NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT 5
485BPOS, 1998-04-29
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<PAGE>   1

              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                                       '33 Act File No. 33-71440
   
                                                       '40 Act File No. 811-8142
    
================================================================================



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                   ACT OF 1933

   
                         POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 5           [X]
    

                                       AND

                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

   
                                 AMENDMENT NO. 5                  [X]
    


                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)


                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (Name of Depositor)

                   ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111

   
     DENNIS W. CLICK, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215
    
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

This Post-Effective Amendment amends the Registration Statement in respect of
the Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information, and the Financial
Statements.

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate space)

   
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 
[X] on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485 
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) of Rule 485
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a 
    previously filed post-effective amendment
    

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



                                    1 of 103                            
<PAGE>   2

                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5
                     REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4    ITEM                                                                                                         PAGE
<S>        <C>                                                                                                         <C>
Part A     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
     Item    1.   Cover page..........................................................................................3
     Item    2.   Definitions.........................................................................................5
     Item    3.   Synopsis or Highlights.............................................................................13
     Item    4.   Condensed Financial Information....................................................................14
     Item    5.   General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies..............................15
     Item    6.   Deductions and Expenses............................................................................18
     Item    7.   General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts..................................................21
     Item    8.   Purchases and Contract Value.......................................................................21
     Item    9.   Redemptions........................................................................................25
     Item    10.  Annuity Period.....................................................................................28
     Item    11.  Death Benefit and Distributions....................................................................28
     Item    12.  Taxes..............................................................................................34
     Item    13.  Legal Proceedings..................................................................................42
     Item    14.  Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information.......................................43

Part B     INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
     Item    15.  Cover Page.........................................................................................45
     Item    16.  Table of Contents..................................................................................45
     Item    17.  General Information and History....................................................................45
     Item    18.  Services...........................................................................................45
     Item    19.  Purchase of Securities Being Offered...............................................................45
     Item    20.  Underwriters.......................................................................................46
     Item    21.  Calculation of Performance.........................................................................46
     Item    22.  Annuity Payments...................................................................................47
     Item    23.  Financial Statements...............................................................................48

Part C     OTHER INFORMATION
     Item    24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits..................................................................80
     Item    25.  Directors and Officers of the Depositor............................................................82
     Item    26.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or Registrant.....................84
     Item    27.  Number of Contract Owners..........................................................................94
     Item    28.  Indemnification....................................................................................94
     Item    29.  Principal Underwriter..............................................................................94
     Item    30.  Location of Accounts and Records...................................................................96
     Item    31.  Management Services................................................................................96
     Item    32.  Undertakings.......................................................................................96
</TABLE>


                                    2 of 103
<PAGE>   3

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   HOME OFFICE
                                 P.O. BOX 182008
                            COLUMBUS, OHIO 43218-2008
                       1-800-321-9332, TDD 1-800-238-3035
                       DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
             ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY THROUGH ITS
                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5

   
The Contracts described in this prospectus are Variable Annuity Contracts
(collectively referred to as the "Contracts"). Reference throughout the
prospectus to the Contracts will mean individual contracts as well as
Certificates issued under Group Flexible Fund Retirement Contracts. For such
Group Contracts, references to "Contract Owner" will mean the "Participant"
unless the plan otherwise permits or requires the Contract Owner to exercise
contractual rights under the authority of the plan terms. The Contracts are sold
for use in retirement plans which may qualify for special federal tax treatment
under the Internal Revenue Code ("Code"). Contracts are sold as: Non-Qualified
Contracts; IRAs; Roth IRAs; SEP IRAs; Tax Sheltered Annuities; or Qualified
Contracts. Annuity payments are deferred until a selected later date.

Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide Variable Account-5 ("Variable
Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
"Company"). Shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options are issued only for the
purpose of funding benefits for variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies issued by insurance companies, or in some cases, through
participation in certain qualified pension or retirement plans. The Variable
Account uses its assets to purchase shares at Net Asset Value of one or more of
the following Underlying Mutual Fund options:
    

           AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC., A MEMBER OF THE
   
                   AMERICAN CENTURY(SM) FAMILY OF INVESTMENTS
    
                         -American Century VP Advantage
                    -American Century VP Capital Appreciation
   
                         -DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND, INC.

                FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND ("VIP")
                          -VIP Equity-Income Portfolio

                   NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST ("NSAT")
    
                               -Money Market Fund
                              -Government Bond Fund
                               -Total Return Fund

                  NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
                               -Balanced Portfolio

   
This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know about
the Contracts issued by the Variable Account before investing. You should read
it and keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated
May 1, 1998 containing further information about the Contracts and the Variable
Account has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). You
can obtain a copy without charge from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by
calling the number listed above, or writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio
43218-2008.

PLEASE NOTE THAT NOT ALL BENEFITS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROSPECTUS MAY BE AVAILABLE
IN EVERY STATE JURISDICTION. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR CONTRACT FOR SPECIFIC BENEFIT
INFORMATION.
    

INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY CITIBANK OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR CORRESPONDENTS. INVESTMENTS
ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE
FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT
INVOLVES INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.


                                       1

                                    3 of 103
<PAGE>   4

   
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SEC NOR HAS THE
SEC PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE SEC MAINTAINS A WEBSITE, WWW.SEC.GOV, THAT CONTAINS THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE RELATING TO THIS
PROSPECTUS.

THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED MAY 1, 1998 IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 41 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                   THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1998.
    


                                       2

                                    4 of 103
<PAGE>   5

                            GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

ACCUMULATION UNIT - An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Contract Value prior to the Annuitization Date.

   
ANNUITANT - The person designated to receive annuity payments during
Annuitization and upon whose continuation of life any annuity payment involving
life contingencies depends. This person must be age 78 or younger at time of
Contract issuance unless the Company has approved a request for an Annuitant of
greater age.

ANNUITIZATION - The period during which annuity payments are received.


ANNUITIZATION DATE - The date on which annuity payments commence.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE - The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the data page of the
Contract. The Annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the Contract Owner
with the consent of the Company.
    

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION - The chosen form of annuity payments. Several options
are available under the Contract.

ANNUITY UNIT - An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
Variable Annuity payments.

   
BENEFICIARY - The person designated to receive certain benefits under the
Contract when the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date. The
Beneficiary can be changed by the Contract Owner as set forth in the Contract.
    

CODE - The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

COMPANY - Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

   
CONTINGENT ANNUITANT - The person who may be the recipient of certain rights or
benefits under the Contract when the Annuitant dies before the Annuitization
Date. If a Contingent Annuitant is designated and the Annuitant dies before the
Annuitization Date, the Contingent Annuitant becomes the Annuitant. A Contingent
Annuitant may not be named for Contracts issued as IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs,
Tax Sheltered Annuities or Qualified Contracts.
    

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY - The person designated to be the Beneficiary if the
named Beneficiary is not living at the time of the death of the Annuitant.

   
CONTINGENT OWNER - A Contingent Owner succeeds to the rights of the Contract
Owner upon the Contract Owner's death before Annuitization. For Contracts issued
in the state of New York, references throughout this prospectus to "Contingent
Owner" will mean "Owner's Beneficiary." A Contingent Owner may not be named for
Contracts issued as IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, Tax Sheltered Annuities or
Qualified Contracts.
    

CONTRACT - The Deferred Variable Annuity Contract described in this prospectus.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY - An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract.

   
CONTRACT OWNER (OWNER) - The person who possesses all rights under the Contract,
including the right to designate and change any designations of the Contract
Owner, Contingent Owner, Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant, Beneficiary,
Contingent Beneficiary, Annuity Payment Option, and the Annuity Commencement
Date. The Contract Owner is the person named as Owner on the application, unless
changed.
    

CONTRACT VALUE - The sum of the value of all Accumulation Units attributable to
the Contract plus any amount held under the Contract in the Fixed Account.

CONTRACT YEAR - Each year the Contract remains in force commencing with the Date
of Issue.

DATE OF ISSUE - The date shown as the Date of Issue on the data page of the
Contract.

   
DEATH BENEFIT - The benefit which is payable upon the death of the Annuitant or
the Contingent Annuitant, if applicable. This benefit does not apply upon the
death of the Contract Owner when the Owner and Annuitant are not the same
person. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable will be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option elected.
    


                                       3

                                    5 of 103
<PAGE>   6

DISTRIBUTION - Any payment of part or all of the Contract Value.

ERISA -The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

   
FIXED ACCOUNT- An investment option which is funded by the General Account of
the Company.
    

FIXED ACCOUNT CONTRACT VALUE - The sum of the value credited, including
interest, to the Fixed Account attributable to this Contract.

   
FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY - An annuity providing for payments which are guaranteed
by the Company as to dollar amount during Annuitization.

GENERAL ACCOUNT- All assets of the Company other than those of the Variable
Account or in other separate accounts that have been or may be established by
the Company.
    

HOME OFFICE - The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.

   
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT- An account that qualifies for favorable tax
treatment under Section 408 of the Code, but does not include Roth Individual
Retirement Accounts, which qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section
408A of the Code.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY ("IRA")- An annuity contract which qualifies for
favorable tax treatment under Section 408 of the Code, but does not include Roth
IRAs, which qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 408A of the Code.

INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD - The interval of time during which an interest
rate credited to the Fixed Account is guaranteed to remain the same. For new
Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Account or transfers from the Variable
Account, this period begins on the date of deposit or transfer and ends at the
end of the calendar quarter at least one year (but not more than 15 months) from
deposit or transfer. At the end of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period, a new
interest rate is declared with an Interest Rate Guarantee Period starting at the
end of the prior period and ending at the end of the calendar quarter one year
later.

NET ASSET VALUE - The worth of one share at the end of a market day or at the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. Net Asset Value is computed by adding the
value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets, deducting charges, then
dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT - A Contract which does not qualify for favorable tax
treatment under Sections 401 and 403(a) (Qualified Plans), 408 (IRAs), 408A
(Roth IRAs) or 403(b) (Tax Sheltered Annuities) of the Code.

PLAN PARTICIPANT - The person for whom contributions are being made to a
Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity either through employer
contributions or employee salary reduction contributions.
    

PURCHASE PAYMENT - A deposit of new value into the Contract. The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers between the Variable Account and Fixed
Account or among the Sub-Accounts.

QUALIFIED CONTRACT - A Contract issued to fund a Qualified Plan.

   
QUALIFIED PLAN - A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under
Sections 401 or 403(a) of the Code.

ROTH IRA - An annuity contract which qualifies for favorable tax treatment under
section 408A of the Code.

SEP IRA - A retirement plan which receives favorable tax treatment under Section
408K of the Code.

SUB-ACCOUNTS - Separate and distinct divisions of the Variable Account, to which
specific Underlying Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation
Units and Annuity Units are separately maintained.
    

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY - An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 403(b) of the Code.

   
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND - A registered open-end management investment company in
which the assets of the Sub-Accounts will be invested.
    


                                       4

                                    6 of 103
<PAGE>   7

   
VALUATION DATE - Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Home Office are
open for business, or any other day during which there is a sufficient degree of
trading of the Underlying Mutual Fund shares that the current Variable Account
Contract Value might be materially affected.

VALUATION PERIOD - The period of time commencing at the close of a Valuation
Date and ending at the close of business for the next succeeding Valuation Date.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT - The Nationwide Variable Account-5, a separate investment
account of the Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments are
allocated. The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in shares of a separate Underlying Mutual Fund.
    

VARIABLE ACCOUNT CONTRACT VALUE - The sum of the value of all Variable Account
Accumulation Units attributable to this Contract.

   
VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - An annuity providing for payments which are not
predetermined or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with
the investment experience of the Variable Account.
    


                                       5

                                    7 of 103
<PAGE>   8


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                  <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.............................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES..........................................................................................8
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES................................................................................9
EXAMPLE..............................................................................................................10
SYNOPSIS.............................................................................................................11
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION......................................................................................12
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY....................................................................................13
NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC....................................................................................13
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.................................................................................................13
           Underlying Mutual Fund Options............................................................................13
           Voting Rights.............................................................................................16
           Substitution of Securities................................................................................16
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS........................................................................16
           Expenses of the Variable Account..........................................................................16
           Mortality Risk Charge.....................................................................................16
           Expense Risk Charge.......................................................................................17
           Contract Maintenance Charge...............................................................................17
           Administration Charge.....................................................................................17
           Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC").................................................................17
           Waiver of CDSC............................................................................................18
           Premium Taxes.............................................................................................19
OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT............................................................................................19
           Investments of the Variable Account.......................................................................19
           Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value........................................................19
           Value of an Accumulation Unit.............................................................................20
           Net Investment Factor.....................................................................................20
           Determining the Contract Value............................................................................20
           Right to Revoke...........................................................................................20
           Transfers.................................................................................................21
           Contract Ownership........................................................................................22
           Contingent Ownership......................................................................................22
           Beneficiary...............................................................................................22
           Surrender (Redemption)....................................................................................23
           Surrenders Under a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity................................................23
            Loan Privilege...........................................................................................24
            Assignment...............................................................................................25
CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES..............................................................................................25
            Asset Rebalancing........................................................................................25
            Dollar Cost Averaging....................................................................................26
            Systematic Withdrawals...................................................................................26
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS........................................................26
           Annuity Commencement Date.................................................................................26
           Annuitization.............................................................................................26
           Fixed Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments.....................................................27
           Variable Payment Annuity - First and Subsequent Payments..................................................27
           Variable Payment Annuity - Assumed Investment Rate........................................................27
           Variable Payment Annuity - Value of an Annuity Unit.......................................................27
           Variable Payment Annuity - Exchanges Among Underlying Mutual Funds........................................27
           Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments..................................................................27
           Annuity Payment Options...................................................................................28
           Death of Contract Owner - Non-Qualified Contracts.........................................................28
           Death of Annuitant - Non-Qualified Contracts..............................................................28
           Death of the Contract Owner/Annuitant.....................................................................29
</TABLE>
    


                                       6

                                    8 of 103
<PAGE>   9

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                  <C>
           Death Benefit Payment.....................................................................................29
           Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts........................................................29
           Required Distributions for Qualified Plans and Tax Sheltered Annuities....................................30
           Required Distributions for IRAs and SEP IRAs..............................................................31
           Required Distributions for Roth IRAs......................................................................32
FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS...........................................................................................32
           Federal Income Taxes......................................................................................32
           Puerto Rico...............................................................................................33
           Non-Qualified Contracts - Natural Persons as Contract Owners..............................................33
           Non-Qualified Contracts - Non-Natural Persons as Contract Owners..........................................34
           Qualified Plans, IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Tax Sheltered Annuities..............................................35
           Roth IRAs.................................................................................................35
           Withholding...............................................................................................36
           Non-Resident Aliens.......................................................................................36
           Federal Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes..............................................36
           Charge for Tax............................................................................................37
           Diversification...........................................................................................37
           Tax Changes...............................................................................................37
GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................38
           Contract Owner Inquiries..................................................................................38
           Statements and Reports....................................................................................38
           Advertising...............................................................................................38
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES..........................................................................................40
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS....................................................................................................40
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............................................................41
APPENDIX.............................................................................................................42
</TABLE>
    


                                       7

                                    9 of 103
<PAGE>   10


                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>     <C>
       Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(1)...............................................   7.00     %
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           RANGE OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OVER TIME
         Number of Completed Years from                      Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
            Date of Purchase Payment                                    Percentage
                       <S>                                                  <C>
                       0                                                    7%
                       1                                                    6%
                       2                                                    5%
                       3                                                    4%
                       4                                                    3%
                       5                                                    2%
                       6                                                    1%
                       7                                                    0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
ANNUAL CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE(2)............................................................     $30

VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charges........................................................     1.25   %
       Administration Charge.....................................................................     0.05   %
           Total Variable Account Annual Expenses................................................     1.30   %
</TABLE>

(1)  During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a
     Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC"), any amount in order for the
     Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements under the Code. Starting
     with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been made, the Contract
     Owner may withdraw without a CDSC the greater of:

     (a)  an amount equal to 10% of that Purchase Payment made to the 
          Contract; or

     (b)  any amount withdrawn in order for this Contract to meet minimum
          distribution requirements.

   
     Withdrawals may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of
     a Tax Sheltered Annuity or other Qualified Plan. This CDSC-free withdrawal
     privilege is non-cumulative; free amounts not taken during any given
     Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent Contract Year
     (see "Waiver of CDSC").
    

(2)  The Contract Maintenance Charge is deducted on each Contract Anniversary
     and on the date of surrender in any year in which the entire Contract Value
     is surrendered (see "Contract Maintenance Charge").


                                       8

                                   10 of 103
<PAGE>   11

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(3)
   
         (AS A PERCENTAGE OF UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND AVERAGE NET ASSETS)

    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Management Fees       Other Expenses          Total Mutual Fund Expenses
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>                  <C>                           <C>  
American Century Variable                   1.00%                0.00%                         1.00%
Portfolios- American Century VP
Advantage
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable                   1.00%                0.00%                         1.00%
Portfolios-American Century VP
Capital Appreciation
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                    0.25%                0.03%                         0.28%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income                  0.50%                0.07%                         0.57%
Portfolio*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Money Market Fund                      0.40%                0.08%                         0.48%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Government Bond Fund                   0.50%                0.08%                         0.58%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT Total Return Fund                      0.60%                0.07%                         0.67%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N&B Adv. Mgt. Trust Balanced                0.85%                0.19%                         1.04%
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
   

(3)  The Underlying Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the
     Underlying Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against Variable
     Account assets or reductions from Contract Values. These Underlying Mutual
     Fund expenses are taken into consideration in computing each Underlying
     Mutual Fund's Net Asset Value, which is the share price used to calculate
     the unit values of the Variable Account. The management fees and other
     expenses are more fully described in the prospectuses for each individual
     Underlying Mutual Fund. The information relating to the Underlying Mutual
     Fund expenses was provided by the Underlying Mutual Fund and was not
     independently verified by the Company. Except as otherwise noted, the
     Management Fees and Other Expenses are not currently subject to fee waivers
     or expense reimbursements.

*    The investment advisers for the indicated Underlying Mutual Funds have
     voluntarily agreed to reimburse a portion of the management fees and/or
     other expenses resulting in a reduction of total expenses. Absent any
     partial reimbursement, "Management Fees" and "Other Expenses" would have
     been 0.50% and 0.08% for the Fidelity VIP Equity-Income Portfolio.
    


                                       9

                                   11 of 103
<PAGE>   12


                                     EXAMPLE

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 initial Purchase Payment and 5% annual
return. These dollar figures are illustrative only and should not be considered
a representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown below. The expense amounts presented are derived from a
formula which allows the $30 Contract Maintenance Charge to be expressed as a
percentage of the average Contract account size for existing Contracts. Since
the average account size for Contracts issued under this prospectus is greater
than $1000, the expense effect of the Contract Maintenance Charge is reduced
accordingly.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                If you surrender your      If you do not surrender      If you annuitize your
                             Contract at the end of the   your Contract at the end   Contract at the end of the
                               applicable time period      of the applicable time      applicable time period
                                                                   period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               1     3      5       10     1     3      5       10     1     3      5       10  
                              Yr.   Yrs.   Yrs.    Yrs.   Yr.   Yrs.   Yrs.    Yrs.   Yr.   Yrs.   Yrs.    Yrs.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>   <C>    <C>     <C>   <C>    <C>    <C>    <C>     <C>   <C>   <C>      <C> 
American Century Variable     96    125    163     289    26     80    136     289     *     80    136     289
Portfolios-American Century
VP Advantage
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century Variable     96    125    163     289    26     80    136     289     *     80    136     289
Portfolios-American Century
VP Capital Appreciation
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund      88    102    125     212    18     57     98     212     *     57     98     212
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income    91    111    140     244    21     66    113     244     *     66    113     244
Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund     92    111    141     245    22     66    114     245     *     66    114     245
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund        90    108    136     234    20     63    109     234     *     63    109     234
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund        92    114    146     255    22     69    119     255     *     69    119     255
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N & B Adv Mgt                 96    126    165     293    26     81    138     293     *     81    138     293
Trust-Balanced Portfolio
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    

* The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit Annuitization during
  the first two Contract Years.

The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist the
Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly. The expenses of the Nationwide Variable Account-5
as well as those of each Underlying Mutual Fund option are reflected in the
table. For more complete descriptions of the expenses of the Variable Account,
see "Variable Account Charges and Other Deductions." For more complete
information regarding expenses paid out of the assets of a particular Underlying
Mutual Fund option, see the Underlying Mutual Fund prospectus. Deductions for
premium taxes may also apply but are not reflected in the Example shown above
(see "Premium Taxes").



                                       10

                                   12 of 103
<PAGE>   13

                                    SYNOPSIS

   
The Contracts described in this prospectus can be categorized as follows: (1)
Non-Qualified; (2) IRAs; (3) Roth IRAs; (4) SEP IRAs; (5) Qualified Plans; and
(6) Tax Sheltered Annuities.

The initial first year Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for
Non-Qualified Contracts. However, if periodic payments are expected by the
Company, this initial first year minimum may be satisfied by Purchase Payments
made on an annualized basis. The cumulative total of all purchase payments under
contracts issued by the Company on the life of any one Annuitant may not exceed
$1,000,000 without the prior consent of the Company (see "Allocation of Purchase
Payments and Contract Value").
    

The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made for these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contract is
surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from the Contract
Value a CDSC not to exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all Purchase
Payments made within 84 months prior to the date of the request to surrender, or
the amount surrendered. This charge, when applicable, is imposed to permit the
Company to recover sales expenses which have been advanced by the Company (see
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").

The Company deducts a Mortality Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.80% of
the daily net assets of the Variable Account for mortality risks assumed by the
Company (see "Mortality Risk Charge"). The Company deducts an Expense Risk
Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of the daily net assets of the Variable
Account as compensation for the Company's risk in undertaking not to increase
administrative charges on the Contracts regardless of the actual administrative
costs (see "Expense Risk Charge").

   
On each Contract Anniversary, and on the date of surrender in any year in which
the entire Contract Value is surrendered, the Company will deduct a Contract
Maintenance Charge of $30 from the Contract Value. The Company will also assess
an Administration Charge equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of the daily net
assets of the Variable Account. These charges are to reimburse the Company for
administrative expenses related to the issue and maintenance of the Contracts
(see "Contract Maintenance Charge" and "Administration Charge").

Upon Annuitization, the selected Annuity Payment Option will begin (see "Annuity
Payment Option" ). However, if the net amount to be applied to any Annuity
Payment Option at the Annuitization Date is less than $500, the Contract Value
may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments. If any annuity
payment would be less than $20, the Company will have the right to change the
frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments of at least
$20. In no event, however, will annuity payments be made less frequently than
annually (see "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments").

Taxation of the contracts will depend on the type of Contract issued (see
"Federal Income Taxes"). In addition, the Company will charge against the
Purchase Payments or the Contract Value, the amount of any premium taxes levied
by a state or any other governmental entity (see "Premium Taxes").

The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned for any reason to
the Home Office at the address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If the
Contract is returned to the Company in a timely manner, the Company will void
the Contract and refund the Contract Value in full unless otherwise required by
law. State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges. All
IRA, Roth IRA and SEP IRA refunds will be return of Purchase Payments (see
"Right to Revoke").
    


                                       11

                                   13 of 103
<PAGE>   14
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Accumulation Units values for an Accumulation Unit outstanding throughout the
period.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         ACCUMULATION UNIT     ACCUMULATION                            NUMBER OF
                               VALUE            UNIT VALUE       PERCENT CHANGE      ACCUMULATION
                            AT BEGINNING          AT END         IN ACCUMULATION    UNITS AT END OF
         FUND                OF PERIOD           OF PERIOD         UNIT VALUE         THE PERIOD        YEAR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                 <C>                  <C>               <C>             <C> 
American Century             14.055040           15.651770            11.36%            11,122          1997
Variable Portfolios, Inc.    13.035463           14.055040             7.82%             9,351          1996
American Century VP          11.312248           13.035463            15.23%             8,377          1995
Advantage-Q                  11.343435           11.312248            -0.27%             3,882          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century             14.055040           15.651770            11.36%             7,682          1997
Variable Portfolios, Inc.    13.035463           14.055040             7.82%             8,099          1996
American Century VP          11.312248           13.035463            15.23%             8,353          1995
Advantage-NQ                 11.343435           11.312248            -0.27%             6,887          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century             15.531281           14.829811            -4.52%            80,973          1997
Variable Portfolios, Inc.    16.447846           15.531281            -5.57%            77,626          1996
American Century VP          12.711014           16.447846            29.40%            62,673          1995
Capital Appreciation-Q       13.030369           12.711014            -2.45%            42,410          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century             15.531281           14.829811            -4.52%            10,383          1997
Variable Portfolios, Inc.    16.447846           15.531281            -5.57%            14,026          1996
                             12.711014           16.447846            29.40%            12,894          1995
                             13.030369           12.711014            -2.45%            10,991          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Century VP          16.698256           21.913276            31.23%            76,005          1997
Capital Appreciation-NQ      13.807559           16.698256            20.94%            48,939          1996
Dreyfus Stock Index          10.227308           13.807559            35.01%            31,487          1995
Fund - Q                     10.271065           10.227308            -0.43%            17,446          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreyfus Stock Index          16.698256           21.913276            31.23%            14,986          1997
Fund - NQ                    13.807559           16.698256            20.94%            13,798          1996
                             10.227308           13.807559            35.01%            12,941          1995
                             10.271065           10.227308            -0.43%            13,074          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP                 16.255386           20.553936            26.44%           217,475          1997
Equity Income                14.412060           16.255386            12.79%           193,347          1996
Portfolio-Q                  10.808255           14.412060            33.34%           150,246          1995
                             10.227513           10.808255             5.68%           108,754          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP                 16.255386           20.553936            26.44%            36,442          1997
Equity Income                14.412060           16.255386            12.79%            39,032          1996
Portfolio-NQ                 10.808255           14.412060            33.34%            36,522          1995
                             10.227513           10.808255             5.68%            30,785          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT- Government             30.092479           32.572519             8.24%            15,010          1997
Bond Fund-Q                  29.463573           30.092479             2.13%            13,708          1996
                             25.138302           29.463573            17.21%            12,624          1995
                             26.318797           25.138302            -4.49%             9,598          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT- Government             30.103580           32.584532             8.24%             9,788          1997
Bond Fund-NQ                 29.474435           30.103580             2.13%             9,816          1996
                             25.147577           29.474435            17.21%             9,712          1995
                             26.328516           25.147577            -4.49%            13,286          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT- Money Market           20.329483           21.120495             3.89%            25,727          1997
Fund-Q*                      19.595876           20.329483             3.74%            18,943          1996
                             18.790546           19.595876             4.29%            15,599          1995
                             18.325918           18.790546             2.54%            10,092          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT- Money Market           22.088348           22.947799             3.89%                 0          1997
Fund-NQ*                     21.291272           22.088348             3.74%               300          1996
                             20.416267           21.291272             4.29%               300          1995
                             19.911440           20.416267             2.54%                 0          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT- Total Return           62.170693           79.422176            27.75%            28,700          1997
Fund-Q                       51.701438           62.170693            20.25%            25,126          1996
                             40.575816           51.701438            27.42%            20,057          1995
                             40.671816           40.575816            -0.24%            13,191          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

* The 7-day yield on the NSAT - Money Market Fund as of December 31, 1997 was
  4.05%.
    


                                       12

                                   14 of 103
<PAGE>   15
   
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                         ACCUMULATION UNIT     ACCUMULATION                            NUMBER OF
                               VALUE            UNIT VALUE       PERCENT CHANGE      ACCUMULATION
                            AT BEGINNING          AT END         IN ACCUMULATION    UNITS AT END OF
         FUND                OF PERIOD           OF PERIOD         UNIT VALUE         THE PERIOD        YEAR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                 <C>                  <C>                <C>            <C> 
NSAT- Total Return           60.382482           77.137765            27.75%             5,568          1997
Fund-NQ                      50.214359           60.382482            20.25%             5,547          1996
                             39.408735           50.214359            27.42%             5,365          1995
                             39.501981           39.408735            -0.24%             3,179          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman           15.563120           18.349145            17.90%            50,098          1997
Advisers Management          14.753402           15.563120             5.49%            47,651          1996
Trust-Balanced               12.077573           14.753402            22.16%            40,040          1995
Portfolio-Q                  12.661508           12.077573            -4.61%            28,865          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman           15.563120           18.349145            17.90%             3,132          1997
Advisers Management          14.753402           15.563120             5.49%             5,995          1996
Trust-Balanced               12.077573           14.753402            22.16%             6,434          1995
Portfolio-NQ                 12.661508           12.077573            -4.61%             7,065          1994
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

The Company is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of the
state of Ohio in March, 1929. The Company is a member of the "Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise," with its Home Office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43215. The Company is a provider of life insurance, annuities and
retirement products. It is admitted to do business in all states, the District
of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The Contracts are distributed by the General
Distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.

                       NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.

The Contracts are distributed by the General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory
Services, Inc. ("NAS"), Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215. NAS is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
    

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Variable Account was established by the Company on November 1, 1989,
pursuant to Ohio law. The Company has caused the Variable Account to be
registered with the SEC as a unit investment trust pursuant to the Investment
Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). Such registration does not involve supervision
of the management of the Variable Account or of the Company by the SEC.

The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company and as
such, is not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business the
Company may conduct. The Company does not guarantee the investment performance
of the Variable Account. Obligations under the Contracts, however, are
obligations of the Company. Income, gains and losses of the Variable Account,
whether or not realized, are credited to or charged against the Variable Account
without regard to other income, gains, or losses of the Company.

Purchase Payments are allocated among one or more Sub-Accounts corresponding to
one or more of the Underlying Mutual Fund option(s) designated by the Contract
Owner. There are two Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for each of the
Underlying Mutual Fund options which may be designated by the Contract Owner.
One Sub-Account contains the Underlying Mutual Fund shares attributable to
Accumulation Units under Qualified Contracts, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs and Tax
Sheltered Annuities, and the other Sub-Account contains the Underlying Mutual
Fund shares attributable to Accumulation Units under Non-Qualified Contracts.
    

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

   
A Contract Owner may choose from among a number of different Underlying Mutual
Fund options. See below for a summary of investment objectives for each
Underlying Mutual Fund. More detailed information may be found in the current
prospectus for each Underlying Mutual Fund. Prospectuses for the Underlying
Mutual Fund option(s) should be read in conjunction with this prospectus. A copy
of each prospectus may be obtained without charge from the Company by calling
1-800-321-9332, TDD 1-800-238-3035 or writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio
43218-2008. 
    


                                       13

                                   15 of 103
<PAGE>   16
   
The Underlying Mutual Fund options are NOT available to the general public
directly. The Underlying Mutual Funds are available as investment options in
variable life insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life
insurance companies or, in some cases, through participation in certain
qualified pension or retirement plans.

Some of the Underlying Mutual Funds have been established by investment advisers
which manage publicly traded mutual funds having similar names and investment
objectives. While some of the Underlying Mutual Funds may be similar to, and may
in fact be modeled after publicly traded mutual funds, Contract purchasers
should understand that the Underlying Mutual Funds are not otherwise directly
related to any publicly traded mutual fund. Consequently, the investment
performance of publicly traded mutual funds and any corresponding Underlying
Mutual Funds may differ substantially.

The Underlying Mutual Funds may also be available to registered separate
accounts offering variable annuity and variable life products of other
participating insurance companies, as well as to the Variable Account and other
separate accounts of the Company. Although the Company does not anticipate any
disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise
between the interest of the Variable Account and one or more of the other
separate accounts in which the Underlying Mutual Funds participate. A conflict
may occur due to a number of reasons, including a change in law affecting the
operations of variable life insurance policies and variable annuity contracts or
differences in the voting instructions of the Contract Owners and those of other
companies. In the event of conflict, the Company will take any steps necessary
to protect the Contract Owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal
of the Variable Account from participation in the Underlying Mutual Fund(s)
involved in the conflict.

Below are the investment objectives of each Underlying Mutual Fund available
through the Variable Account. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED.

