PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
485BPOS, 1998-04-16
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                                                       Registration No. 33-44670

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                     Pre-Effective Amendment No. _____ _____

                     Post-Effective Amendment No._12__ __X__

                                     and/or

         REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

                                    Amendment No._____ _____

                        (Check appropriate box or boxes)

           Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                     Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               (Name of Depositor)

              The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa       50392
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices)         (Zip Code)

Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code     (515) 248-3842

      M. D. Roughton, The Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, Iowa 50392
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)


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

            ___   immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

            _X_   on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485

            ___   60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485

            ___   on  (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485

            ___   75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

            ___   on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485

         If appropriate, check the following box:

    ___  This  post-effective  amendment  designates a new effective  date for a
         previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
           PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B
              PREMIER VARIABLE - GROUP VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS

                       Registration Statement on Form N-4
                              Cross Reference Sheet

Form N-4 Item                         Caption in Prospectus
Part A
 1. Cover Page                Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                Separate Account B Premier Variable (A Group
                                Variable Annuity Contract for Employer-
                                Sponsored Qualified and Non-Qualified
                                Retirement Plans)

 2. Definitions               Glossary of Special Terms

 3. Synopsis                  Expense Table and Example, Summary

 4. Condensed Financial       Condensed Financial Information,
    Information                 Independent Auditors

 5. General Description       Summary, Description of
    of Registrant               Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                                Company, Principal Mutual Life
                                Insurance Company Separate Account B,
                                Voting Rights

 6. Deductions                Expense Table and Example, Deductions Under the
                                Contracts, Mortality and Expense Risks Charge,
                                Other Expenses, Application Fee and Transfer
                                Fee, Contract Administrative Expense,
                                Recordkeeping Expense, Sales Charge, 
                                Distribution of the Contract
                              
 7. General Description of    Summary, The Contract, Contract Values
    Variable Annuity Contract   and Accounting Before Annuity Commencement
                                Date, Income Benefits, Payment on Death of
                                Plan Participant, Withdrawals and Transfers,
                                Other Contractual Provisions, Contractholders'
                                Inquiries

 8. Annuity Period            Income Benefits

 9. Death Benefit             Payment on Death of Plan Participant,
                                Federal Tax Status

10. Purchases and Contract    Summary, The Contract, Contract Values and
    Value                       Accounting Before Annuity Commencement
                                Date, Other Contractual Provisions, 
                                Distribution of the Contract

11. Redemptions               Summary, Income Benefits, Withdrawals and 
                                Transfers

12. Taxes                     Summary, Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
                                Separate Account B, Income Benefits,
                                Federal Tax Status

13. Legal Proceedings         Legal Proceedings

14. Table of Contents of      Table of Contents of the Statement
    the Statement of            of Additional Information  
    Additional Information      



Part B                       Statement of Additional Information Caption**

15. Cover Page               Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company
                               Separate Account B Premier Variable - A Group
                               Variable Annuity Contract for Employer
                               Sponsored Qualified and Non-Qualified
                               Retirement Plans Issued by Principal Mutual Life
                               Insurance Company

16. Table of Contents        Table of Contents

17. General Information      None
    and History

18. Services                 Independent Auditors**

19. Purchase of Securities   Summary**, Deductions Under
    Being Offered              the Contracts**, Withdrawals and Transfers**,
                               Distribution of the Contract**

20. Underwriters             Summary**, Distribution of the Contract**,
                               Underwriting Commissions

21. Calculation of           Calculation of Yield and Total Return
    Performance Data

22. Annuity Payments         Income Benefits**

23. Financial Statements     Financial Statements

** Prospectus caption given where appropriate.
<PAGE>

                     PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                               SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

                                PREMIER VARIABLE

                       (A Group Variable Annuity Contract

                        For Employer- Sponsored Qualified

                       And Non-Qualified Retirement Plans)


        Issued by Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company (the "Company")

   
                      Prospectus dated May 1, 1998
    

     This Prospectus  concisely sets forth  information  about Principal  Mutual
Life Insurance  Company  Separate  Account B, Premier Variable (a Group Variable
Annuity  Contract)  (the  "Contract")  that an  investor  ought  to know  before
investing. It should be read and retained for future reference.

   
     Additional  information  about the  Contracts,  including  a  Statement  of
Additional  Information,  dated  May 1, 1998,  has been  filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Statement of Additional  Information is
incorporated  by reference  into this  Prospectus.  The table of contents of the
Statement of Additional  Information  appears on page 30 of this  Prospectus.  A
copy of the Statement of Additional Information can be obtained, free of charge,
upon request by writing or telephoning:
    


                     Princor Financial Services Corporation
                                   a Member of
                          The Principal Financial Group
                              Des Moines, IA 50392
                            Telephone: 1-800-633-1373


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


     This  Prospectus is valid only when  accompanied by the current  prospectus
for Principal  Variable  Contracts  Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") which should be kept
for future reference.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
                                                                            Page
Glossary of Special Terms .................................................   3
Expense Table and Example .................................................   5
Summary  ..................................................................   7
Condensed Financial Information............................................   9
Description of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company ....................  10
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B ................  10
Deductions Under the Contract .............................................  12
     Mortality and Expense Risks Charge ...................................  12
Other Expenses.............................................................  12
     Application Fee.......................................................  13
     Contract Administration Expense.......................................  13
     Recordkeeping Expense.................................................  13
     Location Fee .........................................................  14
     Flexible Income Option Charge.........................................  14
     Documentation Expense.................................................  15
     Sales Charge .........................................................  15
     Special Services......................................................  15
Surplus Distribution at Sole Discretion of the Company ....................  15
The Contract  .............................................................  15
     Contract Values and Accounting Before Annuity Commencement Date ......  16
         Investment Accounts ..............................................  16
         Unit Value .......................................................  16
         Net Investment Factor ............................................  16
         Hypothetical Example of Calculation of Unit Value for All 
              Divisions Except the Money Market Division...................  16
         Hypothetical Example of Calculation of Unit Value for the Money 
              Market Division..............................................  17
     Income Benefits ......................................................  17
         Variable Annuity Payments.........................................  17
              Selecting a Variable Annuity ................................  17
              Forms of Variable Annuities .................................  17
              Basis of Annuity Conversion Rates ...........................  18
              Determining the Amount of the First Variable Annuity Payment.  19
              Determining the Amount of the Second and Subsequent Monthly
                  Variable Annuity Payments ...............................  19
              Hypothetical Example of Calculation of Variable Annuity 
                  Payments ................................................  19
         Flexible Income Option............................................  20
     Payment on Death of Plan Participant..................................  20
         Prior to Annuity Purchase Date ...................................  20
         Subsequent to Annuity Purchase Date ..............................  21
     Withdrawals and Transfers ............................................  21
         Cash Withdrawals .................................................  21
         Transfers Between Divisions ......................................  22
         Transfers to the Contract ........................................  22
         Transfers to a Companion Contract ................................  22
         Special Situation Involving Alternate Funding Agents .............  22
         Postponement of Cash Withdrawal or Transfer ......................  22
         Loans.............................................................  23
     Other Contractual Provisions .........................................  23
         Contribution Limits ..............................................  23
         Assignment .......................................................  23
         Cessation of Contributions .......................................  23
         Substitution of Securities........................................  23
         Changes in the Contract ..........................................  23
Statement of Values........................................................  24
Services Available by Telephone............................................  24
Distribution of the Contract...............................................  24
Performance Calculation....................................................  24
                                                                            Page
Voting Rights .............................................................  25
Federal Tax Status.........................................................  26
     Taxes Payable by Owners of Benefits and Annuitants....................  26
         Tax-Deferred Annuity Plans........................................  26
         Public Employee Deferred Compensation Plans.......................  27
         401(a) Plans......................................................  27
         Creditor-Exempt Non-Qualified Plans...............................  28
         General Creditor Non-Qualified Plans..............................  28
     Fund Diversification..................................................  29
State Regulation...........................................................  29
Legal Opinions.............................................................  30
Legal Proceedings..........................................................  30
Registration Statement.....................................................  30
Independent Auditors.......................................................  30
Contractholders' Inquiries.................................................  30
Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information...............  30
    
     This  Prospectus  does not constitute an offer of, or  solicitation  of any
offer  to  acquire,  any  interest  or  participation  in the  Contracts  in any
jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation may not lawfully be made. No
person is authorized to give any information or to make any  representations  in
connection with the Contracts other than those contained in this Prospectus.

GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

   
Accont --  Series  or  portfolio  of a Mutual  Fund in which a  Separte  Account
Division invests.
    

Aggregate  Investment  Account Value -- The sum of the Investment Account Values
for Investment Accounts which correlate to a Plan Participant.

Annual  Average  Balance -- The total value at the beginning of the Deposit Year
of all  Investment  Accounts  which  correlate to a Plan  Participant  under the
contract and other Plan assets which  correlate to a Plan  Participant  that are
not  allocated to the contract or an  Associated  or Companion  Contract but for
which the Company provides recordkeeping  services ("Outside Assets"),  adjusted
by the  time  weighted  average  of  Contributions  to,  and  withdrawals  from,
Investment  Accounts  and Outside  Assets (if any) which  correlate  to the Plan
Participant during the period.

Annuity  Change  Factor -- The factor used to determine the change in value of a
Variable Annuity in the course of payment.

Annuity Commencement Date -- The beginning date for Annuity Payments.

Annuity Premium -- The amount applied under the Contract to purchase an annuity.

Annuity  Purchase Date -- The date an Annuity  Premium is applied to purchase an
annuity.

Associated  Contract  -- An annuity  contract  issued by the Company to the same
Contractholder  to fund  the  same or a  comparable  Plan as  determined  by the
Company.

Commuted  Value -- The dollar value,  as of a given date,  of remaining  Annuity
Payments.  It is  determined  by the Company  using the interest rate assumed in
determining  the initial  amount of monthly  income and assuming no variation in
the amount of monthly payments after the date of determination.

Companion Contract -- An unregistered group annuity contract offering guaranteed
interest   crediting   rates  and  which  is  issued  by  the   Company  to  the
Contractholder  for the purpose of funding  benefits under the Plan. The Company
must agree in writing that a contract is a Companion Contract.

Contract Date -- The date this contract is effective,  as shown on the face page
of the contract.

Contract  Year -- A period  beginning  on a Yearly  Date and  ending  on the day
before the next Yearly Date.

Contractholder  -- The entity to which the contract  will be issued,  which will
normally be an Employer, an association,  or a trust established for the benefit
of Plan Participants and their beneficiaries.

Contributions  -- Amounts  contributed  under the contract which are accepted by
the Company.

Deposit  Year  --  The  twelve-month  period  ending  on a day  selected  by the
Contractholder.

Division  -- The part of  Separate  Account B which is  invested in shares of an
Account of a Mutual Fund.

Employer -- The corporation,  sole  proprietor,  firm,  organization,  agency or
political subdivision named as employer in the Plan and any successor.

Flexible Income Option -- A periodic distribution from the contract in an amount
equal to the minimum  annual amount  determined  in accordance  with the minimum
distribution  rules  of the  Internal  Revenue  Code,  or a  greater  amount  as
requested by the Owner of Benefits.

Funding Agent -- An insurance  company,  custodian or trustee  designated by the
Contractholder and authorized to receive any amount or amounts  transferred from
the  contract  described  in this  Prospectus.  Funding  Agent  will  also  mean
Principal  Mutual Life Insurance  Company where the  Contractholder  directs the
Company to transfer such amounts from the contract  described in this Prospectus
to another group annuity contract issued by the Company to the Contractholder.

Internal Revenue Code ("Code") -- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and the  regulations  thereunder.  Reference to the Internal  Revenue Code means
such Code or the corresponding provisions of any subsequent revenue code and any
regulations thereunder.

Investment  Account  --  An  account  that  correlates  to  a  Plan  Participant
established  under  the  contract  for each  type of  Contribution  and for each
Division in which the Contribution is invested.

Investment  Account Value -- The value of an  Investment  Account for a Division
which on any date will be equal to the  number of units  then  credited  to such
account  multiplied  by the Unit  Value of this  series  of  contracts  for that
Division for the Valuation Period in which such date occurs.

Mutual Fund -- A registered  open-end  investment company in which a Division of
Separate Account B invests.

Net  Investment  Factor -- The factor used to determine the change in Unit Value
of a Division during a Valuation Period.

Normal  Income Form -- The form of benefit to be provided  under the Plan if the
Owner of Benefits does not elect some other form. If the Plan does not specify a
Normal Income Form,  the Normal Income Form shall be: (a) for an unmarried  Plan
Participant,  the single life with ten years certain annuity option described in
this  Prospectus,  or (b) for a married  Plan  Participant,  the joint  one-half
survivor annuity option described in this Prospectus.

Notification -- Any form of notice received by the Company at the Company's home
office  and  approved  in  advance  by  the  Company  including  written  forms,
electronic transmissions, telephone transmissions, facsimiles and photocopies.

Owner of Benefits -- The entity or individual that has the exclusive right to be
paid benefits and exercise rights and privileges pursuant to such benefits.  The
Owner of Benefits is the Plan  Participant  under all contracts except contracts
used to fund General Creditor  Non-Qualified  Plans (see "Summary")  wherein the
Contractholder is the Owner of Benefits.

Plan -- The plan  established by the Employer in effect on the date the contract
is executed and as amended from time to time,  which the Employer has designated
to the Company in writing as the Plan funded by the contract.

Plan  Participant  -- A person who is (i) a participant  under the Plan,  (ii) a
beneficiary  of a deceased  participant,  or (iii) an  alternate  payee  under a
Qualified  Domestic Relations Order in whose name an Investment Account has been
established under this contract.

Qualified  Domestic  Relations Order -- A Qualified  Domestic Relations Order as
defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 414 (p)(1)(A).

Quarterly Date -- The last Valuation Date of the third, sixth, ninth and twelfth
month of each Deposit Year.

Separate Account B -- A separate  account  established by the Company under Iowa
law to receive  Contributions  under the contract offered by this Prospectus and
other contracts  issued by the Company.  It is divided into  Divisions,  each of
which invest in a  corresponding  Account of the  Principal  Variable  Contracts
Fund, Inc.

Termination of Employment -- A Plan Participant's termination of employment with
the Employer, determined under the Plan and as reported to the Company.

Total and Permanent  Disability -- The condition of a Plan Participant  when, as
the result of  sickness  or  injury,  the Plan  Participant  is  prevented  from
engaging in any substantial  gainful activity and such total disability has been
continuous for a period of at least six months.  For contracts sold in the state
of  Pennsylvania,  the term shall have the same  meaning as defined in the Plan.
The Plan  Participant  must submit due proof  thereof which is acceptable to the
Company.

Unit Value -- The value of a unit of a Division of Separate Account B.

Valuation  Date -- The date as of which the net  asset  value of an  Account  is
determined.

Valuation  Period -- The period between the time as of which the net asset value
of an Account is determined on one Valuation  Date and the time as of which such
value is determined on the next following Valuation Date.

Variable Annuity Payments -- A series of periodic payments, the amounts of which
are not guaranteed but which will increase or decrease to reflect the investment
experience  of the  Capital  Value  Division  of  Separate  Account B.  Periodic
payments  made pursuant to the Flexible  Income Option are not Variable  Annuity
Payments.

Variable  Annuity  Reserves -- The reserves  held for annuities in the course of
payment for the contract.

Yearly Date -- The Contract Date and the same day of each year thereafter.

EXPENSE TABLE AND EXAMPLE

     The following  tables depict fees and expenses  applicable to the aggregate
of all  Investment  Accounts that  correlate to a Plan  Participant  established
under the contract.  The purpose of the table is to assist the Owner of Benefits
in  understanding  the various costs and expenses that an Owner of Benefits will
bear directly or indirectly. The table reflects expenses of the Separate Account
as well as the expenses of the Account in which the Separate Account invests and
is based on expenses  incurred  during the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1997.
The Example below which  includes  only  mortality and expense risks charges and
expenses of the underlying  Accounts,  should not be considered a representation
of past or future expenses;  actual expenses may be greater or lesser than those
shown. See "Deductions under the Contract."

                                  EXPENSE TABLE

     Transaction Expenses                            None
     Annual Contract Fee                             None
     Separate Account Annual Expenses
       (as a percentage of average account value)
       Mortality and Expense Risk Fees               .42%
     Annual Expenses of Accounts
       (as a percentage of average net assets of the
       following Accounts)
                                       Management     Other     Total Accounts
                                          Fees      Expenses    Annual Expenses
                                       ----------   --------    ---------------

     Balanced Account                     .59%        .02%           .61%
     Bond Account                         .50         .02            .52
     Capital Value Account                .46         .01            .47
     Government Securities Account        .50         .02            .52
     Growth Account                       .49         .01            .50
     International Account                .74         .13            .87
     MidCap Account                       .62         .02            .64
     Money Market Account                 .50         .05            .55

     The Expense  Table  depicts fees and expenses  applicable  to the Aggregate
Investment  Account  Values  which  correlate  to a Plan  Participant  under the
Contract.  It does  not  include  expenses  billed  directly  to and paid by the
Contractholder  pursuant to a separate  service and expense  agreement  with the
Contractholder. Except as noted below, the Contractholder must pay the following
expenses  (subject to certain  adjustments;  see "Deductions Under the Contract"
and "Other Expenses"):

<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>

Application Fee                          $925 Application Fee.

Contract Administration Expenses*        $650 for  Standard  Plans  ($1,000  for  custom or  outside  Plans) 
                                         + the amount determined under the Annual Expense Table on page 14 
                                         (minimum of $750).

Recordkeeping Expenses*                  A graded  scale  starting at $34 per Plan  Participant  plus $1,366  (minimum of 
                                         $2,250 per Plan)  (This  charge may be  deducted  from  Investment  Accounts  of 
                                         inactive Plan Participants.) (If the Company provides recordkeeping services for 
                                         plan assets other than assets under this  contract or an Associated or Companion 
                                         Contract, the Contractholder must pay an outside asset recordkeeping charge that 
                                         varies depending on the number of Plan Participants to which such Outside Assets 
                                         correlate).                                                                      
                                         
Location Fee (if applicable)             $150 per quarter ($600 annually) for each additional employee group or location.
                                                                                                     
Flexible Income Option Charge            $25 for each Plan  Participant  receiving  benefits  under the  Flexible  Income   
                                         Option (this charge may be deducted  from  Investment  Accounts of inactive Plan   
                                         Participants).                                                                     
                                                                                                                            
                                         
Documentation Expenses                   $125 for initial setup or restatement. Additional costs apply for Custom-Written   
   (for Standard Plan)                   plans                                                                              
                                         
Compensation to Registered               Either  4.5% of the  first  $5,000 of  annual  Contributions  grading  down to .25%
                                         of  contributions  in excess of $500,000 or 3.0% of the first $50,000 of annual  
                                         Contributions  grading down to .25% of  Contributions in excess of $3,000,000.     
                                                                                        
<FN>
*  May be more or less  depending  on the number of Plan  Participants  and  services  performed  by  Company.  See
   "Other Expenses."
</FN>
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     EXAMPLE

     Regardless of whether the          Separate Account                                             
     Investment Accounts which               Division          1 Year    3 Years    5 Years  10 Years
     correlate to a Plan Participant  --------------------     ------    -------    -------  --------
     are surrendered at the end of                                                                   
     the applicable time period:                                                                     
                                      
<S>                                   <C>                        <C>       <C>       <C>        <C> 
        The Owner of Benefits would   Balanced                   $11       $33       $57        $126
        pay the following expenses    Bond                       $10       $30       $52        $115
        on a $1,000 investment,       Capital Value               $9       $28       $49        $110
        assuming a 5% annual return   Government Securities      $10       $30       $52        $115
        on assets:                    Growth                      $9       $29       $51        $113
                                      International              $13       $41       $71        $156
                                      MidCap                     $11       $34       $58        $129
                                      Money Market               $10       $31       $54        $119
                                      
</TABLE>

SUMMARY

     The  following  summary  should be read in  conjunction  with the  detailed
information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.

Contract Offered

     The group variable annuity contract offered by this Prospectus is issued by
the Company and designed to aid in retirement  planning.  The contract  provides
for the  accumulation  of  Contributions  and the  payment of  Variable  Annuity
Payments on a completely variable basis.

     The contract is generally available to fund the following types of plans:

     1.  Tax Deferred Annuity Plans ("TDA Plan"). Annuity purchase plans adopted
         pursuant to Section  403(b) of the Code by certain  organizations  that
         qualify for  tax-exempt  status under Section  501(c)(3) of the Code or
         are eligible  public  schools or colleges.  TDA Contracts are issued to
         Contractholders,  which typically are such tax-exempt  organizations or
         an association  representing such  organization or its employees.  Plan
         Participants  may obtain certain  Federal income tax benefits  provided
         under Section 403(b) of the Code (see "Federal Tax Status").

     2.  Public  Employee  Deferred  Compensation  Plans ("PEDC  Plan").  Public
         Employee Deferred Compensation plans or programs adopted by a unit of a
         state or local  government  and  nonprofit  organizations  pursuant  to
         Section 457 of the Code. (See "Federal Tax Status"). Note: The contract
         is not currently offered to fund governmental 457 Plans in the state of
         New York.

     3.  Qualified  Pension or  Profit-Sharing  Plans  ("401(a)  Plans").  Plans
         adopted pursuant to Section 401(a) of the Code.  Participants of 401(a)
         Plans obtain income tax benefits  provided  under the Code as qualified
         pension plans.

     4.  Creditor-Exempt    or    General    Creditor     Non-Qualified    Plans
         ("Creditor-Exempt"  or "General  Creditor"  Plan).  Employer  sponsored
         savings,  compensation or other plans the  contributions  for which are
         made without Internal Revenue Code restrictions generally applicable to
         qualified retirement plans. (See "Federal Tax Status").

     The contract will be sold primarily by persons who are insurance  agents of
or brokers for  Principal  Mutual Life  Insurance  Company.  In addition,  these
persons will usually be registered representatives of Princor Financial Services
Corporation,  which acts as distributor for the Contract.  See  "Distribution of
the Contract."

Contributions

     The contract prescribes no limits on the minimum  Contribution which may be
made to an  Investment  Account.  Plan  Participant  maximum  Contributions  are
discussed under "Federal Tax Status."  Contributions  may also be limited by the
Plan. The Company may also limit Contributions on 60-days notice.

     All  Contributions  made  pursuant to the Contract are  allocated to one or
more Investment  Accounts which correlate to a Plan  Participant.  An Investment
Account is established  for each type of  Contribution  for each Division of the
Separate Account as directed by the Owner of Benefits.  Currently, the Divisions
available  under the Contract are:  Balanced,  Bond,  Capital Value,  Government
Securities,  Growth, International,  MidCap and Money Market. The Contractholder
may choose to limit the number of Divisions  available to the Owner of Benefits,
but the  Money  Market  Division  may not be so  restricted  to the  extent  the
Division is  necessary to permit the Company to allocate  initial  Contributions
and the  Capital  Value  Division  may not be so  restricted  to the  extent the
Division is necessary to permit the Company to pay  Variable  Annuity  Payments.
Additional Divisions may be added in the future. If no direction is provided for
a particular Contribution,  such Contribution will be allocated to an Investment
Account which is invested in the Money Market Division.

Separate Account B

     Each  of  the  Divisions  corresponds  to  one of  the  Accounts  in  which
Contributions  may be  invested.  The  objective of the contract is to provide a
return on amounts contributed that will reflect the investment experience of the
Accounts  in  which  the  Divisions  to which  Contributions  are  directed  are
invested. The value of the Contributions accumulated in Separate Account B prior
to the Annuity Commencement Date will vary with the investment experience of the
Accounts.

     Each of the  Divisions  invests only in shares of Accounts of the Principal
Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. as indicated in the table below.

              Division                                Account
              --------                                -------
     Balanced Division                        Balanced Account
     Bond Division                            Bond Account
     Capital Value Division                   Capital Value Account
     Government Securities Division           Government Securities Account
     Growth Division                          Growth Account
     International Division                   International Account
     MidCap Division                          MidCap Account
     Money Market Division                    Money Market Account

Distributions, Transfers, and Withdrawals

     Variable  Annuity  Payments will be made on and after a Plan  Participant's
Annuity  Commencement  Date.  All  Variable  Annuity  Payments  will reflect the
performance  of the Account  underlying the Capital Value Division and therefore
the  annuitant  is  subject  to the risk  that the  amount of  variable  annuity
payments may decline. (See "Income Benefits.")

     Generally,  at any time prior to the Annuity  Purchase  Date,  the Owner of
Benefits  may  transfer  all or  any  portion  of an  Investment  Account  which
correlates  to a  Plan  Participant  to  another  available  Investment  Account
correlating to such Plan Participant. If a Companion Contract has been issued to
the  Contractholder to fund the Plan, and if permitted by the Plan and Companion
Contract,  amounts  transferred from such Companion  Contract may be invested in
this  contract  to  establish  Investment  Accounts  which  correlate  to a Plan
Participant at any time at least one month before the Annuity Commencement Date.
Similarly, if the Company has issued a Companion Contract to the Contractholder,
and if permitted by the Plan and the Companion Contract,  the Owner of Benefits,
subject to certain  limitations,  may file a  Notification  with the  Company to
transfer all or a portion of the Investment  Account values which correlate to a
Plan Participant to the Companion  Contract.  (See "Withdrawals and Transfers.")
In  addition,  subject to any Plan  limitations  or any  reduction  for  vesting
provided  for in the Plan as to amounts  available,  the Owner of  Benefits  may
withdraw  cash  from  the  Investment   Accounts  that  correlate  to  the  Plan
Participant  at  any  time  prior  to  the  Plan  Participant's  termination  of
employment,  disability,  retirement or the Annuity Purchase Date subject to any
charges  that  may be  applied.  See  "Withdrawals  and  Transfers."  Note  that
withdrawals  before age 59 1/2 may involve an income tax  penalty.  See "Federal
Tax Status." No withdrawals are permitted after the Annuity Purchase Date.

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Financial   statements   are  included  in  the   Statement  of  Additional
Information. Following are Unit Values for the Premier Variable Annuity Contract
for the periods ended December 31.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Accumulation Unit Value           Number of Accumulation Units

                                            Beginning          End             Outstanding at End of Period
                                            of period       of period                 (in thousands)

     Balanced Division
       Year Ended December 31
<S>      <C>                                 <C>             <C>                           <C>  
         1997                                $1.366          $1.603                        10,617
         1996                                 1.212           1.366                         7,467
         1995                                  .976           1.212                         3,317
     Period Ended December 31, 1994(1)        1.000            .976                           125
     Bond Division
       Year Ended December 31
         1997                                 1.257           1.384                         4,009
         1996                                 1.232           1.257                         2,612
         1995                                 1.012           1.232                         1,208
     Period Ended December 31, 1994(1)        1.000           1.012                            31
     Capital Value Division
       Year Ended December 31
         1997                                 1.858           2.378                        21,339
         1996                                 1.510           1.858                        17,962
         1995                                 1.148           1.510                        14,824
         1994                                 1.147           1.148                        13,967
         1993                                 1.067           1.147                         7,980
         1992(2)                              1.000           1.067                            84
     Government Securities Division
       Year Ended December 31
         1997                                 1.302           1.431                         7,686
         1996                                 1.265           1.302                         7,513
         1995                                 1.066           1.265                         7,159
         1994                                 1.120           1.066                         6,431
         1993                                 1.021           1.120                         2,553
         1992(2)                              1.000           1.021                            40
     Growth Division
       Year Ended December 31
         1997                                 1.404           1.775                        11,441
         1996                                 1.253           1.404                         6,802
         1995                                 1.001           1.253                         2,860
       Period Ended December 31, 1994(1)      1.000           1.001                           110
     International Division
       Year Ended December 31
         1997                                 1.358           1.518                         7,684
         1996                                 1.090           1.358                         4,298
         1995                                  .958           1.090                         1,672
       Period Ended December 31, 1994(1)      1.000            .958                           137
     MidCap Division
       Year Ended December 31
         1997                                 1.537           1.879                         9,536
         1996                                 1.274           1.537                         5,722
         1995                                  .991           1.274                         1,896
       Period Ended December 31, 1994(1)      1.000            .991                           119
     Money Market Division
       Year Ended December 31
         1997                                 1.181           1.237                         6,515
         1996                                 1.128           1.181                         5,379
         1995                                 1.072           1.128                         2,959
         1994                                 1.036           1.072                         1,791
         1993                                 1.013           1.036                           901
         1992(2)                              1.000           1.013                         2,969

<FN>
     (1) Commenced operations on October 3, 1994.
     (2) Commenced operations on July 15, 1992.
</FN>
</TABLE>

DESCRIPTION OF PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (The "Company")

     Principal Mutual Life Insurance  Company is a mutual life insurance company
with its home office at The Principal  Financial Group, Des Moines,  Iowa 50392,
telephone number 515-247-5111.  It was originally incorporated under the laws of
the  State of Iowa in 1879 as  Bankers  Life  Association,  changed  its name to
Bankers  Life  Company in 1911 and  changed  its name to  Principal  Mutual Life
Insurance  Company in 1986. It is a member of The Principal  Financial  Group, a
diversified family of insurance and financial services corporations.

