SEPARATE ACCOUNT A OF PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE INS CO
497, 1997-06-04
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<PAGE>
 
                              PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS

                                  PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
                         
                            
                        [PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS LOGO]      








                                                          Prospectuses For:

                                                          Pacific Portfolios
                                                          Variable Annuity
                                                          Dated May 1, 1997


                                                          Pacific Select Fund
                                                          Dated May 1, 1997


        Issued by:

[Pacific Mutual Life Logo] 
<PAGE>
 
                                              PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS
 
                                    AN INDIVIDUAL FLEXIBLE PREMIUM DEFERRED
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT
 
                                    ISSUED BY PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE
                                                    COMPANY
                                        MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 7187
                                        PASADENA, CALIFORNIA 91109-7187
                                                1-800-722-2333
[LOGO
OF PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS]
 
  This Prospectus describes Pacific Portfolios (the "Contract") offered by
Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company ("Pacific Mutual Life," "we," "us," or
"our"). The Contracts provide Policyholders (Contract Owners," "Owners," "you"
or "your") with flexibility in long-term financial planning, including planning
for retirement. Contracts are available both to individuals and under certain
tax-qualified retirement plans. Payout options under the Contracts include
variable annuities funded through our Separate Account A (the "Separate
Account") and fixed annuities funded through our General Account.
 
  Thirteen Variable Investment Options are currently available; each is a
subaccount of the Separate Account, and provides variable returns by investing
in shares of a corresponding Portfolio of Pacific Select Fund:
 
<TABLE>
            <S>                              <C>
            Money Market Portfolio           Multi-Strategy Portfolio
            High Yield Bond Portfolio        Equity Portfolio
            Managed Bond Portfolio           Bond and Income Portfolio
            Government Securities Portfolio  Equity Index Portfolio
            Aggressive Equity Portfolio      International Portfolio
            Growth LT Portfolio              Emerging Markets Portfolio
            Equity Income Portfolio
</TABLE>
 
  In addition, the following Options each provide a fixed rate of return and
are funded through our General Account:
 
                  Fixed Option
                  Guaranteed Interest Options with the following Guarantee
                  Terms:
                   Three-Year
                   Six-Year
                   Ten-Year
 
  THIS PROSPECTUS PROVIDES INFORMATION THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING
A CONTRACT. IN ADDITION, THIS PROSPECTUS IS ACCOMPANIED BY A CURRENT
PROSPECTUS FOR THE PACIFIC SELECT FUND. YOU SHOULD READ BOTH OF THESE
PROSPECTUSES CAREFULLY AND RETAIN THEM FOR YOUR FUTURE REFERENCE.
   
  Additional information about the Contract and the Separate Account has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Statement of Additional
Information ("SAI"), dated May 1, 1997. You may obtain a free copy of the SAI
by writing or calling Pacific Mutual Life. The information contained in the
SAI is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. The table of contents
for the SAI appears on page 43 of this Prospectus.     
 
                                ---------------
 
   THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
      AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
         ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
            TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                ---------------
 
 THE CONTRACT IS NOT A DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
  BY, ANY BANK.  IT  IS NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
   INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE  FEDERAL RESERVE  BOARD, OR ANY OTHER
     GOVERNMENT AGENCY. INVESTMENT IN A CONTRACT INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING
       POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
                                ---------------
 
THE CONTRACT IS NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES AND THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
 CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH AN OFFER  MAY NOT BE
  MADE LAWFULLY.  NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE
  ANY REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS
   OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE RELATED SAI (OR
    ANY SALES LITERATURE APPROVED BY PACIFIC MUTUAL), AND ANY SUCH
     UNAUTHORIZED INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION IS, IF GIVEN OR MADE, NOT
     TO BE RELIED UPON.
 
                              DATED: MAY 1, 1997
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
SPECIAL DEFINITIONS........................................................   4

SUMMARY....................................................................   7

FEE TABLE..................................................................   8

WHY BUY A CONTRACT.........................................................  12

YOUR INVESTMENT OPTIONS....................................................  12
  Your Variable Investment Options.........................................  12
  Variable Investment Option Performance...................................  14
  Your Fixed Option and GIOs...............................................  14

PURCHASING YOUR CONTRACT...................................................  14
  How to Apply for Your Contract...........................................  14
  Making Your Purchase Payments............................................  15

HOW YOUR PAYMENTS ARE ALLOCATED............................................  15
  Choosing Your Investment Options.........................................  15
  Investing in Variable Investment Options.................................  15
  When Your Investment is Effective........................................  16
  Transfers................................................................  16

CHARGES, FEES AND DEDUCTIONS...............................................  17
  Withdrawal Charge........................................................  17
  Premium Taxes............................................................  18
  Annual Fee...............................................................  19
  Waivers and Reduced Charges..............................................  19
  Mortality and Expense Risk Charge........................................  20
  Administrative Fee.......................................................  20
  Expenses of the Fund.....................................................  20

RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER PAYOUTS......................................  20
  Selecting Your Annuitant.................................................  20
  Annuitization............................................................  21
  Choosing Your Annuity Date ("Annuity Start Date")........................  21
  Default Annuity Date and Options.........................................  21
  Choosing Your Annuity Option.............................................  22
  Your Annuity Payments....................................................  23
  Death Benefits...........................................................  23

WITHDRAWALS................................................................  26
  Optional Withdrawals.....................................................  26
  Tax Consequences of Withdrawals..........................................  28
  Short-Term Cancellation Right ("Free Look")..............................  28

PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT...............................  29
  Pacific Mutual Life......................................................  29
  Separate Account A.......................................................  29

FEDERAL TAX STATUS.........................................................  30
  Taxes Payable by Contract Owners: General Rules..........................  31
  Qualified Contracts......................................................  32
  Loans....................................................................  33
</TABLE>    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
  Withholding..............................................................  35
  Impact of Federal Income Taxes...........................................  35
  Taxes on Pacific Mutual Life.............................................  36

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.....................................................  36
  Voting Rights............................................................  36
  Changes to Your Contract.................................................  36
  Changes to ALL Contracts.................................................  37
  Inquiries and Submitting Forms and Requests..............................  38
  Telephone Transactions...................................................  38
  Timing of Payments and Transactions......................................  39
  Confirmations, Statements, and Other Reports to Contract Owners..........  39
  Financial Statements.....................................................  40

THE GENERAL ACCOUNT........................................................  40
  General Information......................................................  40
  Guarantee Terms..........................................................  40
  Withdrawals and Transfers................................................  41

CONTENTS OF THE SAI........................................................  43

APPENDIX A: STATE LAW VARIATIONS...........................................  44

APPENDIX B: MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT........................................  45
</TABLE>    
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                              SPECIAL DEFINITIONS
 
In this Prospectus, "we," "our" and "us" refer to Pacific Mutual Life
Insurance Company ("Pacific Mutual Life"); "you" and "your" refer to the
Contract Owner.
 
Account Value--The amount of your Contract Value allocated to a specified
Variable Investment Option, the Fixed Option or to a GIO.
 
Annual Fee--A $40 fee charged each year on your Contract Anniversary and at
the time of a full withdrawal, if your Net Contract Value is less than $50,000
on that date.
 
Annuitant--A person on whose life annuity payments may be determined. An
Annuitant's life may also be used to determine certain increases in death
benefits, and to determine the Annuity Date. A Contract may name a single
("sole") Annuitant or two ("Joint") Annuitants, and may also name a
"Contingent" Annuitant. If you name Joint Annuitants or a Contingent
Annuitant, "the Annuitant" means the sole surviving Annuitant, unless
otherwise stated.
 
Annuity Date ("Annuity Start Date")--The date specified in your Contract, or
the date you later elect, if any, for the start of annuity payments if the
Annuitant (or Joint Annuitants) is (or are) still living and your Contract is
in force; or if earlier, the date that annuity payments actually begin.
 
Annuity Option--Any one of the income options available for a series of
payments after your Annuity Date.
 
Beneficiary--A person who may have a right to receive the death benefit
payable upon the death of the Annuitant or a Contract Owner prior to the
Annuity Date, or has a right to receive remaining guaranteed annuity payments,
if any, if the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Date.
 
Business Day--Any day on which the value of an amount invested in a Variable
Investment Option is determined, which currently includes each day that the
New York Stock Exchange is open for trading and on which our administrative
offices are open. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on weekends and on the
following holidays: New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. We may choose
to close on other holidays, a day immediately preceding or following a
national holiday, or in emergency situations. In this Prospectus, "day" or
"date" means Business Day unless otherwise specified. If any transaction or
event called for under a Contract is scheduled to occur on a day that is not a
Business Day, such transaction or event will be deemed to occur on the next
following Business Day unless otherwise specified. Special circumstances such
as leap years and months with fewer than 31 days are discussed in the SAI.
Each Business Day ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time or at the close of the New
York Stock Exchange, if earlier.
 
Code--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
Contingent Annuitant--A person, named in your Contract, who will become your
sole surviving Annuitant if your existing sole Annuitant (or both Joint
Annuitants) should die.
 
Contingent Owner--A person, named in your Contract, who will succeed to the
rights as a Contract Owner of your Contract if all named Contract Owners die
before your Annuity Date.
 
Contract Anniversary--The same date, in each subsequent year, as your Contract
Date.
 
Contract Date--The date we issue your Contract.
 
Contract Debt--As of the end of any given Business Day, the principal amount
you have outstanding on any loan under your Contract, plus any accrued and
unpaid interest. Loans are available only on certain Qualified Contracts.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Contract Owner, Owner, Policyholder, you, or your--Generally, a person who
purchases a Contract and makes the Purchase Payments. A Contract Owner has all
rights in the Contract, including the right to make withdrawals, designate and
change beneficiaries, transfer amounts among Investment Options, and designate
an Annuity Option. If your Contract names Joint Owners, both Joint Owners are
Contract Owners and share all such rights.
 
Contract Value--As of the end of any Business Day, the sum of your Variable
Account Value, Fixed Option Value, GIO Value and the Loan Account Value.
 
Contract Year--A year that starts on the Contract Date or on a Contract
Anniversary.
 
Earnings--As of the end of any Business Day, your Earnings equal your Contract
Value less your aggregate Purchase Payments which are reduced by withdrawals
of prior Purchase Payments.
 
Fixed Option--If you allocate all or a part of your Purchase Payments or
Contract Value to the Fixed Option, such amounts are held in our General
Account and receive interest at rates declared periodically, but not less than
an annual rate of 3%.
 
Fixed Option Value--The aggregate amount of your Contract Value allocated to
the Fixed Option.
 
Fund--Pacific Select Fund.
 
General Account--Our General Account consists of all of our assets other than
those assets allocated to Separate Account A or to any of our other separate
accounts.
 
Guaranteed Interest Rate--The interest rate guaranteed at the time of
allocation (or rollover) for the Guarantee Term on amounts allocated to the
Fixed Option or a Guaranteed Interest Option. All Guaranteed Interest Rates
are expressed as annual rates and interest is accrued daily. The rate will not
be less than an annual rate of 3%.
 
Guaranteed Interest Option ("GIO")--If you allocate all or part of your
Purchase Payments or Contract Value to one or more GIOs, such amounts are
subject to a particular Guaranteed Interest Rate for the Guarantee Term
selected. GIO amounts are held in our General Account and are subject to a
Market Value Adjustment if annuitized, withdrawn or transferred prior to the
end of the Guarantee Term. Each new allocation will receive the Guaranteed
Interest Rate then applicable to new allocations for the selected Guarantee
Term.
 
GIO Value--The aggregate amount of your Contract Value allocated to all GIOs.
 
Guarantee Term--The period during which an amount you allocate to the Fixed
Option or to a GIO earns a Guaranteed Interest Rate. These terms are up to
one-year for the Fixed Option and three-, six- and ten-years for the GIOs.
 
GIO Term Value--The aggregate amount under your Contract allocated to all GIOs
that have the same length Guarantee Term. The GIO Term Value is based on the
original Guarantee Term, not the time remaining in the Guarantee Term. The GIO
Term Value is used in determining which GIOs will be accessed when you make a
withdrawal or transfer.
 
Investment Option--A Variable Account, the Fixed Option or a GIO offered under
the Contract.
 
Joint Annuitant--If your Contract is a Non-Qualified Contract, you may name
two Annuitants, called "Joint Annuitants," in your application for your
Contract. Special restrictions apply for Qualified Contracts.
 
Loan Account Value--The amount transferred from your Investment Options to the
General Account to secure a Contract Loan, increased by interest earned and
decreased by any principal repayments and/or withdrawals or transfers of
interest earned.
 
Market Value Adjustment ("MVA")--The adjustment made to any amount annuitized,
transferred or withdrawn from a GIO prior to the end of its Guarantee Term.
This adjustment reflects the impact of changes in applicable interest rates
between the time the Purchase Payment(s) and/or Contract Value is allocated to
a specific GIO and the time of the annuitization, withdrawal or transfer.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Net Contract Value--Your Contract Value less Contract Debt.
 
Non-Qualified Contract--A Contract other than a Qualified Contract.
 
Portfolio--A separate portfolio of the Fund.
 
Primary Annuitant--The individual that is named in your Contract, the events
in the life of whom are of primary importance in affecting the timing or
amount of the payout under the Contract.
 
Purchase Payment--An amount paid to us by or on behalf of a Contract Owner, as
consideration for the benefits provided under the Contract.
 
Qualified Contract--A Contract that qualifies under the Code as an individual
retirement annuity ("IRA"), or a Contract purchased by a Qualified Plan,
qualifying for special tax treatment under the Code.
 
Qualified Plan--A retirement plan that receives favorable tax treatment under
Section 401, 403, 408 or 457 of the Code.
 
Policyholder--The Contract Owner.
 
SEC--Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Separate Account A (the "Separate Account")--A separate account of ours
registered as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act of
1940.
 
Subaccount--An investment division of the Separate Account. Each Subaccount
invests its assets in shares of a corresponding Portfolio.
 
Subaccount Annuity Unit--Subaccount Annuity Units (or "Annuity Units") are
used to measure variation in variable annuity payments. To the extent you
elect to convert all or some of your Contract Value into variable annuity
payments, the amount of each annuity payment (after the first payment) will
vary with the value and number of Annuity Units in each Subaccount attributed
to any variable annuity payments. At annuitization (after any applicable
premium taxes and/or other taxes are paid), the amount annuitized to a
variable annuity determines the amount of your first variable annuity payment
and the number of Annuity Units credited to your annuity in each Subaccount.
The value of Subaccount Annuity Units, like the value of Subaccount Units, is
expected to fluctuate daily, as described in the definition of "Unit Value."
 
Subaccount Unit--Before your Annuity Date, each time you allocate an amount to
a Subaccount, your Contract is credited with a number of Subaccount Units in
that Subaccount; these Units are used, for accounting purposes, to measure
your Account Value in that Subaccount. The value of Subaccount Units is
expected to fluctuate daily, as described in the definition of Unit Value.
 
Unit Value--The value of a Subaccount Unit ("Subaccount Unit Value") or
Subaccount Annuity Unit ("Subaccount Annuity Unit Value"). Unit Value of any
Subaccount is subject to change on any Business Day in much the same way that
the value of a mutual fund share changes each day; the fluctuations in value
reflect the investment results, expenses of and charges against the Portfolio
in which the Subaccount invests its assets, and also reflect charges against
the Separate Account. Changes in Subaccount Annuity Unit Values also reflect
an additional factor that adjusts Subaccount Annuity Unit Values to offset our
Annuity Option Table's implicit assumption of an annual investment return of
5%; the effect of this assumed investment return is explained in detail in the
SAI. Unit Value of a Subaccount Unit or Subaccount Annuity Unit on any
Business Day is measured at or about 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on that Business
Day.
 
Variable Account Value--The aggregate amount of your Contract Value allocated
to all Subaccounts.
 
Variable Investment Option--A Subaccount.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                                    SUMMARY
 
This brief description is only an overview of the more significant features of
your Contract. More detailed information may be found in subsequent sections of
this Prospectus, in the SAI, and in the Contract itself. Endorsements to your
Contract may contain variations from the standardized information in this
Prospectus. In addition, certain variations due to requirements particular to
the issue state or jurisdiction are set forth in supplements attached to or
accompanying this Prospectus. IF ANY CONTRACT ENDORSEMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTAL
VARIATIONS TO THIS PROSPECTUS CONFLICT WITH OTHER INFORMATION IN THE CONTRACT
FORM OR IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE ENDORSEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS CONTROL YOUR
CONTRACT.
 
WHAT IS THE CONTRACT? Pacific Portfolios (the "Contract") is an annuity
contract designed to be a long-term financial planning device, permitting you
to invest on a tax-deferred basis for retirement or other long-range goals, and
to receive a series of regular payments for life or a period of years. See
FEDERAL TAX STATUS.
 
HOW DO I PURCHASE A CONTRACT? Your initial purchase payment must be at least
$5,000 to buy a Non-Qualified Contract ($2,000 for a Qualified Contract). After
this initial payment you may make additional payments but you are not required
to do so. Your initial payment may be payable in automatic installments over
your first Contract Year. See PURCHASING YOUR CONTRACT.
 
WHAT ARE MY INVESTMENT OPTIONS? You select your own Investment Options.
Thirteen of the Investment Options are Variable Investment Options available
through Separate Account A. Each Variable Investment Option invests in a
corresponding Portfolio of the Fund. We are the investment adviser to the Fund,
and we and the Fund have retained other portfolio managers for eleven of the
Portfolios. You bear the investment risk associated with the Variable
Investment Options, and you should expect your Contract Value allocated to
these Variable Investment Options and the value of any Subaccount Annuity Units
attributed to any variable annuity payments to fluctuate. See HOW YOUR PAYMENTS
ARE ALLOCATED.
 
Also available are a Fixed Option and the Guaranteed Interest Option with
Guarantee Terms of three-, six- and ten-years. Each of these options provides a
fixed annual interest rate of at least 3%; the portion of your Purchase
Payments or Contract Value allocated to the Fixed Option or the GIOs is held in
our General Account. You may select as many Investment Options as you wish up
to the Annuity Date. After the Annuity Date, the Variable Investment Options
may be selected if you choose variable annuity payments.
 
CAN I CHANGE MY INVESTMENT OPTIONS? You may transfer amounts from any
Investment Option to another on or prior to your Annuity Date; after your
Annuity Date, up to four exchanges of Subaccount Annuity Units may be made in
any twelve-month period. Certain restrictions apply to the Fixed Option and
GIOs. You may transfer amounts automatically using dollar cost averaging,
automatic portfolio rebalancing, or an earnings sweep. Transaction fees may be
imposed in the future for excessive transfers. See HOW YOUR PAYMENTS ARE
ALLOCATED--TRANSFERS and THE GENERAL ACCOUNT--WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS in this
Prospectus and THE CONTRACTS AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT--SYSTEMATIC TRANSFER
PROGRAMS in the SAI.
 
WHAT CHARGES WILL I PAY? An Administrative Fee equal to an annual factor
expressed as a decimal (where 1.00 is equal to 100%) of 0.0015, and a mortality
and expense risk charge ("Risk Charge") equal to an annual factor of 0.0125,
are charged against assets held in the Variable Investment Options. Amounts
invested in the Variable Investment Options are also subject to the operating
expenses imposed on the corresponding Portfolio of the Fund. Before you
annuitize, an Annual Fee of $40 is charged each year and at the time of a full
withdrawal if your Net Contract Value is less than $50,000. When you withdraw
amounts attributed to Purchase Payments from your Contract Value, you may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (or "withdrawal charge") of up to
7%, which is determined by the amount of your withdrawal and the length of time
you held the Purchase Payment considered withdrawn under your Contract. You may
also be subject to other fees. See CHARGES, FEES AND DEDUCTIONS.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
CAN I WITHDRAW MY CONTRACT VALUE? Generally, you may withdraw all or part of
your Contract Value at any time on or prior to your Annuity Date. Certain
restrictions are imposed on withdrawals from the Fixed Option, the GIOs and
certain Qualified Contracts. In addition, amounts you withdraw from a GIO are
subject to the Market Value Adjustment ("MVA"). Withdrawals may be subject to
fees and charges, taxation and, in certain circumstances, a tax penalty. See
WITHDRAWALS, FEDERAL TAX STATUS and THE GENERAL ACCOUNT--WITHDRAWALS AND
TRANSFERS.
 
CAN I RETURN MY CONTRACT? For a limited time, usually 10 days after you receive
it, you may return your Contract for a refund in accordance with the terms of
its "free look" provision. See WITHDRAWALS-- SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT
("FREE LOOK").
 
HOW DO I REACH PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE? You can reach our service representatives
between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific time, at 1-800-722-2333. To send
payments, forms, or requests, see ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--INQUIRIES AND
SUBMITTING FORMS AND REQUESTS.
 
                                   FEE TABLE
 
The purpose of this fee table is to assist you in understanding the various
costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly under your
Contract. The table reflects expenses of the Separate Account as well as
expenses of the Fund. Expenses shown under "Contract Owner Transaction
Expenses" and "Separate Account Annual Expenses" are specified under the terms
of the Contract and are fixed. Expenses shown under "Fund Annual Expenses After
Expense Limitation" are estimated expenses of the Fund; Fund expenses are not
specified under the terms of the Contract and may vary from year to year. In
addition to the charges and expenses described below, a charge for premium
taxes and/or other taxes may apply. See CHARGES, FEES AND DEDUCTIONS--PREMIUM
TAXES in this Prospectus, the discussion under ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF
THE FUND in the Fund's Prospectus, and INVESTMENT ADVISER and PORTFOLIO
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS in the Fund's SAI.
 
<TABLE>
      <S>                                                            <C>
      CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
       Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase Payments....................   None
       Maximum Withdrawal Charge/1/ ................................    7.0%
        (computed as a percentage of Purchase Payments)
       Withdrawal Transaction Fee/2/................................   None
       Transfer Fee/3/..............................................   None
       ANNUAL FEE/4/................................................ $40.00
      SEPARATE ACCOUNT A ANNUAL EXPENSES
      (as a percentage of average daily account value)
       Mortality and Expense Risk Charge............................   1.25%
       Administrative Fee...........................................   0.15%
                                                                     ------
       Total Separate Account A Annual Expenses.....................   1.40%
                                                                     ======
</TABLE>

- - -------
/1/  The withdrawal charge, also called a "contingent deferred sales charge,"
  may not apply or may be reduced under certain circumstances. See CHARGES, FEES
  AND DEDUCTIONS.
 
/2/  We reserve the right to impose a transaction fee in the future of up to $15
     per withdrawal on partial withdrawals in excess of 15 in any Contract Year.
     See WITHDRAWALS--OPTIONAL WITHDRAWALS.
 
/3/  We reserve the right to impose a transaction fee in the future of up to $15
     per transfer on transfers in excess of 15 in any Contract Year. See HOW
     YOUR PAYMENTS ARE ALLOCATED--TRANSFERS.
 
/4/  This fee will be charged on each Contract Anniversary prior to your Annuity
     Date and at the time of a full withdrawal of any Contract Value unless your
     Net Contract Value is at least $50,000 on that date.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                 FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES AFTER EXPENSE LIMITATION
            (AS A PERCENTAGE OF PORTFOLIO AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      ADVISORY  OTHER    TOTAL
                                                        FEE    EXPENSES EXPENSES
                                                      -------- -------- --------
<S>                                                   <C>      <C>      <C>
Money Market.........................................    .40%     .08%     .48%
High Yield Bond......................................    .60%     .10%     .70%
Managed Bond.........................................    .60%     .09%     .69%
Government Securities................................    .60%     .10%     .70%
Aggressive Equity....................................    .80%     .15%     .95%
Growth LT............................................    .75%     .10%     .85%
Equity Income........................................    .65%     .08%     .73%
Multi-Strategy.......................................    .65%     .11%     .76%
Equity...............................................    .65%     .08%     .73%
Bond and Income......................................    .60%     .09%     .69%
Equity Index.........................................    .21%     .08%     .29%
International........................................    .85%     .21%    1.06%
Emerging Markets.....................................   1.10%    1.05%    2.15%
</TABLE>
 
  Example: If, at the end of the indicated time period, you withdraw your
  Contract Value, you would pay the following cumulative expenses on each
  $1,000 invested, assuming 5% annual return on assets:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
                                                 ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Money Market....................................  $ 83   $116    $133     $228
High Yield Bond.................................  $ 85   $122    $144     $251
Managed Bond....................................  $ 85   $122    $144     $250
Government Securities...........................  $ 85   $122    $144     $251
Aggressive Equity...............................  $ 88   $130    $157     $276
Growth LT.......................................  $ 87   $127    $152     $266
Equity Income...................................  $ 85   $123    $146     $254
Multi-Strategy..................................  $ 86   $124    $147     $257
Equity..........................................  $ 85   $123    $146     $254
Bond and Income.................................  $ 85   $122    $144     $250
Equity Index....................................  $ 81   $110    $123     $208
International...................................  $ 89   $133    $162     $287
Emerging Markets................................  $100   $165    $215     $389
 
  Example: If, at the end of the indicated time period, you do not withdraw
  your Contract Value, you would pay the following cumulative expenses on each
  $1,000 invested, assuming 5% annual return on assets:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
                                                 ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Money Market....................................   $20   $ 62    $106     $228
High Yield Bond.................................   $22   $ 68    $117     $251
Managed Bond....................................   $22   $ 68    $117     $250
Government Securities...........................   $22   $ 68    $117     $251
Aggressive Equity...............................   $25   $ 76    $130     $276
Growth LT.......................................   $24   $ 73    $125     $266
Equity Income...................................   $22   $ 69    $119     $254
Multi-Strategy..................................   $23   $ 70    $120     $257
Equity..........................................   $22   $ 69    $119     $254
Bond and Income.................................   $22   $ 68    $117     $250
Equity Index....................................   $18   $ 56    $ 96     $208
International...................................   $26   $ 79    $135     $287
Emerging Markets................................   $37   $111    $188     $389
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  Example: If, at the end of the indicated time period, you annuitize your
  Contract Value, you would pay the following cumulative expenses on each
  $1,000 invested, assuming 5% annual return on assets:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
                                                 ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Money Market....................................  $ 83   $ 62    $106     $228
High Yield Bond.................................  $ 85   $ 68    $117     $251
Managed Bond....................................  $ 85   $ 68    $117     $250
Government Securities...........................  $ 85   $ 68    $117     $251
Aggressive Equity...............................  $ 88   $ 76    $130     $276
Growth LT.......................................  $ 87   $ 73    $125     $266
Equity Income...................................  $ 85   $ 69    $119     $254
Multi-Strategy..................................  $ 86   $ 70    $120     $257
Equity..........................................  $ 85   $ 69    $119     $254
Bond and Income.................................  $ 85   $ 68    $117     $250
Equity Index....................................  $ 81   $ 56    $ 96     $208
International...................................  $ 89   $ 79    $135     $287
Emerging Markets................................  $100   $111    $188     $389
</TABLE>
 
THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES; ACTUAL EXPENSES INCURRED IN ANY GIVEN YEAR MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN
THOSE SHOWN IN THE EXAMPLES. The expenses listed for the Fund Portfolios
reflect expenses for the year ending December 31, 1996, adjusted to reflect a
decrease in fees for certain operating expenses. The Aggressive Equity and
Emerging Markets Portfolios did not begin operations until April 1, 1996 and
their "other expenses" are on an annualized basis and reflect the policy
adopted by us as Investment Adviser to the Fund, to waive our fees or
otherwise reimburse expenses so that operating expenses (exclusive of advisory
fees, additional custodial fees associated with holding foreign securities,
foreign taxes on dividends, interest or capital gains, and extraordinary
expenses) expressed as a decimal are not greater than 0.0025 of average daily
net assets per year. We began this policy in 1989 and intend to continue this
policy until at least December 31, 1998, but may discontinue it after that
time. In the absence of this policy, such expenses for the Emerging Markets
Portfolio would have exceeded this expense cap in 1996 and total adjusted
expenses would have been approximately 2.22% on an annualized basis. No
reimbursement to the other Portfolios was necessary for the Fund's fiscal year
1996. Actual total expenses after reimbursement and before the adjustment for
the year ended December 31, 1996, were: Money Market Portfolio--0.50%; High
Yield Bond Portfolio--0.71%; Managed Bond Portfolio--0.71%; Government
Securities Portfolio--0.72%; Aggressive Equity Portfolio (annualized)--1.02%;
Growth LT Portfolio--0.87%; Equity Income Portfolio--0.75%; Multi-Strategy
Portfolio--0.78%; Equity Portfolio--0.74%; Bond and Income Portfolio--0.71%;
Equity Index Portfolio--0.31%; International Portfolio--1.07%; and Emerging
Markets Portfolio (annualized)--2.18%.
 
The examples use an assumed Contract Value of $45,000, and reflect the
deduction of the Annual Fee amount without regard to the waiver for Contract
Values over $50,000.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
The following tables present financial highlights with respect to each
Variable Account of the Separate Account. The information in the tables for
the period ended December 31, 1996 is included in the Separate Account's
financial statements that have been audited by Deloitte & Touche llp,
independent auditors. The tables should be read in conjunction with the
Separate Account's financial statements, which are in the Separate Account's
Annual Report dated as of December 31, 1996.
 
                    SELECTED ACCUMULATION UNIT* INFORMATION
 
Selected accumulation unit information as of the year ended December 31st for
the period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1996
   <S>                                                                 <C>
   ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD:
   Money Market Variable Account(a)...................................    $10.00
   High Yield Bond Variable Account(a)................................     10.00
   Managed Bond Variable Account(a)...................................     10.00
   Government Securities Variable Account(a)..........................     10.00
   Aggressive Equity Variable Account(b)..............................     10.00
   Growth LT Variable Account(a)......................................     10.00
   Equity Income Variable Account(a)..................................     10.00
   Multi-Strategy Variable Account(a).................................     10.00
   Equity Variable Account(a).........................................     10.00
   Bond and Income Variable Account(a)................................     10.00
   Equity Index Variable Account(a)...................................     10.00
   International Variable Account(a)..................................     10.00
   Emerging Markets Variable Account(b)...............................     10.00
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ACCUMULATION UNIT VALUE AT END OF PERIOD:
   Money Market Variable Account......................................    $10.36
   High Yield Bond Variable Account...................................     10.96
   Managed Bond Variable Account......................................     10.27
   Government Securities Variable Account.............................     10.14
   Aggressive Equity Variable Account(b)..............................     10.67
   Growth LT Variable Account.........................................     11.61
   Equity Income Variable Account.....................................     11.66
   Multi-Strategy Variable Account....................................     11.03
   Equity Variable Account............................................     12.59
   Bond and Income Variable Account...................................      9.79
   Equity Index Variable Account......................................     11.97
   International Variable Account.....................................     11.84
   Emerging Markets Variable Accounts(b)..............................      9.57
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   NUMBER OF ACCUMULATION UNITS OUTSTANDING AT END OF PERIOD:
   Money Market Variable Account...................................... 1,478,808
   High Yield Bond Variable Account...................................   630,637
   Managed Bond Variable Account......................................   742,041
   Government Securities Variable Account.............................   673,682
   Aggressive Equity Variable Account.................................   387,987
   Growth LT Variable Account.........................................   950,317
   Equity Income Variable Account.....................................   743,123
   Multi-Strategy Variable Account....................................   294,936
   Equity Variable Account............................................   453,223
   Bond and Income Variable Account...................................   154,590
   Equity Index Variable Account......................................   757,175
   International Variable Account..................................... 1,312,817
   Emerging Markets Variable Account..................................   240,607
</TABLE>
 
* Accumulation Unit: unit of measure used to calculate the value of a Contract
  Owner's interest in a Variable Account during the Accumulation Period.
 