AMERICAN CENTURY VARIABLE PORTFOLIOS, INC., MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN CENTURY(SM)
FAMILY OF INVESTMENTS
American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. was organized as a Maryland
corporation in 1987. It is a diversified, open-end management investment
company, which offers its shares only as investment vehicles for variable
annuity and variable life insurance products of insurance companies. American
Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. is managed by American Century Investment
Management, Inc.
    

       - AMERICAN CENTURY VP ADVANTAGE (FORMERLY TCI ADVANTAGE)
       Investment Objective: Current income and capital growth. The Fund will
       seek to achieve its objective by investing in three types of securities.
       The Fund's investment manager intends to invest approximately (i) 20% of
       the Fund's assets in securities of the United States government and its
       agencies and instrumentalities and repurchase agreements collateralized
       by such securities with a weighted average maturity of six months or
       less, i.e., cash or cash equivalents; (ii) 40% of the Fund's assets in
       fixed income securities of the United States government and its agencies
       and instrumentalities with a weighted average maturity of three to ten
       years; and (iii) 40% of the Fund's assets in equity securities that are
       considered by management to have better-than-average prospects for
       appreciation. Assets will be purchased or sold, as the case may be, as is
       necessary in response to changes in market value to maintain the asset
       mix of the Fund's portfolio at approximately 60% cash, cash equivalents
       and fixed income securities and 40% equity securities. There can be no
       assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.

       - AMERICAN CENTURY VP CAPITAL APPRECIATION (FORMERLY TCI GROWTH)
       Investment Objective: Capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve its
       objective by investing in common stocks (including securities convertible
       into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that meet certain
       fundamental and technical standards of selection and have, in the opinion
       of the Fund's investment manager, better than average potential for
       appreciation. The Fund tries to stay fully invested in such securities,
       regardless of the movement of stock prices generally.

       The Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents temporarily or when it
       is unable to find common stocks meeting its criteria of selection. It may
       purchase securities only of companies that have a record of at least
       three years continuous operation. There can be no assurance that the Fund
       will achieve its investment objectives.

       (Although the Statement of Additional Information concerning American
       Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. refers to redemptions of securities in
       kind under certain conditions, all surrendering or redeeming Contract
       Owners will receive cash from the Company.)


                                       14

                                   16 of 103
<PAGE>   17
DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND, INC.
   
The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund is an open-end, non-diversified, management
investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland law on January 24, 1989,
and commenced operations on September 29, 1989. The Dreyfus Corporation
("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's manager. Dreyfus is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation.
    

       Investment Objective: To provide investment results that correspond to
       the price and yield performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
       aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
       Price Index. The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with
       Standard & Poor's Corporation.

   
FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND ("VIP")
The Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund ("VIP") is an open-end,
diversified, management investment company, organized as a Massachusetts
business trust on November 13, 1981. Shares of the VIP are purchased by
insurance companies to fund benefits under variable insurance and annuity
policies. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR") is the manager for the
VIP Fund and its portfolios.

       -VIP EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO
       Investment Objective: Reasonable income by investing primarily in
       income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities, FMR
       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 Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
       Price Index.

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST ("NSAT")
Nationwide Separate Account Trust ("NSAT") is a diversified open-end management
investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. Shares of NSAT will
be sold primarily to life insurance company separate accounts to fund the
benefits under variable insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. The
assets of NSAT are managed by Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company.
    

       - GOVERNMENT BOND FUND
       Investment  Objective:  As high a level of income as is consistent with 
       the preservation of capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of 
       securities issued or backed by the U.S. government, its agencies or 
       instrumentalities.

       - MONEY MARKET FUND
       Investment Objective: As high a level of current income as is considered
       consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by investing
       primarily in money market instruments.

       - TOTAL RETURN FUND
   
       Investment Objective: Capital growth by investing in common stocks of
       companies that NAS believes will have above average earnings or otherwise
       provide investors with above-average potential for capital appreciation.
       To maximize this potential, NAS may also utilize, from time to time,
       securities convertible into common stocks, warrants, and options to
       purchase such stocks.

NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust ("N&B AMT") is an open-end
diversified management investment company. Shares of the series of N&B AMT are
offered in connection with certain variable annuity contracts and variable life
insurance policies issued through life insurance company separate accounts and
are also offered directly to qualified pension and retirement plans outside of
the separate account context. The investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman
Management Incorporated.
    

       - BALANCED PORTFOLIO
       Investment Objective: To provide long-term capital growth and reasonable
       current income without undue risk to principal. The Balanced Portfolio
       will seek to achieve its objective through investment of a portion of its
       assets in common stocks and a portion of its assets in debt securities.
       The investment adviser anticipates that the Balanced Portfolio's
       investments will normally be managed so that approximately 60%


                                       15

                                   17 of 103
<PAGE>   18
       of the Portfolio's total assets will be invested in common stocks and the
       remaining assets will be invested in debt securities. However, depending
       on the investment adviser's views regarding current market trends, the
       common stock portion of the Portfolio's investments may be adjusted
       downward to as low as 50% or upward to as high as 70%. At least 25% of
       the Portfolio's assets will be invested in fixed income senior
       securities.

VOTING RIGHTS

Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to amounts allocated
to the Variable Account.

   
In accordance with its view of applicable law, the Company will vote the shares
of the Underlying Mutual Funds at regular and special meetings of the
shareholders. These shares will be voted in accordance with instructions
received from Contract Owners. If the 1940 Act or any regulation thereunder
should be amended or if the present interpretation changes permitting the
Company to vote the shares of the Underlying Mutual Funds in its own right, it
may elect to do so.

The Contract Owner is the person who has the voting interest under a Contract.
The number of Underlying Mutual Fund shares attributable to each Contract Owner
is determined by dividing the Contract Owner's interest in each Sub-Account by
the Net Asset Value of the Underlying Mutual Fund corresponding to the
Sub-Account. The number of shares which may be voted will be determined as of a
date chosen by the Company not more than 90 days prior to the meeting of the
Underlying Mutual Fund. Each person having a voting interest will receive
periodic reports relating to the Underlying Mutual Fund, proxy material and a
form with which to give such voting instructions.
    

Voting instructions will be solicited by written communication at least 21 days
prior to such meeting. Underlying Mutual Fund shares to which no timely
instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same proportion as
the voting instructions which are received with respect to all contracts
participating in the Variable Account.

SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

   
If shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options are no longer be available for
investment by the Variable Account or if, in the judgment of the Company's
management, further investment in such Underlying Mutual Fund shares is
inappropriate, the Company may eliminate Sub-Accounts, combine two or more
Sub-Accounts, or substitute shares of another underlying mutual funds for
Underlying Mutual Fund shares already purchased or to be purchased in the future
by Purchase Payments under the Contract. No substitution of securities in the
Variable Account may take place without prior approval of the SEC.
    

                  VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

EXPENSES OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Variable Account is responsible for the following expenses: (1)
Administration Charge relating to the issuance and maintenance of the Contract;
(2) Mortality Risk Charge associated with guaranteeing the annuity purchase
rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and (3) Expense Risk Charge
associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk
Charge, Contract Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge described in this
prospectus will not be changed regardless of actual expenses. If these charges
are insufficient to cover these expenses, the loss will be borne by the Company.

All of the charges described in this section apply to Variable Account
allocations. Allocations to the Fixed Account are subject to CDSC and premium
tax deductions, if applicable, but are not subject to charges exclusive to the
Variable Account; i.e., the Mortality Risk Charge, the Expense Risk Charge, and
the Administration Charge.
    

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

   
The Company deducts a Mortality Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.80% of
the daily net assets of the Variable Account. By guaranteeing the Contract's
annuity rate, the Company assumes the Mortality Risk. These guarantees cannot
change regardless of the death rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of
the general population. The Company expects to generate a profit from this
charge.
    


                                       16

                                   18 of 103
<PAGE>   19
EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

   
The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of
the daily net assets of the Variable Account. By guaranteeing the Contract's
annuity rate, the Company assumes the Expense Risk. These guarantees cannot
change regardless of its annual expenses. The Company expects to generate profit
from this charge.
    

CONTRACT MAINTENANCE CHARGE

   
Each year on the Contract Anniversary (and on the date of surrender in any year
in which the entire Contract Value is surrendered), the Company deducts a
Contract Maintenance Charge of $30 from the Contract Value to reimburse it for
administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contract. Contracts issued to a Qualified Plan, Tax Sheltered Annuity or SEP IRA
may have a lower Contract Maintenance Charge. Reductions are based on internal
underwriting considerations which include the size of the group, the average
participant account balance transferred to the Company, if any, and
administrative savings.
    

The Contract Maintenance Charge will be allocated between the Fixed Account and
each Sub-Account in the same proportion that the value of the Fixed Account or
Sub-Account bears to the total Contract Value. In any Contract Year when a
Contract is surrendered for its full value on any date other than the Contract
Anniversary, the Contract Maintenance Charge will be deducted at the time of
such surrender. The amount of the Contract Maintenance Charge may not be
increased by the Company. In no event will reduction or elimination of the
Contract Maintenance Charge be permitted where such reduction or elimination
will be unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is prohibited by
state law.

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

   
The Company deducts an Administration Charge from the Variable Account. This
amount is computed on a daily basis, and is equal to an annual rate of 0.05% of
the daily net assets of the Variable Account. The Administration Charge is
designed to reimburse the Company for administrative expenses.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ("CDSC")

No deduction for a sales charge is made from the Purchase Payments for these
Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contracts is
surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions (see "Waiver of CDSC"),
deduct a CDSC. The CDSC will not exceed the lesser of:

         1)    7% of the amount surrendered; or

         2)    7% of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84 months  
               prior to the date of the  surrender request.
    

The CDSC, when it is applicable, will be used to cover expenses relating to the
sale of the Contracts, including commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs
of preparation of sales literature and other promotional activity. The Company
attempts to recover its distribution costs relating to the sale of the Contracts
from the CDSC. Any shortfall will be made up from the general account of the
Company, which may indirectly include portions of the Mortality and Expense Risk
Charges, since the Company expects to generate a profit from these charges.
Commissions which may be paid to the selling dealer on the sale of these
Contracts are not more than 6.0% of Purchase Payments.

   
The CDSC is calculated by multiplying the applicable CDSC percentages noted
below by the Purchase Payments that are surrendered. For purposes of calculating
the CDSC, surrenders are considered to come first from the oldest Purchase
Payment made to the Contract, then the next oldest Purchase Payment, and so
forth. For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated as a withdrawal of
earnings first.
    


                                       17

                                   19 of 103
<PAGE>   20



The CDSC applies to Purchase Payments as follows:

      NUMBER OF COMPLETED             CONTINGENT DEFERRED
      YEARS FROM DATE OF                 SALES CHARGE
       PURCHASE PAYMENT                   PERCENTAGE
               0                              7%
               1                              6%
               2                              5%
               3                              4%
               4                              3%
               5                              2%
               6                              1%
               7                              0%

   
For CDSC of Systematic Withdrawals, see "Systematic Withdrawals."

WAIVER OF CDSC

    
During the first Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a CDSC,
any amount in order for the Contract to meet minimum distribution requirements
under the Code. Starting with the second year after a Purchase Payment has been
made, the Contract Owner may withdraw, without a CDSC, the greater of:

         (a) an amount equal to 10% of that Purchase Payment; or

         (b) any amount withdrawn from this Contract to meet minimum
             distribution requirements under the Code.

Withdrawals may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to the terms of a
Tax Sheltered Annuity or other Qualified Plan. This CDSC-free withdrawal
privilege is non-cumulative; free amounts not taken during any given Contract
Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent Contract Year.

In addition, no CDSC will be deducted:

         (a) upon the Annuitization of Contracts which have been in force for at
             least two years; 

         (b) upon payment of a Death Benefit pursuant to the death of the 
             Annuitant; or 

         (c) from any Purchase Payments which have been held under a Contract 
             for at least 84 months.

No CDSC applies upon the transfer of value among the Sub-Accounts or between the
Fixed Account and the Variable Account. When a Contract described in this
prospectus is exchanged for another contract issued by the Company or any of its
affiliated insurance companies, of the type and class which the Company
determined is eligible for such exchange, the Company may waive or reduce the
CDSC on the first Contract. A CDSC may apply to the contract received in the
exchange.

When a Contract is held by a Charitable Remainder Trust, the amount which may be
withdrawn from this Contract without application of a CDSC shall be the larger
of (a) or (b), where:

         (a) is the amount which would otherwise be available for withdrawal 
             without application of a CDSC; and

         (b) is the difference between the total Purchase Payments made to the
             Contract as of the date of the withdrawal (reduced by previous
             withdrawals of such Purchase Payments) and the Contract Value at
             the close of the day prior to the date of the withdrawal.

For Tax Sheltered Annuities, Qualified Contracts, and SEP IRAs, the Company will
waive the CDSC when:

         (1) the Plan Participant experiences a case of hardship (as provided 
             in Code Section 403(b) and as defined for purposes of Code Section 
             401(k));

         (2) the Plan Participant becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
             Section 72(m)(7));

         (3) the Plan Participant attains  age 59-1/2 and has participated in 
             the Contract for at least 5 years, as determined from the Contract 
             Anniversary date immediately preceding the Distribution;

         (4) the Plan Participant has participated in the Contract for at least
             10 years of active deferrals; 

         (5) the Plan Participant dies; or  

         (6) the Contract is annuitized after 2 years from the inception of 
             the Contract.


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<PAGE>   21

   
The Contract Owner may be subject to income tax on all or a portion of any such
withdrawals and to a tax penalty if the Contract Owner takes withdrawals prior
to age 59-1/2 (See "FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS - Non-Qualified Contracts-Natural
Persons as Owners").
    

In no event will elimination of CDSC be permitted where such elimination will be
unfairly discriminatory to any person, or where it is prohibited by state law.

PREMIUM TAXES

   
The Company will charge against the Contract Value any premium taxes levied by a
state or any other governmental entity upon Purchase Payments received by the
Company. Premium tax rates currently range from 0% to 3.5%. This range is
subject to change. The method used to recoup premium tax will be determined by
the Company at its sole discretion in compliance with state law. The Company
currently deducts such charges from a Contract Value: (1) at the time the
Contract is surrendered; (2) at Annuitization; or (3) at such earlier date as
the Company may become subject to such taxes.
    

                            OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

   
The Contract Owner may have Purchase Payments allocated among one or more of the
Sub-Accounts. Shares of the Underlying Mutual Fund options specified by the
Contract Owner are purchased at Net Asset Value for the respective
Sub-Account(s) and converted into Accumulation Units. The Contract Owner may
change the allocation of Purchase Payments or may exchange amounts among the
Sub-Accounts. Such transactions are subject to terms and conditions imposed by
the Underlying Mutual Funds, as well as those set forth in the Contract.
    

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

Purchase Payments are allocated to the Fixed Account and/or one or more
Sub-Accounts or in accordance with the designation of the Underlying Mutual Fund
options by the Contract Owner, and converted into Accumulation Units.

   
The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $1,500 for Non-Qualified
Contracts. However, if periodic payments are expected by the Company, this
initial first year minimum may be satisfied by Purchase Payments made on an
annualized basis. Subsequent Purchase Payments, if any, must be at least $10
each. The Company reserves the right to lower this $10 Purchase Payment minimum
for employer sponsored deduction programs. The cumulative total of all purchase
payments under contracts issued by the Company on the life of any one Annuitant
may not exceed $1,000,000 without prior consent of the Company.
    

THE PURCHASER IS CAUTIONED THAT INVESTMENT RETURN ON SMALL INITIAL AND
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE PAYMENTS MAY BE LESS THAN CHARGES ASSESSED BY THE COMPANY.

The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts will be priced
not later than 2 business days after receipt of an order to purchase, if all
information necessary for processing the purchase order is complete. The Company
may, however, retain the Purchase Payment for up to 5 business days while
attempting to complete the order to purchase. If it is not complete within 5
days, the prospective purchaser will be informed of the reasons for the delay
and the Purchase Payment will be returned immediately unless the prospective
purchaser specifically consents to the Company retaining the Purchase Payment
until the order to purchase is made complete. Thereafter, subsequent Purchase
Payments will be priced on the basis of the Accumulation Unit value next
computed for the appropriate Sub-Account after the additional Purchase Payment
is received.

   
Purchase Payments will not be priced on the following nationally recognized
holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    


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VALUE OF AN ACCUMULATION UNIT

   
The Accumulation Unit value for any Valuation Period is determined by
multiplying the Accumulation Unit value for each Sub-Account for the immediately
preceding Valuation Period by the net investment factor for the Sub-Account
during the subsequent Valuation Period. Although the number of Accumulation
Units will not change as a result of investment experience, the value of an
Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation Period to Valuation
Period.
    

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

The net investment factor for any Valuation Period is determined by dividing (a)
by (b), and then subtracting (c) where:

         (a)  is the net of:

   
              (1) the Net Asset Value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund
                  held in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the current
                  Valuation Period; and
    

              (2) the per share amount of any dividend or income distributions
                  made by the Underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account if
                  the "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation
                  Period;

         (b)  is the Net Asset Value per share of the Underlying Mutual Fund
              held in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the immediately
              preceding Valuation Period;

   
         (c)  is a factor representing the daily Mortality Risk Charge, Expense
              Risk Charge and Administration Charge deducted from the Variable
              Account. Such factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.30% of the
              daily net assets of the Variable Account.
    

The net investment factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the value
of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. It should be noted that
changes in the net investment factor may not be directly proportional to changes
in the Net Asset Value of Underlying Mutual Fund shares because of the deduction
for Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration Charge.

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

   
The Contract Value is the sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation
Units and amounts allocated and credited to the Fixed Account. The number of
Accumulation Units credited to each Sub-Account is determined by dividing the
net amount allocated to the Sub-Account by the Accumulation Unit value for the
Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during which the Purchase Payment is
received by the Company. If part or all of the Contract Value is surrendered or
charges or deductions are made against the Contract Value, an appropriate number
of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account and an appropriate amount from
the Fixed Account will be deducted in the same proportion that the Contract
Owner's interest in the Variable Account and the Fixed Account bears to the
total Contract Value.
    

RIGHT TO REVOKE

   
The Contract Owner has a ten day free look to examine the Contract. Within ten
days of the date the Contract is received, it may be returned for any reason to
the Home Office at the address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. If the
Contract is returned to the Company in a timely manner, the Company will void
the Contract and refund the Contract Value in full unless otherwise required by
law. State and/or federal law may provide additional free look privileges.
All IRA, Roth IRA and SEP IRA refunds will be return of Purchase Payments.
    

The liability of the Variable Account under this provision is limited to the
Contract Value in each Sub-Account on the date of revocation. Any additional
amounts refunded to the Contract Owner will be paid by the Company.


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                                   22 of 103
<PAGE>   23
TRANSFERS

   
The Contract Owner may request a transfer of up to 100% of the Variable Account
value to the Fixed Account, without penalty or adjustment. However, the Company
reserves the right to restrict transfers from the Variable Account to the Fixed
Account to 25% of the Contract Value for any 12 month period. All amounts
transferred to the Fixed Account must remain on deposit in the Fixed Account
until the expiration of the current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. In addition,
transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made prior to the end of the then
current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period for
any amount allocated to the Fixed Account expires on the final day of a calendar
quarter during which the one year anniversary of the allocation to the Fixed
Account occurs. Transfers to or from the Sub-Accounts are subject to the terms
and conditions of the Underlying Mutual Funds. The Contract Owner's value in
each Sub-Account will be determined as of the date the transfer request is
received in the Home Office in good order. Once the Contract has been
annuitized, transfers may only be made on each anniversary of the Annuitization
Date.
    

The Contract Owner may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the Variable
Account will be determined by the Company, at its sole discretion, but will not
be less than 10% of the total value of the portion of the Fixed Account that is
maturing. The amount that may be transferred will be declared upon the
expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers
from the Fixed Account must be made within 45 days after the expiration date of
the guarantee period. Contract Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost
Averaging agreement with the Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may transfer
from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account under the terms of that
agreement.

   
Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such transfers,
by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege is made available to Contract
Owners automatically without the Contract Owner's election. The Company will
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include the following: requesting
identifying information, such as name, Contract number, Social Security number,
and/or personal identification number; tape recording all telephone transactions
and providing written confirmation thereof to both the Contract Owner and any
agent of record, at the last address of record; or such other procedures which
the Company deems reasonable. Although failure to follow reasonable procedures
may result in the Company's liability for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone transfers, the Company will not be liable for following
instructions communicated by telephone which it reasonably believes to be
genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to actions taken by the Company in
reliance on telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine will be
borne by the Contract Owner

Contracts described in this prospectus may be sold to individuals who
independently utilize the services of a firm or individual engaged in market
timing. Generally, such firms or individuals obtain authorization from multiple
Contract Owners to make transfers and exchanges among the Sub-Accounts on the
basis of perceived market trends. Because of the unusually large transfers of
funds associated with some of these transactions, the ability of the Company or
Underlying Mutual Funds to process such transactions may be compromised, and the
execution of such transactions may possibly disadvantage or work to the
detriment of other Contract Owners not utilizing market timing services.

Accordingly, the right to exchange Contract Values among the Sub-Accounts may be
subject to modification if such rights are exercised by a market timing firm or
any other third party authorized to initiate transfer or exchange transactions
on behalf of multiple Contract Owners. THE RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT OWNERS
TO EXCHANGE CONTRACT VALUES, WHEN INSTRUCTIONS ARE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY BY THE
CONTRACT OWNER, OR BY THE CONTRACT OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE OF RECORD AS
AUTHORIZED BY THE EXECUTION OF A VALID NATIONWIDE LIMITED POWER OF ATTORNEY
FORM, WILL NOT BE MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. In modifying such rights, the Company
may, among other things, not accept:

(1)  the transfer or exchange instructions of any agent acting under a power of
     attorney on behalf of more than one Contract Owner; or

(2)  the transfer or exchange instructions of individual Contract Owners who
     have executed preauthorized transfer or exchange forms which are submitted
     by market timing firms or other third parties on behalf of more than one
     Contract Owner at the same time.
    


                                       21

                                   23 of 103
<PAGE>   24
   
The Company will not impose any such restrictions or otherwise modify exchange
rights unless such action is reasonably intended to prevent the use of such
rights in a manner that will disadvantage or potentially impair the contract
rights of other Contract Owners.
    

CONTRACT OWNERSHIP

   
Unless the Contract otherwise provides, the Contract Owner has all rights under
the Contract. PURCHASERS NAMING SOMEONE OTHER THAN THEMSELVES AS OWNER WILL HAVE
NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT. Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract
Owner may name a new Contract Owner in Non-Qualified Contracts. Such change may
be subject to state and federal gift taxes and may also result in federal income
taxation. Any change of Contract Owner designation will automatically revoke any
prior Contract Owner designation. Once proper notice of the change is recorded
by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the written
request is signed. A change of Contract Owner will not apply and will not be
effective with respect to any payment made or action taken by the Company prior
to the time that the change was recorded by the Company.

Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may request a change in the
Annuitant, Contingent Annuitant, Contingent Owner, Beneficiary, or Contingent
Beneficiary. Such a request must be made in writing on a form acceptable to the
Company and must be signed by the Contract Owner. Such request must be received
at the Home Office prior to the Annuitization Date. Any such change is subject
to review and approval by the Company. If the Contract Owner is not a natural
person and there is a change of Annuitant, Distributions will be made as if the
Contract Owner died at the time of such change.

On and after the Annuitization Date, the Annuitant will become the Contract
Owner.
    

CONTINGENT OWNERSHIP

   
The Contingent Owner is the person who may receive certain benefits under the
Contract if the Contract Owner, who is not the Annuitant, dies prior to the
Annuitization Date. If more than one Contingent Owner survives the Contract
Owner, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent
Owner designation. If no Contingent Owner survives a Contract Owner, all rights
and interest of the Contingent Owner will vest in the Annuitant. If a Contract
Owner, who is also the Annuitant, dies before the Annuitization Date, then the
Contingent Owner will not have any rights in the Contract, unless the Contingent
Owner is also the named Beneficiary.

Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Contingent Owner prior to the Annuitization Date by written notice to the
Company. Once proper notice of the change is recorded by the Home Office, the
change will become effective as of the date the written request was signed,
whether or not the Contract Owner is living at the time of recording, but
without further liability as to any payment or settlement made by the Company
before receipt of such change.
    

BENEFICIARY

   
The Beneficiary is the person(s) who may receive certain benefits under the
Contract in the event the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date and
there is no surviving Contingent Annuitant. If more than one Beneficiary
survives the Annuitant and Contingent Annuitant, each will share equally unless
otherwise specified in the Beneficiary designation. If no Beneficiary survives
the Annuitant, all rights and interest of the Beneficiary will vest in the
Contingent Beneficiary If more than one Contingent Beneficiary survives, each
will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent Beneficiary
designation. If no Contingent Beneficiaries survive the Annuitant, all rights
and interest of the Contingent Beneficiary will vest with the Contract Owner or
the estate of the Contract Owner.

Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary during the lifetime of the Annuitant
by written notice to the Company. Once proper written notice of the change is
recorded by the Home Office, the change will become effective as of the date the
written request was signed, whether or not the Annuitant is living at the time
of recording, but without further liability as to any payment or settlement made
by the Company before receipt of such change.
    


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<PAGE>   25
SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

   
Prior to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or the death of the Annuitant,
the Company will allow the Contract Owner to surrender a portion or all of the
Contract Value. The request for surrender must be made in writing and must
include the Contract when surrendering the Contract in full. In some cases, the
Company will require additional documentation. The Company may require that the
signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of a major stock exchange or other
depository institution qualified to give such a guaranty.

When requested, the Company will surrender a number of Accumulation Units from
the Variable Account and an amount from the Fixed Account necessary to equal the
gross dollar amount requested, less any applicable CDSC, and also in the case of
a full surrender, less the Contract Maintenance Charge (see "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge" and "Contract Maintenance Charge and Administration Charge"). The
number of Accumulation Units surrendered from each Sub-Account and the amount
deducted from the Fixed Account will be in the same proportion that the Contract
Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed Account bears to the total
Contract Value.

The Company will pay any amounts surrendered within 7 days. However, the Company
reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any payment of any benefit
or values for any Valuation Period when:
    

     (1) the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is closed;

     (2) when trading on the Exchange is restricted;

     (3) an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of securities held in
         the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is not
         reasonably practicable to determine the value of the Variable Account's
         net assets; or

     (4) the SEC, by order, so permits for the protection of security holders.

Applicable rules and regulations of the SEC shall govern as to whether the
conditions prescribed in (2) and (3) exist.

The Contract Value on surrender may be more or less than the total of Purchase
Payments made by a Contract Owner, depending on the market value of the
Underlying Mutual Fund shares.

SURRENDERS UNDER A QUALIFIED PLAN OR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY

Except as provided below, the Contract Owner may surrender part or all of the
Contract Value at any time prior to the earlier of the Annuitization Date or the
death of the Annuitant.

   
     (A) The surrender of Contract Value attributable to contributions made
         pursuant to a qualified cash or deferred arrangement (within the
         meaning of Code Section 402(g)(3)(A), a salary reduction agreement
         (within the meaning of Code Section 402(g)(3)(C)), or transfers from a
         Custodial Account (described in Code Section 403(b)(7)), may be
         executed only: 
    
         (1) when the Contract Owner attains age 59-1/2, separates from service,
             dies, or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Section 
             72(m)(7)); or

         (2) in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Section
             401(k)), provided that any surrender of Contract Value in the case
             of hardship may not include any income attributable to salary
             reduction contributions.

     (B) The surrender limitations described in (a) above for Tax Sheltered
         Annuities apply to:

         (1)  salary reduction contributions to Tax Sheltered Annuities made for
              plan years beginning after December 31, 1988;

         (2)  earnings credited to such Contracts after the last plan year 
              beginning  before January 1, 1989 on amounts attributable to 
              salary reduction contributions; and

         (3)  all amounts transferred from 403(b)(7) custodial accounts (except
              that earnings and employer contributions as of December 31, 1988
              in such custodial accounts may be withdrawn in the case of
              hardship).

   
     (C) Any Distribution other than the above, including exercise of a
         contractual 10-day free look (when available), may result in the
         immediate application of taxes and penalties of a Qualified Contract or
         Tax Sheltered Annuity.
    


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                                   25 of 103
<PAGE>   26
   
A premature Distribution may not be eligible for rollover treatment. To assist
in preventing disqualification of a Tax Sheltered Annuity in the event of a
10-day free look, the Company will agree to transfer the proceeds to another
contract which meets the requirements of Code Section 403(b) upon proper
direction by the Contract Owner. The foregoing is the Company's understanding of
the withdrawal restrictions which are currently applicable under Code Section
403(b)(11) and Revenue Ruling 90-24. Such restrictions are subject to
legislative change and/or reinterpretation. Distributions pursuant to Qualified
Domestic Relations Orders will not be considered to be in violation of the
restrictions stated in this provision.

The Contract surrender provisions may also be modified pursuant to the plan
terms and tax provisions of the Code when the Contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan.
    

LOAN PRIVILEGE

   
Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner of a Qualified Contract or
Tax Sheltered Annuity may receive a loan from the Contract Value, subject to the
terms of the Contract, the plan, and the Code, which may impose restrictions on
loans.

Loans from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered Annuities are available
beginning 30 days after the Date of Issue. The Contract Owner may borrow a
minimum of $1,000, unless a lower minimum amount is mandated by state law. In
non-ERISA plans, for Contract Values up to $20,000, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 80% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $10,000. If the Contract Value is $20,000 or more, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $50,000. For ERISA plans, the maximum loan balance which may be outstanding
at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more than $50,000. All $50,000
limits will be reduced by the highest loan balance owed during the prior
one-year period. Additional loans are subject to the Contract minimum amount.
The aggregate of all loans may not exceed the Contract Value limitations stated
above. For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may only be secured
by the Contract Value.

All loans are made from a collateral fixed account. An amount equal to the
principal loan amount will be transferred to the collateral fixed account. The
Company will transfer to the collateral fixed account the Sub-Account's
Accumulation Units in proportion to the assets in each option until the required
balance is reached or all such Accumulation Units are exhausted. Any additional
requested collateral will be transferred from the Fixed Account. No withdrawal
charges are deducted at the time of the loan or on the transfer from the
Variable Account to the collateral fixed account.

Until the loan has been repaid in full, that portion of the collateral fixed
account equal to the outstanding loan balance will be credited with interest at
a rate 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by the Company for the term
of the loan. However, the interest rate credited to the collateral fixed account
will never be less than 3.0%. Specific loan terms are disclosed at the time of
loan application or loan issuance.

Loans must be repaid in substantially level payments, not less frequently than
quarterly, within 5 years. Loans used to purchase the principal residence of the
Contract Owner must be repaid within 15 years. During the loan term, the
outstanding balance of the loan will continue to earn interest at an annual rate
as specified in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will consist of principal
and interest in amounts set forth in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will be
processed in the same manner as a Purchase Payment. Loan repayments and will be
allocated to the Contract in accordance with the most current allocation, unless
the Contract Owner and the Company agree otherwise on a case by case basis.

Any amounts distributed will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding,
plus accrued interest if:

(1)  the Contract is surrendered;

(2)  the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies; or

(3)  the Contract Owner who is not the Annuitant dies prior to Annuitization.

In addition, the Contract Value will be reduced by the amount of any outstanding
loans plus accrued interest if the annuity payments begin while the loan is
outstanding. Until the loan is repaid, the Company reserves the right to
restrict any transfer of the Contract which would otherwise qualify as a
transfer as permitted in the Code.
    


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<PAGE>   27
   
If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue. A
grace period may be available under the terms of the loan agreement. If a loan
payment is not made when due, or by the end of the applicable grace period, the
entire loan will be treated as a deemed Distribution, will be taxable to the
borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty. Interest will
continue to accrue on the loan after default. Any defaulted amounts, plus
accrued interest, will be deducted from the Contract when the participant
becomes eligible for a Distribution of at least that amount. Additional loans
may not be available while a previous loan remains in default.

Loans may also be subject to additional limitations or restrictions under the
terms of a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity. Loans permitted under this
Contract may still be taxable in whole or part if the participant has additional
loans from other plans or contracts. The Company will calculate the maximum
non-taxable loan based on the information provided by the participant or the
employer.
    