     The Board of Directors of the Company has approved a Plan of Reorganization
(the "Plan") pursuant to which the Company will adopt a mutual insurance holding
company structure.  The Plan was approved by the owners of annuity contracts and
life  insurance  policies  issued by the Company and has been  submitted  to the
Commissioner  of  Insurance of the State of Iowa (the "Iowa  Commissioner")  for
approval.

     Under the Plan, the Company will form a mutual  insurance  holding  company
named  "Principal  Mutual  Holding  Company"  and will  convert  to a stock life
insurance company. As part of such conversion,  the Company will change its name
to "Principal  Life Insurance  Company"  ("Principal  Life").  Principal  Mutual
Holding  Company will be the ultimate  parent company in the family of companies
known as the Principal Financial Group(R).

   
     Because  the  Company  currently  is  a  mutual  life  insurance   company,
Contractholders  have, in addition to contract  rights  related to the Contract,
certain membership interests in the Company, consisting principally of the right
to vote on the election of directors of the Company and on other matters and the
right to receive  distributions  of the Company's  surplus upon  liquidation  or
dissolution  of the Company.  The Plan will preserve but separate these contract
rights and  membership  interests.  Contract  rights will remain with  Principal
Life, and Contractholders on the date the Plan becomes effective (the "Effective
Date") will automatically become members of Principal Mutual Holding Company and
such Contractholders'  membership interests in the Company will be extinguished.
Under the terms of the Plan,  the  membership  interests of members of Principal
Mutual  Holding  Company  will consist  principally  of the right to vote on the
election of directors of Principal  Mutual Holding  Company and on other matters
and to receive  distributions of Principal Mutual Holding  Company's assets upon
liquidation or dissolution of Principal Mutual Holding Company.  Contractholders
of  Contracts  issued  by  Principal  Life  after the  Effective  Date also will
automatically  become members of Principal Mutual Holding Company. The Plan will
not, in any way, increase premium payments or reduce Contract benefits,  values,
guarantees  or other  Contract  obligations  owed to  Contractholders.  Contract
obligations will be the responsiblity of Principal Life.
    

     The Company  believes  that adoption of the Plan will result in a corporate
structure that, among other things, will provide the Company with flexibility in
raising capital  through  various means that are not currently  available to it,
including stock offerings. Any initial offering of voting stock to third parties
will be subject to the approval of the Iowa Commissioner.  Although there are no
current plans to offer voting stock, in the event voting stock was sold to third
parties,  it is possible that the interests of such third party shareholders and
Contractholders could diverge on certain issues. The Company,  however, believes
that  such  shareholders  and  Contractholders  will  generally  have a  greater
commonality  of interests  than the  potential for conflict and will endeavor to
minimize the  occurrence  of such  conflicts and to operate the companies in the
best interests of all constituencies.

     The  Effective  Date  is  scheduled  to be  July  1,  1998,  but  the  Iowa
Commissioner  must first  approve the Plan.  In addition,  insurance  regulatory
authorities  in each state must issue an amendment to the Company's  Certificate
of Authority (to reflect the name change from  Principal  Mutual Life  Insurance
Company to Principal  Life  Insurance  Company) and must approve the forms which
support the Contract. Should the Effective Date be other than July 1, 1998 or if
states other than Iowa have not completed  action by that date, the Company will
notify existing Owners and others by supplementing  this  prospectus.  Contracts
issued on or after the Effective Date will be issued by Principal Life, will not
be participating  and will not be eligible to participate in any distribution of
divisible  surplus  (see  "Surplus   Distribution  at  Sole  Discretion  of  the
Company"). As Owner of a Contract issued after the Effective Date, you will be a
member of Principal Mutual Holding Company as described above.

   
     Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company is authorized to do business in the
50 states of the United States,  the District of Columbia,  the  Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, and the Canadian Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia,  Manitoba,
Ontario and Quebec. The Company offers a full range of products and services for
businesses, groups and individuals including individual insurance, pension plans
and group/employee  benefits. The Company has ranked in the upper one percent of
life  insurers  in assets  and  premium  income  and has  consistently  received
excellent  ratings from the major rating firms based upon the  Company's  claims
paying  ability.  The Company has $63.2 billion in assets under  management  and
serves more than 9.7 million individuals and their families.
    

PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

     Separate  Account B was  established  on January  12,  1970  pursuant  to a
resolution (as amended) of the Executive  Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Company.  Under Iowa insurance  laws and  regulations  the income,  gains or
losses,  whether or not  realized,  of  Separate  Account B are  credited  to or
charged  against  the assets of Separate  Account B without  regard to the other
income, gains or losses of the Company.  Although the assets of Separate Account
B, equal to the reserves and other liabilities arising under the contract,  will
not be charged with any liabilities  arising out of any other business conducted
by the Company,  the reverse is not true.  Hence, all obligations  arising under
the  contract,  including  the promise to make Variable  Annuity  Payments,  are
general corporate obligations of the Company.

     Separate  Account B was registered on July 17, 1970 with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission as a unit investment trust under the Investment Company Act
of 1940,  as amended.  Such  registration  does not involve  supervision  by the
Commission of the investments or investment policies of Separate Account B.

     Separate  Account B is divided into Divisions each of which invests only in
shares of an Account of the Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. as indicated
in the table below.

                Division                                 Account
                --------                                 -------
     Balanced Division                          Balanced Account
     Bond Division                              Bond Account
     Capital Value Division                     Capital Value Account
     Government Securities Division             Government Securities Account
     Growth Division                            Growth Account
     International Division                     International Account
     MidCap Division                            MidCap Account
     Money Market Division                      Money Market Account

     The Fund is a diversified,  open-end  management  investment  company.  The
investment  Manager  for  the  Fund is  Principal  Management  Corporation  (the
"Manager").  The  Accounts  are  also  used  to  fund  variable  life  insurance
contracts.  See  "Eligible  Purchasers  and  Purchase  of  Shares" in the Fund's
prospectus  for a  discussion  of the  potential  risks  associated  with "mixed
funding."

     The  investment  objective of the  Balanced  Account is to generate a total
return  consisting of current  income and capital  appreciation  while  assuming
reasonable  risks in  furtherance  of the  investment  objective.  In seeking to
achieve the investment  objective,  the Account invests  primarily in growth and
income-oriented  common stocks  (including  securities  convertible  into common
stocks), corporate bonds and debentures and short-term money market instruments.
The portions of the Account's total assets invested in equity  securities,  debt
securities  and  short-term  money market  instruments  are not fixed,  although
ordinarily  40% to 70% of the  Account's  portfolio  will be  invested in equity
securities with the balance of the portfolio invested in debt securities.

     The investment  objective of the Bond Account is to provide as high a level
of income as is consistent with  preservation of capital and prudent  investment
risk. In seeking to achieve the investment objective,  the Account predominantly
invests  in  marketable  fixed-income  securities.   Investments  will  be  made
generally on a long-term basis, but the Account may make short-term  investments
from time to time as deemed prudent by the Account's Manager.  Longer maturities
typically  provide  better  yields  but will  subject  the  Account to a greater
possibility of substantial changes in the values of its portfolio  securities as
interest rates change.

     The investment  objective of the Capital Value Account is long-term capital
appreciation and growth of investment income.  This Account invests primarily in
common stocks but may invest in other securities.

     The  Government  Securities  Account has an investment  objective of a high
level of current income, liquidity and safety of principal. The Account seeks to
achieve this objective through the purchase of obligations  issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government or its agencies, with up to 55% of the Account's
assets invested in Government National Mortgage Association  Certificates ("GNMA
Certificates"). Account shares, however, are not guaranteed by the United States
Government.  The value of the Account's investments fluctuates as interest rates
change.  The value  rises when  rates  decline  and falls  when rates  increase.
Expected  prepayments of mortgages included in a GNMA certificate can affect the
market value of the  certificate,  and actual  prepayments can affect the return
ultimately received.

     The objective of the Growth  Account is growth of capital.  Realization  of
current  income will be incidental  to the  objective of growth of capital.  The
Account  will  invest  primarily  in common  stocks,  but it may invest in other
equity securities. In pursuit of the Account's investment objective, investments
will be made in  securities  which as a group  appear to possess  potential  for
appreciation  in market value.  Common stocks chosen for  investment may include
those of companies which have a record of sales and earnings growth that exceeds
the growth rate of corporate  profits of the S&P 500 or which offer new products
or new services. The policy of investing in securities which have high potential
for growth of capital  can mean that the assets of the Account may be subject to
greater risk than securities which do not have such potential.

     The investment objective of the International  Account is to seek long-term
growth of capital  through  investment  in a portfolio of equity  securities  of
companies domiciled in any of the nations of the world. The Account intends that
its  investments  normally will be allocated among various  countries.  Although
there is no limitation  on the  percentage of assets that may be invested in any
one country or denominated in any one currency, the Account intends under normal
market  conditions  to have at least 65% of its assets  invested  in  securities
issued by  corporations  of at least  three  countries,  one of which may be the
United States. Investments may be made anywhere in the world, but it is expected
that primary  consideration  will be given to investing in the securities issued
by  corporations of Western  Europe,  North America and Australasia  (Australia,
Japan and Far East Asia) that have developed  economies.  Changes in investments
may be  made  as  prospects  change  for  particular  countries,  industries  or
companies.

     The objective of the MidCap Account is to achieve capital appreciation. The
strategy  of this  Account  is to invest  primarily  in the  common  stocks  and
securities  (both debt and preferred  stock)  convertible  into common stocks of
emerging  and other  growth-oriented  companies  that,  in the  judgment  of the
Account's Manager, are responsive to changes within the marketplace and have the
fundamental  characteristics  to support  growth.  In pursuing its  objective of
capital appreciation,  the MidCap Account may invest, for any period of time, in
any industry, in any kind of growth-oriented company, whether new and unseasoned
or well known and established.

     The Money Market Account has an investment  objective of obtaining  maximum
current income available from short-term securities consistent with preservation
of principal  and  maintenance  of liquidity by investing all of its assets in a
portfolio of money market  instruments.  This Account  invests in United  States
dollar  denominated  instruments  having a maturity of 397 days or less that the
Manager,  subject to the oversight of the Fund's board of directors,  determines
present  minimal credit risks and which at the time of acquisition are "Eligible
Securities" as that term is defined in  regulations  issued under the Investment
Company Act of 1940.  See the Fund's  prospectus  for details.  The value of the
investments held by this Account may fluctuate, although the net asset value per
share is normally expected to remain at $1.00. However, its yield will vary with
changes in short-term interest rates. Over the last two decades there has been a
general  correlation  between short-term  interest rates and the cost of living,
but there has been no exact  correlation  and for some  periods  such rates have
declined while the cost of living has risen.

     Additional   information   concerning   these  Accounts,   including  their
investment policies and restrictions,  investment  management fees and operating
expenses is given in the prospectus for the Fund. A Prospectus for the Principal
Variable  Contracts  Fund, Inc. is attached to and follows this  Prospectus.  It
should be read carefully in conjunction with this Prospectus before investing.

     Each  Division  purchases  shares  of an  Account  at net asset  value.  In
addition,  all  distributions  made by an Account with respect to shares held by
Divisions of Separate  Account B are reinvested at net asset value in additional
shares of the same Account.  Contract benefits are provided and charges are made
in effect by  redeeming  Account  shares at net asset  value.  Values  under the
Contract,  both before and after the commencement of Variable Annuity  Payments,
will increase or decrease to reflect the investment  performance of the Accounts
and Owners of Benefits assume the risks of such change in values.

     The Company is taxed as a life insurance company under the Internal Revenue
Code. The operations of Separate  Account B are part of the total  operations of
the Company but are treated  separately for  accounting and financial  statement
purposes and are considered separately in computing the Company's tax liability.
Separate  Account B is not affected by federal  income taxes paid by the Company
with respect to its other operations, and under existing federal income tax law,
investment  income and capital gains  attributable to Separate Account B are not
taxed.  The Company reserves the right to charge Separate Account B with, and to
create a reserve for, any tax liability which the Company  determines may result
from maintenance of Separate Account B. To the best of the Company's  knowledge,
there is no current prospect of any such liability.

DEDUCTIONS UNDER THE CONTRACT

     A mortality and expense risks charge is deducted under the contract.  There
are also  deductions  from and expenses  paid out of the assets of the Accounts.
These expenses are described in the Fund's prospectus.

A.   Mortality and Expense Risks Charge

     Variable  Annuity  Payments  will  not be  affected  by  adverse  mortality
     experience or by any excess in the actual sales and administrative expenses
     over the charges  provided  for in the  contract.  The Company  assumes the
     risks that (i) Variable  Annuity Payments will continue for a longer period
     than anticipated and (ii) the allowance for administration  expenses in the
     annuity  conversion rates will be insufficient to cover the actual costs of
     administration  relating to Variable Annuity  Payments.  For assuming these
     risks,  the  Company,  in  determining  Unit  Values and  Variable  Annuity
     Payments, makes a charge as of the end of each Valuation Period against the
     assets of Separate Account B held with respect to the contract.  The charge
     is equivalent to a simple annual rate of .42%. The Company does not believe
     that it is  possible  to  specifically  identify  that  portion of the .42%
     deduction  applicable to the separate risks involved,  but estimates that a
     reasonable approximate allocation would be .28% for the mortality risks and
     .14% for the expense  risks.  The mortality and expense risks charge may be
     changed by the  Company at any time by giving not less than  60-days  prior
     written notice to the  Contractholder.  However,  the charge may not exceed
     1.25% on an annual  basis,  and only one change may be made in any one-year
     period.  If the charge is  insufficient  to cover the  actual  costs of the
     mortality  and expense risk assumed,  the  financial  loss will fall on the
     Company;  conversely, if the charge proves more than sufficient, the excess
     will be a gain to the Company.

OTHER EXPENSES

     The Contractholder is obligated to pay additional  expenses associated with
the  acquisition and servicing of the contract in accordance with the terms of a
Service and Expense Agreement between the Contractholder and the Company.  These
expenses are not deductible  from  Investment  Accounts which  correlate to Plan
Participants,  except that the recordkeeping  expense and Flexible Income Option
charge  attributable to inactive Plan Participants  (Plan  Participants who have
died,  retired or  terminated  employment  or who are  Totally  and  Permanently
Disabled and alternate payees under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order) may at
the   Contractholder's   election  be  deducted  from  such  Plan  Participant's
Investment  Account Values.  The expenses which the  Contractholder  must pay if
applicable,  include an application fee, transfer fee,  contract  administration
expense,  recordkeeping expense,  location fee, a Flexible Income Option charge,
documentation expense and in some cases a sales charge. As part of the Company's
policy of  ensuring  client  satisfaction  with the  services it  provides,  the
Company may agree to waive the  assessment of all or a portion of these expenses
or charges  (except for the sales  charge) in  response to any  reasonably-based
complaint from the  Contractholder  as to the quality of the services covered by
such expenses or charges that the Company is unable to rectify.  These  expenses
are described below:

A.   Application Fee

     A $925  application  fee is  charged  to the  Contractholder  in the  first
     Contract  Year.  If a Companion  Contract has been issued by the Company to
     the  Contractholder  to fund the Plan, the application fee will be assessed
     to  the  Companion  Contract.   The  total  application  fee  paid  by  the
     Contractholder  to obtain  both  contracts  will not  exceed  $925.  If the
     Company has issued an Associated  Contract to the Contractholder to fund an
     employee benefit plan administered by the Company,  the application fee for
     the contract described in this prospectus will be waived by the Company.

B.   Contract Administration Expense

     The Contractholder  must also pay a contract  administration  expense.  The
     contract  administration  expense  is  charged  quarterly  and is  equal to
     one-fourth  of the amount  derived  by adding  $650  ($1,000  for custom or
     outside  plans) to the amount  calculated  by  multiplying  the Quarter end
     Balance at the end of each  Deposit  Year  Quarter  by the  Annual  Expense
     percentage  below.  Quarter  end  Balance  is the  total of all  Investment
     Accounts  under the  contract  and other Plan assets not  allocated  to the
     contract or an Associated or Companion  Contract  ("Outside Assets") at the
     end of each Deposit Year Quarter.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Expense Percentage

                                                                                             Expense Percentage
         Over               But Not Over             The Annual Expense Is:                    Top of Bracket
     ------------          -------------      ---------------------------------              ------------------
<S>                        <C>                <C>                                                 <C>    
     $          0          $     262,500            $750 minimum                                  .002857
          262,500              1,000,000      [.0020 x ending balance] + $225                     .002225
        1,000,000              5,000,000      [.0010 x ending balance] + $1,225                   .001245
        5,000,000             10,000,000      [.0005 x ending balance] + $3,725                   .000873
       10,000,000             30,000,000      [.0004 x ending balance] + $4,725                   .000558
       30,000,000                             [.0003 x ending balance] + $7,725
</TABLE>

Example: Assume a $3,500,000 total fund at the end of the Quarter for a standard
     plan. The contract  administration  charge is $1,343.75 derived as follows:
     [.0010 x $3,500,000] + $1,225 = $4,725 + $650 = $5,375 / 4 = $1,343.75.

     The  contract  administration  expense is also  charged  if all  Investment
     Accounts  which  correlate to a Plan  Participant  are canceled  during the
     Deposit Year as a result of a withdrawal.  The amount  attributable to such
     Investment  Accounts is determined  as described  above but is pro-rated to
     the date of cancellation.

     The contract  administration  expense will be reduced by 10% if the Company
     has issued an Associated Contract to the Contractowner.

     The  contract   administration   expense  for  an  employer   with  both  a
     non-qualified  plan in the contract  offered  under this  prospectus  and a
     401(k) Plan in a Flexible  Investment  Annuity ("FIA")  Contract (and which
     meets our underwriting  guidelines) will be calculated based on the quarter
     end value of the  investment  accounts  under  both  contracts  (plus  $750
     annually for general  creditor  non-qualified  plans or $1,000 for creditor
     exempt  plans)  and the  proportionate  charge  will be  allocated  to Plan
     Participants in each contract.

C.   Recordkeeping Expense

     The  Contractholder  must also pay a recordkeeping  expense.  The quarterly
     recordkeeping expense is one-fourth of the charge determined from the table
     below.  The amount of the charge is  determined  at the end of each quarter
     based upon the number of Plan Participants,  both active and inactive,  for
     whom there are  Investment  Accounts  under the  contract at the end of the
     quarter.

                                           Annual Expense (Benefit Report
                Plan Participants            Sent to the Contractholder)
                -----------------       ------------------------------------
                1-19                                   $2,250
                20-49                   $34 per Plan Participant  + $  1,366
                50-99                   $31 per Plan Participant  + $  1,516
                100-299                 $28 per Plan Participant  + $  1,816
                300-499                 $23 per Plan Participant  + $  3,316
                500 - 999               $19 per Plan Participant  + $  5,316
                1,000 - 2,499           $14 per Plan Participant  + $ 10,316
                2,500 - 4,999           $12 per Plan Participant  + $ 15,316
                5,000 and over          $10 per Plan Participant  + $ 25,316

     Example:  Assume 600 Plan  Participants  with Benefit  Reports sent to the
               Contractholder: The expense is $16,716 [600 x $19 = 
               $11,400+$5,316 = $16,716] / 4 = $4,179. This would be $6.96 
               per Plan Participant, per quarter.

     The  recordkeeping  expense  is  increased  by $3 per Plan  Participant  if
     benefit reports are mailed directly to Plan Participants' homes.

     If, instead of quarterly benefit reports, the Company provides such reports
     annually,  the recordkeeping  expense is reduced by 9%. Similarly,  if such
     reports are provided semi-annually, the recordkeeping expense is reduced by
     6%. If such  reports are  provided on a monthly  basis,  the  recordkeeping
     expense is increased by 24%.

     If  the   Company   performs   more  (or  less)   than  two   401(k)/401(m)
     non-discrimination  tests in a Deposit Year, the  recordkeeping  expense is
     increase  (reduced) by 3% for each  additional  test performed (or test not
     performed).

     The  recordkeeping  expense  is reduced  by 10% if Plan  Contributions  are
     reported in the Company's standard format by modem.  Effective on the first
     day of the Deposit Year in 1999,  this 10% reduction will be  discontinued.
     There will be an additional 5% charge is  contributions  are reported using
     tape/diskette or an additional 10% charge if reported using paper.

     Effective  on the first day of the  Deposit  Year in 1998,  a charge of $15
     will be made  to the  account  of plan  participants  who  make  investment
     changes/transfers   using   paper   rather   than  our   toll-free   number
     (1-800-633-1373).

     The recordkeeping expense for an employer with both a non-qualified plan in
     the  contract  offered  under this  prospectus  and a 401(k)  plan in a FIA
     contract  will be determined at the point in scale reached under the 401(k)
     plan.

     If the initial Deposit Year is less than twelve months,  an adjustment will
     be made in the amount of the  charge so that the full  amount of the annual
     charge per Plan Participant will be assessed during the year.

     If all Investment Accounts  attributable to a Plan Participant are canceled
     during the Deposit Year as a result of a withdrawal, the unassessed portion
     of the full annual  charge  attributable  to the Plan  Participant  will be
     charged.

     If  the  Company  provides  recordkeeping  services  for  Plan  assets  not
     allocated to the contract or an Associated or Companion  Contract ("Outside
     Assets"),  the  Contractholder  must  pay an  Outside  Asset  recordkeeping
     expense. The annual charge is calculated based upon the following table.

              Number of Plan Participants              Outside Asset
                  with Outside Accounts             Annual Recordkeeping
                   During the Quarter                      Expense
              ---------------------------      -----------------------------
                     1-25                      $1,000 minimum
                     26-49                     $15.30 per member + $614.70
                     50-99                     $13.95 per member + $682.20
                     100-299                   $12.60 per member + $817.20
                     300-499                   $10.35 per member + $1,492.20
                     500-999                   $8.55 per member + $2,392.20
                     1000-2499                 $6.30 per member + $4,642.20
                     2500-4999                 $5.40 per member + $6,842.20
                     5000 and over             $4.50 per member + $11,392.20

     The charge  calculated in accordance with the above table will be increased
     by 15% for the  second  and each  additional  Outside  Asset  for which the
     Company provides recordkeeping  services.  One-fourth of the annual Outside
     Asset Recordkeeping Charge will be billed on a quarterly basis. This charge
     does  not  apply  if  the  Outside  Assets  which  correlate  to  the  Plan
     Participant consist solely of shares of mutual funds for which a subsidiary
     of the Company serves as investment adviser.

     The Contractholder may elect to have the recordkeeping expense attributable
     to  investments   in  this  contract  which   correlate  to  inactive  Plan
     Participants  deducted  from the  Investment  Account  Values  of such Plan
     Participants. In such case, the Company will reduce the charge if necessary
     so  that  it  will  not  exceed  1% of  the  Plan  Participant's  aggregate
     Investment  Account  Values at the time the charge is made.  The portion of
     the charge  attributable to a Plan  Participant will be allocated to his or
     her Investment Account in proportion to their relative value.

D.   Location Fee

     Contractholders  may request  the Company to provide  services to groups of
     employees  at multiple  locations.  If the Company  agrees to provide  such
     services,  the Contractholder will be charged $150 on a quarterly basis for
     each additional employee group or location.

E.   Flexible Income Option Charge

     An additional  charge of $25 annually will be made for any Plan Participant
     receiving benefits under the Flexible Income Option. The charge is added to
     the  portion  of  the  recordkeeping  expense  attributable  to  such  Plan
     Participants.  If the Contractowner has elected to deduct the recordkeeping
     expense from the  Investment  Accounts of inactive Plan  Participants,  the
     Flexible Income Option Charge will also be deducted from such accounts.  If
     a Plan  Participant is receiving  benefits under the Flexible Income Option
     from a Companion Contract to which a Flexible Income Option Charge applies,
     the charge will not apply to the contract described in this Prospectus.

F.   Documentation Expense

     The Company  provides a sample Plan document and summary plan  descriptions
     to the  Contractholder.  The  Contractholder  will  be  billed  $125 if the
     Contractholder  uses a  Principal  Mutual  Standard  Plan.  If the  Company
     provides a sample  custom-written  Plan, the Contractholder  will be billed
     $700 for the  initial  Plan or for any  restatement  thereof,  $300 for any
     amendments  thereto,   and  $500  for  standard  summary  plan  description
     booklets.  If the  Contractholder  adopts a Plan other than one provided by
     the  Company,  a $900  charge  will be made for  summary  plan  description
     booklets requested by the Contractholder, if any.

G.   Sales Charge

     A sales charge will be billed to and paid by the  Contractholder  according
     to one of the following schedules:

                      Schedule A                     

        Amount of Plan       Amount Payable as a     
         Contributions         Percent of Plan       
     in Each Deposit Year       Contributions        
     ----------------------  -------------------
     The first   $    5,000         4.50%            
     The next         5,000         3.00             
     The next         5,000         1.70             
     The next        35,000         1.40             
     The next        50,000         0.90             
     The next       400,000         0.60
     Excess over    500,000         0.25


                    Schedule B                   
                                                 
        Amount of Plan      Amount Payable as    
         Contributions       Percent of Plan     
     In Each Deposit Year     Contributions      
   ----------------------   -----------------
   The first $     50,000         3.00%          
   The next        50,000         2.00           
   The next       400,000         1.00           
   The  next    2,500,000         0.50           
   Excess over  3,000,000         0.25           

     The  applicable  sales charge will be determined by the Company.  The sales
     charge  described  in  Schedule B will apply for  certain  salary  deferral
     Plans.  The sales charge  described in Schedule A will apply if the Plan is
     not a salary deferral Plan or if the Plan is a salary deferral Plan subject
     to reduced  sales  expenses.  The  Contractholder  will be  notified of the
     applicable   sales  charge   prior  to  the   issuance  of  the   Contract.
     Contributions  made by the Contractholder to the contract described in this
     prospectus,  a  Companion  Contract  or any  Associated  Contract  will  be
     combined for purposes of applying the above sales charge schedules.

     The Company will not charge a sales charge to  Contractholders  who acquire
     the contract either: (1) directly from the Company upon a recommendation of
     an  independent  pension  consultant  who  charges  a fee for  its  pension
     consulting  services and who receives no  remuneration  from the Company in
     association  with  the  sale of the  contract;  or (2)  through  registered
     representatives  of the Principal  Underwriter who are also Group Insurance
     Representative employees of the Company.

H.   Special Services

     If  requested  by the  Contractholder,  the  Company  may  provide  special
     services  not  provided  as  part  of  the  contract   administration   and
     recordkeeping services. The Company will charge the Contractholder the cost
     of providing such services.

SURPLUS DISTRIBUTION AT SOLE DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY

     It is not anticipated that any divisible surplus will ever be distributable
to the contract in the future  because the contract is not expected to result in
a  contribution  to the  divisible  surplus  of  the  Company.  However,  if any
distribution  of  divisible  surplus  is  made,  it will  be made to  Investment
Accounts in the form of additional units.

THE CONTRACT

     The contract  will  normally be issued to an Employer or  association  or a
trust established for the benefit of Plan Participants and their  beneficiaries.
The Company  will issue a  pre-retirement  certificate  describing  the benefits
under the contract to Plan  Participants who reside in a state that requires the
issuance of such  certificates.  The initial  Contribution which correlates to a
Plan  Participant  will be invested in the Division or Divisions that are chosen
as of the end of the Valuation Period in which such  Contribution is received by
the  Company  at  its  home  office  in Des  Moines,  Iowa.  If  the  allocation
instructions  are  late,  or  not  completed,   the  Company  will  invest  such
unallocated  Contributions  in  the  Money  Market  Division  on the  date  such
Contributions  are  received.  Subsequently,  the Company will transfer all or a
portion of such  Contributions as of the date complete  allocation  instructions
are received by the Company in accordance with the allocation specified therein.
After complete  allocation  instructions have been received by the Company,  all
current and future Contributions will be allocated to the chosen Divisions as of
the end of the Valuation  period in which such  Contributions  are received.  If
complete allocation instructions are not received by the Company within 105 days
after the initial Contributions are allocated to the Money Market Division,  the
Company  will  remit  the  Contributions   plus  any  earnings  thereon  to  the
Contractholder.  The Contractholder may limit the number of Divisions  available
to the Owner of Benefits, but the Money Market Division may not be so restricted
to the extent the  Division  is  necessary  to permit  the  Company to  allocate
initial  Contributions as described above and the Capital Value Division may not
be so  restricted  to the extent the Division is necessary to permit the Company
to pay Variable Annuity Payments.

A.   Contract Values and Accounting Before Annuity Commencement Date

     1.   Investment Accounts

         An Investment  Account or Accounts  correlating  to a Plan  Participant
         will be established for each type of Contribution and for each Division
         of Separate Account B in which such Contribution is invested.

