fair values for the Company's liabilities under guaranteed investment type
contracts are estimated using discounted cash flow calculations using current
interest rates for similar contracts with maturities consistent with those
remaining for the contracts being valued. Other liabilities are based on
surrender values.
DEBT
The carrying value of short-term debt reported in the balance sheet approximates
fair value. The fair value of long-term debt was estimated using market quotes,
when available, and, when not available, discounted cash flow analyses.
F-24
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The estimated fair values of the financial instruments were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
------------------- -------------------
DECEMBER 31, CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
(IN MILLIONS) VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
- ------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FINANCIAL ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents....................... $ 504.0 $ 504.0 $ 213.9 $ 213.9
Fixed maturities................................ 7,683.9 7,683.9 7,253.5 7,253.5
Equity securities............................... 397.1 397.1 479.0 479.0
Mortgage loans.................................. 562.3 587.1 567.5 597.0
Policy loans.................................... 154.3 154.3 141.9 141.9
-------- -------- -------- --------
$9,301.6 $9,326.4 $8,655.8 $8,685.3
======== ======== ======== ========
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Guaranteed investment contracts................. $1,791.8 $1,830.8 $ 985.2 $1,004.7
Supplemental contracts without life
contingencies................................. 37.3 37.3 22.4 22.4
Dividend accumulations.......................... 88.4 88.4 87.8 87.8
Other individual contract deposit funds......... 61.6 61.1 57.9 55.7
Other group contract deposit funds.............. 700.4 704.0 714.8 715.5
Individual annuity contracts.................... 1,110.6 1,073.6 907.4 882.2
Short-term debt................................. 221.3 221.3 33.0 33.0
Long-term debt.................................. -- -- 2.6 2.6
-------- -------- -------- --------
$4,011.4 $4,016.5 $2,811.1 $2,803.9
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
6. CLOSED BLOCK
Included in other income in the Consolidated Statement of Income in 1998, 1997
and 1996 is a net pre-tax contribution from the Closed Block of $10.4 million,
$9.1 million and $8.6 million, respectively. Summarized financial information of
the Closed Block as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for the period ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost of $399.1
and $400.1, respectively)............................... $414.2 $412.9
Mortgage loans............................................ 136.0 112.0
Policy loans.............................................. 210.9 218.8
Cash and cash equivalents................................. 9.4 25.1
Accrued investment income................................. 14.1 14.1
Deferred policy acquisition costs......................... 15.6 18.2
Other assets.............................................. 2.9 5.6
------ ------
Total assets................................................ $803.1 $806.7
====== ======
Liabilities
Policy liabilities and accruals........................... $862.9 $875.1
Other liabilities......................................... 9.1 10.4
------ ------
Total liabilities........................................... $872.0 $885.5
====== ======
</TABLE>
F-25
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Premiums................................................ $ 55.4 $ 58.3 $ 61.7
Net investment income................................... 53.3 53.4 52.6
Realized investment loss................................ 0.1 1.3 (0.7)
------- ------- -------
Total revenues.............................................. 108.8 113.0 113.6
Benefits and expenses
Policy benefits......................................... 95.0 100.5 101.2
Policy acquisition expenses............................. 2.7 3.0 3.2
Other operating expenses................................ 0.7 0.4 0.6
------- ------- -------
Total benefits and expenses................................. 98.4 103.9 105.0
------- ------- -------
Contribution from the Closed Block.......................... $ 10.4 $ 9.1 $ 8.6
======= ======= =======
Cash flows
Cash flows from operating activities:
Contribution from the Closed Block...................... $ 10.4 $ 9.1 $ 8.6
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs, net........ 2.6 2.9 3.4
Change in premiums and other receivables................ 0.3 -- 0.2
Change in policy liabilities and accruals............... (13.5) (11.6) (13.9)
Change in accrued investment income..................... -- 0.2 2.3
Deferred Taxes.......................................... 0.1 (5.1) 1.0
Change in other assets.................................. 2.4 (2.9) (1.6)
Change in expenses and taxes payable.................... (2.9) (2.0) 1.7
Other, net.............................................. (0.1) (1.2) 1.4
------- ------- -------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities....... (0.7) (10.6) 3.1
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales, maturities and repayments of investments......... 83.6 161.6 188.1
Purchases of investments................................ (106.5) (161.4) (196.9)
Other, net.............................................. 7.9 11.4 12.2
------- ------- -------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities....... (15.0) 11.6 3.4
------- ------- -------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents................... (15.7) 1.0 6.5
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year................ 25.1 24.1 17.6
------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year...................... $ 9.4 $ 25.1 $ 24.1
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
There are no valuation allowances on mortgage loans in the Closed Block at
December 31, 1998, 1997 or 1996, respectively.
Many expenses related to Closed Block operations are charged to operations
outside the Closed Block; accordingly, the contribution from the Closed Block
does not represent the actual profitability of the Closed Block operations.
Operating costs and expenses outside of the Closed Block are, therefore,
disproportionate to the business outside the Closed Block.
F-26
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. DEBT
Short and long-term debt consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Short-Term
Commercial paper........................................ $ 41.3 $32.6
Borrowings under bank credit facility................... 150.0 --
Repurchase agreements................................... 30.0 --
Other................................................... -- 0.4
------ -----
Total short-term debt....................................... $221.3 $33.0
====== =====
Long-term debt.............................................. $ -- $ 2.6
====== =====
</TABLE>
FAFLIC issues commercial paper primarily to manage imbalances between operating
cash flows and existing commitments. Commercial paper borrowing arrangements are
supported by a credit agreement. At December 31, 1998, the weighted average
interest rate for outstanding commercial paper was approximately 5.34%.
Effective December 4, 1998, the Company entered into a credit agreement that
expired on February 5, 1999. Borrowings under this agreement were unsecured and
incurred interest at a rate per annum equal to the eurodollar rate plus
applicable margin. Borrowings outstanding under this credit facility at
December 31, 1998 were $150.0 million.
During 1998 and 1996, the Company utilized repurchase agreements to finance
certain investments. The 1996 repurchase agreements were settled by the end of
1996.
In October, 1995, AFC issued $200.0 million face amount of Senior Debentures for
proceeds of $197.2 million net of discounts and issuance costs. These securities
have an effective interest rate of 7.65%, and mature on October 16, 2025.
Interest is payable semiannually on October 15 and April 15 of each year. The
Senior Debentures are subject to certain restrictive covenants, including
limitations on issuance of or disposition of stock of restricted subsidiaries
and limitations on liens. AFC is in compliance with all covenants. The primary
source of cash for repayment of the debt by AFC is dividends from FAFLIC and
APY. Interest expense was $7.3 million, $3.6 million and $16.8 million in 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively. Interest paid on the credit agreement was
approximately $0.7 million in 1998 and $2.8 million in 1997. Interest expense
during 1996 also included $11.0 million related to interest payments on
repurchase agreements. All interest expense is recorded in other operating
expenses.
8. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
Provisions for federal income taxes have been calculated in accordance with the
provisions of SFAS No. 109. A summary of the federal income tax expense
(benefit) in the consolidated statements of income is shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal income tax expense (benefit)
Current................................................. $ 67.6 $83.3 $ 96.8
Deferred................................................ (15.4) 14.2 (15.7)
------ ----- ------
Total....................................................... $ 52.2 $97.5 $ 81.1
====== ===== ======
</TABLE>
F-27
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The federal income taxes attributable to the consolidated results of operations
are different from the amounts determined by multiplying income before federal
income taxes by the expected federal income tax rate. The sources of the
difference and the tax effects of each were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected federal income tax expense......................... $100.9 $131.8 $122.3
Tax-exempt interest..................................... (38.9) (37.9) (35.3)
Differential earnings amount............................ -- -- (10.2)
Dividend received deduction............................. (5.1) (3.2) (1.6)
Changes in tax reserve estimates........................ 2.3 7.8 4.7
Tax credits............................................. (8.5) (2.7)
Other, net.............................................. 1.5 1.7 1.2
------ ------ ------
Federal income tax expense.................................. $ 52.2 $ 97.5 $ 81.1
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Until conversion to a stock life insurance company, FAFLIC, as a mutual company,
reduced its deduction for policyholder dividends by the differential earnings
amount. This amount was computed, for each tax year, by multiplying the average
equity base of the FAFLIC/AFLIAC consolidated group, as determined for tax
purposes, by the estimate of an excess of an imputed earnings rate over the
average mutual life insurance companies' earnings rate. The differential
earnings amount for each tax year was subsequently recomputed when actual
earnings rates were published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The
differential earnings amount included in 1996 related to an adjustment for the
1994 tax year based on the actual mutual life insurance companies' earnings rate
issued by the IRS in 1996. As a stock life company, FAFLIC is no longer required
to reduce its policyholder dividend deduction by the differential earnings
amount.
The deferred income tax (asset) liability represents the tax effects of
temporary differences attributable to the Company's consolidated federal tax
return group. Its components were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax (assets) liabilities
AMT carryforwards....................................... $ (16.8) $ (15.6)
Loss reserve discounting................................ (406.6) (391.6)
Deferred acquisition costs.............................. 345.8 291.8
Employee benefit plans.................................. (45.3) (48.0)
Investments, net........................................ 121.7 175.4
Bad debt reserve........................................ (1.8) (14.3)
Litigation reserve...................................... (10.9) --
Other, net.............................................. (5.5) 15.2
------- -------
Deferred tax (asset) liability, net......................... $ (19.4) $ 12.9
======= =======
</TABLE>
Gross deferred income tax assets totaled $486.9 million and $469.5 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Gross deferred income tax liabilities
totaled $467.5 million and $482.4 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
The Company believes, based on the its recent earnings history and its future
expectations, that the Company's taxable income in future years will be
sufficient to realize all deferred tax assets. In determining the adequacy of
future income, the Company considered the future reversal of its existing
temporary differences and available tax planning strategies that could be
implemented, if necessary. At December 31, 1998, there are available alternative
minimum tax credit carryforwards of $16.8 million.
F-28
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The Company's federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the IRS, and
provisions are routinely made in the financial statements in anticipation of the
results of these audits. The IRS has examined the FAFLIC/ AFLIAC consolidated
group's federal income tax returns through 1994. The IRS has also examined the
former Allmerica P&C consolidated group's federal income tax returns through
1991. The Company has appealed certain adjustments proposed by the IRS with
respect to the federal income tax returns for 1992,1993 and 1994 for the
FAFLIC/AFLIAC consolidated group. Also, certain adjustments proposed by the IRS
with respect to FAFLIC/ AFLIAC's federal income tax returns for 1982 and 1983
remain unresolved. If upheld, these adjustments would result in additional
payments; however, the Company will vigorously defend its position with respect
to these adjustments. In the Company's opinion, adequate tax liabilities have
been established for all years. However, the amount of these tax liabilities
could be revised in the near term if estimates of the Company's ultimate
liability are revised.
9. PENSION PLANS
FAFLIC provides retirement benefits to substantially all of its employees under
a defined benefit pension plan. This plan is based on a defined benefit cash
balance formula, whereby the Company annually provides an allocation to each
eligible employee based on a percentage of that employee's salary, similar to a
defined contribution plan arrangement. The 1998, 1997 and 1996 allocations were
based on 7.0% of each eligible employee's salary. In addition to the cash
balance allocation, certain transition group employees, who have met specified
age and service requirements as of December 31, 1994, are eligible for a
grandfathered benefit based primarily on the employees' years of service and
compensation during their highest five consecutive plan years of employment. The
Company's policy for the plans is to fund at least the minimum amount required
by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost -- benefits earned during the year............. $ 19.0 $ 19.9 $ 19.0
Interest cost............................................... 25.5 23.5 21.9
Expected return on plan assets.............................. (34.9) (31.2) (28.3)
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)........................ 0.4 0.1 (0.4)
Amortization of transition asset............................ (1.8) (1.9) (1.9)
Amortization of prior service cost.......................... (1.7) (2.0) (2.3)
------ ------ ------
Net periodic pension cost................................... $ 6.5 $ 8.4 $ 8.0
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-29
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes the status of the pension plan. At December 31,
1998 and 1997 the plan's assets exceeded its projected benefit obligations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Change in benefit obligations:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year....... $370.4 $344.2
Service cost -- benefits earned during the year......... 19.0 19.9
Interest cost........................................... 25.5 23.5
Actuarial losses........................................ 20.4 0.3
Benefits paid........................................... (21.1) (17.5)
------ ------
Projected benefit obligation at end of year............. $414.2 $370.4
====== ======
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year.......... $395.5 $347.8
Actual return on plan assets............................ 67.2 65.2
Benefits paid........................................... (21.1) (17.5)
------ ------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year................ 441.6 395.5
------ ------
Funded status of the plan............................... 27.4 25.1
Unrecognized transition obligation...................... (23.9) (26.2)
Unamortized prior service cost.......................... (11.0) (13.9)
Unrecognized net actuarial gains........................ (54.9) (44.9)
------ ------
Net pension liability............................... $(62.4) $(59.9)
====== ======
</TABLE>
As a result of AFC's merger with APY, certain pension liabilities were reduced
by $11.7 million in 1997, to reflect their fair value as of the purchase date.
These pension liabilities were reduced by $10.3 million in 1998, which reflects
fair value, net of applicable amortization. Determination of the projected
benefit obligations was based on a weighted average discount rate of 6.5% and
7.0% in 1998 and 1997, respectively, and the assumed long-term rate of return on
plan assets was 9.0% in both 1998 and 1997. The actuarial present value of the
projected benefit obligations was determined using assumed rates of increase in
future compensation levels ranging from 5.0% to 5.5%. Plan assets are invested
primarily in various separate accounts and the general account of FAFLIC. Plan
assets also include 973,262 shares of AFC Common Stock at both December 31, 1998
and 1997, with a market value of $56.3 million and $48.6 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
The Company has a defined contribution 401(k) plan for its employees, whereby
the Company matches employee elective 401(k) contributions, up to a maximum
percentage determined annually by the Board of Directors. During 1998, 1997 and
1996, the Company matched 50% of employees' contributions up to 6.0% of eligible
compensation. The total expenses related to this plan was $5.6 million, $3.3
million and $5.5 million, in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. In addition to
this plan, the Company has a defined contribution plan for substantially all of
its agents. The Plan expense in 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $3.0 million, $2.8
million and $2.0 million, respectively.
On January 1, 1998, substantially all of the aforementioned defined benefit and
defined contribution 401k plans were merged with the existing benefit plans of
FAFLIC. The merger of benefit plans resulted in a $5.9 million change of
interest adjustment to additional paid in capital during 1998. The change of
interest adjustment arose from FAFLIC's forgiveness of certain Allmerica P&C
benefit plan liabilities attributable to Allmerica P&C's minority interest.
F-30
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
10. OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
In addition to the Company's pension plans, the Company currently provides
postretirement medical and death benefits to certain full-time employees and
dependents, under several plans sponsored by FAFLIC. Generally, employees become
eligible at age 55 with at least 15 years of service. Spousal coverage is
generally provided for up to two years after death of the retiree. Benefits
include hospital, major medical, and a payment at death equal to retirees' final
compensation up to certain limits. Effective January 1, 1996, the Company
revised these benefits so as to establish limits on future benefit payments and
to restrict eligibility to current employees. The medical plans have varying
copayments and deductibles, depending on the plan. These plans are unfunded.
The plan changes, effective January 1, 1996, resulted in a negative plan
amendment (change in eligibility and medical benefits) of $26.8 million and
curtailment (no future increases in life insurance) of $5.3 million. The
negative plan amendment will be amortized as prior service cost over the average
number of years to full eligibility (approximately 9 years or $3.0 million per
year). Of the $5.3 million curtailment gain, $3.3 million has been deducted from
unrecognized loss and $2.0 million has been recorded as a reduction of the net
periodic postretirement benefit expense.
The plans' funded status reconciled with amounts recognized in the Company's
consolidated balance sheet were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997
- ------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Change in benefit obligation:
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at
beginning of year..................................... $ 71.8 $ 72.3
Service cost............................................ 3.1 3.0
Interest cost........................................... 5.1 4.6
Actuarial losses........................................ 7.6 (4.7)
Benefits paid........................................... (3.6) (3.4)
------ ------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at end of
year.................................................. 84.0 71.8
Fair value of plan assets at end of year................ -- --
------ ------
Funded status of the plan............................... (84.0) (71.8)
Unamortized prior service cost.......................... (12.9) (15.3)
Unrecognized net actuarial losses....................... 7.5 0.8
------ ------
Accumulated postretirement benefit costs................ $(89.4) $(86.3)
====== ======
</TABLE>
The components of net periodic postretirement benefit expense were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost................................................ $ 3.1 $ 3.0 $ 3.2
Interest cost............................................... 5.1 4.6 4.6
Recognized net actuarial loss (gain)........................ 0.1 (0.1) 0.2
Amortization of prior service cost.......................... (2.4) (2.7) (3.0)
----- ----- -----
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost.................... $ 5.9 $ 4.8 $ 5.0
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
As a result of AFC's merger with APY in 1997, certain postretirement liabilities
were reduced by $6.1 million to reflect their fair value as of the purchase
date. These postretirement liabilities were reduced by $5.4 million in 1998,
which reflects fair value, net of applicable amortization.
F-31
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For purposes of measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at
December 31, 1998, health care costs were assumed to increase 7.0% in 1999,
declining thereafter until the ultimate rate of 5.5% is reached in 2001 and
remains at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has
a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, increasing the
assumed health care cost trend rates by one percentage point in each year would
increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1998
by $5.7 million, and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components
of net periodic postretirement benefit expense for 1998 by $0.7 million.
Conversely, decreasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by one
percentage point in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation at December 31, 1998 by $5.2 million, and the aggregate of
the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement benefit
expense for 1998 by $0.6 million.
The weighted-average discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation was 6.5% and 7.0% at December 31, 1998 and
1997. In addition, the actuarial present value of the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation was determined using an assumed rate of increase in future
compensation levels of 5.5% for FAFLIC agents.
On January 1, 1998, substantially all of the aforementioned postretirement
medical and death benefits plans were merged with the existing benefit plans of
FAFLIC. The merger of benefit plans resulted in a $3.8 million change of
interest adjustment to additional paid in capital during 1998. The change of
interest adjustment arose from FAFLIC's forgiveness of certain Allmerica P&C
benefit plan liabilities attributable to Allmerica P&C's minority interest.
11. DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
Massachusetts, Delaware, New Hampshire and Michigan have enacted laws governing
the payment of dividends to stockholders by insurers. These laws affect the
dividend paying ability of FAFLIC, AFLIAC, Hanover and Citizens, respectively.
Dividends from FAFLIC and Allmerica P&C (Hanover) are the primary source of cash
flow for AFC.
Massachusetts' statute limits the dividends an insurer may pay in any twelve
month period, without the prior permission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Insurance Commissioner, to the greater of (i) 10% of its statutory policyholder
surplus as of the preceding December 31 or (ii) the individual company's
statutory net gain from operations for the preceding calendar year (if such
insurer is a life company), or its net income for the preceding calendar year
(if such insurer is not a life company). In addition, under Massachusetts law,
no domestic insurer shall pay a dividend or make any distribution to its
shareholders from other than unassigned funds unless the Commissioner shall have
approved such dividend or distribution. During 1998, FAFLIC paid dividends of
$50.0 million to AFC. No dividends were declared by FAFLIC to AFC during 1997 or
1996 During 1999, FAFLIC could pay dividends of $116.4 million to AFC without
prior approval of the Commissioner.
Pursuant to Delaware's statute, the maximum amount of dividends and other
distributions that an insurer may pay in any twelve month period, without the
prior approval of the Delaware Commissioner of Insurance, is limited to the
greater of (i) 10% of its policyholders' surplus as of the preceding December 31
or (ii) the individual company's statutory net gain from operations for the
preceding calendar year (if such insurer is a life company) or its net income
(not including realized capital gains) for the preceding calendar year (if such
insurer is not a life company). Any dividends to be paid by an insurer, whether
or not in excess of the aforementioned threshold, from a source other than
statutory earned surplus would also require the prior approval of the Delaware
Commissioner of Insurance. No dividends were declared by AFLIAC to FAFLIC during
1998, 1997 or 1996. During 1999, AFLIAC could pay dividends of $26.1 million to
FAFLIC without prior approval.
F-32
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Pursuant to New Hampshire's statute, the maximum dividends and other
distributions that an insurer may pay in any twelve month period, without the
prior approval of the New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner, is limited to 10% of
such insurer's statutory policyholder surplus as of the preceding December 31.
Hanover declared dividends to Allmerica P&C totaling, $125.0 million, $120.0
million and $105.0 million during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. During
1999, the maximum dividend and other distributions that could be paid to
Allmerica P&C by Hanover, without prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner,
is approximately $1.6 million, which considers an extraordinary dividend of
$125.0 million declared on March 12, 1998. The allowable dividend without prior
approval will increase to $126.6 million on March 12, 1999.