Loan repayments must be identified as such or else they will be treated as
Purchase Payments, and will not be used to reduce the outstanding loan principal
or interest due. The Company reserves the right to modify the loan's term or
procedures if there is a change in applicable law. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a loan processing fee.

   
IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, and Non-Qualified Contracts are not eligible for
loans.
    

ASSIGNMENT

   
The Contract Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract may assign some or all of the
rights under the Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Annuitant prior
to the Annuitization Date. Once proper notice of assignment is recorded by the
Home Office, the assignment will become effective as of the date the written
request was signed. The Company is not responsible for the validity or tax
consequences of any assignment. The Company will not be liable for any payment
or other settlement made by the Company before recording the assignment. Where
necessary for proper administration of the terms of the Contract, an assignment
will not be recorded until the Company has received sufficient direction from
the Contract Owner and assignee as to the proper allocation of Contract rights
under the assignment.

Any portion of the Contract Value which is pledged or assigned will be treated
as a Distribution and will be included in gross income to the extent that the
cash value exceeds the investment in the Contract for the taxable year in which
it was assigned or pledged. In addition, any Contract Value assigned may be
subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the amount which is included in gross
income. All rights in the Contract are personal to the Contract Owner and may
not be assigned without written consent of the Company. Assignment of the entire
Contract Value may cause the portion of the Contract Value exceeding the total
investment in the Contract and previously taxed amounts to be included in gross
income for federal income tax purposes each year that the assignment is in
effect.

IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, Qualified Contracts and Tax Sheltered Annuities may
not be assigned, pledged, or otherwise transferred except under such conditions
as may be allowed by law.
    

                             CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES

   
ASSET REBALANCING- The Contract Owner may direct the automatic reallocation of
Contract Values to the Sub-Accounts on a predetermined percentage basis. Asset
Rebalancing will occur every three months or on another frequency authorized by
the Company. If the last day of the three month period falls on a Saturday,
Sunday, recognized holiday or any other day when the New York Stock Exchange is
closed, the Asset Rebalancing reallocation will occur on the first business day
after that day. An Asset Rebalancing requests must be in writing on a form
provided by the Company. The Contract Owner may want to contact a financial
adviser in order to discuss the use of Asset Rebalancing.

Asset Rebalancing may be subject to employer imposed limitations or restrictions
for Contracts issued to a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Asset Rebalancing
programs upon 30 days written notice. The Company also reserves the right to
assess a processing fee for this service.
    


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<PAGE>   28
   
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING- If the Contract Value is $5,000 or more, the Contract
Owner may direct the Company to automatically transfer from the NSAT Money
Market Fund, NSAT Government Bond Fund, or the Fixed Account to any other
Sub-Account. Dollar Cost Averaging will occur on a monthly basis or on another
frequency permitted by the Company. Dollar Cost Averaging is a long-term
investment program which provides for regular, level investments over time.
There is no guarantee that Dollar Cost Averaging will result in a profit or
protect against loss. The minimum monthly Dollar Cost Averaging transfer is
$100. In addition, Dollar Cost Averaging monthly transfers from the Fixed
Account must be equal to or less than 1/30th of the Fixed Account value when the
Dollar Cost Averaging program is requested. Transfers out of the Fixed Account,
other than for Dollar Cost Averaging, may be subject to certain additional
restrictions (see "Transfers"). Transfers will be processed until either the
value in the originating funds is exhausted or the Contract Owner instructs the
Home Office to cancel the transfers.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Dollar Cost
Averaging programs upon 30 days written notice. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a processing fee for this service.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS- A Contract Owner may elect in writing to begin receiving
withdrawals of a specified dollar amount (of at least $100) on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. Unless otherwise instructed, the
withdrawals will be taken from the Sub-Accounts and the Fixed Account on a
pro-rata basis. A CDSC may apply to Systematic Withdrawals in accordance with
the considerations set forth in the "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section.
Unless otherwise directed by the Contract Owner, the Company will withhold any
applicable federal income taxes. The IRS may assess a 10% penalty tax if the
Contract Owner is under age 59 1/2, unless the Contract Owner has made an
irrevocable election of distributions of substantially equal payments.
Withdrawals may be discontinued at any time by notifying the Home Office in
writing.

The Company reserves the right to discontinue establishing new Systematic
Withdrawal programs upon 30 days written notice. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a processing fee for this service. Systematic withdrawals are
not available prior to the expiration of the "10-day free look" provision of the
Contract (see "Right to Revoke").
    

         ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD, DEATH BENEFIT, AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

   
An Annuity Commencement Date will be selected. Such date will be the first day
of a calendar month unless otherwise agreed upon. The date must be at least 2
years after the Date of Issue. In the event the Contract is issued subject to
the terms of a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity, Annuitization may occur
during the first 2 years subject to approval by the Company.

The Annuity Commencement Date may be changed by the Contract Owner in writing
subject to approval by the Company.

ANNUITIZATION

Annuitization is irrevocable once payments have begun. When making an
Annuitization election, the Annuitant must choose:

(1)  an Annuity Payout Option; and

(2)  either a Fixed Payment Annuity, a Variable Payment Annuity, or an available
     combination.

If a Variable Payment Annuity is elected, all amounts in the Fixed Account must
be transferred to the Sub-Accounts prior to the Annuitization Date.

Payments under a Fixed Payment Annuity are guaranteed by the Company as to the
dollar amount during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of each
payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will vary depending on the performance
of the selected Underlying Mutual Fund options. The dollar amount of each
variable payment could be higher or lower than a previous payment.
    


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FIXED PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

The first payment under a Fixed Payment Annuity will be determined by applying
the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner to the
Fixed Payment Annuity table then in effect for the Annuity Payment Option
elected, after deducting any applicable premium taxes from the total Contract
Value. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. Subsequent payments will remain level unless the Annuity Payment Option
elected provides otherwise. The Company does not credit discretionary interest
paid by the Company to payments during the annuity payment period.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

The first payment under a Variable Payment Annuity will be determined by
applying the portion of the total Contract Value specified by the Contract Owner
to the Variable Payment Annuity table then effect for the Annuity Payment Option
elected, after deducting any applicable premium taxes from the total Contract
Value. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. The dollar amount of the first payment is divided by the value of an
Annuity Unit as of the Annuitization Date to establish the number of Annuity
Units representing each monthly annuity payment. This number of Annuity Units
remains fixed during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of the second
and subsequent payments is not predetermined and may change from month to month.
The dollar amount of each subsequent payment is determined by multiplying the
fixed number of Annuity Units by the Annuity Unit value for the Valuation Period
in which the payment is due. The Company guarantees that the dollar amount of
each payment after the first will not be affected by variations in mortality
experience from mortality assumptions used to determine the first payment.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

A 3.5% assumed investment rate is built into the variable payment annuity
purchase rate basis in the Contracts. A higher assumption would mean a higher
initial payment but more slowly rising or more rapidly falling subsequent
payments. A lower assumption would have the opposite effect. If the actual net
investment rate is at the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be
level.

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

The value of an Annuity Unit for a Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation
Period is determined by multiplying the Annuity Unit value from the immediately
preceding Valuation Period by the net investment factor for the Valuation Period
for which the Annuity Unit value is being calculated, and multiplying the result
by an interest factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 3.5% per
annum built into the Variable Payment Annuity purchase rate basis in the
Contracts (see "Net Investment Factor").

VARIABLE PAYMENT ANNUITY - EXCHANGES AMONG UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

During the annuity payment period, exchanges among the Underlying Mutual Fund
options must be made in writing and the exchange will take place on the
anniversary of the Annuitization Date.

FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

Payments will be made based on the Annuity Payment Option selected. However, if
the net amount available under any Annuity Payment Option is less than $500, the
Company will have the right to pay such amount in one lump sum in lieu of
periodic annuity payments. In addition, if the payments to be provided would be
or become less than $20, the Company will have the right to change the frequency
of payments to such intervals as will result in payments of at least $20. In no
event will the Company make payments under an annuity option less frequently
than annually.
    


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ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

   
The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, at any time
prior to the Annuitization date, elect one of the following Annuity Payment
Options:

       (1) Life Annuity - An annuity payable periodically, but at least
           annually, during the lifetime of the Annuitant, ending with the last
           payment due prior to the death of the Annuitant. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE
           ANNUITANT DIES BEFORE THE SECOND ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, THE ANNUITANT
           WILL RECEIVE ONLY ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT. THE ANNUITANT WILL RECEIVE
           ONLY TWO ANNUITY PAYMENTS IF HE OR SHE DIES BEFORE THE THIRD ANNUITY
           PAYMENT DATE, AND SO ON;

       (2) Joint and Last Survivor Annuity - An annuity payable periodically,
           but at least annually, during the joint lifetimes of the Annuitant
           and designated second individual and continuing thereafter during the
           lifetime of the survivor. AS IS THE CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE
           IS NO MINIMUM NUMBER OF PAYMENTS GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION.
           PAYMENTS CEASE UPON THE DEATH OF THE LAST SURVIVING ANNUITANT
           REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF PAYMENTS RECEIVED;

       (3) Life Annuity With 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed - An annuity
           payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant. If the
           Annuitant dies before all of the guaranteed payments have been made,
           payments will continue to be made for the remainder of the selected
           guaranteed period to a designee chosen by the Contract Owner at the
           time the Annuity Payment Option was elected.

           Alternatively, the designee may elect to receive the present value of
           any remaining guaranteed payments in a lump sum. The present value
           will be computed as of the date on which the Company receives notice
           of the Annuitant's death.

Some of the stated Annuity Payment Options may not be available in all states.
The Contract Owner may request an alternative option by giving notice in writing
prior to the Annuitization Date subject to approval by the Company.

For Non-Qualified Contracts, no Distribution will be made until an Annuity
Payment Option has been elected. Qualified Contracts, Tax Sheltered Annuities,
IRAs, and SEP IRAs are subject to the "minimum distribution" requirements set
forth in the plan, Contract, or Code.
    

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

   
For Non-Qualified Contracts, if the Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the
same person and a Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, then the
Contingent Owner or the estate of the Contract Owner becomes the Contract Owner
if elected by the Contract Owner to receive the Distribution. If no such
election was made, the Annuitant becomes the Contract Owner. The entire interest
in the Contract Value, less any applicable deductions, must be distributed in
accordance with the "Required Distributions for Non-Qualified Contracts"
provision.
    

DEATH OF ANNUITANT - NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

   
If the Contract Owner and Annuitant are not the same, and the Annuitant dies
prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable to the
Beneficiary, the Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the estate of
the last surviving Contract Owner, as specified in the "Beneficiary" provision,
unless there is a surviving Contingent Annuitant. In such case, the Contingent
Annuitant becomes the Annuitant and no Death Benefit is payable.

The Beneficiary may elect to receive the Death Benefit:

         (1) in a lump sum Distribution;

         (2) as an annuity payout; or

         (3) any Distribution that is permitted by law and approved by the
             Company.

An election must be received by the Company within 60 days of the Annuitant's
death. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable will be paid according to the selected Annuity Payment Option.
    


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DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER/ANNUITANT

   
If any Contract Owner and Annuitant are the same, and the Annuitant dies before
the Annuitization Date, a Death Benefit will be payable to the Beneficiary, the
Contingent Beneficiary, the Contract Owner, or the estate of the last surviving
Contract Owner, as specified in the Beneficiary provision and in accordance with
the appropriate "Required Distribution" provision.
    

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may be
payable shall be paid according to the selected Annuity Payment Option.

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT

   
For Contracts issued on or after the later of May 1, 1998 or a date on which
state insurance authorities approve applicable Contract modifications, if the
Annuitant dies prior to the first day of the calendar month after his or her
75th birthday and prior to the Annuitization Date, the dollar amount of the
Death Benefit will be the greater of:

         (1) the sum of all Purchase Payments increased at an annual rate of 5%
             simple interest from the date of each Purchase Payment for each
             year the payment has been in force, less an adjustment for amounts
             previously surrendered; or
    
         (2) the Contract Value.

   
The adjustment for amounts surrendered will reduce item (1) above in the same
proportion that the Contract Value was reduced on the date of the partial
surrender.

For Contracts issued prior to May 1, 1998 or a date prior to approval of
applicable Contract modifications by state insurance authorities, if the
Annuitant dies prior to the first day of the calendar month after his or her
75th birthday and prior to the Annuitization Date, the dollar amount of the
Death Benefit will be the greater of:
    
         (1) the Contract Value; or

         (2) the sum of all Purchase Payments increased at an annual rate of 5%
             simple interest from the date of each Purchase Payment for each
             year the payment has been in force, less any amounts surrendered.

   
Insurance regulations in the States of New York and North Carolina do not permit
the Death Benefit as described above. For Contracts issued in the states of New
York and North Carolina on or after the later of May 1, 1998 or the date on
which state insurance authorities approve applicable Contract modifications, the
amount of the Death Benefit will be the greater of: (1) the sum of all Purchase
Payments, less an adjustment for amounts surrendered, or (2) the Contract Value.
For Contracts issued in the states of New York and North Carolina prior to May
1, 1998 or a date prior to approval of applicable Contract modifications by
state insurance authorities, the amount of the Death Benefit will be the greater
of: (1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, less any amounts surrendered, or (2)
the Contract Value.

If the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date and on or after the first
day of the calendar month after his or her 75th birthday, the Death Benefit will
equal the Contract Value.


The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the Valuation Date at or
next following the date the Home Office receives:
    
         (1) proper proof of the Annuitant's death; 

         (2) an election specifying the Distribution method; and 

         (3) any applicable state required form(s).

If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any payment that may be
payable will be determined according to the selected Annuity Payment Option.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

   
Upon the death of any Contract Owner (including an Annuitant who becomes the
Contract Owner of the Contract on the Annuitization Date), certain Distributions
for Non-Qualified Contracts are required by Section 72(s) of the Code.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Contract to the contrary, the following
Distributions shall be made in accordance with such requirements:

         (1)  If any Contract Owner dies on or after the Annuitization Date and
              before the entire interest under the Contract has been
              distributed, then the remaining interest will be distributed at
              least as rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect on
              the date of the Contract Owner's death.
    


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<PAGE>   32
   
         (2)  If any Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, then
              the entire interest in the Contract (consisting of either the
              Death Benefit or the Contract Value reduced by certain charges as
              set forth elsewhere in the Contract) will be distributed within 5
              years of the death of the Contract Owner, provided however: 

              (a) any interest payable to or for the benefit of a natural person
                  (referred to herein as a "designated beneficiary"), may be
                  distributed over the life of the designated beneficiary, or
                  over a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of
                  the designated beneficiary. Payments must begin within one
                  year of the date of the Contract Owner's death, unless
                  otherwise permitted by federal income tax regulations; and

              (b) if the designated beneficiary is the surviving spouse of the
                  Contract Owner, the spouse may elect to become the Contract
                  Owner in lieu of receiving a Death Benefit, and any
                  Distributions required under these distribution rules will be
                  made upon the death of the spouse.
    

In the event that this Contract is owned by a person that is not a natural
person (e.g., a trust or corporation), then, for purposes of these distribution
provisions,

   
         (a)  the death of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of any
              Contract Owner; 

         (b)  any change of the Annuitant will be treated as the death of any 
              Owner; and

         (c)  in either case, the appropriate Distribution required under these
              distribution rules will be made upon the death or change, as the
              case may be. The Annuitant is the primary annuitant as defined in
              Section 72(s)(6)(B) of the Code.

These distribution provisions will not be applicable to any Contract that is not
required to be subject to the provisions of 72(s) of the Code by reason of
Section 72(s)(5) (including Tax Sheltered Annuities, IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs,
and Qualified Plans), or any other law or rule.

Upon the death of a Contract Owner, the designated beneficiary must elect a
method of distribution which complies with the above distribution provisions and
which is acceptable to the Company. Such election must be received by the
Company within 60 days of the Contract Owner's death.
    

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR QUALIFIED PLANS AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

   
Amounts in a Tax Sheltered Annuity or Qualified Contract will be distributed in
a manner consistent with the Minimum Distribution and Incidental Benefit (MDIB)
provisions of Section 401(a)(9) of the Code and applicable regulations. Amounts
will be paid, notwithstanding anything else contained herein, to the Annuitant
under the Annuity Payment Option selected, over a period not exceeding:

         (a)  the life of the Annuitant or the joint lives of the Annuitant and
              the Annuitant's designated beneficiary under the Selected Annuity
              Payment Option; or

         (b)  a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Annuitant
              or the joint life expectancies of the Annuitant and the
              Annuitant's designated beneficiary under the selected Annuity
              Payment Option.
    

For Tax Sheltered Annuities, no Distributions will be required from this
Contract if Distributions otherwise required from this Contract are being
withdrawn from another Tax Sheltered Annuity of the Annuitant.

   
If the Annuitant's entire interest in a Qualified Plan or Tax Sheltered Annuity
is to be distributed in equal or substantially equal payments over a period
described in (a) or (b) above, such payments will commence on the required
beginning date which is the later of:
    

         (a)  the first day of April following the calendar year in which the
              Annuitant attains age 70-1/2; or 

         (b)  when the Annuitant retires.

However, provision (b) does not apply to any employee who is a 5% Owner (as
defined in Section 416 of the Code) with respect to the plan year ending in the
calendar year in which the employee attains the age of 70-1/2.


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If the Annuitant dies prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution, the
entire interest in the Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity must be
distributed by December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary
of his or her death occurs unless:

         (a)  the Annuitant names his or her surviving spouse as the Beneficiary
              and the spouse elects to receive Distribution of the Contract in
              substantially equal payments over his or her life (or a period not
              exceeding his or her life expectancy) and commencing not later
              than December 31 of the year in which the Annuitant would have
              attained age 70-1/2; or

         (b)  the Annuitant names a Beneficiary other than his or her surviving
              spouse and the Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of the
              Contract in substantially equal payments over his or her life (or
              a period not exceeding his or her life expectancy) commencing not
              later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the
              Annuitant dies.

If the Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced, the Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death.

Payments commencing on the required beginning date will not be less than the
lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the Annuitant
by the life expectancy of the Annuitant, or the joint life expectancies of the
Annuitant and the Annuitant's designated beneficiary (if the Annuitant dies
prior to the required beginning date) or the Beneficiary under the selected
Annuity Payment Option (if the Annuitant dies after the required beginning
date), whichever is applicable under the applicable minimum distribution or MDIB
provisions. Life expectancy and joint life expectancies are computed by the use
of return multiples contained in Section 1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.

If the amounts distributed to the Annuitant are less than those mentioned above,
a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the amount that should have been
distributed for that year over the amount that actually was distributed for that
year.
    

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR IRAS AND SEP IRAS

   
Distribution from an IRA or SEP IRA must begin no later than April 1 of the
calendar year following the calendar year in which the Contract Owner attains
age 70-1/2. Distribution may be payable in a lump sum or in substantially equal
payments over:
    
         (a)  the Contract Owner's life or the lives of the Contract Owner and 
              his or her spouse or designated beneficiary; or

         (b)  a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Contract
              Owner or the joint life expectancy of the Contract Owner and the
              Contract Owner's designated beneficiary.

   
If the Contract Owner dies prior to the commencement of his or her Distribution,
the interest in the IRA, Roth IRA, or SEP IRA must be distributed by December 31
of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of his or her death occurs,
unless:
    
         (a)  The Contract Owner names his or her surviving spouse as the
              Beneficiary and such spouse elects to: 

   
              (i)  treat the annuity as an IRA or SEP IRA established for his or
                   her benefit; or 

              (ii) receive Distribution of the Contract in substantially equal 
                   payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his
                   or her life expectancy) and commencing not later than
                   December 31 of the year in which the Contract Owner would
                   have attained age 70-1/2; or


         (b)  The Contract Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her
              surviving spouse and the Beneficiary elects to receive a
              Distribution of the Contract in substantially equal payments over
              his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
              expectancy) and commencing not later that December 31 of the year
              following the year in which the Contract Owner dies.


No Distribution will be required from this Contract if Distributions otherwise
required from this Contract are being withdrawn from another IRA or SEP IRA of
the Contract Owner.
    

If the Contract Owner dies after Distribution has commenced, Distribution must
continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used prior to his or
her death, except that a surviving spouse who is a beneficiary under the Annuity
Payment Option, may treat the Contract as his or her own in the same manner as
described in section (a)(i) of this provision.


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If the amounts distributed to the Contract Owner are less than those mentioned
above, a penalty tax of 50% is levied on the excess of the amount that should
have been distributed for that year over the amount that actually was
distributed for that year.

A pro-rata portion of all Distributions will be included in the gross income of
the person receiving the Distribution and taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
The portion of the Distribution which is taxable is based on the ratio between
the amount by which non-deductible Purchase Payments exceed prior non-taxable
Distributions and total account balances at the time of the Distribution. The
owner of an IRA or SEP IRA must annually report the amount of non-deductible
Purchase Payments, the amount of any Distribution, the amount by which
non-deductible Purchase Payments for all years exceed non-taxable Distributions
for all years, and the total balance of all IRAs.

IRA and SEP IRA Distributions will not receive the tax treatment of a lump sum
Distribution from a Qualified Plan. If the Contract Owner dies prior to the time
Distribution of the Contract Owner's interest in the annuity is completed, the
balance will also be included in the Contract Owner's gross estate.
    

Simplified Employee Pensions (SEPs) and Salary Reduction Simplified Employee
Pensions (SAR SEPs), described in Section 408(k) of the Code are taxed in a
manner similar to IRAs, and are subject to similar distribution requirements as
IRAs. SAR SEPs cannot be established after 1996.

   
REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR ROTH IRAS

Distributions from a Roth IRA, unlike other IRAs, are not required to commence
during the lifetime of the Contract Owner.

Upon the death of the Contract Owner, the Contract Owner's interest in the Roth
IRA must be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth
anniversary of his or her death occurs, unless:

         (a)  The Contract Owner names his or her surviving spouse as the
              Beneficiary and such spouse elects to: 

              (i)  treat the annuity as a Roth IRA established for his or her 
                   benefit; or 

              (ii) receive Distribution of the account in substantially equal 
                   payments over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his
                   or her life expectancy) and commencing not later than
                   December 31 of the year following the year in which the
                   Contract Owner would have attained age 70-1/2; or

         (b)  The Contract Owner names a Beneficiary other than his or her
              surviving spouse and such Beneficiary elects to receive a
              Distribution of the Contract in nearly equal payments over his or
              her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life expectancy)
              commencing not later than December 31 of the following year in
              which the Contract Owner dies.

Distribution from Roth IRAs may be either taxable or nontaxable, depending upon
whether they are "qualified distributions" or "nonqualified distributions" see
"Federal Income Taxes."
    

                           FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status for any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts. Contract Owners should
consult a financial consultant, legal counsel or tax advisor to discuss in
detail the taxation and the use of the Contracts.

   
Section 72 of the Code governs federal income taxation of annuities in general.
That section sets forth different rules for: (1) Qualified Contracts; (2) IRAs,
including Roth IRAs and SEP IRAs; (3) Tax Sheltered Annuities; and (4)
Non-Qualified Contracts. Each type of annuity is discussed below.

Distributions to participants from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered
Annuities are generally taxed when received. A portion of each Distribution is
excludable from income based on a formula required by the Code. The formula
required by the Code excludes from income an amount equal to investment in the
Contract by the number of anticipated payments, as determined pursuant to
Section 72(d) of the Code, until the full investment in the Contract is
recovered; thereafter all Distributions are fully taxable.
    


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Distributions from IRAs and SEP IRAs and Contracts owned by Individual
Retirement Accounts are generally taxed when received. The portion of each such
payment which is excludable is based on the ratio between the amount by which
nondeductible Purchase Payments to all Contracts exceeds prior non-taxable
Distributions from the Contracts, and the total account balances in the
Contracts at the time of the Distribution. The Owner of such IRAs or SEP IRAs or
the Annuitant under Contracts held by Individual Retirement Accounts must
annually report to the IRS the amount of nondeductible Purchase Payments, the
amount of any Distribution, the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments
for all years exceed non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total
balance in all IRAs, SEP IRAs and Individual Retirement Accounts.

Distributions of earnings from Roth IRAs are taxable or nontaxable, depending
upon whether they are "qualified distributions" or "nonqualified distributions."
A "qualified distribution" is one that satisfies the five year rule and meets
one of the following four requirements: (i) it is made on or after the date on
which the Contract Owner attains the age of 59-1/2; (ii) it is made to a
Beneficiary (or the Contract Owner's estate); (iii) it is attributable to the
Contract Owner's disability; and (iv) it is a qualified first-time homebuyer
distribution (as defined in Section 72(t)(2)(F) of the Code). If the Roth IRA
does not have any qualified rollover contributions from a retirement plan other
than a Roth IRA (or income allocable thereto), the five year rule is satisfied
if the Distribution is not made within the five year period beginning with the
first contribution to the Roth IRA. If the Roth IRA has any qualified rollover
contributions from a retirement plan other than a Roth IRA (or income allocable
thereto), the five year rule is satisfied if the Distribution is not made within
the five taxable year period commencing with the taxable year in which the
qualified rollover contribution was made.

A nonqualified distribution is any Distribution that is not a qualified
distribution.

A qualified distribution is not included in gross income for federal income tax
purposes. A nonqualified distribution is not includible in gross income to the
extent that such Distribution, when added to all previous Distributions, does
not exceed that aggregate amount of contributions made to the Roth IRA. Any
nonqualified distribution in excess of the aggregate amount of contributions
will be included in the Contract Owner's gross income in the year that is
distributed to the Contract Owner.

Taxable Distributions will not receive the benefit of the tax treatment of a
lump sum Distribution from a qualified plan. If the Contract Owner dies prior to
the complete Distribution of the Contract, the balance will also be included in
the Contract Owner's gross estate for federal estate tax purposes.

A change of the Annuitant or Contingent Annuitant may be treated by the IRS as a
taxable transaction.

PUERTO RICO

Under the Puerto Rico tax code, Distributions prior to Annuitization are treated
as nontaxable return of principal until the principal is fully recovered;
thereafter, all Distributions are fully taxable. Distributions after
Annuitization are treated as part taxable income and part nontaxable return of
principal. The amount excluded from gross income after Annuitization is equal to
the amount of the Distribution in excess of 3% of the total Purchase Payments
paid, until an amount equal to the total Purchase Payments paid has been
excluded; thereafter, the entire Distribution is included in gross income.
Puerto Rico does not impose an early withdrawal penalty tax. Generally, Puerto
Rico does not require income tax to be withheld from Distributions of income.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NATURAL PERSONS AS CONTRACT OWNERS
    

The rules applicable to Non-Qualified Contracts provide that a portion of each
annuity payment received is excludable from taxable income based on the ratio
between the Contract Owner's investment in the Contract and the expected return
on the Contract until the investment has been recovered; thereafter the entire
amount is includable in income. The maximum amount excludable from income is the
investment in the Contract. If the Annuitant dies prior to excluding from income
the entire investment in the Contract, the Annuitant's final tax return may
reflect a deduction for the balance of the investment in the Contract.

Distributions made from the Contract prior to the Annuitization Date are taxable
to the Contract Owner to the extent that the cash value of the Contract exceeds
the Contract Owner's investment at the time of the Distribution. Distributions,
for this purpose, include partial surrenders, dividends, loans, or any portion
of the Contract which is assigned or pledged; or for Contracts issued after
April 22, 1987, any portion of the Contract transferred by gift. For these
purposes, a transfer by gift may occur upon Annuitization if the Contract Owner
and the Annuitant are not the same individual. In determining the taxable amount
of a Distribution, all annuity contracts issued after October 21, 1988, by the
same company to the same contract owner during any 12 month 


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<PAGE>   36
period will be treated as one annuity contract. Additional limitations on the
use of multiple contracts may be imposed by Treasury Regulations. Distributions
prior to the Annuitization Date with respect to that portion of the Contract
invested prior to August 14, 1982, are treated first as a recovery of the
investment in the Contract as of that date. A Distribution in excess of the
amount of the investment in the Contract as of August 14, 1982, will be treated
as taxable income.

The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. Such entities
are taxed currently on the earnings on the Contract which are attributable to
contributions made to the Contract after February 28, 1986. There are exceptions
for immediate annuities and certain contracts owned for the benefit of an
individual. An immediate annuity, for purposes of this discussion, is a single
premium contract on which payments begin within one year of purchase. If this
Contract is issued as the result of an exchange described in Section 1035 of the
Code, for purposes of determining whether the Contract is an immediate annuity,
it will generally be considered to have been purchased on the purchase date of
the contract given up in the exchange.

Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty tax, equal to 10% of the portion of
any Distribution that is includable in gross income, if such Distribution is
made prior to attaining age 59-1/2. The penalty tax does not apply if the
Distribution is attributable to the Contract Owner's death, disability or is one
of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made over the life or life
expectancy of the Contract Owner (or the joint lives or joint life expectancies
of the Contract Owner and the beneficiary selected by the Contract Owner to
receive payment under the Annuity Payment Option selected) or for the purchase
of an immediate annuity, or is allocable to an investment in the Contract before
August 14, 1982. A Contract Owner wishing to begin taking Distributions to which
the 10% tax penalty does not apply should forward a written request to the
Company. Upon receipt of a written request from the Contract Owner, the Company
will inform the Contract Owner of the procedures pursuant to Company policy and
subject to limitations of the Contract, including but not limited to, first year
withdrawals. Such election shall be irrevocable and may not be amended or
changed.

   
In order to qualify as an annuity contract under Section 72 of the Code, the
contract must provide for distribution of the entire contract to be made upon
the death of a contract owner. If a contract owner dies prior to the
Annuitization date, then the contingent owner or other recipient must receive
the distribution within 5 years of the contract owner's death. However, the
recipient may elect for payments to be made over his/her life or life expectancy
provided that such payments begin within one year from the death of the contract
owner. If the contingent owner or other named recipient is the surviving spouse,
the spouse may be treated as the contract owner and the contract may be
continued throughout the life of the surviving spouse. In the event the contract
owner dies on or after the Annuitization Date and before the entire interest has
been distributed, the remaining portion must be distributed at least as rapidly
as under the method of distribution being used on the date of the contract
owner's death (see "Required Distributions for Qualified Plans and Tax Sheltered
Annuities"). If the contract owner is not a natural person, the death of the
annuitant (or a change in the annuitant) will result in a distribution pursuant
to these rules, regardless of whether a contingent annuitant is named.

The Code requires that any election to receive an annuity in lieu of a lump sum
payment must be made within 60 days after the lump sum becomes payable
(generally, the election must be made within 60 days after the death of an owner
or the annuitant). If the election is made more than 60 days after the lump sum
first becomes payable, the election will be ignored for tax purposes, and the
entire amount of the lump sum would be subject to immediate tax. If the election
is made within the 60 day period, each distribution will be taxable when it is
paid.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS - NON-NATURAL PERSONS AS CONTRACT OWNERS

The foregoing discussion of the taxation of Non-Qualified Contracts applies to
contracts owned (or, pursuant to Section 72(u) of the Code, deemed to be owned)
by individuals; the following applies to contracts where one or more
non-individuals is an owner.

As a general rule, contracts owned by corporations, partnerships, trusts, and
similar entities ("non-natural persons"), rather than by one or more
individuals, are not treated as annuity contracts for most purposes under the
Code; in particular, they are not treated as annuity contracts for purposes of
Section 72. Therefore, the taxation rules for distributions, as described above,
do not apply to Non-Qualified Contracts owned by non-natural persons. Rather,
the income earned under a Non-Qualified Contract that is owned by a non-natural
person is taxed as ordinary income during the taxable year that it is earned,
and is not deferred, even if the income is not distributed out of the contract
to the contract owner.
    


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The foregoing non-natural person rule does not apply to all entity-owned
contracts. A contract that is owned by a non-natural person as an agent for an
individual is treated as owned by the individual. This exception does not apply,
however, to a non-natural person who is an employer that holds the contract
under a non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement for one or more
employees.