         Investment  Accounts will be maintained  until the  Investment  Account
         Values are either (a) applied to effect Variable Annuity benefits,  (b)
         paid to the Owner of Benefits or the  beneficiary,  (c)  transferred in
         accordance  with the provisions of the contract or (d) cancelled to pay
         the recordkeeping  expenses for a Plan Participant where Termination of
         Employment,  retirement or death has occurred or for an alternate payee
         under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order.

         Each  Contribution  will be  allocated  to the  Division  or  Divisions
         designated by the Notification on file with the Company and will result
         in a credit of units to the appropriate  Investment Account. The number
         of units so credited  will be determined by dividing the portion of the
         Contributions  allocated  to the  Division  by the Unit  Value for such
         Division for the  Valuation  Period within which the  Contribution  was
         received by the Company at its home office in Des Moines, Iowa.

     2.  Unit Value

         The Unit  Value for a Contract  which  participates  in a  Division  of
         Separate  Account  B  determines  the  value of an  Investment  Account
         consisting of contributions  allocated to that Division. The Unit Value
         for each  Division for the contract is  determined on each day on which
         the net asset value of its underlying  Account is determined.  The Unit
         Value  for a  Valuation  Period  is  determined  as of the  end of that
         period.  The  investment  performance  of the  underlying  Account  and
         deducted expenses affect the Unit Value.

         For this series of contracts,  the Unit Value for each Division will be
         fixed at $1.00 for the  Valuation  Period in which the first  amount of
         money is  credited to the  Division.  A  Division's  Unit Value for any
         later  Valuation  Period is equal to its Unit Value for the immediately
         preceding Valuation Period multiplied by the Net Investment Factor (see
         below) for that  Division  for this series of  contracts  for the later
         Valuation Period.

     3.  Net Investment Factor

         Each  Net  Investment  Factor  is  the  quantitative   measure  of  the
         investment performance of each Division of Separate Account B.

         For any  specified  Valuation  Period the Net  Investment  Factor for a
         Division for this series of contracts is equal to

         (a)  the  quotient  obtained by  dividing  (i) the net asset value of a
              share of the  underlying  Account  as of the end of the  Valuation
              Period,  plus  the per  share  amount  of any  dividend  or  other
              distribution made by the Account during the Valuation Period (less
              an adjustment for taxes,  if any) by (ii) the net asset value of a
              share of the  Account as of the end of the  immediately  preceding
              Valuation Period,

                                   reduced by

         (b)  a mortality and expense risks charge,  equal to a simple  interest
              rate for the  number of days  within  the  Valuation  Period at an
              annual rate of 0.42%.

         The amounts  derived from applying the rate  specified in  subparagraph
         (b) above and the amount of any taxes referred to in  subparagraph  (a)
         above  will be  accrued  daily and will be  transferred  from  Separate
         Account B at the discretion of the Company.

     4.  Hypothetical  Example of  Calculation  of Unit Value for All  Divisions
         Except the Money Market Division

         The  computation  of the Unit Value may be illustrated by the following
         hypothetical  example.  Assume  that the  current net asset value of an
         Account  share is  $14.8000;  that  there  were no  dividends  or other
         distributions made by the Account and no adjustment for taxes since the
         last  determination;  that the net asset value of an Account share last
         determined was $14.7800;  that the last Unit Value was $1.0185363;  and
         that the  Valuation  Period was one day. To  determine  the current Net
         Investment Factor, divide $14.8000 by $14.7800 which produces 1.0013532
         and deduct from this amount the  mortality  and expense risks charge of
         0.0000090, which is the rate for one day that is equivalent to a simple
         annual  rate of  0.33%.  The  result,  1.0013442,  is the  current  Net
         Investment  Factor. The last Unit Value ($1.0185363) is then multiplied
         by the current  Net  Investment  Factor  (1.0013442)  which  produces a
         current Unit Value of $1.0199054.

     5.  Hypothetical  Example of Calculation of Unit Value for the Money Market
         Division

         The  computation  of the Unit Value may be illustrated by the following
         hypothetical  example.  Assume  that the  current net asset value of an
         Account share is $1.0000;  that a dividend of .0328767  cents per share
         was declared by the Account prior to calculation of the net asset value
         of the Account share and that no other  distributions and no adjustment
         for taxes  were made since the last  determination;  that the net asset
         value of an Account share last  determined  was $1.0000;  that the last
         Unit Value was $1.0162734; and that the Valuation Period was one day.

         To determine  the current Net  Investment  Factor,  add the current net
         asset value ($1.0000) to the amount of the dividend  ($.000328767)  and
         divide by the last net asset  value  ($1.0000),  which when  rounded to
         seven places  equals  1.0003288.  Deduct from this amount the mortality
         and expense  risks charge of .0000090 (the  proportionate  rate for one
         day based on a simple annual rate of 0.33%).  The result (1.0003198) is
         the current Net Investment  Factor. The last Unit Value ($1.0162734) is
         then  multiplied  by the current  Net  Investment  Factor  (1.0003198),
         resulting in a current Unit Value of $1.0165984.

B.   Income Benefits

     Income  Benefits  consist of either monthly  Variable  Annuity  Payments or
     periodic payments made on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis
     pursuant to the Flexible Income Option.

     1.  Variable Annuity Payments

         The amount  applied to provide  Variable  Annuity  Payments  must be at
         least  $1,750.  Variable  Annuity  Payments  will  be  provided  by the
         Investment  Accounts which correlate to the Plan Participant held under
         the Capital  Value  Division.  Thus,  if the Owner of  Benefits  elects
         Variable Annuity  Payments,  any amounts that are to be used to provide
         Variable  Annuity  Payments will be transferred to Investment  Accounts
         held under the Capital Value  Division as of the last Valuation Date in
         the month which begins two months before the Annuity Commencement Date.
         After  any such  transfer,  the  value of the  Capital  Value  Division
         Investment  Accounts  will be applied on the Annuity  Purchase  Date to
         provide Variable Annuity Payments. The Annuity Commencement Date, which
         will be one month  following  the Annuity  Purchase  Date,  will be the
         first day of a month. Thus, if the Annuity  Commencement Date is August
         1,  the  Annuity  Purchase  Date  will be July 1,  and the  date of any
         transfers to a Capital Value  Division  Investment  Account will be the
         Valuation Date immediately preceding July 1.

         The  Annuity  Commencement  Date must be no later  than  April 1 of the
         calendar year following the calendar year in which the Plan Participant
         attains age 70 1/2. See "Federal Tax Status."

         a.   Selecting a Variable Annuity

              Variable  Annuity  Payments  will be made to an Owner of  Benefits
              beginning  on  the  Annuity   Commencement   Date  and  continuing
              thereafter  on the first day of each  month.  An Owner of Benefits
              may select an Annuity  Commencement  Date by  Notification  to the
              Company.  The date  selected may be the first day of any month the
              Plan allows  which is at least one month  after the  Notification.
              Generally,  the Annuity  Commencement Date cannot begin before the
              Plan  Participant  is age 59 1/2,  separated  from service,  or is
              totally  disabled.  See "Federal  Tax Status" for a discussion  of
              required  distributions and the federal income tax consequences of
              distributions.

              At any time not less than one month  preceding the desired Annuity
              Commencement  Date,  an Owner of Benefits  may,  by  Notification,
              select one of the annuity  options  described below (see "Forms of
              Variable  Annuities").  If no annuity  option has been selected at
              least one month before the Annuity  Commencement  Date, and if the
              Plan  does  not  provide  one,  payments  which  correlate  to  an
              unmarried Plan  Participant  will be made under the annuity option
              providing  Variable Life Annuity with Monthly Payments Certain for
              Ten Years.  Payments to a married  Plan  Participant  will be made
              under the annuity  option  providing a Variable  Life Annuity with
              One-Half Survivorship.

         b.   Forms of Variable Annuities

              Because of certain restrictions  contained in the Internal Revenue
              Code  and  regulations  thereunder,   an  annuity  option  is  not
              available  under a contract used to fund a TDA Plan,  PEDC Plan or
              401(a) Plan unless (i) the joint or  contingent  annuitant  is the
              Plan  Participant's  spouse  or  (ii)  on the  Plan  Participant's
              Annuity  Commencement  Date, the present value of the amount to be
              paid while the Plan  Participant  is living is greater than 50% of
              the present value of the total benefit to the Plan Participant and
              the Plan Participant's  beneficiary (or contingent  annuitant,  if
              applicable).

              An Owner of Benefits may elect to have  Investment  Account Values
              applied under one of the following  annuity options.  However,  if
              the monthly  Variable  Annuity Payment would be less than $20, the
              Company may, at its sole option, pay the Investment Account Values
              in full settlement of all benefits otherwise available.

              Variable  Life  Annuity with  Monthly  Payments  Certain for Zero,
              Five, Ten, Fifteen or Twenty Years or Installment Refund Period --
              a Variable Annuity which provides monthly payments during the Plan
              Participant's lifetime, and further provides that if, at the death
              of the Plan Participant,  monthly payments have been made for less
              than a minimum period, e.g. five years, any remaining payments for
              the balance of such period shall be paid to the Owner of Benefits,
              if the  Owner of  Benefits  is not the Plan  Participant,  or to a
              designated  beneficiary unless the beneficiary requests in writing
              that the  Commuted  Value of the  remaining  payments be paid in a
              single  sum.  (Designated   beneficiaries  entitled  to  take  the
              remaining  payments  or the  Commuted  Value  thereof  rather than
              continuing  monthly payments should consult with their tax advisor
              to be made aware of the differences in tax treatment.)

              The  minimum  period may be either  zero,  five,  ten,  fifteen or
              twenty years or the period (called  "installment  refund  period")
              consisting  of the number of months  determined  by  dividing  the
              amount  applied under the option by the initial  payment.  If, for
              example,   $14,400  is  applied   under  a  life  option  with  an
              installment  refund  period,  and if  the  first  monthly  payment
              provided by that amount, as determined from the applicable annuity
              conversion  rates,  would be $100, the minimum period would be 144
              months ($14,400 divided by $100 per month) or 12 years. A variable
              life  annuity  with an  installment  refund  period  guarantees  a
              minimum  number of  payments,  but not the  amount of any  monthly
              payment or the amount of aggregate  monthly  payments.  The longer
              the minimum period selected, the smaller will be the amount of the
              first annuity payment.

              Under the Variable  Life Annuity  with Zero Years  Certain,  which
              provides monthly payments to the Owner of Benefits during the Plan
              Participant's  lifetime,  it would be  possible  for the  Owner of
              Benefits to receive no annuity  payments  if the Plan  Participant
              died prior to the due date of the first  payment  since payment is
              made only during the lifetime of the Plan Participant.

              Joint and Survivor  Variable  Life  Annuity with Monthly  Payments
              Certain for Ten Years -- a Variable Annuity which provides monthly
              payments for a minimum period of ten years and  thereafter  during
              the joint  lifetimes  of the Plan  Participant  on whose  life the
              annuity is based and the  contingent  annuitant  named at the time
              this option is elected,  and continuing  after the death of either
              of them for the amount  that would  have been  payable  while both
              were living during the remaining lifetime of the survivor.  In the
              event the Plan  Participant  and the  contingent  annuitant do not
              survive beyond the minimum ten year period, any remaining payments
              for the  balance  of such  period  will  be paid to the  Owner  of
              Benefits, if the owner of Benefits is not the Plan Participant, or
              to a designated  beneficiary  unless the  beneficiary  requests in
              writing that the Commuted Value of the remaining  payments be paid
              in a single sum.  (Designated  beneficiaries  entitled to take the
              remaining  payments  or the  Commuted  Value  thereof  rather than
              continuing  monthly payments should consult with their tax advisor
              to be made aware of the differences in tax treatment.)

              Joint and Two-Thirds  Survivor Variable Life Annuity -- a variable
              annuity which provides  monthly payments during the joint lives of
              a  Plan  Participant  and  the  person  designated  as  contingent
              annuitant  with  two-thirds  of the  amount  that  would have been
              payable while both were living  continuing  until the death of the
              survivor.

              Variable  Life Annuity with  One-Half  Survivorship  -- a variable
              annuity which  provides  monthly  payments  during the life of the
              Plan  Participant  with one-half of the amount  otherwise  payable
              continuing so long as the contingent annuitant lives.

              Under the Joint and Two-thirds  Survivor Variable Life Annuity and
              under the Variable  Life Annuity with  One-Half  Survivorship,  it
              would be  possible  for the Owner of  Benefits  and/or  contingent
              annuitant to receive no annuity  payments if the Plan  Participant
              and  contingent  annuitant  both died prior to the due date of the
              first payment since payment is made only during their lifetimes.

              Other Options -- Other Variable  Annuity  options  permitted under
              the  applicable  Plan may be arranged by mutual  agreement  of the
              Owner of Benefits and the Company.

         c.   Basis of Annuity Conversion Rates

              Because  women as a class live longer than men, it has been common
              that  retirement  annuities of equal cost for women and men of the
              same age will provide  women less periodic  income at  retirement.
              The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Arizona  Governing
              Committee  vs.  Norris that sex distinct  annuity  tables under an
              employer-sponsored  benefit plan result in discrimination  that is
              prohibited  by Title VII of the Federal  Civil Rights Act of 1964.
              The Court further ruled that sex distinct  annuity  tables will be
              deemed  discriminatory only when used with values accumulated from
              employer  contributions made after August 1, 1983, the date of the
              ruling.

              Title VII applies  only to  employers  with 15 or more  employees.
              However, certain State Fair Employment Laws and Equal Payment Laws
              may apply to employers with less than 15 employees.

              The contract described in this Prospectus offers both sex distinct
              and sex neutral annuity  conversion  rates.  The annuity rates are
              used to  convert a Plan  Participant's  pre-retirement  Investment
              Account Values to a monthly  lifetime income at retirement.  Usage
              of either  sex  distinct  or sex  neutral  annuity  rates  will be
              determined by the Contractholder.

              For each form of variable  annuity,  the annuity  conversion rates
              determine how much the first monthly Variable Annuity Payment will
              be for each  $1,000 of the  Investment  Account  Value  applied to
              effect the variable  annuity.  The conversion  rates vary with the
              form of annuity,  date of birth,  and, if sex  distinct  rates are
              used,  the  sex  of  the  Plan   Participant  and  the  contingent
              annuitant,  if any. The sex neutral  guaranteed annuity conversion
              rates are based  upon (i) an  interest  rate of 2.5% per annum and
              (ii)  mortality  according  to the  "1983  Table a for  Individual
              Annuity  Valuation"  projected  with Scale G to the year 2001, set
              back  five  years  in  age.  The sex  distinct  female  rates  are
              determined  for all Plan  Participants  in the same way as neutral
              rates,  as  described  above.  The sex  distinct  male  rates  are
              determined  for  all  Plan  Participants  in the  same  way as sex
              neutral rates,  as described  above,  except  mortality is not set
              back five years in age. The guaranteed  annuity  conversion  rates
              may be changed, but no change which would be less favorable to the
              Owner of Benefits will take effect for a current Plan Participant.

              The contract  provides that an interest rate of not less than 2.5%
              per annum will represent the assumed investment return.  Currently
              the assumed  investment  return used in determining  the amount of
              the  first  monthly  payment  is 4% per  annum.  This  rate may be
              increased  or  decreased  by the  Company  in the future but in no
              event will it be less than 2.5% per annum. If, under the contract,
              the actual  investment  return (as  measured by an Annuity  Change
              Factor,  defined below) should always equal the assumed investment
              return,  Variable  Annuity  Payments  would remain  level.  If the
              actual   investment   return  should  always  exceed  the  assumed
              investment  return,  Variable  Annuity  Payments  would  increase;
              conversely,   if  it  should  always  be  less  than  the  assumed
              investment return, Variable Annuity Payments would decrease.

              The current 4% assumed  investment  return is higher than the 2.5%
              interest rate reflected in the annuity  conversion rates contained
              in the contract.  With a 4% assumption,  Variable Annuity Payments
              will commence at a higher  level,  will increase less rapidly when
              actual  investment  return  exceeds  4%,  and will  decrease  more
              rapidly when actual  investment return is less than 4%, than would
              occur with a lower assumption.

         d.   Determining the Amount of the First Variable Annuity Payment

              The initial amount of monthly annuity income shall be based on the
              option  selected,  the age of the Plan  Participant and contingent
              annuitant, if any, and the Investment Account Values applied as of
              the Annuity Purchase Date. The initial monthly income payment will
              be  determined  on the  basis  of  the  annuity  conversion  rates
              applicable on such date to such conversions under all contracts of
              this  class  issued  by the  Company.  However,  the basis for the
              annuity conversion rates will not produce payments less beneficial
              to the Owner of Benefits  than the annuity  conversion  rate basis
              described above.

         e.   Determining  the  Amount  of the  Second  and  Subsequent  Monthly
              Variable Annuity Payments

              The second and subsequent  monthly  Variable Annuity Payments will
              increase or decrease in response to the  investment  experience of
              the Account  underlying the Capital Value Division.  The amount of
              each payment will be determined by  multiplying  the amount of the
              monthly Variable Annuity Payment due in the immediately  preceding
              calendar  month by the Annuity Change Factor for the Capital Value
              Division  for the  Contract  for the  calendar  month in which the
              Variable Annuity Payment is due.

              Each Annuity  Change Factor for the Capital  Value  Division for a
              calendar month is the quotient of (1) divided by (2),
              below:

              (1) The number which results from dividing (a) the Contract's Unit
                  Value for the Capital Value  Division for the first  Valuation
                  Date in the  calendar  month  beginning  one month  before the
                  given calendar month by (b) the Contract's Unit Value for such
                  Division for the first  Valuation  Date in the calendar  month
                  beginning two months before the given calendar month.

              (2) An amount equal to one plus the  effective  interest  rate for
                  the number of days between the two Valuation  Dates  specified
                  in  subparagraph  (1) above at the  interest  rate  assumed to
                  determine  the  initial  payment of  variable  benefits to the
                  Owner of Benefits.

         f.   Hypothetical Example of Calculation of Variable Annuity Payments

              Assume that on the date one month before the Annuity  Commencement
              Date the Investment  Account Value that is invested in the Capital
              Value Division which  correlates to a Plan Participant is $37,592.
              Using the appropriate  annuity  conversion  factor (assuming $5.88
              per $1,000 applied) the Investment  Account Value provides a first
              monthly  Variable  Annuity  Payment of $221.04.  To determine  the
              amount of the second monthly payment assume that the Capital Value
              Division  Unit  Value  as of  the  first  Valuation  Date  in  the
              preceding  calendar  month was $1.3712044 and the Unit Value as of
              the first  Valuation Date in the second  preceding  calendar month
              was  $1.3273110.  The  Annuity  Change  Factor  is  determined  by
              dividing  $1.3712044 by $1.3273110,  which equals  1.0330694,  and
              dividing  the result by an amount  corresponding  to the amount of
              one increased by an assumed  investment  return of 4% (which for a
              thirty day period is  1.0032288).  1.0330694  divided by 1.0032288
              results in an Annuity  Change  Factor for the month of  1.0297446.
              Applying this factor to the amount of Variable Annuity Payment for
              the previous month results in a current monthly payment of $227.61
              ($221.04 multiplied by 1.0297446 equals $227.61).

     2.  Flexible Income Option

         Instead of Variable Annuity Payments an Owner of Benefits may choose to
         receive  Income  Benefits  under the  Flexible  Income  Option.  Unlike
         Variable  Annuity  Payments,  payments under the Flexible Income Option
         may be made  from any  Division  of the  Separate  Account.  Under  the
         Flexible Income Option, the Company will pay to the Owner of Benefits a
         portion of the Investment Accounts on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual
         or annual basis on the date or dates requested each Year and continuing
         for a period  not to  exceed  the life or life  expectancy  of the Plan
         Participant,  or the  joint  lives  or life  expectancy  of  such  Plan
         Participant and the contingent  annuitant,  if the contingent annuitant
         is the Plan Participant's  spouse. If the Notification does not specify
         from which Investment Accounts payments are to be made, amounts will be
         withdrawn  on a pro rata  basis  from  all  Investment  Accounts  which
         correlate to the Plan Participant.  Payments will end, however,  on the
         date no amounts  remain in such  Accounts or the date such Accounts are
         paid or applied in full as described below. Payments will be subject to
         the following:

         a.   The  life  expectancy  of  the  Plan   Participant  and  the  Plan
              Participant's  spouse,  if  applicable,   will  be  determined  in
              accordance with the life expectancy  tables  contained in Internal
              Revenue  Regulation  Section  1.72-9.   Life  expectancy  will  be
              determined as of the date on which the first payment is made. Life
              expectancy will be redetermined annually thereafter.

         b.   Payments  may begin any time after the Flexible  Income  Option is
              requested.  Payments  must  begin no later  than the  latest  date
              permitted or required by the Plan or regulation to be the Owner of
              Benefit's Annuity Commencement Date.

         c.   Payments  will  be  made  annually,  semiannually,  quarterly,  or
              monthly as requested by the Owner of Benefits and agreed to by the
              Company.  The  annual  amount  payable  will be the  lesser of the
              Aggregate  Investment  Account Values which  correlate to the Plan
              Participant or the minimum annual amount  determined in accordance
              with the minimum distribution rules of the Internal Revenue Code.

         d.   If the Plan Participant should die before the Aggregate Investment
              Account  Value has been paid or  applied  in full,  the  remaining
              Investment  Account Values will be treated as benefits  payable at
              death as described in this Prospectus.

         e.   Year for  purposes  of  determining  payments  under the  Flexible
              Income  Option  means the  twelve  month  period  starting  on the
              installment  payment starting date and each  corresponding  twelve
              month period thereafter.

         An Owner of  Benefits  may  request a payment in excess of the  minimum
         described above. Such payment may be equal to all or any portion of the
         Investment Accounts which correlate to the Plan Participant;  provided,
         however,  that if the requested payment would reduce the total value of
         such  accounts to a total balance of less than $1,750 then such request
         will be a request for the total of such Investment Accounts.

         The Owner of Benefits may request  termination  of the Flexible  Income
         Payments by giving the Company  Notification  (i)  requesting an excess
         payment  equal to the  remaining  balance of the  Aggregate  Investment
         Account Values which correlate to a Plan  Participant,  (ii) requesting
         that the remaining balance of the Aggregate  Investment  Account Values
         be applied to provide  Variable Annuity Payments or (iii) a combination
         of (i) and (ii), as long as the amount applied to provide an annuity is
         at least $1,750. The Company will make such excess payment on the later
         of (i) the date  requested,  or (ii) the date seven (7)  calendar  days
         after the Company receives the Notification.  The Annuity  Commencement
         Date for  amounts  so  applied  will be one  month  after  the  Annuity
         Purchase Date. The Annuity Purchase Date for amounts so applied will be
         the first Valuation Date in the month  following the Company's  receipt
         of the  Notification  or the first  Valuation  Date of such  subsequent
         month as requested.

         An  additional  annual  charge  of  $25.00  will be made if an Owner of
         Benefits  elects to receive  benefits under the Flexible Income Option.
         This  charge  may  be  deducted  from  the  Investment  Accounts  which
         correlate  to the Plan  Participant  only if such Plan  Participant  is
         inactive. In such case, the Company will reduce the charge if necessary
         so that when combined  with any other expense being  deducted from such
         Investment  Accounts,  the aggregate of such charges will not exceed 1%
         of the Plan  Participant's  aggregate  Investment Account Values at the
         time the charge is made.  The portion of the charge  attributable  to a
         Plan participant will be allocated to his or her Investment  Account in
         proportion to their relative values.

C.   Payment on Death of Plan Participant

     1.  Prior to Annuity Purchase Date

         If a Plan  Participant  dies prior to the Annuity  Purchase  Date,  the
         Company,  upon  receipt of due proof of death and any waiver or consent
         required  by  applicable  state  law,  will pay the  death  benefit  in
         accordance  with the  provisions  of the Plan.  The amount of the death
         benefit is determined  by the terms of the Plan.  The Owner of Benefits
         may elect to either (1) leave the assets in the  contract to the extent
         permitted  by  applicable  law;  (2) receive such value as a single sum
         benefit;  or (3) apply the Investment Account Values which correlate to
         the Plan  Participant  to purchase  Variable  Annuity  Payments for the
         beneficiary if the aggregate  value of such  Investment  Accounts is at
         least $1,750.  If the beneficiary does not provide  Notification to the
         Company  within 120 days of the date the Company  receives due proof of
         death,  (i.e. a certified  copy of the death  certificate,  a certified
         copy of a decree of a court of competent jurisdiction as to the finding
         of death,  a written  statement  by a medical  doctor who  attended the
         deceased  during his last illness.),  the beneficiary  will be deemed a
         Plan Participant under the contract described in the Prospectus.

         A beneficiary  may elect to have all or a part of the amount  available
         under   this   contract   transferred   to  any   Companion   Contract.
         Alternatively,  this  contract  may  accept  all or part of the  amount
         available under a Companion Contract to establish an Investment Account
         or Accounts for a  beneficiary  under this  contract.  If the aggregate
         value of such Investment  Accounts is less than $1,750, the Company may
         at its option pay the beneficiary the value of such accounts in lieu of
         all other benefits.

         An election to receive  Variable Annuity Payments must be made prior to
         the  single sum  payment to the  beneficiary.  Annuity  income  must be
         payable  as  lifetime  annuity  income  with  no  benefits  beyond  the
         beneficiary's life or life expectancy.  In addition,  the amount of the
         monthly  Variable Annuity Payments must be at least $20, or the Company
         may at its option pay the beneficiary the value of the Variable Annuity
         Reserves  in lieu of all  other  benefits.  The  beneficiary's  Annuity
         Purchase Date will be the first day of the calendar month  specified in
         the  election,  but in no event prior to the first day of the  calendar
         month  following the date the  Notification is received by the Company.
         The amount to be applied will be determined as of the Annuity  Purchase
         Date. The beneficiary's Annuity Commencement Date will be the first day
         of  the  calendar  month  following  the  Annuity  Purchase  Date.  The
         beneficiary must be a natural person in order to elect Variable Annuity
         Payments. The election must be in writing. The annuity conversion rates
         applicable to a beneficiary  shall be the annuity  conversion rates the
         Company makes available to all beneficiaries  under this contract.  The
         beneficiary   will  receive  a  written   description  of  the  options
         available.

      2. Subsequent to Annuity Purchase Date

         Upon the death of a Plan Participant subsequent to the Annuity Purchase
         Date, no benefits will be available except as may be provided under the
         form of annuity  selected.  If provided  for under the form of annuity,
         the Owner of  Benefits  or  beneficiary  will  continue  receiving  any
         remaining  payments  unless the Owner of  Benefits  or the  beneficiary
         requests in writing that the Commuted  Value of the remaining  payments
         be paid in a single sum.

D.   Withdrawals and Transfers

     1.  Cash Withdrawals

         The contract is designed for and intended to be used to fund retirement
         Plans.  However,  subject  to any Plan  limitations,  any  restrictions
         imposed by provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or any reduction for
         vesting provided for in the Plan as to amounts available,  the Owner of
         Benefits may withdraw cash from the Investment Accounts which correlate
         to a Plan  Participant at any time prior to the Annuity  Purchase Date.
         The Internal Revenue Code generally  provides that  distributions  from
         the contracts  (except  those used to fund  Creditor  Exempt or General
         Creditor Non-qualified Plans) may begin only after the Plan Participant
         attains age 59 1/2, terminates employment, dies or becomes disabled, or
         in the  case  of  deemed  hardship  (or,  for  PEDC  Plans,  unforeseen
         emergencies).  Withdrawals  before age 59 1/2 may involve an income tax
         penalty. See "Federal Tax Status."

         The procedure with respect to cash withdrawals is as follows:

         (a) The Plan must allow for such withdrawal.

         (b)  The  Company  must  receive  a  Notification   requesting  a  cash
              withdrawal  from the Owner of Benefits on a form either  furnished
              or approved by the  Company.  The  Notification  must  specify the
              amount to be  withdrawn  for each  Investment  Account  from which
              withdrawals  are  to  be  made.  If  no   specification  is  made,
              withdrawals  from  Investment  Accounts will be made on a pro rata
              basis.

         (c)  If a  certificate  has been  issued to the Owner of  Benefits  the
              Company  may require  that any  requests  be  accompanied  by such
              certificate.

         (d)  If the Aggregate  Investment  Account Values are  insufficient  to
              satisfy  the amount of the  requested  withdrawal  and  applicable
              charges,  if any,  the amount paid will be reduced to satisfy such
              charges.

         Any cash  withdrawal  will  result in the  cancellation  of a number of
         units  from  each  Investment  Account  from  which  values  have  been
         withdrawn.  The number of units  cancelled  from an Investment  Account
         will be equal to the amount  withdrawn from that Account divided by the
         Unit Value for the Division of Separate  Account B in which the Account
         is  invested  for the  Valuation  Period in which the  cancellation  is
         effective.