Pursuant to Michigan's statute, the maximum dividends and other distributions
that an insurer may pay in any twelve month period, without prior approval of
the Michigan Insurance Commissioner, is limited to the greater of 10% of
policyholders' surplus as of December 31 of the immediately preceding year or
the statutory net income less realized gains, for the immediately preceding
calendar year. Citizens Insurance paid dividends to Citizens Corporation
totaling $200.0 million and $6.3 million during 1998 and 1996, respectively. A
$180.0 million extraordinary dividend was approved by the Commissioner in 1998.
No dividends were declared by Citizens Insurance during 1997. During 1999,
Citizens Insurance can declare no dividends to Citizens Corporation without
prior approval of the Michigan Insurance Commissioner as a result of the $180.0
million extraordinary dividend declared on December 21, 1998.
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company offers financial products and services in two major areas: Risk
Management and Retirement and Asset Accumulation. Within these broad areas, the
Company conducts business principally in four operating segments.
Effective January 1, 1998, the Company adopted Statement No. 131. Upon adoption,
the separate financial information of each segment was re-defined consistent
with the way results are regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision
maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. A
summary of the significant changes in reportable segments is included below.
The Risk Management group includes two segments: Property and Casualty and
Corporate Risk Management Services. The Property and Casualty segment includes
property and casualty insurance products, such as automobile insurance,
homeowners insurance, commercial multiple peril insurance, and workers'
compensation insurance. These products are offered by Allmerica P&C through its
operating subsidiaries, Hanover and Citizens. Substantially all of the Property
and Casualty segment's earnings are generated in Michigan and the Northeast
(Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,
Vermont and Maine). The Corporate Risk Management Services segment includes
group life and health insurance products and services which assist employers in
administering employee benefit programs and in managing the related risks.
The Retirement and Asset Accumulation group includes two segments: Allmerica
Financial Services and Allmerica Asset Management. The Allmerica Financial
Services segment includes variable annuities, variable universal life and
traditional life insurance products distributed via retail channels as well as
group retirement products, such as defined benefit and 401(k) plans and
tax-sheltered annuities distributed to institutions. Through its Allmerica Asset
Management segment, the Company offers its customers the option of investing in
three types of GICs; the traditional GIC, the synthetic GIC and the floating
rate GIC. This segment is also a Registered Investment Advisor providing
investment advisory services, primarily to affiliates, and to other
institutions, such as insurance companies and pension plans. In addition to the
four operating segments, the Company has a Corporate segment, which consists
primarily of cash, investments, corporate debt, Capital Securities and corporate
overhead expenses. Corporate overhead expenses reflect costs not attributable to
a
F-33
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
particular segment, such as those generated by certain officers and directors,
Corporate Technology, Corporate Finance, Human Resources and the legal
department.
Significant changes to the Company's segmentation include a reclassification of
corporate overhead expenses from each operating segment into the Corporate
segment. Additionally, certain products (group retirement products, such as
401(k) plans and tax-sheltered annuities, group variable universal life) and
certain other non-insurance operations (telemarketing and trust services)
previously reported in the Allmerica Financial Institutional Services segment
were combined with the Allmerica Financial Services segment. Also, the Company
reclassified the GIC product line previously reported in the Allmerica Financial
Institutional Services segment into the Allmerica Asset Management segment.
Management evaluates the results of the aforementioned segments based on pre-tax
segment income. Pre-tax segment income is determined by adjusting net income for
net realized investment gains and losses, net gains and losses on disposals of
businesses, extraordinary items, the cumulative effect of accounting changes and
certain other items which management believes are not indicative of overall
operating trends. While these items may be significant components in
understanding and assessing the Company's financial performance, management
believes that the presentation of pre-tax segment income enhances its
understanding of the Company's results of operations by highlighting net income
attributable to the normal, recurring operations of the business. However,
pre-tax segment income should not be construed as a substitute for net income
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Summarized below is financial information with respect to business segments:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Segment revenues:
Risk Management
Property and Casualty................................... $2,204.8 $2,211.0 $2,145.8
Corporate Risk Management Services...................... 412.9 405.4 370.7
-------- -------- --------
Subtotal............................................ 2,617.7 2,616.4 2,516.5
-------- -------- --------
Retirement and Asset Accumulation
Allmerica Financial Services............................ 721.2 709.7 700.0
Allmerica Asset Management.............................. 121.7 91.1 110.5
-------- -------- --------
Subtotal............................................ 842.9 800.8 810.5
-------- -------- --------
Corporate................................................. 2.3 5.5 5.2
Intersegment revenues..................................... (7.6) (11.6) (13.8)
-------- -------- --------
Total segment revenues including Closed Block........... 3,455.2 3,411.1 3,318.4
-------- -------- --------
Adjustment to segment revenues:
Adjustment for Closed Block............................. (98.4) (102.6) (105.7)
Net realized gains...................................... 62.6 75.6 66.8
-------- -------- --------
Total revenues...................................... $3,419.4 $3,384.2 $3,279.5
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
F-34
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Segment income (loss) before income taxes and minority
interest:
Risk Management
Property and Casualty................................... $151.4 $172.9 $170.7
Corporate Risk Management Services...................... 7.8 27.0 28.3
------ ------ ------
Subtotal............................................ 159.2 199.9 199.0
------ ------ ------
Retirement and Asset Accumulation
Allmerica Financial Services............................ 166.6 134.6 106.8
Allmerica Asset Management.............................. 23.7 18.4 11.5
------ ------ ------
Subtotal............................................ 190.3 153.0 118.3
------ ------ ------
Corporate................................................. (45.3) (44.6) (36.6)
------ ------ ------
Segment income before income taxes and minority
interest.............................................. 304.2 308.3 280.7
------ ------ ------
Adjustments to segment income:
Net realized investment gains, net of amortization...... 53.9 78.7 69.6
Sales practice litigation expense....................... (31.0) -- --
Loss on exiting reinsurance pools....................... (25.3)
Gain from change in mortality assumptions............... -- 47.0 --
Loss on cession of disability income business........... -- (53.9) --
Restructuring costs..................................... (13.0) -- --
Other items............................................. (.7) (3.2) (1.1)
------ ------ ------
Income before taxes and minority interest................. $288.1 $376.9 $349.2
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1998 1997
- ------------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS DEFERRED ACQUISITION
COSTS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Risk Management
Property and Casualty......................... $ 5,649.0 $ 5,650.4 $ 164.9 $167.2
Corporate Risk Management Services............ 567.8 619.8 2.6 2.9
--------- --------- -------- ------
Subtotal.................................. 6,216.8 6,270.2 167.5 170.1
Retirement and Asset Accumulation
Allmerica Financial Services.................. 19,407.3 15,159.2 993.1 794.5
Allmerica Asset Management.................... 1,810.9 1,035.1 0.6 0.9
--------- --------- -------- ------
Subtotal.................................. 21,218.2 16,194.3 993.7 795.4
Corporate..................................... 29.6 26.9 -- --
--------- --------- -------- ------
Total..................................... $27,464.6 $22,491.4 $1,161.2 $965.5
========= ========= ======== ======
</TABLE>
13. LEASE COMMITMENTS
Rental expenses for operating leases, principally with respect to buildings,
amounted to $34.9 million, $33.6 million and $34.9 million in 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. At December 31, 1998, future minimum rental payments under
non-cancelable operating leases were approximately $73.5 million, payable as
follows: 1999 -- $28.6 million; 2000 -- $21.0 million; 2001 -- $13.8 million;
2002 -- $6.9 million; and $3.2 million thereafter. It is expected that, in the
normal course of business, leases that expire will be renewed or replaced by
leases on other property and equipment; thus, it is anticipated that future
minimum lease commitments will not be less than the amounts shown for 1999.
F-35
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
14. REINSURANCE
In the normal course of business, the Company seeks to reduce the loss that may
arise from catastrophes or other events that cause unfavorable underwriting
results by reinsuring certain levels of risk in various areas of exposure with
other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. Reinsurance transactions are
accounted for in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 113, "Accounting and
Reporting for Reinsurance of Short Duration and Long Duration Contracts".
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers are estimated in a manner consistent with
the claim liability associated with the reinsured policy. Reinsurance contracts
do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. Failure of
reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company;
consequently, allowances are established for amounts deemed uncollectible. The
Company determines the appropriate amount of reinsurance based on evaluation of
the risks accepted and analyses prepared by consultants and reinsurers and on
market conditions (including the availability and pricing of reinsurance). The
Company also believes that the terms of its reinsurance contracts are consistent
with industry practice in that they contain standard terms with respect to lines
of business covered, limit and retention, arbitration and occurrence. Based on
its review of its reinsurers' financial statements and reputations in the
reinsurance marketplace, the Company believes that its reinsurers are
financially sound.
The Company is subject to concentration of risk with respect to reinsurance
ceded to various residual market mechanisms. As a condition to the ability to
conduct certain business in various states, the Company is required to
participate in various residual market mechanisms and pooling arrangements which
provide various insurance coverages to individuals or other entities that are
otherwise unable to purchase such coverage voluntarily provided by private
insurers. These market mechanisms and pooling arrangements include the
Massachusetts Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers ("CAR"), the Maine Workers'
Compensation Residual Market Pool ("MWCRP") and the Michigan Catastrophic Claims
Association ("MCCA"). At December 31, 1998, CAR was the only reinsurer which
represented 10% or more of the Company's reinsurance business. As a servicing
carrier in Massachusetts, the Company cedes a significant portion of its private
passenger and commercial automobile premiums to CAR. Net premiums earned and
losses and loss adjustment expenses ceded to CAR in 1998, 1997 and 1996 were
$34.3 million and $38.1 million, $32.3 million and $28.2 million, and $38.0
million and $21.8 million, respectively. The Company ceded to MCCA premiums
earned and losses and loss adjustment expenses in 1998, 1997 and 1996 of $3.7
million and $18.0 million, $9.8 million and $(0.8) million, and $50.5 million
and $(52.9) million, respectively.
On June 2, 1998, the Company recorded a $124.2 million one-time reduction of its
direct and ceded written premiums as a result of a return of excess surplus from
MCCA. This transaction had no impact on the total net premiums recorded by the
Company in 1998.
Because the MCCA is supported by assessments permitted by statute, and all
amounts billed by the Company to CAR, MWCRP and MCCA have been paid when due,
the Company believes that it has no significant exposure to uncollectible
reinsurance balances.
F-36
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
The effects of reinsurance were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Life and accident and health insurance premiums:
Direct.................................................. $ 416.6 $ 417.4 $ 389.1
Assumed................................................. 111.9 110.7 87.8
Ceded................................................... (189.8) (170.1) (138.9)
-------- -------- --------
Net premiums................................................ $ 338.7 $ 358.0 $ 338.0
======== ======== ========
Property and casualty premiums written:
Direct.................................................. $1,969.3 $2,068.5 $2,039.7
Assumed................................................. 58.8 103.1 108.7
Ceded................................................... (74.1) (179.8) (234.0)
-------- -------- --------
Net premiums................................................ $1,954.0 $1,991.8 $1,914.4
======== ======== ========
Property and casualty premiums earned:
Direct.................................................. $1,966.8 $2,046.2 $2,018.5
Assumed................................................. 64.5 102.0 112.4
Ceded................................................... (66.1) (195.1) (232.6)
-------- -------- --------
Net premiums................................................ $1,965.2 $1,953.1 $1,898.3
======== ======== ========
Life insurance and other individual policy benefits, claims,
losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Direct.................................................. $ 653.6 $ 656.4 $ 606.5
Assumed................................................. 67.9 61.6 44.9
Ceded................................................... (164.0) (158.8) (77.8)
-------- -------- --------
Net policy benefits, claims, losses and loss adjustment
expenses................................................... $ 557.5 $ 559.2 $ 573.6
======== ======== ========
Property and casualty benefits, claims, losses and loss
adjustment expenses:
Direct.................................................. $1,588.3 $1,464.9 $1,299.8
Assumed................................................. 62.7 101.2 85.8
Ceded................................................... (158.2) (120.6) (2.2)
-------- -------- --------
Net policy benefits, claims, losses, and loss adjustment
expenses................................................... $1,492.8 $1,445.5 $1,383.4
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
15. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
The following reflects changes to the deferred policy acquisition asset:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at beginning of year................................ $ 965.5 $ 822.7 $ 735.7
Acquisition expenses deferred........................... 641.2 617.7 547.4
Amortized to expense during the year.................... (452.8) (476.0) (470.1)
Adjustment to equity during the year.................... 7.3 (11.1) 9.7
Adjustment for cession of disability income insurance... -- (38.6) --
Adjustment for revision of universal and variable
universal life insurance mortality assumptions........ -- 50.8 --
-------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year...................................... $1,161.2 $ 965.5 $ 822.7
======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-37
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
At October 1, 1997, the Company revised the mortality assumptions for universal
life and variable universal life product lines. These revisions resulted in a
$50.8 million recapitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs.
16. LIABILITIES FOR OUTSTANDING CLAIMS, LOSSES AND
LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
The Company regularly updates its estimates of liabilities for outstanding
claims, losses and loss adjustment expenses as new information becomes available
and further events occur which may impact the resolution of unsettled claims for
its property and casualty and its accident and health lines of business. Changes
in prior estimates are recorded in results of operations in the year such
changes are determined to be needed.
The liability for future policy benefits and outstanding claims, losses and loss
adjustment expenses related to the Company's accident and health business was
$568.0 million, $533.6 million and $471.7 million at December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Accident and health claim liabilities were re-estimated for
all prior years and were increased by $14.6 million in 1998, and decreased by
$0.2 million and $0.6 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in
1998 resulted from the Company's reserve strengthening primarily in the assumed
reinsurance and stop loss only business.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending
property and casualty reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses
(LAE):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Reserve for losses and LAE, beginning of the year........... $2,615.4 $2,744.1 $2,896.0
Incurred losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverable:
Provision for insured events of the current year........ 1,609.0 1,564.1 1,513.3
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior
years................................................. (127.2) (127.9) (141.4)
-------- -------- --------
Total incurred losses and LAE............................... 1,481.8 1,436.2 1,371.9
-------- -------- --------
Payments, net of reinsurance recoverable:
Losses and LAE attributable to insured events of current
year.................................................. 871.9 775.1 759.6
Losses and LAE attributable to insured events of prior
years................................................. 643.0 732.1 627.6
-------- -------- --------
Total payments.............................................. 1,514.9 1,507.2 1,387.2
-------- -------- --------
Change in reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses.......... 15.0 (50.2) (136.6)
-------- -------- --------
Other (1)................................................... -- (7.5) --
-------- -------- --------
Reserve for losses and LAE, end of year..................... $2,597.3 $2,615.4 $2,744.1
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
(1) Includes purchase accounting adjustments.
As part of an ongoing process, the property and casualty reserves have been
re-estimated for all prior accident years and were decreased by $127.2 million,
$127.9 million and $141.1 million in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
The decrease in favorable development on prior years' reserves of $0.7 million
in 1998 results from a $20.7 million decrease in favorable development at
Citizens, significantly offset by a $20.0 million increase in favorable
development at Hanover. The decrease in favorable development on prior year
reserves at Citizens in 1998, reflects a $13.8 million decrease in favorable
development, to $21.9 million, in the workers' compensation line. In addition,
favorable development in the commercial multiple peril line decreased $4.0
million, to
F-38
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
$0.3 million. These declines in favorable development are partially offset by
continued favorable development on prior year reserves in the personal
automobile line due to tort reform in Michigan, which became effective July 26,
1996. The new legislation requires judges rather than juries to determine if the
minimum threshold to allow pain and suffering damage settlements has been met.
The increase in favorable development at Hanover during 1998 reflects a $20.6
million increase in favorable development on prior year reserves, to $38.0
million, in the personal automobile line, as well as a $14.9 million increase to
$12.1 million in the commercial multiple peril line. These increases are
primarily attributable to the initiatives taken by the Company over the past two
years which are expected to reduce ultimate settlement costs. These increases
are partially offset by less favorable development in the workers' compensation
line where favorable development on prior year reserves decreased
$19.2 million, to $9.6 million.
The decrease in favorable development on prior years' reserves of $13.5 million
in 1997 results primarily from a $24.6 million decrease in favorable development
at Hanover to $58.4 million, partially offset by an $11.1 million increase in
favorable development at Citizens to $69.5 million. The decrease in Hanover's
favorable development of $24.6 million in 1997 reflects a decrease in favorable
development of $25.0 million, to $17.4 million, in the personal automobile line
as well as a decrease in favorable development of $8.5 million, to unfavorable
development of $2.8 million, in the commercial multiple peril line. These
decreases were partially offset by an increase in favorable development in the
workers' compensation line of $11.5 million, to $28.8 million. The increase in
favorable development at Citizens in 1997, reflects improved severity in the
workers' compensation line where favorable development increased $13.9 million,
to $35.7 million, and in the commercial multiple peril line where favorable
development increased $7.0 million, to $4.3 million. These increases are
partially offset by less favorable development in the personal automobile line,
where favorable development decreased $10.5 million, to $22.5 million in 1997.
This favorable development reflects the Regional Property and Casualty
subsidiaries' reserving philosophy consistently applied over these periods.
Conditions and trends that have affected development of the loss and LAE
reserves in the past may not necessarily occur in the future.
Due to the nature of the business written by the Regional Property and Casualty
subsidiaries, the exposure to environmental liabilities is relatively small and
therefore their reserves are relatively small compared to other types of
liabilities. Loss and LAE reserves related to environmental damage and toxic
tort liability, included in the total reserve for losses and LAE were $49.9
million, $53.1 million and $50.8 million, net of reinsurance of $14.2 million,
$15.7 million and $20.2 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
Regional Property and Casualty subsidiaries do not specifically underwrite
policies that include this coverage, but as case law expands policy provisions
and insurers' liability beyond the intended coverage, the Regional Property and
Casualty subsidiaries may be required to defend such claims. The Company
estimated its ultimate liability for these claims based upon currently known
facts, reasonable assumptions where the facts are not known, current law and
methodologies currently available. Although these claims are not material, their
existence gives rise to uncertainty and is discussed because of the possibility,
however remote, that they may become material. The Company believes that,
notwithstanding the evolution of case law expanding liability in environmental
claims, recorded reserves related to these claims are adequate. In addition, the
Company is not aware of any litigation or pending claims that may result in
additional material liabilities in excess of recorded reserves. The
environmental liability could be revised in the near term if the estimates used
in determining the liability are revised.
17. MINORITY INTEREST
The Company's interest in Allmerica P&C is represented by ownership of 70.0%,
65.8% and 59.5% of the outstanding shares of common stock at December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively. Earnings and
F-39
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
shareholder's equity attributable to minority shareholders are included in
minority interest in the consolidated financial statements.
18. CONTINGENCIES
REGULATORY AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS
Unfavorable economic conditions may contribute to an increase in the number of
insurance companies that are under regulatory supervision. This may result in an
increase in mandatory assessments by state guaranty funds, or voluntary payments
by solvent insurance companies to cover losses to policyholders of insolvent or
rehabilitated companies. Mandatory assessments, which are subject to statutory
limits, can be partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes
in some states. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the potential
effect on it of any such future assessments or voluntary payments.
LITIGATION
In July 1997, a lawsuit on behalf of a putative class was instituted in
Louisiana against AFC and certain of its subsidiaries, including FAFLIC, by
individual plaintiffs alleging fraud, unfair or deceptive acts, breach of
contract, misrepresentation, and related claims in the sale of life insurance
policies. In October 1997, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the Louisiana
suit and filed a substantially similar action in Federal District Court in
Worcester, Massachusetts. In early November 1998, the Company and the plaintiffs
entered into a settlement agreement, to which the court granted preliminary
approval on December 4, 1998. A hearing was held on March 19, 1999 to consider
final approval of the settlement agreement. A decision by the court is expected
to be rendered in the near future. Accordingly, FAFLIC recognized a
$31.0 million pre-tax expense during the third quarter of 1998 related to this
litigation. Although the Company believes that this expense reflects appropriate
recognition of its obligation under the settlement, this estimate assumes the
availability of insurance coverage for certain claims, and the estimate may be
revised based on the amount of reimbursement actually tendered by AFC's
insurance carriers, if any, and based on changes in the Company's estimate of
the ultimate cost of the benefits to be provided to members of the class.
The Company has been named a defendant in various other legal proceedings
arising in the normal course of business. In the Company's opinion, based on the
advice of legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will not
have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
However, liabilities related to these proceedings could be established in the
near term if estimates of the ultimate resolution of these proceedings are
revised.
RESIDUAL MARKETS
The Company is required to participate in residual markets in various states.
The results of the residual markets are not subject to the predictability
associated with the Company's own managed business, and are significant to the
workers' compensation line of business and both the private passenger and
commercial automobile lines of business.
YEAR 2000
The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being written using two
digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
computer programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among
other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or
engage in similar normal business activities.
F-40
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Although the Company does not believe that there is a material contingency
associated with the Year 2000 project, there can be no assurance that exposure
for material contingencies will not arise.