Date Variable Accounts began operations (a) January 2, 1996 (b) April 17, 1996
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                              WHY BUY A CONTRACT
 
Your Pacific Portfolios Contract (your "Contract") is an annuity contract that
provides you with flexibility in tax-deferred retirement planning or other
long-term financial planning. You may select among thirteen Variable
Investment Options, one Fixed Option, and the Guaranteed Interest Option with
three different Guarantee Terms. You may choose to add to your Contract Value
at any time before the Annuity Date, and your additional Purchase Payments may
be in any amount you choose (subject to certain limitations). When you
annuitize, we will send the payee a series of variable and/or fixed payments
for life or for a specified number of years.
 
If you purchase a Contract with after-tax dollars ("Non-Qualified Contract")
or if your Contract is purchased through a Qualified Plan or IRA ("Qualified
Contract"), your earnings on the Contract are not subject to tax until amounts
are withdrawn or distributed (including annuity payments). See FEDERAL TAX
STATUS.
 
                            YOUR INVESTMENT OPTIONS
 
You may choose among thirteen different Variable Investment Options, the Fixed
Option and among the three Guarantee Terms under the Guaranteed Interest
Option.
 
YOUR VARIABLE INVESTMENT OPTIONS
 
Separate Account A, a separate account of ours, currently offers you thirteen
"Variable Investment Options" (also called "Subaccounts"). Each Variable
Investment Option invests in a separate Portfolio of the Fund. Your Variable
Investment Options are:
 
  .  Money Market Subaccount
  .  High Yield Bond Subaccount
  .  Managed Bond Subaccount
  .  Government Securities Subaccount
  .  Aggressive Equity Subaccount
  .  Growth LT Subaccount
  .  Equity Income Subaccount
  .  Multi-Strategy Subaccount
  .  Equity Subaccount
  .  Bond and Income Subaccount
  .  Equity Index Subaccount
  .  International Subaccount
  .  Emerging Markets Subaccount
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
What Are Each of These Options?
 
For your convenience, the following chart summarizes some basic data about
each Portfolio. THIS CHART IS ONLY A SUMMARY. FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON
EACH PORTFOLIO, INCLUDING A DISCUSSION OF THE PORTFOLIO'S INVESTMENT
TECHNIQUES AND THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ITS INVESTMENTS, SEE THE ACCOMPANYING
FUND PROSPECTUS. NO ASSURANCE CAN BE GIVEN THAT A PORTFOLIO WILL ACHIEVE ITS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. YOU SHOULD READ THE FUND PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE
INVESTING.

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

                                             PRIMARY INVESTMENTS
                                             (UNDER NORMAL
 PORTFOLIO            INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE   CONDITIONS)            PORTFOLIO MANAGER
=========================================================================================== 
 <S>                  <C>                    <C>                    <C>
 Money Market         Current income         Highest quality money  Pacific Mutual Life
                      consistent with        market securities.
                      preservation of
                      capital.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 High Yield Bond      High level of current  Intermediate- and      Pacific Mutual Life
                      income.                long-term high-
                                             yielding lower and
                                             medium quality ("high
                                             risk") fixed income
                                             securities.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Managed Bond         Maximize total return  Investment grade       Pacific Investment
                      consistent with        marketable debt        Management Company
                      prudent investment     securities. Will
                      management.            normally maintain an
                                             average portfolio
                                             duration of 3-7 years.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Government Securi-   Maximize total return  Securities that are    Pacific Investment
  ties                consistent with        obligations of or      Management Company
                      prudent investment     guaranteed by the U.S.
                      management.            Government, its
                                             agencies or
                                             instrumentalities
                                             (including futures
                                             contracts and options
                                             thereon). Will
                                             normally maintain an
                                             average portfolio
                                             duration of 3-7 years.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Aggressive Equity    Capital appreciation.  Common stocks of small Columbus Circle
                                             emerging growth and    Investors
                                             medium capitalization
                                             companies.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Growth LT            Long-term growth of    Equity securities.     Janus Capital
                      capital consistent                            Corporation
                      with preservation of
                      capital.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Equity Income        Long-term growth of    Dividend-paying common J.P. Morgan Investment
                      capital and income.    stock.                 Management Inc.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Multi-Strategy       High total return.     Equity and fixed       J.P. Morgan Investment
                                             income securities.     Management Inc.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Equity               Capital appreciation.  Common stocks and      Greenwich Street
                                             securities convertible Advisors
                                             into or exchangeable
                                             for common stocks.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Bond and Income      High level of current  Investment grade debt  Greenwich Street
                      income consistent with securities.            Advisors
                      prudent investment
                      management and
                      preservation of
                      capital.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Equity Index         Investment results     Stocks included in the Bankers Trust Company
                      that correspond to the Standard & Poor's 500
                      total return           Composite Stock Price
                      performance of common  Index (the "S&P 500").
                      stocks publicly traded
                      in the U.S.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 International        Long-term capital      Equity securities of   Templeton Investment
                      appreciation.          corporations domiciled Counsel, Inc.
                                             outside the U.S.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Emerging Markets     Long-term growth of    Common stocks of       Blairlogie Capital
                      capital.               companies domiciled in Management
                                             emerging market
                                             countries.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
The Investment Adviser
 
We are the investment adviser for the Fund. We and the Fund have retained
other portfolio managers, supervised by us, for eleven of the Portfolios.
 
VARIABLE INVESTMENT OPTION PERFORMANCE
 
Historical performance information can help you understand how investment
performance can affect your investment in the Variable Investment Options.
Although the Subaccounts were established January 2, 1996 and have no
historical performance prior to that date, each Subaccount will be investing
in shares of a Portfolio of the Fund, and the majority of these Portfolios do
have historical performance data which covers a longer period. Performance
data include total returns for each Subaccount, current and effective yields
for the Money Market Subaccount, and yields for the other fixed income
Subaccounts. Calculations are in accordance with standard formulas prescribed
by the SEC which are described in the SAI. Yields do not reflect any charge
for premium taxes and/or other taxes; this exclusion may cause yields to show
more favorable performance. Total returns may or may not reflect withdrawal
charges, Annual Fees or any charge for premium and/or other taxes; data that
do not reflect these charges may show more favorable performance.
 
The SAI presents some hypothetical performance data. The SAI also presents
some performance benchmarks, based on unmanaged market indices, such as the
S&P 500, and on "peer groups," which use other managed funds with similar
investment objectives. These benchmarks may give you a broader perspective
when you examine hypothetical or actual Subaccount performance.
 
In addition, we may provide you with reports both as an insurance company and
as to our claims paying ability that are produced by rating agencies and
organizations.
 
YOUR FIXED OPTION AND GIOS
 
The Fixed Option and the GIOs offer you a guaranteed minimum interest rate on
the amounts you allocate to these Options. Amounts you allocate to these
Options, and your earnings credited are held in our General Account. The GIOs
are available in three-, six-, and ten-year terms. If you annuitize, transfer
or withdraw amounts allocated to a GIO before its Guarantee Term has expired,
these amounts are adjusted by the MVA. For more detailed information about
these Options, see THE GENERAL ACCOUNT section in this Prospectus.
 
                           PURCHASING YOUR CONTRACT
 
HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR CONTRACT
 
To purchase a Contract, fill out an application and submit it along with your
initial Purchase Payment to Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company at P.O. Box
100060, Pasadena, California 91189-0060. If your application and payment are
complete when received, or once they have become complete, we will issue your
Contract within two Business Days. If some information is missing from your
application, we may delay issuing your Contract while we obtain the missing
information; however, we will not hold your initial Purchase Payment for more
than five Business Days without your permission.
 
You may also purchase a Contract by exchanging your existing contract. You
must submit all contracts to be exchanged when you submit your application.
Call your representative, or call us at 1-800-722-2333, if you are interested
in this option.
 
We reserve the right to reject any application or Purchase Payment for any
reason, subject to any applicable nondiscrimination laws and to our own
standards and guidelines. The maximum age of a Contract Owner, including Joint
and Contingent Owners, for which a Contract will be issued is 85. The Contract
Owner's age is
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
calculated as of his or her age last birthday. If the sole Contract Owner or
sole annuitant named in the application for a Contract dies prior to our
issuance of a Contract, then the application for the Contract and/or any
Contract issued shall be deemed null and void; and any premiums we receive,
including any proceeds received in connection with an exchange or transfer,
will be returned to the applicant/Owner or the applicant/Owner's estate.
 
MAKING YOUR PURCHASE PAYMENTS
 
Making Your Initial Payment
 
Your initial Purchase Payment must be at least $5,000 if you are buying a Non-
Qualified Contract, and at least $2,000 if you are buying a Qualified
Contract. You may pay this entire amount when you submit your application, or
you may choose our pre-authorized checking plan ("PAC"), which allows you to
pay in equal monthly installments over one year (at least $400 per month for
Non-Qualified Contracts, and at least $150 per month for Qualified Contracts).
If you choose PAC, you must make your first installment payment when you
submit your application. Further requirements for PAC are discussed in the PAC
form.
 
You must obtain our consent before making an initial or additional Purchase
Payment that will bring your aggregate Purchase Payments over $500,000.
 
Making Additional Payments
 
You may choose to invest additional amounts in your Contract at any time. Each
additional Purchase Payment must be at least $250 for Non-Qualified Contracts
and $50 for Qualified Contracts.
 
Forms of Payment
 
Your initial and additional Purchase Payments may be sent by personal or bank
check or by wire transfer. You may also make additional PAC Purchase Payments
via electronic funds transfer. All checks must be drawn on U.S. funds. If you
make Purchase Payments by check other than a cashier's check, your payment of
any withdrawal proceeds and any refund during your "free look" period may be
delayed until your check has cleared.
 
                        HOW YOUR PAYMENTS ARE ALLOCATED
 
CHOOSING YOUR INVESTMENT OPTIONS
 
You may allocate your Purchase Payments among the thirteen Subaccounts, the
Fixed Option and the GIOs. Allocations of your initial Purchase Payment to the
Investment Options you selected will be effective either on your Contract Date
or on your Free Look Transfer Date. See WITHDRAWALS--SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION
RIGHT ("FREE LOOK"). Each additional Purchase Payment will be allocated to the
Investment Options according to your allocation instructions in your
application, or most recent instructions, if any, subject to the terms
described in the WITHDRAWALS--SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT ("FREE LOOK")
section. We reserve the right, in the future, to require that your allocation
to any particular Investment Option meet a certain minimum amount. If your
Contract is issued in exchange for another annuity contract or a life
insurance contract, our administrative procedures may vary depending on the
state in which your Contract is issued.
 
INVESTING IN VARIABLE INVESTMENT OPTIONS
 
Each time you allocate your investment to a Variable Investment Option, your
Contract is credited with a number of "Subaccount Units" in that Subaccount.
The number of Subaccount Units credited is equal to the amount you have
allocated to that Subaccount, divided by the "Unit Value" of one Unit of that
Subaccount.
 
  Example: You allocate $600 to the Government Securities Subaccount. At the
  end of the Business Day on which your allocation is effective, the value of
  one Unit in the Government Securities Subaccount is $15. As a result, 40
  Subaccount Units are credited to your Contract for your $600.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
Your Variable Account Value Will Change
 
After we credit your Contract with Subaccount Units, the value of those Units
will usually fluctuate. This means that, from time to time, your investment
allocated to the Variable Investment Options may be worth more or less than
the original Purchase Payments to which those amounts can be attributed.
Fluctuations in Subaccount Unit Value will not change the number of Units
credited to your Contract.
 
Subaccount Unit Values will vary in accordance with the investment performance
of the corresponding Portfolio. For example, the value of Units in the Managed
Bond Subaccount will change to reflect the performance of the Managed Bond
Portfolio (including that Portfolio's investment income, its capital gains and
losses, and its expenses). Subaccount Unit Values are also adjusted to reflect
the Administrative Fee and Risk Charge imposed on the Separate Account.
 
We calculate the value of all Subaccount Units at or about 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time on each Business Day. The SAI contains a detailed discussion of these
calculations.
 
WHEN YOUR INVESTMENT IS EFFECTIVE
 
The day your allocation is effective determines the Unit Value at which
Subaccount Units are attributed to your Contract. In the case of transfers or
withdrawals, the effective day determines the Unit Value at which affected
Subaccount Units are debited and/or credited under your Contract. That Value
is the value of the Subaccount Units next calculated after your transaction is
effective. Your Variable Account Value begins to reflect the investment
performance results of your new allocations on the day after your transaction
is effective.
 
Your initial Purchase Payment is ordinarily effective on the day we issue your
Contract. Any additional allocation is effective on the day we receive your
Purchase Payment in proper form.
 
TRANSFERS
 
Once your Payments are allocated to the Investment Options you selected, you
may transfer your Contract Value less Loan Account Value from any Investment
Option to any other. Certain restrictions apply to the Fixed Option and GIOs.
See THE GENERAL ACCOUNT--WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS. Transfer requests are
normally effective on the Business Day we receive them in proper form. If your
Contract was issued in a state that requires refund of Purchase Payments under
your Free Look Right, transfers may only be made after your Free Look Transfer
Date. See WITHDRAWALS--SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT ("FREE LOOK").
 
No transfer fee is currently imposed for transfers among the Investment
Options, but we reserve the right to impose a transaction fee for transfers in
the future; a fee of up to $15 per transfer may apply to transfers in excess
of 15 in any Contract Year. Transfers under the dollar cost averaging and
earnings sweep options are counted toward your total transfers in a Contract
Year. Any such fee would be charged against your Investment Options
proportionately, based on your relative Account Value in each immediately
after the transfer.
 
We have the right, at our option (unless otherwise required by law), to
require certain minimums in the future in connection with transfers; these may
include a minimum transfer amount and a minimum Account Value, if any, for the
Investment Option from which the transfer is made or to which the transfer is
made. If your transfer request results in your having a remaining Account
Value in an Investment Option that is less than the minimum amount, we may
transfer that remaining amount to your other Investment Options in the
proportions specified in your current allocation instructions. We also reserve
the right (unless otherwise required by law) to limit the size of transfers,
to limit the number and frequency of transfers, to restrict transfers, and to
suspend transfers. We reserve the right to reject any transfer request.
 
Exchanges of Annuity Units in any Subaccount(s) to any other Subaccount(s)
after annuitization are limited to four in any twelve-month period. See THE
GENERAL ACCOUNT--WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS in the Prospectus and THE CONTRACTS
AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT in the SAI.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
Dollar Cost Averaging
 
Dollar cost averaging is a method in which you buy securities in a series of
regular purchases instead of in a single purchase. This allows you to average
the securities' prices over time, and may permit a "smoothing" of abrupt peaks
and drops in price. Prior to your Annuity Date, you may use dollar cost
averaging to transfer amounts, over time, from any Variable Investment Option
or the Fixed Option with an Account Value of at least $5,000 to one or more
other Investment Options. Each transfer must be for at least $250. The GIOs
are not available for dollar cost averaging. Detailed information appears in
the SAI.
 
Portfolio Rebalancing
 
You may instruct us to maintain a specific balance of Variable Investment
Options under your Contract (e.g., 30% in the Equity Index Subaccount, 40% in
the Managed Bond Subaccount, and 30% in the Growth LT Subaccount) prior to
your Annuity Date. Periodically, we will "rebalance" your values in the
elected Subaccounts to the percentages you have specified. Rebalancing may
result in transferring amounts from a Subaccount earning a relatively higher
return to one earning a relatively lower return. The Fixed Option and the GIOs
are not available for rebalancing. Detailed information appears in the SAI.
 
Earnings Sweep
 
You may instruct us to make automatic periodic transfers of your earnings from
the Money Market Subaccount or from the Fixed Option to one or more Variable
Investment Options (other than the Money Market Subaccount). Detailed
information appears in the SAI.
 
                         CHARGES, FEES AND DEDUCTIONS
 
WITHDRAWAL CHARGE
 
No sales charge is imposed on any Purchase Payment. Your Purchase Payments
may, however, be subject to a withdrawal charge; this charge may apply to
amounts you withdraw under your Contract, depending on the length of time each
Purchase Payment has been invested and on the amount you withdraw. No
withdrawal charge is imposed on (i) amounts annuitized after the first
Contract Year, (ii) payments of death benefits, (iii) withdrawals by Contract
Owners to meet the minimum distribution rules for Qualified Contracts as they
apply to amounts held under the Contract, or, (iv) subject to medical evidence
satisfactory to us, after the first Contract Anniversary, full or partial
withdrawals if the Annuitant has been diagnosed with a medically determinable
condition that results in a life expectancy of twelve (12) months or less.
 
Free Withdrawals
 
We will not impose a withdrawal charge on withdrawals of your Earnings, or on
withdrawals of amounts held under your Contract for at least six Contract
Years. In addition, during each Contract Year we will not impose a withdrawal
charge on your withdrawal of up to 10% of your remaining Purchase Payments at
the beginning of the Contract Year that would otherwise be subject to the
withdrawal charge plus up to 10% of any additional Purchase Payments received
during the Contract Year. Our calculations of the withdrawal charge deduct
this "free 10%" from your "oldest" Purchase Payment that is still otherwise
subject to the charge.
 
  Example: You make an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000 in Contract Year
  1, and make additional Purchase Payments of $1,000 and $6,000 in Contract
  Year 2. With Earnings, your Contract Value in Contract Year 3 is $19,000.
  In Contract Year 3, you may withdraw $3,700 free of the withdrawal charges
  (your total Purchase Payments were $17,000, so 10% of that total equals
  $1,700, plus you had $2,000 of Earnings). After this withdrawal, your
  Contract Value is $15,300 (all attributable to Purchase Payments). In
  Contract Year 4, your Contract Value falls to $12,500; you may withdraw
  $1,530 (10% of $15,300) free of any withdrawal charges.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
How the Charge is Determined
 
The amount of the charge depends on how long each Purchase Payment was held
under your Contract. Each Purchase Payment you make is considered to have a
certain "age," depending on the length of time since that payment was
effective. A payment is "one year old" or has an "age of one" from the day it
is effective until your next Contract Anniversary; beginning on that Contract
Anniversary, your payment will have an "age of two" for a full Contract Year.
When you withdraw an amount subject to the withdrawal charge, the "age" of the
Purchase Payment you withdraw determines the level of withdrawal charge as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              "AGE" OF PAYMENT                        WITHDRAWAL
                                  IN YEARS                              CHARGE
                              ----------------                        ----------
        <S>                                                           <C>
           1........................................................       7%
           2........................................................       7%
           3........................................................       6%
           4........................................................       5%
           5........................................................       3%
           6........................................................       1%
           7 or more................................................       0%
</TABLE>
 
We calculate your withdrawal charge by assuming that your Earnings are
withdrawn first, followed by amounts attributed to Purchase Payments with the
"oldest" Payment withdrawn first. The withdrawal charge will be deducted
proportionally among all Investment Options from which the withdrawal occurs.
Any applicable Annual Fee will be deducted after the withdrawal charge is
calculated. In addition, amounts you withdraw from your GIO(s) will be subject
to the MVA. See THE GENERAL ACCOUNT--WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS.
 
We pay sales commissions and other expenses associated with promotion and
sales of the Contracts to broker-dealers. The withdrawal charge is designed to
reimburse us for these costs, although we expect that our actual expenses will
be greater than the amount of the withdrawal charge. Broker-dealers may
receive aggregate commissions of up to 6.75% of your aggregate Purchase
Payments.
 
Under certain circumstances and in exchange for lower initial commissions,
certain sellers of Contracts may be paid a persistency trail commission which
will take into account, among other things, the length of time Purchase
Payments have been held under a Contract, and Account Values. A trail
commission is not anticipated to exceed 1.00%, on an annual basis, of the
Account Values considered in connection with the trail commission. We may also
pay override payments, expense allowances, bonuses, wholesaler fees and
training allowances. Registered representatives earn commissions from the
broker-dealers with which they are affiliated and such arrangements may vary.
In addition, registered representatives who meet specified production levels
may qualify, under sales incentive programs adopted by us, to receive non-cash
compensation such as expense-paid trips, expense-paid educational seminars,
and merchandise.
 
Transfers
 
Transfers of all or part of your Account Value from one Investment Option to
another is not considered a withdrawal of an amount from your Contract, so no
withdrawal charge is imposed at the time of transfer. See HOW YOUR PAYMENTS
ARE ALLOCATED--TRANSFERS. However, amounts transferred from a GIO before its
Guarantee Term has expired are subject to the MVA. See THE GENERAL ACCOUNT--
WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS and GIOS.
 
PREMIUM TAXES
 
Depending on (among other factors) your state of residence, a tax may be
imposed on your Purchase Payments at the time your payment is made, at the
time of a partial or full withdrawal, at the time any death benefit proceeds
are paid, at annuitization or at such other time as taxes may be imposed. Tax
rates ranging from 0% to 3.5% are currently in effect, but may change in the
future. Some local jurisdictions also impose a tax.
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
If we pay any taxes attributable to Purchase Payments ("premium taxes") on
your behalf, we will impose a similar charge against your Contract Value. We
normally will charge you when you annuitize some or all of your Contract
Value. We reserve the right to impose this charge for applicable premium taxes
when you make a full or partial withdrawal, at the time any death benefit
proceeds are paid, or when those taxes are incurred. For these purposes,
"premium taxes" include any state or local premium taxes and, where approval
has been obtained, federal premium taxes and any federal, state or local
income, excise, business or any other type of tax (or component thereof)
measured by or based upon, directly or indirectly, the amount of payments we
have received. We will base this charge on the Contract Value, the amount of
the transaction, the aggregate amount of Purchase Payments we receive under
your Contract, or any other amount, that in our sole discretion we deem
appropriate.
 
We may also charge the Separate Account or your Contract Value for taxes
attributable to the Separate Account or the Contract, including income taxes
attributable to the Separate Account or to our operations with respect to the
Contract, or taxes attributable, directly or indirectly, to Purchase Payments.
Currently, we do not impose any such charges.
 
ANNUAL FEE
 
We will charge you an Annual Fee of $40 on each Contract Anniversary prior to
the Annuity Date, and at the time you withdraw your entire Net Contract Value,
if your Net Contract Value is less than $50,000 on that date. The fee is not
imposed on amounts you annuitize or on payment of death benefit proceeds. The
fee reimburses certain of our costs in administering the Contracts and the
Separate Account; we do not intend to realize a profit from this fee or the
Administrative Fee. This fee is guaranteed not to increase for the life of
your Contract.
 
Your Annual Fee will be charged proportionately against your Investment
Options. Assessments against your Variable Investment Options are made by
debiting some of the Subaccount Units previously credited to your Contract;
that is, assessment of the Annual Fee does not change the Unit Value for those
Subaccounts.
 
WAIVERS AND REDUCED CHARGES
 
We may agree to reduce or waive the withdrawal charge or the Annual Fee, or
credit additional amounts under our Contracts, in situations where selling
and/or maintenance costs associated with the Contracts are reduced, such as
the sale of several Contracts to the same Contract Owner(s), sales of large
Contracts, sales of Contracts in connection with a group or sponsored
arrangement or mass transactions over multiple Contracts.
 
In addition, we may agree to reduce or waive some or all of such charges
and/or credit additional amounts under our Contracts, for those Contracts sold
to persons who meet criteria established by us, who may include current and
retired officers, directors and employees of us and our affiliates, trustees
of the Pacific Select Fund, registered representatives and employees of
broker/dealers with a current selling agreement with us and their affiliates,
employees of affiliated asset management firms and certain other service
providers, and immediate family members of such persons ("Eligible Persons").
We will credit additional amounts to Contracts owned by Eligible Persons if
such Contracts are purchased directly through Pacific Mutual Distributors,
Inc. Under such circumstances, Eligible Persons will not be afforded the
benefit of services of any other broker/dealer nor will commissions be payable
to any broker/dealer in connection with such purchases. Eligible Persons must
contact us directly with servicing questions, Contract changes and other
matters relating to their Contracts. The amount credited to Contracts owned by
Eligible Persons will equal the reduction in expenses we enjoy by not
incurring brokerage commissions in selling such Contracts, with the
determination of the expense reduction and of such crediting being made in
accordance with our administrative procedures. We may also agree to waive
minimum Purchase Payment requirements for Eligible Persons.
 
We will only reduce or waive such charges or credit additional amounts on any
Contract where expenses associated with the sale of the Contract and/or costs
associated with administering and maintaining the Contract are reduced. We
reserve the right to terminate waiver, reduced charge and crediting programs
at any time, including for issued Contracts.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
MORTALITY AND EXPENSE RISK CHARGE
 
We assess a charge against the assets of each Subaccount to compensate for
certain mortality and expense risks that we assume under the Contracts (the
"Risk Charge"). The risk that an Annuitant will live longer (and therefore
receive more annuity payments) than we predict through our actuarial
calculations at the time the Contract is issued is "mortality risk." We also
bear mortality risk in connection with death benefits payable under the
Contracts. The risk that the expense charges and fees under the Contracts and
Separate Account are less than our actual administrative and operating
expenses is called "expense risk."
 
This Risk Charge is assessed daily at an annual factor expressed as a decimal
(where 1.00 is equal to 100%) of 0.0125 of each Subaccount's assets; this
charge may not be increased for the duration of your Contract. Of this amount,
0.0045 is for assuming expense risk, and 0.0080 is for assuming mortality
risk.
 
The Risk Charge will stop at annuitization if you select a fixed annuity; the
Risk Charge will continue after annuitization if you choose any variable
annuity, even though we do not bear mortality risk if your Annuity Option is
Period Certain Only.
 
We will realize a gain if the Risk Charge exceeds our actual cost of expenses
and benefits, and will suffer a loss if such actual costs exceed the Risk
Charge. Any gain will become part of our General Account; we may use it for
any reason, including covering sales expenses on the Contracts.
 
ADMINISTRATIVE FEE
 
We charge an Administrative Fee as compensation for costs we incur in
operating the Separate Account and issuing and administering the Contracts,
including processing applications and payments, and issuing reports to you and
to regulatory authorities.
   
The Administrative Fee is assessed daily at an annual factor expressed as a
decimal (where 1.00 is equal to 100%) of 0.0015 of the assets of each
Subaccount. This fee is guaranteed not to increase for the life of your
Contract. A relationship will not necessarily exist between the actual
administrative expenses attributable to a particular Contract and the
Administrative Fee paid in respect of that particular Contract. The
Administrative Fee will continue after annuitization if you choose any
variable annuity.     
 
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
 
Your Variable Account Value reflects advisory fees and other expenses incurred
by the various Portfolios of the Fund, net of any applicable reimbursements.
These fees and expenses may vary. The Fund is governed by its own Board of
Trustees, and your Contract does not fix or specify the level of expenses of
any Portfolio. The Fund's fees and expenses are described in detail in the
Fund's Prospectus and in its SAI.
 
                     RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER PAYOUTS
 
SELECTING YOUR ANNUITANT
 
When you submit the application for your Contract, you must choose a sole
Annuitant or two Joint Annuitants. We will send the annuity payments to the
payee that you designate. If you are buying a Qualified Contract, you must be
the sole Annuitant; if you are buying a Non-Qualified Contract you may choose
yourself and/or another person. Whether you choose to have a sole or two Joint
Annuitants, you may choose a Contingent Annuitant; more information on these
options is provided in the SAI. You will not be able to add or change a sole
or Joint Annuitant after your Contract is issued; however, if you are buying a
Qualified Contract, you may add a Joint Annuitant at the time of
annuitization. You will be able to add or change a Contingent Annuitant until
your Annuity Date or the death of your sole Annuitant or both Joint
Annuitants, whichever occurs first; however, once your Contingent Annuitant
has become the Annuitant under your Contract, no additional Contingent
Annuitant may be named. You may not choose an Annuitant who has reached his or
her 86th birthday at the time your Contract is issued. This restriction
applies to Joint and Contingent Annuitants as well as to a sole Annuitant.
When adding or changing Contingent Annuitants, the newly named Contingent
Annuitant must be less than age 86 at the time of change or addition. In
addition, we reserve the right to require proof of age or survival of the
Annuitant(s).
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
ANNUITIZATION
 
You may choose both your Annuity Date (or "Annuity Start Date") and your
Annuity Option. At the Annuity Date, you may elect to annuitize some or all of
your Net Contract Value, less any applicable MVAs, any transaction fee, and
any applicable charge for premium taxes and/or other taxes, (the "Conversion
Amount"), as long as such Conversion Amount annuitized is at least $10,000,
subject to any state exceptions. (See APPENDIX A: STATE LAW VARIATIONS). If
you annuitize only a portion of this available Contract Value, you may have
the remainder distributed, less any applicable charge for premium taxes and/or
other taxes, any transaction fee, any applicable withdrawal charge, any
applicable MVA and any Annual Fee. Any such distribution will be made to you
in a single sum if the Conversion Amount is less than $10,000 on your Annuity
Date. Distributions under your Contract may have tax consequences. You should
consult a qualified tax adviser for information on annuitization.
 
CHOOSING YOUR ANNUITY DATE ("ANNUITY START DATE")
 
You should choose your Annuity Date when you submit your application or we
will apply a default Annuity Date to your Contract.
 
You may change your Annuity Date by notifying us, in proper form, at least ten
Business Days prior to the earlier of your old Annuity Date or your new
Annuity Date.
 
Your Annuity Date cannot be earlier than your first Contract Anniversary and
must occur on or before a certain date: If you have a sole Annuitant, your
Annuity Date cannot be later than his or her 95th birthday however, to meet
IRS minimum distribution rules, your Annuity Date may need to be earlier; if
you have Joint Annuitants and a Non-Qualified Contract, your Annuity Date
cannot be later than your younger Joint Annuitant's 95th birthday; if you have
Joint Annuitants and a Qualified Contract, your Annuity Date cannot be later
than your own 95th birthday. Different requirements may apply in some states.
If your Contract is a Qualified Contract, you may also be subject to
additional restrictions. Adverse federal tax consequences may result if you
choose an Annuity Date that is prior to an Annuitant's attained age 59 1/2.
See FEDERAL TAX STATUS.
 
If you annuitize only a portion of your Net Contract Value on your Annuity
Date, you may, at that time, have the option to elect not to have the
remainder of your Contract Value distributed, but instead to continue your
Contract with that remaining Contract Value (a "continuing Contract"). If this
option is available, you would then choose a second Annuity Date for your
continuing Contract, and all references in this Prospectus to your "Annuity
Date" would, in connection with your continuing Contract, be deemed to refer
to that second Annuity Date. This option may not be available, or may be
available only for certain types of Contracts. You should be aware that some
or all of the payments received before the second Annuity Date may be fully
taxable. We recommend that you call your tax adviser for more information if
you are interested in this option.
 