         (Special Note: Under the Texas Education Code, Plan Participants  under
         contracts  issued in connection with Optional  Retirement  Programs for
         certain  employees  of  Texas  institutions  of  higher  education  are
         prohibited from making  withdrawals  except in the event of termination
         of employment,  retirement or death of the Plan Participant.  Also, see
         "Federal  Tax  Status"  for  a   description   of  further   withdrawal
         restrictions.)

     2.  Transfers Between Divisions

         Upon  Notification,  all or a  portion  of the  value  of a  Investment
         Account which  correlates to a Plan  Participant  may be transferred to
         another  available   Investment   Account   correlating  to  such  Plan
         Participant for the same type of Contribution.
         Transfers may be made at any time before the Annuity Purchase Date.

         A transfer will be effective as of the end of the  Valuation  Period in
         which the request is received.  Any amount  transferred  will result in
         the  cancellation  of units in the  Investment  Account  from which the
         transfer is made.  The number of units  cancelled  will be equal to the
         amount  transferred  from that account divided by the Unit Value of the
         Division for the  Valuation  Period in which the transfer is effective.
         The  transferred  amount will result in the  crediting  of units in the
         Investment  Account to which the transfer is made.  The number of units
         credited  will be  equal  to the  amount  transferred  to that  account
         divided by the Unit Value of the Division for the  Valuation  Period in
         which the transfer is effective.

     3.  Transfers to the Contract

         If a  Companion  Contract  has been  issued by the  Company to fund the
         Plan,  and except as otherwise  provided by the  applicable  Plan,  the
         contract  described in this  Prospectus  may accept all or a portion of
         the  proceeds  available  under the  Companion  Contract at any time at
         least one month before Annuity  Commencement Date, subject to the terms
         of the Companion Contract.

      4. Transfers to a Companion Contract

         If a  Companion  Contract  has been  issued by the  Company to fund the
         Plan,  except as  otherwise  provided  by the  applicable  Plan and the
         provisions  of the  Companion  Contract,  an Owner of  Benefits  may by
         Notification transfer all or a portion of the Investment Account Values
         which correlate to a Plan Participant to the Companion Contract. If the
         Notification does not state otherwise, amounts will be transferred on a
         pro rata basis from the Investment Accounts which correlate to the Plan
         Participant.  Transfers  with respect to a Plan  Participant  from this
         contract  to the  Companion  Contract  will  not be  permitted  if this
         contract  has  accepted,  within the  six-month  period  preceding  the
         proposed  transfer  from this  contract to the  Companion  Contract,  a
         transfer from an unmatured  Investment  Account which correlates to the
         Plan Participant established under the Companion Contract. An unmatured
         Investment  Account is an Investment  Account which has not reached the
         end of its  interest  guarantee  period.  In all other  respects,  such
         transfers  are subject to the same  provisions  regarding  frequency of
         transfer,  effective  date of  transfer  and  cancellation  of units as
         described above in "Transfers Between Divisions."

     5.  Special Situation Involving Alternate Funding Agents

         The  contract  allows  the  Investment   Account  Values  of  all  Plan
         Participants  to be transferred  to an alternate  Funding Agent with or
         without the consent of the Plan Participants. Transfers to an alternate
         Funding Agent require Notification from the Contractholder.  The amount
         to be  transferred  will be  equal  to the  Investment  Account  Values
         determined  as of  the  end  of  the  Valuation  Period  in  which  the
         Notification  is  received.  Such  transfers  will  be  subject  to the
         contract administration expense and recordkeeping expense.

     6.  Postponement of Cash Withdrawal or Transfer

         Any cash withdrawal or transfer to be made from the contract or between
         Investment Accounts in accordance with the preceding paragraphs will be
         made (i) within seven calendar days after Notification for such payment
         or  transfer  is  received by the Company at its Home Office or (ii) on
         the  requested  date of payment or transfer,  if later.  However,  such
         withdrawal or transfer may be deferred during any period when the right
         to redeem Account shares is suspended as permitted under  provisions of
         the  Investment  Company Act of 1940,  as amended.  The right to redeem
         shares may be  suspended  during any period when (a) trading on the New
         York Stock  Exchange is restricted as determined by the  Securities and
         Exchange  Commission or such Exchange is closed for other than weekends
         and holidays;  (b) an emergency exists, as determined by the Securities
         and  Exchange  Commission,  as a result  of which (i)  disposal  by the
         Account of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or (ii)
         it is not  reasonably  practicable  for the Account fairly to determine
         the value of its net assets;  or (c) the Commission by order so permits
         for the protection of security holders. If any deferment of transfer or
         withdrawal is in effect and has not been cancelled by  Notification  to
         the  Company  within  the  period  of  deferment,   the  amount  to  be
         transferred or withdrawn  shall be determined as of the first Valuation
         Date following expiration of the permitted  deferment,  and transfer or
         withdrawal  will be made within seven  calendar  days  thereafter.  The
         Company will notify the  Contractholder  of any deferment  exceeding 30
         days.

     7.  Loans.

         The Company  will not make  available  a loan  option for the  contract
         described in this Prospectus.

E.   Other Contractual Provisions

     1.  Contribution Limits

         The contract prescribes no limits on the minimum Contribution which may
         be  made  to  an  Investment   Account  which   correlates  to  a  Plan
         Participant. Plan Participant maximum Contributions are discussed under
         "Federal  Tax Status."  Contributions  may also be limited by the Plan.
         The Company may also limit Contributions on 60-days notice.

     2.  Assignment

         No  benefits in the course of payment  under a contract  used to fund a
         TDA  Plan,  401(a)  Plan  or  Creditor-Exempt  Non-Qualified  Plan  are
         assignable, by any Owner of Benefits, Plan Participant,  beneficiary or
         contingent annuitant and all such benefits under such contracts,  shall
         be exempt from the claims of creditors to the maximum extent  permitted
         by law.  Benefits in the course of payment for  contracts  used to fund
         PEDC plans and General Creditor Non-Qualified Plans are assignable only
         by the  Contractholder  and such  benefits are subject to the claims of
         the Contractholder's general creditors.

         Investment  Account Values which  correlate to a Plan  Participant  are
         non-forfeitable  by the Owner of Benefits;  provided,  however,  if the
         Plan  specifically  so  provides,   Investment   Account  Values  which
         correlate to a Plan Participant shall be reduced to the extent required
         by the  vesting  provisions  of the  Plan as of the  date  the  Company
         receives Notification of the event requiring the reduction.

     3.  Cessation of Contributions

         A cessation  of  Contributions  with  respect to all Plan  Participants
         shall occur at the election of the Contractholder  upon Notification to
         the  Company,  on the  date  the  Plan  terminates  or on the  date  no
         Investment  Account Values remain under the contract or at the election
         of the Company upon 60-days notice to the  Contractholder.  Following a
         cessation of  Contributions  all terms of the contract will continue to
         apply except that no further Contributions may be made.

      4. Substitution of Securities

         If shares of an Account are not  available  at some time in the future,
         or if in the judgment of the Company further  investment in such shares
         would no longer be appropriate,  there may be substituted  therefor, or
         Contributions  received  after a date  specified  by the Company may be
         applied to purchase (i) shares of another account or another registered
         open-end investment company or (ii) securities or other property as the
         Company should in its discretion select. In the event of any investment
         pursuant to clause (ii) above,  the Company can make such changes as in
         its judgment are necessary or  appropriate in the frequency and methods
         of determination of Unit Values, Net Investment Factors, Annuity Change
         Factors,  and Investment  Account Values,  including any changes in the
         foregoing which will provide for the payment of an investment  advisory
         fee; provided,  however, that any such changes shall be made only after
         approval by the Insurance  Department of the State of Iowa. The Company
         will give written notice to each Owner of Benefits of any  substitution
         or such  change and any  substitution  will be subject to the rules and
         regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      5. Changes in the Contract

         The terms of a contract may be changed at any time by written agreement
         between the Company and the  Contractholder  without the consent of any
         Plan  Participant,  Owner  of  Benefits,   beneficiary,  or  contingent
         annuitant.  However,  except as required by law or regulation,  no such
         change  shall apply to variable  annuities  which were in the course of
         payment  prior to the  effective  date of the change.  The Company will
         notify any Contractholder affected by any change under this paragraph.

         The Company may unilaterally change the Contract at any time, including
         retroactive  changes,  in order to meet the  requirements of any law or
         regulation  issued by any  governmental  agency to which the Company is
         subject.  The Company may add  Divisions  to Separate  Account B at any
         time.  In  addition,  the Company  may, on 60-days  prior notice to the
         Contractholder,   unilaterally   change   the  basis  for   determining
         Investment  Account  Values,  the Net  Investment  Factor,  the Annuity
         Purchase Rates and the Annuity Change  Factor;  the guaranteed  annuity
         conversion rates; the Recordkeeping Expense and Contract Administration
         Charge;  and the  provisions  with  respect to  transfers  to or from a
         Companion Contract or between Investment Accounts.

         However,  no  amendment or change will apply to annuities in the course
         of payment except to the extent  necessary to meet the  requirements of
         any law or  regulation  issued  by a  governmental  agency to which the
         Company is subject.  In addition,  no change in the guaranteed  annuity
         conversion rates will take effect for a current Plan Participant if the
         effect of such amendment or change would be less favorable to the Owner
         of Benefits. Also, any change in the contract administration expense or
         recordkeeping  expense  will  not  take  affect  as to  any  Investment
         Accounts to be transferred  to an Alternate  Funding Agent if, prior to
         the date of the  amendment  or change is to take  affect,  the  Company
         receives a written request from the  Contractholder  for payment of all
         such Investment  Account Values to the Alternate Funding Agent and such
         request is not revoked.

         Furthermore,  the Company may, on 60-days notice to the  Contractholder
         affected by the change,  unilaterally  change the mortality and expense
         risks  charge  provided  that (a) the charge  shall in no event  exceed
         1.25%, (b) the charge shall not be changed more frequently than once in
         any one year period and (c) no change  shall apply to  annuities  which
         were in the  course  of  payment  prior  to the  effective  date of the
         change.

STATEMENT OF VALUES

     The Company  will  furnish each Owner of Benefits at least once during each
year a statement showing the number of units credited to the Investment  Account
or  Accounts  which  correlate  to the Plan  Participant,  Unit  Values for such
Investment Accounts and the resulting Investment Account Values.

SERVICES AVAILABLE BY TELEPHONE

     The  following  transactions  may be exercised by telephone by any Owner of
Benefits:   1)  transfers  between  Investment  Accounts;   and  2)  changes  in
Contribution allocation percentages. The telephone transactions may be exercised
by telephoning  1-800-633-1373.  Telephone transfer requests must be received by
the close of the New York Stock  Exchange  on a day when the Company is open for
business to be  effective  that day.  Requests  made after that time or on a day
when the Company is not open for business  will be effective  the next  business
day.

     Although  neither the Separate  Account nor the Company is responsible  for
the  authenticity of telephone  transaction  requests,  the right is reserved to
refuse to accept telephone  requests when in the opinion of the Company it seems
prudent  to do so.  The  Owner of  Benefits  bears  the risk of loss  caused  by
fraudulent telephone instructions the Company reasonably believes to be genuine.
The Company will employ reasonable  procedures to assure telephone  instructions
are genuine and if such  procedures are not followed,  the Company may be liable
for losses due to  unauthorized  or  fraudulent  transactions.  Such  procedures
include recording all telephone instructions, requesting personal identification
information such as the caller's name, daytime telephone number, social security
number and/or birthdate and sending a written confirmation of the transaction to
the Owner of  Benefits'  address  of  record.  Owners  of  Benefits  may  obtain
additional information and assistance by telephoning the toll free number.

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CONTRACT

     The contract,  which is  continuously  offered,  will be sold  primarily by
persons who are  insurance  agents of or brokers for the Company  authorized  by
applicable  law to sell life and other forms of personal  insurance and variable
annuities. In addition, these persons will usually be registered representatives
of Princor Financial Services  Corporation,  a Member of The Principal Financial
Group,  Des Moines,  Iowa,  50392-0200,  a  broker-dealer  registered  under the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934 and a member of the  National  Association  of
Securities Dealers, Inc. Princor Financial Services  Corporation,  the principal
underwriter, is paid for the distribution of the Contract in accordance with two
separate  schedules one of which  provides for payment of 4.5% of  Contributions
scaling down for  Contributions  in excess of $5,000 and one which  provides for
payments of 3.0% of  Contributions  scaling down for  Contributions in excess of
$50,000.  The Contract may also be sold through  other  selected  broker-dealers
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Princor Financial Services
Corporation is also the principal  underwriter for various registered investment
companies organized by the Company. Princor Financial Services Corporation is an
indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

PERFORMANCE  CALCULATION

     The  Separate  Account may publish  advertisements  containing  information
(including graphs,  charts, tables and examples) about the performance of one or
more of its  Divisions.  The  contract  was not offered  prior to July 15, 1992.
However,  the Divisions  invest in Accounts of the Principal  Variable  Contract
Fund, Inc. These Accounts correspond to open-end  investment  companies ("mutual
funds") which,  effective January 1, 1998, were reorganized into the Accounts of
the Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. as follows:

           Old Mutual Fund Name                 New Corresponding Account Name
     -----------------------------------------  ------------------------------
     Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.              Balanced Account
     Principal Bond Fund, Inc.                  Bond Account
     Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc.  Capital Value Account
     Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.       MidCap Account
     Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc. Government Securities Account
     Principal Growth Fund, Inc.                Growth Account
     Principal Money Market Fund, Inc.          Money Market Account
     Principal World Fund, Inc.                 International Account

Some of the Accounts  (under their former  names) were offered prior to the date
that the  Contract  was  available.  Thus,  the  Separate  Account  may  publish
advertisements  containing information about the hypothetical performance of one
or more of its  Divisions  for this  contract had the contract been issued on or
after the date the Account in which such Division invests was first offered. The
hypothetical  performance from the date of inception of the Account in which the
Division invests is derived by reducing the actual performance of the underlying
Account by the fees and charges of the Contract as if it had been in  existence.
The yield and total return  figures  described  below will vary  depending  upon
market conditions,  the composition of the underlying  Account's  portfolios and
operating expenses.  These factors and possible  differences in the methods used
in  calculating  yield and total return should be considered  when comparing the
Separate Account  performance figures to performance figures published for other
investment  vehicles.  The Separate  Account may also quote rankings,  yields or
returns as published  by  independent  statistical  services or  publishers  and
information  regarding  performance of certain market  indices.  Any performance
data quoted for the Separate Account represents only historical  performance and
is not intended to indicate future  performance.  For further information on how
the  Separate  Account  calculates  yield  and  total  return  figures,  see the
Statement of Additional Information.

     From  time to  time  the  Separate  Account  advertises  its  Money  Market
Division's  "yield"  and  "effective  yield."  Both yield  figures  are based on
historical  earnings and are not intended to indicate  future  performance.  The
"yield" of the division  refers to the income  generated by an investment in the
division  over  a  seven-day   period  (which  period  will  be  stated  in  the
advertisement).  This income is then "annualized." That is, the amount of income
generated by the  investment  during that week is assumed to be  generated  each
week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the  investment.  The
"effective  yield" is  calculated  similarly  but, when  annualized,  the income
earned by an  investment  in the  division  is  assumed  to be  reinvested.  The
"effective  yield"  will be  slightly  higher  than the  "yield"  because of the
compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.

     In addition,  from time to time,  the Separate  Account may  advertise  its
"yield" for the Bond  Division  and  Government  Securities  Division  for these
contracts.  The "yield" of the Divisions is determined  by  annualizing  the net
investment income per unit for a specific, historical 30-day period and dividing
the result by the ending maximum offering price of the unit for the same period.

     Also,  from time to time,  the Separate  Account will advertise the average
annual total return of its various  divisions.  The average  annual total return
for  any  of the  divisions  is  computed  by  calculating  the  average  annual
compounded  rate of return over the stated  period that would  equate an initial
$1,000 investment to the ending redeemable contract value.

VOTING RIGHTS

     The Company shall vote Account shares held in Separate Account B at regular
and special  meetings of  shareholders  of each Account,  but will follow voting
instructions  received  from persons  having the voting  interest in the Account
shares.

     The number of Account  shares as to which a person has the voting  interest
will be  determined  by the  Company  as of a date  which  will not be more than
ninety days prior to the meeting of the Account, and voting instructions will be
solicited by written communication at least ten days prior to the meeting.

     During the accumulation  period, the Owner of Benefits is the person having
the  voting  interest  in the  Account  shares  attributable  to the  Investment
Accounts which correlate to the Plan  Participant.  The number of Account shares
held in Separate Account B which are attributable to each Investment  Account is
determined by dividing the Investment  Account Value  attributable to a Division
of  Separate  Account  B by the net asset  value of one share of the  underlying
Account.

     During the annuity  period,  the person then  entitled to Variable  Annuity
Payments  has the voting  interest in the  Account  shares  attributable  to the
Variable Annuity.  The number of Account shares held in Separate Account B which
are  attributable to each Variable Annuity is determined by dividing the reserve
for the Variable Annuity by the net asset value of one Account share. The voting
interest  in the  Account  shares  attributable  to the  Variable  Annuity  will
ordinarily decrease during the annuity period since the reserve for the Variable
Annuity decreases due to the reduction in the expected payment period.

     Account shares for which Owners of Benefits or payees of Variable Annuities
are entitled to give voting instructions,  but for which none are received,  and
shares of the Account owned by the Company will be voted in the same  proportion
as the aggregate shares for which voting instructions have been received.

     Proxy  material  will be provided to each person  having a voting  interest
together with an appropriate form which may be used to give voting  instructions
to the Company.

     If the Company  determines  pursuant to applicable  law that Account shares
held in Separate  Account B need not be voted pursuant to instructions  received
from persons  otherwise  having the voting interest as provided above,  then the
Company may vote Account shares held in Separate Account B in its own right.

FEDERAL TAX STATUS

     It should be recognized that the  descriptions  below of the federal income
tax status of amounts received under the contracts are not exhaustive and do not
purport to cover all situations. A qualified tax advisor should be consulted for
complete  information.  (For the federal tax status of the Company and  Separate
Account B, see "Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B".)

A.   Taxes Payable by Owners of Benefits and Annuitants

     The  contract  offered  in  connection  with this  Prospectus  is used with
     retirement  programs which receive  favorable tax deferred  treatment under
     Federal income tax law and deferred annuity contracts  purchased with after
     tax dollars.  Annuity payments or other amounts received under the contract
     are subject to income tax withholding. The amounts withheld will vary among
     recipients  depending on the tax status of the  individual  and the type of
     payments from which taxes are withheld.

     Contributions  to  contracts  used  to  fund  Creditor-Exempt  and  General
     Creditor  Non-Qualified  Plans do not enjoy  the  advantages  available  to
     qualified retirement plans, but Contributions invested in contracts used to
     Fund   Creditor-Exempt   Non-qualified   Retirement   Plans   may   receive
     tax-deferred treatment of the earnings, until distributed from the contract
     as retirement benefits.

     1.  Tax-Deferred Annuity Plans-- (Section 403(b) Annuities for Employees of
         Certain Tax-Exempt Organizations or Public Educational Institutions)

         Contributions.  Under  section  403(b)  of the Code,  payments  made by
         certain  employers  (i.e.,   tax-exempt   organizations,   meeting  the
         requirements  of section  501(c)(3) of the Code and public  educational
         institutions)  to purchase  annuity  contracts for their  employees are
         excludable  from the gross  income of  employees to the extent that the
         aggregate Purchase Payments do not exceed the limitations prescribed by
         section 402(g),  section  403(b)(2),  and section 415 of the Code. This
         gross income exclusion applies to employer  contributions and voluntary
         salary reduction contributions.

         An individual's voluntary salary reduction  contributions under section
         403(b) are  generally  limited to the lesser of $9,500 or 25 percent of
         net  salary  (or 20  percent  of  gross  salary);  additional  catch-up
         contributions  are  permitted  under  certain  circumstances.  Combined
         employer and salary reduction  contributions  are generally  limited to
         approximately  25 percent of net salary.  In  addition,  for plan years
         beginning after December 31, 1988,  employer  contributions must comply
         with various  nondiscrimination  rules; these rules may have the effect
         of  further  limiting  the rate of  employer  contributions  for highly
         compensated employees.

         Taxation  of   Distributions.   Distributions   are   restricted.   The
         restrictions  apply to amounts  accumulated  after  December  31,  1988
         (including  voluntary  contributions  after that date and  earnings  on
         prior and current voluntary contributions).  These restrictions require
         that no  distributions  will be permitted prior to one of the following
         events: (1) attainment of age 59 1/2, (2) separation from service,  (3)
         death, (4) disability,  or (5) hardship (hardship distributions will be
         limited to the amount of salary  reduction  contributions  exclusive of
         earnings thereon).

         All  distributions  from a section  403(b)  Plan are taxed as  ordinary
         income of the recipient in  accordance  with section 72 of the Code and
         are  subject  to 20%  income tax  withholding.  Distributions  received
         before the recipient  attains age 59 1/2 generally are subject to a 10%
         penalty tax in addition to regular  income tax.  Certain  distributions
         are excepted from this penalty tax, including  distributions  following
         (1) death, (2) disability,  (3) separation from service during or after
         the year the Participant reaches age 55, (4) separation from service at
         any age if the  distribution  is in the form of payments  over the life
         (or life  expectancy) of the Plan  Participant (or the Plan Participant
         and Beneficiary), and (5) distributions not in excess of tax deductible
         medical expenses.

         Required  Distributions.  Generally,  distributions from section 403(b)
         Plans  must  commence  no  later  than  April  1 of the  calendar  year
         following the calendar year in which the Plan  Participant  attains age
         70 1/2 and such  distributions must be made over a period that does not
         exceed  the  life  expectancy  of the  Plan  Participant  (or the  Plan
         Participant   and   Beneficiary).   Plan   Participants   employed   by
         governmental  entities and certain church  organizations  may delay the
         commencement  of payments  until April 1 of the calendar year following
         retirement if they remain employed after attaining age 70 1/2. However,
         upon the death of the Plan  Participant  prior to the  commencement  of
         annuity  payments,  the amount  accumulated  under the contract must be
         distributed  within five years or, if  distributions  to a  beneficiary
         designated  under the  contract  commence  within  one year of the Plan
         Participant's  death,  distributions are permitted over the life of the
         beneficiary  or over a period not  extending  beyond the  beneficiary's
         life  expectancy.  If the  Plan  Participant  has  commenced  receiving
         annuity   distributions   prior  to  the  Plan   Participant's   death,
         distributions  must continue at least as rapidly as under the method in
         effect at the date of death.  Amounts  accumulated  under a contract on
         December  31,  1986,  are not  subject to these  minimum  distributions
         requirements.  A penalty  tax of 50% will be  imposed  on the amount by
         which the minimum required  distribution in any year exceeds the amount
         actually distributed in that year.

         Tax-Free  Transfers and  Rollovers.  The Code provides for the tax-free
         exchange of one annuity contract for another annuity contract,  and the
         IRS has ruled that total or partial amounts transferred between section
         403(b)  annuity  contracts  and/or  403(b)(7)  custodial  accounts  may
         qualify as tax-free exchanges under certain circumstances. In addition,
         section  403(b) of the Code  permits  tax-free  rollovers  of  eligible
         rollover  distributions  from  section  403(b)  programs to  Individual
         Retirement Accounts (IRAs) under certain circumstances.  If an eligible
         rollover  distribution  is  taken as a  direct  rollover  to an IRA (or
         another 403(b) plan) the mandatory 20% income tax withholding  does not
         apply. However, the 20% mandatory withholding requirement does apply to
         an  eligible  rollover  distribution  that  is  not  made  as a  direct
         rollover. In addition, such a rollover must be completed within 60 days
         of receipt of the distribution.

     2.  Public Employee  Deferred  Compensation  Plans--  (Section 457 Unfunded
         Deferred   Compensation   Plans  of  Public  Employers  and  Tax-Exempt
         Organizations)

         Contributions.  Under section 457 of the Code,  individuals who perform
         services for a unit of a state or local government may participate in a
         deferred  compensation  program.  Tax-exempt  employers  may  establish
         deferred  compensation  plans under section 457 only for a select group
         of  management  or  highly  compensated  employees  and/or  independent
         contractors.

         This  type of  program  allows  individuals  to defer  the  receipt  of
         compensation   which  would  otherwise  be  presently  payable  and  to
         therefore  defer the payment of Federal  income  taxes on the  amounts.
         Assuming  that the program  meets the  requirements  to be considered a
         Public  Employee  Deferred  Compensation  Plan  (an  "PEDC  Plan"),  an
         individual  may  contribute  (and thereby defer from current income for
         tax  purposes)  the  lesser of  $7,500  or  331/3%  of the  individuals
         includible  compensation.  (Includible  compensation means compensation
         from the  employer  which is  current  includible  in gross  income for
         Federal tax purposes.) During the last three years before an individual
         attains  normal  retirement  age,  additional  catch-up  deferrals  are
         permitted.

         The amounts  which are deferred may be used by the employer to purchase
         the contract offered by this  Prospectus.  The contract is owned by the
         employer  and,  in fact,  is subject  to the  claims of the  employer's
         creditors. The employee has no present rights or vested interest in the
         contract and is only  entitled to payment in  accordance  with the PEDC
         Plan provisions.

         Taxation of  Distributions.  Amounts  received by an individual from an
         PEDC Plan are  includible in gross income for the taxable year in which
         such amounts are paid or otherwise made available.

         Distributions Before Separation from Service.  Distributions  generally
         are not permitted  under an PEDC Plan prior to separation  from service
         except  for  unforeseeable  emergencies.  Emergency  distributions  are
         includible  in the gross income of the  individual in the year in which
         paid.

         Required Distributions.  The minimum distribution requirements for PEDC
         Plans are generally  the same as those for qualified  plans and section
         403(b)  Plans  Contracts,  except  that no amounts  are  exempted  from
         minimum distribution requirements.

         Tax Free  Transfers and  Rollovers.  Federal income tax law permits the
         tax free transfer of PEDC Plan amounts to another PEDC Plan, but not to
         an IRA or other type of plan.

     3.  401(a) Plans

         Contributions.  Under  Section  401(a)  of the Code,  payments  made by
         employers  to  purchase  annuity  Contracts  for  their  employees  are
         excludable  from the gross  income of  employees to the extent that the
         aggregate Purchase Payments do not exceed the limitations prescribed by
         section  402(g),  and  section  415  of the  Code.  This  gross  income
         exclusion  applies  to  employer  contributions  and  voluntary  salary
         reduction contributions.

         An individual's  voluntary salary reduction  contributions for a 401(k)
         plan are generally limited to $10,000 (1998 limit).

         For 401(a)  qualified  plans,  the maximum annual  contribution  that a
         member  can  receive  is  limited  to the  lesser of 25% of  includible
         compensation or $30,000.

         Taxation  of  Distributions.   Distributions   are  restricted.   These
         restrictions require that no distributions of employer contributions or
         salary  deferrals  will  be  permitted  prior  to one of the  following
         events: (1) attainment of age 59 1/2, (2) separation from service,  (3)
         death,  (4)  disability,  or (5) for  certain  401(a)  Plans,  hardship
         (hardship  distributions  will  be  limited  to the  amount  of  salary
         reduction  contributions  exclusive  of earnings  thereon).  In-service
         distributions  may be permitted under various  circumstances in certain
         plans.

         All  distributions  from a section  401(a)  Plan are taxed as  ordinary
         income of the  recipient  in  accordance  with  section 72 of the Code.
         Distributions   received  before  the  recipient  attains  age  59  1/2
         generally  are  subject to a 10%  penalty  tax in  addition  to regular
         income tax. Certain  distributions  are excepted from this penalty tax,
         including  distributions  following  (1)  death,  (2)  disability,   3)
         separation  from service during or after the year the Plan  Participant
         reaches  age  55,  (4)  separation  from  service  at  any  age  if the
         distribution  is in the  form  of  payments  over  the  life  (or  life
         expectancy)  of the  Plan  Participant  (or the  Plan  Participant  and
         Beneficiary),  and (5)  distributions  not in excess of tax  deductible
         medical expenses.

         Required  Distributions.  Generally,  distributions from section 401(a)
         Plans  must  commence  no  later  than  April  1 of the  calendar  year
         following the calendar year in which the Participant attains age 70 1/2
         and such  distributions must be made over a period that does not exceed
         the life expectancy of the Plan  Participant  (or the Plan  Participant
         and  Beneficiary).  Following  the death of the Plan  Participant,  the
         distribution  requirements  are generally  the same as those  described
         with respect to 403(b)  Plans.  A penalty tax of 50% will be imposed on
         the  amount  by which the  minimum  required  distribution  in any year
         exceeds the amount actually distributed in that year.

         Tax-Free  Transfers and  Rollovers.  The Code provides for the tax-free
         exchange  of  one  annuity  contract  for  another  annuity   contract.
         Distributions  from a 401(a) Plan may also be transferred to a Rollover
         IRA.