19. STATUTORY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Company and its insurance subsidiaries are required to file annual
statements with state regulatory authorities prepared on an accounting basis
prescribed or permitted by such authorities (statutory basis). Statutory surplus
differs from shareholder's equity reported in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles primarily because policy acquisition costs are expensed
when incurred, investment reserves are based on different assumptions,
postretirement benefit costs are based on different assumptions and reflect a
different method of adoption, life insurance reserves are based on different
assumptions and income tax expense reflects only taxes paid or currently
payable. Statutory net income and surplus are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN MILLIONS) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory Net Income (Combined)
Property and Casualty Companies......................... $ 180.7 $ 190.3 $ 155.5
Life and Health Companies............................... 86.4 191.2 133.3
Statutory Shareholder's Surplus (Combined)
Property and Casualty Companies......................... $1,269.3 $1,279.6 $1,201.6
Life and Health Companies............................... 1,164.1 1,221.3 1,120.1
</TABLE>
20. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On April 1, 1999, Allmerica P&C redeemed an additional 3,246.8 shares of its
issued and outstanding common stock owned by AFC for $125.0 million, thereby
increasing FAFLIC's ownership of Allmerica P&C by 4.8%. The 1999 transaction
consisted of $75.4 million of securities and $49.6 million of cash.
21. EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO DATE OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT (UNAUDITED)
During the second quarter of 1999, AFC approved a plan to exit its group life
and health insurance business, consisting of its Employee Benefit Services
("EBS") business, its Affinity Group Underwriters ("AGU") business and its
accident and health assumed reinsurance pool business ("reinsurance pool
business"). During the third quarter of 1998, the Company ceased writing new
premium in the reinsurance pool business, subject to certain contractual
obligations. Prior to 1999, these businesses comprised substantially all of the
former Corporate Risk Management Services segment. Accordingly, the operating
results of FAFLIC's group life and health insurance business, including its
reinsurance pool business, have been reported in the Consolidated Statements of
Income as discontinued operations in the second quarter of 1999 in accordance
with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results of
Operations--Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and
Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions" ("APB
No. 30"). In the third quarter of 1999, the operating results from the
discontinued business were adjusted to reflect the recording of additional
reserves related to prior years. At December 31, 1998, the businesses had assets
of approximately $480.9 million consisting primarily of invested assets,
premiums and fees receivable, and reinsurance recoverables, and liabilities of
approximately $445.3 million consisting primarily of policy liabilities.
Revenues for the discontinued operations were $398.5 million, $389.2 million,
and $356.4 million for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Net (loss) income for the discontinued operations was ($13.3)
million, $16.6 million, and $17.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively. On October 6, 1999, AFC announced that it reached
an agreement which provides for the sale of the Company's EBS business effective
F-41
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 1, 2000. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a
$30.5 million loss, net of taxes, on the disposal of its group life and health
business.
AFC has made certain changes to its corporate structure effective July 1, 1999.
These changes include the transfer of FAFLIC's ownership of Allmerica P&C, as
well as several non-insurance subsidiaries, from FAFLIC to AFC. FAFLIC has
retained its ownership of AFLIAC and certain other subsidiaries. Under an
agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner ("the
Commissioner"), AFC has contributed to FAFLIC capital of $125.0 million and
agreed to maintain FAFLIC's statutory surplus at specified levels during the
following six years. In addition, any dividend from FAFLIC to AFC during 2000
and 2001 would require the prior approval of the Commissioner. This transaction
was approved by the Commissioner on May 24, 1999.
In 1998, the net income of the subsidiaries, which is included in FAFLIC's net
income, to be transferred from FAFLIC to AFC pursuant to the aforementioned
change in corporate structure was $95.7 million. As of December 31, 1998, the
total assets and total shareholders' equity of these subsidiaries were $4,033.0
million and $1,264.1 million, respectively.
On May 19, 1999, the Federal District Court in Worcester, Massachusetts issued
an order relating to the litigation mentioned in Note 18, above, certifying the
class for settlement purposes and granting final approval of the settlement
agreement.
Prior to the aforementioned change in AFC's corporate structure, on May 5, 1999
and May 11, 1999, Allmerica P&C redeemed 1,273.9 shares and 4,142.0 shares of
its issued and outstanding common stock owned by AFC for $50.0 million and
$175.0 million, respectively. The May 5, 1999 and May 11, 1999 transactions
consisted of cash and short-term securities. After the May 11, 1999 transaction,
FAFLIC's ownership of Allmerica P&C increased to 84.52%.
F-42
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company
and the Contractowners of the Allmerica Select Separate Account of First
Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company
In our opinion, the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, and the
related statements of operations and changes in net assets present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of each of the Sub-Accounts
constituting the Allmerica Select Separate Account of First Allmerica Financial
Life Insurance Company at December 31, 1998, the results of each of their
operations and the changes in each of their net assets for each of the periods
indicated, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements are the responsibility of First Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance
about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included
confirmation of securities at December 31, 1998 by correspondence with the
Funds, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 26, 1999
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECT
AGGRESSIVE SELECT SELECT GROWTH SELECT
GROWTH GROWTH AND INCOME INCOME
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in shares of Allmerica
Investment Trust........................... $12,561,416 $18,446,761 $21,801,452 $14,583,549
Investments in shares of Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products Fund (VIP).............. -- -- -- --
Investment in shares of T. Rowe Price
International Series, Inc.................. -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Total assets.............................. 12,561,416 18,446,761 21,801,452 14,583,549
LIABILITIES: -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Net assets................................ $12,561,416 $18,446,761 $21,801,452 $14,583,549
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Net asset distribution by category:
Qualified variable annuity contracts...... $ 4,248,725 $ 6,351,759 $ 8,274,261 $ 5,999,479
Non-qualified variable annuity
contracts............................... 8,312,691 12,095,002 13,527,191 8,584,070
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
$12,561,416 $18,446,761 $21,801,452 $14,583,549
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
----------- ----------- ------------- -----------
Qualified units outstanding, December 31,
1998....................................... 2,181,432 2,355,488 3,766,513 4,529,088
Net asset value per qualified unit, December
31, 1998................................... $ 1.947677 $ 2.696579 $ 2.196796 $ 1.324655
Non-qualified units outstanding, December
31, 1998................................... 4,268,003 4,485,313 6,157,691 6,480,231
Net asset value per non-qualified unit,
December 31, 1998.......................... $ 1.947677 $ 2.696579 $ 2.196796 $ 1.324655
<CAPTION>
SELECT SELECT
MONEY INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL
MARKET EQUITY APPRECIATION
----------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in shares of Allmerica
Investment Trust........................... $10,490,079 $10,116,897 $ 4,998,127
Investments in shares of Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products Fund (VIP).............. -- -- --
Investment in shares of T. Rowe Price
International Series, Inc.................. -- -- --
----------- ------------- ------------
Total assets.............................. 10,490,079 10,116,897 4,998,127
LIABILITIES: -- -- --
----------- ------------- ------------
Net assets................................ $10,490,079 $10,116,897 $ 4,998,127
----------- ------------- ------------
----------- ------------- ------------
Net asset distribution by category:
Qualified variable annuity contracts...... $ 4,141,447 $ 3,149,462 $ 1,643,610
Non-qualified variable annuity
contracts............................... 6,348,632 6,967,435 3,354,517
----------- ------------- ------------
$10,490,079 $10,116,897 $ 4,998,127
----------- ------------- ------------
----------- ------------- ------------
Qualified units outstanding, December 31,
1998....................................... 3,458,633 1,958,489 875,335
Net asset value per qualified unit, December
31, 1998................................... $ 1.197423 $ 1.608108 $ 1.877692
Non-qualified units outstanding, December
31, 1998................................... 5,301,913 4,332,691 1,786,511
Net asset value per non-qualified unit,
December 31, 1998.......................... $ 1.197423 $ 1.608108 $ 1.877692
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SA-1
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECT SELECT SELECT FIDELITY
EMERGING VALUE STRATEGIC VIP
MARKETS OPPORTUNITY GROWTH HIGH INCOME
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in shares of Allmerica
Investment Trust........................... $ 451,419 $1,351,342 $ 668,824 $ --
Investments in shares of Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products Fund (VIP).............. -- -- -- 7,099,738
Investment in shares of T. Rowe Price
International Series, Inc.................. -- -- -- --
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
Total assets................................ 451,419 1,351,342 668,824 7,099,738
LIABILITIES: -- -- -- --
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
Net assets................................ $ 451,419 $1,351,342 $ 668,824 $7,099,738
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
Net asset distribution by category:
Qualified variable annuity contracts...... $ 146,847 $ 566,348 $ 236,137 $2,168,049
Non-qualified variable annuity
contracts............................... 304,572 784,994 432,687 4,931,689
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
$ 451,419 $1,351,342 $ 668,824 $7,099,738
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
--------- ----------- --------- -----------
Qualified units outstanding, December 31,
1998....................................... 189,230 572,761 245,036 1,606,474
Net asset value per qualified unit, December
31, 1998................................... $0.776022 $ 0.988804 $0.963682 $ 1.349570
Non-qualified units outstanding, December
31, 1998................................... 392,480 793,882 448,994 3,654,266
Net asset value per non-qualified unit,
December 31, 1998.......................... $0.776022 $ 0.988804 $0.963682 $ 1.349570
<CAPTION>
T. ROWE PRICE
FIDELITY VIP FIDELITY VIP INTERNATIONAL
EQUITY-INCOME GROWTH STOCK
------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in shares of Allmerica
Investment Trust........................... $ -- $ -- $ --
Investments in shares of Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products Fund (VIP).............. 10,787,160 8,345,651 --
Investment in shares of T. Rowe Price
International Series, Inc.................. -- -- 3,620,012
------------- ------------ -------------
Total assets................................ 10,787,160 8,345,651 3,620,012
LIABILITIES: -- -- --
------------- ------------ -------------
Net assets................................ $10,787,160 $8,345,651 $3,620,012
------------- ------------ -------------
------------- ------------ -------------
Net asset distribution by category:
Qualified variable annuity contracts...... $ 3,577,543 $2,836,098 $1,310,767
Non-qualified variable annuity
contracts............................... 7,209,617 5,509,553 2,309,245
------------- ------------ -------------
$10,787,160 $8,345,651 $3,620,012
------------- ------------ -------------
------------- ------------ -------------
Qualified units outstanding, December 31,
1998....................................... 1,916,593 1,212,072 938,014
Net asset value per qualified unit, December
31, 1998................................... $ 1.866616 $ 2.339876 $ 1.397385
Non-qualified units outstanding, December
31, 1998................................... 3,862,399 2,354,634 1,652,548
Net asset value per non-qualified unit,
December 31, 1998.......................... $ 1.866616 $ 2.339876 $ 1.397385
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SA-2
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECT
AGGRESSIVE GROWTH SELECT GROWTH
-------------------------- ---------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ -- $ -- $ 11,795 $ 30,122
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (139,108) (97,677) (174,260) (99,600)
Administrative expense fees................ (17,193) (12,073) (21,538) (12,310)
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net investment income (loss)............. (156,301) (109,750) (184,003) (81,788)
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. -- 738,256 140,838 533,528
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. 98,052 110,331 206,220 168,978
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net realized gain (loss)................... 98,052 848,587 347,058 702,506
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. 897,084 433,986 3,907,392 1,513,166
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss).................................. 995,136 1,282,573 4,254,450 2,215,672
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... 838,835 1,172,823 4,070,447 2,133,884
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 2,441,901 1,300,394 4,107,799 1,484,753
Withdrawals................................ (341,477) (323,816) (386,659) (500,965)
Contract benefits.......................... (48,217) (178,269) (37,884) (131,609)
Contract charges........................... (6,180) (4,471) (6,803) (4,056)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... 118,853 1,335,743 259,335 1,889,409
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. 81,304 49,882 6,510 166,908
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. -- -- -- --
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 2,246,184 2,179,463 3,942,298 2,904,440
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 3,085,019 3,352,286 8,012,745 5,038,324
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... 9,476,397 6,124,111 10,434,016 5,395,692
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
End of year................................ $ 12,561,416 $ 9,476,397 $ 18,446,761 $ 10,434,016
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
------------ ----------- ------------ ------------
<CAPTION>
SELECT GROWTH AND INCOME
---------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ 237,907 $ 164,696
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (232,822) (152,333)
Administrative expense fees................ (28,776) (18,827)
------------ ------------
Net investment income (loss)............. (23,691) (6,464)
------------ ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. 68,959 1,289,372
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. 188,075 233,067
------------ ------------
Net realized gain (loss)................... 257,034 1,522,439
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. 2,145,693 720,606
------------ ------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss).................................. 2,402,727 2,243,045
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... 2,379,036 2,236,581
------------ ------------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 5,406,939 2,059,378
Withdrawals................................ (801,875) (489,863)
Contract benefits.......................... (79,461) (202,601)
Contract charges........................... (7,846) (5,379)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... (224,356) 2,504,135
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. 18,691 29,521
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. -- --
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 4,312,092 3,895,191
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 6,691,128 6,131,772
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... 15,110,324 8,978,552
------------ ------------
End of year................................ $ 21,801,452 $ 15,110,324
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SA-3
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECT INCOME MONEY MARKET
-------------------------- ----------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ 646,578 $ 398,454 $ 416,091 $ 389,995
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (134,815) (79,346) (96,761) (90,527)
Administrative expense fees................ (16,662) (9,807) (11,959) (11,189)
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net investment income (loss)............. 495,101 309,301 307,371 288,279
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. -- -- -- --
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. 61,430 12,636 -- --
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net realized gain (loss)................... 61,430 12,636 -- --
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. (19,957) 170,667 -- --
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss).................................. 41,473 183,303 -- --
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... 536,574 492,604 307,371 288,279
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 6,345,431 1,106,933 5,880,643 12,886,102
Withdrawals................................ (414,565) (229,603) (1,064,152) (465,748)
Contract benefits.......................... (45,760) (8,792) (18,419) --
Contract charges........................... (3,819) (2,814) (2,822) (2,413)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... 552,578 456,816 (1,895,688) (12,539,127)
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. (7,507) 17,045 196,883 213,640
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. -- -- -- --
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 6,426,358 1,339,585 3,096,445 92,454
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 6,962,932 1,832,189 3,403,816 380,733
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... 7,620,617 5,788,428 7,086,263 6,705,530
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
End of year................................ $ 14,583,549 $ 7,620,617 $ 10,490,079 $ 7,086,263
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
------------ ----------- ------------ -------------
<CAPTION>
SELECT
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
--------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ 126,116 $ 162,711
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (110,418) (74,259)
Administrative expense fees................ (13,648) (9,179)
------------ -----------
Net investment income (loss)............. 2,050 79,273
------------ -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. -- 226,524
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. 82,145 73,807
------------ -----------
Net realized gain (loss)................... 82,145 300,331
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. 1,042,008 (270,595)
------------ -----------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss).................................. 1,124,153 29,736
------------ -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... 1,126,203 109,009
------------ -----------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 2,245,544 1,176,653
Withdrawals................................ (284,540) (224,414)
Contract benefits.......................... (16,583) (26,708)
Contract charges........................... (4,933) (3,491)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... (4,484) 1,429,323
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. (129,017) 2,089
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. -- --
------------ -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 1,805,987 2,353,452
------------ -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 2,932,190 2,462,461
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... 7,184,707 4,722,246
------------ -----------
End of year................................ $ 10,116,897 $ 7,184,707
------------ -----------
------------ -----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SA-4
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECT SELECT
CAPITAL APPRECIATION EMERGING MARKETS
------------------------- ---------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, PERIOD FROM
1998 1997 2/20/98** TO 12/31/98
----------- ----------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ -- $ -- $ 804
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (49,140) (31,386) (2,411)
Administrative expense fees................ (6,073) (3,880) (298)
----------- ----------- --------
Net investment income (loss)............. (55,213) (35,266) (1,905)
----------- ----------- --------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. 756,482 -- --
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. 56,123 16,394 (4,147)
----------- ----------- --------
Net realized gain (loss)................... 812,605 16,394 (4,147)
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. (265,474) 373,664 (39,804)
----------- ----------- --------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss).................................. 547,131 390,058 (43,951)
----------- ----------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... 491,918 354,792 (45,856)
----------- ----------- --------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 1,525,487 455,314 394,788
Withdrawals................................ (122,872) (178,753) (4,004)
Contract benefits.......................... (53,921) (3,860) --
Contract charges........................... (2,530) (1,660) (4)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... 30,578 574,378 83,289
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. (71,019) (26,003) 23,199
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. -- -- 7
----------- ----------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 1,305,723 819,416 497,275
----------- ----------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 1,797,641 1,174,208 451,419
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... 3,200,486 2,026,278 --
----------- ----------- --------
End of year................................ $ 4,998,127 $ 3,200,486 $451,419
----------- ----------- --------
----------- ----------- --------
<CAPTION>
SELECT SELECT
VALUE OPPORTUNITY STRATEGIC GROWTH
--------------------- ---------------------
PERIOD FROM PERIOD FROM
2/20/98** TO 12/31/98 2/20/98** TO 12/31/98
--------------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ 11,270 $ 1,577
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (6,854) (3,436)
Administrative expense fees................ (848) (424)
----------- --------
Net investment income (loss)............. 3,568 (2,283)
----------- --------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. 1,738 --
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. (5,688) (4,247)
----------- --------
Net realized gain (loss)................... (3,950) (4,247)
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. 7,156 4,002
----------- --------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss).................................. 3,206 (245)
----------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... 6,774 (2,528)
----------- --------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 1,145,004 598,039
Withdrawals................................ (10,533) (11,642)
Contract benefits.......................... -- --
Contract charges........................... (5) (21)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... 144,521 60,193
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. 65,578 24,779
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. 3 4
----------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 1,344,568 671,352
----------- --------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 1,351,342 668,824
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... -- --
----------- --------
End of year................................ $1,351,342 $668,824
----------- --------
----------- --------
</TABLE>
** Date of initial investment
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SA-5
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIDELITY VIP
FIDELITY VIP HIGH INCOME EQUITY-INCOME
------------------------- --------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1998 1997
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ 311,716 $ 125,217 $ 87,131 $ 44,175
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (73,555) (34,372) (107,286) (50,142)
Administrative expense fees................ (9,091) (4,248) (13,260) (6,197)
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Net investment income (loss)............. 229,070 86,597 (33,415) (12,164)
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. 198,070 15,477 310,083 222,104
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. (32,565) 23,743 39,401 43,755
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Net realized gain (loss)................... 165,505 39,220 349,484 265,859
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. (897,298) 298,366 334,416 652,026
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss)................................. (731,793) 337,586 683,900 917,885
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... (502,723) 424,183 650,485 905,721
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 3,619,399 858,576 4,401,675 1,138,625
Withdrawals................................ (469,859) (194,883) (268,598) (244,710)
Contract benefits.......................... (31,220) (3,226) (114,173) --
Contract charges........................... (2,289) (1,362) (3,911) (2,083)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... 477,001 1,251,082 203,743 1,570,935
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. 71,054 4,438 117,505 13,717
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 3,664,086 1,914,625 4,336,241 2,476,484
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 3,161,363 2,338,808 4,986,726 3,382,205
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... 3,938,375 1,599,567 5,800,434 2,418,229
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
End of year................................ $ 7,099,738 $ 3,938,375 $ 10,787,160 $ 5,800,434
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
----------- ----------- ------------ -----------
<CAPTION>
T. ROWE PRICE
FIDELITY VIP INTERNATIONAL
GROWTH STOCK
------------------------- -------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1998 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
Dividends.................................. $ 20,657 $ 13,120 $ 41,541 $ 18,896
Mortality and expense risk fees............ (75,008) (33,250) (36,076) (22,513)
Administrative expense fees................ (9,271) (4,109) (4,458) (2,783)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net investment income (loss)............. (63,622) (24,239) 1,007 (6,400)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
INVESTMENTS:
Realized gain distributions from portfolio
sponsors................................. 540,344 58,731 14,662 26,769
Net realized gain (loss) from sales of
investments.............................. 103,806 21,659 25,186 29,447
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net realized gain (loss)................... 644,150 80,390 39,848 56,216
Net unrealized gain (loss)................. 1,357,167 442,576 300,244 (39,938)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss)................................. 2,001,317 522,966 340,092 16,278
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
operations............................... 1,937,695 498,727 341,099 9,878
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
CONTRACT TRANSACTIONS:
Net purchase payments...................... 2,760,118 608,512 1,182,338 308,489
Withdrawals................................ (161,829) (158,181) (69,415) (150,476)
Contract benefits.......................... (78,540) -- (26,347) (67,027)
Contract charges........................... (2,884) (1,655) (1,415) (1,000)
Transfers between sub-accounts (including
fixed account), net...................... 115,915 975,810 78,521 551,498
Other transfers from (to) the General
Account.................................. 35,742 (36,398) 44,342 11,625
Net increase (decrease) in investment by
Sponsor.................................. -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from
contract transactions.................... 2,668,522 1,388,088 1,208,024 653,109
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets...... 4,606,217 1,886,815 1,549,123 662,987
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year.......................... 3,739,434 1,852,619 2,070,889 1,407,902
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
End of year................................ $ 8,345,651 $ 3,739,434 $ 3,620,012 $ 2,070,889
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SA-6
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 -- ORGANIZATION
Allmerica Select Separate Account (Allmerica Select) is a separate
investment account of First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company (the
Company), established on April 1, 1994 for the purpose of separating from the
general assets of the Company those assets used to fund certain variable annuity
contracts issued by the Company. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Allmerica Financial Corporation (AFC). Under applicable insurance law, the
assets and liabilities of Allmerica Select are clearly identified and
distinguished from the other assets and liabilities of the Company. Allmerica
Select cannot be charged with liabilities arising out of any other business of
the Company.