The non-natural person rules also do not apply to a contract that is:

     (a)  acquired by the estate of a decedent by reason of the death of the
          decedent;

     (b)  issued in connection with certain qualified retirement plans and
          individual retirement plans;

     (c)  used in connection with certain structured settlements;

     (d)  purchased by an employer upon the termination of certain qualified
          retirement plans; or

     (e)  an immediate annuity.

   
QUALIFIED PLANS, IRAS, SEP IRAS AND TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

Contract Owners seeking information regarding eligibility, limitations on
permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and the tax consequences of
Distributions from Qualified Plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities, IRAs, SEP IRAs and
other plans that receive favorable tax treatment, should seek competent advice;
the terms of such plans may limit the rights available under the Contracts.

Pursuant to Section 403(b)(1)(E) of the Code, a Contract that is issued as a Tax
Sheltered Annuity is required to limit the amount of the Purchase Payment for
any year to an amount that does not exceed the limit set forth in Section 402(g)
of the Code ($7,000), as it is from time to time increased to reflect increases
in the cost of living. This limit may be reduced by any deposits, contributions
or payments made to any other Tax Sheltered Annuity or other plan, contract or
arrangement by or on behalf of the Contract Owner.

The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Qualified Plans to
other Qualified Plans, IRAs or SEP IRAs. Most Distributions from Tax Sheltered
Annuities may be rolled into another Tax Sheltered Annuity, IRA or SEP IRA.
Distributions that may not be rolled over are those which are:
    
     (1)  one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent)
          payments made:

          (a)  over the life (or life expectancy) of the Contract Owner;

          (b)  over the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the Contract
               Owner and the Contract Owner's designated Beneficiary; or

          (c)  for a specified period of ten years or more; or

     (2)  a required minimum distribution.

Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding at a rate of twenty percent (20%) unless the Distribution is
transferred directly to an appropriate plan as described above.

The Contract is available for Qualified Plans electing to comply with section
404(c) of ERISA. It is the responsibility of the plan and its fiduciaries to
determine and satisfy the requirements of section 404(c).

   
IRAs and SEP IRAs may not provide life insurance benefits. If the Death Benefit
exceeds the greater of the cash value of the Contract or the sum of all Purchase
Payments (less any surrenders), it is possible the IRS could determine that the
IRA or SEP IRA does not qualify for the desired tax treatment.

ROTH IRAS

The Contract may be purchased as a Roth IRA. The Contract Owner should seek
competent advice as to the tax consequences associated with the use of a
Contract as a Roth IRA, for information regarding eligibility to invest in a
Roth IRA, for limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments that may
be made to a Roth IRA, and as to the tax consequences of Distributions from Roth
IRAs.

The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Individual Retirement
Accounts or IRAs to Roth IRAs. The rollovers are subject to federal income tax
as Distributions from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA. For rollovers
that take place in 1998, the income from rollover is included in income ratably
over the four year period commencing in 1998. For rollovers in subsequent years,
the entire amount of income from the rollover will be required to be included in
income in the year of the rollover Distribution from the Individual Retirement
Account or IRA.
    


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<PAGE>   38
   
A Distribution from a Roth IRA that received the proceeds of a rollover from an
Individual Retirement Account or IRA within the previous five years could be
subject to a 10% penalty even if the Distribution is not taxable. In addition,
if the rollover from the Individual Retirement Account or IRA was made in 1998
and the income from that rollover was included in income ratably over a four
year period, a Distribution from the Roth IRA within four years of the rollover
may be subject to an additional 10% penalty.
    

WITHHOLDING

The Company is required to withhold tax from certain Distributions to the extent
that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner or other
payee. The Contract Owner or other payee is entitled to elect not to have
federal income tax withheld from any such Distribution, but may be subject to
penalties in the event insufficient federal income tax is withheld during a
calendar year. However, if the IRS notifies the Company that the Contract Owner
or other payee has furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification number, or if
the Contract Owner or other payee fails to provide a taxpayer identification
number, the Distributions may be subject to back-up withholding at the statutory
rate, which is presently 31%, and which cannot be waived by the Contract Owner
or other payee.

NON-RESIDENT ALIENS

   
Distributions to non-resident aliens (NRAs) are generally subject to federal
income tax and tax withholding at a statutory rate of thirty percent (30%) of
the amount of income that is distributed. The Company may be required to
withhold such amount from the Distribution and remit it to the IRS.
Distributions to certain NRAs may be subject to lower, or in certain instances,
zero tax and withholding rates, if the United States has entered into an
applicable treaty. However, in order to obtain the benefits of such treaty
provisions, the NRA must give to the Company sufficient proof of his or her
residency and citizenship in the form and manner prescribed by the IRS. For
Distributions, the NRA must obtain an individual Taxpayer Identification Number
from the IRS and furnish that number to the Company prior to the Distribution.
If the Company does not have the proper proof of citizenship or residency and a
proper Taxpayer Identification Number prior to any Distribution, the Company
will be required to withhold 30% of the income, regardless of any treaty
provision.
    

A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient sufficiently
establishes to the Company that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and that such
payment is includable in the recipient's gross income for United States federal
income tax purposes. Any such Distributions will be subject to the rules set
forth in the section entitled "Withholding."

FEDERAL ESTATE, GIFT, AND GENERATION SKIPPING TRANSFER TAXES

A transfer of the Contract from one Contract Owner to another, or the payment of
a Distribution under the Contract to someone other than a Contract Owner, may
constitute a gift for federal gift tax purposes. Upon the death of the Contract
Owner, the value of the Contract may be included in his or her gross estate,
even if a all or a portion of the value is also subject to federal income taxes.

The Company may be required to determine whether the Death Benefit or any other
payment or Distribution constitutes a "direct skip" as defined in Section 2612
of the Code, and the amount of the generation skipping transfer tax, if any,
resulting from such direct skip. A direct skip may occur when property is
transferred to, or a Death Benefit or other Distribution is made to:

   
          (a)  an individual who is two or more generations younger than the
               Contract Owner; or

          (b)  certain trusts, as described in Section 2613 of the Code
               (generally, trusts that have no beneficiaries who are not 2 or
               more generations younger than the Contract Owner).

If the Contract Owner is not an individual, then for this purpose only,
"Contract Owner" refers to any person who would be required to include the
Contract, Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment in his or her federal
gross estate at his or her death, or who is required to report the transfer of
the Contract, Death Benefit, Distribution, or other payment for federal gift tax
purposes.

If the Company determines that a generation skipping transfer tax is required to
be paid by reason of such direct skip, the Company is required by Section 2603
of the Code to reduce the amount of the Death Benefit, Distribution, or other
payment by the tax liability, and pay the tax liability directly to the IRS.
    


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Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax consequences, and
state and local estate, inheritance, succession, generation skipping transfer,
and other tax consequences, of owning or transferring a Contract, and of
receiving a Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment, depend on the
circumstances of the person owning or transferring the Contract, or person
receiving a Distribution, Death Benefit, or other payment.
    

CHARGE FOR TAX

   
The Company is no longer required to maintain a capital gain reserve liability
on Non-Qualified Contracts since capital gains attributable to assets held in
the Sub-Accounts for such Contracts are not taxable to the Company. However, the
Company reserves the right to implement and adjust the tax charge in the future,
if the tax laws change.
    

DIVERSIFICATION

The IRS has promulgated regulations under Section 817(h) of the Code relating to
diversification standards for the investments underlying a variable annuity
contract. The regulations provide that a variable annuity contract which does
not satisfy the diversification standards will not be treated as an annuity
contract, unless the failure to satisfy the regulations was inadvertent, the
failure is corrected, and the contract owner or the company pays an amount to
the IRS. The amount will be based on the tax that would have been paid by the
contract owner if the income, for the period the contract was not diversified,
had been received by the contract owner. If the failure to diversify is not
corrected in this manner, the contract owner of an annuity contract will be
deemed the owner of the underlying securities and will be taxed on the earnings
of his or her account. The Company believes, under its interpretation of the
Code and regulations thereunder, that the investments underlying this Contract
meet these diversification standards.

Representatives of the IRS have suggested, from time to time, that the number of
underlying mutual funds available or the number of transfer opportunities
available under a variable product may be relevant in determining whether the
product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No formal guidance has been
issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the Treasury issue additional rules
or regulations limiting the number of underlying mutual funds, transfers between
underlying mutual funds, exchanges of underlying mutual funds or changes in
investment objectives of underlying mutual funds such that the Contract would no
longer qualify as an annuity under Section 72 of the Code, the Company will take
whatever steps are available to remain in compliance.

TAX CHANGES

The Code has been subjected to numerous amendments and changes, and it is
reasonable to believe that it will continue to be revised. The United States
Congress has, in the past, considered numerous legislative proposals that, if
enacted, could change the tax treatment of the Contracts. It is reasonable to
believe that such proposals may be enacted into law. In addition, the Treasury
Department may amend existing regulations, issue new regulations, or adopt new
interpretations of existing law that may be in variance with its current
positions on these matters. In addition, current state law (which is not
discussed herein), and future amendments to state law, may affect the tax
consequences of the Contract.

The foregoing discussion, which is based on the Company's understanding of
federal tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the IRS, is general and is
not intended as tax advice. Statutes, regulations, and rulings are subject to
interpretation by the courts. The courts may determine that a different
interpretation than the currently favored interpretation is appropriate, thereby
changing the operation of the rules that are applicable to annuity contracts.

Any of the foregoing may change from time to time without any notice, and the
tax consequences arising out of a Contract may be changed retroactively. There
is no way of predicting whether, when, and to what extent any such change may
take place. No representation is made as to the likelihood of the continuation
of these current laws, interpretations, and policies.

THE FOREGOING IS A GENERAL EXPLANATION AS TO CERTAIN TAX MATTERS PERTAINING TO
ANNUITY CONTRACTS. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE, AND SHOULD NOT
TAKE THE PLACE OF YOUR INDEPENDENT LEGAL, TAX AND/OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.


                                       37

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<PAGE>   40
                               GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life Insurance Company by
writing P.O. Box 182008, Columbus, Ohio 43218-2008, or calling 1-800-321-9332,
TDD 1-800-238-3035.

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

   
The Company will mail to Contract Owners, at their last known address, any
statements and reports required by law. Contract Owners should promptly notify
the Company of any address change. Statements are mailed detailing the
Contract's quarterly activity. The Company will also send a confirmation
statement to Contract Owners each time a transaction is made affecting the
Contract Value. However, instead of receiving an immediate confirmation of
transactions made pursuant to some types of recurring periodic payment plans
(such as a Dollar Cost Averaging program or salary reduction arrangement), the
Contract Owner will receive confirmation of such transactions in their quarterly
statements. The Contract Owner should review the information in these statements
carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the Company immediately
to assure proper crediting to the Contract. The Company will assume all
transactions are accurately reported on quarterly statements and confirmation
statements unless the Contract Owner notifies the Home Office within 30 days
after receipt of the statement. The Company will also send to Contract Owners a
semi-annual report as of June 30 and an annual report as of December 31,
containing financial statements for the Variable Account.
    

ADVERTISING

   
A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the NSAT Money Market
Fund. "Yield" is a measure of the net dividend and interest income earned over a
specific seven-day period (which period will be stated in the advertisement)
expressed as a percentage of the offering price of the NSAT Money Market Fund's
units. Yield is an annualized figure, which means that it is assumed that the
NSAT Money Market Fund generates the same level of net income over a 52-week
period. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly but includes the effect of
assumed compounding calculated under rules prescribed by the SEC. The effective
yield will be slightly higher than yield due to this compounding effect.

The Company may also advertise the performance of a Sub-Account relative to the
performance of other variable annuity sub-accounts or underlying mutual fund
options with similar or different objectives, or the investment industry as a
whole. Other investments to which the Sub-Accounts may be compared include, but
are not limited to: precious metals; real estate; stocks and bonds; closed-end
funds; CDs; bank money market deposit accounts and passbook savings; and the
Consumer Price Index.
    

The Sub-Accounts may also be compared to certain market indices, which may
include, but are not limited to: S&P 500; Shearson/Lehman Intermediate
Government/Corporate Bond Index; Shearson/Lehman Long-Term Government/Corporate
Bond Index; Donoghue Money Fund Average; U.S. Treasury Note Index; Bank Rate
Monitor National Index of 2-1/2 Year CD Rates; and Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Normally these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
services and publications of general interest including, but not limited to:
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger, Morningstar, Donoghue's,
magazines such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine,
Financial World, Consumer Reports, Business Week, Time, Newsweek, National
Underwriter, U.S. News and World Report; rating services such as LIMRA, Value,
Best's Agent Guide, Western Annuity Guide, Comparative Annuity Reports; and
other publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Columbus Dispatch,
Investor's Daily, and Standard & Poor's Outlook. In addition, Variable Annuity
Research & Data Service (The VARDS Report), is an independent rating service
that ranks over 500 variable annuity funds based upon total return performance.
These rating services and publications rank the performance of the Underlying
Mutual Funds against all Underlying Mutual Funds over specified periods and
against Underlying Mutual Funds in specified categories. The rankings may or may
not include the effects of sales or other fees.

The Company is ranked and rated by independent financial rating services, among
which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. The purpose of these
ratings is to reflect the financial strength or claims-paying ability of the
Company. The ratings are not intended to reflect the investment experience or
financial strength of the Variable Account. The Company may advertise these
ratings from time to time. In addition, the Company may include in certain
advertisements, endorsements in the form of a list of organizations, individuals
or other parties which recommend the Company or the Contracts. Furthermore, the
Company may occasionally 


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<PAGE>   41
include in advertisements comparisons of currently taxable and tax deferred
investment programs, based on selected tax brackets, or discussions of
alternative investment vehicles and general economic conditions.

   
The Company may, from time to time, advertise several types of historical
performance of the Sub-Accounts. The Company may advertise for the Sub-Accounts
standardized "average annual total return," calculated in a manner prescribed by
the SEC, and nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total return" will
show the percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial investment of
$1,000 for the most recent one, five and ten year periods, or for a period
covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund option has been available in the
Variable Account if the Underlying Mutual Fund option has not been available in
the Variable Account for any of the prescribed periods. THIS CALCULATION
REFLECTS THE DEDUCTION OF ALL APPLICABLE CHARGES MADE TO THE CONTRACTS EXCEPT
FOR PREMIUM TAXES, WHICH MAY BE IMPOSED BY CERTAIN STATES.

Nonstandardized "total return," calculated similar to standardized "average
annual total return," illustrates the percentage rate of return of a
hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 for the most recent one, five and ten
year periods, or for a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund
option has been in existence. For those Underlying Mutual Fund options which
have not been held as Sub-Accounts for one of the prescribed periods, the
nonstandardized total return illustrations will show the investment performance
such Underlying Mutual Fund options would have achieved (reduced by the same
charges) had such Underlying Mutual Fund options been available in the Variable
Account for the periods quoted. AN INITIAL INVESTMENT OF $10,000 IS ASSUMED
BECAUSE THAT AMOUNT MORE CLOSELY APPROXIMATES THE SIZE OF A TYPICAL CONTRACT
THAN DOES THE $1,000 ASSUMPTION USED IN CALCULATING THE STANDARDIZED AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS.

The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations reflected are calculated as described in this section using
Underlying Mutual Fund performance for the periods ended December 31, 1997.
However, the Company generally provides performance quotations on a more
frequent basis, the results of which could reflect better or worse results than
shown. The quotations and other comparative material advertised by the Company
are based upon historical earnings and are not intended to represent or
guarantee future results. A Contract Owner's Contract Value at redemption may be
more or less than the original cost.
    

                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                    STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================================
                                                                   10 Years or Date
                                                                    Fund Available
                                                                     in Variable     Date Fund Added
                                                                      Account to       to Variable
                                    1 Year to        5 Years to        03/31/98          Account
      Sub-Account Options           03/31/98          03/31/98
======================================================================================================
<S>                                   <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>
American Century VP Advantage         11.76%             NA               6.48%          05/02/94
======================================================================================================
American Century VP Capital            9.96%             NA               1.14%          05/02/94
Appreciation
======================================================================================================
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund              37.22%             NA              23.15%          05/02/94
======================================================================================================
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income            30.49%             NA              19.29%          05/02/94
Portfolio
======================================================================================================
NSAT Govt. Bond Fund                   1.87%             NA               3.36%          05/02/94
======================================================================================================
NSAT Money Market Fund                -4.44%             NA              -0.15%          05/02/94
======================================================================================================
NSAT Total Return Fund                31.01%             NA              18.89%          05/02/94
======================================================================================================
N & B Balanced Portfolio              15.78%             NA               9.11%          05/02/94
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
    

                                       39

                                   41 of 103
<PAGE>   42
                   UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
                  NON-STANDARDIZED AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================================
                                                                     10 Years to
                                    1 Year to        5 Years to    03/31/98 or Life     Date Fund
      Sub-Account Options           03/31/98          03/31/98          of Fund         Effective
======================================================================================================
<S>                                  <C>                <C>               <C>            <C>   
American Century VP Advantage        19.86%             8.41%             7.54%          08/01/91
======================================================================================================
American Century VP Capital          18.06%             4.75%             8.61%*         11/20/87
Appreciation
======================================================================================================
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund             45.32%            20.03%            15.37%           9/29/89
======================================================================================================
Fidelity VIP Equity-Income           38.59%            18.93%            15.07%*         10/09/86
Portfolio
======================================================================================================
NSAT Govt. Bond Fund                  9.97%             5.07%             7.32%*         11/08/82
======================================================================================================
NSAT Money Market Fund                3.66%             3.01%             3.97%*         11/10/81
======================================================================================================
NSAT Total Return Fund               39.11%            18.05%            14.16%*         11/08/82
======================================================================================================
N & B Balanced Portfolio             23.88%             9.90%            10.07%          02/28/89
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>


*  Represents 10 years to 03/31/98.

                           YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE ISSUES

The Company has developed a plan to address issues related to the Year 2000. The
problem relates to many existing computer programs using only two digits to
identify a year in the date field. These programs were designed and developed
without considering the impact of the upcoming change in the century. If not
corrected, many computer applications could fail or create erroneous results by
or at the Year 2000. The Company has been evaluating its exposure to the Year
2000 issue through a review of all of its operating systems as well as
dependencies on the systems of others since 1996. The Company expects all system
changes and replacements needed to achieve Year 2000 compliance to be completed
by the end of 1998. Compliance testing will be completed in the first quarter of
1999. The Company charges all costs associated with these system changes as the
costs are incurred.

Operating expenses in 1997 include approximately $45 million on technology
projects, which includes costs related to Year 2000 and the development of a new
policy administration system for traditional life insurance products and other
system enhancements. The Company anticipates spending a comparable amount in
1998 on technology projects, including Year 2000 initiatives. These expenses do
not have an effect on the assets of the Variable Account and are not charged
through to the Contract Owner.
    

                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

The General Distributor, Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc., is not engaged in
any litigation of any material nature.

In recent years, life insurance companies have been named as defendants in
lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, relating to life insurance pricing
and sales practices. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in substantial
jury awards or settlements. In February 1997, Nationwide Life Insurance Company
was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court related to
the sale of whole life policies on a "vanishing premium" basis (John H. Snyder
v. Nationwide Life Insurance Co.). The plaintiff in such lawsuit seeks to
represent a national class of Nationwide Life policyholders and claims
unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. This lawsuit has not been
certified as a class action. In April, 1997, a motion to dismiss the Snyder
complaint in its entirety was filed by the defendants, and the plaintiff has
opposed such motion.
    

                                       40

                                   42 of 103
<PAGE>   43
   
In November 1997, two plaintiffs, one who was the owner of a variable life
insurance contract and the other who was the owner of a variable annuity
contract, commenced an action against Nationwide Life Insurance Company and the
American Century group of defendants (Robert Young and David D. Distad v.
Nationwide Life Insurance Company et al.). In this action, plaintiffs seek to
represent a class of variable life insurance contract owners and variable
annuity contract owners whom they claim were allegedly misled when purchasing
these variable contracts into believing that some portion of their premiums were
invested in a publicly traded mutual fund when, in fact, the premium monies were
invested in a mutual fund whose shares may only be purchased by insurance
companies. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory, treble and punitive
damages. In January 1998, both Nationwide Life Insurance Company and American
Century filed motions to dismiss the entire complaint. Plaintiffs' counsel have
opposed these motions and the federal court in Texas heard arguments on the
motions to dismiss in April, 1998. This lawsuit is in an early stage and has not
been certified as a class action. Nationwide Life Insurance Company intends to
defend this case vigorously.

There can be no assurance that any litigation relating to pricing and sales
practices will not have a material adverse effect on the Company in the future.
    

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                                           PAGE
General Information and History..............................................1
Services.....................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered.........................................1
Underwriters.................................................................2
Calculation of Performance...................................................2
Annuity Payments.............................................................3
Financial Statements.........................................................4


                                       41

                                   43 of 103
<PAGE>   44
                                    APPENDIX

   
Purchase Payments under the Fixed Account of the Contract and transfers to the
Fixed Account become part of the general account of the Company, which supports
insurance and annuity obligations. Because of exemptive and exclusionary
provisions, the Fixed Account has not been registered under the 1933 Act, nor is
the general account registered as an investment company under the 1940 Act.
Accordingly, neither the general account nor any interest therein are subject to
the provisions of the 1933 or 1940 Acts, and we have been advised that the staff
of the SEC has not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus which relate to
the Fixed Account. Disclosures regarding the Fixed Account and the general
account may be subject to certain provisions of federal securities law relating
to the accuracy and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
    

                            FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

The Fixed Account is made up of all the general assets of the Company, other
than those in the Variable Account and any other segregated asset account.
Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed Account by election of the
Contract Owner.

The Company will invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets chosen
by the Company and allowed by applicable law. Investment income from such assets
will be allocated by the Company between itself and the Contracts participating
in the Fixed Account.

   
Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to the Company includes
compensation for mortality and expense risks borne by the Company in connection
with the Fixed Account contracts. The amount of such investment income allocated
to the contracts will vary at the sole discretion of the Company at such rate(s)
as the Company prospectively declares. The guaranteed rate for any Purchase
Payment will remain in effect for a period not less than twelve months. However,
the Company guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than 3.0% per
year. ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS
OF 3.0% PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. THE
CONTRACT OWNER ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT
ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF 3.0% FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR. New
Purchase Payments deposited to the Contract which are allocated to the Fixed
Account may receive a different rate of interest than money transferred from the
Sub-Accounts to the Fixed Account and amounts maturing in the Fixed Account at
the expiration of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period.

The Company guarantees that the Fixed Account Contract Value will not be less
than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Account, plus
interest credited as described above, less any applicable charges, including
CDSC.
    

TRANSFERS

   
For transfers from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account, please refer to
the "Transfer" provision in the prospectus.
    


                                       42

                                   44 of 103
<PAGE>   45
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
   
                                   MAY 1, 1998
    
                       DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                   ISSUED BY NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                    THROUGH ITS NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5

   
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
additional information than set forth in the prospectus and should be read in
conjunction with the prospectus dated May 1, 1998. The prospectus may be
obtained from Nationwide Life Insurance Company by writing P. O. Box 182008,
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2002, or calling 1-800-321-9332, TDD 1-800-238-3035.
    

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                           PAGE
General Information and History.............................................1
Services....................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered........................................1
Underwriters................................................................2
Calculation of Performance..................................................2
Annuity Payments............................................................3
Financial Statements........................................................4

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

   
The Nationwide Variable Account-5 is a separate investment account of Nationwide
Life Insurance Company ("Company"). The Company is a member of the Nationwide
Insurance Enterprise. All of the Company's common stock is owned by Nationwide
Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), a holding company. NFS has two classes of
common stock outstanding with different voting rights enabling Nationwide
Corporation (the holder of all of the outstanding Class B Common Stock) to
control NFS. Nationwide Corporation is a holding company, as well. All of its
common stock is held by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (95.3%) and
Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company (4.7%), the ultimate controlling
persons of Nationwide Insurance Enterprise. The Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
is one of America's largest insurance and financial services family of
companies, with combined assets of over $83.2 billion as of December 31, 1997.
    

SERVICES

The Company, which has responsibility for administration of the Contracts and
the Variable Account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each Contract Owner
and the number and type of Contract issued to each such Contract Owner and
records with respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.

   
The custodian of the assets of the Variable Account is the Company. The Company
will maintain a record of all purchases and redemption of shares of the
Underlying Mutual Funds. The Company, or subsidiaries of the Company, may have
entered into agreements with either the investment adviser or distributor for
several of the Underlying Mutual Funds. The agreements relate to administrative
services furnished by the Company or an affiliate of the Company and provide for
an annual fee based on the average aggregate net assets of the Variable Account
(and other separate accounts of the Company or life insurance company
subsidiaries of the Company) invested in particular Underlying Mutual Funds.
These fees in no way affect the Net Asset Value of the Underlying Mutual Funds
or fees paid by the Contract Owner.

The audited financial statements have been included herein in reliance upon the
reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, Two
Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority of said firm as
experts in accounting and auditing.
    

PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED

The Contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states where the
Contracts may be lawfully sold. Such agents will be registered representatives
of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").


                                       1

                                   45 of 103
<PAGE>   46
The Contract Owner may transfer up to 100% of the Contract Value from the
Variable Account to the Fixed Account. However, the Company, at its sole
discretion, reserves the right to limit such transfers to 25% of the Contract
Value for any 12 month period. Contract Owners may at the maturity of an
Interest Rate Guarantee Period transfer a portion of the Contract Value of the
Fixed Account to the Variable Account. Such portion will be determined by the
Company at its sole discretion (but will not be less than 10% of the total value
of the portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing), and will be declared upon
the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter.
Transfers under this provision must be made within 45 days after the termination
date of the guarantee period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost
Averaging agreement with the Company may transfer from the Fixed Account under
the terms of that agreement.

Transfers from the Fixed and Variable Accounts may not be made prior to the
first Contract Anniversary. Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made
within 12 months of any prior Transfer.

UNDERWRITERS

   
The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by Nationwide
Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, an
affiliate of the Company. No underwriting commissions have been paid by the
Company to NAS.
    

CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE

   
Any current yield quotations of the NSAT Money Market Fund, subject to Rule 482
of the Securities Act of 1933, will consist of a seven calendar day historical
yield, carried at least to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield will be
calculated by determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the
value of hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one accumulation
unit at the beginning of the base period, subtracting a hypothetical charge
reflecting deductions from Contract Owner accounts, and dividing the net change
in account value by the value of the account at the beginning of the period to
obtain a base period return, and multiplying the base period return by (365/7)
or (366/7) in a leap year. At December 31, 1997, the NSAT Money Market Fund's
seven-day current unit value yield was 4.05%. The NSAT Money Market Fund's
seven-day effective yield is computed similarly, but includes the effect of
assumed compounding on an annualized basis of the current unit value yield
quotations of the NSAT Money Market Fund. At December 31, 1997, the NSAT Money
Market Fund's seven-day effective yield was 4.13%.

The NSAT Money Market Fund's yield and effective yield will fluctuate daily.
Actual yields will depend on factors such as the type of instruments in the
Fund's portfolio, portfolio quality and average maturity, changes in interest
rates, and the Fund's expenses. Although the NSAT Money Market Fund determines
its yield on the basis of a seven day period, it may use a different time period
on occasion. The yield quotes may reflect the expense limitation described
"Investment Manager and Other Services" in the NSAT Money Market Fund's
Statement of Additional Information. There is no assurance that the yields
quoted on any given occasion will remain in effect for any period of time and
there is no guarantee that the Net Asset Values will remain constant. It should
be noted that a Contract Owner's investment in the NSAT Money Market Fund is not
guaranteed or insured. Yield of other money market funds may not be comparable
if a different base period or another method of calculation is used.

All performance advertising will include quotations of standardized average
annual total return, calculated in accordance with a standard method prescribed
by rules of the SEC. Standardized average annual total return is found by taking
a hypothetical $1,000 investment in each of the Sub-Accounts' units on the first
day of the period at the offering price, which is the Accumulation Unit value
per unit ("initial investment") and computing the ending redeemable value
("redeemable value") of that investment at the end of the period. The redeemable
value is then divided by the initial investment and this quotient is taken to
the Nth root (N represents the number of years in the period) and 1 is
subtracted from the result which is then expressed as a percentage, carried to
at least the nearest hundredth of a percent. Standardized average annual total
return reflects the deduction of a maximum $30 Contract Maintenance Charge and a
1.30% Mortality, Expense Risk and Administration Charge. The redeemable value
also reflects the effect of any applicable CDSC that may be imposed at the end
of the period (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" in the prospectus). No
deduction is made for premium taxes which may be assessed by certain states.
Nonstandardized average annual total return may also be advertised, and is
calculated in a manner similar to standardized average annual total return
except the nonstandardized average annual total return is based on a
hypothetical initial investment of $10,000 and does not reflect the deduction of
    


                                       2

                                   46 of 103
<PAGE>   47
any applicable CDSC. Reflecting the CDSC would decrease the level of the
performance advertised. The CDSC is not reflected because the Contract is
designed for long term investment. An assumed initial investment of $10,000 will
be used because that figure more closely approximates the size of a typical
Contract than does the $1,000 figure used in calculating the standardized
average annual total return quotations. The amount of the hypothetical initial
investment used affects performance because the Contract Maintenance Charge is a
fixed per-Contract charge.

   
The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized average annual
total return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar quarter
preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for publication. The
standardized average annual total return and the nonstandardized total return
will be based on rolling calendar quarters and will cover periods of one, five,
and ten years, or a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual Fund has been
available in the Variable Account, if the Underlying Mutual Fund option has not
been available for one of the prescribed periods. Nonstandardized average annual
total return will be based on rolling calendar quarters and will cover periods
of one, five and ten years, or a period covering the time the Underlying Mutual
Fund has been in existence.

Quotations of standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized
average annual total return are based upon historical earnings and will
fluctuate. Any quotation of performance is not a guarantee of future
performance. Factors affecting a Sub-Account's performance include general
market conditions, operating expenses and investment management.
A Contract Owner's account when redeemed may be more or less than original cost.
    

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments" located in the prospectus.


                                       3

                                   47 of 103

<PAGE>   48

<PAGE>   1
                          Independent Auditors' Report



The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Contract Owners
   of Nationwide Variable Account-5:

      We have audited the accompanying statement of assets, liabilities and
contract owners' equity of Nationwide Variable Account-5 as of December 31,
1997, and the related statements of operations and changes in contract owners'
equity for each of the years in the two year period then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures include
confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 1997, by correspondence with
the transfer agents of the underlying mutual funds. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Variable
Account-5 as of December 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its
changes in contract owners' equity for each of the years in the two year period
then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

                                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 6, 1998





<PAGE>   2
                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5

          STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY

                                DECEMBER 31, 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                                            <C>  
   Investments at market value:
      American Century VP - American Century VP Advantage (ACVPAdv)
         44,592 shares (cost $262,016) ...............................................................         $    294,308
      American Century VP - American Century VP Capital Appreciation (ACVPCapAp)
         139,961 shares (cost $1,425,631) ............................................................            1,354,827
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)
         77,432 shares (cost $1,441,528) .............................................................            1,993,868
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)
         214,947 shares (cost $3,821,165) ............................................................            5,218,924
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
         70,990 shares (cost $765,836) ...............................................................              807,868
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
         543,043 shares (cost $543,043) ..............................................................              543,043
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)
         165,376 shares (cost $1,982,530) ............................................................            2,708,856
      Neuberger &Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio (NBAMTBal)
         54,873 shares (cost $865,911) ...............................................................              976,741
                                                                                                                  ---------
            Total investments ........................................................................           13,898,435
   Accounts receivable ...............................................................................                  452
                                                                                                                  ---------
            Total assets .............................................................................           13,898,887
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE .....................................................................................                   12
                                                                                                                  ---------
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ..............................................................................         $ 13,898,875
                                                                                                                  =========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         ANNUAL
   Contract owners' equity represented by:                     UNITS               UNIT VALUE                            RETURN
                                                             --------               ---------                            -------

<S>                                                         <C>                   <C>               <C>                 <C>
      American Century VP - American Century
      VP Advantage:
         Tax qualified ...............................        11,122               $ 15.651770      $   174,079            11%
         Non-tax qualified ...........................         7,682                 15.651770          120,237            11%
                                                                                                    
      American Century VP - American Century                                                        
      VP Capital Appreciation:                                                                      
         Tax qualified ...............................        80,973                 14.829811        1,200,814            (5)%
         Non-tax qualified ...........................        10,383                 14.829811          153,978            (5)%
                                                                                                    
      Dreyfus Stock Index Fund:                                                                     
         Tax qualified ...............................        76,005                 21.913276        1,665,519            31%
         Non-tax qualified ...........................        14,986                 21.913276          328,392            31%
                                                                                                    
      Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio:                                                       
         Tax qualified ...............................       217,475                 20.553936        4,469,967            26%
         Non-tax qualified ...........................        36,442                 20.553936          749,027            26%
                                                                                                    
      Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund:                                                        
         Tax qualified ...............................        15,010                 32.572519          488,914             8%
         Non-tax qualified ...........................         9,788                 32.584532          318,937             8%
                                                                                                    
      Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund:                                                           
         Tax qualified ...............................        25,727                 21.120495          543,367             4%
                                                                                                    
      Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund:                                                           
         Tax qualified ...............................        28,700                 79.422176        2,279,416            28%
         Non-tax qualified ...........................         5,568                 77.137765          429,503            28%
                                                                                                    
      Neuberger &Berman AMT - Balanced Portfolio:                                                   
         Tax qualified ...............................        50,098                 18.349145          919,255            18%
         Non-tax qualified ...........................         3,132                 18.349145           57,470            18%
                                                             =======                 =========     ------------  
                                                                                                   $ 13,898,875
                                                                                                   ============
</TABLE>




See accompanying notes to financial statements.