DEFAULT ANNUITY DATE AND OPTIONS
 
If you have a Non-Qualified Contract and you do not choose an Annuity Date
when you submit your application, your Annuity Date will be your Annuitant's
95th birthday or your younger Joint Annuitant's 95th birthday, whichever
applies; however some states' laws may require a different Annuity Date.
Certain Qualified Plans may require annuitization to occur at an earlier age.
 
If you have not specified an Annuity Option or do not instruct us otherwise,
at your Annuity Date your Net Contract Value, less any applicable MVA,
transaction fees and/or charges for premium taxes and/or other taxes, will be
annuitized (if this net amount is at least $10,000) as follows: the net amount
from your Fixed Option Value and GIO Value will be converted into a fixed-
dollar annuity and the net amount from your Variable Account Value will be
converted into a variable-dollar annuity directed to the Subaccounts
proportionate to your Account Value in each. If you have a Non-Qualified
Contract, or if you have a Qualified Contract and are not married, your
default Annuity Option will be Life with ten year Period Certain. If you have
a Qualified Contract and you are married, your default Annuity Option will be
Joint and Survivor Life with survivor payments of 50% and your spouse will
automatically be named your Joint Annuitant.
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
CHOOSING YOUR ANNUITY OPTION
 
You may make three basic decisions about your annuity payments. First, you may
choose whether you want those payments to be a fixed-dollar amount and/or a
variable-dollar amount. Second, you may choose the form of annuity payments
(see ANNUITY OPTIONS). Third, you may decide how often you want annuity
payments to be made (the "frequency" of the payments). You may not change
these selections after annuitization.
 
Fixed and Variable Annuities
 
You may choose a fixed annuity (i.e., with fixed-dollar amounts), a variable
annuity (i.e., with variable-dollar amounts), or you may choose both,
converting one portion of the net amount you annuitize into a fixed annuity
and another portion into a variable annuity.
 
If you select a fixed annuity, each periodic annuity payment received will be
equal to the initial annuity payment, unless you select a joint and survivor
life annuity with reduced survivor payments and the Primary Annuitant dies.
Any net amount you convert to a fixed annuity will be held in our General
Account, (but not under the Fixed Option or GIOs).
 
If you select a variable annuity, you may choose as many Variable Investment
Options as you wish; the amount of the periodic annuity payments will vary
with the investment results of the Variable Investment Options selected. After
the Annuity Date, Annuity Units may be exchanged among available Variable
Investment Options up to four times in any twelve-month period. How your
Contract converts into a variable annuity is explained in more detail in THE
CONTRACTS AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT in the SAI.
 
Annuity Options
 
Four Annuity Options are currently available under the Contracts, although
additional options may become available in the future.
 
  .  Life Only. Periodic payments are made to the designated payee during his
     or her lifetime. Payments stop when the designated payee dies.
 
  .  Life with Period Certain. Periodic payments are made to the designated
     payee during his or her lifetime, with payments guaranteed for a
     specified period. You may choose to have payments guaranteed for
     anywhere from 5 through 30 years (in full years only). If the designated
     payee dies before the guaranteed payments are completed, the Beneficiary
     receives the remainder of the guaranteed payments, if living; otherwise
     the Owner, if living; otherwise the Owner's estate.
 
  .  Joint and Survivor Life. Periodic payments are made to the Primary
     Annuitant during the lifetime of the Primary Annuitant. After the death
     of the Primary Annuitant, periodic payments are made to the secondary
     Annuitant named in the election if and so long as such secondary
     Annuitant lives. You may choose to have the payments to the surviving
     secondary Annuitant equal 50%, 66 2/3% or 100% of the payments made
     during the lifetime of the Primary Annuitant (you must make this
     election when you choose your Annuity Option). Payments stop when both
     Annuitants have died.
 
  .  Period Certain Only. Periodic payments are made to the designated payee
     over a specified period. You may choose to have payments continue for
     anywhere from 5 through 30 years (in full years only). If the designated
     payee dies before the guaranteed payments are completed, the Beneficiary
     receives the remainder of the guaranteed payments, if living; otherwise
     the Owner, if living; otherwise the Owner's estate.
 
If your Contract was issued in connection with a Qualified Plan subject to
Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), your
spouse's consent may be required when you seek any distribution under your
Contract, unless your Annuity Option is Joint and Survivor Life with survivor
payments of at least 50%, and your spouse is your Joint Annuitant.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
Frequency of Payments
 
You may choose to have annuity payments made monthly, quarterly, semiannually,
or annually. The amount of a variable payment will be determined in each
period on the date corresponding to your Annuity Date, and payment will be
made on the next succeeding day.
 
Your initial annuity payment must be at least $250. Depending on the net
amount you annuitize, this requirement may limit your options regarding the
period and/or frequency of annuity payments.
 
YOUR ANNUITY PAYMENTS
 
Amount of the First Payment
 
Your Contract contains tables that we use to determine the amount of the first
annuity payment under your Contract, taking into consideration the annuitized
portion of your Net Contract Value at the Annuity Date. This amount will vary,
depending on the annuity period and payment frequency you select; this amount
will be larger in the case of shorter Period Certain annuities and smaller for
longer Period Certain annuities. Similarly, this amount will be greater for a
Life Only annuity than for a Joint and Survivor Life annuity, because we will
expect to make payments for a shorter period of time on a Life Only annuity.
If you do not choose the Period Certain Only annuity, this amount will also
vary depending on the age of the Annuitant(s) on the Annuity Date and, for
some Contracts in some states, the sex of the Annuitant(s).
 
For fixed annuity payments, the guaranteed income factors in our tables are
based on an annual interest rate of 3% and the 1983a Annuity Mortality Table
with the ages set back 10 years. If you elect a fixed annuity, fixed annuity
payments will be based on the periodic income factors in effect for your
Contract on the Annuity Date which are at least the guaranteed income factors
under the Contract.
 
For variable annuity payments, the tables are based on an assumed annual
investment return of 5% and the 1983a Annuity Mortality Table with the ages
set back 10 years. If you elect a variable annuity, your initial variable
annuity payment will be based on the applicable variable annuity income
factors in our table. A higher assumed investment return would mean a larger
first variable annuity payment, but subsequent payments would increase only
when actual net investment performance exceeds the higher assumed rate and
would fall when actual net investment performance is less than the higher
assumed rate. A lower assumed rate would mean a smaller first payment and a
more favorable threshold for increases and decreases. If the actual net
investment performance is a constant 5% annually, annuity payments will be
level. The assumed investment return is explained in more detail in the SAI
under THE CONTRACTS AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT.
 
DEATH BENEFITS
 
A death benefit may be payable on proof of death before the Annuity Date of
the Annuitant or of any Contract Owner while the Contract is in force. The
amount of the death benefit will be paid according to the DEATH BENEFIT
PROCEEDS section.
 
Death Benefit Proceeds
 
The proceeds of any death benefit payable will be payable upon receipt, in
proper form, of proof of death and instructions regarding payment of death
proceeds. Such proceeds will equal the amount of the death benefit reduced by
any charge for premium taxes and/or other taxes and any Contract Debt. The
death benefit proceeds will be payable in a single sum, as an annuity, or in
accordance with IRS regulations (see DEATH OF OWNER DISTRIBUTION RULES). Any
such annuity is subject to all restrictions (including minimum amount
requirements) as are other annuities under this Contract; in addition, there
may be legal requirements that limit the recipient's Annuity Options and the
timing of any payments. A recipient should consult a qualified tax adviser
before electing to receive an annuity.
 
Additional provisions apply if your Contract names a Joint or Contingent Owner
or Annuitant, or if the Beneficiary, Joint Owner, or Contingent Owner is your
spouse. Further information about these provisions is contained in the SAI.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
   
Death of Owner Distribution Rules     
 
If a Contract Owner of a Non-Qualified Contract dies before the Annuity Date,
any death benefit proceeds under this Contract must begin distribution within
five years after the Owner's death. In order to satisfy this requirement, the
designated recipient must receive a lump sum payment or elect to receive an
annuity for life or over a period that does not exceed the life expectancy of
the designated recipient with annuity payments that start within one year
after the Owner's death. If an election to receive an annuity is not made
within 60 days of our receipt of proof in proper form of the Owner's death or,
if earlier, 60 days (or shorter period as we permit) prior to the first
anniversary of the Owner's death, the lump sum option will be deemed elected,
unless otherwise required by law. If the lump sum option is deemed elected, we
will consider that deemed election as receipt of instructions regarding
payment of death benefit proceeds. If a Non-Qualified Contract has Joint
Owners, this requirement applies to the first Contract Owner to die.
 
If the Contract Owner was not an Annuitant but was a Joint Owner and there is
a surviving Joint Owner, that surviving Joint Owner is the designated
recipient; if no Joint Owner survives but a Contingent Owner is named in the
Contract and is living, he or she is the designated recipient, otherwise the
designated recipient is the Beneficiary; if no Beneficiary is living, the
designated recipient is the Owner's estate. If the Contract Owner was an
Annuitant, the designated recipient is the Beneficiary; if no Beneficiary is
living, the designated recipient is the Owner's estate. A sole designated
recipient who is the Contract Owner's spouse may elect to become the Contract
Owner (and sole Annuitant if the deceased Contract Owner had been the
Annuitant) and continue the Contract until the earliest of the spouse's death,
the death of the Annuitant, or the Annuity Date. A Joint or Contingent Owner
who is the designated recipient but not the Contract Owner's spouse may not
continue the Contract, but may purchase a new Contract.
 
If you are a non-individual Owner of a Contract other than a Contract issued
under a Qualified Plan as defined in Section 401 or 403 of the Code, the
Primary Annuitant will be treated as the Owner of the Contract for purposes of
these Distribution Rules. If there is a change in the Primary Annuitant prior
to the Annuity Date, such change will be treated as the death of the Owner.
The amount of the death benefit in this situation will be (a) the Contract
Value if the non-individual Owner elects to maintain the Contract and reinvest
the Contract Value into the Contract in the same amount as immediately prior
to the distribution, or (b) the Contract Value less any Annual Fee, and any
withdrawal and/or transaction fee, any charges for withdrawals, and/or premium
taxes and/or other taxes, if the non-individual Owner elects a cash
distribution. The amount of the death benefit will be determined as of the
Business Day we receive, in proper form, the request to change the Primary
Annuitant and instructions regarding maintaining the Contract or cash
distribution.
   
Qualified Plan Death of Annuitant Distribution Rules     
   
Under Internal Revenue Service regulations, if the Contract is owned under a
Qualified Plan as defined in Section 401, 403, 408, or 457 of the Code and the
Annuitant dies before the commencement of distributions, the payment of any
death benefit must be made to the designated recipient no later than December
31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the Annuitant's
death falls. In order to satisfy this requirement, the designated recipient
must receive a lump sum payment or elect to receive the Annuitant's interest
in the Contract in equal or substantially equal installments over a period not
exceeding the lifetime or life expectancy of the designated recipient. If the
designated recipient elects the installment payment option, the Internal
Revenue Service regulations provide that payments must begin no later than
December 31 of the calendar year which follows the calendar year in which the
Annuitant died. However, if the designated recipient is the spouse of the
Annuitant at the time of the Annuitant's death ("surviving spouse"), then,
under the regulations, payments under the installment payment option must
begin no later than December 31 of the calendar year in which the Annuitant
would have reached age 70 1/2.     
   
Under our administrative procedures, payments must commence no later than the
first anniversary of the death of the Annuitant; however, if the designated
recipient is the surviving spouse and if the surviving spouse elects to defer
the commencement of installment payments beyond the first anniversary of the
Annuitant's death, the surviving spouse will be deemed to continue the
contract as the sole Annuitant and will not be entitled to death     
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
   
benefit proceeds as a result of the death of the Annuitant; instead the
Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Amount (defined below) and payment of any
death benefit proceeds will be determined upon our receipt of proof of death
and instructions regarding payment of the surviving spouse as sole Annuitant.
Further, under our administrative procedures, if the installment payment
(annuity) option election is not received by us in good order within 60 days
of (or shorter period as we permit) our receipt of proof in proper form of the
Annuitant's death or, if earlier, before the sixtieth day preceding (1) the
first anniversary of the Annuitant's death or (2) the date on which the
Annuitant would have attained age 70 1/2, the lump sum option will be deemed
by us to have been elected, unless otherwise required by law. If the lump sum
option is deemed elected, we will treat that deemed election as receipt of
instructions regarding payment of death benefit proceeds.     
   
If the Annuitant dies after the commencement of distributions but before the
Annuitant's entire interest in the Contract has been distributed, the
remaining interest in the Contract must be distributed to the designated
recipient at least as rapidly as under the distribution method in effect at
the time of the Annuitant's death.     
 
Death Benefit Amounts
 
The Death Benefit Amount as of any day (prior to the Annuity Date) is equal to
the greater of (a) your Contract Value as of that day, or (b) your aggregate
Purchase Payments, reduced by any applicable charges, fees and/or MVAs and
further reduced by an amount for each withdrawal that is calculated by
multiplying the aggregate Purchase Payments received prior to each withdrawal
by the ratio of the amount of each withdrawal, including applicable withdrawal
charges, to the Contract Value immediately prior to each withdrawal.
   
The Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Amount is calculated only when a death
benefit becomes payable as a result of the death of the sole Annuitant, and is
determined as follows: First, we calculate what the Death Benefit Amount would
have been as of your sixth Contract Anniversary and each Subsequent Contract
Anniversary that occurs while the Annuitant is living and before the Annuitant
reaches his or her 76th birthday (each of these Contract Anniversaries is a
"Milestone Date"). We then adjust the Death Benefit Amount for each Milestone
Date by: (i) adding the aggregate amount of any Purchase Payments received by
us since the Milestone Date; (ii) subtracting an amount for each withdrawal
that has occurred since that Milestone Date, which is calculated by
multiplying the Death benefit Amount by the ratio of the amount of each
withdrawal that has occurred since that Milestone Date, including any
withdrawal charge, to the Contract Value immediately prior to the withdrawal;
and (iii) subtracting the aggregate amount of any previous charges, fees, MVAs
and/or taxes since that Milestone Date.     
   
The highest of these adjusted Death Benefit Amounts for each milestone date,
as of the Notice Date, is your Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Amount.
CALCULATIONS OF ANY GUARANTEED MINIMUM DEATH BENEFIT ARE ONLY MADE ONCE DEATH
BENEFIT PROCEEDS BECOME PAYABLE UNDER YOUR CONTRACT.     
 
The Notice Date is the day on which we receive proof (in proper form) of death
and instructions regarding payment of death benefit proceeds.
 
The Amount of the Death Benefit: Death of Annuitant
 
If the Annuitant dies on or before the sixth Contract Anniversary, or if the
Annuitant had already reached his or her 76th birthday as of the sixth
Contract Anniversary, the death benefit will be equal to the "Death Benefit
Amount" as of the "Notice Date."
 
If the Annuitant dies prior to the Annuity Date but after the sixth Contract
Anniversary, and had not yet reached his or her 76th birthday as of the sixth
Contract Anniversary, the death benefit will be equal to the greater of
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
(a) the Death Benefit Amount as of the Notice Date; or (b) the "Guaranteed
Minimum Death Benefit Amount" as of the Notice Date.
 
The following procedures apply in the event of death of an Annuitant who is
not also a Contract Owner: If your Contract names Joint Annuitants and only
one Joint Annuitant dies, the surviving Joint Annuitant becomes your sole
Annuitant and the death benefit is not yet payable. If your sole Annuitant
dies (or if no Joint Annuitant survives) and your Contract names a surviving
Contingent Annuitant, he or she becomes the sole Annuitant and the death
benefit is not yet payable. If there is no surviving Joint or Contingent
Annuitant, the death benefit is payable to your Beneficiary, if living. To
avoid the possibility of an adverse gift tax situation upon the death of a
sole Annuitant with no living Beneficiary, the death benefit will be paid to
the Owner or the Owner's estate.
   
If both the Owner and Annuitant die simultaneously, the death benefit proceeds
will be paid to the Beneficiary, if living; if not, to the Owner's estate.
    
Death Benefit: Death of a Contract Owner
 
If a Contract Owner who is not the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Date, the
amount of the death benefit will be equal to your Contract Value as of the
Notice Date and will be paid in accordance with the DEATH BENEFIT PROCEEDS
section above. The death benefit proceeds will be paid to the Joint Owner, if
living; if not, to the Contingent Owner, if living; if not, to the
Beneficiary, if living; if not, to the Owner's estate. See THE GENERAL
ACCOUNT--WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS.
 
If a Contract Owner who is the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Date, the
amount of the death benefit will be equal to the greater of your Death Benefit
Amount or the Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit Amount as of the Notice Date
and will be paid in accordance with the Death Benefit Proceeds section above.
The death benefit proceeds will be paid to the Beneficiary if living; if not,
to the Owner's estate. Joint and/or Contingent Owners and/or Annuitants will
not be considered in determining the recipient of death benefit proceeds.
 
If both you and the Annuitant(s) are non-individual persons, no death benefit
will be payable, and any distribution will be treated as a withdrawal and
subject to any applicable annual fee, withdrawal fee, withdrawal charge,
charge for premium taxes and/or other taxes, and MVAs.
 
                                  WITHDRAWALS
 
OPTIONAL WITHDRAWALS
 
You may, on or prior to your Annuity Date, withdraw all or a portion of the
amount available under your Contract. You may surrender your Contract and make
a full withdrawal at any time. Except as provided below, beginning 30 days
after your Contract Date, you also may make partial withdrawals from your
Investment Options at any time. You may request to withdraw a specific dollar
amount or a specific percentage of an Account Value or your Net Contract
Value. You may choose to make your withdrawal from specified Investment
Options; if you do not specify Investment Options, your withdrawal will be
made from all of your Investment Options proportionately. Each partial
withdrawal must be for $500 or more, except pre-authorized withdrawals, which
must be at least $250. If your partial withdrawal from an Investment Option
would leave a remaining Account Value in that Investment Option of less than
any minimum Account Value we may require in the future, we have the right, at
our option, to transfer that remaining amount to your other Investment Options
on a proportionate basis relative to your most recent allocation instructions.
If your partial withdrawal leaves you with a Net Contract Value of less than
$1,000 ($500 in Maryland, New Jersey and Texas), we have the right, at our
option, to terminate your Contract and send you the withdrawal proceeds
described in the next section. Partial withdrawals from the Fixed Option in
any Contract Year are subject to restrictions. See GENERAL ACCOUNT--
WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS.
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
Amount Available for Withdrawal
 
The amount available for withdrawal is your Net Contract Value at the end of
the Business Day on which your withdrawal request is effective, less any
applicable Annual Fee, any withdrawal charge, any withdrawal transaction fee,
and any charge for premium taxes and/or other taxes, and after application of
the MVA, if appropriate. The amount we send to you (your "withdrawal
proceeds") will also reflect any required or requested federal and state
income tax withholding. See FEDERAL TAX STATUS and THE GENERAL ACCOUNT--
WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS.
 
You assume investment risk on investments in the Subaccounts; as a result, the
amount available to you for withdrawal from any Subaccount may be more or less
than the total Purchase Payments you have allocated to that Subaccount.
 
Withdrawal Transaction Fees
 
There is currently no transaction fee for partial withdrawals. However, we
reserve the right to impose a withdrawal transaction fee in the future of up
to $15 for each partial withdrawal (including pre-authorized partial
withdrawals) in excess of 15 in any Contract Year. Any such fee would be
charged against your Investment Options proportionately based on your Account
Value in each immediately after the withdrawal.
 
Pre-Authorized Withdrawals
 
If your Contract Value is at least $5,000, you may select the pre-authorized
withdrawal option, and you may choose monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual
withdrawals. Each withdrawal must be for at least $250. Each pre-authorized
withdrawal is subject to federal income tax on its taxable portion and may be
subject to a 10% penalty tax if you have not reached age 59 1/2. The GIOs are
not available for pre-authorized withdrawals. See FEDERAL TAX STATUS and THE
GENERAL ACCOUNT--WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS. Additional information and options
are set forth in the SAI and in the Pre-Authorized Withdrawal section of your
application.
 
Special Requirements for Full Withdrawals
 
If you wish to withdraw the entire amount available under your Contract, you
must either return your Contract to us or sign and submit to us a "lost
Contract affidavit."
 
Special Restrictions Under Qualified Plans
 
If your Contract was issued under certain Qualified Plans, you may not
withdraw amounts attributable to contributions made pursuant to a salary
reduction agreement (as defined in Section 402(g)(3)(A) of the Code) or to
transfers from a custodial account (as defined in Section 403(b)(7) of the
Code) except in cases of your (a) separation from service, (b) death, (c)
disability as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Code, (d) reaching age 59
1/2, or (e) hardship as defined for purposes of Section 401(k) of the Code.
 
These limitations do not affect certain rollovers or exchanges between
Qualified Plans, and do not apply to rollovers from these Qualified Plans to
an individual retirement account or individual retirement annuity. In the case
of tax sheltered annuities, these limitations do not apply to certain salary
reduction contributions made, and investment results earned, prior to dates
specified in the Code.
 
Hardship withdrawals under the exception provided above are restricted to
amounts attributable to salary reduction contributions, and do not include
investment results; this additional restriction does not apply to salary
reduction contributions made, and investment results earned, prior to dates
specified in the Code.
 
Certain distributions, including rollovers, may be subject to mandatory
withholding of 20% for federal income tax if the distribution is not
transferred directly to the trustee of another Qualified Plan, or to the
custodian of an
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
individual retirement account or issuer of an individual retirement annuity.
See FEDERAL TAX STATUS. Distributions may also trigger withholding for state
income taxes. The tax and ERISA rules relating to Contract withdrawals are
complex. We are not the administrator of any Qualified Plan. You should
consult your tax adviser and/or your plan administrator before you withdraw
any portion of your Contract Value.
 
Effective Date of Withdrawal Requests
 
Withdrawal requests are normally effective on the Business Day we receive them
in proper form. If you make Purchase Payments by check and submit a withdrawal
request immediately afterwards, payment of your withdrawal proceeds may be
delayed until your check clears.
 
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF WITHDRAWALS
 
Withdrawals, including pre-authorized withdrawals, will generally have federal
income tax consequences, which could include tax penalties. YOU SHOULD CONSULT
WITH A TAX ADVISER BEFORE MAKING ANY WITHDRAWAL OR SELECTING THE PRE-
AUTHORIZED WITHDRAWAL OPTION. See FEDERAL TAX STATUS.
 
SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT ("FREE LOOK")
 
You may return your Contract for cancellation and a full refund during your
"free look period." Your free look period is usually the 10-day period
beginning on the day you receive your Contract, but may vary if required by
state law. For more information, see APPENDIX A: STATE LAW VARIATIONS. If you
return your Contract, it will be canceled and treated as void from your
Contract Date. You will then receive a refund as follows:
 
  .  All of your Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed Option and GIOs;
     and
 
  .  your Variable Account Value as of the end of the Business Day on which
     we receive your Contract for cancellation, plus a refund of any amounts
     that may have been deducted as Contract fees or charges.
 
Some states' laws require us to refund your Purchase Payments allocated to the
Variable Investment Options instead of your Variable Account Value. If your
Contract is issued in one of these states (the "issue state"), the Purchase
Payments you have allocated to any Subaccount will usually be allocated to the
Money Market Subaccount during your free look period. In such cases, we will
transfer your Contract Value in the Money Market Subaccount to your chosen
Variable Investment Options at the end of the 15th calendar day after your
Contract Date (your "Free Look Transfer Date"). We reserve the right to extend
your Free Look Transfer Date by the number of days in excess of ten days that
the issue state allows you to return your Contract to us pursuant to your
"free look" right. Any amounts credited to your Variable Account as a result
of any variation in charges, as described in WAIVERS AND REDUCED CHARGES, and
any earnings on such amounts, will not be included in the amount refunded to
you.
 
If your Contract is issued in exchange for another annuity contract or a life
insurance policy, our administrative procedures may vary, depending on the
state in which your contract is issued.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
                 PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE
 
We are a mutual life insurance company organized under California law on
January 2, 1868 under the name "Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company of
California" and reincorporated as Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company on
July 22, 1936. Our operations include both life insurance and annuity products
as well as financial and retirement services. As of the end of 1996, we had
over $50.8 billion of individual life insurance in force and total admitted
assets of approximately $21.2 billion. We have been ranked according to
admitted assets as the 23rd largest life insurance carrier in the nation for
1995. Together with our subsidiaries and affiliated enterprises, we have total
assets and funds under management of over $136.7 billion. We are authorized to
conduct life insurance and annuity business in the District of Columbia and
all states except New York. Our principal offices are located at 700 Newport
Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660.
 
On April 21, 1997, the Board of Directors of Pacific Mutual Life Insurance
Company approved a Plan of Conversion ("Plan") under which Pacific Mutual Life
would convert from a mutual life insurance company to a stock life insurance
company ultimately controlled by a mutual holding company. This transaction is
intended to result in a corporate structure that provides, among other things,
better access to external sources of capital. Under the Plan, upon the
conversion, the insurance company would issue voting stock to a newly-formed
stock holding company called Pacific LifeCorp, and all of Pacific LifeCorp's
initially issued voting stock would be owned by a newly-created mutual holding
company called Pacific Mutual Holding Company. It is anticipated that Pacific
LifeCorp could, subsequent to the conversion, offer shares of its stock
publicly or privately; however Pacific Mutual Holding Company must always hold
at least 51% of the voting stock of Pacific LifeCorp. Pacific LifeCorp would
always own 100% of the voting stock of the insurance company. No plans have
been formulated to issue any shares of capital stock or debt securities of
Pacific LifeCorp at this time.
 
Since Pacific Mutual Life currently is a mutual life insurance company, owners
("policyholders") of Pacific Mutual Life's annuity contracts and life
insurance policies ("policies") have certain membership interests in Pacific
Mutual Life consisting principally of the right to vote on the election of the
Board of Directors and on other matters and certain rights upon liquidation or
dissolution of Pacific Mutual Life. Under the Plan, policyholders continue to
be policyholders in the same insurance company, but would no longer have a
membership interest in the insurance company; rather, policyholders would have
membership interests in Pacific Mutual Holding Company. These interests in the
mutual holding company would be substantially the same as the interests that
policyholders have in Pacific Mutual Life prior to the conversion, consisting
principally of the right to vote on the election of the Board of Directors and
on other matters and certain rights upon liquidation or dissolution of Pacific
Mutual Holding Company. After the conversion, persons who acquire policies
from the insurance company will automatically be members in Pacific Mutual
Holding Company. The conversion will not cause any change in premium payments
or deduction of policy benefits, values, guarantees or other policy
obligations. The Plan is subject to approval by Pacific Mutual Life's
policyholders and the consent of the Insurance Commissioner of California,
among other approvals and conditions. If the necessary approvals are obtained
and conditions met, the conversion could occur in 1997. Under the Plan, the
insurance company's name will change to Pacific Life Insurance Company.
 
Our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Pacific Mutual Distributors, Inc.
("PMD"), serves as the principal underwriter (distributor) for the Contracts.
PMD is located at 700 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660.
We and PMD enter into selling agreements with broker-dealers, under which such
broker-dealers act as agents of us and PMD in the sale of the Contracts.
 
We may provide you with reports of our ratings both as an insurance company
and as to our claims-paying ability with respect to our General Account
assets. The SAI presents more details about these ratings.
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
 
Separate Account A was established on September 7, 1994 as a separate account
of ours, and is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"), as a type of investment company called a "unit
investment trust."
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
Obligations arising under your Contract are our general corporate obligations.
We are also the legal owner of the assets in the Separate Account.
 
Assets of the Separate Account attributed to the reserves and other
liabilities under the Contract and other contracts issued by us that are
supported by the Separate Account may not be charged with liabilities arising
from any of our other business; any income, gain or loss (whether or not
realized) from the assets of the Separate Account are credited to or charged
against the Separate Account without regard to our other income, gain or loss.
 
We may invest money in the Separate Account in order to commence its
operations and for other purposes, but not to support contracts other than
variable annuity contracts. A portion of the Separate Account's assets may
include accumulations of charges we make against the Separate Account and
investment results of assets so accumulated. These additional assets are ours
and we may transfer them to our General Account at any time; however, before
making any such transfer, we will consider any possible adverse impact the
transfer might have on the Separate Account. Subject to applicable law, we
reserve the right to transfer our assets in the Separate Account to our
General Account.
 
The Separate Account is not the sole investor in the Fund. Investment in the
Fund by other separate accounts in connection with variable annuity and
variable life insurance contracts may create conflicts. See MORE ON THE FUND'S
SHARES in the accompanying Prospectus for the Fund.
 
                              FEDERAL TAX STATUS
 
The following summary of federal income tax consequences is based on current
tax laws and regulations, which may be changed by legislative, judicial or
administrative action. The summary is general in nature, and does not consider
any applicable state or local tax laws. We do not make any guarantee regarding
the tax status, federal, state or local, of any Contract or any transaction
involving the Contracts. Accordingly, you should consult a qualified tax
adviser for complete information and advice before purchasing a Contract.
 
The following rules generally do not apply to variable annuity contracts held
by or for non-natural persons (e.g., corporations) unless such an entity holds
the contract as nominee for a natural person. If a contract is not owned or
held by a natural person or a nominee for a natural person, the contract
generally will not be treated as an "annuity" for tax purposes, meaning that
the contract owner will be taxed currently on annual increases in Contract
Value at ordinary income rates unless some other exception applies.
 
Section 72 of the Code governs the taxation of annuities in general, and we
designed the Contracts to meet the requirements of Section 72 of the Code. We
believe that, under current law, the Contract will be treated as an annuity
for federal income tax purposes if the Contract Owner is a natural person or a
nominee for a natural person, and that we (as the issuing insurance company),
and not the Contract Owner(s), will be treated as the owner of the investments
underlying the Contract. Accordingly, no tax should be payable by you as a
Contract Owner as a result of any increase in Contract Value until you receive
money under your Contract. You should, however, consider how amounts will be
taxed when you do receive them. The following discussion assumes that your
Contract will be treated as an annuity for federal income tax purposes.
 
Section 817(h) of the Code provides that the investments underlying a variable
annuity must satisfy certain diversification requirements. Details on these
diversification requirements appear under OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND in
the Fund's Prospectus. We believe the underlying Variable Investment Options
for the Contract meet these requirements. In connection with the issuance of
temporary regulations relating to diversification requirements under Section
817(h), the Treasury Department announced that such regulations do not provide
guidance concerning the extent to which you may direct your investments to
particular divisions of a separate account. Such guidance may be included in
regulations or revenue rulings under Section 817(d) relating to the definition
of a variable contract. Because of this uncertainty, we reserve the
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
right to make such changes as we deem necessary or appropriate to ensure that
your Contract continues to qualify as an annuity for tax purposes. Any such
changes will apply uniformly to affected Contract Owners and will be made with
such notice to affected Contract Owners as is feasible under the
circumstances.
 
TAXES PAYABLE BY CONTRACT OWNERS: GENERAL RULES
 
THESE GENERAL RULES APPLY TO NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS. AS DISCUSSED BELOW,
HOWEVER, TAX RULES MAY DIFFER FOR QUALIFIED CONTRACTS AND YOU SHOULD CONSULT A
QUALIFIED TAX ADVISER IF YOU ARE PURCHASING A QUALIFIED CONTRACT.
 