Allmerica Select is registered as a unit investment trust under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act). Allmerica Select
currently offers fourteen Sub-Accounts. Each Sub-Account invests exclusively in
a corresponding investment portfolio of the Allmerica Investment Trust (the
Trust) managed by Allmerica Financial Investment Management Services, Inc.
(AFIMS) (a successor to Allmerica Investment Management Company, Inc.), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; or of the Variable Insurance Products
Fund (Fidelity VIP) managed by Fidelity Management & Research Company (FMR); or
of the T. Rowe Price International Series, Inc. (T. Rowe Price) managed by Rowe
Price-Fleming International, Inc. The Trust, Fidelity VIP, and T. Rowe Price
(the Funds) are open-end, diversified management investment companies registered
under the 1940 Act.
Allmerica Select funds two types of variable annuity contracts, "qualified"
contracts and "non-qualified" contracts. A qualified contract is one that is
purchased in connection with a retirement plan which meets the requirements of
Section 401, 403, or 408 of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), while a
non-qualified contract is one that is not purchased in connection with one of
the indicated retirement plans. The tax treatment for certain withdrawals or
surrenders will vary according to whether they are made from a qualified
contract or a non-qualified contract.
Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with current
year presentation.
NOTE 2 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
INVESTMENTS -- Security transactions are recorded on the trade date.
Investments held by the Sub-Accounts are stated at the net asset value per share
of the respective investment portfolio of the Funds. Net realized gains and
losses on securities sold are determined using the average cost method.
Dividends and capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date
and are reinvested in additional shares of the respective investment portfolio
of the Funds at net asset value.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES -- The Company is taxed as a "life insurance company"
under Subchapter L of the Code and files a consolidated federal income tax
return. The Company anticipates no tax liability resulting from the operations
of Allmerica Select. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been charged
against Allmerica Select.
SA-7
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 3 -- INVESTMENTS
The number of shares owned, aggregate cost, and net asset value per share of
each Sub-Account's investment in the Funds at December 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO INFORMATION
-----------------------------------
NET
ASSET
VALUE
NUMBER OF AGGREGATE PER
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO SHARES COST SHARE
- ---------------------------------------- ----------- ------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Aggressive Growth................ 5,106,267 $ 10,467,692 $2.460
Select Growth........................... 7,597,513 12,804,266 2.428
Select Growth and Income................ 12,254,892 17,911,433 1.779
Select Income........................... 14,131,346 14,392,678 1.032
Money Market............................ 10,490,079 10,490,079 1.000
Select International Equity............. 6,560,893 8,580,011 1.542
Select Capital Appreciation............. 3,047,638 4,840,606 1.640
Select Emerging Markets................. 575,790 491,223 0.784
Select Value Opportunity................ 801,983 1,344,186 1.685
Select Strategic Growth................. 687,384 664,822 0.973
Fidelity VIP High Income................ 615,762 7,615,019 11.530
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income.............. 424,357 9,610,981 25.420
Fidelity VIP Growth..................... 185,996 6,479,952 44.870
T. Rowe Price International Stock....... 249,312 3,274,356 14.520
</TABLE>
NOTE 4 -- RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company makes a charge of 1.25% per annum based on the average daily net
assets of each Sub-Account at each valuation date for mortality and expense
risks. The Company also charges each Sub-Account 0.15% per annum based on the
average daily net assets of each Sub-Account for administrative expenses. These
charges are deducted from the daily value of each Sub-Account and are paid to
the Company on a daily basis.
For contracts issued on Form A3020-92 (Allmerica Select Resource I), a
contract fee is deducted on the contract anniversary date and upon full
surrender of the contract. For contracts issued on Form A3025-96 (Allmerica
Select Resource II), a contract fee is deducted on the contract anniversary and
upon full surrender if the accumulated value is less than $50,000. The fee is
currently waived for Allmerica Select Resource II contracts issued to and
maintained by the trustee of a 401(k) plan.
Allmerica Investments, Inc. (Allmerica Investments), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, is the principal underwriter and general distributor
of Allmerica Select, and does not receive any compensation for sales of the
contracts. Commissions are paid by the Company to registered representatives of
certain independent broker-dealers. The Allmerica Select Resource I and II
contracts have a contingent deferred sales charge and no deduction is made for
sales charges at the time of the sale. For the years ended December 31, 1998 and
1997, the Company received $87,174 and $74,527, respectively, for contingent
deferred sales charges applicable to Allmerica Select Separate Account.
SA-8
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 5 -- CONTRACTOWNERS AND SPONSOR TRANSACTIONS
Transactions from contractowners and sponsor were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
--------------------------- ----------------------------
UNITS AMOUNT UNITS AMOUNT
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Aggressive Growth
Issuance of Units.......................... 2,101,768 $ 3,936,189 2,170,858 $ 3,531,841
Redemption of Units........................ (957,286) (1,690,005) (879,294) (1,352,378)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 1,144,482 $ 2,246,184 1,291,564 $ 2,179,463
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Select Growth
Issuance of Units.......................... 2,730,612 $ 6,281,672 2,499,484 $ 4,191,599
Redemption of Units........................ (1,057,929) (2,339,374) (864,979) (1,287,159)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 1,672,683 $ 3,942,298 1,634,505 $ 2,904,440
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Select Growth and Income
Issuance of Units.......................... 3,667,631 $ 7,514,504 3,422,133 $ 5,847,704
Redemption of Units........................ (1,640,818) (3,202,412) (1,194,642) (1,952,513)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 2,026,813 $ 4,312,092 2,227,491 $ 3,895,191
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Select Income
Issuance of Units.......................... 8,416,901 $ 10,819,448 1,926,973 $ 2,290,556
Redemption of Units........................ (3,468,453) (4,393,090) (822,581) (950,971)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 4,948,448 $ 6,426,358 1,104,392 $ 1,339,585
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Money Market
Issuance of Units.......................... 7,584,558 $ 8,923,916 14,757,146 $ 16,004,652
Redemption of Units........................ (4,981,285) (5,827,471) (14,660,054) (15,912,198)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 2,603,273 $ 3,096,445 97,092 $ 92,454
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Select International Equity
Issuance of Units.......................... 2,034,438 $ 3,122,371 2,289,621 $ 3,119,023
Redemption of Units........................ (875,449) (1,316,384) (638,644) (765,571)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 1,158,989 $ 1,805,987 1,650,977 $ 2,353,452
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Select Capital Appreciation
Issuance of Units.......................... 1,379,306 $ 2,337,529 1,141,176 $ 1,618,028
Redemption of Units........................ (631,628) (1,031,806) (592,787) (798,612)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 747,678 $ 1,305,723 548,389 $ 819,416
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Select Emerging Markets
Issuance of Units.......................... 615,779 $ 517,744 -- $ --
Redemption of Units........................ (34,069) (20,469) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 581,710 $ 497,275 -- $ --
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
</TABLE>
SA-9
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 5 -- CONTRACTOWNERS AND SPONSOR TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
--------------------------- ----------------------------
UNITS AMOUNT UNITS AMOUNT
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Select Value Opportunity
Issuance of Units.......................... 1,445,434 $ 1,413,471 -- $ --
Redemption of Units........................ (78,791) (68,903) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 1,366,643 $ 1,344,568 -- $ --
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Select Strategic Growth
Issuance of Units.......................... 739,435 $ 711,886 -- $ --
Redemption of Units........................ (45,405) (40,534) -- --
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 694,030 $ 671,352 -- $ --
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Fidelity VIP High Income
Issuance of Units.......................... 3,300,126 $ 4,794,054 1,986,582 $ 2,576,961
Redemption of Units........................ (792,654) (1,129,968) (530,994) (662,336)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 2,507,472 $ 3,664,086 1,455,588 $ 1,914,625
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income
Issuance of Units.......................... 3,505,845 $ 6,320,675 2,190,816 $ 3,257,394
Redemption of Units........................ (1,147,644) (1,984,434) (571,886) (780,910)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 2,358,201 $ 4,336,241 1,618,930 $ 2,476,484
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Fidelity VIP Growth
Issuance of Units.......................... 2,171,242 $ 4,228,390 1,180,721 $ 1,753,002
Redemption of Units........................ (802,937) (1,559,868) (308,700) (364,914)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 1,368,305 $ 2,668,522 872,021 $ 1,388,088
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
T. Rowe Price International Stock
Issuance of Units.......................... 1,189,475 $ 1,590,309 931,979 $ 1,070,837
Redemption of Units........................ (292,129) (382,285) (409,141) (417,728)
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease).................. 897,346 $ 1,208,024 522,838 $ 653,109
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
------------ ------------ ------------ -------------
</TABLE>
NOTE 6 -- DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Under the provisions of Section 817(h) of the Code, a variable annuity
contract, other than a contract issued in connection with certain types of
employee benefit plans, will not be treated as an annuity contract for federal
income tax purposes for any period for which the investments of the segregated
asset account on which the contract is based are not adequately diversified. The
Code provides that the "adequately diversified" requirement may be met if the
underlying investments satisfy either a statutory safe harbor test or
diversification requirements set forth in regulations issued by the Secretary of
The Treasury.
The Internal Revenue Service has issued regulations under Section 817(h) of
the Code. The Company believes that Allmerica Select satisfies the current
requirements of the regulations, and it intends that Allmerica Select will
continue to meet such requirements.
SA-10
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 7 -- PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES
Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of shares of the Funds by
Allmerica Select during the year ended December 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO PURCHASES SALES
- ------------------------------------------------------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Select Aggressive Growth............................... $ 3,121,212 $ 1,031,329
Select Growth.......................................... 5,065,302 1,166,169
Select Growth and Income............................... 6,383,561 2,026,201
Select Income.......................................... 9,839,524 2,918,065
Money Market........................................... 7,556,664 4,152,848
Select International Equity............................ 2,482,873 674,836
Select Capital Appreciation............................ 2,705,814 698,822
Select Emerging Markets................................ 508,206 12,836
Select Value Opportunity............................... 1,388,328 38,454
Select Strategic Growth................................ 694,135 25,066
Fidelity VIP High Income............................... 4,735,670 644,444
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income............................. 5,936,918 1,324,009
Fidelity VIP Growth.................................... 4,290,638 1,145,394
T. Rowe Price International Stock...................... 1,513,657 289,964
------------ -----------
Totals............................................... $ 56,222,502 $16,148,437
------------ -----------
------------ -----------
</TABLE>
SA-11
<PAGE>
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(A) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Statements Included in Part A
None
Financial Statements Included in Part B
Financial Statements for First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance
Company
Financial Statements for Allmerica Select Separate Account of First
Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company
Financial Statements Included in Part C
None
(B) EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT 1 Vote of Board of Directors Authorizing Establishment of
Registrant dated August 20, 1991 was previously filed on
April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File nos.
33-71058/811-8116), and is incorporated by reference herein.
EXHIBIT 2 Not Applicable. Pursuant to Rule 26a-2, the Insurance
Company may hold the assets of the Registrant NOT pursuant to
a trust indenture or other such instrument.
EXHIBIT 3 (a) Underwriting and Administrative Services Agreement was
previously filed on April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 (File nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and is
incorporated by reference herein.
(b) Secondary B/D Commissions Schedule is filed herewith. Sales
Agreements (Select) with Commission Schedule were
previously filed on April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 (File nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and are
incorporated by reference herein.
(c) General Agent's Agreement was previously filed on
April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File
nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and is incorporated by reference
herein.
(d) Career Agent Agreement was previously filed on April 24,
1998 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File nos.
33-71058/811-8116), and is incorporated by reference
herein.
(e) Registered Representative's Agreement was previously filed
on April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File
nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and is incorporated by reference
herein.
EXHIBIT 4 The following documents are filed herewith:
(a) Draft Contract Form A3031-99;
(b) Specifications Pages Form A8031-99; and
(c) Enhanced Death Benefit with 5% Accumulation and Ratchet
(Form 3263-99).
EXHIBIT 5 Application Form AS-697NY is filed herewith.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 6 Articles of Incorporation were previously filed on April 30,
1996 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 (File nos. 33-71058/
811-8116), which was effective on October 16, 1995, and are
incorporated by reference herein. Revised Bylaws were
previously filed on April 30, 1996 in Post-Effective Amendment
No. 4 (File nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and are incorporated by
reference herein.
EXHIBIT 7 Not Applicable.
EXHIBIT 8 (a) Fidelity Service Agreement was previously filed on
April 30, 1996 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 (File
nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and is incorporated by reference
herein.
(b) An Amendment to the Fidelity Service Agreement, effective
as of January 1, 1997, was previously filed on April 30,
1997 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 (File nos. 33-71058/
811-8116)and is incorporated by reference herein.
(c) Fidelity Service Contract, effective as of January 1,
1997. was previously filed on April 30, 1997 in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 (File nos. 33-71058/
811-8116)and is incorporated by reference herein.
(d) T. Rowe Price Service Agreement was previously filed on
April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File
nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and is incorporated by reference
herein.
(e) BFDS Agreements for lockbox and mailroom services were
previously filed on April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 (File nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and are
incorporated by reference herein.
(f) Directors' Power of Attorney is filed herewith.
EXHIBIT 9 (a) Opinion of Counsel is filed herewith.
EXHIBIT 10 Consent of Independent Accountants is filed herewith.
EXHIBIT 11 None.
EXHIBIT 12 None.
EXHIBIT 13 Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations are filed
herewith.
EXHIBIT 14 Not Applicable.
EXHIBIT 15 (a) Participation Agreement between the Company and Allmerica
Investment Trust was previously filed on April 24, 1998 in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File nos. 33-71058/
811-8116), and is incorporated by reference herein.
(b) Participation Agreement between the Company and Fidelity
VIP, as amended, was previously filed on April 24, 1998 in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File nos. 33-71058/
811-8116), and is incorporated by reference herein.
(c) Participation Agreement between the Company and T. Rowe
Price International Series, Inc. was previously filed
on April 24, 1998 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 (File
nos. 33-71058/811-8116), and is incorporated by reference
herein.
<PAGE>
ITEM 25. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR
The principal business address of all the following Directors and
Officers is:
440 Lincoln Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01653
DIRECTORS AND PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND POSITION WITH COMPANY PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Bruce C. Anderson Director (since 1996), Vice President (since 1984) and Assistant Secretary
Director, Vice President and (since 1992) of First Allmerica
Assistant Secretary
Warren E. Barnes Vice President (since 1996) and Corporate Controller (since 1998) of First
Vice President and Allmerica
Corporate Controller
Robert E. Bruce Director and Chief Information Officer (since 1997) and Vice President
Director, Vice President and Chief (since 1995) of First Allmerica; and Corporate Manager (1979 to 1995) of
Information Officer Digital Equipment Corporation
Mary Eldridge Secretary (since 1999) of Allmerica Financial; Secretary (since 1999)
Secretary of Allmerica Investments, Inc.; and Secretary (since 1999) of Allmerica
Financial Investment Management Services, Inc.
John P. Kavanaugh Director and Chief Investment Officer (since 1996) and Vice President
Director, Vice President and (since 1991) of First Allmerica; and Vice President (since 1998) of
Chief Investment Officer Allmerica Financial Investment Management Services, Inc.
John F. Kelly Director (since 1996), Senior Vice President (since 1986), General Counsel
Director, Senior Vice President, (since 1981) and Assistant Secretary (since 1991) of First Allmerica;
General Counsel and Assistant Director (since 1985) of Allmerica Investments, Inc.; and Director (since
Secretary 1990) of Allmerica Financial Investment Management Services, Inc.
J. Barry May Director (since 1996) of First Allmerica; Director and Vice President (since
Director 1996) of The Hanover Insurance Company; and Vice President (1993 to 1993) of
The Hanover Insurance Company
James R. McAuliffe Director (since 1996) of First Allmerica; Director (since 1992), President
Director (since 1994) and Chief Executive Officer (since 1996) of Citizens
Insurance Company of America
John F. O'Brien Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (since 1989) of First
Director, President and Chief Allmerica; Director (since 1989) of Allmerica Investments, Inc.; and
Executive Officer Director and Chairman of the Board (since 1990) of Allmerica Financial
Investment Management Services, Inc.
Edward J. Parry, III Director and Chief Financial Officer (since 1996) and Vice President and
Director, Vice President, Treasurer (since 1993) of First Allmerica; Treasurer (since 1993) of
Chief Financial Officer and Allmerica Investments, Inc.; and Treasurer (since 1993) of Allmerica
Treasurer Financial Investment Management Services, Inc.
Richard M. Reilly Director (since 1996) and Vice President (since 1990) of First Allmerica;
Director and Vice President Director (since 1990) of Allmerica Investments, Inc.; and Director and
President (since 1998) of Allmerica Financial Investment Management
Services, Inc.
Robert P. Restrepo, Jr. Director and Vice President (since 1998) of First Allmerica; Chief
Director and Vice President Executive Officer (1996 to 1998) of Travelers Property & Casualty; Senior
Vice President (1993 to 1996) of Aetna Life & Casualty Company
Eric A. Simonsen Director (since 1996) and Vice President (since 1990) of First Allmerica;
Director and Vice President Director (since 1991) of Allmerica Investments, Inc.; and Director (since 1991)
of Allmerica Financial Investment Management Services, Inc.
Phillip E. Soule Director (since 1996) and Vice President (since 1987) of First Allmerica
Director and Vice President
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 26. PERSONS UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
<TABLE>
<S><C>
Allmerica Financial Corporation
Delaware
| | | | | | | |
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Allmerica Financial Allmerica, Allmerica First Allmerica AFC Capital Allmerica First Sterling
Asset Profiles, Inc. Inc. Funding Financial Life Trust I Services Limited
Management, Inc. Corp. Insurance Corporation
Company
Massachusetts California Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Delaware Massachusetts Bermuda
| | |
| ___________________________________________________________ ________________
| | | | |
| 100% 99.2% 100% 100%
| Advantage Allmerica Allmerica First Sterling
| Insurance Trust Financial Life Reinsurance
| Network, Inc. Company, N.A. Insurance and Company
| Annuity Company Limited
|
| Delaware Federally Chartered Delaware Bermuda
| |
|_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
| | | | | | | | | |
| 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
| Allmerica Allmerica Allmerica Allmerica Allmerica Allmerica Allmerica Allmerica Allmerica
| Investments, Investment Financial Financial Investments Investments Investments Investments Investments
| Inc. Management Investment Services Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance Insurance
| Company, Inc. Management Insurance Agency Inc. Agency of Agency Inc. Agency Inc. Agency Inc.
| Services, Inc. Agency, Inc. of Alabama Florida Inc. of Georgia of Kentucky of Mississippi
|
|Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts Alabama Florida Georgia Kentucky Mississippi
|
________________________________________________________________
| | | |
100% 100% 100% 100%
Allmerica Sterling Risk Allmerica Allmerica
Property Management Benefits, Inc. Asset
& Casualty Services, Inc. Management,
Companies, Inc. Limited
Delaware Delaware Florida Bermuda
|
________________________________________________
| | |
100% 100% 100%
The Hanover Allmerica Citizens
Insurance Financial Insurance
Company Insurance Company
Brokers, Inc. of Illinois
New Hampshire Massachusetts Illinois
|
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
| | | | | | | |
100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Allmerica Allmerica The Hanover Hanover Texas Citizens Massachusetts Allmerica AMGRO
Financial Plus American Insurance Corporation Bay Insurance Financial Inc.
Benefit Insurance Insurance Management Company Alliance
Insurance Agency, Inc. Company Company, Inc. Insurance
Company Company
Pennsylvania Massachusetts New Hampshire Texas Delaware New Hampshire New Hampshire Massachusetts
| |
________________________________________________ ________________
| | | |
100% 100% 100% 100%
Citizens Citizens Citizens Lloyds Credit
Insurance Insurance Insurance Corporation
Company Company Company
of Ohio of America of the
Midwest
Ohio Michigan Indiana Massachusetts
|
_________________
|
100%
Citizens
Management
Inc.
Michigan
- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Allmerica Greendale AAM
Equity Special Equity Fund
Index Pool Placements
Fund
Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts
- -------- Grantor Trusts established for the benefit of First Allmerica,
Allmerica Financial Life, Hanover and Citizens
--------------- ----------------
Allmerica Allmerica
Investment Trust Securities
Trust
Massachusetts Massachusetts
- -------- Affiliated Management Investment Companies
...............