<PAGE>   4
                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    TOTAL                          ACVPADV              
                                                        ------------------------------  ------------------------------  
                                                              1997            1996            1997           1996       
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  

<S>                                                   <C>               <C>             <C>             <C> 
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:                                
Reinvested dividends .............................    $        218,349         135,536           3,776           5,601  
Mortality, expense and administration               
  charges (note 2) ...............................            (161,659)       (119,165)         (3,461)         (3,052) 
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  
  Net investment activity ........................              56,690          16,371             315           2,549  
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  
                                                    
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............           1,351,866         577,153          34,005          32,561  
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................          (1,072,212)       (483,424)        (29,706)        (29,602) 
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             279,654          93,729           4,299           2,959  
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..           1,318,801         292,389          10,182           1,463  
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................           1,598,455         386,118          14,481           4,422  
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  
Reinvested capital gains .........................             552,474         462,034          13,186          10,732  
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'     
      equity resulting from operations ...........           2,207,619         864,523          27,982          17,703  
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                
Purchase payments received from                                                                                             
  contract owners ................................           2,627,652       2,289,111          53,205          43,264      
Transfers between funds ..........................                  -               -           (5,073)        (16,823)     
Redemptions ......................................          (1,217,456)       (520,971)        (25,654)        (15,884)     
Annuity benefits .................................                  -               -               -               -       
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......             (20,632)        (17,468)           (604)           (508)     
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......             (24,123)        (18,614)           (802)           (585)     
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................                 397             393              (2)             14      
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------      
    Net equity transactions ......................           1,365,838       1,732,451          21,070           9,478      
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------      
                                                                                                                            
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............           3,573,457       2,596,974          49,052          27,181      
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          10,325,418       7,728,444         245,264         218,083      
                                                        --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------      
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $     13,898,875      10,325,418         294,316         245,264      
                                                        ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============      
</TABLE>
                                                     

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 ACVPCAPAP                        DRYSTKIX
                                                       ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                            1997             1996            1997           1996
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

<S>                                                    <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:                                
Reinvested dividends .............................                -                -           26,048          17,575
Mortality, expense and administration               
  charges (note 2) ...............................           (17,785)         (18,101)        (21,202)        (10,803)
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................           (17,785)         (18,101)          4,846           6,772
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                    
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............           289,441           97,973         100,921          51,109
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................          (272,191)         (81,258)        (54,820)        (35,459)
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............            17,250           16,715          46,101          15,650
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..          (105,922)        (229,872)        308,440         119,480
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................           (88,672)        (213,157)        354,541         135,130
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................            27,829          148,311          57,613          17,163
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'     
      equity resulting from operations ...........           (78,628)         (82,947)        417,000         159,065
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                
Purchase payments received from                                                                                            
  contract owners ................................           339,461          380,050         458,060         263,645      
Transfers between funds ..........................          (210,754)         (25,024)        219,119          64,048      
Redemptions ......................................          (112,721)         (85,473)       (143,384)        (49,417)     
Annuity benefits .................................                -                -               -               -       
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......            (2,670)          (3,106)         (2,270)         (1,374)     
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......            (3,425)          (3,057)         (2,348)         (1,843)     
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................                59              112             135              32      
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------      
    Net equity transactions ......................             9,950          263,502         529,312         275,091      
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------      
                                                                                                                           
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............           (68,678)         180,555         946,312         434,156      
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         1,423,470        1,242,915       1,047,599         613,443      
                                                       -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------      
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............         1,354,792        1,423,470       1,993,911       1,047,599      
                                                       =============   ==============  ==============  ==============      
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   5
                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 FIDVIPEI                      NSATGVTBD               
                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------   
                                                            1997           1996            1997            1996        
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   

<S>                                                  <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>         
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:                                 
Reinvested dividends .............................   $        65,141           4,263          47,002          42,310   
Mortality, expense and administration                
  charges (note 2) ...............................           (60,027)        (42,787)         (9,873)         (8,836)  
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
  Net investment activity ........................             5,114         (38,524)         37,129          33,474   
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
                                                     
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............           370,232         152,612          47,651          35,508   
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................          (257,251)       (114,012)        (45,419)        (34,435)  
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............           112,981          38,600           2,232           1,073   
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..           604,327         279,898          21,454         (19,438)  
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................           717,308         318,498          23,686         (18,365)  
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
Reinvested capital gains .........................           327,513         122,194              -               -    
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'      
      equity resulting from operations ...........         1,049,935         402,168          60,815          15,109   
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                 
Purchase payments received from                      
  contract owners ................................           831,284         833,066          90,473          73,797   
Transfers between funds ..........................            28,018          58,941          (7,829)        (10,437)  
Redemptions ......................................          (452,175)       (194,878)        (41,501)        (27,260)  
Annuity benefits .................................                -               -               -               -    
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......            (7,594)         (6,323)           (854)           (811)  
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......            (7,993)         (7,367)         (1,231)           (626)  
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................               111              90             (28)             30   
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
    Net equity transactions ......................           391,651         683,529          39,030          34,693   
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
                                                                                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............         1,441,586       1,085,697          99,845          49,802   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......         3,777,408       2,691,711         708,006         658,204   
                                                      --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............   $     5,218,994       3,777,408         807,851         708,006   
                                                      ==============  ==============  ==============  ==============   
</TABLE>
                                                      


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                NSATMYMKT                        NSATTOTRE
                                                      ------------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                           1997            1996             1997            1996
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------

<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>          
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:                                
Reinvested dividends .............................           24,333           17,553          36,372          31,681
Mortality, expense and administration               
  charges (note 2) ...............................           (6,204)          (4,630)        (31,274)        (20,949)
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................           18,129           12,923           5,098          10,732
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
                                                    
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............           99,938           75,539         237,038          69,718
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................          (99,938)         (75,539)       (157,833)        (56,068)
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............               -                -           79,205          13,650
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..               -                -          397,111         203,778
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................               -                -          476,316         217,428
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................               -                -           86,096          71,581
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'     
      equity resulting from operations ...........           18,129           12,923         567,510         299,741
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                
Purchase payments received from                     
  contract owners ................................          198,357          145,576         461,131         359,715   
Transfers between funds ..........................          (18,500)         (50,670)         42,516          17,492   
Redemptions ......................................          (44,754)         (27,187)       (250,715)        (79,840)  
Annuity benefits .................................               -                -               -               -    
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......           (1,075)            (649)         (3,827)         (3,177)  
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......             (535)            (335)         (4,826)         (3,342)  
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................               16                8              86              79   
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------   
    Net equity transactions ......................          133,509           66,743         244,365         290,927   
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------   
                                                                                                                       
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............          151,638           79,666         811,875         590,668   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......          391,729          312,063       1,897,044       1,306,376   
                                                      -------------   --------------  --------------  --------------   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............          543,367          391,729       2,708,919       1,897,044   
                                                      =============   ==============  ==============  ==============   
</TABLE>




                                                                     (Continued)

<PAGE>   6
                                                       
                         NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5
                      STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND CHANGES
                           IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY
                     YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
                                                       
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   NBAMTBAL
                                                       ------------------------------                   
                                                              1997         1996                                 
                                                       --------------  --------------

<S>                                                   <C>              <C> 
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY:                                   
Reinvested dividends .............................    $        15,677          16,553
Mortality, expense and administration      
  charges (note 2) ...............................            (11,833)        (10,007)
                                                       --------------  --------------
  Net investment activity ........................              3,844           6,546
                                                       --------------  --------------
                                                       
Proceeds from mutual fund shares sold ............            172,640          62,133
Cost of mutual fund shares sold ..................           (155,054)        (57,051)
                                                       --------------  --------------
  Realized gain (loss) on investments ............             17,586           5,082
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments ..             83,209         (62,920)
                                                       --------------  --------------
  Net gain (loss) on investments .................            100,795         (57,838)
                                                       --------------  --------------
Reinvested capital gains .........................             40,237          92,053
                                                       --------------  --------------
    Net increase (decrease) in contract owners'        
      equity resulting from operations ...........            144,876          40,761
                                                       --------------  --------------
EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:                                   
Purchase payments received from                        
  contract owners ................................            195,681         189,998    
Transfers between funds ..........................            (47,497)        (37,527)  
Redemptions ......................................           (146,552)        (41,032)  
Annuity benefits .................................                 -               -    
Annual contract maintenance charge (note 2) ......             (1,738)         (1,520)  
Contingent deferred sales charges (note 2) .......             (2,963)         (1,459)  
Adjustments to maintain reserves .................                 20              28   
                                                       --------------  --------------   
    Net equity transactions ......................             (3,049)        108,488   
                                                       --------------  --------------   
                                                                                        
NET CHANGE IN CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY ............            141,827         149,249   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY BEGINNING OF PERIOD ......            834,898         685,649   
                                                       --------------  --------------   
CONTRACT OWNERS' EQUITY END OF PERIOD ............    $       976,725         834,898   
                                                       ==============  ==============   
</TABLE>






See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   7
                          NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                           DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996



(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     (a) Organization and Nature of Operations

         Nationwide Variable Account-5 (the Account) was established pursuant to
         a resolution of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance
         Company (the Company) on November 1, 1989. The Account has been
         registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act
         of 1940. On December 31, 1993, the accumulation unit values for each
         fund sub-account of Nationwide Variable Account-5 were established at a
         unit value equal to the accumulation unit values of the corresponding
         fund sub-account of the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account. The
         first deposits were received by the Account on May 4, 1994.

         The Company offers tax qualified and non-tax qualified Individual
         Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts through the Account. The primary
         distribution for the contracts is through banks and other financial
         institutions.

     (b) The Contracts

         Only contracts without a front-end sales charge, but with a contingent
         deferred sales charge and certain other fees, are offered for purchase.
         See note 2 for a discussion of contract expenses. Contract owners in
         either the accumulation or payout phase may invest in any of the
         following:

              Portfolios of the American Century Variable Portfolios, Inc. 
             (American Century VP) (formerly TCI Portfolios, Inc.);
                American Century VP - American Century VP Advantage (ACVPAdv)
                  (formerly TCI Portfolios - TCI Advantage)
                American Century VP - American Century VP Capital Appreciation
                  (ACVPCapAp) (formerly TCI Portfolios - TCI Growth)

              Dreyfus Stock Index Fund (DryStkIx)

              Portfolio of the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund 
             (Fidelity VIP);
                Fidelity VIP - Equity-Income Portfolio (FidVIPEI)

              Funds of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust (Nationwide SAT) 
             (managed for a fee by an affiliated investment advisor);
                Nationwide SAT - Government Bond Fund (NSATGvtBd)
                Nationwide SAT - Money Market Fund (NSATMyMkt)
                Nationwide SAT - Total Return Fund (NSATTotRe)

              Portfolio of the Neuberger &Berman Advisers Management Trust
                (Neuberger &Berman AMT); Neuberger &Berman AMT - Balanced
                Portfolio (NBAMTBal)

         At December 31, 1997, contract owners have invested in all of the above
         funds. The contract owners' equity is affected by the investment
         results of each fund, equity transactions by contract owners and
         certain contract expenses (see note 2). The accompanying financial
         statements include only contract owners' purchase payments pertaining
         to the variable portions of their contracts and exclude any purchase
         payments for fixed dollar benefits, the latter being included in the
         accounts of the Company.

     (c) Security Valuation, Transactions and Related Investment Income

         The market value of the underlying mutual funds is based on the closing
         net asset value per share at December 31, 1997. The cost of investments
         sold is determined on a specific identification basis. Investment
         transactions are accounted for on the trade date (date the order to buy
         or sell is executed) and dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend
         date.


<PAGE>   8
     (d) Federal Income Taxes

         Operations of the Account form a part of, and are taxed with,
         operations of the Company which is taxed as a life insurance company
         under the Internal Revenue Code.

         The Company does not provide for income taxes within the Account. Taxes
         are the responsibility of the contract owner upon termination or
         withdrawal.

     (e) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

         The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
         accepted accounting principles may require management to make estimates
         and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
         liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if
         any, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
         of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
         could differ from those estimates.

     (f) Reclassifications

         Certain 1996 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current
period presentation.

(2)  EXPENSES

     The Company does not deduct a sales charge from purchase payments received
     from the contract owners.However, if any part of the contract value of such
     contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct
     from a contract owner's contract value a contingent deferred sales charge
     not to exceed 7% of the lesser of purchase payments or the amount
     surrendered, such charge declining 1% per year, to 0%, after the purchase
     payment has been held in the contract for 84 months. No sales charges are
     deducted on redemptions used to purchase units in the fixed investment
     options of the Company.

     The following contract charges are deducted by the Company: (a) an annual
     contract maintenance charge of $30, with certain exceptions, which is
     satisfied by surrendering units; and (b) a mortality risk charge, an
     expense risk charge and an administration charge assessed through the daily
     unit value calculation equal to an annual rate of 0.80%, 0.45% and 0.05%,
     respectively.

(3)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The Company performs various services on behalf of the Mutual Fund
     Companies in which the Account invests and may receive fees for the
     services performed. These services include, among other things, shareholder
     communications, preparation, postage, fund transfer agency and various
     other record keeping and customer service functions. These fees are paid to
     an affiliate of the Company.





<PAGE>   49

<PAGE>   1
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


The Board of Directors
Nationwide Life Insurance Company:


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries (collectively the Company), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholder's equity
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1997. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life
Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.



                                                    KPMG Peat Marwick LLP


Columbus, Ohio
January 30, 1998

<PAGE>   2



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets

                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                   December 31,
                                                                                        -----------------------------------
                                        ASSETS                                                1997               1996
                                        ------
                                                                                        -----------------   ---------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>                 <C>  
Investments:
  Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
    Fixed maturity securities                                                               $13,204.1           $12,304.6
    Equity securities                                                                            80.4                59.1
  Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                          5,181.6             5,272.1
  Real estate, net                                                                              311.4               265.8
  Policy loans                                                                                  415.3               371.8
  Other long-term investments                                                                    25.2                28.7
  Short-term investments                                                                        358.4                 4.8
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                             19,576.4            18,306.9
                                                                                           ----------           ---------

Cash                                                                                            175.6                43.8
Accrued investment income                                                                       210.5               210.2
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                             1,665.4             1,366.5
Investment in subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations                                  -                 485.7
Other assets                                                                                    438.4               426.5
Assets held in Separate Accounts                                                             37,724.4            26,926.7
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                            $59,790.7           $47,766.3
                                                                                           ==========           =========

                         LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
                         ------------------------------------

Future policy benefits and claims                                                           $18,702.8           $17,600.6
Other liabilities                                                                               885.6             1,101.1
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts                                                     37,724.4            26,926.7
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                             57,312.8            45,628.4
                                                                                           ----------           ---------

Commitments and contingencies (notes 7 and 13)

Shareholder's equity:
  Common stock, $1 par value.  Authorized 5.0 million shares;
    3.8 million shares issued and outstanding                                                     3.8                 3.8
  Additional paid-in capital                                                                    914.7               527.9
  Retained earnings                                                                           1,312.3             1,432.6
  Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale, net                                        247.1               173.6
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                              2,477.9             2,137.9
                                                                                           ----------           ---------
                                                                                            $59,790.7           $47,766.3
                                                                                           ==========           =========

</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   3


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                        Consolidated Statements of Income

                            (in millions of dollars)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        Years ended December 31,
                                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                                                                                  1997            1996           1995
                                                                              -------------   -------------  --------------

<S>                                                                            <C>             <C>            <C>      
Revenues:
  Investment product and universal life insurance product policy charges       $   545.2       $   400.9      $   286.6
  Traditional life insurance premiums                                              205.4           198.6          199.1
  Net investment income                                                          1,409.2         1,357.8        1,294.0
  Realized gains (losses) on investments                                            11.1            (0.3)          (1.7)
  Other                                                                             46.5            35.9           20.7
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------
                                                                                 2,217.4         1,992.9        1,798.7
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------
Benefits and expenses:
  Interest credited to policyholder account balances                             1,016.6           982.3          950.3
  Other benefits and claims                                                        178.2           178.3          165.2
  Policyholder dividends on participating policies                                  40.6            41.0           39.9
  Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                                167.2           133.4           82.7
  Other operating expenses                                                         384.9           342.4          273.0
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------
                                                                                 1,787.5         1,677.4        1,511.1
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------

    Income from continuing operations before federal income tax expense            429.9           315.5          287.6

Federal income tax expense                                                         150.2           110.9           99.8
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------

    Income from continuing operations                                              279.7           204.6          187.8

Income from discontinued operations (less federal income tax expense
  of $4.5 and $7.4 in 1996 and 1995, respectively)                                   -              11.3           24.7
                                                                              ----------      ----------     ----------

    Net income                                                                 $   279.7       $   215.9      $   212.5
                                                                              ==========      ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   4


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                            (in millions of dollars)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          Unrealized
                                                                                            gains
                                                                                           (losses)
                                                           Additional                   on securities       Total
                                                Common       paid-in       Retained       available-    shareholder's
                                                 stock       capital       earnings     for-sale, net       equity
                                              ----------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- -------------
<S>                                           <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>            <C>
December 31, 1994                                 $3.8       $ 606.2       $1,378.2         $(119.7)       $1,868.5

  Capital contribution                             -            51.0            -              (4.1)           46.9
  Net income                                       -             -            212.5             -             212.5
  Dividends to shareholder                         -             -             (7.5)            -              (7.5)
  Unrealized gains on securities available-
    for-sale, net                                  -             -              -             508.1           508.1
                                              --------      --------       --------        --------       ---------
December 31, 1995                                  3.8         657.2        1,583.2           384.3          2628.5

  Net income                                       -             -            215.9             -             215.9
  Dividends to shareholder                         -          (129.3)        (366.5)          (39.8)         (535.6)
  Unrealized losses on securities available-
    for-sale, net                                  -             -              -            (170.9)         (170.9)
                                              --------      --------       --------        --------       ---------
December 31, 1996                                  3.8         527.9        1,432.6           173.6         2,137.9

  Capital contribution                             -           836.8            -               -             836.8
  Net income                                       -             -            279.7             -             279.7
  Dividends to shareholder                         -          (450.0)        (400.0)            -            (850.0)
  Unrealized gains on securities available-
    for-sale, net                                  -             -              -              73.5            73.5
                                              --------      --------       --------        --------       ---------
December 31, 1997                                 $3.8       $ 914.7       $1,312.3         $ 247.1        $2,477.9
                                              ========      ========       ========        ========       =========

</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   5


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

                            (in millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                           Years ended December 31,
                                                                                ----------------------------------------------
                                                                                     1997           1996            1995
                                                                                ------------------------------ ---------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>             <C>    

Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                                                     $    279.7      $   215.9       $   212.5
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
    activities:
      Interest credited to policyholder account balances                            1,016.6          982.3           950.3
      Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                            (487.9)        (422.6)         (321.3)
      Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                               167.2          133.4            82.7
      Amortization and depreciation                                                    (2.0)           7.0            10.2
      Realized (gains) losses on invested assets, net                                 (11.1)          (0.3)            3.3
      (Increase) decrease in accrued investment income                                 (0.3)           2.8           (16.9)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets                                             (12.7)         (38.9)           39.9
      (Decrease) increase in policy liabilities                                       (23.1)        (151.0)          123.9
      Increase in other liabilities                                                   230.6          191.4            27.0
      Other, net                                                                      (10.9)         (61.7)            1.8
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                                   1,146.1          858.3         1,113.4
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                             993.4        1,162.8           634.6
  Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                                 574.5          299.6           107.3
  Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                  -              -             564.4
  Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                           437.3          309.0           207.8
  Proceeds from sale of real estate                                                    34.8           18.5            48.3
  Proceeds from repayments of policy loans and sale of other invested assets           22.7           22.8            53.6
  Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                                   (2,828.1)      (1,573.6)       (1,942.4)
  Cost of fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity acquired                           -              -            (593.6)
  Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                                     (752.2)        (972.8)         (796.0)
  Cost of real estate acquired                                                        (24.9)          (7.9)          (10.9)
  Policy loans issued and other invested assets acquired                              (62.5)         (57.7)          (75.9)
  Short-term investments, net                                                        (354.8)          28.0            77.8
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
        Net cash used in investing activities                                      (1,959.8)        (771.3)       (1,725.0)
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from capital contributions                                                 836.8            -               -
  Cash dividends paid                                                                   -            (50.0)           (7.5)
  Increase in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                        2,488.5        1,781.8         1,883.7
  Decrease in investment product and universal life insurance
    product account balances                                                       (2,379.8)      (1,784.5)       (1,258.7)
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                           945.5          (52.7)          617.5
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------
Net increase in cash                                                                  131.8           34.3             5.9

Cash, beginning of year                                                                43.8            9.5             3.6
                                                                                -----------      ---------        --------

Cash, end of year                                                                $    175.6      $    43.8       $     9.5
                                                                                ===========      =========       =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





<PAGE>   6

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995


(1)      ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

         Prior to January 27, 1997, Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC) was
         wholly owned by Nationwide Corporation (Nationwide Corp.). On that
         date, Nationwide Corp. contributed the outstanding shares of NLIC's
         common stock to Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. (NFS), a holding
         company formed by Nationwide Corp. in November 1996 for NLIC and the
         other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. On March 11
         1997, NFS completed an initial public offering of its Class A common
         stock.

         During 1996 and 1997, Nationwide Corp. and NFS completed certain
         transactions in anticipation of the initial public offering that
         focused the business of NFS on long-term savings and retirement
         products. On September 24, 1996, NLIC declared a dividend payable to
         Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 consisting of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of certain subsidiaries that do not offer or
         distribute long-term savings or retirement products. In addition,
         during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby all
         of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to two affiliates effective January 1, 1996. These subsidiaries,
         through December 31, 1996, and all accident and health and group life
         insurance business have been accounted for as discontinued operations
         for all periods presented. See notes 11 and 15. Additionally, NLIC paid
         $900.0 million of dividends, $50.0 million to Nationwide Corp. on
         December 31, 1996 and $850.0 million to NFS, which then made an
         equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., on February 24, 1997.

         NFS contributed $836.8 million to the capital of NLIC during March
         1997.

         Wholly owned subsidiaries of NLIC include Nationwide Life and Annuity
         Insurance Company (NLAIC), Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.,
         Nationwide Investment Services Corporation and NWE, Inc. NLIC and its
         subsidiaries are collectively referred to as "the Company."

         The Company is a leading provider of long-term savings and retirement
         products. The Company is subject to regulation by the Insurance
         Departments of states in which it is licensed, and undergoes periodic
         examinations by those departments.

(2)      SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

         The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
         materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
         accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
         accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which differ
         from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
         regulatory authorities. Annual Statements for NLIC and NLAIC, filed
         with the Department of Insurance of the State of Ohio (the Department),
         are prepared on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or
         permitted by the Department. Prescribed statutory accounting practices
         include a variety of publications of the National Association of
         Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), as well as state laws, regulations and
         general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices
         encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed. The Company has
         no material permitted statutory accounting practices.



<PAGE>   7


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued

         In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is
         required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
         amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent
         assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial
         statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the
         reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those
         estimates.

         The most significant estimates include those used in determining
         deferred policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage
         loans on real estate and real estate investments and the liability for
         future policy benefits and claims. Although some variability is
         inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided
         are adequate.

         (a)  CONSOLIDATION POLICY

              The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NLIC
              and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Subsidiaries that are
              classified and reported as discontinued operations are not
              consolidated but rather are reported as "Investment in
              subsidiaries classified as discontinued operations" in the
              accompanying consolidated balance sheets and "Income from
              discontinued operations" in the accompanying consolidated
              statements of income. All significant intercompany balances and
              transactions have been eliminated.

         (b)  VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS AND RELATED GAINS AND LOSSES

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as either held-to-maturity,
              available-for-sale or trading. Fixed maturity securities are
              classified as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive
              intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are
              stated at amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified
              as held-to-maturity and all equity securities are classified as
              available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with the
              unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
              acquisition costs and deferred federal income tax, reported as a
              separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to
              deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in
              amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have
              been required as a charge or credit to operations had such
              unrealized amounts been realized. The Company has no fixed
              maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
              of December 31, 1997 or 1996.

              Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
              balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
              allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based
              on a review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired
              loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows
              discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a
              practical expedient, at the fair value of the collateral, if the
              loan is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans
              considered to be impaired are placed on non-accrual status.
              Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real
              estate is included in interest income in the period received.

              Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
              valuation allowances. Other long-term investments are carried on
              the equity basis, adjusted for valuation allowances. Impairment
              losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when
              indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
              flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the
              assets' carrying amount.

              Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
              determined on the basis of specific security identification.
              Estimates for valuation allowances and other than temporary
              declines are included in realized gains and losses on investments.


<PAGE>   8



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         (c)  REVENUES AND BENEFITS

              INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND UNIVERSAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS:
              Investment products consist primarily of individual and group
              variable and fixed annuities. Universal life insurance products
              include universal life insurance, variable universal life
              insurance and other interest-sensitive life insurance policies.
              Revenues for investment products and universal life insurance
              products consist of net investment income, asset fees, cost of
              insurance, policy administration and surrender charges that have
              been earned and assessed against policy account balances during
              the period. Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense
              include interest credited to policy account balances and benefits
              and claims incurred in the period in excess of related policy
              account balances.

              TRADITIONAL LIFE INSURANCE PRODUCTS: Traditional life insurance
              products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums
              and benefits and consist primarily of whole life insurance,
              limited-payment life insurance, term life insurance and certain
              annuities with life contingencies. Premiums for traditional life
              insurance products are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits
              and expenses are associated with earned premiums so as to result
              in recognition of profits over the life of the contract. This
              association is accomplished by the provision for future policy
              benefits and the deferral and amortization of policy acquisition
              costs.

         (d)  DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS

              The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions,
              certain expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department
              and certain variable sales expenses have been deferred. For
              investment products and universal life insurance products,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are being amortized with
              interest over the lives of the policies in relation to the present
              value of estimated future gross profits from projected interest
              margins, asset fees, cost of insurance, policy administration and
              surrender charges. For years in which gross profits are negative,
              deferred policy acquisition costs are amortized based on the
              present value of gross revenues. Deferred policy acquisition costs
              are adjusted to reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses
              on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale as described in
              note 2(b). For traditional life insurance products, these deferred
              policy acquisition costs are predominantly being amortized with
              interest over the premium paying period of the related policies in
              proportion to the ratio of actual annual premium revenue to the
              anticipated total premium revenue. Such anticipated premium
              revenue was estimated using the same assumptions as were used for
              computing liabilities for future policy benefits.

         (e)  SEPARATE ACCOUNTS

              Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
              funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
              investment objectives. For all but $365.5 million of separate
              account assets, the investment income and gains or losses of these
              accounts accrue directly to the contractholders. The activity of
              the Separate Accounts is not reflected in the consolidated
              statements of income and cash flows except for the fees the
              Company receives.

         (f)  FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS

              Future policy benefits for investment products in the accumulation
              phase, universal life insurance and variable universal life
              insurance policies have been calculated based on participants'
              contributions plus interest credited less applicable contract
              charges.

              Future policy benefits for traditional life insurance policies
              have been calculated using a net level premium method based on
              estimates of mortality, morbidity, investment yields and
              withdrawals which were used or which were being experienced at the
              time the policies were issued, rather than the assumptions
              prescribed by state regulatory authorities. See note 4.


<PAGE>   9


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         (g)  PARTICIPATING BUSINESS

              Participating business represents approximately 50% in 1997 (52%
              in 1996 and 54% in 1995) of the Company's life insurance in force,
              77% in 1997 (78% in 1996 and 79% in 1995) of the number of life
              insurance policies in force, and 27% in 1997 (40% in 1996 and 47%
              in 1995) of life insurance statutory premiums. The provision for
              policyholder dividends is based on current dividend scales and is
              included in "Future policy benefits and claims" in the
              accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         (h)  FEDERAL INCOME TAX

              The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with
              Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC), the majority
              shareholder of Nationwide Corp. The members of the consolidated
              tax return group have a tax sharing arrangement which provides, in
              effect, for each member to bear essentially the same federal
              income tax liability as if separate tax returns were filed.

              The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting
              for income tax. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
              liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
              attributable to differences between the financial statement
              carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their
              respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
              carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
              using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
              years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
              recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred
              tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
              in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
              Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the
              deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

         (i)  REINSURANCE CEDED

              Reinsurance premiums ceded and reinsurance recoveries on benefits
              and claims incurred are deducted from the respective income and
              expense accounts. Assets and liabilities related to reinsurance
              ceded are reported on a gross basis. All of the Company's accident
              and health and group life insurance business is ceded to
              affiliates and is accounted for as discontinued operations. See
              notes 11 and 15.

         (j)  RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

              STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 130 - REPORTING
              COMPREHENSIVE INCOME was issued in June 1997 and is effective for
              fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. The statement
              establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive
              income and its components in a full set of financial statements.
              Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a
              period except those resulting from investments by shareholders and
              distributions to shareholders and includes net income.
              Comprehensive income would be reported in addition to earnings
              amounts currently presented. The Company will adopt the statement
              and begin reporting comprehensive income in the first quarter of
              1998.

         (k)  RECLASSIFICATION

              Certain items in the 1996 and 1995 consolidated financial
              statements have been reclassified to conform to the 1997
              presentation.