Distributions of net investment income or capital gains that each Subaccount
receives from its corresponding Portfolio are automatically reinvested in such
Portfolio unless we, on behalf of the Separate Account, elect otherwise. As
noted above, you will be subject to federal income taxes on the investment
income from your Contract only when it is distributed to you.
 
Taxes Payable on Withdrawals
 
Amounts you withdraw before annuitization, including amounts withdrawn from
your Contract Value in connection with partial withdrawals for payment of any
charges and fees, will be treated first as taxable income, to the extent that
your Contract Value exceeds the aggregate of your Purchase Payments (reduced
by non-taxable amounts previously received), and then as non-taxable recovery
of your Purchase Payments.
 
The assignment or pledge of (or agreement to assign or pledge) the value of
the Contract for a loan will be treated as a withdrawal subject to these
rules. Moreover, all annuity contracts issued to you in any given calendar
year by us and any of our affiliates are treated as a single annuity contract
for purposes of determining whether an amount is subject to tax under these
rules. The Code further provides that the taxable portion of a withdrawal may
be subject to a penalty tax equal to 10% of that taxable portion unless the
withdrawal is: (1) made on or after the date you reach age 59 1/2, (2) made by
a Beneficiary after your death, (3) attributable to your becoming disabled, or
(4) in the form of level annuity payments under a lifetime annuity.
 
Taxes Payable on Annuity Payments
 
A portion of each annuity payment you receive under a Contract generally will
be treated as a partial recovery of Purchase Payments (as used here, "Purchase
Payments" means the aggregate Purchase Payments less any amounts that were
previously received under the Contract but not included in income) and will
not be taxable. (In certain circumstances, subsequent modifications to an
initially-established payment pattern may result in the imposition of a
penalty tax.) The remainder of each annuity payment will be taxed as ordinary
income. However, after the full amount of aggregate Purchase Payments has been
recovered, the full amount of each annuity payment will be taxed as ordinary
income. Exactly how an annuity payment is divided into taxable and non-taxable
portions depends on the period over which annuity payments are expected to be
received, which in turn is governed by the form of annuity selected and, where
a lifetime annuity is chosen, by the life expectancy of the Annuitant(s) or
payee(s).
 
Should the death of a Contract Owner cause annuity payments to cease before
Purchase Payments have been fully recovered, an Annuitant (or in certain cases
the Beneficiary) is allowed a deduction on the final tax return for the
unrecovered Purchase Payments; however, if any remaining annuity payments are
made to a Beneficiary, the Beneficiary will recover the balance of the
Purchase Payments as payments are made. A lump sum payment taken in lieu of
remaining monthly annuity payments is not considered an annuity payment for
tax purposes. The portion of any lump sum payment to a Beneficiary in excess
of aggregate unrecovered Purchase Payments would be subject to income tax.
Such a lump sum payment may also be subject to a penalty tax.
 
If a Contract Owner dies before annuity payments begin, certain minimum
distribution requirements apply. If a Contract Owner dies after the Annuity
Date, the remaining interest in the Contract must be distributed at least as
rapidly as under the method of distribution in effect on the date of death.
 
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
Generally, the same tax rules apply to amounts received by the Beneficiary as
those set forth above, except that the early withdrawal penalty tax does not
apply. Thus, any annuity payments or lump sum withdrawal will be divided into
taxable and non-taxable portions. If the Contract Owner or Annuitant dies and
within sixty days after the date on which a lump sum death benefit first
becomes payable the designated recipient elects to receive annuity payments in
lieu of the lump sum death benefit, then the designated recipient will not be
treated for tax purposes as having received the lump sum death benefit in the
tax year it first becomes payable. Rather, in that case, the designated
recipient will be taxed on the annuity payments as they are received.
 
In addition, designation of a Beneficiary who either is 37 1/2 or more years
younger than a Contract Owner or is a grandchild of a Contract Owner may have
Generation Skipping Transfer Tax consequences under section 2601 of the Code.
 
Certain transfers of a Contract for less than full consideration, such as a
gift, will trigger tax on the investment income in the Contract, and may also
trigger tax penalties and, if applicable, gift tax.
 
QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
 
The Contracts are available to a variety of Qualified Plans. Tax restrictions
and consequences for Contracts under each type of Qualified Plan differ from
each other and from those for Non-Qualified Contracts. In addition, individual
Qualified Plans may have terms and conditions that impose additional rules.
   
THE FOLLOWING IS ONLY A GENERAL DISCUSSION ABOUT TYPES OF QUALIFIED PLANS FOR
WHICH THE CONTRACTS ARE AVAILABLE. WE ARE NOT THE ADMINISTRATOR OF ANY
QUALIFIED PLAN. THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR AND/OR CUSTODIAN, WHICHEVER IS
APPLICABLE, (BUT NOT US) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL PLAN ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, NOTIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS,
DISBURSEMENT OF PLAN BENEFITS, COMPLIANCE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND FEDERAL
AND STATE TAX REPORTING OF INCOME/DISTRIBUTIONS FROM THE PLAN TO PLAN
PARTICIPANTS AND, IF APPLICABLE, BENEFICIARIES OF PLAN PARTICIPANTS AND IRA
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PLAN PARTICIPANTS. OUR ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES ARE LIMITED TO
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CONTRACT AND ANY DISBURSEMENTS OF ANY CONTRACT BENEFITS
TO THE OWNER, ANNUITANT, OR BENEFICIARY OF THE CONTRACT, AS APPLICABLE. OUR
TAX REPORTING RESPONSIBILITY IS LIMITED TO FEDERAL AND STATE TAX REPORTING OF
INCOME/DISTRIBUTIONS TO THE APPLICABLE PAYEE AND IRA CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE
OWNER OF A CONTRACT, AS RECORDED ON OUR BOOKS AND RECORDS. THE QUALIFIED PLAN
(THE PLAN ADMINISTRATOR OR THE CUSTODIAN) IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE US WITH
INFORMATION REGARDING INDIVIDUALS WITH SIGNATORY AUTHORITY ON THE CONTRACT(S)
OWNED. IF YOU ARE PURCHASING A QUALIFIED CONTRACT, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH
YOUR PLAN ADMINISTRATOR AND/OR A QUALIFIED TAX ADVISER.     
 
Individual Retirement Annuities ("IRAs")
 
Contributions to an IRA are subject to limitations. In addition, distributions
from an IRA are subject to certain restrictions. Failure to make mandatory
distributions may result in imposition of a 50% penalty tax on any difference
between the required distribution amount and the amount actually distributed.
A 10% penalty tax is imposed on the amount includable in gross income from
distributions that occur before you attain age 59 1/2 and that are not made on
account of death or disability, with certain exceptions. These exceptions
include distributions that are part of a series of substantially equal
periodic payments made over your life (or life expectancy) or the joint lives
(or joint life expectancies) of you and your Joint Annuitant. Distributions of
minimum amounts specified by the Code must commence by April 1 of the calendar
year following the calendar year in which you attain age 70 1/2. Additional
distribution rules apply after your death.
 
You may rollover funds from an existing Qualified Plan (such as proceeds from
existing insurance policies, annuity contracts or securities) into your IRA if
those funds are in cash; this will require you to liquidate any value
accumulated under the existing Qualified Plan. Mandatory withholding of 20%
may apply to any rollover distribution from your existing Qualified Plan if
the distribution is not transferred directly to your IRA; to avoid this
withholding you should have cash transferred directly from the insurance
company or plan trustee to us. Similar limitations and tax penalties apply to
tax sheltered annuities, government plans, 401(k) plans, and pension and
profit-sharing plans.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
Tax Sheltered Annuities ("TSAs")
 
Section 403(b) of the Code permits public school systems and certain tax-
exempt organizations to adopt annuity plans for their employees; Purchase
Payments made on Contracts purchased for these employees are excludable from
the employees' gross income (subject to maximum contribution limits).
Distributions under these Contracts must comply with certain limitations as to
timing, or result in tax penalties.
 
Government Plans
 
Section 457 of the Code permits employees of a state or local government (or
of certain other tax-exempt entities) to defer compensation through an
eligible government plan. Contributions to a Contract in connection with an
eligible government plan are subject to limitations.
 
401(k) Plans; Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans
 
Deferred compensation plans may be established by an employer for certain
eligible employees under Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Code. Contributions
to these plans are subject to limitations.
 
LOANS
 
Certain Qualified Contract Owners may borrow against their Contracts. If yours
is a Qualified Contract issued under Section 401 or 403 of the Code and the
terms of your Qualified Plan permit, you may request a loan from us, using
your Contract Value as your only security.
 
Tax and Legal Matters
 
The tax and ERISA rules relating to Contract loans are complex and in many
cases unclear. For these reasons, and because the rules vary depending on the
individual circumstances of each Contract, WE URGE YOU TO CONSULT WITH A
QUALIFIED TAX ADVISER PRIOR TO EFFECTING ANY LOAN TRANSACTION UNDER YOUR
CONTRACT.
 
Interest paid on your loan under a 401 plan or 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity
will be considered "personal interest" under Section 163(h) of the Code, to
the extent the loan comes from your pre-tax contributions, even if the
proceeds of your loan are used to acquire your principal residence.
 
We may change these loan provisions to reflect changes in the Code or
interpretations thereof.
 
Loan Procedures
 
Your loan request must be submitted on our Loan Agreement Form. You may submit
a loan request at any time after your first Contract Anniversary and before
your Annuity Date; however, before requesting a new loan, you must wait thirty
days after the last payment of a previous loan. If approved, your loan will
usually be effective as of the end of the Business Day on which we receive all
necessary documentation in proper form. We will normally forward proceeds of
your loan to you within seven calendar days after the effective date of your
loan. A loan administration fee of $500 will be deducted from your loan
proceeds, unless state law requires otherwise.
 
In order to secure your loan, on the effective date of your loan, we will
transfer an amount equal to the principal amount of your loan into an account
called the "Loan Account." To make this transfer, we will transfer amounts
proportionately from your Investment Options, in accordance with the Loan
Agreement. Your GIO Value is not available to secure your loan.
 
As your loan is repaid, a portion, corresponding to the amount of the
repayment of any amount then held as security for your loan, will be
transferred from the Loan Account back into your Investment Options relative
to your current allocation instructions.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
Loan Terms
 
You may have only one loan outstanding at any time. The minimum loan amount is
$1,000, subject to certain state limitations. Your Contract Debt at the
effective date of your loan may not exceed the lesser of:
 
  .  50% of your Contract Value;
 
  .  100% of your Contract Value excluding your GIO Value; or
 
  .  $50,000 less your highest outstanding Contract Debt during the 12-month
     period immediately preceding the effective date of your loan.
 
You should refer to the terms of your particular Qualified Plan for any
additional loan restrictions. If you have other loans outstanding pursuant to
other Qualified Plans, the amount you may borrow may be further restricted.
 
You will be charged interest on your Contract Debt at an annual rate, set at
the time of the loan withdrawal, equal to the higher of (a) Moody's Corporate
Bond Yield Average-Monthly Average Corporates (the "Moody's Rate"), as
published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or its successor, for the most
recently available calendar month, or (b) 5%. In the event that the Moody's
Rate is no longer available, we may substitute a substantially similar average
rate, subject to compliance with applicable state regulations. The amount held
in the Loan Account to secure your loan will earn a return equal to an annual
rate that is two percentage points lower than the annual rate of interest
charged on your Contract Debt. Interest charges accrue on your Contract Debt
daily, beginning on the effective date of your loan; interest earnings on the
Loan Account Value accrue daily beginning on the following day, and those
earnings will be transferred once a year to your Investment Options in
accordance with your current allocation instructions.
 
Repayment Terms
 
Your loan, including principal and accrued interest, must be repaid in
quarterly installments. An installment will be due in each quarter on the date
corresponding to the effective date of your loan, beginning with the first
such date following the effective date of your loan.
 
  Example: On May 1, we receive your loan request, and your loan is
  effective. Your first quarterly payment will be due on August 1.
 
Adverse tax consequences may result if you fail to meet the repayment
requirements for your loan. You must repay principal and interest of any loan
in substantially equal payments over the term of the loan. Normally, the term
of the loan will be five years from the effective date of the loan; however,
if you have certified to us that your loan proceeds are to be used to acquire
a principal residence for yourself, you may request a loan term of 30 years.
In either case, however, you must repay your loan prior to your Annuity Date.
If you elect to annuitize (or withdraw) your Net Contract Value while you have
an outstanding loan, we will deduct any Contract Debt from your Contract Value
at the time of the annuitization (or withdrawal) to repay the Contract Debt.
 
You may prepay your entire loan at any time; if you do so, we will bill you
for any unpaid interest that has accrued through the date of payoff. Your loan
will be considered repaid only when the interest due has been paid. Subject to
any necessary approval of state insurance authorities, while you have Contract
Debt outstanding, we will treat all payments you send us as Purchase Payments
unless you specifically indicate that your payment is a loan repayment or
include your loan stub with your payment. To the extent allowed by law, any
loan repayments in excess of the amount then due will be refunded to you,
unless such amount is sufficient to pay the balance of your loan.
 
If we have not received your full payment by its due date, we will declare the
entire remaining loan balance in default. At that time, we will send written
notification of the amount needed to bring the loan back to a current status.
You will have sixty (60) days from the date on which the loan was declared in
default (the "grace period") to make the required payment.
 
If the required payment is not received by the end of the grace period, the
defaulted loan balance plus accrued interest and any withdrawal charge will be
withdrawn from your Contract Value, if amounts under your Contract
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
are eligible for distribution. If those amounts are not eligible for
distribution, the defaulted loan balance plus accrued interest and any
withdrawal charge will be considered a Deemed Distribution and will be
withdrawn when such Contract Values become eligible. In either case, the
Distribution or the Deemed Distribution will be considered a currently taxable
event, and may be subject to federal tax withholding, the withdrawal charge
and the federal early withdrawal penalty tax.
 
If there is a Deemed Distribution under your Contract and to the extent
allowed by law, any future withdrawals will first be applied as repayment of
the defaulted Contract Debt, including accrued interest and charges for
applicable taxes. Any amounts withdrawn and applied as repayment of Contract
Debt will first be withdrawn from your Loan Account, and then from your
Investment Options on a proportionate basis relative to the Account Value in
each Investment Option. If you have an outstanding loan that is in default,
the defaulted Contract Debt will be considered a withdrawal for the purpose of
calculating any Death Benefit Amount and/or Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit.
   
We may change the loan provisions of your Contract to reflect changes in the
Code or interpretations thereof.     
 
WITHHOLDING
 
Unless you elect to the contrary, any amounts you receive under your Contract
that are attributable to investment income will be subject to withholding to
meet federal and state income tax obligations. The rate of withholding on
annuity payments made to you will be determined on the basis of the
withholding information you provide to us with your application. If you do not
provide us with required withholding information, we will withhold, from every
withdrawal from your Contract and from every annuity payment to you, the
appropriate percentage of the taxable amount of the payment. Please call us at
1-800-722-2333 with any questions about the required withholding information.
For purposes of determining your withholding rate on annuity payments, you
will be treated as a married person with three exemptions. The rate of
withholding on all other payments made to you under your Contract, such as
amounts you receive upon withdrawals, will be 10%, unless otherwise specified
by the Code. Generally, there will be no withholding for taxes until you
actually receive payments under your Contract.
 
Distributions from a Contract under a Qualified Plan (not including an
individual retirement annuity subject to Code Section 408) to an employee,
surviving spouse, or former spouse who is an alternate payee under a qualified
domestic relations order, in the form of a lump sum settlement or periodic
annuity payments for a fixed period of fewer than 10 years are subject to
mandatory income tax withholding of 20% of the taxable amount of the
distribution, unless (1) the distributee directs the transfer of such amounts
in cash to another Qualified Plan or an IRA; or (2) the payment is a minimum
distribution required under the Code. The taxable amount is the amount of the
distribution less the amount allocable to after-tax contributions. All other
types of taxable distributions are subject to withholding unless the
distributee elects not to have withholding apply.
 
Certain states have indicated that pension and annuity withholding will apply
to payments made to residents. Generally, an election out of federal
withholding will also be considered an election out of state withholding.
 
IMPACT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
In general, if you expect to accumulate your Contract Value over a relatively
long period of time without making significant withdrawals, there should be
tax advantages, regardless of your tax bracket, in purchasing a Contract
rather than, for example, a mutual fund with a similar investment policy and
approximately the same level of expected investment results. This is because
little or no income taxes are incurred by you or by us while you are
participating in the Subaccounts, and it is generally advantageous to defer
the payment of income taxes, so that the investment return is compounded
without any deduction for income taxes. The advantage will be greater if you
decide to liquidate your Contract Value in the form of monthly annuity
payments after your retirement, or if your tax rate is lower at that time than
during the period that you held the Contract, or both.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
TAXES ON PACIFIC MUTUAL LIFE
 
Although the Separate Account is registered as an investment company, it is
not a separate taxpayer for purposes of the Code. The earnings of the Separate
Account are taxed as part of our operations. No charge is made against the
Separate Account for our federal income taxes (excluding the charge for
premium taxes), but we will review, periodically, the question of charges to
the Separate Account or your Contract for such taxes. Such a charge may be
made in future years for any federal income taxes that would be attributable
to the Separate Account or to our operations with respect to your Contract, or
attributable, directly or indirectly, to Purchase Payments on your Contract.
 
Under current law, we may incur state and local taxes (in addition to premium
taxes) in several states. At present, these taxes are not significant and they
are not charged against the Contract or the Separate Account. If there is a
material change in applicable state or local tax laws, the imposition of any
such taxes upon us that are attributable to the Separate Account or to our
operations with respect to your Contract may result in a corresponding charge
against the Separate Account or your Contract.
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
We are the legal owner of the shares of the Portfolios held by the
Subaccounts, and consequently have the right to vote on any matter voted on at
Fund shareholders' meetings. However, our interpretation of applicable law
requires us to vote the shares attributable to your Variable Account Value
(your "voting interest") in accordance with your directions.
 
We will pass shareholder proxy materials on to you so that you have an
opportunity to give us voting instructions for your voting interest. You may
provide your instructions by proxy or in person at the shareholders' meeting.
If there are shares of a Portfolio held by a Subaccount for which we do not
receive timely voting instructions, we will vote those shares in the same
proportion as all other shares of that Portfolio held by that Subaccount for
which we have received timely voting instructions. If we hold shares of a
Portfolio in our General Account, and if any of our non-insurance subsidiaries
hold shares of a Portfolio, such shares will be voted in the same proportion
as other votes cast by all of our separate accounts in the aggregate,
including Separate Account A.
 
We may elect, in the future, to vote shares of the Portfolios held in Separate
Account A in our own right if we are permitted to do so through a change in
applicable federal securities laws or regulations, or in their interpretation.
 
The number of Portfolio shares that form the basis for your voting interest is
determined as of the record date set by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. It
is equal to (a) your Contract Value allocated to the Subaccount corresponding
to that Portfolio, divided by (b) the net asset value per share of that
Portfolio. Fractional votes will be counted. We reserve the right, if required
or permitted by a change in federal regulations or their interpretation, to
amend how we calculate your voting interest.
 
After your Annuity Date, if you have selected a variable annuity, the voting
rights under your Contract will continue during the payout period of your
annuity, but the number of shares that form the basis for your voting
interest, as described above, will decrease throughout the payout period.
 
CHANGES TO YOUR CONTRACT
 
Contract Owner(s) and Contingent Owner
 
You may change your Non-Qualified Contract at any time prior to your Annuity
Date to name a different Contract Owner or to add a Joint Owner, or to add or
change a Contingent Owner; if yours is a Qualified Contract, you must be the
only Contract Owner, but you may still add or change a Contingent Owner. Your
Contract cannot name more than two Contract Owners (Joint Owners) and one
Contingent Owner at any time.
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
Any newly-named Contract Owners, including Joint and/or Contingent Owners,
must be under the age of 86 at the time of change or addition. Joint ownership
is in the form of a joint tenancy. The Contract Owner(s) may make all
decisions regarding the Contract, including making allocation decisions and
exercising voting rights. Transactions under jointly owned Contracts require
authorization from both Contract Owners. Transfer of Contract ownership may
involve federal income tax consequences; you should consult a qualified tax
adviser before effecting such a transfer. A change to joint Contract ownership
is considered a transfer of ownership.
 
Annuitant and Contingent or Joint Annuitant
 
Your sole Annuitant cannot be changed, and Joint Annuitants cannot be added or
changed, once your Contract is issued. Certain changes may be permitted in
connection with Contingent Annuitants. See RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER
PAYOUTS--SELECTING YOUR ANNUITANT. There may be limited exceptions for certain
Qualified Contracts.
 
Beneficiaries
 
Your Beneficiary is a person(s) who may receive death benefits under your
Contract. You may change or remove your Beneficiary or add Beneficiaries at
any time prior to the death of the Annuitant or Owner, as applicable. If you
have named your Beneficiary irrevocably, you will need to obtain that
Beneficiary's consent before making any changes. Qualified Contracts may have
additional restrictions on naming and changing Beneficiaries; for example, if
your Contract was issued in connection with a Qualified Plan subject to Title
I of ERISA, your spouse must either be your Beneficiary or consent to your
naming of a different Beneficiary. If you leave no surviving Beneficiary, your
estate will receive any death benefit proceeds under your Contract.
 
CHANGES TO ALL CONTRACTS
 
If, in the judgment of our management, continued investment by Separate
Account A in one or more of the Portfolios becomes unsuitable or unavailable,
we may seek to alter the Variable Investment Options available under the
Contracts. We do not expect that a Portfolio will become unsuitable, but
unsuitability issues could arise due to changes in investment policies, market
conditions, or tax laws, or due to marketing or other reasons.
 
Alterations of Variable Investment Options may take differing forms. We
reserve the right to replace shares of any Portfolio that were already
purchased under any Contract (or shares that were to be purchased in the
future under a Contract) with shares of another Portfolio, shares of another
investment company or series of an investment company, or another investment
vehicle. We may also purchase, through a Subaccount, other securities for
other series or other classes of contracts, and may permit conversions or
exchanges between series or classes of contracts on the basis of Contract
Owner requests. Required approvals of the SEC and state insurance regulators
will be obtained before any such substitutions are effected, and you will be
notified of any planned substitution.
 
We may add new Subaccounts to Separate Account A, and any new Subaccounts may
invest in Portfolios or in other investment vehicles; availability of any new
Subaccounts to existing Contract Owners will be determined at our discretion.
We will notify you, and will comply with the filing or other procedures
established by applicable state insurance regulators, to the extent required
by applicable law. We also reserve the right, after receiving any required
regulatory approvals, to do any of the following:
 
  .  cease offering any subaccount
 
  .  combine Subaccounts
 
  .  delete or substitute Subaccounts
 
  .  combine Separate Account A or part of it with another of our separate
     accounts or with any of our affiliates' separate accounts
 
  .  transfer Separate Account A assets attributable to the Contracts to
     another of our separate accounts
 
  .  deregister the Separate Account under the 1940 Act
 
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  .  operate Separate Account A as a management investment company under the
     1940 Act or another form permitted by law
 
  .  establish a committee, board or other group to manage aspects of the
     Separate Account's operations
 
  .  make any changes required by the 1940 Act or other federal securities
     laws
 
  .  make any changes necessary to maintain the status of the Contracts as
     annuities under the Code
 
  .  make other changes required under federal or state law relating to
     annuities
 
  .  suspend or discontinue sale of the Contracts.
 
INQUIRIES AND SUBMITTING FORMS AND REQUESTS
 
You may reach our service representatives at 1-800-722-2333 between the hours
of 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Pacific time.
 
Please send your forms and written requests or questions to:
 
  Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
  P.O. Box 7187
  Pasadena, California 91109-7187
 
If you are submitting a purchase or other payment by mail, please send it,
along with your application if you are submitting one, to:
 
  Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
  P.O. Box 100060
  Pasadena, California 91189-0060
 
If you are using an overnight delivery service to send payments, please send
them to:
 
  Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
  c/o FCNPC
  1111 South Arroyo Parkway, First Floor
  Pasadena, California 91105
 
The effective date of certain notices or of instructions is determined by the
date and time on which we "receive" the notice or instructions. We "receive"
this information only when it arrives, in proper form, at the correct mailing
address set out above. Please call us at 1-800-722-2333 if you have any
questions regarding which address you should use.
 
Purchase Payments after your initial Purchase Payment, loan requests, transfer
requests, loan repayments and withdrawal requests we receive before the close
of the New York Stock Exchange (normally, 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) will
normally be effective on the same Business Day that we receive them in "proper
form," unless the transaction or event is scheduled to occur on another day.
Generally, whenever you submit any other form, notice or request, your
instructions will be effective on the next Business Day after we receive them
in "proper form" unless the transaction or event is scheduled to occur on
another day. "Proper form" may require, among other things, a signature
guarantee or other verification of authenticity. We do not generally require a
signature guarantee unless it appears that the Owner's signature may have
changed over time; an executed application or confirmation of application, as
applicable, in proper form is not received by us; or, due to other
circumstances. Requests regarding death benefits must be accompanied by both
proof of death and instructions regarding payment satisfactory to us. You
should call your registered representative or us if you have questions
regarding the required form of a request.
 
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS
 
After your "free look" period, you may make transfer requests by telephone if
you have authorized telephone requests (a "telephone authorization"). We
cannot guarantee that you will always be able to reach us to complete
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
a telephone transaction; for example, all telephone lines may be busy during
certain periods, such as periods of substantial market fluctuations or other
drastic economic or market change, or telephones may be out of service during
severe weather conditions or other emergencies. Under these circumstances, you
should submit your request in writing (or other form acceptable to us).
Transaction instructions we receive by telephone before 4:00 p.m. Eastern
time, or the close of the New York Stock Exchange if earlier, on any Business
Day will normally be effective on that day, and we will send you written
confirmation of each telephone transfer.
 
We have established procedures reasonably designed to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. These procedures may
require any person requesting a telephone transaction to provide certain
personal identification upon our request. We may also record all or part of
any telephone conversation with respect to transaction instructions. We
reserve the right to deny any transaction request made by telephone. When you
make a proper request for a telephone authorization, you authorize us to
accept and to act upon instructions received by telephone with respect to your
Contract, and you agree that, as long as we comply with our procedures,
neither we, any of our affiliates, nor the Fund, or any of their directors,
trustees, officers, employees or agents will be liable for any loss,
liability, cost or expense (including attorneys' fees) in connection with
requests that are effected in accordance with your telephone authorization and
that we believe to be genuine. This policy means that you will bear the risk
of loss arising out of your telephone transaction privileges. If a Contract
has Joint Owners, both Owners must sign the written request for a telephone
authorization, but each Owner individually may make transfer requests by
telephone.
 
TIMING OF PAYMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS
 
For withdrawals from the Variable Investment Options or for death benefit
payments attributable to your Variable Account Value, we will normally send
the proceeds within seven calendar days after your withdrawal request is
effective or after the Notice Date, as the case may be. Similarly, for
transfers from the Variable Investment Options, we will normally send the
proceeds within seven calendar days after your transfer (or exchange) request
is effective. We will normally effect periodic annuity payments on the day
that corresponds to the Annuity Date and will make payment on the following
day. Payments or transfers may be suspended for a longer period under certain
abnormal circumstances. These include a closing of the New York Stock Exchange
other than on a regular holiday or weekend, a trading restriction imposed by
the SEC, or an emergency declared by the SEC. For (i) withdrawals from the
Fixed Option or GIOs, (ii) death benefit payments attributable to Fixed Option
Value or GIO Value, or (iii) fixed periodic annuity payments, payment of
proceeds may be delayed for up to six months (thirty days in West Virginia)
after the request is effective. Similar delays may apply to loans and
transfers from the Fixed Option and the GIOs. See THE GENERAL ACCOUNT for more
details.
 
CONFIRMATIONS, STATEMENTS AND OTHER REPORTS TO CONTRACT OWNERS
 
Confirmations will be sent out for unscheduled Purchase Payments and
transfers, loans, loan repayments, unscheduled partial withdrawals, a full
withdrawal, GIO renewals, and on payment of any death benefit proceeds. Each
quarter prior to your Annuity Date, we will send you a statement that provides
certain information pertinent to your Contract. These statements disclose
Contract Value, Subaccount values, values under each Fixed Option or GIO, fees
and charges applied to your Contract Value, transactions made and specific
Contract data that apply to your Contract. Confirmations of your transactions
under the pre-authorized checking plan, dollar cost averaging, earnings sweep,
portfolio rebalancing, and pre-authorized withdrawal options will appear on
your quarterly account statements. Your fourth-quarter statement will contain
annual information about your Contract Value and transactions. If you suspect
an error on a confirmation or quarterly statement, you must notify us in
writing within 30 days from the date of the first confirmation or statement on
which the transaction you believe to be erroneous appeared. When you write,
tell us your name, contract number and a description of the suspected error.
You will also be sent an annual report for the Separate Account and the Fund
and a list of the securities held in each Portfolio of the Fund, as required
by the 1940 Act; or more frequently if required by law.
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Audited financial statements of the Separate Account A as of December 31, 1996
and for the year ended are incorporated by reference in the statement of
Additional Information from the Annual Report of the Separate Account A as of
December 31, 1996. Pacific Mutual Life's audited consolidated financial
statements as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the three years ended
December 31, 1996, are contained in the SAI.
 
                              THE GENERAL ACCOUNT
 
GENERAL INFORMATION
 
All amounts allocated to the Fixed Option and GIOs become part of our General
Account. Subject to applicable law, we exercise sole discretion over the
investment of General Account assets, and bear the associated investment risk;
you will not share in the investment experience of General Account assets.
 
Because of exemptive and exclusionary provisions, interests in the General
Account under the Contract are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933
and the General Account has not been registered as an investment company under
the 1940 Act. Any interest you have in the Fixed Option or GIOs is not subject
to these Acts, and we have been advised that the SEC staff has not reviewed
disclosure in this Prospectus relating to the Fixed Option or GIOs. This
disclosure may, however, be subject to certain provisions of federal
securities laws relating to the accuracy and completeness of statements made
in prospectuses.
 
You may choose among the following General Account options: the Fixed Option
and Guaranteed Interest Options with three available Guarantee Terms: three-
year, six-year and ten-year. Each is described below.
 
GUARANTEE TERMS
 
When you allocate any portion of your Purchase Payments or Contract Value to
our Fixed Option or one or more GIOs in the General Account, we guarantee you
an interest rate (a "Guaranteed Interest Rate") for a specified period of time
(a "Guarantee Term") of up to ten years. The Fixed Option and each GIO offers
a separate Guaranteed Interest Rate and Guarantee Term. Guarantee Terms will
be offered at our discretion. Presently, we offer Guarantee Terms of up to one
year for the Fixed Option, and three-, six- and ten-years for the GIOs. You
should specify the Fixed Option and/or GIO(s) into which you want us to
allocate your Purchase Payments or Contract Value, if any. EACH ALLOCATION TO
A GIO MUST BE AT LEAST $500.
 