Hanover Lloyd's
Insurance
Company
Texas
- -------- Affiliated Lloyd's plan company, controlled by Underwriters
for the benefit of The Hanover Insurance Company
----------------- -----------------
AAM Growth AAM High Yield
& Income Fund, L.L.C.
Fund L.P.
Delaware Massachusetts
________ L.P. or L.L.C. established for the benefit of First Allmerica,
Allmerica Financial Life, Hanover and Citizens
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME ADDRESS TYPE OF BUSINESS
<S> <C> <C>
AAM Equity Fund 440 Lincoln Street Massachusetts Grantor Trust
Worcester MA 01653
AAM Growth & Income Fund, L.P. 440 Lincoln Street Limited Partnership
Worcester MA 01653
Advantage Insurance 440 Lincoln Street Insurance Agency
Network, Inc. Worcester MA 01653
AFC Capital Trust I 440 Lincoln Street Statutory Business Trust
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Asset Management Limited 440 Lincoln Street Investment advisory services
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Asset Management, Inc. 440 Lincoln Street Investment advisory services
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Benefits, Inc. 440 Lincoln Street Non-insurance medical services
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Equity Index Pool 440 Lincoln Street Massachusetts Grantor Trust
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Financial Alliance Insurance 100 North Parkway Multi-line property and casualty
Company Worcester MA 01605 insurance
Allmerica Financial Benefit Insurance 100 North Parkway Multi-line property and casualty
Company Worcester MA 01605 insurance
Allmerica Financial Corporation 440 Lincoln Street Holding Company
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Financial Insurance Brokers, 440 Lincoln Street Insurance Broker
Inc. Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and 440 Lincoln Street Life insurance, accident and
Annuity Company (formerly known Worcester MA 01653 health insurance, annuities,variable
as SMA Life Assurance Company) annuities and variable life insurance
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Allmerica Financial Services Insurance 440 Lincoln Street Insurance Agency
Agency, Inc. Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Funding Corp. 440 Lincoln Street Special purpose funding vehicle
Worcester MA 01653 for commercial paper
Allmerica, Inc. 440 Lincoln Street Common employer for Allmerica
Worcester MA 01653 Financial Corporation entities
Allmerica Financial Investment 440 Lincoln Street Investment advisory services
Management Services, Inc. Worcester MA 01653
(formerly known as Allmerica
Institutional Services, Inc.
and 440 Financial Group of
Worcester, Inc.)
Allmerica Investment Management 440 Lincoln Street Investment advisory services
Company, Inc. Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Investments, Inc. 440 Lincoln Street Securities, retail broker-dealer
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Investments Insurance Agency 200 Southbridge Parkway Insurance Agency
Inc. of Alabama Suite 400
Birmingham, AL 35209
Allmerica Investments Insurance Agency 14211 Commerce Way Insurance Agency
of Florida, Inc. Miami Lakes, FL 33016
Allmerica Investment Insurance Agency 1455 Lincoln Parkway Insurance Agency
Inc. of Georgia Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346
Allmerica Investment Insurance Agency Barkley Bldg - Suite 105 Insurance Agency
Inc. of Kentucky 12700 Shelbyville Road
Louisianna, KY 40423
Allmerica Investments Insurance Agency 631 Lakeland East Drive Insurance Agency
Inc. of Mississippi Flowood, MS 39208
Allmerica Investment Trust 440 Lincoln Street Investment Company
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Plus Insurance Agency, Inc. 440 Lincoln Street Insurance Agency
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Property & Casualty 440 Lincoln Street Holding Company
Companies, Inc. Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Securities Trust 440 Lincoln Street Investment Company
Worcester MA 01653
Allmerica Services Corporation 440 Lincoln Street Internal administrative services
Worcester MA 01653 provider to Allmerica Financial
Corporation entities
Allmerica Trust Company, N.A. 440 Lincoln Street Limited purpose national trust
Worcester MA 01653 company
AMGRO, Inc. 100 North Parkway Premium financing
Worcester MA 01605
Citizens Corporation 440 Lincoln Street Holding Company
Worcester MA 01653
Citizens Insurance Company of America 645 West Grand River Multi-line property and casualty
Howell MI 48843 insurance
Citizens Insurance Company of Illinois 333 Pierce Road Multi-line property and casualty
Itasca IL 60143 insurance
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Citizens Insurance Company of the 3950 Priority Way South Multi-line property and casualty
Midwest Drive, Suite 200 insurance
Indianapolis IN 46280
Citizens Insurance Company of Ohio 8101 N. High Street Multi-line property and casualty
P.O. Box 342250 insurance
Columbus OH 43234
Citizens Management, Inc. 645 West Grand River Services management company
Howell MI 48843
Financial Profiles 5421 Avenida Encinas Computer software company
Carlsbad, CA 92008
First Allmerica Financial Life 440 Lincoln Street Life, pension, annuity, accident
Insurance Company (formerly State Worcester MA 01653 and health insurance company
Mutual Life Assurance Company of
America)
First Sterling Limited 440 Lincoln Street Holding Company
Worcester MA 01653
First Sterling Reinsurance Company 440 Lincoln Street Reinsurance Company
Limited Worcester MA 01653
Greendale Special Placements Fund 440 Lincoln Street Massachusetts Grantor Trust
Worcester MA 01653
The Hanover American Insurance 100 North Parkway Multi-line property and casualty
Company Worcester MA 01605 insurance
The Hanover Insurance Company 100 North Parkway Multi-line property and casualty
Worcester MA 01605 insurance
Hanover Texas Insurance Management 801 East Campbell Road Attorney-in-fact for Hanover
Company, Inc. Richardson TX 75081 Llyod's Insurance Company
Hanover Lloyd's Insurance Company 801 East Campbell Road Multi-line property and casualty
Richardson TX 75081 insurance
Lloyds Credit Corporation 440 Lincoln Street Premium financing service
Worcester MA 01653 franchises
Massachusetts Bay Insurance Company 100 North Parkway Multi-line property and casualty
Worcester MA 01605 insurance
Sterling Risk Management Services, Inc. 440 Lincoln Street Risk management services
Worcester MA 01653
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 27. NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS
As of October 31, 1999 there were 1,128 Contract holders of qualified
---
Contracts and 1,818 Contract holders of non-qualified Contracts.
-----
As of October 31, 1999, there were no Contract Form A3031-99 Owners
since sales had not yet begun.
ITEM 28. INDEMNIFICATION
To the fullest extent permissible under Massachusetts General Laws, no
director shall be personally liable to the Company or any policyholder for
monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary; provided, however,
that this provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a
director:
1. for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its
policyholders;
2. for acts or omissions not in good faith, or which involve intentional
misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
3. for liability, if any, imposed on directors of mutual insurance
companies pursuant to M.G.L.A. c. 156B Section 61 or M.G.L.A. c.156B
Section 62;
4. for any transactions from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Allmerica Investments, Inc. also acts as principal underwriter for
the following:
VEL Account, VEL II Account, VEL Account III, Select Account III,
Inheiritage Account, Separate Accounts VA-A, VA-B, VA-C, VA-G,
VA-H, VA-K, VA-P, Allmerica Select Separate Account II, Group VEL
Account, Separate Account KG, Separate Account KGC, Fulcrum
Separate Account, Fulcrum Variable Life Separate Account, and
Allmerica Select Separate Account of Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance and Annuity Company
Inheiritage Account, VEL II Account, Separate Account I, Separate
Account VA-K, Separate Account VA-P, Allmerica Select Separate
Account II, Group VEL Account, Separate Account KG, Separate
Account KGC, Fulcrum Separate Account, and Allmerica Select
Separate Account of First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance
Company.
Allmerica Investment Trust
(b) The Principal Business Address of each of the following Directors
and Officers of Allmerica Investments, Inc. is:
440 Lincoln Street
Worcester, Massachusetts 01653
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME POSITION OR OFFICE WITH UNDERWRITER
---- -----------------------------------
<S> <C>
Emil J. Aberizk, Jr. Vice President
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Edward T. Berger Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
Mary Eldridge Secretary
Phillip L. Heffernan Vice President
John F. Kelly Director
Daniel Mastrototaro Vice President
William F. Monroe, Jr Vice President
David J. Mueller Vice President and Controller
John F. O'Brien Director
Stephen Parker President, Director and Chief Executive Officer
Edward J. Parry, III Treasurer
Richard M. Reilly Director
Eric A. Simonsen Director
Mark G. Steinberg Senior Vice President
</TABLE>
(c) As indicated in Part B (Statement of Additional Information) in
response to Item 20(c), the aggregate amount of commissions
retained by Allmerica Investments, Inc., the principal underwriter
of the Contracts, for sales of variable contracts funded by the
Registrant was $619.00 in 1998. No other commissions or other
compensation was received by the principal underwriter, directly
or indirectly, from the Registrant during the Registrant's last
fiscal year.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Each account, book or other document required to be maintained by Section
31(a) of 1940 Act and Rules 31a-1 to 31a-3 thereunder are maintained by
the Company at 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Effective March 31, 1995, the Company provides daily unit value
calculations and related services for the Company's separate accounts.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The Registrant hereby undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to
this registration statement as frequently as is necessary to ensure
that the audited financial statements in the registration statement are
never more than 16 months old for so long as payments under the
variable annuity contracts may be accepted.
(b) The Registrant hereby undertakes to include as part of the application
to purchase a Contract a space that the applicant can check to request
a Statement of Additional Information.
(c) The Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver a Statement of Additional
Information and any financial statements promptly upon written or oral
request, according to the requirements of Form N-4.
<PAGE>
(d) Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the 1933 Act
may be permitted to Directors, Officers and Controlling Persons of
Registrant under any registration statement, underwriting agreement
or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of
the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed
in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that
a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Director,
Officer or Controlling Person of Registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
Director, Officer or Controlling Person in connection with the
securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the opinion
of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in
the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
(e) The Company hereby represents that the aggregate fees and charges
under the Contracts are reasonable in relation to the services
rendered, expenses expected to be incurred, and risks assumed by the
Company.
ITEM 33. REPRESENTATIONS CONCERNING WITHDRAWAL RESTRICTIONS ON SECTION 403(B)
PLANS AND UNDER THE TEXAS OPTIONAL RETIREMENT PROGRAM
Registrant, a separate account of First Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance Company ("First Allmerica"), states that it is (a) relying on
Rule 6c-7 under the 1940 Act with respect to withdrawal restrictions
under the Texas Optional Retirement Program ("Program") and (b) relying
on the "no-action" letter (Ref. No. IP-6-88) issued on November 28, 1988
to the American Council of Life Insurance, in applying the withdrawal
restrictions of Internal Revenue Code Section 403(b)(11). Registrant has
taken the following steps in reliance on the letter:
1. Appropriate disclosures regarding the redemption/withdrawal
restrictions imposed by the Program and by Section 403(b)(11) have
been included in the prospectus of each registration statement used
in connection with the offer of the Company's variable contracts.
2. Appropriate disclosures regarding the redemption/withdrawal
restrictions imposed by the Program and by Section 403(b)(11) have
been included in sales literature used in connection with the offer
of the Company's variable contracts.
3. Sales Representatives who solicit participants to purchase the
variable contracts have been instructed to specifically bring the
redemption withdrawal restrictions imposed by the Program and by
Section 403(b)(11) to the attention of potential participants.
4. A signed statement acknowledging the participant's understanding of
(I) the restrictions on redemption/withdrawal imposed by the Program
and by Section 403(b)(11) and (ii) the investment alternatives
available under the employer's arrangement will be obtained from
each participant who purchases a variable annuity contract prior to
or at the time of purchase.
Registrant hereby represents that it will not act to deny or limit a
transfer request except to the extent that a Service- Ruling or written
opinion of counsel, specifically addressing the fact pattern involved and
taking into account the terms of the applicable employer plan, determines
that denial or limitation is necessary for the variable annuity contracts
to meet the requirements of the Program or of Section 403(b). Any transfer
request not so denied or limited will be effected as expeditiously as
possible.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940 the Registrant has duly caused this initial Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly
authorized, in the City of Worcester, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on
the 23rd day of November, 1999.
ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT OF
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By: /s/ Mary Eldridge
-------------------------------
Mary Eldridge, Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this initial
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title Date
- ---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Warren E. Barnes Vice President and Corporate Controller November 23, 1999
- ------------------------------------
Warren E. Barnes
Edward J. Parry III* Director, Vice President, Chief Financial
- ------------------------------------ Officer and Treasurer
Richard M. Reilly* Director and Vice President
- ------------------------------------
John F. O'Brien* Director, President and Chief Executive
- ------------------------------------ Officer
Bruce C. Anderson* Director and Vice President
- ------------------------------------
Robert E. Bruce* Director, Vice President and Chief
- ------------------------------------ Information Officer
John P. Kavanaugh* Director, Vice President and
- ------------------------------------ Chief Investment Officer
John F. Kelly* Director, Senior Vice President and
- ------------------------------------ General Counsel
J. Barry May* Director
- ------------------------------------
James R. McAuliffe* Director
- ------------------------------------
Robert P. Restrepo, Jr.* Director and Vice President
- ------------------------------------
Eric A. Simonsen* Director and Vice President
- ------------------------------------
Director and Vice President
- ------------------------------------
Phillip E. Soule
</TABLE>
* Sheila B. St. Hilaire, by signing her name hereto, does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named Directors and Officers of the
Registrant pursuant to the Power of Attorney dated July 1, 1999 duly
executed by such persons.
/s/ Sheila B. St. Hilaire
- ---------------------------------------
Sheila B. St. Hilaire, Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT TABLE
Exhibit 3(b) Secondary B/D Commissions Schedule
Exhibit 4 Draft Contract Form A3031-99; Specs Pages and Riders
Exhibit 5 Application Form AS-697NY
Exhibit 8(f) Director's Power of Attorney
Exhibit 9 Opinion of Counsel
Exhibit 10 Consent of Independent Accountants
Exhibit 13 Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations
<PAGE>
SECONDARY B/D
PRODUCT COMMISSIONS
SELECT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMISSION - AGE 80 & UNDER: COMMISSION OPTION UPFRONT DURING SURR CHARGE AFTER SURR CHARGE PERIOD
PERIOD
A 8.00% 0.00% 0.00%
B 7.25% 0.25% 0.25%
C 6.00% 0.50% 0.50%
D 5.50% 0.50% 1.00%
<CAPTION>
COMMISSION - AGE 81+: COMMISSION OPTION UPFRONT DURING SURR CHARGE AFTER SURR CHARGE PERIOD
PERIOD
A 6.00% 0.00% 0.00%
B 5.50% 0.25% 0.25%
C 4.50% 0.50% 0.50%
D 4.25% 0.50% 1.00%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PLEASE READ THIS CONTRACT CAREFULLY
Annuity benefit payments and other values provided by this contract, when based
on the investment performance of the Variable Account, may increase or decrease
and are not guaranteed as to fixed dollar amount. Please refer to the Value of
the Variable Account section for additional information.
Values removed from a Guarantee Period Account prior to the end of its Guarantee
Period may be subject to a Market Value Adjustment that may increase or decrease
the values. A negative Market Value Adjustment will never be applied to the
Death Benefit. A positive Market Value Adjustment, if applicable, will be added
to the Death Benefit when the benefit paid is the contract's Accumulated Value.
Please refer to the Market Value Adjustment section for additional information.
RIGHT TO EXAMINE CONTRACT
The Owner may cancel this contract by returning it to the Company or one of its
authorized representatives within ten days after receipt. If returned, the
Company will refund an amount equal to the Accumulated Value, after application
of any Market Value Adjustment, plus any fees or other charges imposed. If,
however, the contract is issued as an Individual Retirement Annuity (IRA), the
Company will refund the greater of the above or the gross payments.
ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
Home Office: Dover, Delaware
Principal Office: 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01653
This is a legal contract between Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and Annuity
Company (the Company) and the Owner and is issued in consideration of the
Initial Payment shown on the Specifications page. Additional Payments are
permitted. Payments may be allocated to Variable Sub-Accounts, the Fixed Account
or Guarantee Period Accounts. While this contract is in effect, the Company
agrees to pay annuity benefit payments beginning on the Annuity Date or to pay a
Death Benefit to the Beneficiary if an Owner dies prior to the Annuity Date.
President Secretary
Flexible Payment Deferred Variable and Fixed Annuity
Annuity Benefit Payments Payable on the Annuity Date
Death Benefit Payable to Beneficiary if Owner Dies prior to Annuity Date
Non-Participating
Form A3031-99
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIFICATONS
DEFINITIONS
OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY
THE ACCUMULATION PHASE
PAYMENTS
VALUES
TRANSFER
WITHDRAWAL AND SURRENDER
DEATH BENEFIT
THE PAYOUT PHASE
ANNUITY BENEFIT
TRANSFER
WITHDRAWAL
PRESENT VALUE OF ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS
DEATH OF THE ANNUITANT
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT OPTIONS
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT GUARANTEE OPTIONS
ANNUITY OPTION TABLES
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Form A3031-99
<PAGE>
DEFINITIONS
Accumulated Value The aggregate value of all accounts in
this contract before the Annuity Date. As
long as the Accumulated Value is greater
than zero, the contract will stay in effect.
Accumulation Unit A measure used to calculate the value of a
Sub-Account before annuity benefit payments
begin.
Annuitant On and after the Annuity Date, the person
upon whose continuation of life annuity
benefit payments involving life contingency
depend. Joint Annuitants are permitted and
unless otherwise indicated, any reference to
Annuitant shall include joint Annuitants.
Annuity Date The date annuity benefit payments begin. The
Annuity Date is shown on the Specifications
page.
Annuity Unit A measure used to calculate annuity
benefit payments under a variable annuity
option.
Beneficiary The person, persons or entity entitled to
the Death Benefit prior to the Annuity Date
or any annuity benefit payments upon the
death of the Owner on or after the Annuity
Date.
Company Allmerica Financial Life Insurance and
Annuity Company.
Contract Year A one-year period based on the issue date
or an anniversary thereof.
Cumulative Earnings The Accumulated Value reduced by total
gross payments not previously withdrawn.
Effective Valuation Date The Valuation Date on or immediately
following the day a payment, request for
transfer, withdrawal or surrender, or
proof of death is received at the Principal
Office.
Fixed Account The part of the Company's General Account
to which all or a portion of a Payment or
transfer may be allocated.
Fund Each separate investment company, investment
series or portfolio eligible for investment
by a Sub-Account of the Variable Account.
General Account All assets of the Company that are not
allocated to a Separate Account.
Gross Payment Base Total gross payments made to the contract
reduced by withdrawals which exceed the
Withdrawal without Surrender Charge amount.
Form A3031-99 3
<PAGE>
Guarantee Period The number of years that a Guaranteed
Interest Rate may be credited to a Guarantee
Period Account.
Guarantee Period Account An account which corresponds to a Guaranteed
Interest Rate for a specified Guarantee
Period and is supported by assets in a
Separate Account. The Owner may only invest
in a Guarantee Period Account prior to the
Annuity Date.
Guaranteed Interest Rate The annual effective rate of interest after
daily compounding credited to a Guarantee
Period Account.
Market Value Adjustment A positive or negative adjustment to
earnings in a Guarantee Period Account
assessed if any portion of a Guarantee
Period Account is withdrawn or transferred
prior to the end of its Guarantee Period.
Owner The person, persons or entity entitled to
exercise the rights and privileges under
this contract. Joint Owners are permitted
and unless otherwise indicated, any
reference to Owner shall include joint
Owners.
Pro Rata How a Payment or withdrawal may be
allocated among the accounts. A Pro Rata
allocation or withdrawal will be made in the
same proportion that the value of each
account bears to the Accumulated Value.
Request A request or notice made by the Owner, in a
manner consistent with the Company's current
procedures, which is received and recorded
by the Company.
Qualified Contract A contract that is purchased in connection
with a retirement plan which meets the
requirements of sections 401, 403, 408 and
408A of the Internal Revenue Code.
Separate Account A segregated account established by the
Company. The assets in a Separate Account
are not commingled with the Company's
general assets and obligations. The assets
of a Separate Account are not subject to
claims arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct.
State The state or jurisdiction in which the
contract is issued.
Sub-Account A Variable Account subdivision that invests
exclusively in shares of a corresponding
Fund.
Surrender Value The amount payable to the Owner on full
surrender after application of any Market
Value Adjustment, surrender charge and
Contract Fee.
Survivor Annuity Benefit The number of Annuity Units (under a
Percentage variable joint life annuitization option)
or the dollar value of the annuity benefit
payments (under a fixed joint life
annuitization option) paid during the
surviving Annuitant's life may be less than
or equal to the number of Annuity Units paid
when both individuals are living. The
Survivor Annuity Benefit Percentage is the
percentage of total Annuity Units or dollars
paid in each annuity benefit
Form A3031-99 4
<PAGE>
during the survivor's life. For example,
with a Joint and Two-thirds Survivor Option,
the Survivor Annuity Benefit Percentage is
66 2/3 %. This percentage is only applicable
after the death of the first Annuitant.