<PAGE>   10


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued




(3)      INVESTMENTS

         The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated
         fair value of securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1997 and
         1996 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                     Gross         Gross
                                                                    Amortized     unrealized    unrealized     Estimated
             (in millions of dollars)                                 cost           gains        losses       fair value
                                                                 --------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>              <C> 
             December 31, 1997:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                   government corporations and agencies            $     305.1    $     8.6      $    -        $     313.7
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions          1.6          -             -                1.6
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments            93.3          2.7          (0.2)            95.8
                 Corporate securities                                  8,698.7        355.5         (11.5)         9,042.7
                 Mortgage-backed securities                            3,634.2        118.6          (2.5)         3,750.3
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                  12,732.9        485.4         (14.2)        13,204.1
               Equity securities                                          67.8         12.9          (0.3)            80.4
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                                                                   $  12,800.7    $   498.3      $  (14.5)     $  13,284.5
                                                                  ============    =========     =========      ===========

             December 31, 1996:
               Fixed maturity securities:
                 U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
                   government corporations and agencies            $     275.7    $     4.8      $   (1.3)     $     279.2
                 Obligations of states and political subdivisions          6.2          0.5           -                6.7
                 Debt securities issued by foreign governments           100.7          2.1          (0.9)           101.9
                 Corporate securities                                  7,999.3        285.9         (33.7)         8,251.5
                 Mortgage-backed securities                            3,589.0         91.4         (15.1)         3,665.3
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                     Total fixed maturity securities                  11,970.9        384.7         (51.0)        12,304.6
               Equity securities                                          43.9         15.6          (0.4)            59.1
                                                                  ------------    ---------     ---------      -----------
                                                                   $  12,014.8    $   400.3      $  (51.4)     $  12,363.7
                                                                  ============    =========     =========      ===========
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1997, by contractual
         maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from
         contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
         prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 Amortized        Estimated
             (in millions of dollars)                                               cost          fair value
                                                                              --------------      ----------
<S>                                                                               <C>              <C>        
             Fixed maturity securities available for sale:
               Due in one year or less                                            $     419.2      $     422.1
               Due after one year through five years                                  4,573.5          4,708.4
               Due after five years through ten years                                 2,772.6          2,879.7
               Due after ten years                                                    1,333.4          1,443.6
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
                                                                                      9,098.7          9,453.8
             Mortgage-backed securities                                               3,634.2          3,750.3
                                                                                  -----------      -----------
                                                                                  $  12,732.9      $  13,204.1
                                                                                  ===========      ===========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   11

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The components of unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale,
         net, were as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                                1997          1996
                                                                                 -----------     ----------
<S>                                                                                  <C>            <C>   
             Gross unrealized gains                                                 $ 483.8        $349.0
             Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                         (103.7)        (81.9)
             Deferred federal income tax                                             (133.0)        (93.5)
                                                                                   --------       -------
                                                                                    $ 247.1        $173.6
                                                                                   ========       =======
</TABLE>

         An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities available-for-sale and fixed maturity securities
         held-to-maturity follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


             (in millions of dollars)                                         1997          1996           1995
                                                                          -----------   -------------   -----------
<S>                                                                          <C>           <C>            <C>
             Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities                                      $137.5       $(289.2)       $876.3
               Equity securities                                                (2.7)          8.9           -
             Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                          -             -            75.6
                                                                             -------       -------       -------
                                                                              $134.8       $(280.3)      $ 951.9
                                                                             =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>

         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during 1997,
         1996 and 1995 were $574.5 million, $299.6 million and $107.3 million,
         respectively. During 1997, gross gains of $9.9 million ($6.6 million
         and $4.8 million in 1996 and 1995, respectively) and gross losses of
         $18.0 million ($6.9 million and $2.1 million in 1996 and 1995,
         respectively) were realized on those sales. In addition, gross gains of
         $15.1 million and gross losses of $0.7 million were realized in 1997
         when the Company paid a dividend to NFS, which then made an equivalent
         dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities having an
         aggregate fair value of $850.0 million.

         During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
         classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $25.4 million to
         available-for-sale securities due to evidence of a significant
         deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. The transfer of those
         fixed maturity securities resulted in a gross unrealized loss of $3.5
         million.

         As permitted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Special
         Report, A GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF STATEMENT 115 ON ACCOUNTING FOR
         CERTAIN INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND EQUITY SECURITIES, issued in November
         1995, the Company transferred nearly all of its fixed maturity
         securities previously classified as held-to-maturity to
         available-for-sale. As of December 14, 1995, the date of transfer, the
         fixed maturity securities had amortized cost of $3.32 billion,
         resulting in a gross unrealized gain of $155.9 million.

         The recorded investment of mortgage loans on real estate considered to
         be impaired as of December 31, 1997 was $19.9 million ($51.8 million as
         of December 31, 1996), which includes $3.9 million ($41.7 million as of
         December 31, 1996) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which
         the related valuation allowance was $0.1 million ($8.5 million as of
         December 31, 1996) and $16.0 million ($10.1 million as of December 31,
         1996) of impaired mortgage loans on real estate for which there was no
         valuation allowance. During 1997, the average recorded investment in
         impaired mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $31.8 million
         ($39.7 million in 1996) and interest income recognized on those loans
         was $1.0 million ($2.1 million in 1996), which is equal to interest
         income recognized using a cash-basis method of income recognition.


<PAGE>   12


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
         estate is summarized for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                               1997          1996
                                                                                ------------- -------------
<S>                                                                                <C>            <C>
             Allowance, beginning of year                                            $51.0         $49.1
               (Reductions) additions charged to operations                           (1.2)          4.5
               Direct write-downs charged against the allowance                       (7.3)         (2.6)
                                                                                    ------        ------
             Allowance, end of year                                                  $42.5         $51.0
                                                                                    ======        ======
</TABLE>

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $45.1
         million as of December 31, 1997 ($30.3 million as of December 31, 1996)
         and valuation allowances of $11.1 million as of December 31, 1997
         ($15.2 million as of December 31, 1996).

         Investments that were non-income producing for the twelve month period
         preceding December 31, 1997 amounted to $19.4 million ($26.8 million
         for 1996) and consisted of $3.0 million ($0.2 million in 1996) in
         securities available-for-sale, $16.4 million ($20.6 million in 1996) in
         real estate and none ($5.9 million in 1996) in other long-term
         investments.

         An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
         years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                                      1997             1996           1995
                                                                        -----------      ---------      ---------   
<S>                                                                      <C>             <C>            <C>      
             Gross investment income:
               Securities available-for-sale:
                 Fixed maturity securities                                $  911.6        $  917.1       $  685.8
                 Equity securities                                             0.8             1.3            1.3
               Fixed maturity securities held-to-maturity                      -               -            201.8
               Mortgage loans on real estate                                 457.7           432.8          395.5
               Real estate                                                    42.9            44.3           38.3
               Short-term investments                                         22.7             4.2           10.6
               Other                                                          21.0             4.0            7.2
                                                                          --------        --------       --------
                   Total investment income                                 1,456.7         1,403.7        1,340.5
             Less investment expenses                                         47.5            45.9           46.5
                                                                          --------        --------       --------
                   Net investment income                                  $1,409.2        $1,357.8       $1,294.0
                                                                          ========        ========       ========
</TABLE>

         An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
         allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                       1997            1996           1995
                                                                         ---------       ---------       --------    
<S>                                                                           <C>            <C>            <C>  
             Securities available-for-sale:
               Fixed maturity securities                                    $ 3.6           $(3.5)         $ 4.2
               Equity securities                                              2.7             3.2            3.4
             Mortgage loans on real estate                                    1.6            (4.1)          (7.1)
             Real estate and other                                            3.2             4.1           (2.2)
                                                                           ------          ------         ------
                                                                            $11.1           $(0.3)         $(1.7)
                                                                           ======          ======         ======
</TABLE>

         Fixed  maturity securities with an amortized cost of $6.2 million as 
         of  December  31,  1997 and 1996 were on deposit with various
         regulatory agencies as required by law.


<PAGE>   13



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(4)      FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS AND CLAIMS

         The liability for future policy benefits for investment contracts
         represents approximately 86% and 87% of the total liability for future
         policy benefits as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
         average interest rate credited on investment product policies was
         approximately 6.1%, 6.3% and 6.6% for the years ended December 31,
         1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

         The liability for future policy benefits for traditional life insurance
         policies has been established based upon the following assumptions:

              INTEREST RATES: Interest rates vary by issue year and were 6.9%
              and 6.6% in 1997 and 1996, respectively. Interest rates have
              generally ranged from 6.0% to 10.5% for previous issue years.

              WITHDRAWALS: Rates, which vary by issue age, type of coverage and
              policy  duration, are based on Company experience.

              MORTALITY: Mortality and morbidity rates are based on published 
              tables, modified for the Company's actual experience.

         The Company has entered into a reinsurance contract to cede a portion
         of its general account individual annuity business to The Franklin Life
         Insurance Company (Franklin). Total recoveries due from Franklin were
         $220.2 million and $240.5 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
         respectively. The contract is immaterial to the Company's results of
         operations. The ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer
         from its primary obligation to the policyholder. Under the terms of the
         contract, Franklin has established a trust as collateral for the
         recoveries. The trust assets are invested in investment grade
         securities, the market value of which must at all times be greater than
         or equal to 102% of the reinsured reserves.

         The Company has reinsurance agreements with certain affiliates as
         described in note 11. All other reinsurance agreements are not material
         to either premiums or reinsurance recoverables.


(5)      FEDERAL INCOME TAX

         The  Company's current federal income tax liability was $60.1 million 
         and $30.2 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.


<PAGE>   14


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax liability as of December 31, 1997
         and 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                        1997            1996
                                                                          ----------      ----------  
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>  
             Deferred tax assets:
               Future policy benefits                                       $200.1          $183.0
               Liabilities in Separate Accounts                              242.0           188.4
               Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate                  19.0            23.4
               Other assets and other liabilities                             59.2            53.7
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Total gross deferred tax assets                             520.3           448.5
                 Less valuation allowance                                     (7.0)           (7.0)
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Net deferred tax assets                                     513.3           441.5
                                                                           -------          ------

             Deferred tax liabilities:
               Deferred policy acquisition costs                             480.5           399.3
               Fixed maturity securities                                     193.3           133.2
               Deferred tax on realized investment gains                      40.1            37.6
               Equity securities and other long-term investments               7.5             8.2
               Other                                                          22.2            25.4
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Total gross deferred tax liabilities                        743.6           603.7
                                                                           -------          ------
                 Net deferred tax liability                                 $230.3          $162.2
                                                                           =======          ======
</TABLE>

         In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management
         considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the
         total gross deferred tax assets will not be realized. Nearly all future
         deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable amounts or recovery
         of federal income tax paid within the statutory carryback period. There
         has been no change in the valuation allowance for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.

         Federal income tax expense attributable to income from continuing
         operations for the years ended December 31 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           (in millions of dollars)                                   1997            1996            1995
                                                                   ---------       ---------       ---------  
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>             <C> 
           Currently payable                                         $121.7          $116.5           $88.7
           Deferred tax expense (benefit)                              28.5            (5.6)           11.1
                                                                     ------          ------          ------
                                                                     $150.2          $110.9           $99.8
                                                                     ======          ======          ======
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                           1997                     1996                     1995
                                                   ----------------------   ----------------------   ----------------------
         (in millions of dollars)                     Amount        %          Amount        %          Amount        %
                                                   ----------------------   ------------- --------   ------------- --------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C> 
         Computed (expected) tax expense               $150.5      35.0         $110.4      35.0         $100.6      35.0
         Tax exempt interest and dividends
           received deduction                             -         0.0           (0.2)     (0.1)           -         0.0
         Other, net                                      (0.3)     (0.1)           0.7       0.3           (0.8)     (0.3)
                                                       ------      ----         ------      ----         ------      ----
             Total (effective rate of each year)       $150.2      34.9         $110.9      35.2         $ 99.8      34.7
                                                       ======      ====         ======      ====         ======      ====
</TABLE>

         Total federal income tax paid was $91.8 million,  $115.8 million and 
         $51.8 million during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
         respectively.



<PAGE>   15


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(6)      FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

         The following disclosures summarize the carrying amount and estimated
         fair value of the Company's financial instruments. Certain assets and
         liabilities are specifically excluded from the disclosure requirements
         of financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
         presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

         The fair value of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at
         which the financial instrument could be exchanged in a current
         transaction between willing parties. In cases where quoted market
         prices are not available, fair value is to be based on estimates using
         present value or other valuation techniques. Many of the Company's
         assets and liabilities subject to the disclosure requirements are not
         actively traded, requiring fair values to be estimated by management
         using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques are
         significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount
         rate and estimates of future cash flows. Although fair value estimates
         are calculated using assumptions that management believes are
         appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause these estimates to vary
         materially. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be
         substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases,
         could not be realized in the immediate settlement of the instruments.

         Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
         that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
         from the disclosure requirements, estimated fair value of policy
         reserves on life insurance contracts is provided to make the fair value
         disclosures more meaningful.

         The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can
         have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
         considered in the estimates.

         The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
         estimating its fair value disclosures:

              FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES: The fair value for fixed
              maturity securities is based on quoted market prices, where
              available. For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair
              value is estimated using values obtained from independent pricing
              services or, in the case of private placements, is estimated by
              discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate
              applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
              investments. The fair value for equity securities is based on
              quoted market prices.

              MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE, NET: The fair value for mortgage
              loans on real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow
              analyses, using interest rates currently being offered for similar
              loans to borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar
              characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
              Fair value for mortgage loans in default is the estimated fair
              value of the underlying collateral.

              POLICY LOANS, SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS AND CASH: The carrying amount
              reported in the consolidated balance sheets for these instruments
              approximates their fair value.

              SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS AND LIABILITIES: The fair value of assets
              held in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The
              fair value of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the
              amount payable on demand, which includes certain surrender
              charges.

              INVESTMENT CONTRACTS: The fair value for the Company's liabilities
              under investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods.
              For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is
              the amount payable on demand. For investment contracts with known
              or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted
              cash flow analysis. Interest rates used are similar to currently
              offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining
              for the contracts being valued.


<PAGE>   16

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


              POLICY RESERVES ON LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACTS: Included are
              disclosures for individual life insurance, universal life
              insurance and supplementary contracts with life contingencies for
              which the estimated fair value is the amount payable on demand.
              Also included are disclosures for the Company's limited payment
              policies, which the Company has used discounted cash flow analyses
              similar to those used for investment contracts with known
              maturities to estimate fair value.

              COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT: Commitments to extend credit have
              nominal fair value because of the short-term nature of such
              commitments. See note 13.

           Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
           subject to disclosure requirements and policy reserves on life
           insurance contracts were as follows as of December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                         1997                              1996
                                                             ------------------------------   -------------------------------
                                                                Carrying      Estimated          Carrying       Estimated
               (in millions of dollars)                          amount       fair value          amount        fair value
                                                             ------------------------------   --------------- ---------------

<S>                                                             <C>            <C>               <C>             <C>    
               Assets:
                 Investments:
                   Securities available-for-sale:
                     Fixed maturity securities                  $13,204.1      $13,204.1         $12,304.6       $12,304.6
                     Equity securities                               80.4           80.4              59.1            59.1
                   Mortgage loans on real estate, net             5,181.6        5,509.7           5,272.1         5,397.9
                   Policy loans                                     415.3          415.3             371.8           371.8
                   Short-term investments                           358.4          358.4               4.8             4.8
                 Cash                                               175.6          175.6              43.8            43.8
                 Assets held in Separate Accounts                37,724.4       37,724.4          26,926.7        26,926.7

               Liabilities:
                 Investment contracts                            14,708.2       14,322.1          13,914.4        13,484.5
                 Policy reserves on life insurance contracts      3,345.4        3,182.4           3,392.8         3,197.5
                 Liabilities related to Separate Accounts        37,724.4       36,747.0          26,926.7        26,164.2


</TABLE>


(7)      RISK DISCLOSURES

         The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
         life insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:

         LEGAL/REGULATORY RISK: The risk that changes in the legal or regulatory
         environment in which an insurer operates will result in increased
         competition, reduce demand for a company's products, or create
         additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
         products. The Company mitigates this risk by offering a wide range of
         products and by operating throughout the United States, thus reducing
         its exposure to any single product or jurisdiction, and also by
         employing underwriting practices which identify and minimize the
         adverse impact of this risk.

         CREDIT RISK: The risk that issuers of securities owned by the Company
         or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by the Company
         will default or that other parties, including reinsurers, which owe the
         Company money, will not pay. The Company minimizes this risk by
         adhering to a conservative investment strategy, by maintaining
         reinsurance and credit and collection policies and by providing for any
         amounts deemed uncollectible.


<PAGE>   17

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         INTEREST RATE RISK: The risk that interest rates will change and cause
         a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This change in
         rates may cause certain interest-sensitive products to become
         uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. The Company mitigates
         this risk by charging fees for non-conformance with certain policy
         provisions, by offering products that transfer this risk to the
         purchaser, and/or by attempting to match the maturity schedule of its
         assets with the expected payouts of its liabilities. To the extent that
         liabilities come due more quickly than assets mature, an insurer would
         have to borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and potentially
         recognize a gain or loss.

         FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK: The Company is a
         party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
         normal course of business through management of its investment
         portfolio. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
         credit in the form of loans. These instruments involve, to varying
         degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the
         consolidated balance sheets.

         Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
         agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
         established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
         expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
         of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
         management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
         borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
         the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
         new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 75% of
         collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's
         exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower
         is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments less the
         net realizable value of the collateral. The contractual amounts also
         represent the cash requirements for all unfunded commitments.
         Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $341.4 million
         extending into 1998 were outstanding as of December 31, 1997. The
         Company also had $63.9 million of commitments to purchase fixed
         maturity securities outstanding as of December 31, 1997.

         SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK: The Company grants mainly
         commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
         United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more
         than 20% (21% in 1996) in any geographic area and no more than 2% (2%
         in 1996) with any one borrower as of December 31, 1997. As of December
         31, 1997, 46% (44% in 1996) of the remaining principal balance of the
         Company's commercial mortgage loan portfolio financed retail
         properties.

         The Company had a significant reinsurance recoverable balance from one
         reinsurer as of December 31, 1997 and 1996. See note 4.

(8)      PENSION PLAN

         The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
         in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least
         one year of service. Benefits are based upon the highest average annual
         salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the last ten years
         of service. The Company funds pension costs accrued for direct
         employees plus an allocation of pension costs accrued for employees of
         affiliates whose work efforts benefit the Company.

         Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced
         benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
         elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost
         of the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property
         and casualty insurance company affiliates.


<PAGE>   18

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
         Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland Mutual
         Insurance Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau Insurance
         Companies Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
         Retirement Plan (the Retirement Plan). Immediately prior to the merger,
         the plans were amended to provide consistent benefits for service after
         January 1, 1996. These amendments had no significant impact on the
         accumulated benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation as of
         December 31, 1995.

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company  during the years
         ended  December 31, 1997,  1996 and 1995 were $7.5 million, $7.4
         million and $10.5 million, respectively.

         The Company had no net accrued pension expense as of December 31, 1997
         ($1.1 million as of December 31, 1996).

         The net periodic pension cost for the Retirement Plan as a whole for
         the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the Nationwide
         Insurance Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the
         year ended December 31, 1995 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>     
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)        $   77.3         $   75.5          $   64.5
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation              118.6            105.5              95.3
              Actual return on plan assets                              (328.0)          (210.6)           (249.3)
              Net amortization and deferral                              196.4            101.8             143.4
                                                                      --------         --------          --------
                                                                      $   64.3         $   72.2          $   53.9
                                                                      ========         ========          ========
</TABLE>

         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

<S>                                                                    <C>              <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                           6.50%            6.00%             7.50%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels           4.75%            4.25%             6.25%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets         7.25%            6.75%             8.75%
</TABLE>

         Information regarding the funded status of the Retirement Plan as a 
         whole as of  December  31,  1997 and 1996 follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              (in millions of dollars)                                           1997              1996
                                                                             -----------       -----------  
<S>                                                                           <C>               <C> 
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                Vested                                                         $1,547.5          $1,338.6
                Nonvested                                                          13.5              11.1
                                                                               --------         ---------
                                                                               $1,561.0          $1,349.7
                                                                               ========         =========

              Net accrued pension expense:
                Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date     $2,033.8          $1,847.8
                Plan assets at fair value                                       2,212.9           1,947.9
                                                                              ---------         ---------
                  Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation           179.1             100.1
                Unrecognized prior service cost                                    34.7              37.9
                Unrecognized net gains                                           (330.7)           (202.0)
                Unrecognized net asset at transition                               33.3              37.2
                                                                              ---------         ---------
                                                                              $   (83.6)        $   (26.8)
                                                                              =========         =========
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   19


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

<S>                                                                          <C>               <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                                   6.00%             6.50%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels                   4.25%             4.75%

</TABLE>
         Assets of the Retirement Plan are invested in group annuity contracts
         of NLIC and Employers Life Insurance Company of Wausau (ELICW).

(9)      POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS

         In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
         with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
         defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
         health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full
         time employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years
         of service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement
         health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain
         cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition,
         there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of
         the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can increase
         annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
         fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the
         discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group
         annuity contracts of NLIC.

         The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation (APBO), however, certain affiliated
         companies elected to amortize their initial transition obligation over
         periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1997 and 1996 was $36.5 million and $34.9 million, respectively, and
         the net periodic postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1997, 1996 and
         1995 was $3.0 million, $3.3 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

             (in millions of dollars)                                                         1997             1996
                                                                                          -----------       -----------  
<S>                                                                                        <C>               <C>    
             Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
               Retirees                                                                    $   93.3          $   93.0
               Fully eligible, active plan participants                                        31.6              23.7
               Other active plan participants                                                 113.0              84.0
                                                                                           --------          --------
                 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                                237.9             200.7
               Plan assets at fair value                                                       69.2              63.0
                                                                                           --------          --------
                 Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation         (168.7)           (137.7)
               Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                                 1.5               1.7
               Unrecognized net losses (gains)                                                  1.6             (23.2)
                                                                                           --------          --------
                                                                                            $(165.6)          $(159.2)
                                                                                           ========          ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   20


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             (in millions of dollars)                            1997          1996          1995
                                                              -----------   ------------  ------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>           <C>  
             Service cost (benefits attributed to employee
               service during the year)                          $  7.0        $  6.5        $  6.2
             Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
               benefit obligation                                  14.0          13.7          14.2
             Actual return on plan assets                          (3.6)         (4.3)         (2.7)
             Amortization of unrecognized transition
               obligation of affiliates                             0.2           0.2           3.0
             Net amortization and deferral                         (0.5)          1.8          (1.6)
                                                                -------        ------        ------
                                                                  $17.1         $17.9         $19.1
                                                                =======        ======        ======
</TABLE>

         Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO and the
         NPPBC for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                 1997          1996          1995
                                                              -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>     
             APBO:
               Discount rate                                  6.70%         7.25%         6.75%
               Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                 Initial rate                                12.13%        11.00%        11.00%
                 Ultimate rate                                6.12%         6.00%         6.00%
                 Uniform declining period                   12 Years      12 Years      12 Years

             NPPBC:
               Discount rate                                  7.25%         6.65%         8.00%
               Long term rate of return on plan
                 assets, net of tax                           5.89%         4.80%         8.00%
               Assumed health care cost trend rate:
                 Initial rate                                11.00%        11.00%        10.00%
                 Ultimate rate                                6.00%         6.00%         6.00%
                 Uniform declining period                    12 Years      12 Years      12 Years
</TABLE>

         For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in the assumed
         health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of December 31,
         1997 by $0.4 million and have no impact on the NPPBC for the year ended
         December 31, 1997.

(10)     SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY, REGULATORY RISK-BASED CAPITAL, RETAINED EARNINGS
         AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS

         Ohio, NLIC's and NLAIC's state of domicile, imposes minimum risk-based
         capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
         determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting
         factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of
         activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance
         is determined by a ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted
         capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level
         risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific
         trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of
         which requires specified corrective action. NLIC and NLAIC each exceed
         the minimum risk-based capital requirements.


<PAGE>   21


               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         The statutory capital and surplus of NLIC as of December 31, 1997, 1996
         and 1995 was $1.13 billion, $1.00 billion and $1.36 billion,
         respectively. The statutory net income of NLIC for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $111.7 million, $73.2 million and
         $86.5 million, respectively.

         As a result of the $850.0 million dividend paid on February 24, 1997,
         any dividend paid by NLIC during the twelve-month period immediately
         following the $850.0 million dividend would be an extraordinary
         dividend under Ohio insurance laws. Accordingly, no such dividend could
         be paid without prior regulatory approval. The Company has no reason to
         believe that any reasonably foreseeable dividend to be paid by NLIC
         would not receive the required approval.

         In addition, the payment of dividends by NLIC may also be subject to
         restrictions set forth in the insurance laws of New York that limit the
         amount of statutory profits on NLIC's participating policies (measured
         before dividends to policyholders) that can inure to the benefit of the
         Company and its shareholder.

         The Company currently does not expect such regulatory requirements to
         impair its ability to pay operating expenses and shareholder dividends
         in the future.

(11)     TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

         As part of the restructuring described in note 1, NLIC paid a dividend
         valued at $485.7 million to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997
         consisting of the outstanding shares of common stock of ELICW, National
         Casualty Company (NCC) and West Coast Life Insurance Company (WCLIC).
         Also, on February 24, 1997, NLIC paid a dividend to NFS, and NFS paid
         an equivalent dividend to Nationwide Corp., consisting of securities
         having an aggregate fair value of $850.0 million. The Company
         recognized a gain of $14.4 million on the transfer of securities.

         The Company leases office space from NMIC and certain of its
         subsidiaries. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
         Company made lease payments to NMIC and its subsidiaries of $8.4
         million, $9.1 million and $9.0 million, respectively.

         Pursuant to a cost sharing agreement among NMIC and certain of its
         direct and indirect subsidiaries, including the Company, NMIC provides
         certain operational and administrative services, such as sales support,
         advertising, personnel and general management services, to those
         subsidiaries. Expenses covered by this agreement are subject to
         allocation among NMIC, the Company and other affiliates. Amounts
         allocated to the Company were $85.8 million, $101.6 million and $107.1
         million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The allocations are based
         on techniques and procedures in accordance with insurance regulatory
         guidelines. Measures used to allocate expenses among companies include
         individual employee estimates of time spent, special cost studies,
         salary expense, commissions expense and other methods agreed to by the
         participating companies that are within industry guidelines and
         practices. The Company believes these allocation methods are
         reasonable. In addition, the Company does not believe that expenses
         recognized under the inter-company agreements are materially different
         than expenses that would have been recognized had the Company operated
         on a stand alone basis. Amounts payable to NMIC from the Company under
         the cost sharing agreement were $20.5 million and $15.1 million as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

         The Company also participates in intercompany repurchase agreements
         with affiliates whereby the seller will transfer securities to the
         buyer at a stated value. Upon demand or a stated period, the securities
         will be repurchased by the seller at the original sales price plus a
         price differential. Transactions under the agreements during 1997 and
         1996 were not material. The Company believes that the terms of the
         repurchase agreements are materially consistent with what the Company
         could have obtained with unaffiliated parties.


<PAGE>   22

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


         Intercompany reinsurance agreements exist between NLIC and,
         respectively, NMIC and ELICW whereby all of NLIC's accident and health
         and group life insurance business is ceded on a modified coinsurance
         basis. NLIC entered into the reinsurance agreements during 1996 because
         the accident and health and group life insurance business was unrelated
         to the Company's long-term savings and retirement products.
         Accordingly, the accident and health and group life insurance business
         has been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods
         presented. Under modified coinsurance agreements, invested assets are
         retained by the ceding company and investment earnings are paid to the
         reinsurer. Under the terms of the Company's agreements, the investment
         risk associated with changes in interest rates is borne by ELICW or
         NMIC, as the case may be. Risk of asset default is retained by the
         Company, although a fee is paid by ELICW or NMIC, as the case may be,
         to the Company for the Company's retention of such risk. The agreements
         will remain in force until all policy obligations are settled. However,
         with respect to the agreement between NLIC and NMIC, either party may
         terminate the contract on January 1 of any year with prior notice. The
         ceding of risk does not discharge the original insurer from its primary
         obligation to the policyholder. The Company believes that the terms of
         the modified coinsurance agreements are consistent in all material
         respects with what the Company could have obtained with unaffiliated
         parties. Amounts ceded to NMIC and ELICW for the years ended December
         31, 1997 and 1996 were:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                   1997                          1996
                                                        ----------------------------  ----------------------------
             (in millions of dollars)                       NMIC          ELICW           NMIC          ELICW
                                                        -------------- -------------  ----------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>    
             Premiums                                       $ 91.4         $199.8         $ 97.3        $224.2
             Net investment income and other revenue        $ 10.7         $ 13.4         $ 10.9        $ 14.8
             Benefits, claims and other expenses            $100.7         $225.9         $100.5        $246.6

</TABLE>

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC), an affiliate, under which
         NCMC acts as a common agent in handling the purchase and sale of
         short-term securities for the respective accounts of the participants.
         Amounts on deposit with NCMC were $211.0 million and $4.8 million as of
         December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and are included in
         short-term investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

         On March 1, 1995, Nationwide Corp. contributed all of the outstanding
         shares of common stock of Farmland Life Insurance Company (Farmland) to
         NLIC. Farmland merged into WCLIC effective June 30, 1995. The
         contribution resulted in a direct increase to consolidated
         shareholder's equity of $46.9 million. As discussed in note 15, WCLIC
         is accounted for as discontinued operations.

         Certain annuity products are sold through three affiliated companies,
         which are also subsidiaries of NFS. Total commissions and fees paid to
         these affiliates for the three years ended December 31, 1997 were $66.1
         million, $76.9 million and $57.3 million, respectively.

(12)     BANK LINES OF CREDIT

         In August 1996, NLIC, along with NMIC, entered into a $600.0 million
         revolving credit facility which provides for a $600.0 million loan over
         a five year term on a fully revolving basis with a group of national
         financial institutions. The credit facility provides for several and
         not joint liability with respect to any amount drawn by either NLIC or
         NMIC. NLIC and NMIC pay facility and usage fees to the financial
         institutions to maintain the revolving credit facility. All previously
         existing line of credit agreements were canceled. In September 1997,
         the credit agreement was amended to include NFS as a party to and
         borrower under the agreement.


<PAGE>   23

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(13)     CONTINGENCIES

         The Company is a defendant in various lawsuits. In the opinion of
         management, the effects, if any, of such lawsuits are not expected to
         be material to the Company's financial position or results of
         operations.

(14)     SEGMENT INFORMATION

         The Company has three product segments: Variable Annuities, Fixed
         Annuities and Life Insurance. The Variable Annuities segment consists
         of annuity contracts that provide the customer with the opportunity to
         invest in mutual funds managed by the Company and independent
         investment managers, with the investment returns accumulating on a
         tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment consists of annuity
         contracts that generate a return for the customer at a specified
         interest rate, fixed for a prescribed period, with returns accumulating
         on a tax-deferred basis. The Fixed Annuities segment also includes the
         fixed option under the Company's variable annuity contracts. The Life
         Insurance segment consists of insurance products that provide a death
         benefit and may also allow the customer to build cash value on a
         tax-deferred basis. In addition, the Company reports corporate expenses
         and investments, and the related investment income supporting capital
         not specifically allocated to its product segments in a Corporate and
         Other segment. In addition, all realized gains and losses and
         investment management fees and other revenue earned from mutual funds,
         other than the portion allocated to the variable annuities and life
         insurance segments, are reported in the Corporate and Other segment.

         The following table summarizes revenues and income from continuing
         operations before federal income tax expense for the years ended
         December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and assets as of December 31, 1997,
         1996 and 1995, by segment.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

              (in millions of dollars)                                         1997               1996             1995
                                                                           -------------      ------------     ------------   
<S>                                                                         <C>               <C>              <C>  
              Revenues:
                  Variable Annuities                                         $    404.0        $    284.6       $    189.1
                  Fixed Annuities                                               1,141.4           1,092.6          1,052.0
                  Life Insurance                                                  473.1             435.6            409.1
                  Corporate and Other                                             198.9             180.1            148.5
                                                                            -----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                             $  2,217.4        $  1,992.9       $  1,798.7
                                                                            ===========        ==========       ==========

              Income from continuing operations before federal income tax
                expense:
                  Variable Annuities                                         $    150.9        $     90.3       $     50.8
                  Fixed Annuities                                                 169.5             135.4            137.0
                  Life Insurance                                                   70.9              67.2             67.6
                  Corporate and Other                                              38.6              22.6             32.2
                                                                            -----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                             $    429.9        $    315.5       $    287.6
                                                                            ===========        ==========       ==========

              Assets:
                  Variable Annuities                                         $ 35,278.7        $ 25,069.7       $ 17,333.0
                  Fixed Annuities                                              14,436.3          13,994.7         13,250.4
                  Life Insurance                                                3,901.4           3,353.3          3,027.4
                  Corporate and Other                                           6,174.3           5,348.6          4,896.8
                                                                            -----------        ----------       ----------
                                                                             $ 59,790.7        $ 47,766.3       $ 38,507.6
                                                                            ===========        ==========       ==========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   24



               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
       (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.)