     4.  Creditor-Exempt Non-Qualified Plans

         Certain employers may establish  Creditor-Exempt  Non-Qualified  Plans.
         Under  such  Plans  the  employer  formally  funds  the Plan  either by
         purchasing an annuity  contract or by  transferring  funds on behalf of
         Plan  Participants to a trust  established for the benefit of such Plan
         Participants  with a  direction  to the  trustee  to use the  funds  to
         purchase an annuity contract.  The Trustee is the Contractholder and is
         considered the nominal owner of the contract.  Each Plan Participant as
         a Trust beneficiary,  is an Owner of Benefits under the contract and is
         treated as the owner for income tax purposes.

         Taxation of Contract  Earnings.  Since each Plan Participant for income
         tax  purposes  is  considered  the owner of the  Investment  Account or
         Accounts  which  correlate  to  such  Participant,  any  increase  in a
         Participant's  Investment  Account Value  resulting from the investment
         performance  of the  Contract  is not  taxable to the Plan  Participant
         until received by such Plan Participant.

         Contributions.  Payments made by the employer to the Trust on behalf of
         a Plan Participant are currently  includible in the Plan  Participant's
         gross income as additional  compensation  and, if such payments coupled
         with the Plan Participant's other compensation is reasonable in amount,
         such payments are currently deductible as compensation by the Employer.

         Taxation of  Distributions.  In general,  partial  redemptions  from an
         Investment  Account that are not received by a Plan  Participant  as an
         annuity  under  the  contract   allocated  to   post-August   13,  1982
         Contributions under a preexisting contract are taxed as ordinary income
         to the extent of the  accumulated  income or gain  under the  contract.
         Partial  redemptions  from a contract  that are allocated to pre-August
         14, 1982  Contributions  under a  preexisting  contract  are taxed only
         after the Plan  Participant  has received all of the "investment in the
         contract"  (Contributions  less any  amounts  previously  received  and
         excluded from gross income).

         In the case of a complete redemption of an Investment Account under the
         contract (regardless of the date of purchase), the amount received will
         be taxed as  ordinary  income to the extent  that it  exceeds  the Plan
         Participant's investment in the contract.

         If a Plan Participant  purchases two or more contracts from the Company
         (or an affiliated company) within any twelve month period after October
         21, 1988, those contracts are treated as a single contract for purposes
         of measuring the income on a partial redemption or complete surrender.

         When  payments  are  received  as an  annuity,  the Plan  Participant's
         investment  in the  contract  is treated as received  ratably  over the
         expected  payment  period of the annuity and excluded from gross income
         as a tax-free  return of capital.  Individuals  who commence  receiving
         annuity  payments on or after January 1, 1987,  can exclude from income
         only  their  unrecovered   investment  in  the  contract.   Where  such
         individuals die before they have recovered  their entire  investment in
         the  contract on a tax-free  basis,  are entitled to a deduction of the
         unrecovered amount on their final tax return.

         In addition to regular income taxes,  there is a 10% penalty tax on the
         taxable portion of a distribution  received before the Plan Participant
         attains age 59 1/2 under the contract,  unless the distribution is; (1)
         made to a Beneficiary  on or after death of the Plan  Participant,  (2)
         made upon the disability of the Plan Participant;  (3) part of a series
         of substantially equal annuity payments for the life or life expectancy
         of the Plan Participant or the Plan  Participant and  Beneficiary;  (4)
         made  under  an  immediate  annuity  contract,   or  (5)  allocable  to
         Contributions made prior to August 14, 1982.

         Required  Distributions.  The Internal  Revenue Code does not require a
         Plan Participant under a Creditor-Exempt Non-Qualified Plan to commence
         receiving  distributions  at any particular time and does not limit the
         duration  of annuity  payments.  However,  the  contract  provides  the
         Annuity  Commencement  Date  must be no later  than the  April 1 of the
         calendar  year  following  the calendar  year in which the  Participant
         attains  age 70 1/2.  However,  upon the death of the Plan  Participant
         prior to the commencement of annuity payments,  the amount  accumulated
         under  the  contract  must be  distributed  within  five  years  or, if
         distributions to a beneficiary  designated under the contract  commence
         within  one year of the Plan  Participant's  death,  distributions  are
         permitted  over  the  life  of the  beneficiary  or over a  period  not
         extending  beyond  the  beneficiary's  life  expectancy.  If  the  Plan
         Participant has commenced receiving annuity  distributions prior to the
         Plan  Participant's  death,  distributions  must  continue  at least as
         rapidly as under the method in effect at the date of death.

         Tax-Free Exchanges. Under Section 1035 of the Code, the exchange of one
         annuity  contract  for  another  is not a taxable  transaction,  but is
         reportable to the IRS. Transferring Investment Account Values from this
         contract to a Companion  Contract  would fall within the  provisions of
         Section 1035 of the Code.

     5.  General Creditor Non-Qualified Plans

         Contributions.  Private  taxable  employers  may  establish  informally
         funded,  General  Creditor  Non-Qualified  Plans for a select  group of
         management  or  highly   compensated   employees   and/or   independent
         contractors.  Certain  arrangements of nonprofit employers entered into
         prior to August 16, 1989, and not subsequently modified, are subject to
         the rules discussed below.

         Informally funded General Creditor Non-Qualified Plans represent a bare
         contractual  promise on the part of the  employer  to pay wages at some
         future  time.  The  contract  used to  informally  fund the  employer's
         obligation is owned by the employer and is subject to the claims of the
         employer's  creditors.  The Plan  Participant  has no present  right or
         vested  interest  in the  contract  and is only  entitled to payment in
         accordance   with  Plan   provisions.   If  the  Employer  who  is  the
         Contractholder,  is not a natural person, the contract does not receive
         tax-deferred   treatment  afforded  other   Contractholders  under  the
         Internal Revenue Code.

         Taxation of  Distributions.  Amounts  received by an individual  from a
         General  Creditor  Non-Qualified  Plan are includible in the employee's
         gross  income for the  taxable  year in which such  amounts are paid or
         otherwise made  available.  Such amounts are deductible by the employer
         when paid to the individual.

B.   Fund Diversification

     Separate Account  investments  must be adequately  diversified in order for
     the  increase in the value of  Creditor-Exempt  Non-Qualified  Contracts to
     receive tax-deferred treatment. In order to be adequately diversified,  the
     portfolio of each  underlying  Account must, as of the end of each calendar
     quarter or within 30 days  thereafter,  have no more than 55% of its assets
     invested  in any one  investment,  70% in any two  investments,  80% in any
     three investments and 90% in any four investments. Failure of an Account to
     meet the  diversification  requirements  could  result in tax  liability to
     Creditor-Exempt Non-Qualified Contractholders.

     The investment  opportunities of the Accounts could  conceivably be limited
     by adhering to the above  diversification  requirements.  This would affect
     all   Contractholders,   including  those  owners  of  contracts  for  whom
     diversification is not a requirement for tax-deferred treatment.

STATE REGULATION

     The Company is subject to the laws of the State of Iowa governing insurance
companies and to regulation by the Insurance Department of the State of Iowa. An
annual  statement  in a  prescribed  form  must be filed by March 1 in each year
covering the  operations of the Company for the preceding year and its financial
condition  on  December  31st of such year.  Its books and assets are subject to
review or examination by the  Commissioner  of Insurance of the State of Iowa or
his  representatives  at all times,  and a full examination of its operations is
conducted  periodically by the National Association of Insurance  Commissioners.
Iowa law and regulations also prescribe permissible  investments,  but this does
not involve supervision of the investment management or policy of the Company.

     In addition,  the Company is subject to the insurance laws and  regulations
of other states and jurisdictions in which it is licensed to operate. Generally,
the insurance  departments of these states and  jurisdictions  apply the laws of
the state of domicile in determining the field of permissible investments.

LEGAL OPINIONS

     Legal matters applicable to the issue and sale of the contracts,  including
the right of the Company to issue  contracts under Iowa Insurance Law, have been
passed upon by Gregg Narber, Vice President and General Counsel of the Company.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     There are no legal  proceedings  pending to which  Separate  Account B is a
party or which would materially affect Separate Account B.

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

     This  Prospectus  omits some  information  contained  in the  Statement  of
Additional  Information (or Part B of the Registration  Statement) and Part C of
the  Registration  Statement which the Company has filed with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission.   The  Statement  of  Additional   Information  is  hereby
incorporated  by  reference  into this  Prospectus.  A copy of the  Statement of
Additional  Information can be obtained upon request, free of charge, by writing
or telephoning Princor Financial Services Corporation.  You may obtain a copy of
Part C of the  Registration  Statement  filed with the  Securities  and Exchange
Commission,  Washington, D.C. from the Commission upon payment of the prescribed
fees.

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     The  financial  statements  of  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company
Separate  Account B and the consolidated  financial  statements of The Principal
Financial Group(R) (comprised of Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company and its
subsidiaries) which are included in the Statement of Additional Information have
been  audited  by  Ernst & Young  LLP,  independent  auditors,  for the  periods
indicated in their  reports  thereon which appear in the Statement of Additional
Information.

CONTRACTHOLDERS' INQUIRIES

     Contractholders' inquiries should be directed to Princor Financial Services
Corporation,  A Member  of The  Principal  Financial  Group,  Des  Moines,  Iowa
50392-0200, (515) 247-5711.

TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

     The table of  contents  for the  Statement  of  Additional  Information  is
provided below.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                            Page

     Independent Auditors...................................................  3

     Underwriting Commissions...............................................  3

     Calculation of Yield and Total Return..................................  3

     Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B

              Report of Independent Auditors................................  5

              Financial Statements..........................................  6

     The Principal Financial Group(R)

              Report of Independent Auditors................................ 23

              Financial Statements.......................................... 24


     To  obtain  a copy of the  Statement  of  Additional  Information,  free of
charge, write or telephone:

                     Princor Financial Services Corporation
                                   a Member of
                          The Principal Financial Group
                            Des Moines, IA 50392-0200
                            Telephone: 1-800-633-1373
<PAGE>
                                     PART B

           PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

             PREMIER VARIABLE (A GROUP VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT FOR

        EMPLOYER- SPONSORED QUALIFIED AND NON-QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS)


                       Statement of Additional Information

   
                                dated May 1, 1998


         This Statement of Additional  Information  provides  information  about
Principal  Mutual Life Insurance  Company  Separate Account B Premier Variable -
Group Variable Annuity Contracts (the "Contract" or the "Contracts") in addition
to the  information  that  is  contained  in the  Contract's  Prospectus,  dated
May 1, 1998.
    

         This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should
be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which can be obtained free
of charge by writing or telephoning:



                     Princor Financial Services Corporation
                                   a Member of
                          The Principal Financial Group
                           Des Moines, Iowa 50392-0200
                            Telephone: 1-800-633-1373

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page

Independent Auditors .......................................................  3

Underwriting Commissions....................................................  3

Calculation of Yield and Total Return.......................................  3

Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B

         Report of Independent Auditors.....................................  5

         Financial Statements...............................................  6

The Principal Financial Group(R)

         Report of Independent Auditors..................................... 23

         Financial Statements............................................... 24


INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

Ernst & Young LLP, Des Moines, Iowa, serve as independent auditors for Principal
Mutual Life Insurance  Company  Separate  Account B and The Principal  Financial
Group and perform audit and accounting  services for Separate  Account B and The
Principal Financial Group.

UNDERWRITING COMMISSIONS

Aggregate  dollar  amount of  underwriting  commissions  paid to and retained by
Princor Financial Services Corporation for all Separate Account B contracts:

   
                Year                    Paid To                    Retained by
                ----                --------------                 -----------
                1997                $11,491,356.06                    $340.24
                1996                $11,090,837.12                 $14,528.47
                1995                 $5,326,848.77                 $26,014.78
    

CALCULATION OF YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN

The  Separate  Account  may  publish   advertisements   containing   information
(including graphs,  charts, tables and examples) about the performance of one or
more of its  Divisions.  The  contract  was not offered  prior to July 15, 1992.
However,  the Divisions  invest in Accounts of the Principal  Variable  Contract
Fund, Inc. These Accounts correspond to open-end  investment  companies ("mutual
funds") which,  effective January 1, 1998, were reorganized into the Accounts of
the Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. as follows:

           Old Mutual Fund Name                   New Corresponding Account Name
           --------------------                   ------------------------------
     Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.                 Balanced Account
     Principal Bond Fund, Inc.                     Bond Account
     Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc.     Capital Value Account
     Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.          MidCap Account
     Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc.    Government Securities Account
     Principal Growth Fund, Inc.                   Growth Account
     Principal Money Market Fund, Inc.             Money Market Account
     Principal World Fund, Inc.                    International Account

Some of the Accounts  (under their former  names) were offered prior to the date
that the  Contract  was  available.  Thus,  the  Separate  Account  may  publish
advertisements  containing information about the hypothetical performance of one
or more of its  Divisions  for this  contract had the contract been issued on or
after the date the Account in which such Division invests was first offered. The
hypothetical  performance from the date of inception of the Account in which the
Division invests is derived by reducing the actual performance of the underlying
Account by the fees and charges of the Contract as if it had been in  existence.
The yield and total return  figures  described  below will vary  depending  upon
market conditions,  the composition of the underlying  Account's  portfolios and
operating expenses.  These factors and possible  differences in the methods used
in  calculating  yield and total return should be considered  when comparing the
Separate Account  performance figures to performance figures published for other
investment  vehicles.  The Separate  Account may also quote rankings,  yields or
returns as published  by  independent  statistical  services or  publishers  and
information  regarding  performance of certain market  indices.  Any performance
data quoted for the Separate Account represents only historical  performance and
is not intended to indicate future performance.

From time to time the Account advertises its Money Market Division's "yield" and
"effective  yield"  for  these  contracts.  Both  yield  figures  are  based  on
historical  earnings and are not intended to indicate  future  performance.  The
"yield" of the Division  refers to the income  generated by an investment  under
the  contract in the  Division  over a seven-day  period  (which  period will be
stated in the  advertisement).  This income is then  "annualized."  That is, the
amount of income  generated by the investment  during that week is assumed to be
generated  each week over a 52-week  period and is shown as a percentage  of the
investment.  The "effective yield" is calculated similarly but, when annualized,
the income earned by an investment in the division is assumed to be  reinvested.
The "effective  yield" will be slightly  higher than the "yield"  because of the
compounding  effect  of  this  assumed  reinvestment.  Neither  yield  quotation
reflects sales load deducted from purchase  payments which,  if included,  would
reduce the "yield" and  "effective  yield." For the period  ending  December 31,
1997,  the  7-day   annualized  and  effective  yields  were  4.91%  and  5.03%,
respectively.

From time to time, the Separate  Account will advertise the average annual total
return of its various  divisions for these  contracts.  The average annual total
return for any of the divisions is computed by  calculating  the average  annual
compounded  rate of return over the stated  period that would  equate an initial
$1,000 investment to the ending redeemable contract value.

Assuming the  contract  had been offered as of the dates  indicated in the table
below,  the  hypothetical  average  annual total returns for the periods  ending
December 31, 1997 are:

                                          One Year    Five Year    Ten Year
                                          --------    ---------    --------

         Balanced Division                 17.43%     12.17%       12.57%
         Bond Division                     10.13%      8.06%        9.25%
         Capital Value Division            27.99%     17.38%       14.84%
         Government Securities Division     9.92%      7.00%        8.99%
         Growth Division                   26.43%     18.56%(1)    18.56%(1)
         International Division            11.77%     12.26%(1)    12.26%(1)
         MidCap Division                   22.24%     17.76%       17.89%
         Money Market Division              4.76%      4.08%        5.25%

(1) Period from May 2, 1994 - December 31, 1997
<PAGE>
   
                         Report of Independent Auditors


Board of Directors and Participants
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company

We have audited the  accompanying  statement  of net assets of Principal  Mutual
Life  Insurance  Company  Separate  Account  B  (comprising,  respectively,  the
Aggressive  Growth,  Asset  Allocation,  Balanced,  Bond,  Capital  Accumulation
[formerly Common Stock], Emerging Growth,  Government Securities,  Growth, Money
Market and World Divisions) as of December 31, 1997, and the related  statements
of operations for the year then ended, and changes in net assets for each of the
two  years  in the  period  then  ended.  These  financial  statements  are  the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company  Separate  Account  B at  December  31,  1997,  and the  results  of its
operations  for the year then ended,  and the changes in its net assets for each
of the two years in the period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
February 6, 1998


                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                             Statement of Net Assets

                                December 31, 1997




Assets
Investments:
   Aggressive Growth Division:
     Principal Aggressive Growth Fund, Inc. 
     - 8,837,189 shares at net asset value of
       $16.29 per share (cost - $130,476,835)                 $   143,957,816
   Asset Allocation Division:
     Principal Asset Allocation Fund, Inc. 
     - 4,062,978 shares at net asset value of
       $11.94 per share (cost - $47,157,543)                       48,511,958
   Balanced Division:
     Principal Balanced Fund, Inc. 
     - 8,194,665 shares at net asset value
       of $15.51 per share (cost - $119,970,977)                  127,099,255
   Bond Division:
     Principal Bond Fund, Inc. 
     - 6,238,528 shares at net asset value of $11.78 per
       share (cost - $72,060,219)                                  73,489,868
   Capital Accumulation Division:
     Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc. 
     - 7,779,594 shares at net asset value
       of $34.61 per share (cost - $229,832,981)                  269,251,746
   Emerging Growth Division:
     Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
     - 5,753,822 shares at net
       asset value of $35.47 per share (cost - $160,618,242)      204,088,063
   Government Securities Division:
     Principal Government Securities Fund, Inc. 
     - 8,661,755 shares at net
       asset value of $10.72 per share (cost - $90,494,835)        92,854,016
   Growth Division:
     Principal Growth Fund, Inc. 
     - 9,634,743 shares at net asset value of $17.21 per
       share (cost - $127,634,315)                                165,813,925
   Money Market Division:
     Principal Money Market Fund, Inc.
     - 41,680,409 shares at net asset value (cost)
       of $1.00 per share                                          41,680,409
   World Division:
     Principal World Fund, Inc. 
     - 8,736,413 shares at net asset value of $13.90 per
       share (cost - $108,352,082)                                121,436,154
                                                              ==================
Net assets                                                     $1,288,183,210
                                                              ==================


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                       Statement of Net Assets (continued)


                                                              Unit
                                               Units         Value
                                           ---------------------------
                                           ---------------------------
Net assets are represented by:
   Aggressive Growth Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
<S>                                           <C>            <C>      <C>            
       The Principal Variable Annuity          6,076,848     $23.69   $   143,957,816

   Asset Allocation Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       The Principal Variable Annuity          3,134,106      15.48        48,511,958

   Balanced Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       Personal Variable                       1,774,584       1.59         2,825,449
       Premier Variable                       10,616,578       1.60        17,024,170
       The Principal Variable Annuity          6,717,196      15.97       107,249,636
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                          127,099,255
   Bond Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       Personal Variable                         487,134       1.37           669,514
       Premier Variable                        4,008,632       1.38         5,548,762
       The Principal Variable Annuity          5,017,212      13.41        67,271,592
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                           73,489,868
   Capital Accumulation Division:
     Currently payable annuity contracts:
       Bankers Flexible Annuity                    4,940      27.86           137,623
       Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA        58,464       5.79           338,216
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       Bankers Flexible Annuity                  253,763      27.86         7,072,314
       Pension Builder Plus                    1,623,560       5.25         8,527,296
       Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA       337,900       5.79         1,957,469
       Personal Variable                       3,443,348       2.35         8,089,748
       Premier Variable                       21,339,196       2.38        50,737,614
       The Principal Variable Annuity          9,319,979      20.64       192,391,466
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                          269,251,746
   Emerging Growth Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       Personal Variable                       1,477,705       1.87         2,756,807
       Premier Variable                        9,535,648       1.88        17,916,711
       The Principal Variable Annuity          9,820,491      18.68       183,414,545
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                      -----------------
                                                                          204,088,063
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                       Statement of Net Assets (continued)


                                                              Unit
                                               Units         Value
                                              ------------------------
Net assets are represented by (continued):
   Government Securities Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
<S>                                           <C>           <C>       <C>              
       Pension Builder Plus                      630,389    $  2.04   $     1,285,125
       Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA       191,639       2.15           412,091
       Personal Variable                       1,815,860       1.41         2,568,214
       Premier Variable                        7,686,485       1.43        11,002,038
       The Principal Variable Annuity          5,945,573      13.05        77,586,548
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                           92,854,016
   Growth Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       Personal Variable                       1,575,071       1.76         2,776,351
       Premier Variable                       11,441,482       1.78        20,311,716
       The Principal Variable Annuity          7,898,308      18.07       142,725,858
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                          165,813,925
   Money Market Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       Pension Builder Plus                      419,049       1.89           791,079
       Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA        15,736       1.97            30,919
       Personal Variable                       1,056,335       1.22         1,288,642
       Premier Variable                        6,514,874       1.24         8,043,427
       The Principal Variable Annuity          2,752,166      11.46        31,526,342
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                           41,680,409
   World Division:
     Contracts in accumulation period:
       Personal Variable                       1,014,143       1.51         1,528,673
       Premier Variable                        7,683,950       1.52        11,665,158
       The Principal Variable Annuity          7,315,787      14.80       108,242,323
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                      ---------------
                                                                          121,436,154
                                                                      ===============
Net assets                                                             $1,288,183,210
                                                                      ===============

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                             Statement of Operations

                          Year ended December 31, 1997

                                                               Aggressive        Asset
                                                                 Growth        Allocation       Balanced
                                                 Combined       Division        Division        Division
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
Investment income
Income:
<S>                                            <C>            <C>              <C>            <C>         
   Dividends                                   $  26,459,170  $     312,225    $1,077,121     $  3,376,218
   Capital gains distributions                    56,985,223     18,029,173     4,384,438        7,773,294
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  83,444,393     18,341,398     5,461,559       11,149,512
Expenses:
   Mortality and expense risks                    11,823,513      1,304,906       483,755        1,111,972
   Administration charges                            428,566         70,552         5,431           23,650
   Contingent sales charges                          910,028         90,527        33,143           70,179
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  13,162,107      1,465,985       522,329        1,205,801
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income                             70,282,286     16,875,413     4,939,230        9,943,711

Realized and unrealized gains on investments
Net realized gains on investments                  5,671,902        464,006        63,749          453,888
Change in net unrealized appreciation/
   depreciation of investments                   102,587,382      9,210,372       744,626        4,610,751
                                             ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                             ================================================================
Net increase in net assets resulting from
   operations                                  $ 178,541,570  $  26,549,791    $5,747,605     $ 15,008,350
                                             ================================================================



See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Capital        Emerging      Government                                
      Bond       Accumulation       Growth       Securities        Growth      Money Market        World
    Division       Division        Division       Division        Division       Division         Division
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


<S>               <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>           <C>              <C>       
   $4,339,765     $  4,842,536   $  1,294,027    $5,339,599      $  1,759,897  $2,092,152       $2,025,630
            -       18,095,200      4,080,946           994           992,232           -        3,628,946
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    4,339,765       22,937,736      5,374,973     5,340,593         2,752,129   2,092,152        5,654,576

      711,411        2,217,279      1,927,784       951,497         1,503,368     439,153        1,172,388
       10,673          148,936         65,058        30,496            32,657      15,637           25,476
       49,219          157,869        148,402        79,876           103,766      92,239           84,808
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      771,303        2,524,084      2,141,244     1,061,869         1,639,791     547,029        1,282,672
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    3,568,462       20,413,652      3,233,729     4,278,724         1,112,338   1,545,123        4,371,904



      110,974        2,848,843        507,365       274,681           452,453           -          495,943

    1,830,541       27,562,078     26,108,957     2,797,737        27,128,828           -        2,593,492
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   $5,509,977     $ 50,824,573   $ 29,850,051    $7,351,142      $ 28,693,619  $1,545,123       $7,461,339
============================================================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                       Statements of Changes in Net Assets



                                                                    Aggressive        Asset
                                                                      Growth       Allocation        Balanced
                                                     Combined        Division       Division         Division
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                 <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>        
Net assets at January 1, 1996                       $ 346,611,319   $19,198,047    $10,841,100     $21,263,022

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                               42,965,843     6,438,884      2,095,725       5,153,250
   Net realized gains on investments                   11,061,913     1,143,445        188,720          98,838
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/
     depreciation of investments                       32,048,646     3,397,775        206,378       1,366,906
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
   operations                                          86,076,402    10,980,104      2,490,823       6,618,994
Changes from principal transactions:
   Purchase payments, less sales charges, per
     payment fees and applicable premium taxes        694,702,137    55,392,385     19,059,581      52,586,838
   Contract terminations                              (66,787,528)   (1,366,444)    (1,010,182)     (1,643,846)
   Death benefit payments                                (668,045)       (2,653)             -        (126,235)
   Flexible withdrawal option payments                 (3,510,262)     (159,580)      (189,515)       (377,428)
   Transfer payments to other contracts              (250,275,882)  (11,214,670)    (1,169,128)     (2,842,813)
   Annuity payments                                       (50,538)            -              -               -
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in net assets from principal
   transactions                                       373,409,882    42,649,038     16,690,756      47,596,516
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                        459,486,284    53,629,142     19,181,579      54,215,510
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  ================================================================
Net assets at December 31, 1996                     $ 806,097,603   $72,827,189    $30,022,679     $75,478,532
                                                  ================================================================

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Capital         Emerging       Government                         Money  
       Bond      Accumulation        Growth        Securities        Growth          Market          World
      Divison      Division         Divison         Division        Division        Division       Division
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>        
   $18,628,633     $103,657,763   $  42,184,948     $45,442,936    $37,903,233    $  22,309,488   $25,182,149



     2,403,702       18,674,002       1,752,277       3,505,098        499,338        1,183,113     1,260,454
        84,385        7,614,291       1,000,612         266,471        216,275                -       448,876

      (906,639)       1,107,485      12,364,939      (1,358,430)     7,137,078                -     8,733,154
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     1,581,448       27,395,778      15,117,828       2,413,139      7,852,691        1,183,113    10,442,484


    38,496,000       82,813,992      73,546,898      53,225,139     59,193,247      219,306,074    41,081,983
    (1,339,557)     (38,943,389)     (2,654,193)    (10,402,344)    (3,020,145)      (4,638,362)   (1,769,066)
      (137,325)         (44,752)        (23,654)        (97,177)       (49,795)        (155,982)      (30,472)
      (515,754)        (358,969)       (309,539)       (698,302)      (305,373)        (433,930)     (161,872)
    (5,556,718)     (10,263,824)     (5,574,745)     (9,462,239)    (3,143,472)    (196,832,039)   (4,216,234)
             -          (50,538)              -               -              -                -             -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    30,946,646       33,152,520      64,984,767      32,565,077     52,674,462       17,245,761    34,904,339
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    32,528,094       60,548,298      80,102,595      34,978,216     60,527,153       18,428,874    45,346,823
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================================================
   $51,156,727     $164,206,061    $122,287,543     $80,421,152    $98,430,386    $  40,738,362   $70,528,972
================================================================================================================
</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                 Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)





                                                                       Aggressive         Asset
                                                                    Growth Division    Allocation        Balanced
                                                      Combined                          Division         Division
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                                                <C>                <C>              <C>             <C>          
Net assets at January 1, 1997                      $   806,097,603    $  72,827,189    $30,022,679     $  75,478,532

Increase (decrease) in net assets
Operations:
   Net investment income                                70,282,286       16,875,413      4,939,230         9,943,711
   Net realized gains on investments                     5,671,902          464,006         63,749           453,888
   Change in net unrealized appreciation/
     depreciation of investments                       102,587,382        9,210,372        744,626         4,610,751
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
   operations                                          178,541,570       26,549,791      5,747,605        15,008,350
Changes from principal transactions:
   Purchase payments, less sales charges, per
     payment fees and applicable premium taxes         627,937,841       59,917,348     16,705,667        53,714,866
   Contract terminations                               (55,874,169)      (3,178,242)    (1,163,611)       (4,281,984)
   Death benefit payments                               (4,316,597)        (405,803)       (51,804)         (958,828)
   Flexible withdrawal option payments                  (7,524,649)        (555,143)      (424,697)       (1,011,471)
   Transfer payments to other contracts               (256,636,172)     (11,197,324)    (2,323,881)      (10,850,210)
   Annuity payments                                        (42,217)               -              -                 -
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in net assets from principal
   transactions                                        303,544,037       44,580,836     12,741,674        36,612,373
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase                                         482,085,607       71,130,627     18,489,279        51,620,723
                                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  ====================================================================
Net assets at December 31, 1997                    $ 1,288,183,210    $ 143,957,816    $48,511,958     $ 127,099,255
                                                  ====================================================================

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Capital         Emerging       Government                          Money
       Bond      Accumulation        Growth        Securities        Growth           Market           World     
     Division      Division         Division        Division        Division         Division         Division
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S>                <C>             <C>              <C>          <C>                <C>            <C>          
   $51,156,727     $164,206,061    $122,287,543     $80,421,152  $  98,430,386      $  40,738,362  $  70,528,972



     3,568,462       20,413,652       3,233,729       4,278,724      1,112,338          1,545,123      4,371,904
       110,974        2,848,843         507,365         274,681        452,453                  -        495,943

     1,830,541       27,562,078      26,108,957       2,797,737     27,128,828                  -      2,593,492
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     5,509,977       50,824,573      29,850,051       7,351,142     28,693,619          1,545,123      7,461,339


    29,283,340       88,457,676      71,186,197      25,613,735     53,502,269        172,161,862     57,394,881
    (2,130,683)     (18,056,258)     (6,477,064)     (5,656,444)    (4,866,079)        (6,125,231)    (3,938,573)
      (265,662)        (501,663)       (451,603)       (615,089)      (543,121)          (189,873)      (333,151)
      (880,841)        (965,075)       (790,604)     (1,128,199)      (731,944)          (598,084)      (438,591)
    (9,182,990)     (14,671,351)    (11,516,457)    (13,132,281)    (8,671,205)      (165,851,750)    (9,238,723)
             -          (42,217)              -               -              -                  -              -
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    16,823,164       54,221,112      51,950,469       5,081,722     38,689,920           (603,076)    43,445,843
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    22,333,141      105,045,685      81,800,520      12,432,864     67,383,539            942,047     50,907,182
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==================================================================================================================
   $73,489,868     $269,251,746    $204,088,063     $92,854,016   $165,813,925      $  41,680,409   $121,436,154
==================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                                December 31, 1997

1. Investment and Accounting Policies

Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B (Separate  Account B)
is a segregated  investment  account of Principal Mutual Life Insurance  Company
(Principal Mutual) and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as
a unit investment trust, with no stated  limitations on the number of authorized
units.  As  directed  by eligible  contractholders,  Separate  Account B invests
solely in shares of Principal  Aggressive  Growth Fund,  Inc.,  Principal  Asset
Allocation Fund, Inc., Principal Balanced Fund, Inc., Principal Bond Fund, Inc.,
Principal Capital Accumulation Fund, Inc., Principal Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.,
Principal  Government  Securities  Fund,  Inc.,  Principal  Growth  Fund,  Inc.,
Principal Money Market Fund, Inc., and Principal World Fund,  Inc.,  diversified
open-end  management   investment   companies  organized  by  Principal  Mutual.
Investments are stated at the closing net asset values per share on December 31,
1997.