Guaranteed Interest Rates for each Fixed Option and GIO may be changed
periodically for new allocations; your allocation will receive the Guaranteed
Interest Rate in effect for that Fixed Option or GIO on the effective date of
your allocation. All Guaranteed Interest Rates will be expressed as annual
effective rates; however, interest will accrue daily. The Guaranteed Interest
Rate on your Fixed Option and/or GIO will remain in effect for the Guarantee
Term and will never be less than an annual rate of 3%.
 
Fixed Option
 
EACH ALLOCATION (OR ROLLOVER) YOU MAKE TO THE FIXED OPTION RECEIVES A
GUARANTEE TERM THAT BEGINS ON THE DAY THAT ALLOCATION OR ROLLOVER IS EFFECTIVE
AND ENDS AT THE END OF THAT CONTRACT YEAR OR, IF EARLIER, ON YOUR ANNUITY
DATE. At the end of that Contract Year, we will roll over your Fixed Option
Value on that day into a new Guarantee Term of one year (or, if shorter, the
time remaining until your Annuity Date) at the then current Guaranteed
Interest Rate, unless you instruct us otherwise.
 
  Example: Your Contract Anniversary is February 1. On February 1 of year 1,
  you allocate $1,000 to the Fixed Option and receive a Guarantee Term of one
  year and a Guaranteed Interest Rate of 5%. On August 1, you allocate
  another $500 to the Fixed Option and receive a Guaranteed Interest Rate of
  6%. Through January 31, year 1, your first allocation of $1,000 earns 5%
  interest and your second allocation of $500 earns 6% interest. On February
  1, year 2, a new interest rate may go into effect for your entire Fixed
  Option Value.
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
Guaranteed Interest Options
 
EACH ALLOCATION (OR ROLLOVER) YOU MAKE TO A GIO RECEIVES A GUARANTEE TERM THAT
BEGINS ON THE DAY THAT ALLOCATION OR ROLLOVER IS EFFECTIVE AND ENDS AT THE END
OF THE GUARANTEE TERM. For each GIO, at the end of its Guarantee Term, we will
roll over that portion of your Account Value on that day into a new GIO with a
Guarantee Term of the same length and at the then current Guaranteed Interest
Rate corresponding to that Guarantee Term, unless, within thirty days after
the end of the Guarantee Term you instruct us otherwise (SEE END OF GIO
GUARANTEE TERM). However, if the last day of this new Guarantee Term would
occur after the Annuity Date, we will roll over that portion of your Account
Value into the longest Guarantee Term, if any, that ends prior to the Annuity
Date, with the corresponding new Guaranteed Interest Rate then in effect. If
there is no Guarantee Term that ends before the Annuity Date, we will allocate
that portion of your Account Value to the Fixed Option at the corresponding
Guaranteed Interest Rate then in effect for new allocations.
 
  Example: On January 1 of year 1, you allocate $1,000 to a GIO with a
  Guarantee Term of three years and a Guaranteed Interest Rate of 7%. On
  August 1, you allocate another $500 to another GIO with a Guarantee Term of
  three years and a Guaranteed Interest Rate of 7.5%. On November 1, you
  allocate $2,000 to a third GIO with a ten-year Guarantee Term at a
  Guaranteed Interest Rate of 9%. Through December 31, year 3, your first
  allocation of $1,000 earns 7% interest, and on January 1, year 4, a new
  interest rate will go into effect for this portion of your GIO Value.
  Through July 31, year 4, your second allocation of $500 earns 7.5%
  interest, and on August 1, year 4, a new interest rate will go into effect
  for this portion of your GIO Value. Finally, through October 31, year 11,
  your third allocation of $2,000 earns 9% interest, and on November 1, year
  11, a new interest rate will go into effect on this portion of your GIO
  Value.
 
End of GIO Guarantee Term
 
You have thirty days after the last day of the Guarantee Term of a GIO to
inform us whether you want to (i) renew that particular Account Value in a
different Guarantee Term at its corresponding Guaranteed Interest Rate in
effect for new allocations, (ii) transfer all or part of that Account Value to
another Investment Option, and/or (iii) withdraw all or part of that Account
Value. Any subsequent change to such instructions will be subject to the
provisions of the CHARGES, FEES AND DEDUCTIONS section.
 
If you instruct us to allocate that portion of you Account Value that was
rolled over in the new GIO to a GIO with a different Guarantee Term, we will
consider that allocation to be made as of the end of the previous Guarantee
Term and will credit interest accordingly. If you instruct us to transfer to a
Variable Investment Option or the Fixed Option or to withdraw that portion of
your Account Value in the new GIO, we will effect such transfer or withdrawal
as of the day we receive your request; interest will be credited at the
Guaranteed Interest Rate for the time the Account Value was allocated to that
GIO. Any amounts that you transfer or withdraw before the last day of the
Guarantee Term or after this thirty-day period will be subject to the MVA, and
any transfer fee. All withdrawals made before, during or after this thirty-day
period will be subject to any applicable withdrawal charge, withdrawal fee and
any charges for premium taxes and/or other taxes.
 
WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS
 
Prior to the Annuity Date, you may withdraw amounts from your Fixed Option
and/or one or more GIOs, or transfer amounts from your Fixed Option and/or
GIOs to one or more of the other Investment Options. The withdrawal or
transfer will access each GIO Term Value proportionately (or you may specify a
particular GIO Term Value). Amounts from the oldest GIO within a GIO Term
Value will be withdrawn or transferred first. Transfer requests to a GIO will
be applied as an allocation to a new GIO. If your Contract was issued in a
state that requires refund of Purchase Payments under the Free Look Right,
transfers may only be made after your Free Look Transfer Date. In addition, no
partial withdrawal or transfer may be made from your Fixed Option or GIOs
within 30 days of the Contract Date. If your withdrawal leaves you with a Net
Contract Value of less than $1,000, we have the right, at our option, to
terminate your Contract and send you the withdrawal proceeds.
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
Payments or transfers from the Fixed Option or a GIO may be delayed, as
described under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--TIMING OF PAYMENTS AND TRANSACTIONS;
any amount delayed will, as long as it is held under the Fixed Option or that
GIO, continue to earn interest at the Guaranteed Interest Rate then in effect
until that Guarantee Term has ended, and the minimum guaranteed interest rate
of 3% thereafter, unless state law requires a greater rate be paid.
 
Fixed Option
 
After the first Contract Anniversary, you may make one transfer or partial
withdrawal from your Fixed Option during any Contract Year, except as provided
under the dollar cost averaging, earnings sweep and pre-authorized withdrawal
programs. You may make one transfer or one partial withdrawal within the 30
days after the end of each Contract Anniversary. Normally, you may transfer or
withdraw up to one-third (33 1/3%) of your Fixed Option Value in any given
Contract Year. However, in consecutive Contract Years you may transfer or
withdraw up to one-third (33 1/3%) of your Fixed Option Value in one year; you
may transfer or withdraw up to one-half (50%) of your remaining Fixed Option
Value in the next year; and you may transfer or withdraw up to the entire
amount (100%) of any remaining Fixed Option Value in the third year. In
addition, if, as a result of a partial withdrawal or transfer, the Fixed
Option Value is less than $500, we have the right, at our option, to transfer
the entire remaining amount to your other Investment Options on a
proportionate basis relative to your most recent allocation instructions.
 
GIOs
 
You may make unlimited transfers or withdrawals from your GIOs during any
Contract Year, however we reserve the right to impose a transaction fee of up
to $15 per transfer for transfers in excess of 15 in any Contract Year, as
described under HOW YOUR PAYMENTS ARE INVESTED--TRANSFERS.
 
You may not request an allocation or transfer into or renewal of a GIO that
has a Guarantee Term that ends after the Annuity Date. If you do not specify a
particular GIO Term Value(s), the amount of any transfer or withdrawal will be
deducted proportionately from your GIO Term Values, beginning with the oldest
GIO within each GIO Term Value. In addition, if as the result of a partial
withdrawal or transfer, your Account Value in that GIO is less than $500, we
have the right, at our option, to transfer the remaining amount to your other
Investment Options on a proportionate basis relative to your most recent
allocation instructions. A GIO cannot participate in any systematic transfer
program. In addition, your GIO Value cannot be transferred to the Loan Account
to secure any loan made under the Contract.
 
An MVA is applied to the Account Value of a GIO in order to determine the net
amount of the transfer or withdrawal prior to the deduction of any applicable
charges or fees. Unless you request a net amount, the amount actually
transferred or sent to you equals the amount requested, less any MVA, less any
applicable withdrawal charge (based upon the amount requested before the
application of the MVA), and less any charges for Annual Fees, transactions,
premium taxes and/or other taxes, including any taxes required for
withholding.
 
The MVA is not applied to (i) amounts used to pay charges for the Annual Fee,
transfer fees, and/or premium taxes and/or other taxes, (ii) the amount of
death benefit proceeds, and (iii) subject to medical evidence satisfactory to
us, full or partial withdrawals, after the first Contract Anniversary if the
Annuitant has been diagnosed with a medically determinable condition that
results in a life expectancy of twelve (12) months or less.
 
The formula for calculating the MVA is set forth in Appendix B to this
Prospectus, which also contains illustrations of the application of the MVA.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
              CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
PERFORMANCE................................................................   1
  Total Returns............................................................   1
  Yields...................................................................   2
  Performance Comparisons and Benchmarks...................................   2
  Separate Account Performance.............................................   4
DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS..............................................   7
  Pacific Mutual Distributors, Inc.........................................   7
THE CONTRACTS AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT.....................................   8
  Calculating Subaccount Unit Values.......................................   8
  Variable Annuity Payment Amounts.........................................   8
  Corresponding Dates......................................................  10
  Age and Sex of Annuitant.................................................  11
  Systematic Transfer Programs.............................................  11
  Pre-Authorized Withdrawals...............................................  13
  Death Benefit............................................................  13
  Joint Annuitants on Qualified Contracts..................................  14
  1035 Exchanges...........................................................  14
  Safekeeping of Assets....................................................  14
  Dividends................................................................  14
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.......................................................  15
</TABLE>
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
                                  APPENDIX A:
 
                              STATE LAW VARIATIONS
 
Issue Date--The term "Issue Date" shall be substituted for the term "Contract
Date" for Contracts issued to residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
 
SHORT-TERM CANCELLATION RIGHT ("FREE-LOOK") ("RIGHT TO CANCEL")
 
VARIATIONS TO THE LENGTH OF THE FREE-LOOK PERIOD. In most states, the Free-Look
period is a 10-day period beginning on the day you receive your Contract. If
your Contract was issued in one of the following states, the Free-Look period
is as specified below:
 
             Colorado (15 days)
             Idaho (20 days)
             North Dakota (20 days)
 
In addition, if you reside in California and are age 60 or older on your
Contract Date, the Free-Look period is 30 days.
 
There may be extended Free Look periods in some states for replacement
business. Please consult with your registered representative if you have any
questions regarding your state's Free Look period.
 
STATES THAT REQUIRE US TO REFUND YOUR PURCHASE PAYMENTS ALLOCATED TO THE
VARIABLE INVESTMENT OPTIONS INSTEAD OF YOUR VARIABLE ACCOUNT VALUE. If your
Contract was issued in one of the following states and you exercise your Free
Look right and return your Contract to us within 10 days of your receipt of
your Contract (unless specified otherwise below), we will refund your Purchase
Payments under your Contract that we received:
 
                Georgia                        Oklahoma
                Idaho (20 days)                South Carolina
                Michigan                       Utah
                Missouri                       Washington
                Nebraska                       West Virginia
                North Carolina
 
ANNUITIZATION. In New Jersey the Conversion Amount you apply to an Annuity
Option must result in an initial annuity payment of at least $250. We will
reduce your payment frequency if the first annuity payment is less than $250.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
 
                      APPENDIX B: MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENT
 
The MVA for amounts annuitized, transferred or withdrawn from a GIO prior to
the end of its Guarantee Term are based on the following formula:
 
MVA = W x [(J - I) x (N/12)] where:
 
  (W)    is the amount to be annuitized, withdrawn or transferred from the
         GIO.
 
  (J)    is the Guaranteed Interest Rate that would apply, as of the date of
         transfer, annuitization or withdrawal, to a newly-issued GIO with a
         Guarantee Term equal to the number of "years remaining" in the
         Guarantee Term of the GIO from which the annuitization, withdrawal or
         transfer is to be made, plus 0.25%. (For this purpose, the "years
         remaining" will be rounded up to the next higher number of whole
         years. If a Guaranteed Interest Rate is required for a Guarantee Term
         not currently offered, the Guaranteed Interest Rate will be based on
         linear interpolation, between the Guaranteed Interest Rates for
         currently offered Guarantee Terms, if possible. Otherwise, we will
         determine a substitute Guaranteed Interest Rate that will be no less
         favorable to you than the then most recent U.S. Treasury Yield for a
         maturity closest to the "years remaining", plus 1.0%);
 
  (I)    is the Guaranteed Interest Rate applicable to the GIO; and
 
  (N)    is the number of complete months remaining in the Guarantee Term.
 
The MVA will never exceed, in the positive or negative direction, the excess
interest earned on the GIO from which the annuitization, withdrawal or
transfer is to be made. For this purpose, excess interest is defined as the
dollar amount of interest earned during the current Guarantee Term in excess
of 3%, per annum.
 
Generally, if the Guaranteed Interest Rate currently in effect for the
Guarantee Term (I) is lower than (J) as defined above, the MVA will result in
a lower amount payable to you. Similarly, if (I) is higher than (J), the MVA
will result in a higher amount payable to you. In no event will the MVA reduce
interest earned to less than 3% per annum.
 
MVA EXAMPLES
 
These assumptions are made in the following examples:
 
  1. An allocation of $10,000 was made to a Guaranteed Interest Option (GIO)
     with a 6-year Guarantee Term, and with a Guaranteed Interest Rate of
     5.5%.
 
  2. A full withdrawal is requested 2 1/2 years (30 months) from the
     expiration of the Guarantee Term (i.e., N = 30).
 
  3. The Account Value for the GIO at the time of the request is $12,061.01.
     It is assumed that no Contract charges or fees have been applied to this
     GIO.
 
  4. If the GIO Account Value had been credited with 3% interest instead of
     the 5.5%, the Account Value would have been $11,089.97. The excess
     interest for this GIO is then $971.04, (i.e. $12,061.01- $11,089.97).
 
  5. No transfers or withdrawals have been previously made from this GIO.
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
EXAMPLES OF MVAS THAT REDUCE THE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT:
 
Example A (MVA not limited to excess interest)
 
Assume that on the date of withdrawal the Guaranteed Interest Rate for a new
Guarantee Term of 3 years (2 1/2 years rounded up to the next higher whole
year) is 7.5%. "J" is then 7.75% (i.e. 7.50% + 0.25%). Then:
 
MVA= ($12,061.01) x [( 7.75% - 5.5%) x (30/12)]
 
   = $678.43 (representing a positive amount to be subtracted from the GIO
Account Value)
 
Since the amount of the MVA is less than the excess interest earned on the
GIO, the withdrawal amount will include the GIO Account Value less $678.43.
That amount, $11,382.58, would be further reduced by the withdrawal charge and
any other Contract charges or fees that apply. The withdrawal charge is
calculated based on the GIO Account Value before the MVA.
 
Example B (MVA is limited to excess interest)
 
This time, assume that on the date of withdrawal the Guaranteed Interest Rate
for a new Guarantee Term of 3 years (2 1/2 years rounded up to the next higher
whole year) is 9.0%. "J" is then 9.25% (i.e. 9.00% + 0.25%). Then:
 
MVA= ($12,061.01) x [(9.25% - 5.5%) x (30/12)]
 
   = $1,130.72 (representing a positive amount to be subtracted from the GIO
Account Value)
 
Since the amount of the MVA exceeds the excess interest earned on the GIO, the
MVA must be reduced to equal the excess interest and the withdrawal amount
will include the GIO Account Value less $971.04. That amount, $11,089.97,
would be further reduced by the withdrawal charge and any other Contract
charges or fees that apply. The withdrawal charge is calculated based on the
GIO Account Value before the MVA.
 
EXAMPLES OF MVAS THAT INCREASE THE WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT:
 
Example C (MVA not limited to excess interest)
 
Assume that on the date of withdrawal the Guaranteed Interest Rate for a new
Guarantee Term of 3 years (2 1/2 years rounded up to the next higher whole
year) is 3.25%. "J" is then 3.50% (i.e. 3.25% + 0.25%). Then:
 
MVA= ($12,061.01) x [(3.50% - 5.5%) x (30/12)]
 
   = - $603.05 (representing a negative amount to be subtracted from the GIO
Account Value)
 
Since the absolute amount of the MVA is less than the excess interest earned
on the GIO, the withdrawal amount will include the GIO Account Value plus
$603.05. That amount, $12,664.06, would then be reduced by the withdrawal
charge and any other Contract charges or fees that apply. The withdrawal
charge is calculated based on the GIO Account Value before the MVA.
 
Example D (MVA is limited to excess interest)
 
To more readily show this example, and to demonstrate a Guaranteed Interest
Rate ("J") based on interpolation, the assumptions for this example have been
modified and are as follows:
 
  1. An allocation of $10,000 was made to a Guaranteed Interest Option (GIO)
     with a 6-year Guarantee Term, and with a Guaranteed Interest Rate of
     5.5%.
 
  2. A full withdrawal is requested 3 1/2 years (42 months) from the
     expiration of the Guarantee Term (i.e., N = 42).
 
  3. The Account Value for the GIO at the time of the request is $11,432.24.
     It is assumed that no Contract charges or fees have been applied to this
     GIO.
 
  4. If the GIO Account Value had been credited with 3% interest instead of
     the 5.5%, the Account Value would have been $10,766.96. The excess
     interest for this GIO is then $665.28.
 
  5. No transfers or withdrawals have been previously made from this GIO.
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
This time, assume that on the date of withdrawal the Guaranteed Interest Rate
for a new Guarantee Term of 3 years is 3.25%, and also assume that the
Guaranteed Interest Rate for a new Guarantee Term of 6 years is 4.0%. Then the
Guaranteed Interest Rate for a Guarantee Term of 4 years (3 1/2 rounded to the
next higher whole year) is 3.5%. (That result is determined by interpolation
as follows: 3.25% plus (4.0% - 3.25%) x (4 years - 3 years)/(6 years - 3
years))
 
Then "J" is 3.75% (i.e. 3.50% + 0.25%), and:
 
MVA= ($11,432.24) x [(3.75% - 5.5%) x (42/12)]
 
   = - $700.22 (representing a negative amount to be subtracted from the GIO
Account Value)
 
Since the absolute amount of the MVA exceeds the excess interest earned on the
GIO, the MVA must be reduced to equal the excess interest and the withdrawal
amount will include the GIO Account Value plus $665.28. That amount,
$12,097.52, would be reduced by the withdrawal charge and any other Contract
charges or fees that apply. The withdrawal charge is calculated based on the
GIO Account Value before the MVA.
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
To receive a current copy of the Pacific Portfolios SAI without charge, call
(800) 722-2333 or complete the following and send it to:
 
Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
Variable Annuities
Post Office Box 7187
Pasadena, CA 91109-7187
 
Name _________________________
Address ______________________
City _________________________State Zip
 
 
 
 
PH02/53003.29                                                               LOGO
- - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
- - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
                                      [LOGO
                             OF PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS]
 
 
               Issued By:                        Principal Underwriter:
 
 
 Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company      Pacific Mutual Distributors, Inc.
 
                                                    Member: NASD/SIPC
            Mailing Address:                    700 Newport Center Drive
                                                       P.O. Box 9000
      Variable Annuity Department            Newport Beach, California 92660
             P.O. Box 7187
    Pasadena, California 91109-7187
 
              Home Office:
 
        700 Newport Center Drive
             P.O. Box 9000
    Newport Beach, California 92660
 
Prospectus dated May 1, 1997
<PAGE>
 
 
                                 SPONSORED BY:
 
                                      LOGO
                               OF PACIFIC MUTUAL]
                     Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
 
                                  HOME OFFICE
 
                            700 Newport Center Drive
                            Newport Beach, CA 92660
                                 1-800-722-2333
 
                                MAILING ADDRESS
 
                          Variable Annuity Department
                                 P.O. Box 7187
                        Pasadena, California 91109-7187
 
                                DISTRIBUTED BY:
 
                                      LOGO
                               OF PACIFIC MUTUAL]
                       Pacific Mutual Distributors, Inc.
                               MEMBER NASD & SIPC
                         700 Newport Center Drive, NB-3
                            Newport Beach, CA 92660
                                 1-800-800-7681
 
Form No. 800-7A
<PAGE>
 
                              PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


<PAGE>
 
                           
                        [PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS LOGO]     



                                                         Statement of Additional
                                                         Information For:


                                                         Pacific Portfolios
                                                         Variable Annuity
                                                         Dated May 1, 1997

                                                         Pacific Select Fund
                                                         Dated May 1, 1997

[Pacific Mutual Life Logo]
<PAGE>
 
 
                         [LOGO OF PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS]
 
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
                                  MAY 1, 1997
 
                              PACIFIC PORTFOLIOS
 
                              SEPARATE ACCOUNT A
 
                               ----------------
 
Pacific Portfolios (the "Contract") is a variable annuity contract issued by
Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company ("Pacific Mutual Life").
 
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus and should be
read in conjunction with the Contract's Prospectus, dated May 1, 1997, which
is available without charge upon written or telephone request to Pacific
Mutual Life. Terms used in this Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
have the same meanings as in the Prospectus, and some additional terms are
defined particularly for this SAI.
 
                               ----------------
 
                     Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company
                        Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7187
                        Pasadena, California 91109-7187
 
                                1-800-722-2333
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        PAGE NO.
                                                                        --------
<S>                                                                     <C>
PERFORMANCE............................................................     1
  Total Returns........................................................     1
  Yields...............................................................     2
  Performance Comparisons and Benchmarks...............................     2
  Separate Account Performance.........................................     4
DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS..........................................     7
  Pacific Mutual Distributors, Inc. ...................................     7
THE CONTRACTS AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT.................................     8
  Calculating Subaccount Unit Values...................................     8
  Variable Annuity Payment Amounts.....................................     8
  Corresponding Dates..................................................    10
  Age and Sex of Annuitant.............................................    11
  Systematic Transfer Programs.........................................    11
  Pre-Authorized Withdrawals...........................................    13
  Death Benefit........................................................    13
  Joint Annuitants on Qualified Contracts..............................    14
  1035 Exchanges.......................................................    14
  Safekeeping of Assets................................................    14
  Dividends............................................................    14
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................................................    15
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                  PERFORMANCE
 
From time to time, our reports or other communications to current or
prospective Contract Owners or our advertising or other promotional material
may quote the performance (yield and total return) of a Subaccount. Quoted
results are based on past performance and reflect the performance of all
assets held in that Subaccount for the stated time period. QUOTED RESULTS ARE
NEITHER AN ESTIMATE NOR A GUARANTEE OF FUTURE INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE, AND DO
NOT REPRESENT THE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE OF AMOUNTS INVESTED BY ANY PARTICULAR
CONTRACT OWNER.
 
TOTAL RETURNS
 
A Subaccount may advertise its "average annual total return" over various
periods of time. "Total return" represents the average percentage change in
value of an investment in the Subaccount from the beginning of a measuring
period to the end of that measuring period. "Annualized" total return assumes
that the total return achieved for the measuring period is achieved for each
such period for a full year. "Average annual" total return is computed in
accordance with a standard method prescribed by the SEC.
 
Average Annual Total Return
 
To calculate a Subaccount's average annual total return for a specific
measuring period, we first take a hypothetical $1,000 investment in that
Subaccount, at its then-applicable Subaccount Unit Value (the "initial
payment") and we compute the ending redeemable value ("Cash Surrender Value")
of that initial payment at the end of the measuring period. The redeemable
value reflects the effect of all recurring fees and charges applicable to a
Contract Owner under the Contract, including the Risk Charge, the asset-based
Administrative Fee and the deduction of the applicable withdrawal charge, but
does not reflect any charges for applicable premium taxes and/or other taxes.
The Annual Fee is also taken into account, assuming an average Contract Value
of $45,000. The redeemable value is then divided by the initial payment and
this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N represents the number of days in the
measuring period), and 1 is subtracted from this result. Average annual total
return is expressed as a percentage.
 
                          T = (ERV/P)(365/N)-1
 
<TABLE> 
 <C>           <S>
 where T    =  average annual total return
       ERV  =  ending redeemable value
       P    =  hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
       N    =  number of days
</TABLE>
 
Average annual total return figures will be given for recent one-, three-,
five- and ten-year periods (if applicable), and may be given for other periods
as well (such as from commencement of the Subaccount's operations, or on a
year-by-year basis).
 
When considering "average" total return figures for periods longer than one
year, it is important to note that the relevant Subaccount's annual total
return for any one year in the period might have been greater or less than the
average for the entire period.
 
Aggregate Total Return
 
A Subaccount may use "aggregate" total return figures along with its "average
annual" total return figures for various periods; these figures represent the
cumulative change in value of an investment in the Subaccount for a specific
period. Aggregate total returns may be shown by means of schedules, charts or
graphs and may indicate subtotals of the various components of total return.
The SEC has not prescribed standard formulas for calculating aggregate total
return.
 
Total returns may also be shown for the same periods that do not take into
account the withdrawal charge or the Annual Fee.
 
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
YIELDS
 
Money Market Subaccount
 
The "yield" (also called "current yield") of the Money Market Subaccount is
computed in accordance with a standard method prescribed by the SEC. The net
change in the Subaccount's Unit Value during a seven-day period is divided by
the Unit Value at the beginning of the period to obtain a base rate of return.
The current yield is generated when the base rate is "annualized" by
multiplying it by the fraction 365/7; that is, the base rate of return is
assumed to be generated each week over a 365-day period and is shown as a
percentage of the investment. The "effective yield" of the Money Market
Subaccount is calculated similarly but, when annualized, the base rate of
return is assumed to be reinvested. The effective yield will be slightly
higher than the current yield because of the compounding effect of this
assumed reinvestment.
 
The formula for effective yield is: [(Base Period Return +1) (To the power of
365/7)]-1.
 
Realized capital gains or losses and unrealized appreciation or depreciation
of the assets of the underlying Money Market Portfolio are not included in the
yield calculation. Current yield and effective yield do not reflect the
deduction of charges for any applicable premium taxes and/or other taxes, but
do reflect a deduction for the Annual Fee, the Risk Charge and the asset-based
Administrative Fee and assume an average Contract Value of $45,000.
 
Other Subaccounts
 
"Yield" of the other Subaccounts is computed in accordance with a different
standard method prescribed by the SEC. The net investment income (investment
income less expenses) per Subaccount Unit earned during a specified one-month
or 30-day period is divided by the Subaccount Unit Value on the last day of
the specified period. This result is then annualized (that is, the yield is
assumed to be generated each month or each 30-day period for a year),
according to the following formula, which assumes semiannual compounding:
 
      YIELD = 2[(a-b
                 --- + 1)6 - 1]
                 c*d 
 
<TABLE>
 <C>            <S>
 where: a    =  net investment income earned during the period by the Portfolio
                attributable to the Subaccount.
        b    =  expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
        c    =  the average daily number of Subaccount Units outstanding during
                the period that were entitled to receive dividends.
        d    =  the Unit Value of the Subaccount Units on the last day of the
                period.
</TABLE>
 
The yield of each Subaccount reflects the deduction of all recurring fees and
charges applicable to the Subaccount, such as the Risk Charge, the asset-based
Administrative Fee and the Annual Fee (assuming an average Contract Value of
$45,000), but does not reflect any withdrawal charge or any charge for
applicable premium taxes and/or other taxes.
 
The Subaccounts' yields will vary from time to time depending upon market
conditions, the composition of each Portfolio and operating expenses of the
Fund allocated to each Portfolio. Consequently, any given performance
quotation should not be considered representative of the Subaccount's
performance in the future. Yield should also be considered relative to changes
in Subaccount Unit Values and to the relative risks associated with the
investment policies and objectives of the various Portfolios. In addition,
because performance will fluctuate, it may not provide a basis for comparing
the yield of a Subaccount with certain bank deposits or other investments that
pay a fixed yield or return for a stated period of time.
 
PERFORMANCE COMPARISONS AND BENCHMARKS
 
In advertisements and sales literature, we may compare the performance of some
or all of the Subaccounts to the performance of other variable annuity issuers
in general and to the performance of particular types of variable annuities
investing in mutual funds, or series of mutual funds, with investment
objectives similar to each of the
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Subaccounts. This performance may be presented as averages or rankings
compiled by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), the Variable Annuity
Research and Data Service ("VARDS(R)") or Morningstar, Inc. ("Morningstar"),
which are independent services that monitor and rank the performance of
variable annuity issuers and mutual funds in each of the major categories of
investment objectives on an industry-wide basis. Lipper's rankings include
variable life issuers as well as variable annuity issuers. VARDS(R) rankings
compare only variable annuity issuers. The performance analyses prepared by
Lipper and VARDS(R) rank such issuers on the basis of total return, assuming
reinvestment of dividends and distributions, but do not take sales charges,
redemption fees or certain expense deductions at the separate account level
into consideration. In addition, VARDS(R) prepares risk adjusted rankings,
which consider the effects of market risk on total return performance. We may
also compare the performance of the Subaccounts with performance information
included in other publications and services that monitor the performance of
insurance company separate accounts or other investment vehicles. These other
services or publications may be general interest business publications such as
The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Business Week, Forbes, Fortune, and Money.
 
In addition, our reports and communications to Contract Owners,
advertisements, or sales literature may compare a Subaccount's performance to
various benchmarks that measure the performance of a pertinent group of
securities widely regarded by investors as being representative of the
securities markets in general or as being representative of a particular type
of security. These benchmarks may include the following: (1) the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index ("S&P 500"), an unmanaged weighted
index of 500 companies that represent approximately 80% of the market
capitalization of the United States equity markets; (2) the Consumer Price
Index ("CPI"), published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a statistical
measure of change, over time, in the prices of goods and services in major
expenditure groups and generally considered to be a measure of inflation; (3)
the Dow Jones Industrial Average ("DJIA"); (4) the Donoghue Money Market
Institutional Averages; (5) the Lehman Brothers Government Corporate Index;
(6) the Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index; (7) the Salomon Brothers High
Yield Bond Indexes; and (8) the Morgan Stanley Capital International's EAFE
Index. We may also compare the performance of the Subaccounts with that of
other appropriate indices of investment securities and averages for peer
universes of funds or data developed by us derived from such indices or
averages. Unmanaged indices generally assume the reinvestment of dividends or
interest but do not generally reflect deductions for investment management or
administrative costs and expenses.
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT PERFORMANCE
 
The Contract was not available in 1996. However, in order to help you
understand how investment performance can affect your Variable Account Value,
we are including performance information based on the historical performance
of the Subaccounts.
 
The following table presents the annualized total return for each Variable
Account for the period from each such Variable Account's commencement of
operations through December 31, 1996. The table is based on a Contract for
which the average initial premium is approximately $45,000. The Accumulated
Value (AV) reflects the deductions for all contractual expenses except the
contingent deferred sales charge. The Full Withdrawal Value (FWV) reflects the
deduction for all contractual expenses.
 
 THE RESULTS SHOWN IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT AN ESTIMATE OR GUARANTEE OF FUTURE
                            INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE.
 
        ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                   ALL NUMBERS ARE EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     SINCE
                                                                   INCEPTION
                                                                  -------------
VARIABLE ACCOUNTS                                                  AV     FWV
- - -----------------                                                 -----  ------
<S>                                                               <C>    <C>
Money Market 1/2/96*.............................................  3.56   (2.92)
High Yield Bond 1/2/96*..........................................  9.62    3.14
Managed Bond 1/2/96*.............................................  2.75   (3.73)
Government Securities 1/2/96*....................................  1.44   (5.04)
Aggressive Equity 4/17/96*.......................................  7.70    1.32
Growth LT 1/2/96*................................................ 16.14    9.84
Equity Income 1/2/96*............................................ 16.57   10.27
Multi-Strategy 1/2/96*........................................... 10.33    3.85
Equity 1/2/96*................................................... 25.93   19.63
Bond and Income 1/2/96*.......................................... (2.09)  (8.57)
Equity Index 1/2/96*............................................. 19.69   13.39
International 1/2/96*............................................ 18.43   12.13
Emerging Markets 4/17/96*........................................ (5.23) (11.62)
</TABLE>
- - --------
*  Date Variable Account commenced operations.
 
In order to help you understand how investment performance can affect your
Variable Account Value, we are including performance information based on the
historical performance of the Portfolios.
 
The Separate Account commenced operations as of January 2, 1996. Therefore, no
historical performance data exists for the Subaccounts prior to that date. The
following table represents what the performance of the Subaccounts would have
been if the Subaccounts had been both in existence and invested in the
corresponding Portfolio since the date of the Portfolio's (or predecessor
series') inception or for the indicated time period. Nine of the Portfolios of
the Fund available under the Contract have been in operation since January 4,
1988 (January 30, 1991 in the case of the Equity Index Portfolio, January 4,
1994 in the case of the Growth LT Portfolio and April 1, 1996 in the case of
the Aggressive Equity Portfolio and Emerging Markets Portfolio). Historical
performance information for each of the Equity Portfolio and the Bond and
Income Portfolio is based in part on the performance of that Portfolio's
predecessor; each predecessor series was a series of Pacific Corinthian
Variable Fund that began its first full year of operations on January 1, 1984,
the assets of which were acquired by the Fund on December 31, 1994. Because
the Subaccounts had not commenced operations until January 2, 1996 or later,
as indicated in the chart above, and because the Contracts were not available
during this period, THESE ARE NOT ACTUAL PERFORMANCE NUMBERS FOR THE
SUBACCOUNTS OR FOR THE CONTRACT.
 
THESE ARE HYPOTHETICAL TOTAL RETURN NUMBERS based on Account Value ("AV") and
Full Withdrawal Value ("FWV") that represent the actual performance of the
Portfolios, adjusted for the fees and charges applicable to the Contract; the
FWV also includes applicable withdrawal charges. Any charge for premium taxes
and/or other
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
taxes are not reflected in these data, and reflection of the Annual Fee
assumes an average Contract size of $45,000. The information presented also
includes data representing unmanaged market indices.
 
 THE RESULTS SHOWN IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT AN ESTIMATE OR GUARANTEE OF FUTURE
                            INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE.
 
        ANNUALIZED RATES OF RETURN FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
                   ALL NUMBERS ARE EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              SINCE
                           1 YEAR       3 YEARS*    5 YEARS*    10 YEARS*   INCEPTION*
                         ------------  ----------- ----------- ----------- -------------
VARIABLE ACCOUNTS         AV     FWV    AV    FWV   AV    FWV   AV    FWV   AV     FWV
- - -----------------        -----  -----  ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----  ------
<S>                      <C>    <C>    <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>   <C>    <C>
Money Market............  3.51  (2.79)  3.25  1.53  2.51  2.02              3.89    3.89
High Yield Bond.........  9.66   3.36   8.37  6.82 11.66 11.31              9.74    9.74
Managed Bond............  2.71  (3.59)  4.35  2.67  6.06  5.63              7.89    7.89
Government Securities...  1.41  (4.89)  3.54  1.84  5.18  4.73              7.23    7.23
Aggressive Equity**.....                                                    6.72    0.33
Growth LT............... 16.22   9.92                                      20.56   19.31
Equity Income........... 17.76  11.46  14.52 13.14 10.72 10.36             11.57   11.57
Multi-Strategy.......... 10.90   4.60   9.98  8.47  8.32  7.92              9.56    9.56
Equity.................. 26.24  19.94  13.83 12.42 12.10 11.75 11.52 11.52 13.18   13.18
Bond and Income......... (2.28) (8.58)  5.20  3.55  7.88  7.48  7.85  7.85 10.64   10.64
Equity Index............ 20.65  14.35  17.49 16.17 13.03 12.70             14.90   14.82
International........... 20.19  13.89   9.88  8.37  8.69  8.30              7.76    7.76
Emerging markets**......                                                   (4.26) (10.65)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MAJOR INDICES                                   1 YEAR  3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- - -------------                                   ------  ------- ------- --------
<S>                                             <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
EAFE...........................................  6.04     8.32    8.15    8.42
First Boston High Yield Bond................... 12.42     9.33   12.63   11.48
LB Aggregate...................................  3.61     6.02    7.03    8.47
LBG/Bond.......................................  2.77     5.53    6.87    8.13
LBG/C Bond.....................................  2.91     5.79    7.18    8.38
LBG/C LT Bond..................................  0.13     6.52    8.79    9.44
Russell 2500................................... 19.03    15.76   16.00   13.87
MSCI Emerging Markets Free..................... (0.20)   (2.34)  12.65
S&P 500........................................ 22.96    19.68   15.22   15.29
</TABLE>
- - --------
 * The performance of the Equity Income, Multi-Strategy and International
   Variable Accounts for a portion of this period occurred at a time when
   other Portfolio Managers managed the corresponding Portfolio in which each
   Variable Account invests. Effective January 1, 1994, J. P. Morgan
   Investment Management, Inc. became the Portfolio Manager of the Equity
   Income and Multi-Strategy Portfolios and Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc.
   became the Portfolio Manager of the International Portfolio; prior to
   1/1/94, some of the investment policies of the Equity Income Portfolio and
   the investment objective of the Multi-Strategy Portfolio differed.
** Returns for the Aggressive Equity and Emerging Markets Variable Accounts
   are total returns from April 1, 1996.
 
Tax Deferred Accumulation
 
In reports or other communications to you or in advertising or sales
materials, we may also describe the effects of tax-deferred compounding on the
Separate Account's investment returns or upon returns in general. These
effects may be illustrated in charts or graphs and may include comparisons at
various points in time of returns under the Contract or in general on a tax-
deferred basis with the returns on a taxable basis. Different tax rates may be
assumed.
 
In general, individuals who own annuity contracts are not taxed on increases
in the value under the annuity contract until some form of distribution is
made from the contract. Thus, the annuity contract will benefit from tax
deferral during the accumulation period, which generally will have the effect
of permitting an investment in an annuity contract to grow more rapidly than a
comparable investment under which increases in value are taxed on a current
basis. The following chart illustrates this benefit by comparing accumulation
under a variable annuity contract with accumulations from an investment on
which gains are taxed on a current basis. The chart
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
shows accumulations on an initial Purchase Payment of $10,000, assuming
hypothetical annual returns of 0%, 4% and 8%, compounded annually, and a tax
rate of 36%. The values shown for the taxable investment do not include any
deduction for management fees or other expenses but assume that taxes are
deducted annually from investment returns. The values shown for the variable
annuity do not reflect the deduction of contractual expenses such as the Risk
Charge (equal to an annual rate of 1.25% of average daily account value), the
Administrative Fee (equal to an annual rate of 0.15% of average daily account
value) and the Annual Fee (equal to $40 per year if your Net Contract Value is
less than $50,000), any charge for premium taxes and/or other taxes, or the
expenses of an underlying investment vehicle, such as the Fund. The values
shown also do not reflect the Withdrawal Charge. Generally, the Withdrawal
Charge is equal to 7% of the amount withdrawn attributable to Purchase
Payments that are one year old, 7% of the amount withdrawn attributable to
Purchase Payments that are two years old, 6% of the amount withdrawn
attributable to Purchase Payments that are three years old, 5% of the amount
withdrawn attributable to Purchase Payments that are four years old, 3% of the
amount withdrawn attributable to Purchase Payments that are five years old,
and 1% of the amount withdrawn attributable to Purchase Payments that are six
years old. The age of Purchase Payments is considered 1 year old in the
Contract Year we receive it and increases by one year on each Contract
Anniversary. There is no Withdrawal Charge on withdrawals of your Earnings, on
amounts attributed to Purchase Payments at least 7 years old, or to the extent
that total withdrawals that are free of charge during the Contract Year do not
exceed 10% of the sum of your remaining Purchase Payments at the beginning of
the Contract Year that have been held under your Contract for less than seven
years plus additional Purchase Payments applied to your Contract during that
Contract Year. If these expenses and fees were taken into account, they would
reduce the investment return shown for both the taxable investment and the
hypothetical variable annuity contract. In addition, these values assume that
you do not surrender the Contract or make any withdrawals until the end of the
period shown. The chart assumes a full withdrawal, at the end of the period
shown, of all Contract Value and the payment of taxes at the 36% rate on the
amount in excess of the Purchase Payment.
 
The rates of return illustrated are hypothetical and are not an estimate or
guarantee of performance. Actual tax rates may vary for different taxpayers
from that illustrated and withdrawals by Contract Owners who have not reached
age 59 1/2 may be subject to a tax penalty of 10%.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                             POWER OF TAX DEFERRAL
 
  $10,000 investment at annual rates of return of 0%, 4% and 8%, taxed @ 36%
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                     Taxable            Tax-Deferred 
                    Investment          Investment
                    ----------          ----------
<S>                 <C>                 <C>
19 Years    
  0%                $10,000.00          $10,000.00
  4%                $12,875.97          $13,073.56
  8%                $16,476.07          $17,417.12

20 Years
  0%                $10,000.00          $10,000.00
  4%                $16,579.07          $17,623.19
  8%                $27,146.07          $33,430.13

30 Years
  0%                $10,000.00          $10,000.00
  4%                $21,347.17          $24,357.74
  8%                $44,726.05          $68,001.00
</TABLE> 
 
                         DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACTS
 
PACIFIC MUTUAL DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
 
Pacific Mutual Distributors, Inc. ("PMD"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of ours, acts as the principal underwriter ("distributor") of the Contracts
and offers the Contracts on a continuous basis. PMD is registered as a broker-
dealer with the SEC and is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers ("NASD"). We pay PMD for acting as principal underwriter under a
Distribution Agreement. We and PMD enter into selling agreements with broker-
dealers whose registered representatives are authorized by state insurance
departments to sell the Contracts.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                    THE CONTRACTS AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
CALCULATING SUBACCOUNT UNIT VALUES
 
The Unit Value of the Subaccount Units in each Variable Investment Option is
computed as of the end of each Business Day. The initial Unit Value of each
Subaccount was $10 on the Business Day the Subaccount began operations. At the
end of each Business Day, the Unit Value for a Subaccount is equal to:
 
                                      Y*Z
 
where (Y) = the Unit Value for that Subaccount as of the end of the preceding
            Business Day; and
 
      (Z) = the Net Investment Factor for that Subaccount for the period (a
            "valuation period") between that Business Day and the immediately
            preceding Business Day.
 
The "Net Investment Factor" for a Subaccount for any valuation period is equal
to:
 
                                   (A/B) - C
 
where (A) = the "per share value of the assets" of that Subaccount as of the end
            of that valuation period, which is equal to: a+b+c
   where   (a) = the net asset value per share of the corresponding Portfolio
                 shares held by that Subaccount as of the end of that valuation
                 period;
           (b) = the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain
                 distributions made by the Fund for that Portfolio during that
                 valuation period; and
           (c) = any per share charge (a negative number) or credit (a positive
                 number) for any income taxes and/or any other taxes or other
                 amounts set aside during that valuation period as a reserve for
                 any income and/or any other taxes which we determine to have
                 resulted from the operations of the Subaccount or Contract,
                 and/or any taxes attributable, directly or indirectly, to
                 Purchase Payments;
      (B) = the net asset value per share of the corresponding Portfolio shares
            held by the Subaccount as of the end of the preceding valuation
            period; and
      (C) = a factor that assesses against the Subaccount net assets for each
            calendar day in the valuation period, the charge for mortality and
            expense risks at a rate that is equal on an annual basis to an
            annual factor expressed as a decimal (where 1.00 is equal to 100%)
            of 0.0125 and the Administrative Charge at a rate that is equal on
            an annual basis to an annual factor of 0.0015 (see CHARGES, FEES AND
            DEDUCTIONS in the Prospectus).
 
As explained in the Prospectus, the Annual Fee, if applicable, is assessed
against your Variable Account Value through the automatic debit of Subaccount
Units; the Annual Fee decreases the number of Subaccount Units attributed to
your Contract but does not alter the Unit Value for any Subaccount.
 
VARIABLE ANNUITY PAYMENT AMOUNTS
 
The following steps show how we determine the amount of each variable annuity
payment under your Contract.
 
First: Pay Applicable Premium Taxes
 
When you convert your Net Contract Value into annuity payments, you must pay
any applicable charge for premium taxes and/or other taxes on your Contract
Value (unless applicable law requires those taxes to be paid at a later time).
We assess this charge by reducing your Contract Value, proportionately,
relative to your Account Value in each Subaccount, in the Fixed Option, and in
each GIO in an amount equal to the aggregate amount of the charges. The
remaining amount of your available Contract Value may be used to provide
variable annuity payments. Alternatively, your remaining available Contract
Value may be used to provide fixed annuity
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
payments, or it may be divided to provide both fixed and variable annuity
payments. You may also choose to withdraw some or all of your remaining Net
Contract Value, less any applicable Annual Fees, withdrawal charge, and any
charges for premium taxes and/or other taxes without converting this amount
into annuity payments.
 
Second: The First Variable Payment
 
We begin by referring to your Contract's Option Table for your Annuity Option
(the "Annuity Option Table"). The Annuity Option Table allows us to calculate
the dollar amount of the first variable annuity payment under your Contract,
based on the amount applied toward the variable annuity. The number that the
Annuity Option Table yields will be based on the Annuitant's age (and, in
certain cases, sex) and assumes a 5% investment return, as described in more
detail below.
 
  Example: Assume a man is 65 years of age at his Annuity Date and has
  selected a lifetime annuity with monthly payments guaranteed for 10 years.
  According to the Annuity Option Table, this man should receive an initial
  monthly payment of $5.79 for every $1,000 of his Contract Value (reduced by
  applicable charges) that he will be using to provide variable payments.
  Therefore, if his Contract Value after deducting applicable fees and
  charges is $100,000 on his Annuity Date and he applies this entire amount
  toward his variable annuity, his first monthly payment will be $579.00.
 
Third: Subaccount Annuity Units
 
For each Subaccount, we use the amount of the first variable annuity payment
under your Contract attributable to each Subaccount to determine the number of
Subaccount Annuity Units that will form the basis of subsequent payment
amounts. First, we use the Annuity Option Table to determine the amount of
that first variable payment for each Subaccount. Then, for each Subaccount, we
divide that amount of the first variable annuity payment by the value of one
Subaccount Annuity Unit (the "Subaccount Annuity Unit Value") as of the end of
the Annuity Date to obtain the number of Subaccount Annuity Units for that
particular Subaccount. The number of Subaccount Annuity Units used to
calculate subsequent payments under your Contract will not change unless
exchanges of Annuity Units are made (or if the Joint and Survivor Annuity
Option is elected and the Primary Annuitant dies first), but the value of
those Annuity Units will change daily, as described below.
 
Fourth: The Subsequent Variable Payments
 
The amount of each subsequent variable annuity payment will be the sum of the
amounts payable based on each Subaccount. The amount payable based on each
Subaccount is equal to the number of Subaccount Annuity Units for that
Subaccount multiplied by their Subaccount Annuity Unit Value at the end of the
Business Day in each payment period you elected that corresponds to the
Annuity Date.
 
Each Subaccount's Subaccount Annuity Unit Value, like its Subaccount Unit
Value, changes each day to reflect the net investment results of the
underlying investment vehicle, as well as the assessment of the Risk Charge at
a rate equal on an annual basis to the annual factor expressed as a decimal
(where 1.00 is equal to 100%) of 0.0125 and the Administrative Fee at a rate
equal on an annual basis to the annual factor of 0.0015. In addition, the
calculation of Subaccount Annuity Unit Value incorporates an additional
factor; as discussed in more detail below, this additional factor adjusts
Subaccount Annuity Values to correct for the Option Table's implicit
assumption of a 5% annual investment return on amounts applied but not yet
used to furnish annuity benefits.
 
Different Subaccounts may be selected for your Contract before and after your
Annuity Date, subject to any restrictions we may establish. Currently, you may
exchange Subaccount Annuity Units in any Subaccount for Subaccount Annuity
Units in any other Subaccount(s) up to four times in any twelve month period
after you annuitize. The number of Subaccount Annuity Units in any Subaccount
may change due to such exchanges. Exchanges following annuitization will be
made by exchanging Subaccount Annuity Units of equivalent aggregate value,
based on their relative Subaccount Annuity Unit Values.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
Understanding the "Assumed Investment Return" Factor
 
The Annuity Option Table incorporates a number of implicit assumptions in
determining the amount of your first variable annuity payment. As noted above,
the numbers in the Annuity Option Table reflect certain actuarial assumptions
based on the Annuitant's age, and, in some cases, the Annuitant's sex. In
addition, these numbers assume that the amount of your Contract Value that you
convert to a variable annuity will have a positive net investment return of 5%
each year during the payout of your annuity; thus 5% is referred to as an
"assumed investment return."
 
The Subaccount Annuity Unit Value for a Subaccount will increase only to the
extent that the investment performance of that Subaccount exceeds its Risk
Charge, the Administrative Fee, and the assumed investment return. The
Subaccount Annuity Unit Value for any Subaccount will generally be less than
the Subaccount Unit Value for that same Subaccount, and the difference will be
the amount of the assumed investment return factor.
 
  Example: Assume the net investment performance of a Subaccount is at a rate
  of 5.00% per year (after deduction of the 1.25% Mortality and Expense Risk
  Charge and the 0.15% Administrative Fee). The Subaccount Unit Value for
  that Subaccount would increase at a rate of 5.00% per year, but the
  Subaccount Annuity Unit Value would not increase (or decrease) at all. The
  net investment factor for that 5% return [1.05] is then divided by the
  factor for the 5% assumed investment return [1.05] and 1 is subtracted from
  the result to determine the adjusted rate of change in Subaccount Annuity
  Unit Value: 1.05 = 1; 1 - 1 = 0; 0 x 100% = 0%.
              ----                                                  
              1.05

If the net investment performance of a Subaccount's assets is at a rate less
than 5.00% per year, the Subaccount Annuity Unit Value will decrease, even if
the Subaccount Unit Value is increasing.
 
  Example: Assume the net investment performance of a Subaccount is at a rate
  of 2.60% per year (after deduction of the 1.25% Mortality and Expense Risk
  Charge and the 0.15% Administrative Fee). The Subaccount Unit Value for
  that Subaccount would increase at a rate of 2.60% per year, but the
  Subaccount Annuity Unit Value would decrease at a rate of 2.29% per year.
  The net investment factor for that 2.6% return [1.026] is then divided by
  the factor for the 5% assumed investment return [1.05] and 1 is subtracted
  from the result to determine the adjusted rate of change in Subaccount
  Annuity Unit Value: 1.026 = 0.9771; 0.9771 - 1 = - 0.0229; - 0.0229 x 100%
                      -----                   
                      1.05
  = - 2.29%.

The assumed investment return will always cause increases in Subaccount
Annuity Unit Values to be somewhat less than if the assumption had not been
made, will cause decreases in Subaccount Annuity Unit Values to be somewhat
greater than if the assumption had not been made, and will (as shown in the
example above) sometimes cause a decrease in Subaccount Annuity Unit Values to
take place when an increase would have occurred if the assumption had not been
made. If we had assumed a higher investment return in our Annuity Option
tables, it would produce annuities with larger first payments, but the
increases in subaccount annuity payments would be smaller and the decreases in
subsequent annuity payments would be greater; a lower assumed investment
return would produce annuities with smaller first payments, and the increases
in subsequent annuity payments would be greater and the decreases in
subsequent annuity payments would be smaller.
 
CORRESPONDING DATES
 
If any transaction or event under your Contract is scheduled to occur on a
"corresponding date" that does not exist in a given calendar period, the
transaction or event will be deemed to occur on the following Business Day. In
addition, as stated in the Prospectus, any event scheduled to occur on a day
that is not a Business Day will occur on the next succeeding Business Day.
 
  Example: If your Contract is issued on February 29 in year 1 (a leap year),
  your Contract Anniversary in years 2, 3 and 4 will be on March 1.
 
  Example: If your Annuity Date is July 31 and you select monthly annuity
  payments, the payments received will be based on valuations made on July
  31, August 31, October 1 (for September), October 31, December 1 (for
  November), December 31, January 31, March 1 (for February), March 31, May 1
  (for April), May 31 and July 1 (for June).
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
AGE AND SEX OF ANNUITANT
 
As mentioned in the Prospectus, the Contracts generally provide for sex-
distinct annuity income factors in the case of life annuities. Statistically,
females tend to have longer life expectancies than males; consequently, if the
amount of annuity payments is based on life expectancy, they will ordinarily
be higher if an annuitant is male than if an annuitant is female. Certain
states' regulations prohibit sex-distinct annuity income factors, and
Contracts issued in those states will use unisex factors. In addition,
Contracts issued in connection with Qualified Plans are required to use unisex
factors.
 
We may require proof of your Annuitant's age and sex before or after
commencing annuity payments. If the age or sex (or both) of your Annuitant are
incorrectly stated in your Contract, the amount payable will be corrected to
equal the amount that the annuitized portion of the Contract Value under that
Contract would have purchased for your Annuitant's correct age and sex. If the
correction is effected after annuity payments have commenced, and we have made
overpayments based on the incorrect information, we will deduct the amount of
the overpayment, with interest at 3% a year, from any payments due then or
later; if we have made underpayments, we will add the amount, with interest at
3% a year, of the underpayments to the next payment we make after we receive
proof of the correct sex and/or date of birth.
 
SYSTEMATIC TRANSFER PROGRAMS
 
The GIOs are not available for any systematic transfer programs.
 
Dollar Cost Averaging
 
When you request dollar cost averaging, you are authorizing us to make
periodic reallocations of your Contract Value without waiting for any further
instruction from you. You may request to begin or stop dollar cost averaging
at any time prior to your Annuity Date; the effective date of your request
will be the day we receive written notice from you in proper form. Your
request may specify the date on which you want your first transfer to be made.
If you do not specify a date for your first transfer, we will treat your
request as if you had specified the effective date of your request. Your first
transfer may not be made until 30 days after your Contract Date, and if you
specify an earlier date, your first transfer will be delayed until one
calendar month after the date you specify. If you request dollar cost
averaging on your application for your Contract and you fail to specify a date
for your first transfer, your first transfer will be made one period after
your Contract Date (that is, if you specify monthly transfers, the first
transfer will occur 30 days after your Contract Date; quarterly transfers, 90
days after your Contract Date; semiannual transfers, 180 days after your
Contract Date; and if you specify annual transfers, the first transfer will
occur on your Contract Anniversary). If you stop dollar cost averaging, you
must wait 30 days before you may begin this option again.
 
Your request to begin dollar cost averaging must specify the Investment Option
you wish to transfer money from (your "source account"). You may choose any
one Variable Investment Option or the Fixed Option as your source account. The
Account Value of your source account must be at least $5,000 for you to begin
dollar cost averaging.
 
Your request to begin dollar cost averaging must also specify the amount and
frequency of your transfers. You may choose monthly, quarterly, semiannual or
annual transfers. The amount of your transfers may be specified as a dollar
amount or a percentage of your source Account Value; however, each transfer
must be at least $250. Dollar cost averaging transfers are subject to the same
requirements and limitations as other transfers.
 
Finally, your request must specify the Fixed or Variable Investment Option(s)
you wish to transfer amounts to (your "target account(s)"). If you select more
than one target account, your dollar cost averaging request must specify how
transferred amounts should be allocated among the target accounts. Your source
account may not also be a target account.
 
Your dollar cost averaging transfers will continue until the earlier of (i)
your request to stop dollar cost averaging is effective, or (ii) your source
Account Value is zero, or (iii) you annuitize. If, as a result of a dollar
cost
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
averaging transfer, your source Account Value falls below any minimum Account
Value we may establish, we have the right, at our option, to transfer that
remaining Account Value to your target account(s) on a proportionate basis
relative to your most recent allocation instructions. You may not use dollar
cost averaging and the earnings sweep at the same time. We may change,
terminate or suspend the dollar cost averaging option at any time.
 
Portfolio Rebalancing
 
Portfolio rebalancing allows you to maintain the percentage of your Contract
Value allocated to each Variable Investment Option at a pre-set level prior to
annuitization. For example, you could specify that 30% of your Contract Value
should be in the Equity Index Subaccount, 40% in the Managed Bond Subaccount,
and 30% in the Growth LT Subaccount. Over time, the variations in each
Subaccount's investment results will shift this balance of these Subaccount
Value allocations. If you elect the portfolio rebalancing feature, we will
automatically transfer your Subaccount Value back to the percentages you
specify.
 
You may choose to have rebalances made quarterly, semiannually or annually
until your Annuity Date; portfolio rebalancing is not available after you
annuitize.
 
Procedures for selecting portfolio rebalancing are generally the same as those
discussed in detail above for selecting dollar cost averaging: You may make
your request at any time prior to your Annuity Date and it will be effective
when we receive it in proper form. If you stop portfolio rebalancing, you must
wait 30 days to begin again. You may specify a date for your first rebalance,
or we will treat your request as if you selected the request's effective date.
If you specify a date fewer than 30 days after your Contract Date, your first
rebalance will be delayed one month, and if you request rebalancing on your
application but do not specify a date for the first rebalance, it will occur
one period after your Contract Date, as described above under Dollar Cost
Averaging. We may change, terminate or suspend the portfolio rebalancing
feature at any time.
 
Earnings Sweep
 
An earnings sweep automatically transfers the earnings attributable to a
specified Investment Option (the "sweep option") to one or more other
Investment Options (your "target option(s)"). If you elect to use the earnings
sweep, you may select either the Fixed Option or the Money Market Subaccount
as your sweep option. The Account Value of your sweep option will be required
to be at least $5,000 when you elect the earnings sweep. You may select one or
more Variable Investment Options (but not the Money Market Subaccount) as your
target option(s).
 
You may choose to have earnings sweeps occur monthly, quarterly, semiannually
or annually until you annuitize. At each earnings sweep, we will automatically
transfer your accumulated earnings attributable to your sweep option for the
previous period proportionately to your target option(s). That is, if you
select a monthly earnings sweep, we will transfer the sweep option earnings
from the preceding month; if you select a semiannual earnings sweep, we will
transfer the sweep option earnings accumulated over the preceding six months.
Earnings sweep transfers are subject to the same requirements and limitations
as other transfers.
 
To determine the earnings, we take the change in the sweep option's Account
Value during the sweep period, add any withdrawals or transfers out of the
sweep option Account that occurred during the sweep period, and subtract any
allocations to the sweep option Account during the sweep period. The result of
this calculation represents the "total earnings" for the sweep period.
 
If, during the sweep period, you withdraw or transfer amounts from the sweep
option Account, we assume that earnings are withdrawn or transferred before
any other Account Value. Therefore, your "total earnings" for the sweep period
will be reduced by any amounts withdrawn or transferred during the sweep
option period. The remaining earnings are eligible for the sweep transfer.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
Procedures for selecting the earnings sweep are generally the same as those
discussed in detail above for selecting dollar cost averaging and portfolio
rebalancing: You may make your request at any time and it will be effective
when we receive it in proper form. If you stop the earnings sweep, you must
wait 30 days to begin again. You may specify a date for your first sweep, or
we will treat your request as if you selected the request's effective date. If
you specify a date fewer than 30 days after your Contract Date, your first
earnings sweep will be delayed one month, and if you request the earnings
sweep on your application but do not specify a date for the first sweep, it
will occur one period after your Contract Date, as described above under
Dollar Cost Averaging.
 
If you are using the earnings sweep, you may also use portfolio rebalancing
only if you selected the Fixed Option as your sweep option. You may not use
the earnings sweep and dollar cost averaging at the same time. If, as a result
of an earnings sweep transfer, your source Account Value falls below any
minimum Account Value we may establish, we have the right, at our option, to
transfer that remaining Account Value to your target account(s) on a
proportionate basis relative to your most recent allocation instructions. We
may change, terminate or suspend the earnings sweep option at any time.
 
PRE-AUTHORIZED WITHDRAWALS
 
You may specify a dollar amount for your pre-authorized withdrawals, or you
may specify a percentage of your Contract Value or an Account Value. You may
direct us to make your pre-authorized withdrawals from one or more specific
Fixed or Variable Investment Options; if you do not give us these specific
directions, amounts will be deducted proportionately from your Account Value
in each Fixed or Variable Investment Option.
 
Procedures for selecting pre-authorized withdrawals are generally the same as
those discussed in detail above for selecting dollar cost averaging, portfolio
rebalancing, and earnings sweeps: You may make your request at any time and it
will be effective when we receive it in proper form. If you stop the pre-
authorized withdrawals, you must wait 30 days to begin again. You may specify
a date for the first withdrawal, or we will treat your request as if you
selected the request's effective date. If you specify a date fewer than 30
days after your Contract Date, your first pre-authorized withdrawal will be
delayed one month, and if you request the pre-authorized withdrawals on your
application but do not specify a date for the first withdrawal, it will occur
one period after your Contract Date.
 
If your pre-authorized withdrawals cause your Account Value in any Investment
Option to fall below any minimum Account Value we establish, we have the
right, at our option, to transfer that remaining Account Value to your other
Investment Options on a proportionate basis relative to your most recent
allocation instructions. If your pre-authorized withdrawals cause your
Contract Value to fall below $1,000, we may, at our option, terminate your
Contract and send you the remaining withdrawal proceeds.
 
Pre-authorized withdrawals are subject to the same withdrawal charges as are
other withdrawals, and each withdrawal is subject to any applicable charge for
premium taxes and/or other taxes, to federal income tax on its taxable
portion, and, if you have not reached age 59 1/2, a 10% tax penalty.
 
DEATH BENEFIT
 
Any death benefit payable will be calculated as of the date we receive proof
(in proper form) of the Annuitant's death (or, if applicable, the Contract
Owner's death) and instructions regarding payment; any claim of a death
benefit must be made in proper form. A recipient of death benefit proceeds may
elect to have this benefit paid in one lump sum, in periodic payments, in the
form of a lifetime annuity or in some combination of these. Annuity payments
will begin within 30 days once we receive all information necessary to process
the claim.
 