Valuation Date A day the values of all units are
determined. Valuation Dates occur on each
day the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading, or such other dates when there is
sufficient trading in a Fund's portfolio
securities such that the current unit value
may be materially affected.
Valuation Period The interval between two consecutive
Valuation Dates.
Variable Account The Company's Separate Account, consisting
of Sub-Accounts that invest in the
underlying Funds.
Form A3031-99 5
<PAGE>
OWNER, ANNUITANT AND BENEFICIARY
Owner When the contract is issued, the Owner will
be as shown on the Specifications page. The
Owner may be changed in accordance with the
terms of this contract. Upon the death of an
Owner prior to the Annuity Date, a Death
Benefit is paid. The Maximum Alternative
Annuity Date is based upon the age of the
Owner.
The Owner may exercise all rights and
options granted in this contract or by the
Company, subject to the consent of any
irrevocable Beneficiary. Where there are
joint Owners, the consent of both is
required in order to exercise any ownership
rights.
Assignment Prior to the Annuity Date and prior to the
death of an Owner, the Owner may be changed
at any time. Only the Owner may assign
this contract. An absolute assignment will
transfer ownership to the assignee. This
contract may also be collaterally assigned
as security. The limitations on ownership
rights while the collateral assignment is
in effect are stated in the assignment.
Additional limitations may exist for
contracts issued under provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code.
An assignment will take place only when the
Company has actually received a Request in
writing and recorded the change at the
Principal Office. The Company will not be
deemed to know of the assignment until such
time. When recorded, the assignment will
take effect as of the date it was signed.
The assignment will be subject to payments
made or actions taken by the Company before
the change was recorded.
The Company will not be responsible for the
validity of any assignment nor the extent of
any assignee's interest. The interests of
the Beneficiary will be subject to any
assignment.
Annuitant When the contract is issued, the Annuitant
will be as shown on the Specifications
page. The Annuitant may be changed in
accordance with the terms of this contract.
Prior to the Annuity Date, an Annuitant
may be replaced or added unless the Owner
is a non-natural person. At all times
there must be at least one Annuitant. If
the Annuitant dies and a replacement is not
named, the Owner will be considered to be
the new Annuitant. Upon the death of an
Annuitant prior to the Annuity Date, a
Death Benefit is not paid unless the Owner
is a non-natural person.
A change of Annuitant will take place only
when the Company has actually received a
Request in writing and recorded the change
at the Principal Office. The Company will
not be deemed to know of the change of
Annuitant until such time. When recorded,
the change of Annuitant will take effect as
of the date it was signed. The change of
Annuitant will be subject to payments made
or actions taken by the Company before the
change was recorded.
Form A3031-99 6
<PAGE>
Beneficiary The Beneficiary is as named on the
Specifications page unless subsequently
changed. The Owner may declare any
Beneficiary to be revocable or irrevocable.
A revocable Beneficiary may be changed at
any time prior to the Annuity Date and
before the death of an Owner or after the
Annuity Date and before the death of the
Annuitant. An irrevocable Beneficiary must
consent in writing to any change. Unless
otherwise indicated, the Beneficiary will
be revocable.
A Beneficiary change must be made in writing
in a form acceptable to the Company and will
be subject to the rights of any assignee of
record. When the Company receives the form,
the change will take place as of the date it
was signed, even if an Owner or the
Annuitant dies after the form is signed but
prior to the Company's receipt of the form.
Any rights created by the change will be
subject to payments made or actions taken by
the Company before the change was recorded.
All benefits payable to the Beneficiary
under this contract will be divided equally
among the surviving Beneficiaries of the
same class, unless the Owner directs
otherwise. If there is no surviving
Beneficiary in a particular class, then the
benefit is divided equally among the
surviving Beneficiaries of the next class.
If there is no surviving Beneficiary, the
deceased Beneficiary's interest will pass to
the Owner or the Owner's estate. At the
death of the first joint Owner prior to the
Annuity Date, the surviving joint Owner is
the sole, primary Beneficiary
notwithstanding that the designated
Beneficiary may be different.
The Beneficiary can not assign, transfer,
commute, anticipate or encumber the proceeds
or payments unless given that right by the
Owner.
Protection of Proceeds To the extent allowed by law, this contract
and any payments made under it will be
exempt from the claims of creditors.
Form A3031-99 7
<PAGE>
THE ACCUMULATION PHASE
PAYMENTS
Payments Each Payment is equal to the gross payment
less the amount of any applicable premium
tax. The Company reserves the right to
deduct the amount of the premium tax from
the Accumulated Value at a later date rather
than when the premium tax liability is first
incurred by the Company. In no event will an
amount be deducted for premium taxes before
the Company has incurred a tax liability
under applicable State law.
Initial Payment The Initial Payment is shown on the
Specifications page.
Additional Payments Prior to the Annuity Date and before the
death of an Owner, the Owner may make
additional Payments of at least the
Minimum Additional Payment Amount (see
Specifications page). Total Payments made
may not exceed [$5,000,000] without the
Company's consent.
Payment Allocations The Initial Payment is allocated in
accordance with the Payment Allocation,
shown on the Specifications page. Each
subsequent Payment will be allocated in the
same manner unless allocation instructions
accompany the Payment or the Payment
Allocation is changed by the Owner.
The minimum amount that may be allocated to
the Guarantee Period Account is shown on the
Specifications page. If the Owner requests
an allocation less than the minimum amount,
the Company reserves the right to apply that
amount to the [money market Sub-Account.]
VALUES
Value of the Variable
Account The value of a Sub-Account on a Valuation
Date is determined by multiplying the
Accumulation Units in that Sub-Account by
the Accumulation Unit Value as of the
Valuation Date.
Accumulation Units are purchased when an
amount is allocated to a Sub-Account. The
number of Accumulation Units purchased
equals that amount divided by the applicable
Accumulation Unit Value as of the Valuation
Date.
Accumulation Unit
Values The value of a Sub-Account Accumulation Unit
as of any Valuation Date is determined by
multiplying the value of an Accumulation
Unit for the preceding Valuation Date by the
Net Investment Factor for that Valuation
Period.
Net Investment Factor The Net Investment Factor measures the
investment performance of a Sub-Account from
one Valuation Period to the next. This
factor is equal
Form A3031-99 8
<PAGE>
to 1.000000 plus the result (which may be
positive or negative) from dividing (a) by
(b) and subtracting (c) and (d) where:
(a) is the investment income of a
Sub-Account for the Valuation
Period, including realized or
unrealized capital gains and
losses during the Valuation
Period, adjusted for provisions
made for taxes, if any;
(b) is the value of that Sub-Account's
assets at the beginning of the
Valuation Period;
(c) is the Mortality and Expense Risk
Charge applicable to the
current Valuation Period (see
Specifications page) plus any
applicable Rider charges; and
(d) is the Administrative Charge
applicable to the current Valuation
Period (see Specifications page).
The Company assumes the risk that its actual
mortality expense experience may exceed the
amounts provided under the contract. The
Company guarantees that the charge for
mortality and expense risks and the
administrative charge will not be increased.
Subject to applicable State and federal
laws, these charges may be decreased or the
method used to determine the Net Investment
Factor may be changed.
Value of the Fixed
Account Amounts allocated to the Fixed Account
receive interest at rates periodically set
by the Company. The Company guarantees
that the initial rate of interest in effect
when an amount is allocated to the Fixed
Account will remain in effect for that
amount for one year or until such amount is
transferred out of the Fixed Account,
whichever is sooner. Thereafter, the rate
of interest for that amount will be the
Company's current interest rate, but no
less than the Minimum Fixed Account
Guaranteed Interest Rate (see
Specifications page).
The value of the Fixed Account on any date
is the sum of amounts allocated to the Fixed
Account plus interest compounded and
credited daily at the rates applicable to
those amounts. The value of the Fixed
Account will be at least equal to the
minimum required by law in the State in
which this contract is delivered.
Value of the Guarantee
Period Accounts Amounts allocated to the same Guarantee
Period Account on the same day will be
treated as one Guarantee Period Account.
The interest rate in effect when an amount
is allocated to a Guarantee Period Account
is guaranteed for the duration of the
Guarantee Period. Each time the Guaranteed
Interest Rate changes for a particular
Guarantee Period, a new Guarantee Period
Account is established.
The value of a Guarantee Period Account on
any date is the sum of amounts allocated to
that Guarantee Period Account plus interest
compounded and credited daily at the rate
applicable to that amount.
Form A3031-99 9
<PAGE>
Guaranteed Interest
Rates The Company will periodically set Guaranteed
Interest Rates for each available Guarantee
Period. These rates will be guaranteed for
the duration of the respective Guarantee
Periods. A Guaranteed Interest Rate will
never be less than the Guarantee Period
Account Minimum Interest Rate (see
Specifications page).
Renewal Guarantee
Periods At least 45 days (but not more than 75
days) prior to the end of a Guarantee
Period, the Company will notify the Owner
in writing of the expiration of that
Guarantee Period. The Owner may transfer
amounts to the Sub-Accounts, the Fixed
Account or establish a new Guarantee Period
Account of any duration then offered by the
Company as of the day following the
expiration of the Guarantee Period. The
transfer will not be subject to a Market
Value Adjustment; see AMarket Value
Adjustment,@ page [11]. Guaranteed
Interest Rates corresponding to the
available Guarantee Periods may be higher
or lower than the previous Guaranteed
Interest Rate. If reallocation
instructions are not received at the
Principal Office before the end of a
Guarantee Period, the Guarantee Period
Account value will be automatically applied
to a new Guarantee Period Account with the
same Guarantee Period unless:
(a) less than the Guarantee Period
Account Minimum Allocation
Amount (see Specifications
page) remains in the Guarantee
Period Account on its
expiration date; or
(b) the Guarantee Period would extend
beyond the Annuity Date or is no
longer available.
In such cases, the Guarantee Period Account
value will be transferred to the [money
market Sub-Account.]
Contract Fee Prior to the Annuity Date on each contract
anniversary and when the contract is
surrendered, the Company will deduct a
Contract Fee (see Specifications page) Pro
Rata.
TRANSFER
Prior to the Annuity Date, the Owner may
transfer amounts among accounts by Request
to the Principal Office. Transfers to a
Guarantee Period Account must be at least
equal to the Minimum Guarantee Period
Account Allocation Amount (see
Specifications page). If the Owner requests
the transfer of a smaller amount to the
Guarantee Period Account, the Company may
transfer that amount to the [money market
Sub-Account.]
Any transfer from a Guarantee Period Account
prior to the end of its Guarantee Period
will be subject to a Market Value
Adjustment.
There is no charge for the first twelve
transfers per contract year. A transfer
charge of up to $25 may be imposed on each
additional transfer.
Form A3031-99 10
<PAGE>
The Company reserves the right to establish
and impose reasonable rules restricting
transfers. All transfers are subject to the
Company's consent.
WITHDRAWAL AND SURRENDER
Prior to the Annuity Date, the Owner may, by
Request, withdraw a part of the Surrender
Value or surrender the contract for its
Surrender Value.
Any withdrawal must be at least the Minimum
Withdrawal Amount (see Specifications page).
A withdrawal will not be permitted if the
Accumulated Value remaining in the contract
would be less than the Minimum Accumulated
Value After Withdrawal (see Specifications
page). The Request must indicate the dollar
amount to be paid and the accounts from
which it is to be withdrawn. A withdrawal
from a Guarantee Period Account will be
subject to a Market Value Adjustment.
When surrendered, this contract terminates
and the Company has no further liability
under it. The Surrender Value will be based
on the Accumulated Value on the Effective
Valuation Date.
Amounts taken from the Variable Account will
be paid within 7 days of the date a Request
is received. The Company reserves the right
to delay payments subject to applicable
laws, rules and regulations governing
variable annuities.
Amounts taken from the Fixed Account or the
Guarantee Period Accounts will normally be
paid within 7 days of the date a Request is
received. The Company may defer payment for
up to six months from the receipt date.
If deferred for 30 days or more, the amount
payable will be credited interest at a rate
of at least 3% or the rate mandated by the
appropriate State.
Withdrawal Without
Surrender Charge In each calendar year, withdrawals up to the
Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge Amount
(see Specifications page) as of the
Effective Valuation Date may be made.
The Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge will
first be deducted from cumulative earnings.
To the extent that it exceeds cumulative
earnings, the excess will be considered
withdrawn on a last-in, first-out basis from
Payments not previously withdrawn. Amounts
withdrawn from a Guarantee Period Account
prior to the end of the applicable Guarantee
Period will be subject to a Market Value
Adjustment.
[Life Expectancy
Distribution Benefit For Qualified Contracts and contracts
funding employer-sponsored Internal Revenue
Code section 457 plans, in each calendar
year, the
Form A3031-99 11
<PAGE>
amount of the Life Expectancy Distribution
("LED") benefit available under the
Company's then current LED rules that
exceeds the Withdrawal Without Surrender
Charge amount may also be withdrawn without
charge. Each calendar year the LED benefit
available is reduced by any prior
Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge in the
same year. LED benefits are based on the
life expectancy of the Owner or the joint
life expectancies of the Owner and the
Beneficiary.]
Withdrawal with
Surrender Charge Any amounts withdrawn or surrendered in
excess of the Withdrawal Without Surrender
Charge amount or Life Expectancy
Distribution benefit, if applicable, may be
subject to a surrender charge.
These amounts will be taken on a first-in,
first-out basis from Payments not previously
considered withdrawn. The Company will
compute applicable charges using the
Surrender Charge Table (see Specifications
page).
Waiver of Surrender
Charge The surrender charge will be waived if an
Owner, or the Annuitant if the Owner is a
non-natural person, is:
(a) admitted to a "medical care
facility" after being named Owner
or Annuitant and remains confined
there until the later of one year
after the issue date or 90
consecutive days;
(b) first diagnosed by a licensed
"physician" as having a "fatal
illness" after the issue date and
after being named Owner or
Annuitant; or
(c) physically disabled after the issue
date and after being named Owner or
Annuitant and before attaining age
65. The Company may require proof of
continuing disability, and reserves
the right to obtain an examination
by a licensed "physician" of its
choice and at its expense.
"Medical care facility" means any State
licensed facility providing medically
necessary inpatient care which is prescribed
by a licensed "physician" in writing and
based on physical limitations which prohibit
daily living in a non-institutional setting.
"Fatal illness" means a condition diagnosed
by a licensed "physician" which is expected
to result in death within two years of the
diagnosis. "Physician" means a person other
than the Owner, the Annuitant or a member of
one of their families who is State licensed
to give medical care or treatment and is
acting within the scope of that license.
"Physically disabled" means the Owner or
Annuitant has been unable to engage in an
occupation or to conduct daily activities
for a period of at least 12 consecutive
months as a result of disease or bodily
injury.
No additional Payments are permitted after
this provision becomes effective.
Form A3031-99 12
<PAGE>
Market Value Adjustment A transfer, withdrawal or surrender from a
Guarantee Period Account after the
expiration of its Guarantee Period will not
be subject to a Market Value Adjustment. A
Market Value Adjustment will apply to all
other transfers, withdrawals or surrenders
from, a Guarantee Period Account. Amounts
in a Guarantee Period Account that are
applied under an Annuity Option are treated
as withdrawals when calculating the Market
Value Adjustment. The Market Value
Adjustment will be determined by
multiplying the amount taken from each
Guarantee Period Account by the market
value factor. The market value factor for
each Guarantee Period Account is equal to:
n/365
[(1+i)]
-----
[(1+j)] - 1
where:
i - is the Guaranteed Interest Rate
expressed as a decimal (for example:
3% ' 0.03) being credited to the
current Guarantee Period;
j - is the new Guaranteed Interest
Rate, expressed as a decimal, for a
Guarantee Period with a duration
equal to the number of years
remaining in the current Guarantee
Period, rounded to the next higher
number of whole years. If that rate
is not available, the Company will
use a suitable rate or index allowed
by the Department of Insurance; and
n - is the number of days remaining
from the Effective Valuation Date to
the end of the current Guarantee
Period.
If the Guaranteed Interest Rate being
credited is lower than the new Guaranteed
Interest Rate, the Market Value Adjustment
will decrease the Guarantee Period Account
value. Similarly, if the Guaranteed Interest
Rate being credited is higher than the new
Guaranteed Interest Rate, the Market Value
Adjustment will increase the Guarantee
Period Account value. The Market Value
Adjustment will never result in a change to
the value more than the interest earned in
excess of an amount based on the Guarantee
Period Account Minimum Interest Rate (see
Specifications page).
DEATH BENEFIT
At the death of an Owner prior to the
Annuity Date, the Company will pay to the
Beneficiary a Death Benefit upon receipt at
the Principal Office of proof of death. If
the Owner is a non-natural person, prior to
the Annuity Date, a Death Benefit is paid on
the death of an Annuitant, upon receipt at
the Principal Office of proof of death.
Death Benefit The Death Benefit will be the greater of:
Form A3031-99 13
<PAGE>
(a) the Accumulated Value on the
Effective Valuation Date, increased
by any positive Market Value
Adjustment; or
(b) the sum of the gross payments made
under this contract prior to the
date of death, proportionately
reduced to reflect all partial
withdrawals.
For each withdrawal, the proportionate
reduction is calculated by multiplying the
Death Benefit under the (b) option,
immediately prior to the withdrawal, by the
following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------
Accumulated Value immediately prior to the withdrawal
</TABLE>
Payment of the Death
Benefit Unless the Owner has specified otherwise,
the Death Benefit will be paid to the
Beneficiary within 7 days of the Effective
Valuation Date. Alternatively, the
Beneficiary may, by a Request in writing,
elect to:
(a) defer distribution of the Death
Benefit for a period no more than 5
years from the date of death; or
(b) receive distributions over his/her
life expectancy (or over a period
not extending beyond such life
expectancy). Distributions must
begin within one year from the date
of death.
If distribution of the Death Benefit is
deferred under (a) or (b), any value in
Guarantee Period Accounts will be
transferred to the [money market
Sub-Account]. The excess, if any, of the
Death Benefit over the Accumulated Value
will also be transferred to the [money
market Sub-Account.] The Beneficiary may, by
a Request, effect transfers and withdrawals,
but may not make additional Payments. If
there are multiple Beneficiaries, the
consent of all is required.
If the sole Beneficiary is the deceased
Owner's spouse, the Beneficiary may, by a
Request in writing, continue the contract
and become the new Owner and Annuitant
subject to the following:
(a) any value in the Guarantee Period
Accounts will be transferred to the
[money market Sub-Account];
(b) the excess, if any, of the Death
Benefit over the contract's
Accumulated Value will also be
transferred to the [money market
Sub-Account];
(c) additional Payments may be made; and
(d) any subsequent spouse of the new
Owner, if named as the Beneficiary,
may not continue the contract.
Form A3031-99 14
<PAGE>
THE PAYOUT PHASE
ANNUITY BENEFIT
Annuity Options Annuity Options are available on a fixed,
variable or combination fixed and variable
basis. The Annuity Options described below
or any alternative option offered by the
Company may be chosen. If no option is
chosen, monthly benefit payments will be
made under the Fixed Life Annuity with Cash
Back option.
The Owner may also elect to have the Death
Benefit applied under any Annuity Option not
extending beyond the Beneficiary's life
expectancy. Such an election may not be
altered by the Beneficiary.
Fixed annuity options are funded through the
General Account. Variable annuity options
may be funded through one or more of the
Sub-Accounts. Not all Sub-Accounts may be
made available.
Selection of Annuity
Benefit Payments The Owner must select an Annuity Benefit
Payment Option (see page [X] for a list of
such options). Annuity benefit payments
will be paid monthly or at any other
frequency currently offered by the Company.
If the first payment would be less than
the Minimum Annuity Benefit Payment (see
Specifications page), a single payment will
be made instead. If a life annuity option
has been elected, satisfactory proof of the
date of birth of the Annuitant must be
received at the Principal Office before any
payment is made. Also, if a life annuity
option has been elected, the Company may
require from time to time satisfactory
proof that the Annuitant is alive.
Annuity Benefit
Payment Change Frequency In the case of a variable annuity option,
the Owner must select an Annuity Benefit
Payment Change Frequency. This is the
frequency of change in the dollar value of
the variable annuity benefit payments. For
example, if an annual Annuity Benefit
Payment Change Frequency is chosen, the
dollar value of variable annuity benefit
payments will remain constant within each
one-year period. The Owner must also
select the date of the first change.
Assumed Investment
Return In the case of a variable annuity option,
the Owner must select an Assumed Investment
Return ("AIR"). This rate is used to
determine the initial variable annuity
benefit payment and how the payment will
change over time in response to the
performance of the selected Sub-Accounts.
If the actual performance of any selected
Sub-Account (as measured by the Net
Investment Factor) is equal to the AIR, the
annuity benefit payment attributable to
that Sub-Account will be constant. If the
actual performance is greater than the AIR,
the annuity benefit payment
Form A3031-99 15
<PAGE>
will increase. If the actual performance is
less than the AIR, the annuity benefit
payment will decrease.