The  average  cost  method is used to  determine  realized  gains and  losses on
investments.  Dividends  are taken  into  income on an  accrual  basis as of the
ex-dividend date.

After December 31, 1996,  Principal Mutual no longer accepted  contributions for
Pension  Builder Plus contracts.  Contractholders  are being given the option of
withdrawing  their  funds or  transferring  to another  contract.  In  addition,
Principal  Mutual no longer accepts  contributions  for Bankers Flexible Annuity
contracts.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of Separate  Account B's financial  statements and  accompanying
notes  requires  management to make  estimates and  assumptions  that affect the
amounts reported and disclosed.  These estimates and assumptions could change in
the future as more  information  becomes  known,  which could impact the amounts
reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying notes.

2. Expenses

Principal Mutual is compensated for the following expenses:

Bankers  Flexible  Annuity  Contracts - Mortality  and expense  risks assumed by
Principal Mutual are compensated for by a charge equivalent to an annual rate of
0.48% of the asset value of each contract. An annual administration charge of $7
for each  participant's  account is deducted as compensation for  administrative
expenses.  The  mortality  and expense  risk and annual  administration  charges
amounted to $32,396 and $1,078, respectively, during the year ended December 31,
1997.

Pension  Builder  Plus and  Pension  Builder  Plus - Rollover  IRA  Contracts  -
Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal Mutual are compensated for by a
charge  equivalent  to an  annual  rate  of  1.4965%  (1.0001%  for  a  Rollover
Individual Retirement Annuity) of the asset value of each contract. A contingent
sales charge of up to 7% may be deducted from  withdrawals made during the first
10 years of a  contract,  except for death or  permanent  disability.  An annual
administration  charge  will be  deducted  ranging  from a  minimum  of $25 to a
maximum of $275 depending upon a participant's investment account values and the
number  of  participants   under  the  retirement  plan  and  their  participant
investment   account  value.  The  charges  for  mortality  and  expense  risks,
contingent sales, and annual administration  amounted to $202,742,  $28,880, and
$80,841, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 1997.

Personal  Variable  Contracts - Mortality and expense risks assumed by Principal
Mutual are compensated for by a charge  equivalent to an annual rate of 0.64% of
the asset value of each contract.  A contingent  sales charge of up to 5% may be
deducted  from  withdrawals  from an investment  account  during the first seven
years from the date the first  contribution which relates to such participant is
accepted by Principal  Mutual.  This charge does not apply to  withdrawals  made
from investment  accounts which  correlate to a plan  participant as a result of
the plan participant's death or permanent  disability.  An annual administration
charge of $31 for each  participant's  account plus 0.35% of the annual  average
balance of investment  account values which correlate to a plan participant will
be deducted on a quarterly  basis.  The charges for mortality and expense risks,
contingent sales and annual  administration  amounted to $116,668,  $43,044, and
$41,157, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 1997.

Premier  Variable  Contracts - Mortality  and expense risks assumed by Principal
Mutual are compensated for by a charge  equivalent to an annual rate of 0.42% of
the asset value of each contract.  An annual  administration  charge of $300 for
each  contract  account plus .35% of the annual  average  balance of  investment
account  values  under the  contract  will be billed or  deducted on a quarterly
basis.  The  charges  for  mortality  expense  risks and  annual  administration
amounted to $491,751 and $12,365,  respectively,  during the year ended December
31,  1997.  There  were  no  contingent  sales  charges  provided  for in  these
contracts.

The  Principal  Variable  Annuity -  Mortality  and  expense  risks  assumed  by
Principal Mutual are compensated for by a charge equivalent to an annual rate of
1.25% of the asset value of each contract. A contingent sales charge of up to 6%
may be  deducted  from the  withdrawals  made  during  the  first six years of a
contract, except for death, annuitization,  permanent disability, confinement in
a health care facility,  or terminal illness. An annual administration charge of
the lessor of two percent of the accumulated value or $30 is deducted at the end
of the  contract  year.  Principal  Mutual  reserves  the  right  to  charge  an
additional  administrative  fee  of up to  0.15%  of the  asset  value  of  each
Division.  This fee is currently  being  waived.  The mortality  expense  risks,
contingent sales, and annual administration  amounted to $10,979,956,  $838,104,
and $293,125, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 1997.

3. Federal Income Taxes

The  operations of Separate  Account B are a part of the operations of Principal
Mutual.  Under  current  practice,  no federal  income  taxes are  allocated  by
Principal Mutual to the operations of Separate Account B.

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities

The aggregate units and cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments
were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Year ended December 31, 1997
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Units            Amount             Units           Amount
                                              Purchased         Purchased         Redeemed         Redeemed
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Aggressive Growth Division:
<S>                                          <C>              <C>                <C>            <C>          
  The Principal Variable Annuity              2,866,842       $  78,258,746        760,825      $  16,802,497

Asset Allocation Division:
  The Principal Variable Annuity              1,151,186          22,167,226        281,079          4,486,322

Balanced Division:
  Personal Variable                           1,121,294           1,881,609        362,119            541,564
  Premier Variable                            6,824,153          11,562,751      3,674,287          5,395,069
  The Principal Variable Annuity              2,815,600          51,420,018        759,885         12,371,661
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             10,761,047          64,864,378      4,796,291         18,308,294
Bond Division:
  Personal Variable                             345,135             485,073        132,143            174,058
  Premier Variable                            2,547,619           3,651,845      1,151,236          1,516,914
  The Principal Variable Annuity              2,004,124          29,486,187        858,968         11,540,507
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              4,896,878          33,623,105      2,142,347         13,231,479
Capital Accumulation Division:
  Bankers Flexible Annuity                            -             683,529         29,544            773,974
  Pension Builder Plus                           68,140           1,235,130      1,982,927          8,819,318
  Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA             1,995             221,006        181,779            925,026
  Personal Variable                           1,387,651           3,539,847        858,885          1,776,616
  Premier Variable                            8,035,489          21,108,357      4,658,141          9,954,051
  The Principal Variable Annuity              3,744,285          84,607,543        691,613         14,511,663
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             13,237,560         111,395,412      8,402,889         36,760,648
Emerging Growth Division:
  Personal Variable                             979,972           1,752,787        332,091            581,993
  Premier Variable                            6,044,928          10,752,356      2,231,491          3,852,324
  The Principal Variable Annuity              3,406,355          64,056,027        870,634         16,942,655
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             10,431,255          76,561,170      3,434,216         21,376,972

Government Securities Division:
  Pension Builder Plus                           23,169       $     118,925        570,707      $   1,099,325
  Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA
                                                    617              24,244        208,339            426,973
  Personal Variable                             633,713             990,854        754,202          1,021,076
  Premier Variable                            2,966,089           4,655,507      2,792,797          3,804,557
  The Principal Variable Annuity              1,669,224          25,164,798      1,166,357         15,241,951
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              5,292,812          30,954,328      5,492,402         21,593,882
Growth Division:
  Personal Variable                           1,072,567           1,734,898        311,356            500,397
  Premier Variable                            7,226,323          11,858,111      2,587,048          4,197,408
  The Principal Variable Annuity              2,442,934          42,661,389        633,196         11,754,335
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             10,741,824          56,254,398      3,531,600         16,452,140
Money Market Division:
  Pension Builder Plus                          285,405             558,229        456,641            845,039
  Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA
                                                  2,628               7,254         13,813             27,122
  Personal Variable                           6,785,344           8,146,664      6,570,220          7,839,434
  Premier Variable                           32,145,080          39,119,749     31,009,540         37,413,932
  The Principal Variable Annuity             11,093,609         126,422,118     11,270,301        127,186,440
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             50,312,066         174,254,014     49,320,515        173,311,967
World Division:
  Personal Variable                             759,933           1,208,340        233,106            354,907
  Premier Variable                            5,217,093           8,423,719      1,831,269          2,787,221
  The Principal Variable Annuity              3,256,925          53,417,398        738,451         12,089,582
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              9,233,951          63,049,457      2,802,826         15,231,710
                                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        ======================================================================
                                            118,925,421        $711,382,234     80,964,990      $ 337,555,911
                                        ======================================================================
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance
                           Company Separate Account B

                    Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

4. Purchases and Sales of Investment Securities (continued)

                                                                Year ended December 31, 1996
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Units            Amount            Units            Amount
                                               Purchased         Purchased        Redeemed          Redeemed
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
   Aggressive Growth Division:
<S>                                            <C>               <C>               <C>             <C>          
     The Principal Variable Annuity              3,416,591       $  62,452,075        769,423      $  13,364,153

   Asset Allocation Division:
     The Principal Variable Annuity              1,544,152          21,444,448        191,810          2,657,967

   Balanced Division:
     Personal Variable                             900,014           1,242,103        211,977            272,089
     Premier Variable                            5,270,554           7,416,331      1,120,817          1,444,677
     The Principal Variable Annuity              3,548,083          49,664,576        259,759          3,856,478
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 9,718,651          58,323,010      1,592,553          5,573,244
   Bond Division:
     Personal Variable                             285,136             369,062        112,030            138,062
     Premier Variable                            1,952,308           2,549,386        547,808            675,630
     The Principal Variable Annuity              3,045,208          38,461,117        574,453          7,215,525
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 5,282,652          41,379,565      1,234,291          8,029,217
   Common Stock Division:
     Bankers Flexible Annuity                       11,898             852,606         58,526            965,050
     Pension Builder Plus                          613,448           4,544,826      7,042,406         27,014,157
     Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA            34,576             622,428      1,641,455          6,423,138
     Personal Variable                           1,293,441           2,795,547        715,206          1,184,726
     Premier Variable                            6,804,423          15,405,949      3,666,783          6,140,022
     The Principal Variable Annuity              4,618,190          79,100,172        582,660          9,767,913
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                13,375,976         103,321,528     13,707,036         51,495,006
   Emerging Growth Division:
     Personal Variable                             716,271           1,017,826        174,386            241,556
     Premier Variable                            4,583,657           6,499,991        757,309          1,081,357
     The Principal Variable Annuity              4,746,934          68,839,812        521,488          8,297,672
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                10,046,862          76,357,629      1,453,183          9,620,585

   Government Securities Division:
     Pension Builder Plus                          224,490     $       525,632      2,784,796      $   5,186,539
     Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA
                                                     1,918              49,120      1,374,538          2,618,548
     Personal Variable                             723,523           1,041,512        676,962            867,506
     Premier Variable                            3,069,889           4,387,401      2,715,719          3,448,465
     The Principal Variable Annuity              4,181,060          51,598,893        761,477          9,411,325
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 8,200,880          57,602,558      8,313,492         21,532,383
   Growth Division:
     Personal Variable                             713,466             950,832        177,314            234,080
     Premier Variable                            5,218,991           6,959,663      1,276,677          1,711,826
     The Principal Variable Annuity              3,810,008          52,649,457        340,777          5,440,246
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 9,742,465          60,559,952      1,794,768          7,386,152
   Money Market Division:
     Pension Builder Plus                          172,768             392,894        909,680          1,654,451
     Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA                35              13,779        412,615            760,905
     Personal Variable                           3,693,865           4,468,236      3,995,717          4,765,060
     Premier Variable                           31,816,273          36,988,147     29,395,716         33,985,887
     The Principal Variable Annuity             16,446,056         179,091,511     14,887,402        161,359,390
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                52,128,997         220,954,567     49,601,130        202,525,693
   World Division:
     Personal Variable                             423,219             522,642         95,601            114,884
     Premier Variable                            3,372,385           4,182,033        746,605            929,782
     The Principal Variable Annuity              3,081,130          38,224,953        429,786          5,720,169
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 6,876,734          42,929,628      1,271,992          6,764,835
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ======================================================================
                                               120,333,960        $745,324,960     79,929,678      $ 328,949,235
                                           ======================================================================
</TABLE>

Purchases include reinvested dividends and capital gains.  Mortality adjustments
are included in purchases and redemptions, as applicable.

Money Market purchases include transactions where investment allocations are not
known at the time of the deposit.  Redemptions reflect subsequent allocations to
directed investment divisions.

5. Net Assets

Net assets at December 31, 1997 consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Accumulated       Net      
                                                                                      Net         Unrealized
                                                                     Unit          Investment    Appreciation
                                               Combined          Transactions        Income     of Investments
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
   Aggressive Growth Division:
<S>                                         <C>               <C>                 <C>           <C>          
     The Principal Variable Annuity         $   143,957,816   $   108,890,994     $21,585,841   $  13,480,981

   Asset Allocation Division:
     The Principal Variable Annuity              48,511,958        40,247,801       6,909,742       1,354,415

   Balanced Division:
     Personal Variable                            2,825,449         2,519,909         187,228         118,312
     Premier Variable                            17,024,170        15,053,670       1,082,488         888,012
     The Principal Variable Annuity             107,249,636        89,193,848      11,933,834       6,121,954
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                127,099,255       106,767,427      13,203,550       7,128,278
   Bond Division:
     Personal Variable                              669,514           640,323          26,316           2,875
     Premier Variable                             5,548,762         5,227,610         243,569          77,583
     The Principal Variable Annuity              67,271,592        60,752,616       5,160,785       1,349,191
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 73,489,868        66,620,549       5,439,670       1,429,649
   Capital Accumulation Division:
     Bankers Flexible Annuity                     7,209,937         4,264,632         591,008       2,354,297
     Pension Builder Plus                         8,527,296         6,093,197         338,019       2,096,080
     Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA          2,295,685         1,572,298         146,933         576,454
     Personal Variable                            8,089,748         6,277,077         519,933       1,292,738
     Premier Variable                            50,737,614        38,321,310       3,492,172       8,924,132
     The Principal Variable Annuity             192,391,466       143,480,187      24,736,215      24,175,064
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                269,251,746       200,008,701      29,824,280      39,418,765
   Emerging Growth Division:
     Personal Variable                            2,756,807         2,291,146          40,448         425,213
     Premier Variable                            17,916,711        14,378,199         326,697       3,211,815
     The Principal Variable Annuity             183,414,545       138,974,347       4,607,405      39,832,793
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                204,088,063       155,643,692       4,974,550      43,469,821
   Government Securities Division:
     Pension Builder Plus                         1,285,125         1,213,588          22,100          49,437
     Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA            412,091           392,360           7,875          11,856
     Personal Variable                            2,568,214         2,429,363          85,654          53,197
     Premier Variable                            11,002,038        10,292,437         440,378         269,223
     The Principal Variable Annuity              77,586,548        69,356,911       6,254,169       1,975,468
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 92,854,016        83,684,659       6,810,176       2,359,181

   Growth Division:
     Personal Variable                      $     2,776,351   $                   $    20,876   $     469,224
                                                                    2,286,251
     Premier Variable                            20,311,716        16,189,532         218,455       3,903,729
     The Principal Variable Annuity             142,725,858       107,312,599       1,606,602      33,806,657
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                165,813,925       125,788,382       1,845,933      38,179,610
   Money Market Division:
     Pension Builder Plus                           791,079           784,580           6,499             -
     Pension Builder Plus - Rollover IRA             30,919            30,241             678             -
     Personal Variable                            1,288,642         1,282,189           6,453             -
     Premier Variable                             8,043,427         7,979,328          64,099             -
     The Principal Variable Annuity              31,526,342        31,250,687         275,655             -
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 41,680,409        41,327,025         353,384             -
   World Division:
     Personal Variable                            1,528,673         1,402,339          47,855          78,479
     Premier Variable                            11,665,158        10,404,975         403,057         857,126
     The Principal Variable Annuity             108,242,323        91,434,654       4,659,202      12,148,467
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                121,436,154       103,241,968       5,110,114      13,084,072
                                           ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           ======================================================================
                                            $1,288,183,210     $1,032,221,198     $96,057,240   $ 159,904,772
                                           ======================================================================
</TABLE>

6. Year 2000 Issues (Unaudited)

Like  other  investment   funds,   financial  and  business   organizations  and
individuals around the world,  Separate Account B could be adversely affected if
the computer systems used by Principal Mutual and other service providers do not
properly process and calculate date-related  information and data from and after
January 1, 2000. In 1996,  Principal Mutual completed its assessment of the Year
2000 impact on its systems,  procedures,  customers and business  processes.  At
December 31, 1997, management estimates that approximately 95% of the identified
modifications  have been  completed for its Year 2000 project.  System  testing,
using an isolated test environment,  will begin early in 1998.  Ultimate project
completion is targeted for early 1999, which is prior to any anticipated  impact
on Principal Mutual operations.

The date on which  Principal  Mutual  believes  it will  complete  the Year 2000
modifications  are based on  management's  best  estimates,  which were  derived
utilizing  numerous   assumptions  of  future  events.   Principal  Mutual  also
recognizes there are outside  influences and  dependencies  relative to its Year
2000 effort, over which it has little or no control.  However,  Principal Mutual
is putting effort into ensuring these  considerations  will have minimal impact.
These would include the continued availability of certain resources, third-party
modification  plans and many other factors.  However,  there can be no guarantee
that these estimates will be achieved and actual results could differ from those
anticipated.
<PAGE>





                         Report of Independent Auditors







The Board of Directors
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company

We have audited the accompanying  consolidated  statements of financial position
of The  Principal  Financial  Group(R) (the Company) as of December 31, 1997 and
1996, and the related  consolidated  statements of  operations,  equity and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended  December 31, 1997.  These
financial  statements are the  responsibility of the Company's  management.  Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

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

In our opinion,  the financial  statements  referred to above present fairly, in
all material  respects,  the  consolidated  financial  position of The Principal
Financial  Group(R) at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated  results
of its  operations  and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended  December  31,  1997 in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
January 30, 1998



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

                      Consolidated Statements of Operations




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Year ended December 31
                                                                    1997          1996          1995
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                              (In Millions)
Revenue
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>   
Premiums and annuity and other considerations                       $4,668        $5,121        $5,243
Policy and contract charges                                            658           555           491
Net investment income                                                2,922         2,869         2,741
Net realized capital gains                                             219           436           122
Commissions and other income                                           199           150           143
                                                                ------------------------------------------
Total revenue                                                        8,666         9,131         8,740

Expenses
Benefits, claims and settlement expenses                             5,632         6,087         6,142
Dividends to policyowners                                              299           299           307
Operating expenses                                                   2,040         1,915         1,740
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                ------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                                       7,971         8,301         8,189
                                                                ------------------------------------------

Income before income taxes                                             695           830           551

Income taxes                                                           241           304           207
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                ==========================================
Net income                                                         $   454       $   526       $   344
                                                                ==========================================



See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

                  Consolidated Statements of Financial Position




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        December 31
                                                                                     1997         1996
                                                                                 ---------------------------
                                                                                 ---------------------------
                                                                                       (In Millions)

Assets
<S>                                                                                 <C>          <C>    
Debt securities, available-for-sale                                                 $21,546      $21,974
Equity securities, available-for-sale                                                 1,273        1,023
Mortgage loans                                                                       13,286       12,409
Real estate                                                                           2,632        2,474
Policy loans                                                                            749          736
Other investments                                                                       130          102
Cash and cash equivalents                                                               546          271
Accrued investment income                                                               457          464
Deferred acquisition costs                                                            1,057        1,058
Property held for Company use                                                           232          222
Separate account assets                                                              23,627       17,218
Other assets                                                                          1,519        1,191
                                                                                 ---------------------------
                                                                                 ===========================
Total assets                                                                        $67,054      $59,142
                                                                                 ===========================
                                                                                 ===========================

Liabilities
Contractholder funds                                                                $23,179      $23,194
Future policy benefits and claims                                                    11,239       10,575
Other policyowner funds                                                                 314          454
Policyowner dividends payable                                                           444          447
Debt                                                                                    459          399
Income taxes currently payable                                                          298          283
Deferred income taxes                                                                   803          623
Separate account liabilities                                                         23,560       17,166
Other liabilities                                                                     1,474        1,347
                                                                                 ---------------------------
                                                                                 ---------------------------
Total liabilities                                                                    61,770       54,488

Equity
Surplus                                                                               4,257        3,803
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities                                 1,038          860
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net                                            (11)          (9)
                                                                                 ---------------------------
                                                                                 ---------------------------
Total equity                                                                          5,284        4,654
                                                                                 ---------------------------
                                                                                 ===========================
Total liabilities and equity                                                        $67,054      $59,142
                                                                                 ===========================



See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

                        Consolidated Statements of Equity

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Net Unrealized    Foreign Currency
                                                                   Gains on         Translation
                                                              Available-for-Sale  Adjustment, net   Total Equity
                                                    Surplus       Securities
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                          (In Millions)

<S>                    <C>                          <C>            <C>                  <C>            <C>   
   Balances at January 1, 1995                      $2,933         $     48             $  (6)         $2,975

   Net income                                          344                -                 -             344
   Increase in unrealized appreciation on debt
     securities, available-for-sale                      -            1,834                 -           1,834
   Increase in unrealized appreciation on equity
     securities, available-for-sale                      -              411                 -             411
   Adjustments for assumed changes in
     amortization patterns:
     Deferred acquisition costs                          -             (315)                -            (315)
     Unearned revenue reserves                           -               52                 -              52
   Provision for deferred income taxes                   -             (694)                -            (694)
   Change in foreign currency translation
     adjustment, net                                     -                -                (1)             (1)
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------
   Balances at December 31, 1995                     3,277            1,336                (7)          4,606

   Net income                                          526                -                 -             526
   Decrease in unrealized appreciation on debt
     securities, available-for-sale                      -             (543)                -            (543)
   Decrease in unrealized appreciation on equity
     securities, available-for-sale                      -             (262)                -            (262)
   Adjustments for assumed changes in
     amortization patterns:
     Deferred acquisition costs                          -               83                 -              83
     Unearned revenue reserves                           -              (11)                -             (11)
   Provision for deferred income tax benefit             -              257                 -             257
   Change in foreign currency translation
     adjustment, net                                     -                -                (2)             (2)
                                                  ---------------------------------------------------------------
   Balances at December 31, 1996                     3,803              860                (9)          4,654

   Net income                                          454                -                 -             454
   Increase in unrealized appreciation on debt
     securities, available-for-sale                      -              197                 -             197
   Increase in unrealized appreciation on equity
     securities, available-for-sale, including
     seed money in separate accounts                     -              118                 -             118
   Adjustments for assumed changes in
     amortization patterns:
     Deferred acquisition costs                          -              (44)                -             (44)
     Unearned revenue reserves                           -                4                 -               4
   Provision for deferred income taxes                   -              (97)                -             (97)
   Change in foreign currency translation
     adjustment, net                                     -                -                (2)             (2)
                                                  ===============================================================
   Balances at December 31, 1997                    $4,257           $1,038              $(11)         $5,284
                                                  ===============================================================

See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            Year ended December 31
                                                                         1997        1996        1995
                                                                      ------------------------------------
                                                                                 (In Millions)
Operating activities
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>      
Net income                                                              $   454    $     526  $     344
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
   operating activities:
   Amortization of deferred acquisition costs                               170          178        145
   Additions to deferred acquisition costs                                 (213)        (215)      (206)
   Accrued investment income                                                  7           15          6
   Contractholder and policyowner liabilities and dividends               1,657          240        523
   Current and deferred income taxes                                         96           20         93
   Net realized capital gains                                              (219)        (436)      (122)
   Depreciation and amortization expense                                    117          112         74
   Other                                                                   (393)        (230)       440
                                                                      ------------------------------------
                                                                      ------------------------------------
Net adjustments                                                           1,222         (316)       953
                                                                      ------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities                                 1,676          210      1,297

Investing activities Available-for-sale securities:
   Purchases                                                             (7,827)     (11,762)   (13,195)
   Sales                                                                  7,493        8,949      9,333
   Maturities                                                             1,204        2,796      2,485
Mortgage loans acquired or originated                                    (9,925)      (2,955)    (2,837)
Mortgage loans sold or repaid                                             8,977        1,619      1,702
Real estate acquired                                                       (309)        (166)      (143)
Real estate sold                                                            198          253         38
Net change in policy loans                                                  (13)         (25)       (28)
Net change in property held for Company use                                 (11)         (18)       (23)
Net change in other investments                                             (38)         (74)       (12)
                                                                      ------------------------------------
Net cash used in  investment activities                                    (251)      (1,383)    (2,680)

Financing activities
Issuance of debt                                                             75           43         21
Principal repayments of debt                                                (28)         (29)       (71)
Proceeds of short-term borrowings                                         5,089        1,451        990
Repayment of short-term borrowings                                       (4,974)      (1,282)      (990)
Investment contract deposits                                              4,134        7,496      6,756
Investment contract withdrawals                                          (5,446)      (6,530)    (5,310)
                                                                      ------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                      (1,150)       1,149      1,396
                                                                      ------------------------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                        275          (24)        13

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year                              271          295        282
                                                                      ------------------------------------
                                                                      ====================================
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year                                $   546    $     271  $     295
                                                                      ====================================



See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

                                December 31, 1997


1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

The Principal  Financial  Group(R) (the Company),  comprised of Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company (Principal Mutual) and its subsidiaries, is a diversified
financial services  organization engaged in the marketing and management of life
insurance,  annuity,  health, pension and other financial products and services,
primarily in the United States.

Pending Reorganization

On September 18, 1997, the board of directors  adopted a Plan of  Reorganization
whereby  Principal  Mutual  will form a new  mutual  insurance  holding  company
(Principal Mutual Holding Company) and convert to a stock life insurance company
(Principal  Life  Insurance  Company).  All  of the  shares  of  Principal  Life
Insurance  Company will be issued  initially to Principal Mutual Holding Company
through  two  newly  formed  intermediate  holding  companies,  and there are no
current  plans to offer the stock of  Principal  Life  Insurance  Company or its
parent companies to third parties.  The reorganization will not become effective
unless approved by policyowners and regulatory  authorities.  The reorganization
itself will not have a material financial impact on the Company.

Basis of Presentation

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  of the  Company  and its
majority-owned  subsidiaries  have been  prepared in conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles (GAAP).  Less than  majority-owned  entities in
which the Company has at least a 20%  interest  are reported on the equity basis
in the consolidated  statements of financial position as other investments.  All
significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Total assets of the unconsolidated entities amounted to $1.1 billion at December
31, 1997 and $1.5  billion at December 31, 1996,  and total  revenues  were $294
million in 1997,  $349  million in 1996 and $320  million in 1995.  During 1997,
1996 and 1995, the Company included $19 million,  $(3) million and $(9) million,
respectively,  in net  investment  income  representing  the Company's  share of
current year net income (losses) of the unconsolidated entities.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The  preparation  of  the  Company's   consolidated   financial  statements  and
accompanying  notes requires  management to make estimates and assumptions  that
affect the amounts reported and disclosed. These estimates and assumptions could
change in the future as more information  becomes known,  which could impact the
amounts  reported and disclosed in the  consolidated  financial  statements  and
accompanying notes.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Significant Risks

The following is a description of the most significant risks facing  diversified
financial service organizations and how the Company mitigates those risks:

Legal or  regulatory  risk is the risk that  changes in the legal or  regulatory
environment  in which an insurer  operates will create  additional  expenses not
anticipated by the insurer in pricing its products.  The Company  mitigates this
risk by offering a wide range of products and  operating  throughout  the United
States  and the world,  thus  reducing  its  exposure  to any single  product or
jurisdiction,  and also by employing  underwriting  practices which identify and
minimize the adverse impact of this risk.