If your Contract names Joint or Contingent Annuitants, no death benefit will
be payable unless and until the last Annuitant dies prior to the Annuity Date
or a Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuity Date. If yours is a Qualified
Contract, your Contingent Annuitant or Contingent Owner must be your spouse.
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
JOINT ANNUITANTS ON QUALIFIED CONTRACTS
 
If your Contract was issued in connection with a Qualified Plan subject to
Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), and
you change your marital status after your Contract Date, you may be permitted
to add a Joint Annuitant on your Annuity Date and to change your Joint
Annuitant. Generally speaking, you may be permitted to add a new spouse as a
Joint Annuitant, and you may be permitted to remove a Joint Annuitant who is
no longer your spouse. You may call us for more information.
 
1035 EXCHANGES
 
You may make your initial Purchase Payment through an exchange of an existing
annuity contract. To exchange, you must complete a 1035 Exchange form, which
is available by calling your representative, or by calling us at 1-800-722-
2333, and mail the form along with the annuity contract you are exchanging
(plus your completed application if you are making an initial Purchase
Payment) to us.
 
In general terms, Section 1035 of the Code provides that you recognize no gain
or loss when you exchange one annuity contract solely for another annuity
contract. However, transactions under Section 1035 may be subject to special
rules and may require special procedures and record-keeping, particularly if
the exchanged annuity contract was issued prior to August 14, 1982. You should
consult your tax adviser prior to effecting a 1035 Exchange.
 
SAFEKEEPING OF ASSETS
 
We are responsible for the safekeeping of the assets of the Separate Account.
These assets are held separate and apart from the assets of our General
Account and our other separate accounts.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
The current dividend scale is zero and we do not anticipate that dividends
will be paid. If any dividend is paid, you may elect to receive the dividend
in cash or to add the dividend to your Contract Value. If you make no
election, the dividend will be added to your Contract Value. We will allocate
any dividend to Contract Value in accordance with your most recent allocation
instructions, unless instructed otherwise. You should consult with your tax
adviser before making an election.
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Audited financial statements of the Separate Account A as of December 31, 1996
and for the year ended are incorporated by reference in this SAI from the
Annual Report of the Separate Account dated as of December 31, 1996. Pacific
Mutual Life's audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31,
1996 and 1995 and for the three years ended December 31, 1996 are set forth
beginning on the next page. These financial statements should be considered
only as bearing on the ability of Pacific Mutual Life to meet its obligations
under the Contracts and not as bearing on the investment performance of the
assets held in the Separate Account.
 
  The consolidated financial statements of Pacific Mutual Life as of December
31, 1996 and 1995 and for the three years ended December 31, 1996 have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report appearing herein.
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
    INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
    ----------------------------
 
    Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries:
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial
    position of Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and subsidiaries (the
    "Company") as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
    consolidated statements of operations and equity and cash flows for
    each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996. These
    consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
    Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
    these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
    standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
    to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
    are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
    test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
    financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
    principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
    as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
    that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly,
    in all material respects, the financial position of Pacific Mutual Life
    Insurance Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
    and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows
    for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in
    conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
    As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the
    Company has adopted all applicable generally accepted accounting
    principles relating to mutual life insurance companies for all periods
    presented.
 
 
    DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
    Costa Mesa, California
    February 22, 1997
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        December 31,     
                                                                       1996      1995               
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            
                                                                        (In Millions)               
<S>                                                                  <C>       <C>                  
ASSETS                                                                                              
Investments:                                                                                        
  Securities available for sale at fair value:                                                      
    Fixed maturity securities                                        $12,193.8 $11,359.2            
    Equity securities                                                    260.8     218.5            
  Short-term investments                                                  66.1     103.3            
  Mortgage loans                                                       1,477.3   1,346.2            
  Real estate                                                            280.0     288.6            
  Policy loans                                                         3,131.8   2,793.3            
  Other investments                                                      208.0     214.6            
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            
TOTAL INVESTMENTS                                                     17,617.8  16,323.7            
Cash and cash equivalents                                                109.0     286.1            
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                        531.5     391.1            
Accrued investment income                                                202.5     198.8            
Other assets                                                             462.4     416.5            
Separate account assets                                                8,142.1   5,686.9            
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            
TOTAL ASSETS                                                         $27,065.3 $23,303.1            
========================================================================================            
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                                                                              
Liabilities:                                                                                        
  Universal life, annuity and other investment contract deposits     $13,877.4 $12,719.4            
  Future policy benefits                                               2,442.0   2,378.9            
  Policyholders' dividends payable                                        64.5      65.3            
  Borrowings                                                             120.5      83.0            
  Surplus notes                                                          149.6     149.6            
  Other liabilities                                                      572.0     586.6            
  Separate account liabilities                                         8,142.1   5,686.9            
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            
Total Liabilities                                                     25,368.1  21,669.7            
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            
Commitments and contingencies                                                                       
Equity:                                                                                             
  Retained earnings                                                    1,318.0   1,151.4            
  Unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net                  379.2     482.0            
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            
Total Equity                                                           1,697.2   1,633.4            
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                                         $27,065.3 $23,303.1            
========================================================================================            
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    Years Ended December 31,
                                                     1996      1995     1994
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         (In Millions)
<S>                                                <C>       <C>      <C>
REVENUES
Insurance premiums                                 $  465.4  $  458.5 $  455.9
Policy fees from universal life, annuity and
 other investment contract deposits                   348.6     309.0    280.0
Net investment income                               1,063.0   1,022.3    933.6
Net realized capital gains (losses)                    68.3      77.6     (2.1)
Investment management fees                             14.1      12.9    144.6
Other income                                          188.6     139.4    203.6
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REVENUES                                      2,148.0   2,019.7  2,015.6
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
Interest credited to universal life, annuity and
 other investment contract deposits                   653.2     654.2    638.6
Policy benefits paid or provided                      664.7     668.5    590.2
Commission expenses                                   199.8     167.8    139.9
Operating expenses                                    350.0     308.3    433.8
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL BENEFITS AND EXPENSES                         1,867.7   1,798.8  1,802.5
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES              280.3     220.9    213.1
Provision for income taxes                            113.7      86.1    111.7
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                                            166.6     134.8    101.4
Equity, beginning of year                           1,633.4     809.3    942.8
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on available for
 sale securities, net                                (102.8)    689.3   (234.9)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY, END OF YEAR                                $1,697.2  $1,633.4 $  809.3
==============================================================================
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                                  1996       1995       1994
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        (In Millions)
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income                                      $   166.6  $   134.8  $   101.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
 cash provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                      (1.4)     (30.4)     (28.3)
  Deferred income taxes                             (49.7)     (30.3)      26.2
  Net realized capital (gains) losses               (68.3)     (77.6)       2.1
  Deferred policy acquisition costs                (140.4)      48.8     (126.5)
  Interest credited to universal life, annuity
   and other investment contract deposits           653.2      654.2      638.6
  Change in accrued investment income                (3.7)     (16.1)      28.5
  Change in future policy benefits                   63.1       89.3       48.7
  Change in policyholders' dividends payable         (0.8)      (0.5)      (0.2)
  Change in other assets and liabilities            169.7      172.9      (51.2)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES           788.3      945.1      639.3
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Available for sale securities:
  Purchases                                      (4,525.0)  (3,001.3)  (4,376.9)
  Sales                                           2,511.0    1,940.3    2,690.3
  Maturities and repayments                       1,184.7      926.9    1,220.4
Held to maturity securities:
  Purchases                                                   (181.9)    (415.0)
  Sales                                                         62.3
  Maturities and repayments                                    111.0      202.2
Repayments of mortgage loans                        220.4      267.7      399.1
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans and real
 estate                                              14.5       27.4       52.8
Purchases of mortgage loans and real estate        (414.3)    (244.7)    (237.7)
Distributions from partnerships                      78.8       49.0
Change in policy loans                             (338.5)    (389.8)    (349.7)
Change in short-term investments                     37.2      (66.7)     129.0
Other investing activity, net                      (120.1)    (121.1)      15.7
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES            (1,351.3)    (620.9)    (669.8)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(Continued)
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Years Ended December 31,      
(Continued)                                                  1996       1995       1994    
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   (In Millions)           
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                       
Policyholder account balances:                                                             
  Deposits                                                 $ 2,105.0  $ 1,437.9  $ 1,355.0 
  Withdrawals                                               (1,756.6)  (1,774.2)  (1,376.0)
Net change in borrowings                                        37.5      (43.8)      36.9 
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES            385.9     (380.1)      15.9 
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents                       (177.1)     (55.9)     (14.6)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                   286.1      342.0      356.6 
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR                     $   109.0  $   286.1  $   342.0 
==========================================================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Federal income taxes paid                                  $   185.9  $    96.9  $    82.8 
Interest paid                                              $    27.2  $    23.3  $    24.1 
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
            Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
    Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company ("Pacific Mutual Life") was
    established in 1868 and is organized under the laws of the State of
    California as a mutual life insurance company. Pacific Mutual Life
    conducts business in every state except New York.
 
    Pacific Mutual Life and its subsidiaries and affiliates have primary
    business operations which consist of life insurance, annuities, pension
    products, group employee benefits and investment management and advisory
    services. These primary business operations provide a broad range of life
    insurance, accumulation and investment products for individuals and
    businesses and offer a range of investment products to institutions and
    pension plans. Additionally, through its major subsidiaries and
    affiliates, Pacific Mutual Life provides a variety of group employee
    benefits, as well as investment management and advisory services.
 
    BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
 
    The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Pacific Mutual Life
    Insurance Company and subsidiaries (the "Company") have been prepared in
    accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and
    include the accounts of Pacific Mutual Life and its wholly-owned
    insurance subsidiaries, Pacific Corinthian Life Insurance Company ("PCL"-
    Note 3), PM Group Life Insurance Company ("PM Group") and World-Wide
    Holdings Limited, and its noninsurance subsidiaries, Pacific Financial
    Asset Management Corporation ("PFAMCo"), Pacific Mutual Distributors,
    Inc. ("PMD"), Pacific Mutual Realty Finance, Inc., Pacific Mezzanine
    Associates, L.L.C. and MC Associates, LLC. All significant intercompany
    transactions and balances have been eliminated. Pacific Mutual Life
    prepares its regulatory financial statements based on accounting
    practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department of the
    State of California. These consolidated financial statements differ from
    those followed in reports to regulatory authorities (Note 2).
 
    On December 21, 1995, Pacific Mutual Life completed a subsidiary
    reorganization in which PFAMCo became a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary
    of Pacific Mutual Life. Prior to the reorganization PFAMCo was a wholly-
    owned, second-tier subsidiary of Pacific Mutual Life. The intermediate
    company, Pacific Financial Holding Company ("PFHC"), and certain of its
    assets and liabilities were merged into PFAMCo in connection with this
    reorganization. The remaining assets were merged into Pacific Mutual Life
    which consisted of investments in subsidiaries as follows: PFAMCo, PMD
    and PM Group.
 
    ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ADOPTED
 
    Pacific Mutual Life has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial
    Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 120, "Accounting and Reporting by
    Mutual Life Insurance Enterprises and by Insurance Enterprises for
    Certain Long-Duration Participating Contracts," and Interpretation No.
    40, "Applicability of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to Mutual
    Life Insurance and Other Enterprises" (the "Interpretation") issued by
    the Financial Accounting Standards Board. SFAS No. 120 and the
    Interpretation require that mutual life insurance companies and their
    insurance subsidiaries adopt all applicable authoritative GAAP
    pronouncements in any general purpose financial statements that they may
    issue. This differs from prior years when Pacific Mutual Life issued its
    regulatory financial statements as general purpose financial statements.
    The accompanying consolidated financial statements for 1996, 1995 and
    1994 reflect the effects of implementing SFAS No. 120 and the
    Interpretation.
 
    On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the
    Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed
    Of." SFAS No. 121 requires that long-lived assets, certain identifiable
    intangibles and goodwill related to those assets to be held and used
    shall be assessed for recoverability if certain events or changes in
    circumstances are present. An impairment loss shall be recognized if the
    carrying amount of
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
            Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

    the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Adoption of this
    accounting standard did not have a significant impact on the consolidated
    financial position or consolidated results of operations of the Company.
 
    On January 1, 1996, the Company also adopted SFAS No. 122, "Accounting
    for Mortgage Servicing Rights." SFAS No. 122 requires that rights
    acquired to service mortgage loans for others be recognized separately
    from the mortgage loan asset. SFAS No. 122 also requires that capitalized
    mortgage servicing rights be assessed for impairment based on the fair
    value of those rights and any impairment should be recognized through a
    valuation allowance. Adoption of this accounting standard did not have a
    significant impact on the consolidated financial position or consolidated
    results of operations of the Company.
 
    NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
    In June 1996, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
    125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
    Extinguishments of Liabilities," as amended by SFAS No. 127, "Deferral of
    the Effective Date of Certain Provisions of FASB Statement No. 125." SFAS
    No. 125 is effective for transfers and servicing of financial assets and
    extinguishments of liabilities occurring after December 31, 1996. This
    statement provides consistent accounting standards for securitizations
    and other transfers of financial assets, determines when financial assets
    (liabilities) should be considered sold (settled) and removed from the
    statement of financial position, and determines when related revenues and
    expenses should be recognized. The Company currently plans to adopt SFAS
    No. 125 beginning on January 1, 1997. The adoption is not expected to
    have a significant impact on the consolidated financial position or
    consolidated results of operations of the Company.
 
    INVESTMENTS
 
    Fixed maturity securities and equity securities are reported at fair
    value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of deferred income tax and
    adjustments to related deferred policy acquisition costs, included as a
    separate component of equity on the accompanying consolidated statements
    of financial position. Trading securities, which are included in short-
    term investments, are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and
    losses included in net realized capital gains (losses) on the
    accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
 
    For mortgage-backed securities included in fixed maturity securities the
    Company recognizes income using a constant effective yield based on
    anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the
    securities. When estimates of prepayments change, the effective yield is
    recalculated to reflect actual payments to date and anticipated future
    payments. The net investment in the securities is adjusted to the amount
    that would have existed had the new effective yield been applied since
    the acquisition of the securities. This adjustment is reflected in net
    investment income.
 
    In the first and second quarter of 1995, Pacific Mutual Life sold two
    securities from the held to maturity category. The amortized cost of the
    securities was $62.3 million and a net after tax loss of $0.7 million was
    realized on the sales. The securities were sold due to the significant
    deterioration of the issuer's creditworthiness.
 
    Beginning with the third quarter of 1995, Pacific Mutual Life transferred
    approximately $1.5 billion of securities from the held to maturity
    category to the available for sale category. This amount represented the
    amortized cost of the securities at the date of transfer. The fair value
    of those securities was approximately $1.6 billion, resulting in a net
    after tax unrealized gain of $52.5 million, which was reflected as a
    direct increase to equity. The change in classification was a result of a
    change in management's intent with respect to these securities. In order
    to have the flexibility to respond to changes in interest rates and to
    take advantage of changes in the availability of and the yield on
    alternative investments, management has determined that the
    reclassification of these securities as available for sale was
    appropriate.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
            Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
    Realized gains and losses on investment transactions are determined on a
    specific identification basis and are included in revenues.
 
    Short-term investments are carried at fair value and include all trading
    securities.
 
    Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value. Unrealized
    gains and losses of derivatives used to hedge securities classified as
    available for sale are reflected in a separate component of equity,
    similar to the accounting of the underlying hedged assets. Realized gains
    and losses on derivatives used for hedging are deferred and amortized
    over the average life of the related hedged assets or insurance
    liabilities. Unrealized gains and losses of other derivatives are
    reflected in operations.
 
    Mortgage loans and policy loans are stated at unpaid principal balances.
 
    Real estate is carried at depreciated cost, or for real estate acquired
    in satisfaction of debt, estimated fair value less estimated selling
    costs at the date of acquisition if lower than the related unpaid
    balance.
 
    On November 15, 1994, PFAMCo and five of its subsidiaries (Pacific
    Investment Management Company and subsidiaries, Parametric Portfolio
    Associates, Inc., Cadence Capital Management Corporation, NFJ Investment
    Group, Inc. and Blairlogie Capital Management Limited) entered into an
    agreement and plan of consolidation with Thomson Advisory Group L.P., a
    Delaware limited partnership with publicly traded units, to merge into a
    newly capitalized partnership named PIMCO Advisors L.P. ("PIMCO
    Advisors"). Collectively, PFAMCo and various of its subsidiaries
    beneficially own approximately 42% of the outstanding General and Limited
    Partner units of PIMCO Advisors as of December 31, 1996 and 1995. This
    investment, which is included in other investments on the accompanying
    consolidated statements of financial position, is accounted for on the
    equity method.
 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    Cash and cash equivalents include all liquid debt instruments with an
    original maturity of three months or less.
 
    DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
 
    The costs of acquiring new insurance business, principally commissions,
    medical examinations, underwriting, policy issue and other expenses, all
    of which vary with and are primarily related to the production of new
    business, have been deferred. For universal life, annuity and other
    investment contract products, such costs are generally amortized in
    proportion to the present value of expected gross profits using the
    assumed crediting rate. Adjustments are reflected in earnings or equity
    in the period the Company experiences deviations in gross profit
    assumptions. Adjustments directly affecting equity result from experience
    deviations due to changes in unrealized gains and losses in investments
    classified as available for sale. For life insurance products, such costs
    are being amortized over the premium-paying period of the related
    policies in proportion to premium revenues recognized, using assumptions
    consistent with those used in computing policy reserves. For the years
    ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, net amortization of deferred
    policy acquisition costs included in operating expenses amounted to $70.0
    million, $63.3 million and $44.2 million, respectively, on the
    accompanying consolidated statements of operations and equity.
 
    PRESENT VALUE OF FUTURE PROFITS
 
    Included in other assets is $16.1 million and $38.4 million which
    represents the present value of estimated future profits of acquired
    business in connection with the rehabilitation of First Capital Life
    Insurance Company ("FCL" -Note 3) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
    respectively. The aforementioned future profits are discounted to
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
            Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

    provide an appropriate rate of return and are being amortized over the
    rehabilitation plan period. Amortization for the years ended December 31,
    1996, 1995 and 1994 amounted to $24.2 million, $17.1 million and $4.7
    million, respectively. During 1996, the Company changed certain
    assumptions regarding the estimated life which resulted in an increase in
    amortization in 1996 of approximately $17.0 million.
 
    UNIVERSAL LIFE, ANNUITY AND OTHER INVESTMENT CONTRACT DEPOSITS
 
    Universal life, annuity and other investment contract deposits are valued
    using the retrospective deposit method and consist principally of
    deposits received plus interest credited less accumulated assessments.
    Interest credited to these policies ranged from 4% to 8.4% during 1996,
    1995 and 1994.
 
    The following detail of universal life, annuity and other investment
    contract deposits is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         December 31,    
                                                        1996      1995   
                                                      -------------------
                                                         (In Millions)   
         <S>                                          <C>       <C>      
         Universal life                               $ 7,562.5 $ 6,930.7
         Annuity                                        2,459.3   2,426.6
         Other investment contract deposits             3,855.6   3,362.1
                                                      -------------------
                                                      $13,877.4 $12,719.4
                                                      =================== 
</TABLE>
 
    The following detail of universal life, annuity and other investment
    contract deposits policy fees and interest credited is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Years Ended December 31,
                                                        1996    1995    1994 
                                                      ------------------------
                                                          (In Millions)      
         <S>                                           <C>     <C>     <C>   
         Policy fees                                                         
           Universal life                              $318.4  $292.6  $267.1
           Annuity                                       26.6    12.8     9.4
           Other investment contract deposits             3.6     3.6     3.5
                                                       ----------------------
         Total policy fees                             $348.6  $309.0  $280.0
                                                       ======================
         Interest credited                                                   
           Universal life                              $279.3  $258.6  $226.9
           Annuity                                      131.9   125.2   120.7
           Other investment contract deposits           242.0   270.4   291.0
                                                       ----------------------
         Total interest credited                       $653.2  $654.2  $638.6
                                                       ====================== 
</TABLE>
 
    FUTURE POLICY BENEFITS
 
    Life insurance reserves are valued using the net level premium method.
    Interest rate assumptions range from 4.5% to 9.3% for 1996, 1995 and
    1994. Mortality, morbidity and withdrawal assumptions are generally based
    on the Company's experience, modified to provide for possible unfavorable
    deviations. Future dividends for participating business are provided for
    in the liability for future policy benefits. Included in policy benefits
    paid or provided on the accompanying consolidated statements of
    operations and equity are dividends to policyholders.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
            Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
    Dividends are provided based on dividend formulas approved by the Board
    of Directors and reviewed for reasonableness and equitable treatment of
    policyholders by an independent consulting actuary. As of December 31,
    1996 and 1995, participating experience rated policies paying dividends
    represented approximately 1% of direct written life insurance in force.
 
    STATE GUARANTY FUND ASSESSMENTS
 
    Insurance companies are subject to assessments by life and health
    guaranty associations in most states in which they are licensed to do
    business. These assessments are based on the volume and type of business
    they sell in those states and may be partially recovered in some states
    through a future reduction in premium taxes. Based on current information
    available from the National Organization of Life and Health Guaranty
    Association, the Company, as of December 31, 1996, has accrued in other
    liabilities on the accompanying consolidated statements of financial
    position an amount adequate for anticipated payments of known
    insolvencies, net of estimated recoveries of premium tax offsets.
 
    REVENUES AND EXPENSES
 
    Insurance premiums are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and
    expenses, other than deferred policy acquisition costs, are recognized
    when incurred.
 
    Generally, receipts for universal life, annuities and other investment
    contracts are classified as deposits. Policy fees from these contracts
    include mortality charges, surrender charges and earned policy service
    fees. Expenses related to these products include interest credited to
    account balances and benefit amounts in excess of account balances.
 
    Investment management fees are recorded as revenues during the period
    such services are performed.
 
    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
 
    Depreciation of investment real estate is computed on the straight-line
    method over the estimated useful lives which range from 15 to 30 years.
    Certain other assets are depreciated or amortized on the straight-line
    method over varying periods ranging from 3 to 40 years. Depreciation of
    investment real estate is included in net investment income on the
    accompanying consolidated statements of operations and equity.
    Depreciation and amortization of other assets is included in operating
    expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and
    equity.
 
    FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
 
    Pacific Mutual Life is taxed as a life insurance company for Federal
    income tax purposes and files a consolidated Federal income tax return
    with all its includable domestic subsidiaries. The amount of Federal
    income tax expense includes an equity tax calculated by a prescribed
    formula that incorporates a differential earnings rate between stock and
    mutual life insurance companies. Deferred income taxes are provided for
    timing differences in the recognition of revenues and expenses for
    financial reporting and income tax purposes.
 
    SEPARATE ACCOUNTS
 
    Separate account assets are recorded at market value and the related
    liabilities represent segregated contract owner funds maintained in
    accounts with individual investment objectives. The investment results of
    separate account assets generally pass through to separate account
    policyholders and contract owners.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
 
            Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
 
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The estimated fair value of financial instruments disclosed in Notes 5
    and 6 have been determined using available market information and
    appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is
    required to interpret market data to develop the estimates of fair value.
    Accordingly, the estimates presented may not be indicative of the amounts
    the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of
    different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies could have a
    significant effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires
    management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
    amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements
    and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
    period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
2.  STATUTORY RESULTS
 
    The following are reconciliations of statutory surplus and statutory net
    income for Pacific Mutual Life as calculated in accordance with
    accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department
    of the State of California, to the amounts reported as equity and net
    income included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         December 31,   
                                                        1996      1995  
                                                      ------------------
                                                        (In Millions)   
         <S>                                          <C>       <C>     
         Statutory surplus                            $  815.2  $  723.2
           Deferred policy acquisition costs             542.0     411.9
           Unrealized gain on available for sale                        
            securities, net                              379.2     482.0
           Asset valuation reserve                       209.4     191.4
           Deferred income tax                           174.6     129.2
           Subsidiary equity                              60.7      66.0
           Non-admitted assets                            22.8      22.5
           Surplus notes                                (149.6)   (149.6)
           Insurance and annuity reserves               (340.4)   (249.1)
           Other                                         (16.7)      5.9
                                                      ------------------
         Equity as reported herein                    $1,697.2  $1,633.4
                                                      ================== 
</TABLE>
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
            Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
2.  STATUTORY RESULTS (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Years Ended December 31,
                                                       1996    1995    1994   
                                                      ------------------------
                                                           (In Millions)      
         <S>                                          <C>     <C>     <C>     
         Statutory net income                         $113.1  $ 85.1  $ 81.0  
           Deferred policy acquisition costs           111.2    76.4    59.4  
           Deferred income tax                          70.9    31.5   (27.7) 
           Interest maintenance reserve                  3.8    12.2    (7.7) 
           Net realized gain (loss) on trading                                
            securities                                 (11.6)   13.2    (2.0) 
           Earnings of subsidiaries                    (33.0)    5.9    20.7  
           Insurance and annuity reserves              (91.3)  (95.5)  (28.2) 
           Other                                         3.5     6.0     5.9  
                                                      ----------------------  
         Net income as reported herein                $166.6  $134.8  $101.4  
                                                      ======================   
</TABLE>
 
    RISK-BASED CAPITAL
 
    Each insurance company's state of domicile imposes minimum risk-based
    capital requirements that were developed by the National Association of
    Insurance Commissioners ("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 a 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. As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company's ratios exceeded
    the minimum risk-based capital requirements.
 
    DIVIDENDS
 
    Dividends to Pacific Mutual Life from its insurance subsidiaries are
    subject to regulatory restrictions and approvals. The maximum amount of
    dividends that can be paid by PM Group cannot exceed the lesser of 10% of
    surplus as regards to policyholders, or the net statutory gain from
    operations, without prior approval from the Insurance Commissioner of the
    State of Arizona. During 1996, 1995 and 1994, PM Group received approval
    to pay extraordinary dividends in excess of these limitations. PM Group
    paid dividends of $25 million, $25 million and $20 million for the years
    ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 of which $18 million, $17.2
    million and $12.4 million, respectively, were considered extraordinary.
 
    In accordance with the terms of the rehabilitation agreement (Note 3),
    PCL is precluded from paying any dividends during the rehabilitation
    period without the prior consent of the Insurance Department of the State
    of California. No such dividends have been paid.
 
3.  REHABILITATION OF FIRST CAPITAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
 
    Pursuant to a five-year rehabilitation agreement approved by a California
    Superior Court and the Insurance Department of the State of California in
    July 1992, Pacific Mutual Life, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, PCL,
    will facilitate the rehabilitation of FCL. In accordance with the five-
    year rehabilitation agreement, insurance policies of FCL were
    restructured and substantially all the assets and certain liabilities of
    FCL were assumed by PCL on December 31, 1992, pursuant to an assumption
    reinsurance agreement and asset purchase agreement and have been
    accounted for as a purchase transaction.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
3.  REHABILITATION OF FIRST CAPITAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (CONTINUED)
 
    The rehabilitation agreement provides for the holders of restructured
    policies to share in a substantial percentage of the unallocated
    statutory surplus of PCL at the end of the rehabilitation period.
    Policyholders have the option to surrender their restructured policies
    with reduced benefits during this five-year period. During the
    rehabilitation plan period, PCL is prohibited from issuing new insurance
    policies. PCL will merge into Pacific Mutual Life, with Pacific Mutual
    Life as the surviving entity, within thirty days following September 30,
    1997, the end of the rehabilitation period.
 
    In the event PCL is unable to pay contract benefits, Pacific Mutual Life
    is obligated to contribute funds to pay those benefits in accordance with
    the rehabilitation agreement.
 
4.  ACQUISITION OF INSURANCE BLOCK OF BUSINESS
 
    In 1996, Pacific Mutual Life signed a definitive agreement to acquire a
    block of corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies from
    Confederation Life Insurance Company (U.S.) in Rehabilitation, which is
    currently under rehabilitation. This block consists of approximately
    40,000 policies, having a face amount of $9 billion and reserves of $1.7
    billion. This block is primarily non-leveraged COLI. The transaction is
    expected to close during the first half of 1997.
 
5.  INVESTMENT IN FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES
 
    The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair
    value of fixed maturity and equity securities are shown below. The
    estimated fair value of publicly traded securities is based on quoted
    market prices. For securities not actively traded, estimated fair values
    were provided by independent pricing services specializing in "matrix
    pricing" and modeling techniques. The Company also estimates certain fair
    values based on interest rates, credit quality and average maturity or
    from securities with comparable trading characteristics.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Gross Unrealized  Estimated
                                       Amortized -----------------   Fair
                                         Cost     Gains    Losses    Value
                                       -------------------------------------
                                                   (In Millions)
     <S>                               <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
     Available for Sale Securities
     -----------------------------
     As of December 31, 1996:                      
     U.S. Treasury securities and                  
      obligations of U.S. government               
      authorities and agencies         $   297.9   $ 11.2   $  0.3 $   308.8
     Obligations of states, political                       
      subdivisions and foreign                              
      governments                          638.1     46.2      1.0     683.3
     Corporate securities                6,848.3    506.3     91.9   7,262.7
     Mortgage-backed and asset-backed                       
      securities                         3,753.6     98.0     19.4   3,832.2
     Redeemable preferred stock            102.5      6.4      2.1     106.8
                                       ------------------------------------- 
     Total Fixed Maturity Securities   $11,640.4   $668.1   $114.7 $12,193.8
                                       ===================================== 
     Equity Securities                 $   229.6   $ 40.8   $  9.6 $   260.8
                                       ===================================== 
</TABLE>
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
5.  INVESTMENT IN FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Gross Unrealized  Estimated
                                       Amortized -----------------   Fair
                                         Cost     Gains    Losses    Value
                                       -------------------------------------
                                                   (In Millions)
     <S>                               <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>
     Available for Sale Securities
     -----------------------------
     As of December 31, 1995:
     U.S. Treasury securities and
      obligations of U.S. government
      authorities and agencies         $   378.4   $ 33.4          $   411.8
     Obligations of states, political                       
      subdivisions and foreign                              
      governments                          625.1     70.7   $ 3.3      692.5
     Corporate securities                6,179.1    537.1    45.0    6,671.2
     Mortgage-backed and asset-backed                       
      securities                         3,366.9    138.6    12.0    3,493.5
     Redeemable preferred stock             89.4      3.1     2.3       90.2
                                       -------------------------------------
     Total Fixed Maturity Securities   $10,638.9   $782.9   $62.6  $11,359.2
                                       ===================================== 
     Equity Securities                 $   192.3   $ 32.2   $ 6.0  $   218.5
                                       ===================================== 
</TABLE>
 
    The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities
    as of December 31, 1996, by contractual repayment date of principal, are
    shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities
    because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with
    or without call or prepayment penalties.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       Amortized   Estimated
                                                          Cost     Fair Value
                                                       ----------------------
                                                            (In Millions)
         <S>                                           <C>         <C>
         Available for Sale:                       
         Due in one year or less                       $ 1,482.3   $ 1,489.0
         Due after one year through five years           2,830.0     3,042.3
         Due after five years through ten years          1,907.4     1,991.7
         Due after ten years                             1,667.1     1,838.6
                                                       ----------------------
                                                         7,886.8     8,361.6
         Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities     3,753.6     3,832.2
                                                       ----------------------
         Total                                         $11,640.4   $12,193.8
                                                       ======================
</TABLE>
 
    Proceeds from sales of all available for sale securities during 1996,
    1995 and 1994 were $2.5 billion, $1.9 billion and $2.7 billion,
    respectively. Gross gains of $89.3 million, $58.0 million and $56.0
    million and gross losses of $29.9 million, $32.3 million and $70.8
    million were realized on those sales during 1996, 1995 and 1994,
    respectively.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
5.  INVESTMENTS IN FIXED MATURITY AND EQUITY SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
 
    Major categories of investment income are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Years Ended December 31,
                                      1996     1995     1994
                                    --------------------------
                                          (In Millions)
         <S>                        <C>      <C>      <C>
         Fixed maturity securities  $  831.6 $  808.1 $  741.3
         Equity securities              17.8      7.3      8.9
         Mortgage loans                107.9    112.9    136.3
         Real estate                    51.3     43.2     37.2
         Policy loans                  113.0    105.2     89.0
         Other                          48.9     47.1      3.3
                                    --------------------------
           Gross investment income   1,170.5  1,123.8  1,016.0
         Investment expense            107.5    101.5     82.4
                                    --------------------------
           Net investment income    $1,063.0 $1,022.3 $  933.6
                                    ==========================
</TABLE>
 
    The change in gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments in available
    for sale and trading securities is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       December 31,
                                                  1996      1995    1994
                                                 --------------------------
                                                      (In Millions)
         <S>                                     <C>      <C>      <C>
         Available for sale and trading 
          securities:
           Fixed maturity                        $(169.1) $1,039.3 $(320.6)
           Equity                                    6.5      17.2   (29.7)
                                                 --------------------------
         Total                                   $(162.6) $1,056.5 $(350.3)
                                                 --------------------------
</TABLE>
 
    As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, investments in fixed maturity
    securities with a carrying value of $19.6 million and $20.5 million,
    respectively, were on deposit with state insurance departments to satisfy
    regulatory requirements.
 