              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Continued


(15)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

         As discussed in note 1, NFS is a holding company for NLIC and certain
         other companies within the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise that offer
         or distribute long-term savings and retirement products. Prior to the
         contribution by Nationwide Corp. of the outstanding common stock of
         NLIC to NFS, NLIC effected certain transactions with respect to certain
         subsidiaries and lines of business that were unrelated to long-term
         savings and retirement products.

         On September 24, 1996, NLIC's Board of Directors declared a dividend
         payable to Nationwide Corp. on January 1, 1997 consisting of the
         outstanding shares of common stock of three subsidiaries: ELICW, NCC
         and WCLIC. ELICW writes group accident and health and group life
         insurance business and maintains it offices in Wausau, Wisconsin. NCC
         is a property and casualty company with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona
         that serves as a fronting company for a property and casualty
         subsidiary of NMIC. WCLIC writes high dollar term life insurance
         policies and is located in San Francisco, California. ELICW, NCC and
         WCLIC have been accounted for as discontinued operations in the
         accompanying consolidated financial statements through December 31,
         1996. The Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of
         these subsidiaries.

         Also, during 1996, NLIC entered into two reinsurance agreements whereby
         all of NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business was
         ceded to ELICW and NMIC, effective January 1, 1996. See note 11 for a
         complete discussion of the reinsurance agreements. The Company has
         discontinued its accident and health and group life insurance business
         and in connection therewith has entered into reinsurance agreements to
         cede all existing and any future writings to other affiliated
         companies. NLIC's accident and health and group life insurance business
         is accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
         The Company did not recognize any gain or loss on the disposal of the
         accident and health and group life insurance business. The assets,
         liabilities, results of operations and activities of discontinued
         operations are distinguished physically, operationally and for
         financial reporting purposes from the remaining assets, liabilities,
         results of operations and activities of the Company.

         A summary of the results of operations of discontinued operations for
         the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

<S>                                                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
             Revenues                                                             $    -         $   668.9     $   776.9
             Net income                                                           $    -         $    11.3     $    24.7
</TABLE>

         A summary of the assets and liabilities of discontinued operations as 
         of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

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

<S>                                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C> 
             Assets, consisting primarily of investments                            $247.3        $3,288.5      $3,206.7
             Liabilities, consisting primarily of policy benefits and claims        $247.3        $2,802.8      $2,700.0
</TABLE>




<PAGE>   50
PART C.    OTHER INFORMATION

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 24.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS                                                      PAGE

<S>                   <C>                                                                             <C>
                      (a)  To be filed by Financial Statements:

                           (1)   Financial statements included
                                 in Prospectus
                                 (Part A):
                                 Condensed Financial Information.                                      14

                           (2)   Financial statements included
                                 in Part B:
                                 Those financial statements required by
                                 Item 23 to be included in Part B have been
                                 incorporated therein by reference to the
                                 Statement of Additional Information
                                 (Part A).

                           Nationwide Variable Account-5:

                                 Independent Auditors' Report.                                         48

                                 Statements of Assets, Liabilities
                                 and Contract Owners' Equity as of
                                 December 31, 1997.                                                    49

                                 Statements of Operations and Changes
                                 in Contract Owners' Equity for the years
                                 ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.                                     51

                                 Notes to Financial Statements.                                        54

                           Nationwide Life Insurance Company:

                                 Independent Auditors' Report.                                         56

                                 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31,
                                 1997 and 1996.                                                        57

                                 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years
                                 ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.                               58

                                 Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity
                                 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
                                 1995.                                                                 59

                                 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
                                 years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.                         60

                                 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                           61

                                 Schedule I - Consolidated Summary of
                                 Investments - Other Than Investments in Related
                                 Parties.                                                              99

                                 Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance
                                 Information                                                          100

                                 Schedule IV - Reinsurance                                            101

                                 Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts                       102
</TABLE>
    



                                   80 of 103
<PAGE>   51



Item 24.      (b)  Exhibits
                               (1)    Resolution of the Depositor's Board of
                                      Directors authorizing the establishment of
                                      the Registrant - Filed previously with
                                      this Registration Statement and hereby
                                      incorporated by reference.

                               (2)    Not Applicable

                               (3)    Underwriting or Distribution contracts
                                      between the Registrant and Principal
                                      Underwriter - Filed previously with this
                                      Registration Statement and hereby
                                      incorporated by reference.

                               (4)    The form of the variable annuity contract-
                                      Filed previously with this Registration
                                      Statement and hereby incorporated
                                      herein by reference.

                               (5)    Variable Annuity Application - Filed
                                      previously with this Registration
                                      Statement and hereby incorporated herein
                                      by reference.

                               (6)    Articles of Incorporation of Depositor
                                      Filed previously with this Registration
                                      Statement and hereby incorporated herein
                                      by reference.

                               (7)    Not Applicable

                               (8)    Not Applicable

                               (9)    Opinion of Counsel - Filed previously with
                                      this Registration Statement and hereby
                                      incorporated herein by reference.

                               (10)   Not Applicable

                               (11)   Not Applicable

                               (12)   Not Applicable

                               (13)   Performance Advertising Calculation
                                      Schedule - Filed previously with this
                                      Registration Statement and hereby
                                      incorporated herein by reference.


                                   81 of 103

<PAGE>   52
Item 25.      DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR

                          <S>                                                    <C>
                          Lewis J. Alphin                                        Director
                          519 Bethel Church Road
                          Mount Olive, NC  28365

                          A. I. Bell                                             Director
                          4121 North River Road West
                          Zanesville, OH 43701

                          Keith W. Eckel                                         Director
                          1647 Falls Road
                          Clarks Summit, PA 18411

                          Willard J. Engel                                       Director
                          300 East Marshall Street
                          Marshall, MN 56258

                          Fred C. Finney                                         Director
                          1558 West Moreland Road
                          Wooster, OH 44691

                          Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                              Director
                          600 South Washington Street
                          Butler, PA  16001

                          Joseph J. Gasper                         President and Chief Operating Officer
                          One Nationwide Plaza                                 and Director
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Dimon R. McFerson                        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                        Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
                          Columbus, OH  43215                                  and Director

                          David O. Miller                           Chairman of the Board and Director
                          115 Sprague Drive
                          Hebron, OH 43025

                          Yvonne L. Montgomery                                   Director
                          2859 Paces Ferry Road
                          Atlanta, GA 30339

                          C. Ray Noecker                                         Director
                          2770 Winchester Southern S.
                          Ashville, OH 43103

                          James F. Patterson                                     Director
                          8765 Mulberry Road
                          Chesterland, OH  44026
</TABLE>
    


                                   82 of 103
<PAGE>   53
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR

                          <S>                                                    <C>
                          Arden L. Shisler                                       Director
                          1356 North Wenger Road
                          Dalton, OH  44618

                          Robert L. Stewart                                      Director
                          88740 Fairview Road
                          Jewett, OH  43986

                          Nancy C. Thomas                                        Director
                          10835 Georgetown Street NE
                          Louisville, OH  44641

                          Harold W. Weihl                                        Director
                          14282 King Road
                          Bowling Green, OH  43402

                          Dennis W. Click                              Vice President and Secretary
                          One Nationwide Plaza
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Robert A. Oakley                               Executive Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                            Chief Financial Officer
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Robert J. Woodward Jr.                         Executive Vice President
                          One Nationwide Plaza                           Chief Investment Officer
                          Columbus, OH 43215

                          W. Sidney Druen                            Senior Vice President and General
                          One Nationwide Plaza                        Counsel and Assistant Secretary
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.                  Senior Vice President-Chief Actuary-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                          Life, Health and Annuities
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Richard A. Karas                            Senior Vice President - Sales -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                              Financial Services
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Susan A. Wolken                              Senior Vice President - Life
                          One Nationwide Plaza                              Company Operations
                          Columbus, OH 43215

                          Michael D. Bleiweiss                                Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                         Individual Annuity Operations
                          Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>
    


                                   83 of 103
<PAGE>   54
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           NAME AND PRINCIPAL                             POSITIONS AND OFFICES
                            BUSINESS ADDRESS                                 WITH DEPOSITOR

                          <S>                                                <C>
                          Matthew S. Easley                                  Vice President -
                          One Nationwide Plaza                  Life Marketing and Administrative Services
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Timothy E. Murphy                                   Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                              Strategic Marketing
                          Columbus, Ohio  43215

                          R. Dennis Noice                                     Vice President-
                          One Nationwide Plaza                               Retail Operations
                          Columbus, OH  43215

                          Joseph P. Rath
                          One Nationwide Plaza                                Vice President
                          Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>
    

Item 26.      PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR 
              OR REGISTRANT.

               *    Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are
                    filed

               **   Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated
                    financial statements

               ***  Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial
                    statements filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries

               **** other subsidiaries


                                   84 of 103
<PAGE>   55
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
         <S>                                          <C>                   <C>        <C>
         Affiliate Agency, Inc.                       Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency

         Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                 Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency

         Allnations, Inc.                               Ohio                           Promotes cooperative insurance corporations
                                                                                       worldwide
         American Marine Underwriters, Inc.           Florida                          Underwriting Manager

         Auto Direkt Insurance Company                Germany                          Insurance Company

         The Beak and Wire Corporation                  Ohio                           Radio Tower Joint Venture

         California Cash Management Company          California                        Inactive

         Colonial County Mutual Insurance              Texas                           Insurance Company
         Company

         Colonial Insurance Company of               Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
         Wisconsin

         Columbus Insurance Brokerage and             Germany                          Insurance Broker
         Service GMBH

         Companies Agency, Inc.                      Wisconsin                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency Insurance Services         California                        Insurance  Broker
         of California

         Companies Agency of Alabama, Inc.            Alabama                          Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Georgia, Inc.            Georgia                          Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.               Idaho                           Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Kentucky, Inc.           Kentucky                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Massachusetts,        Massachusetts                       Insurance Broker
         Inc.

         Companies Agency of New York, Inc.           New York                         Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Pennsylvania, Inc.     Pennsylvania                       Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Phoenix, Inc.            Arizona                          Insurance Broker

         Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.               Texas                           Local Recording Agent (P&C)

         Companies Annuity Agency of Texas,            Texas                           Group and Variable Contract Agent
         Inc.

         Cooperative Service Company                  Nebraska                         Insurance Agency

         Countrywide Services Corporation             Delaware                         Products Liability, Investigative and Claims
                                                                                       Management Services

         EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU A             Wisconsin                         Mutual Insurance Company
         Mutual Company
</TABLE>
    


                                   85 of 103
<PAGE>   56
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
     <S>                                              <C>                   <C>        <C>
     **  Employers Life Insurance Company of         Wisconsin                         Life Insurance Company
         Wausau

         F & B, Inc.                                    Iowa                           Insurance Agency

         Farmland Mutual Insurance Company              Iowa                           Mutual Insurance Company

         Financial Horizons Distributors              Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Alabama, Inc.

         Financial Horizons Distributors                Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Ohio, Inc.

         Financial Horizons Distributors              Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.

         Financial Horizons Distributors               Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Agency of Texas, Inc.

      *  Financial Horizons Investment Trust       Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         Financial Horizons Securities                Oklahoma                         Broker Dealer
         Corporation

         Gates, McDonald & Company                      Ohio                           Cost Control Business

         Gates, McDonald & Company of Nevada           Nevada                          Self-Insurance Administration Claims
                                                                                       Examinations and Data Processing Services

         Gates, McDonald & Company of New             New York                         Workers Compensation Claims Administration
         York, Inc.

         Gates McDonald Health Plus, Inc.               Ohio                           Managed Care Organization

         Greater La Crosse Health Plans, Inc.        Wisconsin                         Commercial Health and Medicare Supplement
                                                                                       Insurance

         Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                 Ohio                           Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

         Irvin L. Schwartz and Associates, Inc.         Ohio                           Insurance Agency

         Key Health Plan, Inc.                       California                        Pre-paid Health Plans

         Landmark Financial Services of New           New York                         Life Insurance Agency
         York, Inc.

         Leben Direkt Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company

         Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                Texas                           Insurance Agency

     **  MRM Investments, Inc.                          Ohio                           Owns and Operates a Recreational Ski Facility

     **  National Casualty Company                   Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

         National Casualty Company of America,     Great Britain                       Insurance Company
         Ltd.

     **  National Premium and Benefit                 Delaware                         Insurance Administrative Services
         Administration Company

     **  Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc.             Ohio                           Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment Manager
                                                                                       and Administrator
</TABLE>
    


                                   86 of 103

<PAGE>   57
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
         <S>                                          <C>                   <C>        <C>
         Nationwide Agency, Inc.                        Ohio                           Insurance Agency

         Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance              Iowa                           Insurance Company
         Company

         Nationwide Asset Allocation Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         Nationwide Cash Management Company             Ohio                           Investment Securities Agent

         Nationwide Community Urban                     Ohio                           Redevelopment of blighted areas within the
         Redevelopment Corporation                                                     City of Columbus, Ohio
         Nationwide Corporation                         Ohio                           Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
                                                                                       holding, encumbering, transferring, or
                                                                                       otherwise disposing of shares, bonds, and 
                                                                                       other evidences of indebtedness, securities, 
                                                                                       and contracts of other persons, associations,
                                                                                       corporations, domestic or foreign and to form
                                                                                       or acquire the control of other corporations

         Nationwide/Dispatch LLC                        Ohio                           Engaged in related Arena development Activity

         Nationwide Financial Institution             Delaware                         Insurance Agency
         Distributors Agency, Inc.

         Nationwide Financial Services Capital        Delaware                         Statutory Business Trust
         Trust

         Nationwide Financial Services, Inc.          Delaware                         Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
                                                                                       holding, encumbering, transferring, or
                                                                                       otherwise disposing of shares, bonds, and 
                                                                                       other evidences of indebtedness, securities, 
                                                                                       and contracts of other persons, associations,
                                                                                       corporations, domestic or foreign and to form
                                                                                       or acquire the control of other corporations

         Nationwide General Insurance Company           Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Nationwide Global Holdings, Inc.               Ohio                           Holding Company for Enterprise International
                                                                                       Operations

         Nationwide Health Plans, Inc.                  Ohio                           Health Maintenance Organization

      *  Nationwide Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Reinsurance Company

         Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Foundation

         Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                Ohio                           Performs shares services functions for the
         Services, Ltd.                                                                Enterprise

         Nationwide Insurance Golf Charities,           Ohio                           Membership Non-Profit Corporation
         Inc.

         Nationwide Investing Foundation              Michigan                         Investment Company

      *  Nationwide Investing                      Massachusetts                       Investment Company
         Foundation II

         Nationwide Investing Foundation III            Ohio                           Investment Company
</TABLE>
    


                                   87 of 103
<PAGE>   58
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
     <S>                                              <C>                   <C>        <C>
         Nationwide Investment Services               Oklahoma                         Registered Broker-Dealer in Deferred
         Corporation                                                                   Compensation Market

         Nationwide Investors Services, Inc.            Ohio                           Stock Transfer Agent

     **  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance          Ohio                           Life Insurance Company
         Company

     **  Nationwide Life Insurance Company              Ohio                           Life Insurance Company

         Nationwide Lloyds                             Texas                           Texas Lloyds Company

         Nationwide  Management Systems, Inc.           Ohio                           Offers Preferred Provider Organization and
                                                                                       Other Related Products and Services

         Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance               Ohio                           Mutual Insurance Company
         Company

         Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company            Ohio                           Mutual Insurance Company

         Nationwide Properties, Ltd.                    Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments

         Nationwide Property and Casualty               Ohio                           Insurance Company
         Insurance Company

         Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd.              Ohio                           Develops, owns and operates real estate and
                                                                                       real estate investments

      *  Nationwide Separate Account Trust         Massachusetts                       Investment Company

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services,          Delaware                         Life Insurance Agency
         Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Alabama                          Life Insurance Agency
         Alabama, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Arizona                          Life Insurance Agency
         Arizona, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Montana                          Life Insurance Agency
         Montana, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Nevada                          Life Insurance Agency
         Nevada, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of          Ohio                           Life Insurance Agency
         Ohio, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Oklahoma                         Life Insurance Agency
         Oklahoma, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of         Texas                           Life Insurance Agency
         Texas, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Investor Services of        Wyoming                          Life Insurance Agency
         Wyoming, Inc.

         NEA Valuebuilder Services Insurance       Massachusetts                       Life Insurance Agency
         Agency, Inc.

         Neckura General Insurance Company            Germany                          Insurance Company

         Neckura Holding Company                      Germany                          Administrative Service for Neckura Insurance
                                                                                       Group

         Neckura Insurance Company                    Germany                          Insurance Company

         Neckura Life Insurance Company               Germany                          Life Insurance Company
</TABLE>
    


                                   88 of 103
<PAGE>   59
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING
                                                                        SECURITIES
                                                       STATE           (SEE ATTACHED
                                                  OF ORGANIZATION      CHART) UNLESS
                        COMPANY                                          OTHERWISE                   PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                         INDICATED
         <S>                                          <C>                   <C>        <C>
         NWE, Inc.                                      Ohio                           Special Investments

         PEBSCO of Massachusetts Insurance         Massachusetts                       Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Agency, Inc.                                                                  Plans for Public Employees

         PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                         Texas                           Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
                                                                                       Plans for Public Employees

         Pension Associates of Wausau, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Pension plan administration, record keeping
                                                                                       and consulting and compensation consulting

         Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation       Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization

         Prevea Health Insurance Plan, Inc.          Wisconsin                         Health Maintenance Organization

         Public Employees Benefit Services            Delaware                         Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation                                                                   Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services            Alabama                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Alabama                                                        Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services            Arkansas                         Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Arkansas                                                       Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services            Montana                          Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of Montana                                                        Plans for Public Employees

         Public Employees Benefit Services           New Mexico                        Markets and Administers Deferred Compensation
         Corporation of New Mexico                                                     Plans for Public Employees

         Scottsdale Indemnity Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Scottsdale Insurance Company                   Ohio                           Insurance Company

         Scottsdale Surplus Lines Insurance           Arizona                          Excess and Surplus Lines Insurance Company
         Company

         SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura Insurance            Germany                          Sales support for Neckura Insurance Group
         Group

         TIG Countrywide Insurance Group             California                        Independent Agency Personal Lines Underwriter

         Wausau (Bermuda) Ltd.                        Bermuda                          Rent-a-captive Reinsurer

         Wausau Business Insurance Company           Wisconsin                         Insurance Company

         Wausau General Insurance Company             Illinois                         Insurance Company

         Wausau Insurance Company (U.K.)           United Kingdom                      Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Limited

         Wausau International Underwriters           California                        Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
                                                                                       Insurance Underwriting Manager

     **  Wausau Preferred Health Insurance           Wisconsin                         Insurance and Reinsurance Company
         Company

         Wausau Service Corporation                  Wisconsin                         Holding Company

         Wausau Underwriters Insurance Company       Wisconsin                         Insurance Company
</TABLE>
    


                                   89 of 103
<PAGE>   60
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                     (SEE ATTACHED CHART) UNLESS
                                                     STATE               OTHERWISE INDICATED
                                                OF ORGANIZATION
                      COMPANY                                                                              PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
    <S>                                              <C>           <C>                             <C>
    *  MFS Variable Account                           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  NACo Variable Account                          Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide DC Variable Account                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

       Nationwide DCVA II                             Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Separate Account No. 1                         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account         Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-A               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account

    *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-B               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account

    *  Nationwide VA Separate Account-C               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account

       Nationwide VA Separate Account-Q               Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Separate Account

    *  Nationwide Variable Account                    Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide Variable Account-II                 Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide Variable Account-3                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide Variable Account-4                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide Variable Account-5                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide Fidelity Advisor Variable           Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Account                                                     Account

    *  Nationwide Variable Account-6                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

       Nationwide Variable Account-8                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide Variable Account-9                  Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
       Account-A                                                   Separate Account

       Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
       Account-B                                                   Separate Account

       Nationwide VL Separate                         Ohio         Nationwide Life and Annuity     Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
       Account-C                                                   Separate Account
</TABLE>
    

                                   90 of 103
<PAGE>   61
   
<TABLE>
    <S>                                              <C>           <C>                             <C>
    *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account                Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-2              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                   Account

    *  Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                   Account

       Nationwide VLI Separate Account-4              Ohio         Nationwide Life Separate        Issuer of Life Insurance Policies
                                                                   Account
</TABLE>
    


                                   91 of 103
<PAGE>   62
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         (left side)
<S>                               <C>                               <C>                                  <C>
- ------------------------
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|      MEMBERSHIP      |
|      NONPROFIT       |
|     CORPORATION      |
- ------------------------
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                  |      EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU     |
                                                  |           A MUTUAL COMPANY             |
                                                  |             (EMPLOYERS)                |
                                                  |                                        |========================================
                                                  | Contribution Note         Cost         |
                                                  | -----------------         ----         |
                                                  | Casualty                  $400,000,000 |
                                                  ------------------------------------------
                                                                |
           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
           |                                  |                                  |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|  KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.  |       |   WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.  |       |      WAUSAU SERVICE      |         |                         |
|                         |       |      (U.K.) LIMITED     |       |     CORPORATION (WSC)    |         |    NATIONWIDE LLOYDS    |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |       |Common Stock: 8,506,800  |       |Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|         |                         |
|------------  Shares     |       |------------  Shares     |       |------------              |         |                         |
|                         |       |                         |       |                          |=========|                         |
|              Cost       |       |              Cost       |       |              Cost        |     ||  |      A TEXAS LLOYDS     |
|              ----       |       |              ----       |       |              ----        |     ||  |                         |
|Employers-               |       |Employers-               |       |Employers-                |     ||  |                         |
| 80%          $1,828,478 |       |100%          $18,683,300|       |100%          $176,763,000|     ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------       ---------------------------       ----------------------------     ||  ---------------------------
                                                                                 |                   ||
                              ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ||
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|     WAUSAU BUSINESS     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES   |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   |    OF KENTUCKY, INC.    |   |   |        CORPORATION       |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 10,900,000 |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 100 Shares  |  |  ||  |        COMPANIES        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------              |  |  ||  |        AGENCY OF        |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ||==|        TEXAS, INC.      |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |  ||  |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |  ||  |                         |
|WSC-100%      $33,800,000|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $145,852    |  |  ||  |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |  ||
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |  ||  ---------------------------
|   WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS   |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |      WAUSAU GENERAL      |  |  ||  |                         |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY    |   |   | OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |  |  ||  |                         |
|Common Stock: 8,750      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 200,000     |  |  ||  |     COMPANIES ANNUITY   |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |  ||  |         AGENCY OF       |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |  ====|         TEXAS, INC.     |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |                         |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |                         |
|WSC-100%      $69,560,006|   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $39,000,000 |  |      |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|   GREATER LA CROSSE     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL   |  |      |     AMERICAN MARINE     |
|   HEALTH PLANS, INC.    |   |   |    OF NEW YORK, INC.    |   |   |       UNDERWRITERS       |  |      |    UNDERWRITERS, INC.   |
|Common Stock: 3,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 20         |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares      |  |      |------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |---|                          |  |------|                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |  |      |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |  |      |              ----       |
|WSC-33.3%     $1,461,761 |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $10,000     |  |      |WSC-100%      $248,222   |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                 |      
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------  |      ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |     COMPANIES AGENCY     |  |      |         COMPANIES       |
|    OF ALABAMA, INC.     |   |   |  OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.  |   |   |    INSURANCE SERVICES    |  |      |        AGENCY, INC.     |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |       OF CALIFORNIA      |  |      |                         |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000       |  |      |Common Stock: 100        |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |---|------------  Shares      |  |------|------------  Shares     |
|                         |---|---|                         |   |   |                          |         |                         |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |              Cost        |         |              Cost       |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |              ----        |         |              ----       |
|WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $100       |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000      |         |WSC-100%      $10,000    |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                                     |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
|    COMPANIES AGENCY     |   |   |   COMPANIES AGENCY      |   |   |      PHYSICIANS PLUS     |         |    PENSION ASSOCIATES   |
|     OF IDAHO, INC.      |   |   |     OF PHOENIX, INC.    |   |   |         INSURANCE        |         |      OF WAUSAU, INC.    |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |        CORPORATION       |         |Common Stock: 1,000      |
|Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock: 1,000      |   |   |Common Stock:    7,150    |         |------------  Shares     |
|------------  Shares     |   |   |------------  Shares     |   |   |------------     Shares   |         |                         |
|                         |-------|                         |   |---|Preferred Stock: 11,540   |         |                         |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |---------------  Shares   |         |Companies        Cost    |
|                         |   |   |                         |   |   |                          |         |Agency, Inc.     ----    |
|              Cost       |   |   |              Cost       |   |   |                Cost      |         |(Wisconsin)-100% $10,000 |
|              ----       |   |   |              ----       |   |   |                ----      |         |                         |
|WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-100%      $1,000     |   |   |WSC-33-1/3%     $6,215,459|         |                         |
- ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------         ---------------------------
                              |                                 |                                        
                              |   ---------------------------   |   ----------------------------                                    
                              |   |         WAUSAU          |   |   |      PREVEA HEALTH       |                                    
                              |   |     (BERMUDA) LTD.      |   |   |  INSURANCE PLAN, INC.    |                                    
                              |   | Common Stock:  120,000  |   |   |Common Stock: 3,000 Shares|                                    
                              |   | -------------  Shares   |   |   |------------              |                                    
                              ----|                         |   ----|                          |                                    
                                  |                         |       |                          |                                    
                                  |                Cost     |       |              Cost        |                                    
                                  |                ----     |       |              ----        |                                    
                                  | WSC-100%      $5,000,000|       |WSC-33-1/3%   $500,000    |                                    
                                  ---------------------------       ----------------------------                                    
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   63
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE(R)                                                  (middle)
<S>                                               <C>                                               <C>         
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                           INSURANCE COMPANY                               |================================================
       |                              (CASUALTY)                                   |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||                              |
              |                        ||                              -------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              |                        ||    |                                                                      |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
|      ALLNATIONS, INC.        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL      |                  |        NECKURA HOLDING       |
|Common Stock:   10,330 Shares |       ||    |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |                  |       COMPANY (NECKURA)      |
|------------                  |       ||    |    |                              |                  |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |Common Stock:    20,000       |                  |Common Stock:    10,000       |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |------------     Shares       |                  |------------     Shares       |
|Casualty-18.6%   $88,320      |       ||    |    |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|Fire-18.6%       $88,463      |       ||    |    |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares |       ||    |----|Casualty-100%    $5,944,422   |         ---------|Casualty-100%    $87,943,140  |
|---------------               |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 Cost         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|                 ----         |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Casualty-6.8%    $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
|Fire-6.8%        $100,000     |       ||    |    |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       ||    |                                             |    
- --------------------------------       ||    |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|       FARMLAND MUTUAL        |       ||    |    |      NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |         |        |           NECKURA            |
|      INSURANCE COMPANY       |       ||    |    |         AND CASUALTY         |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Guaranty Fund                 |       ||    |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |=========    |----|Common Stock:    60,000       |         |--------|Common Stock:    6,000        |
|Certificate                   |--------     |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------     Shares       |
|-----------      Cost         |       |     |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |       |     |    |                 ----         |         |        |Neckura-         ----         |
|Casualty         $500,000     |       |     |    |Casualty-100%    $6,000,000   |         |        |100%             DM 6,000,000 |
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                        |     |                                             |    
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|        F & B, INC.           |       |     |    |      COLONIAL INSURANCE      |         |        |         NECKURA LIFE         |
|                              |       |     |    |     COMPANY OF WINCONSIN     |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    1 Share      |       |     |    |          (COLONIAL)          |         |        |                              |
|------------                  | ------|     |----|Common Stock:    1,750        |         |--------|Common Stock:   4,000         |
|                 Cost         |       |     |    |------------     Shares       |         |        |------------    Shares        |
|                 ----         |       |     |    |                 Cost         |         |        |                Cost          |
|Farmland                      |       |     |    |                 ----         |         |        |                ----          |
|Mutual-100%      $10          |       |     |    |Casualty-100%    $41,750,000  |         |        |Neckura-100%    DM 15,825,681 |
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
                                       |     |                                             |        
- --------------------------------       |     |    --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|    COOPERATIVE SERVICE       |       |     |    |         SCOTTSDALE           |         |        |        NECKURA GENERAL       |
|          COMPANY             |       |     |    |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|Common Stock:    600 Shares   |       |     |    |            (SIC)             |         |        |                              |
|------------                  |       |     |    |Common Stock:    30,136       |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500        |
|                 Cost         |--------     |----|------------     Shares       | ----    |--------|------------     Shares       |
|                 ----         |             |    |                 Cost         |    |    |        |                 Cost         |
|Farmland         $3,506,173   |             |    |                 ----         |    |    |        |                 ----         |
|Mutual-100%                   |             |    |Casualty-100%    $150,000,000 |    |    |        |Neckura-100%     DM 1,656,925 |
|                              |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
|                              |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                        |    |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
| NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS      |             |    |          SCOTTSDALE          |    |    |        |       COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
|    INSURANCE COMPANY         |             |    |        SURPLUS LINES         |    |    |        |      BROKERAGE AND SERVICE   |
|Common Stock:    1,000,000    |             |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |    |    |        |              GmbH            |
|------------     Shares       |------------ |    | Common Stock:    100,000     |    |    |        |Common Stock:    1 Share      |
|                              |             |    | ------------     Shares      | ---|    |--------|------------                  |
|                    Cost      |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                 Cost         |
|Casualty-99.9%      ----      |             |    |                   Cost       |    |    |        |                 ----         |
|Other Capital:   $26,714,335  |             |    |                   ----       |    |    |        |Neckura-100%     DM 51,639    |
|-------------                 |             |    | SIC-100%          $6,000,000 |    |    |        |                              |
|Casualty-Ptd.    $   713,576  |             |    |                              |    |    |        |                              |
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
                                             |                                        |    |        
- --------------------------------             |    --------------------------------    |    |        --------------------------------
|    NATIONAL CASUALTY         |             |    |      NATIONAL PREMIUM &      |    |    |        |          LEBEN DIREKT        |
|          COMPANY             |             |    |    BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION    |    |    |        |        INSURANCE COMPANY     |
|           (NC)               |             |    |           COMPANY            |    |    |        |                              |
|Common Stock:    100 Shares   |             |    |Common Stock:    10,000       |    |    |        |Common Stock:    4,000 Shares |
|------------                  |-------------     |------------     Shares       |-----    ---------|------------                  |
|                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |         |        |                 Cost         |
|                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |         |        |                 ----         |
|Casualty-100%    $67,442,439  |                  |Scottsdale-100%  $10,000      |         |        |Neckura-100%     DM 4,000,000 |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
              |                                                                            |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------         |        --------------------------------
|    NCC OF AMERICA, LTD.      |                  |         SVM SALES            |         |        |          AUTO DIREKT         |
|        (INACTIVE)            |                  |            GmbH              |         |        |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
|                              |                  |                              |         |        |                              |
|                              |                  |Common Stock:    50 Shares    |         |        |Common Stock:    1,500 Shares |
|                              |                  |------------                  |----------------- |------------                  |
|                              |                  |                 Cost         |                  |                 Cost         |
|NC-100%                       |                  |                 ----         |                  |                 ----         |
|                              |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 50,000    |                  |Neckura-100%     DM 1,643,149 |
|                              |                  |                              |                  |                              |
|                              |                  |                              |                  |                              |
- --------------------------------                  --------------------------------                  --------------------------------
                                