Credit  risk is the risk that  issuers  of  securities  owned by the  Company or
borrowers  through  mortgage  loans on real  estate  will  default or that other
parties that owe the Company  money,  will not pay. The Company  minimizes  this
risk by adhering to a conservative  investment  strategy,  by maintaining  sound
credit  and  collection  policies  and  by  providing  for  any  amounts  deemed
uncollectible.

Interest  rate risk is the risk that  interest  rates  will  change  and cause a
decrease  in the value of the  Company's  investments.  This change in rates may
also cause certain  interest-sensitive  products to become  uncompetitive or may
cause  disintermediation.  The Company  mitigates this risk by charging fees for
policyowners'  contract  terminations,  by offering  products that transfer this
risk to the purchaser  and by  attempting to match the maturity  schedule of its
assets  with  the  expected  payout  of  its  liabilities.  To the  extent  that
liabilities  come due more quickly than assets mature,  an insurer would have to
borrow funds or sell assets prior to maturity and  potentially  recognize a gain
or loss.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash  equivalents  include cash on hand,  money market  instruments and
other debt issues with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased.

Investments

Investments in debt and equity  securities are classified as  available-for-sale
and,  accordingly,  are carried at fair value. (See Note 10 for policies related
to the determination of fair value.) The cost of debt securities is adjusted for
amortization  of premiums  and accrual of  discounts,  both  computed  using the
interest method. The cost of debt and equity securities is adjusted for declines
in value that are other  than  temporary.  For the  loan-backed  and  structured
securities included in the bond portfolio, the Company recognizes income using a
constant  effective  yield  based  on  currently   anticipated   prepayments  as
determined  by  broker-dealer  surveys or internal  estimates  and the estimated
lives of the securities.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Investment real estate is reported at cost less accumulated  depreciation.  Such
real estate is carried net of valuation  allowances.  Valuation  allowances  are
established when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted  cash
flows to be generated by the real estate fall below carrying amounts. Properties
acquired through loan foreclosures are recorded at fair market value at the time
of foreclosure or receipt of deed in lieu of  foreclosure.  This becomes the new
cost basis of the real  estate and is  subject  to  further  potential  carrying
amount   reductions  as  a  result  of  depreciation  and  quarterly   valuation
determinations.  Changes in the  valuation  allowance are charged or credited to
net investment income.  Depreciation  expense is computed primarily on the basis
of accelerated and straight-line  methods over the estimated useful lives of the
assets.  Real estate  expected to be disposed is carried at the lower of cost or
fair value, less cost to sell.

Commercial  and  residential  mortgage  loans are reported at cost  adjusted for
amortization  of premiums and accrual of discounts,  computed using the interest
method, and net of valuation allowances. Any changes in the valuation allowances
are reported as realized gains  (losses) on  investments.  The Company  measures
impairment based upon the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the
loan's effective  interest rate. If foreclosure is probable,  the measurement of
impairment is based upon the fair value of the collateral.

Net realized  capital gains and losses on investments  are determined  using the
specific identification basis.

Policy loans and other investments are primarily reported at cost.

Futures and Forward Contracts and Interest Rate and Equity Swaps (Derivatives)

The Company uses financial futures contracts,  forward purchase  commitments and
interest rate swaps to hedge risks  associated  with interest rate  fluctuations
and has used equity swaps to hedge risks associated with market  fluctuations of
certain  unaffiliated  common stocks.  Realized capital gains and losses on both
those contracts that hedge risks associated with interest rate  fluctuations and
equity swaps are recognized in the period incurred.

Contractholder and Policyowner Liabilities

Contractholder and policyowner liabilities  (contractholder funds, future policy
benefits and claims and other policyowner funds) include reserves for investment
contracts and reserves for universal life,  limited payment,  participating  and
traditional life insurance policies.  Investment  contracts are contractholders'
funds on deposit with the Company and generally include reserves for pension and
annuity contracts.  Reserves on investment contracts are equal to the cumulative
deposits less any applicable charges plus credited interest.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Reserves for universal life insurance contracts are equal to cumulative premiums
less charges plus credited  interest which  represents the account balances that
accrue to the benefit of the policyowners.  Reserves for non-participating  term
life insurance  contracts are computed on a basis of assumed  investment  yield,
mortality,  morbidity and expenses, including a provision for adverse deviation,
which  generally  vary by plan,  year of issue and policy  duration.  Investment
yield is based on the Company's experience.  Mortality, morbidity and withdrawal
rate  assumptions  are based on experience  of the Company and are  periodically
reviewed against both industry standards and experience.

Reserves for participating  life insurance  contracts are based on the net level
premium reserve for death and endowment policy benefits.  This net level premium
reserve is calculated  based on dividend fund interest rate and mortality  rates
guaranteed in calculating the cash surrender values described in the contract.

Some of the Company's  policies and contracts require payment of fees in advance
for services that will be rendered over the estimated  lives of the policies and
contracts.  These  payments are  established as unearned  revenue  reserves upon
receipt and included in other policyowner  funds in the consolidated  statements
of  financial  position.  These  unearned  revenue  reserves  are  amortized  to
operations over the estimated lives of these policies and contracts.

The  liability  for unpaid  accident  and health  claims is an  estimate  of the
ultimate  net cost of  reported  and  unreported  losses not yet  settled.  This
liability  is estimated  using  actuarial  analyses and case basis  evaluations.
Although  considerable  variability is inherent in such  estimates,  the Company
believes that the liability for unpaid claims is adequate.  These  estimates are
continually  reviewed and, as adjustments to this  liability  become  necessary,
such adjustments are reflected in current operations.

Recognition of Premiums, Fees and Benefits

Traditional individual life and health insurance products include those products
with fixed and  guaranteed  premiums and benefits,  and consist  principally  of
whole life and term life insurance policies and certain immediate annuities with
life  contingencies.  Premiums  from these  products are  recognized  as premium
revenue when due.

Group life and health  insurance  premiums  are  generally  recorded  as premium
revenue over the term of the coverage.  Some group  contracts allow for premiums
to be  adjusted to reflect  emerging  experience.  Such  adjusted  premiums  are
recognized in the period that the related experience emerges. Fees for contracts
providing claim  processing or other  administrative  services are recorded over
the period the service is provided.

Related  policy  benefits and expenses for  individual and group life and health
insurance  products  are  associated  with  earned  premiums  and  result in the
recognition of profits over the expected lives of the policies and contracts.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Universal  life-type  policies are insurance  contracts  with terms that are not
fixed and  guaranteed.  Amounts  received as payments for such contracts are not
reported  as  premium  revenues.  Revenues  for  universal  life-type  insurance
contracts consist of policy charges for the cost of insurance, policy initiation
and  administration,  surrender  charges and other fees that have been  assessed
against policy account  values.  Policy  benefits and claims that are charged to
expense  include  interest  credited to contracts and benefit claims incurred in
the period in excess of related policy account balances.

Investment   contracts  do  not  subject  the  Company  to  risks  arising  from
policyowner  mortality  or  morbidity,   and  consist  primarily  of  Guaranteed
Investment Contracts (GICs) and certain deferred annuities.  Amounts received as
payments  for  investment  contracts  are  established  as  investment  contract
liability  balances  and are not  reported  as premium  revenues.  Revenues  for
investment  contracts  consist of  investment  income and policy  administration
charges.  Investment  contract  benefits  that are  charged to  expense  include
benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of related  investment  contract
liability  balances  and  interest  credited to  investment  contract  liability
balances.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Commissions and other costs  (underwriting,  issuance and agency  expenses) that
vary  with and are  primarily  related  to the  acquisition  of new and  renewal
insurance  policies and  investment  contract  business are  capitalized  to the
extent  recoverable.  Acquisition  costs that are not deferrable and maintenance
costs are charged to operations as incurred.

Deferred  acquisition  costs for  universal  life-type  insurance  contracts and
participating  life  insurance  policies  and  investment  contracts  are  being
amortized  over the lives of the  policies  and  contracts  in  relation  to the
emergence  of estimated  gross profit  margins.  This  amortization  is adjusted
retrospectively when estimates of current or future gross profits and margins to
be realized  from a group of products and  contracts  are revised.  The deferred
acquisition costs of  non-participating  term life insurance  policies are being
amortized  over  the  premium-paying   period  of  the  related  policies  using
assumptions consistent with those used in computing policyowner liabilities.

Deferred acquisition costs are subject to recoverability  testing at the time of
policy issue and loss recognition  testing at the end of each accounting period.
Deferred  acquisition  costs  would  be  written  off to the  extent  that it is
determined  that future policy  premiums and  investment  income or gross profit
margins would not be adequate to cover related losses and expenses.

Reinsurance

The Company  enters into  reinsurance  agreements  with other  companies  in the
normal  course of  business.  The  Company may assume  reinsurance  from or cede
reinsurance to other companies.  Reinsurance premiums, expenses,  recoveries and
reserves  related to reinsured  business are accounted  for on bases  consistent
with those used in accounting for the original  policies issued and the terms of
the  reinsurance   contracts,   reported  on  a  gross  basis.  The  Company  is
contingently  liable with respect to reinsurance ceded to other companies in the
event the reinsurer is unable to meet the obligations it has assumed.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Guaranty-fund Assessments

Guaranty-fund  assessments are accrued when the Company  receives notice that an
amount is payable to a guaranty  fund.  The Company  also  accrues for  possible
guaranty-fund assessments for which notices have not been received and for which
the Company does not anticipate receiving a premium tax credit.

Separate Accounts

The  separate  account  assets and  liabilities  presented  in the  consolidated
financial  statements  represent  the  fair  market  value  of  funds  that  are
separately  administered  by the Company for contracts with equity,  real estate
and fixed-income  investments.  The separate account contract owner, rather than
the Company,  bears the  investment  risk of these funds.  The separate  account
assets are  legally  segregated  and are not subject to claims that arise out of
any  other   business  of  the   Company.   The  Company   receives  a  fee  for
administrative, maintenance and investment advisory services that is included in
the consolidated  statements of operations.  Deposits, net investment income and
realized and  unrealized  capital gains and losses on the separate  accounts are
not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

The Company  files a  consolidated  income tax return that  includes  all of its
qualifying  subsidiaries and has a policy of allocating  income tax expenses and
benefits to companies in the group based upon pro rata  contribution  of taxable
income or operating  losses.  The Company is taxed at corporate rates on taxable
income based on existing tax laws.  Current income taxes are charged or credited
to operations  based upon amounts  estimated to be payable or  recoverable  as a
result of taxable  operations  for the current year.  Deferred  income taxes are
provided for the tax effect of differences in the financial reporting and income
tax bases of assets and  liabilities  and net  operating  losses  using  enacted
income tax rates and laws.  The effect on deferred  tax assets and  deferred tax
liabilities  of a change in tax rates is  recognized in operations in the period
in which the change is enacted.

Foreign Exchange

The  Company's  foreign  subsidiaries'  statements  of  financial  position  and
operations  are translated at the current  exchange  rates and average  exchange
rates for the year, respectively.  Resulting translation adjustments for foreign
subsidiaries  and certain  other  transactions  are  reported as a component  of
equity.  Other  translation  adjustments for foreign currency  transactions that
affect cash flows are reported in current operations.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

The Company accounts for its pension benefits and postretirement  benefits other
than pension (medical, life insurance and long-term care) using the full accrual
method.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Property Held for Company Use

Property  held for  Company use  includes  home  office  properties  and related
leasehold  improvements.   Property  held  for  Company  use  is  shown  in  the
consolidated  statements  of  financial  position  at cost less  allowances  for
accumulated  depreciation.  Provisions  for  depreciation  of property  held for
Company  use are  computed  principally  on the  straight-line  method  over the
estimated useful lives of the assets.  Property held for Company use and related
accumulated depreciation are as follows (in millions):

                                                    December 31
                                                1997           1996
                                            -----------------------------

   Property held for Company use                  $302          $285
   Accumulated depreciation                        (70)          (63)
                                            =============================
   Property held for Company use, net             $232          $222
                                            =============================

Other Assets

Intangible assets are included in other assets in the consolidated statements of
financial  position.  The cost of  acquired  subsidiaries  in excess of the fair
value of the net assets (i.e.,  goodwill) and other intangible assets (primarily
customer lists and institutional  customer  relationships) have been recorded in
connection  with  acquisitions.  These assets are  amortized on a  straight-line
basis  primarily over 40 years with the exception of assets  acquired after 1995
which are amortized  over ten years.  The carrying  amount of goodwill and other
intangible  assets is reviewed  periodically  for  indicators  of  impairment in
value. Intangible assets and related accumulated amortization are as follows (in
millions):

                                                   December 31
                                               1997          1996
                                           ----------------------------

      Goodwill                                  $165          $135
      Accumulated amortization                   (16)          (22)
                                           ----------------------------
      Goodwill, net                              149           113

      Other intangible assets, net                74            34
                                           ----------------------------

      Total intangible assets                   $223          $147
                                           ============================

Mortgage  servicing rights of $432 million and $272 million at December 31, 1997
and  1996,  respectively,  are  included  in other  assets  in the  consolidated
statements  of  financial  position  and  represent  the cost of  purchasing  or
originating the right to service mortgage loans. These costs are capitalized and
amortized to operations  over the estimated  remaining  lives of the  underlying
loans using the interest method and taking into account  appropriate  prepayment
assumptions. Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are periodically assessed for
impairment,  which is  recognized in the  consolidated  statements of operations
during the period in which  impairment  occurs by  establishing a  corresponding
valuation allowance.

Other assets are reported primarily at cost.


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


1.  Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Reclassifications

Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made to the 1995  and 1996  consolidated
financial statements to conform to the 1997 presentation.

2.  Investments

Under  SFAS No.  115,  Accounting  for  Certain  Investments  in Debt and Equity
Securities,   securities   are  generally   classified  as   available-for-sale,
held-to-maturity,  or  trading.  The  Company  has  classified  its entire  debt
securities  portfolio  as  available-for-sale,  although  it  is  generally  the
Company's  intent to hold these  securities  to  maturity.  The Company has also
classified all equity securities as available-for-sale. Securities classified as
available-for-sale are reported at fair value in the consolidated  statements of
financial  position with the related unrealized holding gains and losses on such
available-for-sale  securities  reported as a separate component of equity after
adjustments for related changes in deferred acquisition costs,  unearned revenue
reserves and deferred income taxes.

The cost,  gross  unrealized  gains and losses and fair value of debt and equity
securities  available-for-sale  as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, are as follows
(in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Gross           Gross
                                                                Unrealized      Unrealized         Fair
                                                   Cost            Gains          Losses          Value
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
   December 31, 1997
   Bonds:
<S>                                              <C>           <C>                  <C>          <C>      
     United States Government and agencies       $     337     $       1            $  -         $     338
     States and political subdivisions                 449            15               2               462
     Corporate - public                              4,014           224              18             4,220
     Corporate - private                            12,478           856              30            13,304
     Mortgage-backed securities                      3,124            99               3             3,220
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    20,402         1,195              53            21,544
   Redeemable preferred stocks                           2             -               -                 2
                                              ===============================================================
     Total debt securities                         $20,404        $1,195             $53           $21,546
                                              ===============================================================
     Total equity securities                     $     639       $   664             $30          $  1,273
                                              ===============================================================

   December 31, 1996
   Bonds:
     United States Government and agencies       $     246     $       1            $  1         $     246
     States and political subdivisions                 303            13               -               316
     Corporate - public                              4,487           200              15             4,672
     Corporate - private                            12,876           737              25            13,588
     Mortgage-backed securities                      3,112            60              27             3,145
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                              ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    21,024         1,011              68            21,967
   Redeemable preferred stocks                           5             2               -                 7
                                              ===============================================================
     Total debt securities                         $21,029        $1,013             $68           $21,974
                                              ===============================================================
     Total equity securities                     $     502       $   536             $15          $  1,023
                                              ===============================================================
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



2.  Investments (continued)

The cost and fair value of debt  securities  available-for-sale  at December 31,
1997, by expected maturity, are as follows (in millions):

                                                   Cost           Fair Value
                                                  --------------------------
                                                  --------------------------

   Due in one year or less                         $  1,433        $  1,444
   Due after one year through five years              6,286           6,522
   Due after five years through ten years             5,421           5,767
   Due after ten years                                4,133           4,586
                                                  --------------------------
                                                  --------------------------
                                                     17,273          18,319
   Mortgage-backed and other securities without
     a single maturity date                           3,131           3,227
                                                  --------------------------
                                                  ==========================
   Total                                            $20,404         $21,546
                                                  ==========================

The above summarized activity is based on expected maturities. Actual maturities
may differ because borrowers may have the right to call or pre-pay obligations.

Major  categories  of net  investment  income  are  summarized  as  follows  (in
millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Year ended December 31
                                                                    1997          1996          1995
                                                                ------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>   
   Debt securities available-for-sale                               $1,589        $1,608        $1,603
   Equity securities available-for-sale                                 39            33            41
   Mortgage loans                                                    1,138         1,078         1,008
   Real estate                                                         350           356           317
   Policy loans                                                         50            49            48
   Cash and cash equivalents                                             9            15             8
   Other                                                               109            60            24
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                     3,284         3,199         3,049

   Less investment expenses                                           (362)         (330)         (308)
                                                                ------------------------------------------
                                                                ==========================================
   Net investment income                                            $2,922        $2,869        $2,741
                                                                ==========================================
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




2.  Investments (continued)

The major  components of realized  capital  gains  (losses) on  investments  are
summarized as follows (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Year ended December 31
                                                                     1997          1996           1995
                                                                 -------------------------------------------

   Debt securities, available-for-sale:
<S>                                                                  <C>            <C>           <C> 
     Gross gains                                                     $  82          $121          $144
     Gross losses                                                      (43)          (73)          (40)
   Equity securities, available-for-sale:
     Gross gains                                                       132           451            40
     Gross losses                                                      (26)           (5)           (9)
   Mortgage loans                                                        6            (4)            3
   Real estate                                                          64            14             6
   Other                                                                 4           (68)          (22)
                                                                 ===========================================
   Net realized capital gains                                         $219          $436          $122
                                                                 ===========================================
</TABLE>

Proceeds from sales of  investments  (excluding  call and maturity  proceeds) in
debt securities  were $5.0 billion,  $7.8 billion and $6.5 billion in 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively.  Gross gains of $48 million, $76 million and $93 million
and gross losses of $43 million,  $69 million and $35 million in 1997,  1996 and
1995, respectively, were realized on those sales.

Of the  1997,  1996 and 1995  proceeds,  $4.0  billion,  $7.2  billion  and $6.1
billion,  respectively,  relates  to sales of  mortgage-backed  securities.  The
Company actively  manages its  mortgage-backed  securities  portfolio to control
prepayment  risk.  Gross gains of $29  million,  $64 million and $66 million and
gross losses of $10 million, $53 million and $17 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively,  were realized on sales of mortgage-backed securities. At December
31,  1997,  the Company had security  purchases  payable  totaling  $266 million
relating to the purchases of mortgage-backed securities at forward dates.

Prior to 1996, the Company  entered into  short-term  equity swap  agreements to
mitigate  its  exposure  to  declines  in the  value  of about  one-half  of its
marketable  common stock  portfolio.  Under the  agreements,  the return on that
portion of the  Company's  marketable  common stock  portfolio was swapped for a
fixed short-term interest rate. The equity swaps were terminated during 1996 and
a  realized  loss  of $81  million  recorded.  Common  stocks  of  $633  million
associated  with these  equity  swaps were sold  during  1996 and a gain of $402
million recorded, resulting in a net realized gain of $321 million.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




2.  Investments (continued)

The  unrealized  appreciation  on  investments  in debt  and  equity  securities
available-for-sale  is reported as a separate  component  of equity,  reduced by
adjustments to deferred  acquisition  costs and unearned  revenue  reserves that
would have been  required as a charge or credit to  operations  had such amounts
been realized and a provision for deferred income taxes.  The cumulative  amount
of net  unrealized  gains on  available-for-sale  securities  is as follows  (in
millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      December 31
                                                                                  1997           1996
                                                                              -----------------------------

<S>                                                                              <C>             <C> 
   Unrealized appreciation on debt securities, available-for-sale                $1,142          $945
   Unrealized appreciation on equity securities, available-for-sale,
     including seed money in separate accounts                                      639           521
   Adjustments for assumed changes in amortization patterns:
     Deferred acquisition costs                                                    (204)         (160)
     Unearned revenue reserves                                                       21            17
   Provision for deferred income taxes                                             (560)         (463)
                                                                              =============================
   Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities                         $1,038          $860
                                                                              =============================
</TABLE>

Commercial  mortgage loans and corporate  private  placement bonds originated or
acquired by the Company represent its primary areas of credit risk exposure.  At
December 31, 1997 and 1996, the commercial  mortgage portfolio is diversified by
geographic region and specific collateral property type as follows:

                Geographic Distribution              Property Type Distribution
                      December 31                           December 31
                     ---------------                     ----------------
                    1997        1996                      1997       1996
                 -----------------------               -----------------------
                 -----------------------               -----------------------

Pacific              28%         30%       Industrial      33%        35%
South Atlantic       24          22        Retail          33         34
North Central        16          17        Office          29         28
Mid Atlantic         14          15        Other            5          3
South Central         9           7
New England           5           5
Mountain              4           4

Mortgage  loans on real estate are considered  impaired  when,  based on current
information  and  events,  it is  probable  that the  Company  will be unable to
collect all amounts due according to  contractual  terms of the loan  agreement.
When the Company  determines  that a loan is impaired,  a provision  for loss is
established for the difference  between the carrying amount of the mortgage loan
and the estimated value. Estimated value is based on either the present value of
the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate,
the  loan's  observable  market  price  or fair  value  of the  collateral.  The
provision for losses is reported as realized gains (losses) on investments.


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



2.  Investments (continued)

Mortgage loans deemed to be uncollectible  are charged against the allowance for
losses and subsequent  recoveries are credited to the allowance for losses.  The
allowance for losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to
absorb estimated probable credit losses. Management's periodic evaluation of the
adequacy of the allowance  for losses is based on the  Company's  past loan loss
experience,  known and inherent risks in the portfolio,  adverse situations that
may  affect  the  borrower's  ability  to  repay,  the  estimated  value  of the
underlying  collateral,  composition  of the loan  portfolio,  current  economic
conditions and other relevant factors.  The evaluation is inherently  subjective
as it requires  estimating  the amounts and timing of future cash flows expected
to be received on impaired loans that may change.

A summary of the changes in the mortgage loan allowance for losses is as follows
(in millions):

                                                               December 31
                                                           1997           1996
                                                       -------------------------

   Balance at beginning of year                             $121          $115
   Provision for losses                                        8            16
   Releases due to write-downs, sales and foreclosures        (8)          (10)
                                                       =========================
   Balance at end of year                                   $121          $121
                                                       =========================

The corporate  private  placement  bond  portfolio is  diversified by issuer and
industry.  Restrictive  bond  covenants are monitored by the Company to regulate
the activities of issuers and control their leveraging capabilities.

The Company was servicing approximately 371,000 and 328,000 residential mortgage
loans with aggregate principal balances of approximately $29.1 billion and $24.4
billion at December 31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  In connection  with these
mortgage  servicing  activities,  the  Company  held  funds in trust for  others
totaling  approximately  $210  million and $175 million at December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively.  In connection with its loan administration  activities, the
Company  advances  payments of property  taxes and  insurance  premiums and also
advances  principal and interest  payments to investors in advance of collecting
funds from specific mortgagors.  In addition, the Company makes certain payments
of attorney fees and other costs related to loans in foreclosure.  These amounts
receivable  are  recorded,  at cost,  as  advances on  serviced  loans.  Amounts
advanced  are  considered  in  management's  evaluation  of the  adequacy of the
allowance for loan loss.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



2.  Investments (continued)

Real estate includes properties directly owned by the Company that are generally
held for  investment  purposes.  Real estate  holdings  and related  accumulated
depreciation are as follows (in millions):

                                                December 31
                                            1997           1996
                                        -----------------------------

   Real estate                              $2,985        $2,743
   Accumulated depreciation                   (353)         (269)
                                        =============================
   Real estate, net                         $2,632        $2,474
                                        =============================

Other  investments  include  properties  owned jointly with venture partners and
operated by the  partners.  Joint  ventures in which the Company has an interest
have  mortgage  loans  with the  Company  of $1.2  billion  and $1.4  billion at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.  The Company is committed to providing
additional  mortgage financing for such joint ventures  aggregating $120 million
at December 31, 1997.

3.  Derivatives Held or Issued for Purposes Other Than Trading

The Company uses exchange-traded  interest rate futures and forward contracts to
hedge against  interest rate risks.  The Company attempts to match the timing of
when interest rates are committed on insurance  products and on new investments.
However,  timing  differences do occur and can expose the Company to fluctuating
interest rates. Interest rate futures and forward contracts are used to minimize
these  risks.  In these  contracts,  the Company is subject to the risk that the
counterparties  will fail to perform and to the risks associated with changes in
the value of the underlying securities; however, such changes in value generally
are  offset by  opposite  changes  in the  value of the  hedged  items.  Futures
contracts  are  marked  to  market  and  settled  daily,   which  minimizes  the
counterparty  risk. The notional  amounts of futures and forward  contracts ($36
million at December 31, 1997,  and $148 million at December 31, 1996)  represent
the extent of the Company's involvement but not the risk of loss.

The  Company  enters  into  interest  rate swaps to  minimize  its  exposure  to
fluctuations in interest rates. The most common use is to modify the duration of
an asset or  portfolio,  a less  common use is to convert a floating  rate asset
into a fixed rate asset. The notional principal amounts of the swaps outstanding
at  December  31,  1997  and  1996,   were  $1,037  million  and  $970  million,
respectively,  and the credit  exposure  at  December  31, 1997 and 1996 was $21
million and $15 million,  respectively. The Company is exposed to credit loss in
the event of nonperformance of the counterparties. This credit risk is minimized
by  purchasing  such  agreements  from  financial   institutions  with  superior
performance  records.  The Company's current credit exposure on swaps is limited
to the value of interest  rate swaps that have become  favorable to the Company.
The average unexpired terms of the swaps were  approximately six years and three
years at December  31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  The net amount  payable or
receivable from



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



3.  Derivatives Held or Issued for Purposes Other Than Trading (continued)

interest  rate  swaps is  accrued  as an  adjustment  to  interest  income.  The
Company's  interest rate swap agreements include  cross-default  provisions when
two or more swaps are transacted with a given counterparty.

The Company  enters into currency  exchange swap  agreements to convert  certain
foreign  denominated  fixed rate assets into U.S. dollar  denominated fixed rate
assets  and  eliminate  the  exposure  to future  currency  volatility  on those
securities.  At December  31,  1997,  the Company had various  foreign  currency
exchange agreements with maturities ranging from 1998 to 2018, with an aggregate
notional amount involved of  approximately  $410 million and the credit exposure
was $17 million.  At December 31, 1996, such maturities ranged from 1997 to 2018
with an aggregate  notional  amount of  approximately  $373 million and a credit
exposure  of  $9  million.   The  average   unexpired  term  of  the  swaps  was
approximately seven years at both December 31, 1997 and 1996.

The Company uses  interest  rate floors in hedging a portion of its portfolio of
mortgage  servicing  rights from  prepayment  risk  associated  with  changes in
interest rates. At both December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had entered into
interest rate floors with a notional  value of $1.3 billion.  The floors provide
for the receipt of payments when interest rates are below predetermined interest
rate levels.  The  premiums  paid for floors are included in other assets in the
Company's consolidated statements of financial position.