Reversal of Decision
To Annuitize The Owner may reverse the decision to
annuitize by a Request in writing within
90 days after the Annuity Date. Upon receipt
of such notice, the Company will place the
contract back to the Accumulation Phase
subject to the following:
(a) The funds applied under a variable
annuity option during this period
will be treated as if they had been
invested in the Accumulation Phase
of the contract, with the same
allocations that were in effect
since the Annuity Date.
(b) The funds applied under a fixed
annuity option during this period
will be treated as if they had been
invested in the Accumulation Phase
of the contract in the Fixed
Account, since the Annuity Date.
(c) Any annuity benefit payment paid or
withdrawal taken during this period
will treated as a withdrawal of the
Surrender Value as of the date of
the payment or withdrawal. Fixed
annuity benefit payments will be
treated as withdrawals from the
Fixed Account. Variable annuity
benefit payments will be treated as
withdrawals from the variable
Sub-Accounts. Surrender charges may
apply to these withdrawals.
(d) If the Company learns of the Owner's
decision to reverse after the
Maximum Alternate Annuity Date (see
Specifications page) the Owner must
immediately select another Annuity
Benefit Payment Option.
Annuity Value The Annuity Value will be the Accumulated
Value, after application of any applicable
Market Value Adjustment less any applicable
premium tax. For a Death Benefit annuity,
the Annuity Value will be the amount of the
Death Benefit, less any applicable premium
tax. The Annuity Value applied under a
variable Annuity Option is based on the
Accumulation Unit Value on a Valuation Date
not more than four weeks, uniformly
applied, before the Annuity Date.
The amount of the first annuity benefit
payment under all available options except
period certain options will depend on the
age and/or sex of the Annuitant on the
Annuity Date and the Annuity Value applied.
Period certain options are based only on the
duration of payments and the Annuity Value.
Annuity Unit Values A Sub-Account Annuity Unit Value on any
Valuation Date is equal to its value on the
preceding Valuation Date multiplied by the
product of:
(a) a discount factor equivalent to the
Assumed Investment Return; and
(b) the Net Investment Factor of the
Sub-Account funding the annuity
benefit payments for the applicable
Valuation Period.
Form A3031-99 16
<PAGE>
The value of an Annuity Unit as of any date
other than a Valuation Date is equal to its
value as of the preceding Valuation Date.
Each variable annuity benefit payment is
equal to the number of Annuity Units
multiplied by the applicable value of an
Annuity Unit, except that under a Joint and
Survivor Option, after the first death, the
number of units in each payment is equal to
the total number of units multiplied by the
Survivor Annuity Benefit Percentage.
Variable annuity benefit payments will
increase or decrease with the value of the
Annuity Units as of the date of the first
payment of each Annuity Benefit Payment
Change Frequency. The Company guarantees
that the amount of each variable annuity
benefit payment will not be affected by
changes in mortality and expense experience.
Number of Annuity Units For each Sub-Account the number of Annuity
Units determining the benefit payable is
equal to the amount of the first annuity
benefit payment divided by the value of the
Annuity Unit as of the Valuation Date used
to calculate the amount of the first
payment. Once annuity benefit payments
begin, the number of Annuity Units will not
change unless a split, a withdrawal or a
transfer is made.
Payment of Annuity
Benefit Payments Annuity Benefit Payments are paid
to the Owner. By Request in writing, the
Owner may direct that payments are made to
another person, persons or entity. If an
Owner, who is not also an Annuitant, dies on
or after the Annuity Date, the following
occurs:
(a) If the deceased Owner was the sole
Owner, then the remaining annuity
benefit payments will be payable to
the Beneficiary in accordance with
the terms of the Annuity Option
selected. Upon the death of a sole
Owner, the Beneficiary becomes the
Owner of the contract.
(b) If the contract has joint Owners,
then the remaining annuity benefit
payments will be payable to the
surviving joint Owner in accordance
with the terms of the Annuity Option
selected. Upon the death of the
surviving joint Owner, the
Beneficiary becomes the Owner of the
contract.
TRANSFER
After the Annuity Date and prior to the
death of the Annuitant, the Owner may
transfer among Sub-accounts by Request to
the Principal Office.
Transfers may increase or decrease the
number of Annuity Units in each subsequent
payment.
Form A3031-99 17
<PAGE>
There is no charge for the first twelve
transfers per contract year. A transfer
charge of up to $25 may be imposed on each
additional transfer.
The Company reserves the right to establish
and impose reasonable rules restricting
transfers. All transfers are subject to the
Company's consent.
WITHDRAWAL
After the Annuity Date and prior to the
death of the Annuitant, the Owner may have
the right, based on the Annuity Option
selected, to make withdrawals. If the Death
Benefit is applied under an Annuity Option
the Beneficiary may also make withdrawals in
accordance with this provision.
Amounts withdrawn that were applied under a
variable Annuity Option will be paid within
7 days of the date a Request is received.
The Company reserves the right to delay
payments subject to applicable laws, rules
and regulations governing variable
annuities.
Amounts withdrawn that were applied under a
fixed Annuity Option will normally be paid
within 7 days of the date a Request is
received. The Company may defer payment for
up to six months from the date a Request is
received. If deferred for 30 days or more,
the amount payable will be credited interest
at a rate of at least 3% or the appropriate
rate mandated by the State.
Only one Request for withdrawal under each
provision may be made each calendar year.
Payment Withdrawal
Amount Option Each calendar year, the Owner can
request up to an amount equal to the Payment
Withdrawal Amount (see Specifications page)
multiplied by the previous annuity benefit
payment.
For fixed Annuity Options, each withdrawal
proportionately reduces the dollar amount of
each future annuity benefit payment. The
proportionate reduction is calculated by
multiplying the dollar amount of each future
annuity benefit payment by the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------
Present Value of all remaining fixed annuity
benefit payments immediately prior the withdrawal.
</TABLE>
For variable Annuity Options, each
withdrawal proportionately reduces the
number of Annuity Units in each future
annuity benefit payment. The proportionate
reduction is calculated by multiplying the
number of Annuity Units in each future
annuity benefit payment by the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------
Present Value of all remaining variable annuity
benefit payments immediately prior the withdrawal.
</TABLE>
Form A3031-99 18
<PAGE>
Present Value
Withdrawal Option Over the life of the contract, for period
certain, life with period certain and cash
back Annuity Options when there are
remaining guaranteed payments, the Owner
may request withdrawals which represent a
percentage of the Present Value of those
remaining guaranteed annuity benefit
payments. Each year a withdrawal is taken
under this provision, the Company records
the percentage withdrawn. Each withdrawal
proportionately reduces future annuity
benefit payments. (See proportionate
reduction calculation below.) The total
percentage withdrawn over the life of the
contract cannot exceed the Present Value
Withdrawal Amount (see Specifications page).
For fixed Annuity Options, each withdrawal
proportionately reduces the dollar amount of
each future annuity benefit payment. The
proportionate reduction is calculated by
multiplying the dollar amount of each future
annuity benefit payment by the following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------
Present Value of all remaining fixed guaranteed
annuity benefit payments immediately prior to the withdrawal
</TABLE>
For variable Annuity Options, each
withdrawal proportionately reduces any
remaining guaranteed payments. The
proportionate reduction is calculated by
multiplying the number of Annuity Units in
each future annuity benefit payment by the
following:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------
Present Value of all remaining variable guaranteed
annuity benefit payments immediately prior to the withdrawal
</TABLE>
If an Annuitant is still living after there
are no remaining guaranteed payments under a
life with period certain or life with cash
back payout:
(a) for variable Annuity Options, the
number of Annuity Units will
increase to the number of Annuity
Units payable prior to any
withdrawals, adjusted for transfers.
(b) for fixed Annuity Options, the
dollar amount of the annuity benefit
payments will increase to the amount
payable prior to any withdrawals,
adjusted for transfers.
PRESENT VALUE OF ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENTS
For a variety of purposes, it is at times
necessary to determine the Present Value of
either all future annuity benefit payments
or of future guaranteed annuity benefit
payments. Present Values are calculated
based on the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table,
male, female or unisex rates as appropriate,
and the interest rate or AIR used to
determine the annuity benefit payments
increased by the following adjustments:
Form A3031-99 19
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Adjustment
<S> <C>
Death of the Annuitant 0.00%
Withdrawals
5 or more years after the issue date 0.00%
Within 5 years of issue date:
15 or more years of annuity benefit payments being valued 1.00%
10-14 years of annuity benefit payments being valued 1.50%
Less than 10 years of annuity benefit payments being valued 2.00%
</TABLE>
DEATH OF THE ANNUITANT
Unless otherwise indicated by the Owner,
upon the death of the Annuitant, the Present
Value of the remaining guaranteed annuity
benefit payments may be paid to the Owner.
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT OPTIONS
PERIOD CERTAIN ANNUITY:
Periodic annuity benefit payments for a
chosen number of years. The number of years
selected may be from 5 to 30.
LIFE ANNUITY:
(a) Single Life - Periodic annuity
benefit payments during the
Annuitant's life. The annuity
benefit payments do not continue
after the death of the Annuitant.
(b) Joint and Survivor - Periodic
annuity benefit payments during the
joint lifetime of the joint
Annuitants. For variable options,
after the first death, the number
of units in each payment during the
lifetime of the survivor is equal
to the total number of units
multiplied by the Survivor Annuity
Benefit Percentage. For fixed
options, after the first death, the
dollar amount of each payment
during the lifetime of the survivor
is equal to the dollar value of
each payment paid prior to such
death multiplied by the Survivor
Annuity Benefit Percentage.
ANNUITY BENEFIT PAYMENT GUARANTEE OPTIONS
If a life Annuity Option has been elected,
the Owner may also select one of the
following guarantees:
PERIOD CERTAIN
Periodic guaranteed payments for a period of
ten years, or any other period currently
made available by the Company.
Form A3031-99 20
<PAGE>
CASH BACK:
Upon notification of the Annuitant's death,
any excess of the Annuity Value applied over
the total amount of the annuity benefit
payments will be paid to the Owner or
Beneficiary, whichever is applicable.
ANNUITY OPTION RATES
The first variable annuity benefit payment
will be based on the Annuity Option Rates
made available by the Company on the rate
basis available at the time the Annuity
Option is selected. The fixed annuity
benefit payments will be based on the
greater of the guaranteed Annuity Option
Rates shown in the tables on the following
pages or the Company's non-guaranteed
current Annuity Option Rates applicable to
this class of contracts. The Company
guarantees that once an Annuity Option is
selected, the annuity benefit payments will
not be affected by changes in mortality and
expense experience.
Form A3031-99 21
<PAGE>
ANNUITY OPTION TABLES
First Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment
for Each $1,000 of Annuity Value Applied
Age Life Annuity with Life United Refund
Nearest Payments Guaranteed Annuity Life Annuity
Payment for 10 Years
50 4.20 4.22 4.12
51 4.26 4.28 4.17
52 4.32 4.35 4.23
53 4.38 4.42 4.29
54 4.45 4.49 4.35
55 4.53 4.57 4.41
56 4.60 4.65 4.48
57 4.68 4.73 4.55
58 4.77 4.83 4.63
59 4.86 4.92 4.71
60 4.95 5.03 4.79
61 5.05 5.14 4.88
62 5.16 5.26 4.97
63 5.27 5.38 5.07
64 5.39 5.52 5.17
65 5.51 5.66 5.28
66 5.64 5.82 5.39
67 5.78 5.98 5.51
68 5.92 6.16 5.64
69 6.07 6.35 5.78
70 6.23 6.56 5.92
71 6.39 6.77 6.07
72 6.56 7.01 6.23
73 6.73 7.26 6.40
74 6.91 7.54 6.57
75 7.09 7.83 6.76
These tables are based on an annual interest rate of 3%
and the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table
Form A3031-99 22
<PAGE>
ANNUITY OPTION TABLES (CONTINUED)
First Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment
for Each $1,000 of Annuity Value Applied
Joint and Survivor Life Annuity
Older Age
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
Y 50 3.82 3.90 3.96 4.01 4.05 4.08 4.09
O 55 4.06 4.16 4.25 4.32 4.36 4.39
U 60 4.38 4.52 4.64 4.72 4.78
N 65 4.82 5.01 5.17 5.28
G 70 5.42 5.69 5.91
E 75 6.28 6.67
R 80 7.52
A
G
E
Joint and Two-Thirds Survivor Life Annuity
Older Age
50 55 60 65 70 75 80
Y 50 4.09 4.23 4.38 4.55 4.74 4.93 5.13
O 55 4.40 4.58 4.78 5.00 5.22 5.45
U 60 4.81 5.05 5.31 5.58 5.86
N 65 5.37 5.70 6.04 6.38
G 70 6.16 6.59 7.04
E 75 7.27 7.87
R 80 8.86
Form A3031-99 23
<PAGE>
These tables are based on an annual interest rate of 3%
and the Annuity 2000 Mortality Table
First Monthly Annuity Benefit Payment
for Each $1,000 of Annuity Value Applied
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Variable or Fixed Annuity for a Number of Variable or Fixed Annuity for a
Years Period Certain Years Period Certain
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 84.65 16 6.76
2 43.05 17 6.47
3 29.19 18 6.20
4 22.27 19 5.97
5 18.12 20 5.75
6 15.35 21 5.56
7 13.38 22 5.39
8 11.90 23 5.24
9 10.75 24 5.09
10 9.83 25 4.96
11 9.09 26 4.84
12 8.46 27 4.73
13 7.94 28 4.63
14 7.49 29 4.53
15 7.10 30 4.45
</TABLE>
These tables are based on an annual interest rate of 3 1/2%
Form A3031-99 24
<PAGE>
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Entire Contract The entire contract consists of this
contract, any application attached at
issue, riders, Specifications pages and
endorsements.
Misstatement of Age If the age or sex of an individual is
or Sex misstated, the Company will adjust all
benefits payable to that which would
be available at the correct age or sex. Any
underpayments already made by the Company
will be paid immediately. Any overpayments
will be deducted from future annuity
benefits payments.
Failure to Notify Company
of Annuitant Death After the Annuity Date and once notified of
the Annuitant's death, the Company reserves
the right to recover any overpaid annuity
benefit payments.
Modifications Only the President or Vice President of the
Company may modify or waiver any provisions
of this contract. Agents or Brokers are not
authorized to do so.
Incontestability The Company cannot challenge the validity of
this contract after it has been in force for
more than two years from the date of issue.
Change of Annuity Date The Owner may change the Annuity Date by
Request at any time after the issue date.
The request must be received at the
Principal Office at least one month before
the new Annuity Date. To the extent
permitted by applicable laws, rules and
regulations governing variable annuities,
the new Annuity Date must be no later than
the Maximum Alternative Annuity Date shown
on the Specifications page.
Minimums All values and benefits available under this
contract equal or exceed those required by
the State in which the contract is
delivered.
Annual Report The Company will furnish an annual report
to the Owner containing a statement of the
number and value of Accumulation Units
credited to the Sub-Accounts, the value of
the Fixed Account and the Guarantee Period
Accounts and any other information required
by applicable law, rules and regulations.
Addition, Deletion, or The Company reserves the right, subject to
Substitution of Investments compliance with applicable law, to add to,
delete from, or substitute for the shares of
a Fund that are held by the Sub-Accounts or
that the Sub-Accounts may purchase. The
Company also reserves the right to eliminate
the shares of any Fund no longer available
for investment or if the Company believes
further investment in the Fund is no longer
appropriate for the purposes of the
Sub-Accounts.
The Company will not substitute shares
attributable to any interest in a
Sub-Account without notice to the Owner and
prior approval of the Securities and
Exchange Commission as required by the
Investment
Form A3031-99 25
<PAGE>
Company Act of 1940. This will not prevent
the Variable Account from purchasing other
securities for other series or classes of
contracts, or from permitting a conversion
between series or classes of contracts on
the basis of requests made by Owners.
The Company reserves the right, subject to
compliance with applicable laws, to
establish additional Separate Accounts,
Guarantee Period Accounts and Sub-Accounts
and to make them available to any class or
series of contracts as the Company considers
appropriate. Each new Separate Account or
Sub-Account will invest in a new investment
company, or in shares of another open-end
investment company, or such other
investments as may be permitted under
applicable law. The Company also reserves
the right to eliminate or combine existing
Sub-Accounts and to transfer the assets of
any Sub-Accounts to any other Sub-Accounts.
In the event of any substitution or change,
the Company may, by appropriate notice, make
such changes in this and other contracts as
may be necessary or appropriate to reflect
the substitution or change. If the Company
considers it to be in the best interests of
the owners, the Variable Account or any
Sub-Account may be operated as a management
company under the Investment Company Act of
1940 or in any other form permitted by law,
or may be de-registered under the Act in the
event registration is no longer required, or
may be combined with other accounts of the
Company.
Changes in Law The Company reserves the right to make any
changes to provisions of the contract to
comply with, or give Owners the benefit of,
any federal or State statute, rule, or
regulation.
Change of Name Subject to compliance with applicable law,
the Company reserves the right to change
the names of the Variable Account or the
Sub-Accounts.
Federal Tax Considerations The Variable Account is not currently
subject to tax, but the Company reserves
the right to assess a charge for taxes if
the Variable Account becomes subject to tax.
Splitting of Units The Company reserves the right to split the
value of a unit, either to increase or
decrease the number of units. Any splitting
of units will have no material effect on the
benefits, provisions or investment return of
this contract or upon the Owner, the
Annuitant, any Beneficiary, or the Company.
Insulation of Separate The investment performance of Separate
Account Account assets is determined separately from
the other assets of the Company. The assets
of a Separate Account equal to the reserves
and liabilities of the contracts supported
by the account will not be charged with
liabilities from any other business that
the Company may conduct.
Form A3031-99 26
<PAGE>
Flexible Payment Deferred Variable and Fixed Annuity
Annuity Benefit Payments Payable on the Annuity Date
Death Benefit Payable to Beneficiary if Owner Dies prior to Annuity Date
Non-Participating
Form A3031-99 27
<PAGE>
SPECIFICATIONS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contract Type: [NQ] Contract Number: [zz00600000]
Issue Date: [ ] Annuity Date: [xx/xx/xxxx]
(Must be at least [2] years after the issue date)
Owner: [ ] Owner Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Joint Owner: [ ] Joint Owner Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Annuitant: [ ] Annuitant Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Joint Annuitant: [ ] Joint Annuitant Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Annuitant Sex: [ ] Beneficiary(ies):
Joint Annuitant Sex: [ ] Primary: Surviving Joint Owner, if any
1st Contingent: [ ]
2nd Contingent: [ ]
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Minimum Fixed Account Minimum Additional Payment
Guaranteed Interest Rate: [%] Amount: [$50.00]
Guarantee Period Account Guarantee Period Account
Minimum Interest Rate: [3%] Minimum Allocation Amount: [$1,000.00]
Minimum Withdrawal Minimum Accumulated Value
Amount: [$100.00] After Withdrawal: [$1,000.00]
Minimum Annuity Maximum Alternative Annuity Date: [xx/yy/zzzz]
Benefit Payment: [$100.00] (Must be at least [2] years after the issue date)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Surrender Charge Table:
Years From Surrender Charge as a
Date of Payment Percent of the Payments
To Date of Withdrawal Withdrawn
---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less Than: 1 8%
2 8%
3 7%
4 6%
5 5%
6 4%
7 3%
8 2%
Thereafter 0%
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Withdrawal Without Surrender
Charge Percentage: [15% of Gross Payment Base (reduced by any prior
Withdrawal Without Surrender Charge in the same calendar
year)]
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge: [1.20%] on an annual basis of the daily value of the
Sub-Account assets.
Administrative Charge: [.15%] on an annual basis of the daily value of the
Sub-Account assets.
Contract Fee: [$35, if the Accumulated Value is less than $75,000.00.]
Principal Office: 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01653
[(1-800-782-8380)]
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Owner: [ ] Contract Number: [zzz0000000]
Joint Owner: [ ]
Initial Payment: [$25,000.00]
Payment Allocation: (The Initial Payment is allocated in the following manner:)
</TABLE>
Variable Sub-Accounts:
---------------------
[ INSERT NAMES OF THE VARIABLE SUB-ACCOUNTS ]
Fixed Account
-------------
Guarantee Period Accounts
-------------------------
Guarantee Interest Expiration
Period Rate Date
------ ---- ----
[ 2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
7 years
8 years
9 years
10 years]
-------
100% TOTAL
<PAGE>
SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)
RIDER(S) SELECTED:
[Enhanced Death Benefit Rider:]
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[EDB Effective Annual Yield [5%]]
[EDB Charge: [.25%] on an annual basis of the
Accumulated Value of the contract
deducted Pro Rata on the last day of
each month]
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SPECIFICATIONS (SUPPLEMENT)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Contract Type: [Non-qualified] Contract Number: [zz00600000]
Owner: [ ] Owner Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Joint Owner: [ ] Joint Owner Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Annuitant: [ ] Annuitant Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Joint Annuitant: [ ] Joint Annuitant Date of Birth: [xx/xx/xxxx]
Annuitant Sex: [ ] Beneficiary(ies):
Joint Annuitant Sex: [ ] Primary: Surviving Joint Owner, if any
1st Contingent: [ ]
2nd Contingent: [ ]
Payee: [ ]
Payee Address: [ ]
Annuity Date: [xx/yy/zzzz]
Expiration of 90-Day Period: [xx/yy/zzzz]
Annuity Benefit Payment Option: [Joint with 2/3 Survivor Option]
Survivor Annuity Benefit Percentage: [66 2/3%]
Percentage under a Fixed Annuity Option: [30%]
Percentage under a Variable Annuity Option: [70%]
Assumed Investment Return: [4%]
Annuity Benefit Payment Change Frequency: [Annual]
Annuity Benefit Frequency: [Monthly]
Variable Allocation on Annuity Date:
Sub-Accounts:
------------
[INSERT NAMES OF THE VARIABLE SUB-ACCOUNTS]
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
SPECIFICATIONS (SUPPLEMENT)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
[Payment Withdrawal Amount [10] times the previous annuity benefit
payment but not more than the remaining
guaranteed annuity benefit payments.]