    No investment, aggregated by issuer, exceeded 10% of total equity as of
    December 31, 1996.
 
    The Company has no non-income producing fixed maturity securities
    mortgage loans, real estate or other long-term investments as of December
    31, 1996.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
6.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as
    follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    December 31, 1996    December 31, 1995
                                   -------------------- --------------------
                                   Carrying  Estimated  Carrying  Estimated
                                    Amount   Fair Value  Amount   Fair Value
                                   -----------------------------------------
                                                 (In Millions)
     <S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
     Assets:
       Fixed maturity and equity
        securities (Note 5)        $12,454.6 $12,454.6  $11,577.7 $11,577.7
       Mortgage loans                1,477.3   1,533.9    1,346.2   1,535.1
       Policy loans                  3,131.8   3,131.8    2,793.3   2,793.3
       Cash and cash equivalents       109.0     109.0      286.1     286.1
       Derivative financial
        instruments:
         Interest rate floors and
          caps, options and
          swaptions                     59.3      59.3       39.4      39.4
         Interest rate swap
          contracts                      1.0       1.0        2.4       2.4
         Credit and total return
          swaps                          1.1       1.1        1.0       1.0
     Liabilities:
       Guaranteed interest
        contracts                    2,948.3   3,056.1    2,375.9   2,459.3
       Deposit liabilities             799.6     800.6      876.3     899.4
       Annuity liabilities           2,459.4   2,459.4    2,427.2   2,427.2
       Surplus notes                   149.6     157.5      149.6     157.7
       Derivative financial
        instruments:
         Options written                 1.5       1.5        1.5       1.5
         Asset swap contracts           12.5      12.5        3.5       3.5
         Foreign currency
          derivatives                    4.3       4.3        5.0       5.0
</TABLE>
 
    The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair
    value of these financial instruments as of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
 
    MORTGAGE LOANS
 
    The estimated fair value of the mortgage loan portfolio is determined by
    discounting the estimated future cash flow, using a year-end market rate
    which is applicable to the yield, credit quality and average maturity of
    the composite portfolio.
 
    POLICY LOANS
 
    The carrying amounts of policy loans are a reasonable estimate of their
    fair values.
 
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
    The carrying amounts of these items are a reasonable estimate of their
    fair values.
 
    DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    Derivatives are financial instruments whose value or cash flows are
    "derived" from another source, such as an underlying security. They can
    facilitate total return and, when used for hedging, they achieve the
    lowest cost and most efficient execution of positions. Derivatives can
    also be used to leverage by using very large notional amounts or by
    creating formulas that multiply changes in the underlying security. The
    Company's approach is to avoid highly leveraged or overly complex
    investments. The Company utilizes certain derivative financial
    instruments to diversify its business risk and to minimize its exposure
    to fluctuations in market prices, interest rates or basis risk as well as
    for facilitating total return. Risk is limited through modeling
    derivative performance in product portfolios for hedging and setting loss
    limits in total return portfolios.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
6.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    Derivatives used by the Company involve elements of credit risk and
    market risk in excess of amounts recognized in the accompanying
    consolidated financial statements. The notional amounts of these
    instruments reflect the extent of involvement in the various types of
    financial instruments. The estimated fair values of these instruments are
    based on quoted market prices, dealer quotations or internal price
    estimates believed to be comparable to dealer quotations. These amounts
    estimate what the Company would have to pay or receive if the contracts
    were terminated. The Company determines, on an individual counterparty
    basis, the need for collateral or other security to support financial
    instruments with off-balance sheet counterparty risk.
 
    A reconciliation of the notional or contract amounts and discussion of
    the various derivative instruments is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Balance                              Balance
                                 Beginning               Terminations    End
                                  of Year  Acquisitions and Maturities of Year
                                 ----------------------------------------------
                                                 (In Millions)
     <S>                         <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>
     December 31, 1996:
       Interest rate floors and
        caps, options and
        swaptions                $2,159.6    $3,075.0      $  371.4    $4,863.2
       Interest rate swap
        contracts                   619.6       620.9         252.2       988.3
       Asset swap contracts          20.0        15.3           5.3        30.0
       Credit and total return
        swaps                       146.1       307.2          96.8       356.5
       Financial futures
        contracts                   310.1     3,358.9       3,059.8       609.2
       Foreign currency
        derivatives                  15.4        43.1          17.1        41.4
     December 31, 1995:
       Interest rate floors and
        caps, options and
        swaptions                 1,950.9     1,126.6         917.9     2,159.6
       Interest rate swap
        contracts                   370.5       339.0          89.9       619.6
       Asset swap contracts                      30.0          10.0        20.0
       Credit and total return
        swaps                       116.3        99.8          70.0       146.1
       Financial futures
        contracts                   137.6     1,877.0       1,704.5       310.1
       Foreign currency
        derivatives                  35.2                      19.8        15.4
</TABLE>
 
    Interest Rate Floors and Caps, Options and Swaptions
    ----------------------------------------------------
 
    The Company uses interest rate floors and caps, options and swaptions to
    hedge against fluctuations in interest rates and in its total return
    portfolios. Interest rate floor agreements entitle the Company to receive
    the differential, if below, between the specified rate and the current
    value of the underlying index. Interest rate cap agreements entitle the
    Company to receive the differential, if above, between the specified rate
    and the current value of the underlying index. Options purchased involve
    the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the underlying securities
    at a specified price during a given time period. Swaptions are options to
    enter into a swap transaction at a specified price. The Company uses
    written covered call options on a limited basis. Gains and losses on
    covered calls are offset by gains and losses on the underlying position.
    Options and floors are reported as assets and options written are
    reported as liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial
    position. Cash requirements for these instruments are generally limited
    to the premium paid by the Company at acquisition. The purchase premium
    of these instruments is amortized on a constant effective yield basis and
    included as a component of net investment income over the term of the
    agreement. Interest rate floors and caps, options and swaptions mature
    during fiscal years 1997 through 2007.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
6.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    Interest Rate Swap Contracts
    ----------------------------
 
    The Company uses interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk. The
    interest rate swap agreements generally involve the exchange of fixed and
    floating rate interest payments or the exchange of floating to floating
    interest payments tied to different indexes. Generally, no premium is
    paid to enter into the contract and no principal payments are made by
    either party. The amounts to be received or paid pursuant to these
    agreements are accrued and recognized in the consolidated statements of
    operations through an adjustment to net investment income over the life
    of the agreements. The interest rate swap contracts mature during fiscal
    years 1997 through 2026.
 
    Asset Swap Contracts
    --------------------
 
    The Company uses asset swap contracts to manage interest rate and equity
    risk to better match portfolio duration to liabilities. Asset swap
    contracts involve the exchange of upside equity potential for preferred
    cash flow streams. The amounts to be received or paid pursuant to these
    agreements are accrued and recognized in the consolidated statements of
    operations through an adjustment to net investment income over the life
    of the agreements. The asset swap contracts mature during fiscal years
    1998 through 2000.
 
    Credit and Total Return Swaps
    -----------------------------
 
    The Company uses credit and total return swaps to take advantage of
    market opportunities. Credit swaps involve the receipt of floating or
    fixed rate payments in exchange for assuming potential credit losses of
    an underlying security. Total return swaps involve the exchange of
    floating rate payments for the total return performance of a specified
    index or market. The amounts to be received or paid pursuant to these
    agreements are accrued and recognized in the consolidated statements of
    operations through an adjustment to net investment income over the life
    of the agreements. Credit and total return swaps mature during fiscal
    years 1997 through 2013.
 
    Financial Futures Contracts
    ---------------------------
 
    The Company uses exchange-traded financial futures contracts to hedge
    cash flow timing differences between assets and liabilities and overall
    portfolio duration. Assets and liabilities are rarely acquired or sold at
    the same time, which creates a need to hedge their change in value during
    the unmatched period. In addition, foreign currency futures may be used
    to hedge foreign currency risk on non U.S. dollar denominated securities.
    Financial futures contracts obligate the holder to buy or sell the
    underlying financial instrument at a specified future date for a set
    price and may be settled in cash or delivery of the financial instrument.
    Price changes on futures are settled daily through the daily margin cash
    flows. The notional amounts of the contracts do not represent future cash
    requirements, as the Company intends to close out open positions prior to
    expiration.
 
    Foreign Currency Derivatives
    ----------------------------
 
    The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts and swaps to
    hedge against fluctuations in foreign currency exposure. Foreign currency
    derivatives involve the exchange of foreign currency denominated payments
    for U.S. dollar denominated payments. Gains and losses on foreign
    exchange forward contracts offset currency gains and losses on the
    related assets. The amounts to be received or paid under the foreign
    currency swaps are accrued and recognized in the consolidated statements
    of operations through an adjustment to net investment income over the
    life of the agreements. Foreign currency derivatives expire during fiscal
    years 1997 through 2006.
 
    GUARANTEED INTEREST CONTRACTS AND DEPOSIT LIABILITIES
 
    The estimated fair values of fixed maturity guaranteed interest contracts
    are estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar
    remaining maturities. The estimated fair value of deposit liabilities
    with no defined maturities is the amount payable on demand.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
6.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
    ANNUITY LIABILITIES
 
    The fair value of annuity liabilities approximates carrying value and
    primarily includes policyholder deposits and accumulated credited
    interest.
 
    SURPLUS NOTES
 
    The estimated fair value of surplus notes is based on market quotes.
 
    FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
 
    Pacific Mutual Life has issued PRO GIC and Diversifier GIC contracts to
    plan sponsors totaling $1.1 billion as of December 31, 1996, pursuant to
    the terms of which the plan sponsor retains direct ownership and control
    of the assets related to these contracts. Pacific Mutual Life agrees to
    provide benefit responsiveness in the event that plan benefit requests
    exceed plan cash flows. In return for this guarantee, Pacific Mutual Life
    receives a fee which varies by contract. Pacific Mutual Life sets the
    investment guidelines to provide for appropriate credit quality and cash
    flow matching.
 
7.  CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
 
    The Company manages its investments to limit credit risk by diversifying
    its portfolio among various security types and industry sectors. The
    credit risk of financial instruments is controlled through credit
    approvals, limits and monitoring procedures. Real estate and mortgage
    loan investments are diversified by geographic location and property
    type. Management believes that significant concentrations of credit risk
    do not exist.
 
    The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by
    the counterparties to interest rate swap contracts and other derivative
    securities. However, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by
    the counterparties.
 
8.  BORROWINGS
 
    Pacific Mutual Life borrows for short-term needs by issuing commercial
    paper. There were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding as of
    December 31, 1996 and 1995. Pacific Mutual Life has a revolving credit
    facility available of $250 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
    There were no borrowings under the revolving credit facility outstanding
    as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
 
    PFHC had the ability to borrow up to $50 million from certain banks at
    variable rates of interest. On December 21, 1995, outstanding loans
    totaling $37 million were transferred to PFAMCo (Note 1). The borrowing
    limit as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $150 million and $100 million,
    respectively. The interest rate averaged 5.6%, 6.1% and 4.6% for the
    years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The balance
    outstanding as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 totaled $95.5 million and
    $53 million, respectively. Outstanding borrowings are due and payable in
    1997 and are subject to renewal.
 
    During 1992, PFHC entered into a credit agreement with a group of banks
    for borrowings of $45 million. Proceeds of this note were paid to PCL in
    connection with the issuance of a certificate of contribution by PCL
    (Note 3). On December 31, 1996 and 1995, the applicable interest rate was
    6.2% and 6.5%, respectively. The outstanding balance of $25 million as of
    December 31, 1996 was prepaid per the terms of the agreement on 
    January 27, 1997.
 
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
9.  SURPLUS NOTES
 
    Pacific Mutual Life has $150 million of Surplus Notes outstanding at an
    interest rate of 7.9% maturing on December 30, 2023. Interest is payable
    semiannually on June 30 and December 30. The Surplus Notes may not be
    redeemed at the option of Pacific Mutual Life or any holder of the Notes.
    The Surplus Notes are unsecured and subordinated to all present and
    future senior indebtedness and policy claims of Pacific Mutual Life. Each
    payment of interest on and the payment of principal of the Surplus Notes
    may be made only with the prior approval of the Insurance Commissioner of
    the State of California. Interest expense amounted to $11.8 million for
    the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and is included in net
    investment income in the accompanying consolidated statements of
    operations and equity.
 
10. INCOME TAXES
 
    As required by SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," the Company
    accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under SFAS No. 109,
    the deferred tax consequences of changes in tax rates or laws must be
    computed on the amounts of temporary differences and carryforwards
    existing at the date a new law is enacted. Recording the effects of the
    change involves adjusting deferred tax liabilities and assets with a
    corresponding charge or credit recognized in the provision for income
    taxes. The objective is to measure a deferred tax liability or asset
    using the enacted tax rates and laws expected to apply to taxable income
    in the periods in which the deferred tax liability or asset is expected
    to be settled or realized.
 
    The provision for income taxes is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Years Ended December 31,
                                              1996    1995    1994
                                             ------------------------ 
                                                  (In Millions)
                                   <S>       <C>     <C>     <C>
                                   Current   $163.5  $116.4  $ 85.5
                                   Deferred   (49.8)  (30.3)   26.2
                                             ------------------------ 
                                             $113.7  $ 86.1  $111.7
                                             ========================
</TABLE>
 
    The sources of the Company's provision for deferred taxes are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Years Ended December 31,
                                             1996    1995    1994
                                            ------------------------
                                               (In Millions)
         <S>                                <C>     <C>     <C>
         Deferred policy acquisition costs  $  2.1  $ (6.0) $ (5.0)
         Interest in advance                   2.0     2.9    25.4
         Investment valuation                 (7.3)    8.1    11.4
         Reserves                            (28.5)  (28.7)    7.1
         Other                               (18.1)   (6.6)  (12.7)
                                            ------------------------
                                            $(49.8) $(30.3) $ 26.2
                                            ========================
</TABLE>
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
 
    A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes based on the
    prevailing corporate tax rate to the provision reflected in the
    consolidated financial statements is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Years Ended December 31,
                                                  1996      1995      1994
                                                ----------------------------
                                                      (In Millions)
      <S>                                       <C>       <C>      <C>
       Income taxes at the statutory rate       $ 98.1    $77.3      $ 74.6
       Equity tax-current year                    16.3                 36.1
       Amortization of intangibles on equity                         
        method investments                         6.5      6.5      
       Non-taxable investment income              (2.1)    (2.1)       (4.7)
       Equity tax-recomputation of prior years   (17.3)              
       Other                                      12.2      4.4         5.7
                                                ---------------------------
                                                $113.7    $86.1      $111.7
                                                ---------------------------
</TABLE>
 
    The net deferred tax asset (liability) included in other assets on the
    accompanying consolidated statement of financial position was comprised
    of the tax effects of the following temporary differences:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           December 31,
                                                           1996     1995
                                                         ----------------
                                                          (In Millions)
      <S>                                                <C>      <C>
       Reserves                                          $ 244.9  $ 216.4
       Deferred compensation                                27.6     25.4
       Investment valuation                                 24.0     16.7
       Postretirement benefits                               9.8      9.4
       Dividends                                             9.6     10.4
       Interest in advance                                   1.7      3.6
       Depreciation                                         (9.8)   (10.0)
       Deferred policy acquisition costs                   (43.9)   (41.8)
       Other                                                22.1      6.1
                                                         ----------------
       Deferred taxes from operations                      286.0    236.2
       Unrealized gain on available for sale securities   (204.5)  (259.6)
                                                         ----------------
       Net deferred tax asset (liability)                $  81.5  $ (23.4)
                                                         ================
</TABLE>
 
11. REINSURANCE
 
    The Company accounts for reinsurance transactions utilizing SFAS No. 113,
    "Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration And Long-
    Duration Contracts." SFAS No. 113 establishes the conditions required for
    a contract with a reinsurer to be accounted for as reinsurance and
    prescribes accounting and reporting standards for those contracts.
    Amounts receivable from reinsurers for reinsurance on future policy
    benefits, universal life deposits, and unpaid losses is reported as an
    asset and included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated
    statements of financial position.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
11. REINSURANCE (CONTINUED)
 
    The Company has reinsurance agreements with other insurance companies for
    the purpose of diversifying risk and limiting exposure on larger risks
    or, in the case of the producer-owned reinsurance company, to diversify
    risk and retain top producing agents. All assets associated with
    reinsured business remain with, and under the control of the Company.
    Approximate amounts recoverable (payable) from (to) reinsurers include
    the following amounts:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       December 31,
                                                       1996    1995
                                                      --------------
                                                      (In Millions)
            <S>                                       <C>     <C>
             Reinsured universal life deposits        $(35.9) $(42.7)
             Future policy benefits                     90.0    87.7
             Unpaid claims                               4.6     7.8
             Paid claims                                 8.4     7.9
</TABLE>
 
    As of December 31, 1996, 85% of the reinsurance recoverables were from
    one reinsurer, of which 100% is secured by payables to the reinsurer. To
    the extent that the assuming companies become unable to meet their
    obligations under these agreements, the Company remains contingently
    liable. The Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the assuming
    companies.
 
    Revenues and benefits are shown net of the following reinsurance
    transactions:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Years Ended December 31,
                                                       1996     1995     1994
                                                     --------------------------
                                                           (In Millions)
      <S>                                            <C>      <C>      <C>
       Ceded reinsurance netted against insurance
        premiums                                     $ 44.3   $ 29.2   $ 26.0
       Assumed reinsurance included in insurance                        
        premiums                                       17.8     15.6     20.2
       Ceded reinsurance netted against policy fees    71.0     66.5     66.7
       Ceded reinsurance netted against net invest-                     
        ment income                                   192.5    176.6    151.0
       Ceded reinsurance netted against interest                        
        credited                                      155.2    140.0    119.9
       Ceded reinsurance netted against policy 
        benefits                                       56.7     51.4     45.4
       Assumed reinsurance included in policy 
        benefits                                        9.9     14.5     16.8
</TABLE>
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
12. SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
    The operations of the Company have been classified into four business
    segments as follows: Individual Life Insurance and Annuities, Pensions,
    Group Employee Benefits and Corporate and Other. These segments are based
    on the organization of the Company and are generally distinguished by the
    products offered. The Corporate and Other segment generally includes the
    assets and operations that do not support the other segments such as
    certain non-life insurance related subsidiary operations. Depreciation
    expense and capital expenditures are not material and have not been
    reported. Revenues, income before income taxes and assets by segment are
    as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Years Ended December 31,
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                         (In Millions)
      <S>                                        <C>       <C>       <C>
      Revenues:
        Individual Life Insurance and Annuities  $   962.1 $   927.0 $   795.9
        Pensions                                     507.3     513.9     464.0
        Group Employee Benefits                      454.2     419.3     423.7
        Corporate and Other                          224.4     159.5     332.0
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 $ 2,148.0 $ 2,019.7 $ 2,015.6
                                                 =============================
      Income before income taxes:
        Individual Life Insurance and Annuities  $    92.0 $   102.3 $    94.8
        Pensions                                      80.7      53.3      34.3
        Group Employee Benefits                       24.7      25.2      36.5
        Corporate and Other                           82.9      40.1      47.5
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 $   280.3 $   220.9 $   213.1
                                                 =============================
<CAPTION>
                                                         December 31,
                                                   1996      1995      1994
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                         (In Millions)
      <S>                                        <C>       <C>       <C>
      Assets:
        Individual Life Insurance and Annuities  $15,484.4 $12,953.2 $10,912.3
        Pensions                                   8,097.2   7,592.5   6,497.9
        Group Employee Benefits                      344.4     329.8     341.3
        Corporate and Other                        3,139.3   2,427.6   1,954.3
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                 $27,065.3 $23,303.1 $19,705.8
                                                 =============================
</TABLE>
 
13. PENSION PLAN, POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER PLANS
 
    PENSION PLAN
 
    Pacific Mutual Life provides a qualified noncontributory defined benefit
    pension plan which covers all eligible employees who have one year of
    continuous employment and have attained age 21. The full-benefit vesting
    period for all participants is five years.
 
    Benefits for employees are based on years of service and the highest five
    consecutive years of compensation during the last ten years of
    employment. Pacific Mutual Life's funding policy is to contribute amounts
    to the plan sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements set forth
    in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, plus such
    additional amounts as may be determined appropriate. Contributions are
    intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to employment to
    date but also for those expected to be earned in the future. All
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
13. PENSION PLAN, POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER PLANS (CONTINUED)
    such contributions are made to a tax-exempt trust. Plan assets consist
    primarily of group annuity contracts issued by Pacific Mutual Life, as
    well as participating units of a real estate trust and mutual funds
    managed by an indirect subsidiary of Pacific Mutual Life.
 
    Components of net periodic pension cost are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Years Ended December 31,
                                                      1996    1995    1994
                                                     -----------------------
                                                        (In Millions)
      <S>                                            <C>     <C>     <C>
      Service cost-benefits earned during the year   $  3.7  $  2.8  $  3.2
      Interest cost on projected benefit obligation     9.4     8.8     8.5
      Actual return on plan assets                    (19.7)  (24.1)    0.6
      Amortization of net obligations and prior
       service cost                                     8.0    14.0   (11.4)
                                                     ----------------------
      Net periodic pension cost                      $  1.4  $  1.5  $  0.9
                                                     ======================
                                                     
</TABLE>
 
     The following table sets forth the Plan's funded status and amounts
     recognized on Pacific Mutual Life's consolidated statements of financial
     position:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            December 31,
                                                            1996     1995
                                                           ----------------
                                                            (In Millions)
      <S>                                                  <C>      <C>
      Actuarial present value of benefit obligation:
        Vested benefits                                    $ 114.4  $ 115.8
        Nonvested benefits                                     1.2      0.8
                                                           ----------------
      Accumulated benefit obligation                         115.6    116.6
      Effect of projected future compensation increases       18.5     19.5
                                                           ----------------
      Projected benefit obligation                           134.1    136.1
      Plan assets at fair value                             (141.2)  (125.6)
                                                           ----------------
      Plan assets (in excess) less than projected benefit
       obligation                                             (7.1)    10.5
      Unrecognized net gain (loss)                             2.5    (15.5)
      Unrecognized transition asset                            6.0      7.2
      Unrecognized prior service cost                          2.2      2.5
                                                           ----------------
      Accrued pension cost                                 $   3.6  $   4.7
                                                           ================
</TABLE>
 
    In determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit
    obligation as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the weighted average
    discount rate used was 7.5% and 7%, respectively, and the rate of
    increase in future compensation levels was 6% for both years. The
    expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.5% in 1996 and
    1995.
 
    POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE PLANS
 
    Pacific Mutual Life sponsors a defined benefit health care plan and a
    defined benefit life insurance plan ("the Plans") that provide
    postretirement benefits for all eligible retirees and their dependents.
    Generally, qualified employees may become eligible for these benefits if
    they reach normal retirement age, have been covered under Pacific Mutual
    Life's policy as an active employee for a minimum continuous period prior
    to the date retired, and have an employment date before January 1, 1990.
    The Plans contain cost-sharing features such as deductibles and
    coinsurance, and require retirees to make contributions which can be
    adjusted annually. Pacific Mutual Life's
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
13. PENSION PLAN, POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER PLANS (CONTINUED)

    commitment to qualified employees who retire after April 1, 1994 is
    limited to specific dollar amounts. Pacific Mutual Life reserves the
    right to modify or terminate the Plans at any time. As in the past, the
    general policy is to fund these benefits on a pay-as-you-go basis. The
    amount of benefits paid under the programs during 1996, 1995 and 1994 was
    approximately $1.6 million, $1.7 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
 
    Components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Years Ended December 31,
                                                   1996   1995   1994
                                                ------------------------
                                                     (In Millions)
   <S>                                             <C>    <C>    <C>
   Service cost                                    $ 0.2  $ 0.2  $ 0.2
   Interest cost                                     1.5    1.9    1.8
   Amortization                                     (0.3)  (0.3)  (0.3)
                                                 ---------------------
   Net periodic postretirement benefit cost        $ 1.4  $ 1.8  $ 1.7
                                                 =====================
</TABLE>
 
    The following table sets forth the Plan's funded status and amounts
    recorded in other liabilities on the accompanying consolidated statements
    of financial position:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         December 31,
                                                         1996   1995
                                                        -------------
                                                        (In Millions)
         <S>                                             <C>   <C>
         Accumulated postretirement obligation:
           Retirees                                      $17.3 $20.9
           Fully eligible active plan participants         2.0   1.7
           Other active plan participants                  2.5   2.3
                                                         -----------
         Total accumulated postretirement obligation      21.8  24.9
         Fair value of plan assets                          --    --
                                                         -----------
         Unfunded accumulated postretirement obligation   21.8  24.9
         Unrecognized net gain                             3.7   0.4
         Prior service cost                                1.3   1.6
                                                         -----------
         Accrued postretirement benefit liability        $26.8 $26.9
                                                         ===========
</TABLE>
 
    The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated
    benefit obligation was 9% for 1996 and 10% for 1995 and is assumed to
    decrease gradually to 4% in 2003 and remain at that level thereafter. The
    amount reported is materially effected by the health care cost trend rate
    assumptions. If the health care cost trend rate assumptions were
    increased by 1%, the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of
    December 31, 1996 and 1995 would be increased by 11.5% and 10.9%,
    respectively. The effect of this change would increase the aggregate of
    the service and interest cost components of the net periodic benefit cost
    by 12.3%, 11.4% and 13.6% for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement
    benefit obligation is 7.5% and 7% for 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    OTHER PLANS
 
    Pacific Mutual Life has a voluntary Retirement Incentive Savings Plan
    pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code covering all
    eligible employees of the Company. Pacific Mutual Life matches 50% of
    each employees' contributions, up to a maximum of six percent of eligible
    compensation.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
13. PENSION PLAN, POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER PLANS (CONTINUED)
 
    Pacific Mutual Life also has a deferred compensation plan which permits
    certain employees to defer portions of their compensation and earn a
    guaranteed interest rate on the deferred amounts. The interest rate is
    determined annually and is guaranteed for one year. The compensation
    which has been deferred has been accrued and the primary expense, other
    than compensation, related to this plan is interest on the deferred
    amounts.
 
    The Company also has performance based incentive compensation plans for
    its employees.
 
14. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
    Pacific Mutual Life serves as the investment advisor for the Pacific
    Select Fund, the investment vehicle provided to the Company's variable
    life and variable annuity contractholders. Pacific Mutual Life charges
    fees based upon the net asset value of the portfolios of the Pacific
    Select Fund, which amounted to $14.3 million, $6.5 million and $3.0
    million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994,
    respectively. In addition, Pacific Mutual Life entered into an agreement
    with the Pacific Select Fund on October 1, 1995, to provide certain
    support services for an administration fee which is based on an
    allocation of actual costs. Such administration fees amounted to $108,000
    and $28,550 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    PIMCO Advisors provides investment advisory services to the Company for
    which the fees amounted to $6.2 million, $5.0 million and $0.4 million
    for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
    Included in equity securities on the accompanying consolidated statements
    of financial position are investments in mutual funds and other
    investments managed by PIMCO Advisors which amounted to $110.6 million
    and $77.6 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    Pacific Mutual Life provides certain support services to PIMCO Advisors.
    Charges for these services are based on an allocation of actual costs and
    amounted to $1.4 million, $1.9 million and $0.2 million for the years
    ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
15. SUBSIDIARY PROFIT-SHARING PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION PLANS
 
    Prior to the PIMCO Advisors transaction (Note 1), certain of PFAMCo's
    direct subsidiaries had nonqualified profit-sharing plans (the "Profit-
    Sharing Plans") covering certain key employees ("Key Employees") and
    other employees. The Profit-Sharing Plans provided for awards based on
    the profitability of the respective subsidiary, as defined in the
    employment agreements. Such profitability was primarily based on income
    before income taxes and before profit-sharing. The awards ranged from 40%
    to 80% of such amounts depending on the level of profitability. The
    profit-sharing awards were fully vested as of the PIMCO Advisors
    transaction date of November 15, 1994.
 
    In addition, Key Employees of certain indirect subsidiaries participated
    in long-term incentive plans that provided compensation under the Profit-
    Sharing Plans for a specified period of time subsequent to their
    termination of employment. These plans were terminated as of the PIMCO
    Advisors transaction date.
 
    Effective November 15, 1994, termination and non-competition agreements
    were entered into with certain Key Employees. These agreements provide
    terms and conditions for the allocation of future proceeds from
    distributions and sales of certain PIMCO Advisors units and other
    noncompete payments. When the amount of future payments to be made to a
    Key Employee is determinable, a liability for such amount is established
    and is included in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of
    financial position.
 
    For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, approximately $35.3
    million, $28.6 million and $166.9 million, respectively, is included in
    operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations related
    to the above agreements.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
             Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company and Subsidiaries
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
16. INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS
 
    The Company has outstanding commitments to make investments in fixed
    maturities and other investments as follows (In Millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Years Ending December 31:
         -------------------------
         <S>                            <C>   
           1997                          $193.1
           1998-2001                      109.0
           2002 and thereafter             19.5
                                         ------
          Total                          $321.6
                                         ======
</TABLE>
 
17. LITIGATION
 
    The Company is a respondent in a number of legal proceedings, some of
    which involve extra-contractual damages. In the opinion of management,
    the outcome of these proceedings is not likely to have a material adverse
    effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
   
Form No. 801-7A     


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