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   64
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (right side)
<S>     <C>                                       <C>                                              <C>         
                                                                                                            ------------------------
                                                                                                            | NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |
                                                                                                            | ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION|
                                                                                                            |                      |
                                                                                                            |      MEMBERSHIP      |
                                                                                                            |      NONPROFIT       |
                                                                                                            |     CORPORATION      |
                                                                                                            ------------------------
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       |                           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                               |
=======|                         FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY                            |
       |                                (FIRE)                                     |
       |                                                                           |
       |                                                                           |
       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       |
- ---------------                                                        --------------------------------------------------
              |                                                                                                         |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------       |
  |                                          |                                                                  |       |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |     |         SCOTTSDALE           |     |    |         NATIONWIDE           |                |          NATIONWIDE            |
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |      COMMUNITY URBAN         |                |          CORPORATION           |
  |     |                              |     |    |       REDEVELOPMENT          |                |                                |
  |     |                              |     |    |        CORPORATION           |                |Common Stock:    Control:       |
  |     |Common Stock:    50,000       |     |    |Common Stock:    10 Shares    |                |------------     -------        |
  |-----|------------     Shares       |     |----|------------                  |                |$13,642,432      100%           |
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                |         Shares     Cost        |
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                |         ------     ----        |
  |     |Casualty-100%    $8,800,000   |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,000       |                |Casualty 12,992,922 $751,352,485|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |Fire        649,510   24,007,936|
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                |          (See Page 2)          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                ----------------------------------
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |         NATIONWIDE           |     |    |          INSURANCE           |                                                  
  |     |      INDEMNITY COMPANY       |     |    |     INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |-----|Common Stock:    28,000       |     |----|Common Stock:    1,615        |                                                  
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |------------     Shares       |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $294,529,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,615,000   |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |          LONE STAR           |     |    |       NATIONWIDE CASH        |                                                  
  |     |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.     |     |    |      MANAGEMENT COMPANY      |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |Common Stock:    100 Shares   |                                                  
  ------|Common Stock:    1,000        |     |----|------------                  |                                                  
  |     |------------     Shares       |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |Casualty-90%     $9,000       |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $5,000,000   |     |    |NW Adv. Serv.     1,000       |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                   ||                     |                                                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL     |     |    |       CALIFORNIA CASH        |                                                  
  |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |          MANAGEMENT          |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |          (Inactive)          |
  |     |Surplus Debentures            |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |------------------            |     |----|                              |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     |Colonial         $500,000     |     |    |Casualty-100%                 |                                                  
  |     |Lone Star         150,000     |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |                                                      
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |     |       TIG COUNTRYWIDE        |     |    |         THE BEAK AND         |                                                  
  |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |     |    |       WIRE CORPORATION       |                                                  
  |     |Common Stock     12,500       |     |    |                              |                                                  
   -----|------------     Shares       |     |    |Common Stock:    750 Shares   |                                                  
  |     |                              |     -----|------------                  |                                                  
  |     |                 Cost         |     |    |                 Cost         |                                                  
  |     |                 ----         |     |    |                 ----         |                                                  
  |     |Casualty-100%    $215,273,000 |     |    |Casualty-100%    $1,419,000   |                                                  
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |                                                  
  |     --------------------------------     |    |                              |                                                  
  |                                          |    --------------------------------                                                  
  |                                          |
  |     --------------------------------     |    --------------------------------
  |     |     NATIONWIDE INSURANCE     |     |    |  NATIONWIDE/DISPATCH LLC     |
  |     |   ENTERPRISE SERVICES, LTD.  |     |    |                              |
  |     |                              |     |    |                              |
  |     |Single Member Limited         |     |    |                              |
  - - - |Liability Company             |     - - -|                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |                              |          |                              |
        |Casualty-100%                 |          |Casualty-90%                  |
        |                              |          |                              |
        --------------------------------          |                              |
                                                  --------------------------------

Subsidiary Companies      -- Solid Line
Contractual Association   -- Double Lines
Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line

December 31, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   65
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                        (Left Side)

                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |              EMPLOYERS INSURANCE               |
                                        |                  OF WAUSAU                     |==========================================
                                        |               A MUTUAL COMPANY                 |
                                         ------------------------------------------------



























<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             |                                  |                                   |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
               | NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE |      |        NATIONWIDE         |      |   NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL    |
               |     COMPANY (NW LIFE)     |      |    FINANCIAL SERVICES     |      | INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS  |
               |                           |      |      CAPITAL TRUST        |      |   AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)   |
               | Common Stock: 3,814,779   |      | Preferred Stock:          |      | Common Stock:     1,000   |
               | ------------  Shares      |      | ---------------           |      | ------------      Shares  |
               |                           |      |                           |      |                           |
               | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |      | NFS--100%                 |
                ---------------------------        ---------------------------        ---------------------------
                               |                                                                    ||  
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------        ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
|    NATIONWIDE LIFE AND    |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |      |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
| ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY |  |  |  ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.  |      |    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |      (NW ADV. SERV.)      |      |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 66,000      |  |  | Common Stock: 7,676       |      | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|--| ------------  Shares      |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF OHIO, INC.      |
|               Cost        |  |  |               Cost        |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |               ----        |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $58,070,003 |  |  | NW Life -100% $5,996,261  |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   -------------------------- 
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                              
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|         NWE, INC.         |  |  |        NATIONWIDE         |  ||  |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |  INVESTORS SERVICES, INC. |  ||  |        SERVICES OF        |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |       NEW YORK, INC.      |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 100         |  |  | Common Stock: 5 Shares    |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  | ------------              |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |
|               Cost        |  |  |                     Cost  |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                     ----  |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $35,971,375 |  |  | NW Adv. Serv. -100% $5,000|  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $10,100      |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|   NATIONWIDE INVESTMENT   |  |  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |  ||  |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |  ||  |                          |
|   SERVICES CORPORATION    |  |  |     INVESTMENT TRUST      |  ||  |      SECURITIES CORP.     |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Common Stock: 5,000       |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 10,000      |  ||  |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| ------------  Shares      |--|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY   |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |  ||  |       OF TEXAS, INC.     |
|               Cost        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |  ||  |                          |
|               ----        |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |  ||  |                          |
| NW Life -100% $529,728    |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $153,000     |  ||  |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                 ||                    
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------   ||   --------------------------
|     NATIONWIDE REALTY     |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||  |   AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.  |  ||  |                          |
|      PROPERTIES, LTD.     |  |  |         INVESTING         |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
|                           |  |  |         FOUNDATION        |  ||  |                           |  ||  |                          |
| Units:                    |  |  |                           |  ||  | Common Stock: 100         |  ||  |          AFFILIATE       |
| ------                    - -|  |                           |==||  | ------------  Shares      |--||==|          AGENCY OF       |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |                           |      |          OHIO, INC.      |
|                           |  |  |                           |  ||  |               Cost        |      |                          |
| NW Life -90%              |  |  |                           |  ||  |               ----        |      |                          |
| NW Mutual-10%             |  |  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||  | NFIDAI -100% $100         |      |                          |
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||   ---------------------------        --------------------------
                               |                                 ||                                                                
 ---------------------------   |   ---------------------------   ||                               
|        NATIONWIDE         |  |  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
|       PROPERTIES, LTD.    |  |  |          INVESTING        |  ||                               
|                           |  |  |        FOUNDATION II      |  ||                               
| Units:                    - -|  |                           |  ||                               
| ------                    |     |                           |==||                               
|                           |     |                           |  ||                               
|                           |     |                           |  ||                               
| NW Life -97.6%            |     |                           |  ||                               
| NW Mutual -2.4%           |     |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |  ||                               
 ---------------------------       ---------------------------   ||                               
                                                                 ||                               
                                   ---------------------------   ||                               
                                  |         NATIONWIDE        |  ||                               
                                  |      SEPARATE ACCOUNT     |  ||                               
                                  |            TRUST          |  ||                               
                                  |                           |  ||                               
                                  |                           |__||                               
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |                           |                                   
                                  |      COMMON LAW TRUST     |                                   
                                   ---------------------------                                    
</TABLE>                           
<PAGE>   66
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           (Center)
                                               NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE (R)
<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|               INSURANCE COMPANY                |==========================================
                                        |                  (CASUALTY)                    |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
                                                                 |        ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |        |     
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                              |    NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW CORP)   |
                                              |   Common Stock:           Control     |
                                              |   ------------            -------     |
                                              |    13,642,432               100%      |
                                              |              Shares      Cost         |
                                              |             ------      ----          |
                                              | Casualty    12,992,922   $751,352,485 |
                                              | Fire           649,510     24,007,936 |
                                               ---------------------------------------
                                                                  |-----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    ---------------------------                      |
                                                   |    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |                     |
                                                   |    SERVICES, INC. (NFS)   |                     | 
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   | Common Stock: Control     |                     |
                                                   | ------------  -------     |                     |
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   |                           |                     |
                                                   | Class A     Public--100%  |                     |
                                                   | Class B     NW Corp--100% |                     |
                                                    ---------------------------                      |
                                                                  |                                  |     
              ----------------------------------------------------------------------                 | 
              |                               |                                    |                 |
 ---------------------------    ---------------------------         ---------------------------      |   ------------------------- 
|    IRVIN L. SCHWARTZ      |  | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT  |       |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |     |  |    NATIONWIDE GLOBAL    |
|       & ASSOCIATES        |  |   SERVICES CORPORATION    |       |   INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |     |  |      HOLDINGS, INC.     |
|                           |  |         (PEBSCO)          |       |             (NEA)         |     |  |                         | 
| Common Stock: Control     |  | Common Stock: 236,494     |==||   | Common Stock: 500         |= || |  | Common Stock: 1 Share   | 
| ------------  -------     |  | ------------  Shares      |  ||   | ------------  Shares      |  || |--| ------------            | 
|                           |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |                         | 
|                           |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |             Cost        | 
| Class A     Other -100%   |  |                           |  ||   |                           |  || |  |             ----        | 
| Class B     NFS -100%     |  | NFS -100%                 |  ||   | NFS -100%                 |  || |  | NW Corp-100%  $7,000,00 | 
- ----------------------------   ----------------------------   ||   ----------------------------   || |  --------------------------  
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   || |                              
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  || |  --------------------------  
                               |          ALABAMA          |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  || |  |   MRM INVESTMENT, INC.  | 
                               |                           |  ||   |     OF ALABAMA, INC.      |  || |  |                         | 
                               | Common Stock: 100,000     |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  || |  |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--|| __ | Common Stock: 1 Share   | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    | -----------             | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |             Cost        | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $1,000      |  ||   | NEA -100%      $5,000     |  ||    |             ----        | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    | NW Corp.-100% $7,000,000| 
                                                              ||                                  ||    --------------------------  
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||                                
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||                                
                               |         ARKANSAS          |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||                                
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF ARIZONA, INC.     |  ||                                
                               | Common Stock: 50,000      |  ||   | Common Stock: 100         |  ||                                
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||                                
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||                                
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||                                
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||                                
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $500        |  ||   | NEA -100%     $1,000      |  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||                                
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||                                
                               |  PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS  |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||                                
                               |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||                                
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |  ||                                
                               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  ||                                
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||                                
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||                                
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||                                
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||                                
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $1,000      |  ||   | NEA -100%     $500        |  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||                                
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||     -------------------------  
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |          MONTANA          |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||    |    INVESTOR SERVICES    | 
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF NEVADA, INC.      |  ||    |      OF OHIO, INC.      | 
                               | Common Stock: 500         |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  ||    |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||====|                         | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         |
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |                         | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $500        |  ||   | NEA -100%     $500        |  ||    |                         | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||     -------------------------  
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |        NEW MEXICO         |  ||   |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |  ||    |    INVESTOR SERVICES    | 
                               |                           |  ||   |      OF WYOMING, INC.     |  ||    |    OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    | 
                               | Common Stock: 1,000       |  ||   | Common Stock: 500         |  ||    |                         | 
                               | ------------  Shares      |--||   | ------------  Shares      |--||====|                         | 
                               |                           |  ||   |                           |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               Cost        |  ||   |               Cost        |  ||    |                         | 
                               |               ----        |  ||   |               ----        |  ||    |                         | 
                               | PEBSCO -100%  $1,000      |  ||   | NEA -100%     $500        |  ||    |                         | 
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                                                              ||                                  ||                                
                                ---------------------------   ||    ---------------------------   ||    --------------------------  
                               |                           |  ||   |     NEA VALUEBUILDER      |  ||    |    NEA VALUEBUILDER     | 
                               |                           |  ||   |    SERVICES INSURANCE     |  ||    |   INVESTOR SERVICES     | 
                               |         PEBSCO OF         |  ||   |       AGENCY, INC.        |  ||    |     OF TEXAS, INC.      | 
                               |        TEXAS, INC.        |  ||   | Common Stock: 100         |  ||    |                         | 
                               |                           |==||   | ------------  Shares      |--||=== |                         |
                               |                           |       |                           |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       |               Cost        |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       |               ----        |        |                         | 
                               |                           |       | NEA -100%     $1,000      |        |                         | 
                                ---------------------------         ---------------------------         --------------------------  
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   67
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                            (Right)

<S>            <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                        |               NATIONWIDE MUTUAL                |
========================================|            FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY              |
                                        |                   (FIRE)                       |
                                         ------------------------------------------------
                                                                 |
- -----------------------------------------------------------------|   












- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              |                                |                              |
                ---------------------------         ------------------------------       ------------------------------
               |      GATES, MCDONALD        |     |   EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE   |     |          NATIONWIDE          |
               |     & COMPANY (GATES)       |     |       OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)      |     |    HEALTH PLANS, INC. (NHP)  |
               |                             |     |                              |     |                              |
               | Common Stock:   254         |     | Common Stock:   250,000      |     | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |  |  |                 Cost         |  |  |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |  |  |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | NW CORP. -100%  $25,683,532 |  |  | NW CORP. -100%  $126,509,480 |  |  | NW CORP. -100%  $14,603,732  |
           |    -----------------------------   |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                    |                                    |
           |    ---------------------------     |   ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |  |  |       WAUSAU PREFERRED       |  |  |    NATIONWIDE MANAGEMENT     |
           |   |      OF NEW YORK, INC.      |  |  |      HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |  |  |         SYSTEMS, INC.        |
           |   |                             |  |  |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   3           |  |  | Common Stock:   200          |  |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  |--| ------------    Shares       |  |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |     |                              |  |  |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |     |                 Cost         |  |  | NHP             Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |     |                 ----         |  |  |                 ----         |
           |   | GATES -100%     $106,947    |     | ELIOW -100%     $57,413,193  |  |  | Inc. -100%      $25,149      |
           |    -----------------------------       ------------------------------   |   ------------------------------
           |                                                                         |
           |    -----------------------------                                        |   ------------------------------
           |   |  GATES, MCDONALD & COMPANY  |                                       |  |            NATIONWIDE        |
           |   |         OF NEVADA           |                                       |  |          AGENCY, INC.        |
           |   |                             |                                       |  |                              |
           |   | Common Stock:   40          |                                       |  | Common Stock:   100          |        
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |                                       |--| ------------    Shares       |
           |   |                             |                                          |                              |
           |   |                 Cost        |                                          |                 Cost         | 
           |   |                 ----        |                                          | NHP             ----         |
           |   | Gates -100%     $93,750     |                                          | Inc. -99%       $116,077     |
           |    -----------------------------                                            ------------------------------
           |
           |    -----------------------------     
           |   |       GATESMCDONALD         |  
           |   |     HEALTH PLUS, INC.       |  
           |   |                             |  
           |   | Common Stock:   200         |       
           |-- | ------------    Shares      |  
               |                             |  
               |                 Cost        |  
               |                 ----        |  
               | Gates -100%     $2,000,000  |  
                -----------------------------   









                                                                                Subsidiary Companies    --   Solid Line

                                                                                Contractual Association  --  Double Line
                                                                                
                                                                                Limited Liability Company -- Dotted Line




     
                                                                                                         December 31, 1997

                                                                                                                    Page 2
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                                              
<PAGE>   68
Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS
   
              The number of contract Owners of Qualified and Non-Qualified
              Contracts as of January 31, 1998 was 901 and 68, respectively.
    

Item 28.      INDEMNIFICATION
              Provision is made in the Company's Amended and Restated Code of
              Regulations and expressly authorized by the General Corporation
              Law of the State of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of
              any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
              party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
              proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
              investigative by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
              director, officer or employee of the Company, against expenses,
              including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in
              settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in
              connection with such action, suit or proceeding, to the extent and
              under the circumstances permitted by the General Corporation Law
              of the State of Ohio. 

              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
              Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors,
              officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the
              foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the
              opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
              indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
              and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
              indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
              by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
              officer or controlling person of the 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, the 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 Act and will be governed by the final
              adjudication of such issue.

Item 29.      PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

              (a)  Nationwide Advisory Services, Inc. ("NAS") acts as principal
                   underwriter and general distributor for the Nationwide
                   Multi-Flex Variable Account, Nationwide DC Variable Account,
                   Nationwide DCVA-II, Nationwide Variable Account-II,
                   Nationwide Variable Account-5, Nationwide Variable
                   Account-6, Nationwide Variable Account-8, Nationwide VA
                   Separate Account-A, Nationwide VA Separate Account-B,
                   Nationwide VA Separate Account-C, Nationwide VL Separate
                   Account-A, Nationwide VL Separate Account-B, Nationwide VLI
                   Separate Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo
                   Variable Account and Nationwide Variable Account, all of
                   which are separate investment accounts of the Company or its
                   affiliates.

   
                   NAS also acts as principal underwriter for Nationwide
                   Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
                   Financial Horizons Investment Trust, Nationwide Asset
                   Allocation Trust and Nationwide Investing Foundation II, and
                   Nationwide Investing Foundation III which are open-end
                   management investment companies.
    

              (b)             NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                                     DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                                        WITH UNDERWRITER
<S>                                                                    <C>
Joseph J. Gasper                                                       President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Dimon R. McFerson                                              Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                                                        Chairman and
Columbus, OH  43215                                             Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                                                 Insurance Enterprise and Director

Robert A. Oakley                                             Executive Vice President - Chief Financial
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH  43215
</TABLE>

                                   94 of 103
<PAGE>   69
         (b)                  NATIONWIDE ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
                                   DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                      <C>
Susan A. Wolken                                                               Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Robert J. Woodward, Jr.                                     Executive Vice President - Chief Investment
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    Officer and Director
Columbus, OH 43215

Elizabeth A. Davin                                                      Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

W. Sidney Druen                                                      Senior Vice President and
One Nationwide Plaza                                                    General Counsel and
Columbus, OH  43215                                                     Assistant Secretary

Dennis W. Click                                                              Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Peter J. Neckermann                                                        Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

James F. Laird, Jr.                                                  Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza                                                          Manager
Columbus, OH  43215

Edwin P. Mc Causland                                             Senior Vice President-Fixed Income
One Nationwide Plaza                                                         Securities
Columbus, OH 43215

William G. Goslee
One Nationwide Plaza                                                       Vice President
Columbus, OH  43215

Charles Bath
One Nationwide Plaza                                                Vice President - Investments
Columbus, OH  43215

Joseph P. Rath                                                      Vice President - Compliance
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Christopher A. Cray                                                          Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

David E. Simaitis                                                       Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215

Patricia J. Smith                                                       Assistant Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215
</TABLE>
    

      (c)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            NAME OF PRINCIPAL      NET UNDERWRITING        COMPENSATION ON     BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS      COMPENSATION
               UNDERWRITER           DISCOUNTS AND          REDEMPTION OR
                                      COMMISSIONS           ANNUITIZATION
           <S>                            <C>                    <C>                    <C>                    <C>
           Nationwide Advisory            N/A                    N/A                    N/A                    N/A
             Services, Inc.
</TABLE>



                                   95 of 103
<PAGE>   70


Item 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
              Robert O. Cline
              Nationwide Life Insurance Company
              One Nationwide Plaza
              Columbus, OH  43216

Item 31.      MANAGEMENT SERVICES
              Not Applicable

Item 32.      UNDERTAKINGS
              The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

              (a)   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)   Include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
                    contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an
                    applicant can check to request a Statement of Additional
                    Information, or (2) a post card or similar written
                    communication affixed to or included in the prospectus that
                    the applicant can remove to send for a Statement of
                    Additional Information; and

              (c)   Deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
                    financial statements required to be made available under
                    this form promptly upon written or oral request.

              The Registrant represents that any of the Contracts which are
              issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code are issued by the
              Company through the Registrant in reliance upon, and in compliance
              with a no-action letter issued by the staff of the Securities and
              Exchange Commission to the American Council of Life Insurance
              (publicly available November 28, 1988) permitting withdrawal
              restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with Section
              403(b)(11) of the Code.

              The Company represents that the fees and charges deducted under
              the Contract in the aggregate are reasonable in relation to the
              services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred, and the
              risks assumed by the Company.



                                   96 of 103
<PAGE>   71







                                   Offered by
                        Nationwide Life Insurance Company







                        NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY







                         Nationwide Variable Account - 5

                       Deferred Variable Annuity Contract






                                   PROSPECTUS






   
                                   May 1, 1998
    








                                   97 of 103
<PAGE>   72


                       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT AND
                    REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life Insurance Company and Contract Owners
of the Nationwide Variable Account-5:



   
The audits referred to in our report on Nationwide Life Insurance Company (the
Company) dated January 30, 1998 included the related financial statement
schedules as of December 31, 1997, and for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997, included in the registration statement. These
financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statement schedules based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth herein.
    

We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.


                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
   
April 24, 1998
    



                                   98 of 103
<PAGE>   73

<PAGE>   1



                                                                     SCHEDULE I

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -
                    OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
                            (in millions of dollars)

                             As of December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------  --------------  ---------------
                                  Column A                                        Column B       Column C         Column D
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------  --------------  ---------------
                                                                                                                 Amount at
                                                                                                                which shown
                                                                                                                   in the
                                                                                                  Market        consolidated
                             Type of Investment                                     Cost           value       balance sheet
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------  --------------  ---------------
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
   Bonds:
<S>                                                                              <C>            <C>             <C>       
      U.S. Government and government agencies and authorities                    $  3,859.7     $  3,981.7      $  3,981.7
      States, municipalities and political subdivisions                                 1.6            1.6             1.6
      Foreign governments                                                              93.3           95.8            95.8
      Public utilities                                                              1,555.3        1,609.8         1,609.8
      All other corporate                                                           7,223.0        7,515.2         7,515.2
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------
          Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale                       12,732.9       13,204.1        13,204.1
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------

Equity securities available-for-sale:
   Common stocks:
      Industrial, miscellaneous and all other                                          67.8           78.0            78.0
   Non-redeemable preferred stock                                                       -              2.4             2.4
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------
          Total equity securities available-for-sale                                   67.8           80.4            80.4
                                                                                 ----------     ----------      ----------

Mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                  5,228.1                        5,181.6   (1)
Real estate, net:
   Investment properties                                                              254.9                          235.7   (1)
   Acquired in satisfaction of debt                                                    82.6                           75.7   (1)
Policy loans                                                                          415.3                          415.3
Other long-term investments                                                            27.9                           25.2   (2)
Short-term investments                                                                358.4                          358.4
                                                                                 ----------                     ----------
          Total investments                                                       $19,167.9                      $19,576.4
                                                                                 ==========                     ==========
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1)  Difference from Column B is primarily due to valuation allowances due to
     impairments on mortgage loans on real estate and due to accumulated
     depreciation and valuation allowances due to impairments on real estate.
     See note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
(2)  Difference from Column B is primarily due to operating gains (losses) of
     investments in limited partnerships.

See accompanying independent auditors' report.


<PAGE>   2


                                                                  SCHEDULE III

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
                            (in millions of dollars)

   As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------   ----------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
              Column A                  Column B          Column C             Column D           Column E          Column F
- --------------------------------   ----------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
                                        Deferred        Future policy                           Other policy
                                         policy       benefits, losses,        Unearned          claims and
                                      acquisition        claims and            premiums       benefits payable      Premium
              Segment                    costs          loss expenses            (1)                 (1)            revenue
- -------------------------------   ------------------ -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------

1997: Variable Annuities                $1,018.4       $         -                                                 $     -
          Fixed Annuities                  277.9            14,103.1                                                    27.3
          Life Insurance                   472.9             2,683.4                                                   178.1
          Corporate and Other             (103.8)            1,916.3                                                     -
                                        --------       -------------                                               ---------
             Total                      $1,665.4           $18,702.8                                               $   205.4
                                        ========       =============                                               =========

1996: Variable Annuities                $  792.1       $         -                                                 $     -
          Fixed Annuities                  242.0            13,388.9                                                    24.0
          Life Insurance                   414.4             2,391.5                                                   174.6
          Corporate and Other              (82.0)            1,820.2                                                     -
                                        --------       -------------                                               ---------
             Total                      $1,366.5           $17,600.6                                               $   198.6
                                        ========       =============                                               =========

1995: Variable Annuities                $  569.8       $         -                                                 $     -
          Fixed Annuities                  220.7            12,759.3                                                    32.8
          Life Insurance                   366.9             2,282.6                                                   166.3
          Corporate and Other             (136.9)            1,730.0                                                     -
                                        --------       -------------                                               ---------
             Total                      $1,020.5       $    16,771.9                                               $   199.1
                                        ========       =============                                               =========


- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------
              Column A                  Column G          Column H             Column I           Column J          Column K
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ----------------
                                     Net investment   Benefits, claims,      Amortization           Other
                                         income          losses and       of deferred policy      operating         Premiums
              Segment                     (2)        settlement expenses  acquisition costs       expenses          written
                                                                                                     (2)
- ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------ ---------------

<C>                                    <C>             <C>                     <C>                  <C>   
1997: Variable Annuities                $  (26.8)         $      5.9           $  87.8             $ 159.4
          Fixed Annuities                1,098.2               846.7              39.8                85.4
          Life Insurance                   189.1               227.5              39.6                94.5
          Corporate and Other              148.7               114.7               -                  45.6
                                        --------          ----------           -------             -------
             Total                      $1,409.2          $  1,194.8           $ 167.2             $ 384.9
                                        ========          ==========           =======             =======

1996: Variable Annuities                $  (21.4)         $      4.6           $  57.4             $ 132.3
          Fixed Annuities                1,050.6               838.5              38.6                79.7
          Life Insurance                   174.0               211.4              37.4                79.0
          Corporate and Other              154.6               106.1               -                  51.4
                                        --------          ----------           -------             -------
             Total                      $1,357.8          $  1,160.6           $ 133.4             $ 342.4
                                        ========          ==========           =======             =======

1995: Variable Annuities                $  (17.6)         $      2.9           $  26.3             $ 109.1
          Fixed Annuities                1,002.7               805.0              29.5                80.3
          Life Insurance                   171.2               202.0              31.0                68.8
          Corporate and Other              137.7               105.6              (4.1)               14.8
                                        --------          ----------           -------             -------
             Total                      $1,294.0          $  1,115.5           $  82.7             $ 273.0
                                        ========          ==========           =======             =======
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Unearned premiums and other policy claims and benefits payable are included
    in Column C amounts.
(2) Allocations of net investment income and certain operating expenses are
    based on a number of assumptions and estimates, and reported operating
    results would change by segment if different methods were applied.


See accompanying independent auditors' report.




<PAGE>   3


                                                                    SCHEDULE IV

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                   REINSURANCE
                            (in millions of dollars)

   As of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and for each of the years then ended

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------   ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   ------------
                   Column A                          Column B        Column C        Column D        Column E       Column F
- -----------------------------------------------   ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   ------------
                                                                                                                   Percentage
                                                                     Ceded to        Assumed                        of amount
                                                      Gross            other        from other         Net           assumed
                                                      amount         companies      companies         amount         to net
                                                  ---------------  --------------  -------------   -------------   ------------

<S>                                                  <C>             <C>               <C>           <C>                 <C> 
1997:
  Life insurance in force                           $ 52,648.4       $13,678.7       $  289.7      $  39,259.4           0.7%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======

  Premiums:
    Life insurance                                  $    235.9       $    32.7       $    2.2      $     205.4           1.1%
    Accident and health insurance                        261.2           272.6           11.4              -             N/A
                                                   -----------       ----------      ---------     -----------        -------
        Total                                       $    497.1       $   305.3       $   13.6      $     205.4            6.6%
                                                   ===========       =========       =========     ===========        =======


1996:
  Life insurance in force                            $47,150.6       $11,164.6       $  288.6      $  36,274.6            0.8%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======

  Premiums:
    Life insurance                                  $    225.6       $    29.3       $    2.3      $     198.6            1.2%
    Accident and health insurance                        291.9           305.8           13.9              -            N/A
                                                   -----------       ---------       --------      -----------        -------
        Total                                       $    517.5       $   335.1       $   16.2      $     198.6            8.2%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======


1995:
  Life Insurance in force                            $41,087.9       $ 8,935.7       $  391.2      $  32,543.4            1.2%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======

  Premiums:
    Life insurance                                  $    221.3       $    24.4       $    2.2      $     199.1            1.1%
    Accident and health insurance                        298.0           313.0           15.0              -            N/A
                                                   -----------       ---------       --------      -----------        -------
        Total                                       $    519.3       $   337.4       $   17.2      $     199.1            8.6%
                                                   ===========       =========       ========      ===========        =======
</TABLE>
- ----------
Note:  The life insurance caption represents principally premiums from
       traditional life insurance and life-contingent immediate annuities and
       excludes deposits on investment products and universal life insurance
       products.

See accompanying independent auditors' report.




<PAGE>   4


                                                                    SCHEDULE V

               NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

                        VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                            (in millions of dollars)

                  Years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
                        Column A                            Column B             Column C              Column D      Column E
- ---------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
                                                           Balance at    Charged to     Charged to                  Balance at
                                                            beginning     costs and       other       Deductions      end of
Description                                                 of period     expenses       accounts        (1)          period
- ---------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------

<S>                                                          <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>  
1997:
  Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities          $    -          $ 16.2         $  -          $ 16.2       $   -
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate          51.0          (1.2)           -             7.3          42.5
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            15.2          (4.1)           -             -            11.1
                                                            --------        ------       -------        -------       -------
      Total                                                 $   66.2        $ 10.9         $  -          $ 23.5       $  53.6
                                                            ========        ======       =======        =======       =======


1996:
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate      $   49.1        $  4.5         $  -          $  2.6       $  51.0
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            25.8         (10.6)           -             -            15.2
                                                            --------        ------       -------        -------       -------
      Total                                                 $   74.9        $ (6.1)        $  -          $  2.6       $  66.2
                                                            ========        ======       =======        =======       =======


1995:
  Valuation allowances - fixed maturity securities          $    -          $  8.9         $  -          $  8.9       $   -
  Valuation allowances - mortgage loans on real estate          46.4           7.4            -             4.7          49.1
  Valuation allowances - real estate                            27.3          (1.5)           -             -            25.8
                                                            --------        ------       -------        -------       -------
      Total                                                 $   73.7        $ 14.8         $  -          $ 13.6       $  74.9
                                                            ========        ======       =======        =======       =======
</TABLE>

- ----------
(1) Amounts represent direct write-downs charged against the valuation
allowance.




See accompanying independent auditors' report.


<PAGE>   74
                                   SIGNATURES

   
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5, certifies that it meets the
requirements of Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this
Post-Effective Amendment and has caused this Post-Effective Amendment to be
signed on its behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 24th
day of April, 1998.
    
                                           NATIONWIDE VARIABLE ACCOUNT-5
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                  (Registrant)
      
                                         NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                   (Depositor)
      
                                  By:            JOSEPH P. RATH
                                     -------------------------------------------
                                                 Joseph P. Rath
   
                                        Vice President - Product and Market 
                                                   Compliance

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-Effective Amendment has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 24th day
of April, 1998.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  SIGNATURE                                          TITLE

<S>                                                                <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                                    Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin

A. I. BELL                                                         Director
- -------------------------------------------------
A. I. Bell

KEITH W. ECKEL                                                     Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel

WILLARD J. ENGEL                                                   Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel

FRED C. FINNEY                                                     Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney

CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.                                          Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.

JOSEPH J. GASPER                                                 President and Chief
- -------------------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper                                           Operating Office and Director

DIMON R. McFERSON                                        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- -------------------------------------------------
Dimon R. McFerson                                Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and Director

DAVID O. MILLER                                       Chairman of the Board and Director
- -------------------------------------------------
David O. Miller

YVONNE L. MONTGOMERY                                               Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Yvonne L. Montgomery

C. RAY NOECKER                                                     Director
- -------------------------------------------------
C. Ray Noecker

ROBERT A. OAKLEY                                           Executive Vice President-
- -------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Oakley                                            Chief Financial Officer

JAMES F. PATTERSON                                                 Director                      By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
- -------------------------------------------------                                       ----------------------------
James F. Patterson                                                                                 Joseph P. Rath
                                                                                                   Attorney-in-fact
ARDEN L. SHISLER                                                   Director                        
- -------------------------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler

ROBERT L. STEWART                                                  Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart

NANCY C. THOMAS                                                    Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas

HAROLD W. WEIHL                                                    Director
- -------------------------------------------------
Harold W. Weihl
</TABLE>
    


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