[Present Value Withdrawal Amount: [75%] of Present Value of remaining
guaranteed annuity benefit payments.]
[100% for Period Certain]
Mortality and Expense Risk Charge: [1.20% ] on an annual basis of the daily value of the Sub-Account
assets.
Administrative Charge: [.15%] on an annual basis of the daily value of the Sub-Account
assets.
Principal Office: 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01653
[(1-800-782-8380)]
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY
ENHANCED DEATH BENEFIT "EDB" RIDER
OVERVIEW:
The EDB Rider ("Rider") is an optional rider the Owner has selected. It
provides an enhanced Death Benefit, which guarantees [5%] growth and provides
a ratchet.
APPLICABILITY:
The Rider is made a part of the contract to which it is attached and is
effective on the issue date.
BENEFIT:
The "Death Benefit" provision on [page XX] of the contract is replaced by the
following:
I. If an Owner, or an Annuitant if the Owner is a non-natural person, dies
before the Annuity Date and before his/her [90th birthday, the Death
Benefit will be the greatest of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Effective Valuation Date increased
for any positive Market Value Adjustment ("MVA");
(b) gross payments accumulated daily at the "EDB Effective Annual
Yield" shown on the Specifications page, starting on the
Effective Valuation Date of each gross payment and ending on
the date of death, proportionately reduced for subsequent
withdrawals; and
(c) the highest Accumulated Value on any contract anniversary prior
to the date of death, as determined after being increased for
any positive MVA and subsequent payments and proportionately
reduced for subsequent withdrawals.
II. If an Owner, or an Annuitant if the Owner is a non-natural person, dies
before the Annuity Date but after his/her [90th birthday, the death
benefit will be the greater of:
(a) the Accumulated Value on the Effective Valuation Date increased
for any positive MVA; or
(b) the Death Benefit, as calculated under Section I, that would
have been payable on the contract anniversary prior to the
deceased's [90th birthday, increased for subsequent payments
and proportionately reduced for subsequent withdrawals.
PROPORTIONATE REDUCTION:
Sections I(b), I(c) and II(b) refer to a proportionate reduction. This
proportionate reduction is calculated by multiplying the (b) or (c) value,
whichever is applicable, determined immediately prior to the withdrawal by
the following:
Amount of the withdrawal
------------------------
Accumulated Value determined immediately prior to the withdrawal
FORM 3263-99
<PAGE>
CHARGE FOR BENEFIT:
While this Rider is in effect, the Company will assess the EDB Charge (see
the Specifications page).
TERMINATION:
This Rider will terminate on the earliest of the following:
(a) the Annuity Date;
(b) when a Death Benefit is payable and the contract is not
continued under a spousal takeover; or
(c) surrender of the contract.
Signed for the Company at Dover, Delaware
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
[ALLMERICA SELECT LOGO] 440 LINCOLN STREET, WORCESTER, MA 01653
A HIGHER STANDARD [ALLMERICA SELECT SECONDARY B/D]
VARIABLE ANNUITY APPLICATION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
1 MY INVESTMENT How much I want to invest. 5 THE OWNER Please Print Clearly
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
I am investing $___________ in Allmerica Select [Secondary B/D] --------------------------------------------------------------
(Minimum $1,000. Make check payable to Allmerica Financial.) OWNER'S First Name Middle Last
If IRA, Roth, or SEP-IRA application, this payment is a
(check one): --------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Rollover/Conversion / / Trustee to Trustee Transfer Street Address
/ / Payment for Tax Year _________
--------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------- City State Zip
2 WHERE Where I want my money invested. - - / / / / M / / F
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
Select your investment portfolio by allocating your dollars Owner's Social Security Number Date of Birth/Trust Sex
among the accounts by percent or select one of the Model ( )
Portfolios below. Use whole percentages. --------------------------------------------------------------
_____ % Select Emerging Mkts. _____ % Select Gr. & Inc. Daytime Phone Number
_____ % Select Int'l Equity _____ % Fidelity VIP Eq. Inc.
_____ % T. Rowe Price Int'l _____ % Fidelity VIP High Inc. --------------------------------------------------------------
_____ % Select Aggr. Growth _____ % Select Income JOINT OWNER'S First Name Middle Last
_____ % Select Capital Appr. _____ % Allmerica Money Mkt. - - / / / / M / / F
_____ % Select Value Opp. _____ % Fixed Account --------------------------------------------------------------
_____ % Select Growth Joint Owner's Social Security Number Date of Birth/Trust Sex
_____ % Select Strategic Gr. --------------------------------------------------------------
_____ % Fidelity VIP Growth 6 THE ANNUITANT Please Print Clearly
MODEL PORTFOLIOS --------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Accumulator / / Builder / / Provider / / Saver / / Preserver Complete this section if the Annuitant is someone other than
TOTAL OF ALL ALLOCATIONS MUST EQUAL 100%. FUTURE INVESTMENTS the Owner.
WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THIS SELECTION UNLESS CHANGED BY ME. --------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ANNUITANT'S First Name Middle Last
3 ACCOUNT REBALANCING - - / / / / M / / F
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
/ / I elect Automatic Account Rebalancing of the VARIABLE Annuitant's Social Security Number Date of Birth Sex
ACCOUNTS to the allocations specified in Section 2.
/ / Monthly / / Quarterly / / Semi-Annually / / Annually --------------------------------------------------------------
JOINT ANNUITANT'S First Name Middle Last
AUTOMATIC ACCOUNT REBALANCING AND DOLLAR COST AVERAGING CANNOT - - / / / / M / / F
BE IN EFFECT SIMULTANEOUSLY. --------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------- Joint Annuitant's Social Security Number Date of Birth Sex
4 DOLLAR COST AVERAGING --------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------- 7 BENEFICIARY Please Print Clearly
Select ONE account from which to transfer money. --------------------------------------------------------------
Be sure you have allocated money to this account in Section 2. If there are Joint Owners, the survivor is always Primary
Transfer $____________ ($100 Minimum) Beneficiary.
FROM / / Fixed Account OR / / Select Income* OR
/ / Money Market*
(*This account cannot be selected in the allocation below.) --------------------------------------------------------------
EVERY / / Month / / 3 Mos. / / 6 Mos. / / 12 Mos. Name of Primary Beneficiary Relationship to Owner
INTO:
_____ % Select Emerging Mkts. _____ % Select Strategic Gr.
_____ % Select Int'l Equity _____ % Fidelity VIP Growth --------------------------------------------------------------
_____ % T. Rowe Price Int'l _____ % Select Gr. & Inc. Name of Contingent Beneficiary Relationship to Owner
_____ % Select Aggr. Growth _____ % Fidelity VIP Eq. Inc.
_____ % Select Capital Appr. _____ % Fidelity VIP High Inc. --------------------------------------------------------------
_____ % Select Value Opp. _____ % Select Income 8 OPTIONAL RIDERS
_____ % Select Growth _____ % Allmerica Money Mkt. --------------------------------------------------------------
100 % TOTAL I elect: / / Enhanced Death Benefit
/ /
------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
9 REPLACEMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------
Will the proposed certificate replace any existing annuity or
life insurance policy? / / Yes / / No
(If yes, list company name and policy number.)
--------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
AS-697NY
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
10 TYPE OF ACCOUNT TO BE ISSUED 11 REMARKS
- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
(CHECK ONLY ONE.)
---- --------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Non-Qualified / / Non-Qualified Deferred Comp.
/ / Regular IRA / / Roth IRA / / SEP-IRA* --------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Pension/Profit Sharing (401(a))*
/ / Profit Sharing (401(k))* --------------------------------------------------------------
/ / Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plan (Section 403(b))*
*Attach required additional forms. Existing Case # __________ --------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 SIGNATURES
I/We represent to the best of my/our knowledge and belief that the statements made in this application are true and complete.
I/We agree to all terms and conditions as shown on the front and back. It is indicated and agreed that the only statements which
are to be construed as the basis of the certificate are those contained in this application. I/We acknowledge receipt of a
current prospectus describing the certificate applied for. If IRA, Roth or SEP-IRA application, I/we have received a Disclosure
Buyer's Guide. I/WE UNDERSTAND THAT ALL PAYMENTS AND VALUES BASED ON THE VARIABLE ACCOUNTS MAY FLUCTUATE AND ARE NOT GUARANTEED
AS TO DOLLAR AMOUNT.
/ / Please send me a Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
/X/
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Owner Signed at (City and State) Date
/X/
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Owner Signed at (City and State) Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 FOR REGISTERED REP USE ONLY
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOES THE CERTIFICATE APPLIED FOR REPLACE AN EXISTING ANNUITY OR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY(IES)? / / YES / / NO If yes, attach
replacement forms as required. As Registered Representative, I certify witnessing the signature of the applicant(s) and that the
information in this application has been accurately recorded, to the best of my knowledge and belief. Based on the information
furnished by the Owner(s) in this application, I certify that I have reasonable grounds for believing the purchase of the
certificate applied for is suitable for the Owner(s). I further certify that the Prospectuses were delivered and that no written
sales materials other than those furnished or approved by the Company were used.
/X/
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Registered Representative Print Name of Registered Representative Telephone
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TR Code Social Security # Registered Rep # E-Mail Address
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Broker/Dealer Branch #
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Branch Office Street Address for Certificate Delivery City State Zip
ALLMERICA SELECT o FIRST ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
440 LINCOLN STREET o WORCESTER, MA 01653
AS-697NY
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned, hereby severally constitute and appoint Richard M. Reilly,
John F. Kelly, Joseph W. MacDougall, Jr., and Sheila B. St. Hilaire, and each of
them singly, our true and lawful attorneys, with full power to them and each of
them, to sign for us, and in our names and in any and all capacities, any and
all Registration Statements and all amendments thereto, including post-effective
amendments, with respect to the Separate Accounts supporting variable life and
variable annuity contracts issued by First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance
Company, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and with any
other regulatory agency or state authority that may so require, granting unto
said attorneys and each of them, acting alone, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could
do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys or any of
them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Witness our hands on
the date set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ John F. O'Brien Director, President and Chief Executive 7/1/99
- ----------------------------- Officer
John F. O'Brien
/s/ Bruce C. Anderson Director and Vice President 7/1/99
- -----------------------------
Bruce C. Anderson
/s/ Robert E. Bruce Director, Vice President and 7/1/99
- ----------------------------- Chief Information Officer
Robert E. Bruce
/s/ John P. Kavanaugh Director, Vice President and 7/1/99
- ----------------------------- Chief Investment Officer
John P. Kavanaugh
/s/ John F. Kelly Director, Senior Vice President and 7/1/99
- ----------------------------- General Counsel
John F. Kelly
/s/ J. Barry May Director 7/1/99
- -----------------------------
J. Barry May
/s/ James R. McAuliffe Director 7/1/99
- -----------------------------
James R. McAuliffe
/s/ Edward J. Parry, III Director, Vice President, Chief Financial 7/1/99
- ----------------------------- Officer and Treasurer
Edward J. Parry, III
/s/ Richard M. Reilly Director and Vice President 7/1/99
- -----------------------------
Richard M. Reilly
/s/ Robert P. Restrepo, Jr. Director and Vice President 7/1/99
- -----------------------------
Robert P. Restrepo, Jr.
/s/ Eric A. Simonsen Director and Vice President 7/1/99
- -----------------------------
Eric A. Simonsen
/s/ Phillip E. Soule Director and Vice President 7/1/99
- -----------------------------
Phillip E. Soule
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
December 1, 1999
First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company
440 Lincoln Street
Worcester, MA 01653
RE: ALLMERICA SELECT SEPARATE ACCOUNT OF FIRST
ALLMERICA FINANCIAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Gentlemen:
In my capacity as Assistant Vice President and Counsel of First Allmerica
Financial Life Insurance Company (the "Company"), I have participated in the
preparation of this initial Registration Statement for Allmerica Select
Separate Account on Form N-4 under the Securities Act of 1933 and amendment
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with respect to the Company's
qualified and non-qualified variable annuity contracts.
I am of the following opinion:
1. Allmerica Select Separate Account is a separate account of the Company
validly existing pursuant to the Massachusetts Insurance Code and the
regulations issued thereunder.
2. The assets held in Allmerica Select Separate Account are not chargeable
with liabilities arising out of any other business the Company may
conduct.
3. The variable annuity contracts, when issued in accordance with the
Prospectus contained in the initial Registration Statement and upon
compliance with applicable local law, will be legal and binding
obligations of the Company in accordance with their terms and when
sold will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
In arriving at the foregoing opinion, I have made such examination of law and
examined such records and other documents as in my judgment are necessary or
appropriate.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to this initial
Registration Statement of Allmerica Select Separate Account on Form N-4 filed
under the Securities Act of 1933 and amendment under the Investment Company
Act of 1940.
Very truly yours,
/s/ John C. Donlon, Jr.
John C. Donlon, Jr.
Assistant Vice President and Counsel
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this initial Registration Statement of Allmerica Select
Separate Account of First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance Company on Form
N-4 of our report dated February 2, 1999, except for paragraph 2 of Note 18
and Note 20, which are as of March 19, 1999 and April 1, 1999, respectively,
relating to the financial statements of First Allmerica Financial Life
Insurance Company, and our report dated March 26, 1999, relating to the
financial statements of Allmerica Select Separate Account of First Allmerica
Financial Life Insurance Company, both of which appear in such Statement of
Additional Information. We also consent to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in such Statement of Additional Information.
/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
December 3, 1999
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECT SECONDARY - FAFLIC Since Inception of Underlying Portfolio
1 Year With Surrender
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund N/A
Select International Equity Fund (1.149082-((1.149082-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 6.46%
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio (1.142965-((1.142965-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 5.90%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund (1.090678-((1.090678-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 1.09%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund (1.123432-((1.123432-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 4.10%
Select Value Opportunity Fund (1.034544-((1.034544-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = -4.08%
Select Growth Fund (1.336131-((1.336131-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 23.67%
Select Strategic Growth Fund N/A
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio (1.376086-((1.376086-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 27.35%
Select Growth and Income Fund (1.148588-((1.148588-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 6.42%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio (1.101234-((1.101234-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = 2.06%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio (0.943783-((0.943783-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = -12.43%
Select Income Fund (1.053881-((1.053881-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = -2.30%
Money Market Fund (1.040858-((1.040858-0.12)*0.08)-1/1)-0.002143 = -3.50%
<CAPTION>
Since Inception of Underlying Portfolio
5 Years With Surrender
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund N/A
Select International Equity Fund N/A
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio N/A
Select Aggressive Growth Fund (((1.878439-((1.878439-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 12.14%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund N/A
Select Value Opportunity Fund (((1.728289-((1.728289-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 10.29%
Select Growth Fund (((2.540791-((2.540791-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 19.12%
Select Strategic Growth Fund N/A
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio (((2.498434-((2.498434-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 18.72%
Select Growth and Income Fund (((2.121259-((2.121259-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 14.90%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio (((2.208173-((2.208173-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 15.82%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio (((1.424416-((1.424416-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 6.12%
Select Income Fund (((1.253267-((1.253267-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 3.44%
Money Market Fund (((1.204983-((1.204983-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1825))-1)-0.002143 = 2.63%
<CAPTION>
Since Inception of Underlying Portfolio
10 Years or Since Inception With Surrender
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund ((0.776263-((0.776263-0.12)*0.08)/1)-1)-0.002143 = -27.84%
Select International Equity Fund (((1.610372-((1.610372-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1704))-1)-0.002143 = 9.41%
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio (((1.453476-((1.453476-0.12)*0.05)/1)^(365/1736))-1)-0.002143 = 6.90%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund (((2.645507-((2.645507-0.12)*0.03)/1)^(365/2323))-1)-0.002143 = 15.77%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund (((1.881718-((1.881718-0.12)*0.06)/1)^(365/1343))-1)-0.002143 = 16.68%
Select Value Opportunity Fund (((2.016952-((2.016952-0.12)*0.04)/1)^(365/2071))-1)-0.002143 = 12.19%
Select Growth Fund (((2.801801-((2.801801-0.12)*0.03)/1)^(365/2323))-1)-0.002143 = 16.82%
Select Strategic Growth Fund ((0.963962-((0.963962-0.12)*0.08)/1)-1)-0.002143 = -10.57%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio ((5.145251/1)^(365/3650)-1)-0.002143 = 17.58%
Select Growth and Income Fund (((2.298582-((2.298582-0.12)*0.03)/1)^(365/2323))-1)-0.002143 = 13.24%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio ((3.726696/1)^(365/3650)-1)-0.002143 = 13.85%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio ((2.496586/1)^(365/3650)-1)-0.002143 = 9.37%
Select Income Fund (((1.374226-((1.374226-0.12)*0.03)/1)^(365/2323))-1)-0.002143 = 4.45%
Money Market Fund ((1.508139/1)^(365/3650)-1)-0.002143 = 3.98%
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SELECT SECONDARY - FAFLIC Since Inception of Underlying Portfolio
1 Year Without Surrender
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund N/A
Select International Equity Fund (1.149082-1.000000)/1.000000 = 14.91%
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio (1.142965-1.000000)/1.000000 = 14.30%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund (1.090678-1.000000)/1.000000 = 9.07%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund (1.123432-1.000000)/1.000000 = 12.34%
Select Value Opportunity Fund (1.034544-1.000000)/1.000000 = 3.45%
Select Growth Fund (1.336131-1.000000)/1.000000 = 33.61%
Select Strategic Growth Fund N/A
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio (1.376086-1.000000)/1.000000 = 37.61%
Select Growth and Income Fund (1.148588-1.000000)/1.000000 = 14.86%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio (1.101234-1.000000)/1.000000 = 10.12%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio (0.943783-1.000000)/1.000000 = -5.62%
Select Income Fund (1.053881-1.000000)/1.000000 = 5.39%
Money Market Fund (1.040858-1.000000)/1.000000 = 4.09%
<CAPTION>
Since Inception of Underlying Portfolio
5 Years Without Surrender
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund N/A
Select International Equity Fund N/A
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio N/A
Select Aggressive Growth Fund ((1.878439/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 13.44%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund N/A
Select Value Opportunity Fund ((1.728289/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 11.56%
Select Growth Fund ((2.540791/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 20.50%
Select Strategic Growth Fund N/A
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio ((2.498434/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 20.10%
Select Growth and Income Fund ((2.121259/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 16.23%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio ((2.208173/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 17.17%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio ((1.424416/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 7.33%
Select Income Fund ((1.253267/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 4.62%
Money Market Fund ((1.204983/1.000000)^(365/1825))-1 = 3.80%
<CAPTION>
Since Inception of Underlying Portfolio
10 Years or Since Inception Without Surrender
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Select Emerging Markets Fund (0.776263/1.000000)-1 = -22.37%
Select International Equity Fund ((1.610372/1.000000)^(365/1704))-1 = 10.74%
T. Rowe Price International Stock Portfolio ((1.453476/1.000000)^(365/1736))-1 = 8.18%
Select Aggressive Growth Fund ((2.645507/1.000000)^(365/2323))-1 = 16.52%
Select Capital Appreciation Fund ((1.881718/1.000000)^(365/1343))-1 = 18.75%
Select Value Opportunity Fund ((2.016952/1.000000)^(365/2071))-1 = 13.16%
Select Growth Fund ((2.801801/1.000000)^(365/2323))-1 = 17.57%
Select Strategic Growth Fund (0.963962/1.000000)-1 = -3.60%
Fidelity VIP Growth Portfolio ((5.145251/1.000000)^(365/3650))-1 = 17.80%
Select Growth and Income Fund ((2.298582/1.000000)^(365/2323))-1 = 13.97%
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio ((3.726696/1.000000)^(365/3650))-1 = 14.06%
Fidelity VIP High Income Portfolio ((2.496586/1.000000)^(365/3650))-1 = 9.58%
Select Income Fund ((1.374226/1.000000)^(365/2323))-1 = 5.12%
Money Market Fund ((1.508139/1.000000)^(365/3650))-1 = 4.19%
</TABLE>