4.  Accident and Health Reserves

Activity  in the  liability  for unpaid  accident  and health  claims,  which is
included with future policy benefits and claims in the  consolidated  statements
of financial position, is summarized as follows (in millions):

                                              Year ended December 31
                                        1997          1996          1995
                                     -----------------------------------------

   Balance at beginning of year        $   800       $   810       $   824

   Incurred:
     Current year                        2,723         3,051         3,179
     Prior years                           (21)          (29)           (5)
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     -----------------------------------------
   Total incurred                        2,702         3,022         3,174

   Payments:
     Current year                        2,235         2,535         2,654
     Prior years                           497           497           534
                                     -----------------------------------------
   Total payments                        2,732         3,032         3,188
                                     -----------------------------------------

   Balance at end of year:
     Current year                          476           516           525
     Prior years                           294           284           285
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                     =========================================
   Total balance at end of year        $   770       $   800       $   810
                                     =========================================



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)
             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)


4.  Accident and Health Reserves (continued)

The activity  summary in the  liability  for unpaid  accident and health  claims
shows a decrease of $21 million,  $29 million and $5 million to the December 31,
1996,   1995  and  1994  liability  for  unpaid   accident  and  health  claims,
respectively, arising in prior years. Such liability adjustments, which affected
current  operations  during 1997,  1996 and 1995,  respectively,  resulted  from
developed  claims for prior years being different than were anticipated when the
liabilities  for unpaid  accident and health claims were  originally  estimated.
These trends have been considered in establishing the current year liability for
unpaid accident and health claims.

5.  Debt

The  components  of debt as of December  31, 1997 and  December  31, 1996 are as
follows (in millions):

                                                     December 31
                                                1997           1996
                                             -----------------------------

      7.875% notes payable, due 2024             $199          $199
      8% notes payable, due 2044                   99            99
      Mortgages and other notes payable           161           101
                                             =============================
      Total debt                                 $459          $399
                                             =============================

On March 10,  1994,  Principal  Mutual  issued  $300  million of surplus  notes,
including  $200 million due March 1, 2024 at a 7.875%  annual  interest rate and
the remaining  $100 million due March 1, 2044 at an 8% annual  interest rate. No
affiliates of the Company hold any portion of the notes. The discount and direct
costs  associated  with issuing these notes are being  amortized to expense over
their respective  terms using the interest method.  Each payment of interest and
principal on the notes, however, may be made only with the prior approval of the
Commissioner  of Insurance of the State of Iowa (the  Commissioner)  and only to
the extent that Principal  Mutual has sufficient  surplus  earnings to make such
payments. For each of the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, interest
of $24 million was approved by the Commissioner, paid and charged to expense.

Subject to  Commissioner  approval,  the surplus  notes due March 1, 2024 may be
redeemed at Principal Mutual's election on or after March 1, 2004 in whole or in
part at a redemption price of approximately  103.6% of par. The approximate 3.6%
premium is scheduled to gradually  diminish over the following ten years.  These
surplus  notes may then be redeemed on or after March 1, 2014,  at a  redemption
price of 100% of the  principal  amount  plus  interest  accrued  to the date of
redemption.

In addition,  subject to Commissioner  approval, the notes due March 1, 2044 may
be redeemed at Principal  Mutual's  election on or after March 1, 2014, in whole
or in part at a redemption price of approximately 102.3% of par. The approximate
2.3% premium is scheduled to gradually  diminish  over the  following ten years.
These notes may be redeemed on or after March 1, 2024, at a redemption  price of
100% of the principal amount plus interest accrued to the date of redemption.

The  mortgages  and  other  notes  payable  are   financings   for  real  estate
developments.  The Company has obtained  loans with  various  lenders to finance
these developments. Outstanding principal balances as of December 31, 1997 range
from $1 million to $10.7 million per  development  with interest rates generally
ranging  from 6.6% to 8.0%.  Outstanding  principal  balances as of December 31,
1996 range from $1 million to $9 million per  development  with  interest  rates
generally ranging from 5.9% to 7.7%.


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




5.  Debt (continued)

At  December  31,  1997,  future  annual  maturities  of debt are as follows (in
millions):

   1998                                                      $  79
   1999                                                         20
   2000                                                          3
   2001                                                          3
   2002                                                          3
   Thereafter                                                  351
                                                           ----------
                                                           ==========
   Total future maturities of debt                            $459
                                                           ==========

Cash paid for interest for 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $63 million,  $52 million and
$50 million, respectively.

The  Company  issues  commercial  paper  periodically  to  meet  its  short-term
financing needs and also has credit  facilities with various banks.  The Company
had  outstanding  credit  borrowings of $225 million and $15 million at December
31, 1997 and 1996,  respectively,  and other outstanding borrowings from certain
financing  transactions of $154 million at December 31, 1996. These  outstanding
borrowings are included in other  liabilities in the consolidated  statements of
financial position.


6.  Income Taxes

The Company's income tax expense (benefit) is as follows (in millions):

                                      Year ended December 31
                                 1997          1996          1995
                               ----------------------------------------
   Current income taxes:
     Federal                      $144          $145          $104
     State and foreign               3            (1)            5
     Realized capital gains         11           210            41
                               ----------------------------------------
   Total current income taxes      158           354           150
   Deferred income taxes            83           (50)           57
                               ========================================
   Total income taxes             $241          $304          $207
                               ========================================

The Company's provision for income taxes may not have the customary relationship
of taxes to income. Differences between the prevailing corporate income tax rate
of 35% times the pre-tax income and the Company's  effective tax rate on pre-tax
income are generally due to inherent  differences  between  income for financial
reporting  purposes  and  income  for tax  purposes,  and the  establishment  of
adequate  provisions  for any  challenges of the tax filings and tax payments to
the various taxing jurisdictions.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



6.  Income Taxes (continued)

The Internal  Revenue  Service (the  Service) has completed  examination  of the
consolidated  federal  income tax  returns of  Principal  Mutual and  affiliated
companies through 1992. The Service is currently  completing its examination for
the years 1993 and 1994. The Company  believes that there are adequate  defenses
against or sufficient provisions for any challenges.

The  Company's  deferred  income tax  liabilities  and assets are as follows (in
millions):

                                                 December 31
                                             1997           1996
                                         -----------------------------

   Deferred income tax liabilities           $1,259        $1,110
   Deferred income tax assets                   456           487
                                         =============================
   Deferred income taxes, net               $   803       $   623
                                         =============================

The Company's  significant  deferred income tax liabilities and assets relate to
unrealized  gains on  available-for-sale  debt and equity  securities,  deferred
acquisition  costs,  unrealized  joint venture  losses,  policy  liabilities and
accruals and contractholder  funds and claims,  policyowner  dividend liability,
prepaid  postretirement  benefits other than pension,  other investment  related
items and  premiums  and fees  receivable.  No  valuation  allowances  have been
recognized against deferred tax assets.

The Company  has not  recognized  deferred  taxes  related to the  undistributed
earnings of certain foreign  subsidiaries that are considered to be indefinitely
reinvested  because the Company does not expect to repatriate these earnings.  A
tax liability will be recognized when the Company expects  distribution of those
earnings in the form of dividends, sale of the investment or otherwise.

Cash paid for income taxes in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $143 million, $285 million
and $99 million, respectively.


7.  Employee and Agent Benefits

The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering  substantially all of its
employees and certain  agents.  The  employees  and agents are  generally  first
eligible for the pension plans when they reach age 21. The pension  benefits are
based on the years of service and  generally the  employee's or agent's  average
annual  compensation  during the last five years of employment.  Partial benefit
accrual  of  pension  benefits  is  recognized  from  first   eligibility  until
retirement based on attained service divided by potential service to age 65 with
a minimum of 35 years of potential service.  The Company's policy is to fund the
cost of providing  pension  benefits in the years that the  employees and agents
are providing service to the Company. The Company's funding policy is to deposit
the actuarial  normal cost and any change in unfunded  accrued  liability over a
30-year period as a percentage of compensation.


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




7.  Employee and Agent Benefits (continued)

The pension plans' combined funded status,  reconciled to amounts  recognized in
the consolidated statements of financial position and consolidated statements of
operations, is as follows (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      December 31
                                                                                 1997           1996
                                                                             ------------------------------
                                                                             ------------------------------
   Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
<S>                                                                               <C>           <C> 
      Vested benefit obligation                                                   $515          $482
                                                                             ==============================
                                                                             ==============================
      Accumulated benefit obligation                                              $525          $495
                                                                             ==============================
                                                                             ==============================

   Plan assets at fair value, primarily affiliated mutual funds
      and investment contracts of the Company                                     $980          $841
   Projected benefit obligation                                                    700           732
                                                                             ------------------------------
   Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation                           280           109

   Unrecognized net gains and funding different from that assumed and from
      changes in assumptions                                                      (182)          (29)
   Unrecognized prior service cost                                                  14            17
   Unrecognized net transition asset                                               (49)          (60)
                                                                             ------------------------------
                                                                             ==============================
   Prepaid pension asset                                                         $  63         $  37
                                                                             ==============================
</TABLE>

Net  periodic  pension  cost  (income)  included the  following  components  (in
millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Year ended December 31
                                                                  1997           1996           1995
                                                              ---------------------------------------------

<S>                                                               <C>           <C>            <C>  
      Service cost                                                $  41         $  38          $  25
      Interest cost on projected benefit obligation                  52            46             39
      Actual return on plan assets                                 (128)         (118)          (144)
      Net amortization and deferral                                  40            42             79
                                                              ---------------------------------------------
                                                              =============================================
      Total net periodic pension cost (income)                    $   5         $   8          $  (1)
                                                              =============================================
</TABLE>

The  weighted-average  assumed  discount rate used in determining  the projected
benefit  obligation  was 7.25% at both  December  31,  1997 and 1996,  and 7% at
December  31,  1995.  Some of the trusts  holding the plan assets are subject to
income taxes at a 35% tax rate while others are not subject to income taxes. For
1997, 1996 and 1995, the expected  long-term rates of return on plan assets were
approximately  6% (after  estimated  income  taxes) for those trusts  subject to
income taxes and approximately 9.5% for those trusts not subject to income taxes
in each year. The assumed rate of increase in future  compensation levels varies
by age for both the qualified and non-qualified pension plans.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




7.  Employee and Agent Benefits (continued)

In  addition,  the  Company has defined  contribution  plans that are  generally
available to all employees and agents who are age 21 or older and have completed
one year of service.  Eligible  participants  may  contribute up to 15% of their
compensation,  to a  maximum  of $9,500  annually  to the plans in both 1997 and
1996, and $9,240 in 1995. The Company matches the participant's  contribution at
a 50%  contribution  rate  up to a  maximum  Company  contribution  of 2% of the
participant's  compensation.  The Company  contributed  $15 million in 1997, $13
million in 1996 and $11 million in 1995 to these defined contribution plans.

The Company also provides certain health care, life insurance and long-term care
benefits for retired  employees.  Substantially all employees are first eligible
for these postretirement  benefits when they reach age 57 and have completed ten
years of service with the Company. Partial benefit accrual of these health, life
and long-term care benefits is recognized from the employee's date of hire until
retirement based on attained service divided by potential service to age 65 with
a minimum of 35 years of potential service.  The Company's policy is to fund the
cost of providing retiree benefits in the years that the employees are providing
service to the Company. The Company's funding policy is to deposit the actuarial
normal cost and an accrued  liability  over a 30-year  period as a percentage of
compensation.

The  postretirement  plans'  combined  funded  status,   reconciled  to  amounts
recognized in the consolidated statements of financial position and consolidated
statements of operations, is as follows (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     December 31
                                                                                 1997            1996
                                                                            -------------------------------
   Plan assets at fair value, primarily affiliated mutual funds and
<S>                                                                              <C>             <C> 
     investment contracts of the Company                                         $300            $247
   Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
     Retirees                                                                     (84)            (87)
     Eligible employees                                                           (33)            (38)
     Active employees not eligible to retire                                      (97)            (93)
                                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                            -------------------------------
   Total accumulated postretirement benefit obligation                           (214)           (218)
                                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                            -------------------------------
   Excess of plan assets over accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
                                                                                   86              29

   Unrecognized net gains and funding different from that assumed and from
     changes in assumptions                                                       (53)            (10)
   Unrecognized net transition obligation                                          12              17
                                                                            -------------------------------
                                                                            ===============================
   Postretirement benefit asset                                                  $ 45            $ 36
                                                                            ===============================
</TABLE>



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




7.  Employee and Agent Benefits (continued)

The net periodic  postretirement  benefit cost included the following components
(in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Year ended December 31
                                                                   1997           1996            1995
                                                              ----------------------------------------------
                                                              ----------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                 <C>            <C>            <C> 
   Service cost                                                     $12            $12            $  7
   Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit cost
                                                                     16             15              14
   Actual return on plan assets                                     (41)           (32)            (43)
   Amortization of transition obligation                              4              4               4
   Net amortization of gains and losses                              25             19              34
                                                              ==============================================
   Total net periodic postretirement benefit cost                   $16            $18             $16
                                                              ==============================================
</TABLE>

The  weighted-average  assumed discount rate used in determining the accumulated
postretirement  benefit obligation was 7.25% at both December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and 7% at  December  31,  1995.  Some of the trusts  holding the plan assets are
subject to income taxes at a 35% tax rate while others are not subject to income
taxes.  For 1997, 1996 and 1995, the expected  long-term rates of return on plan
assets were  approximately  5% (after  estimated  income taxes) for those trusts
subject to income  taxes and  approximately  8% for those  trusts not subject to
income taxes in each year.  These rates of return on plan assets vary by benefit
type and employee group.

The  assumed  health  care cost trend  rate used in  measuring  the  accumulated
postretirement  benefit  obligations  starts at 9% in 1997,  declines to 8.5% in
2002 and then  declines  to an ultimate  rate of 6% in 2030.  If the health care
cost trend rate  assumptions  were increased by 1% in each year, the accumulated
postretirement  benefits  obligation  for health  plans as of December  31, 1997
would increase by 27.7% ($45 million). The effect of this 1% increase would also
increase the aggregate of the service cost and interest  cost  components of the
net  periodic  postretirement  benefit  cost of health  plans for the year ended
December 31, 1997 by 24% ($6 million).


8.  Reinsurance

Reinsurance  contracts  do not  relieve  the  Company  from its  obligations  to
policyowners.  Failure of reinsurers to honor their  obligations could result in
losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial strength of potential
reinsurers  and  continually   monitors  the  financial   condition  of  present
reinsurers. The Company also monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from
similar  geographic  regions,  activities  or  economic  characteristics  of the
reinsurers  to minimize  its  exposure  to  significant  losses  from  reinsurer
insolvencies.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




8.  Reinsurance (continued)

The effect of reinsurance on premiums and annuity and other  considerations  and
benefits, claims and settlement expenses is as follows (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Year ended
                                                                                   December 31
                                                                       1997            1996           1995
                                                                  ----------------------------------------------
                                                                  ----------------------------------------------

   Premiums and annuity and other considerations:
<S>                                                                   <C>             <C>            <C>   
     Direct                                                           $4,601          $5,034         $5,171
     Assumed                                                             106             116             99
     Ceded                                                               (39)            (29)           (27)
                                                                  ==============================================
   Net premiums and annuity and other considerations                  $4,668          $5,121         $5,243
                                                                  ==============================================
                                                                  ==============================================

   Benefits, claims and settlement expenses:
     Direct                                                           $5,596          $6,003         $6,070
     Assumed                                                             102             109             99
     Ceded                                                               (66)            (25)           (27)
                                                                  ==============================================
   Net benefits, claims and settlement expenses                       $5,632          $6,087         $6,142
                                                                  ==============================================
</TABLE>

9.  Other Commitments and Contingencies

The Company,  as a lessor,  leases industrial,  office,  retail and other wholly
owned investment real estate properties under various  operating leases.  Rental
income for all operating  leases  totaled $344 million in 1997,  $310 million in
1996 and $260  million in 1995.  At December  31, 1997,  future  minimum  annual
rental commitments under these noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in
millions):

   1998                                           $   274
   1999                                               241
   2000                                               201
   2001                                               162
   2002                                               117
   Thereafter                                         448
                                                -------------
                                                =============
   Total future minimum lease receipts             $1,443
                                                =============



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




9.  Other Commitments and Contingencies (continued)

The Company,  as a lessee,  leases office space,  data processing  equipment and
office furniture and equipment under various  operating  leases.  Rental expense
for all  operating  leases  totaled $73  million in both 1997 and 1996,  and $69
million in 1995. At December 31, 1997, future minimum annual rental  commitments
under these noncancelable operating leases are as follows (in millions):

   1998                                         $  44
   1999                                            35
   2000                                            26
   2001                                            19
   2002                                            14
   Thereafter                                      22
                                             -----------
   Total future minimum lease payments           $160
                                             ===========

The Company is a defendant in various legal actions arising in the normal course
of its investment and insurance  operations.  In the opinion of management,  any
losses  resulting  from the resolution of such actions would not have a material
effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

The Company is also subject to insurance  guarantee  laws in the states in which
it writes  business.  These  laws  provide  for  assessments  against  insurance
companies  for the  benefit  of  policyowners  and  claimants  in the  event  of
insolvency  of other  insurance  companies.  The  assessments  may be  partially
recovered  through  a  reduction  in future  premium  taxes in some  states.  At
December  31,  1997  and  1996,   approximately  $6  million  and  $15  million,
respectively,  is accrued in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of
financial  position for possible  guarantee fund  assessments  for which notices
have not been received and the Company does not  anticipate  receiving a premium
tax credit.


10.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following  discussion  describes the methods and assumptions utilized by the
Company in estimating  its fair value  disclosures  for  financial  instruments.
Certain financial instruments,  particularly  policyowner liabilities other than
investment   contracts,   are   excluded   from  these  fair  value   disclosure
requirements. The techniques utilized in estimating the fair values of financial
instruments are affected by the assumptions used,  including  discount rates and
estimates  of the  amount  and  timing  of future  cash  flows.  Care  should be
exercised in deriving  conclusions  about the Company's  business,  its value or
financial position based on the fair value information of financial  instruments
presented  below.  The  estimates  shown are not  necessarily  indicative of the
amounts that would be realized in a one-time,  current market exchange of all of
the Company's financial instruments.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




10.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

The Company defines fair value as the quoted market prices for those instruments
that are actively  traded in  financial  markets.  In cases where quoted  market
prices are not available, fair values are estimated using present value or other
valuation  techniques.  The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in
time,  based on available  market  information and judgments about the financial
instrument,  including estimates of timing, amount of expected future cash flows
and the credit  standing of  counterparties.  Such estimates do not consider the
tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses.  In many cases, the
fair value  estimates  cannot be  substantiated  by  comparison  to  independent
markets.  In  addition,  the  disclosed  fair value may not be  realized  in the
immediate settlement of the financial instrument.

Fair values of public debt and equity  securities  have been  determined  by the
Company from public quotations, when available. Private placement securities and
other debt and equity  securities are valued by  discounting  the expected total
cash flows.  Market rates used are  applicable to the yield,  credit quality and
average maturity of each security.

Fair values of  commercial  mortgage  loans are  determined by  discounting  the
expected  total cash flows using market rates that are  applicable to the yield,
credit quality and maturity of each loan.  Fair values of  residential  mortgage
loans are  determined by a pricing and  servicing  model using market rates that
are applicable to the yield, rate structure,  credit quality,  size and maturity
of each loan.

The fair values for assets classified as policy loans, other  investments,  cash
and  cash  equivalents  and  accrued   investment  income  in  the  accompanying
consolidated   statements  of  financial  position  approximate  their  carrying
amounts.

The fair values of the Company's  reserves and liabilities  for  investment-type
insurance contracts  (insurance,  annuity and other policy contracts that do not
involve  significant  mortality or morbidity risk and that are only a portion of
the  policyowner   liabilities  appearing  in  the  consolidated  statements  of
financial  position) are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses (based on
current  interest  rates being  offered for similar  contracts  with  maturities
consistent with those remaining for the investment-type contracts being valued).
The fair values for the Company's  insurance contracts  (insurance,  annuity and
other policy contracts that do involve significant mortality or morbidity risk),
other than  investment-type  contracts,  are not required to be  disclosed.  The
Company does consider,  however,  the various  insurance and investment risks in
choosing investments for both insurance and investment-type contracts.

Fair values for debt issues are estimated  using  discounted  cash flow analysis
based  on  the  Company's  incremental  borrowing  rate  for  similar  borrowing
arrangements.



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




10.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments (continued)

The  carrying  amounts  and  estimated  fair values of the  Company's  financial
instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996, are as follows (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             1997                         1996
                                                  ---------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                     Carrying       Fair         Carrying        Fair
                                                      Amount        Value         Amount         Value
                                                  ---------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                  ---------------------------  ----------------------------

 Assets (liabilities)

<S>                                                   <C>           <C>            <C>          <C>    
   Debt securities (see Note 2)                       $21,546       $21,546        $21,974      $21,974
   Equity securities (see Note 2)                       1,273         1,273          1,023        1,023
   Mortgage loans                                      13,286        14,291         12,409       12,823
   Policy loans                                           749           749            736          736
   Other investments                                      130           130            102          102
   Cash and cash equivalents                              546           546            271          271
   Accrued investment income                              457           457            464          464
   Investment-type insurance contracts                (22,115)      (22,637)       (22,196)     (22,158)
   Debt                                                  (459)         (486)          (399)        (427)
</TABLE>


11.  Statutory Insurance Financial Information

Principal  Mutual,  the  largest  member of The  Principal  Financial  Group(R),
prepares  statutory  financial  statements  in  accordance  with the  accounting
practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Division of the Department of
Commerce  of the  State of Iowa.  Currently  "prescribed"  statutory  accounting
practices  include a variety of  publications  of the  National  Association  of
Insurance   Commissioners  as  well  as  state  laws,  regulations  and  general
administrative  rules.  "Permitted" statutory accounting practices encompass all
accounting  practices not so prescribed.  The impact of any permitted accounting
practices on statutory surplus is not material. The accounting practices used to
prepare statutory financial  statements for regulatory filings differ in certain
instances from GAAP.  Prescribed or permitted statutory accounting practices are
used by state insurance departments to regulate the Company.

The  NAIC  is  in  the  process  of  codifying  statutory  accounting  practices
(Codification), the result of which is expected to constitute the only source of
"prescribed" statutory accounting practices. Accordingly, that project, which is
expected to be approved by the NAIC in 1998, will likely change, to some extent,
prescribed  statutory  accounting  practices  and may  result in  changes to the
accounting  practices that Principal Mutual uses to prepare its  statutory-basis
financial  statements.  Codification will require adoption by the various states
before it becomes the  prescribed  statutory  basis of accounting  for insurance
companies  domiciled within those states.  The impact on Principal Mutual's 1997
statutory surplus has not yet been determined at this time.


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




11.  Statutory Insurance Financial Information (continued)

Life/Health  insurance companies are subject to certain risk-based capital (RBC)
requirements as specified by the NAIC. Under those  requirements,  the amount of
capital and  surplus  maintained  by a  life/health  insurance  company is to be
determined  based on the various  risk  factors  related to it. At December  31,
1997, Principal Mutual meets the RBC requirements.

The  following  summary  reconciles  the assets and equity at December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995,  and net income for the years ended  December 31, 1997,  1996 and
1995, in accordance with statutory reporting  practices  prescribed or permitted
by the  Insurance  Division of the  Department  of Commerce of the State of Iowa
(Principal Mutual only) with that reported in these  consolidated GAAP financial
statements (in millions):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Assets       Equity     Net Income
                                                                  -----------------------------------------
                                                                  -----------------------------------------
   December 31, 1997
   As reported in accordance with statutory accounting practices
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C> 
     - unconsolidated                                               $63,957       $2,811        $432
   Additions (deductions):
     Unrealized gain on debt securities available-for-sale            1,176        1,176           -
     Other investment adjustments                                       853        1,141          27
     Adjustments to insurance reserves and dividends                   (173)        (131)        (41)
     Deferral of policy acquisition costs                             1,057        1,057          43
     Surplus note reclassification as debt                                -         (298)          -
     Provision for deferred federal income taxes and other tax
       reclassifications                                                  -         (643)          7
     Other - net                                                        184          171         (14)
                                                                  =========================================
   As reported in these consolidated GAAP financial statements      $67,054       $5,284        $454
                                                                  =========================================

   December 31, 1996
   As reported in accordance with statutory accounting practices
     - unconsolidated                                               $56,837       $2,504        $415
   Additions (deductions):
     Unrealized gain on debt securities available-for-sale              964          964           -
     Other investment adjustments                                       355          901          53
     Adjustments to insurance reserves and dividends                   (156)        (115)        (41)
     Deferral of policy acquisition costs                             1,058        1,058          38
     Surplus note reclassification as debt                                -         (298)          -
     Provision for deferred federal income taxes and other tax
       reclassifications                                                 (6)        (493)         60
     Other - net                                                         90          133           1
                                                                  -----------------------------------------
                                                                  =========================================
   As reported in these consolidated GAAP financial statements      $59,142       $4,654        $526
                                                                  =========================================
</TABLE>


<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)



11.  Statutory Insurance Financial Information (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     Assets       Equity     Net Income
                                                                  -----------------------------------------
   December 31, 1995
   As reported in accordance with statutory accounting practices
<S>                                                                 <C>           <C>           <C> 
     - unconsolidated                                               $51,268       $2,208        $263
   Additions (deductions):
     Unrealized gain on debt securities available-for-sale            1,553        1,553           -
     Other investment adjustments                                       228          911          60
     Adjustments to insurance reserves and dividends                   (128)         (28)         (7)
     Deferral of policy acquisition costs                               937          937          61
     Surplus note reclassification as debt                                -         (298)          -
     Provision for deferred federal income taxes and other tax
       reclassifications                                                 (9)        (770)        (20)
     Other - net                                                        115           93         (13)
                                                                  =========================================
   As reported in these consolidated GAAP financial statements      $53,964       $4,606        $344
                                                                  =========================================
</TABLE>


12.  Business Acquisitions and Disposition

During  1997,  various  acquisitions  were  made  by  certain  of the  Company's
subsidiaries at purchase prices aggregating $101 million.  The acquisitions were
all accounted for using the purchase method and the results of operations of the
acquired  businesses  have been  included  in the  financial  statements  of the
subsidiaries from the dates of acquisition.  Such  acquisitions  increased total
assets at December 31, 1997 and total 1997 revenue of the  subsidiaries  by $459
million and $88 million, respectively.

During 1997, the Company  terminated a portion of its group medical business and
helped   insureds   find   replacement   coverage.   The  Company  has  retained
responsibility  for the payment of claims incurred on this business prior to the
effective date of the  termination  and has included an estimate of the ultimate
liability for these claims in its financial statements.  Annual premiums related
to this business were approximately $380 million at date of transfer.

13.  Subsequent Events

On November 3, 1997,  the  Company  entered  into a  definitive  agreement  with
Coventry  Corporation to effectively  merge  substantially  all of the Company's
managed  health  care  operations  with  Coventry   Corporation,   a  previously
unaffiliated  managed care company.  The closing of the definitive  agreement is
subject to regulatory  approvals and various other conditions.  The Company will
own 40% of a resulting new company,  Coventry Health Care,  Inc.,  which will be
publicly  traded,  and  will  recognize  no gain  or  loss  on the  transaction.
Subsequent  to  closing,  which is expected  in the first  quarter of 1998,  the
Company  will  account  for its  investment  in the new entity  using the equity
method and will no longer consolidate the



<PAGE>



                        The Principal Financial Group(R)

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)




13.  Subsequent Events (continued)

transferred  businesses.  Total assets at December 31, 1997,  and total revenues
and pretax loss for the year then ended, were approximately  $419 million,  $883
million and $(26) million,  respectively,  for the transferred  businesses.  The
Company  also intends to enter into a  reinsurance  agreement on January 1, 2000
whereby  Coventry  Health and Life Insurance  Company,  a subsidiary of Coventry
Corporation,  will  reinsure  a  portion  of  the  Company's  traditional  group
indemnity  health  insurance  business in  overlapping  markets (1997 revenue of
approximately $550 million) at that time.

In December 1997, the Company signed a definitive  agreement with EVEREN Capital
Corporation to sell Principal Securities Holding Corporation and its subsidiary,
Principal Financial Securities,  Inc., an investment banking and stock brokerage
firm for $75 million.  The  transaction,  which  required  regulatory  approval,
closed in January 1998. Total assets of Principal Securities Holding Corporation
at  December  31,  1997,  and total  revenues  and pretax loss for the year then
ended,  were  approximately  $91  million,   $144  million  and  $(10)  million,
respectively.


14.  Year 2000 Issues (Unaudited)

In 1995, the Company began  investigating  the potential impact of the year 2000
on its systems, procedures, customers and business processes. Some changes began
immediately,  while others waited for an assessment  that was completed in 1996.
The Year 2000  assessment  provided  information  used to determine  what system
components  must be changed or replaced to minimize  the impact of the  calendar
change  from 1999 to 2000.  The goal of the  Company is to have its  systems and
procedures function correctly, regardless of the current date on the calendar.

The Company will  continue to use  internal  and  external  resources to modify,
replace,   and  test  the  Year   2000   modifications.   Management   estimates
approximately  95% of the identified  modifications  have been completed for its
Year 2000 project.  System  testing,  using an isolated test  environment,  will
begin early in 1998.  Ultimate  project  completion  is targeted for early 1999,
which is prior to any anticipated impact on Company  operations.  The total cost
for the project is estimated to be $20 million, with the costs being expensed as
incurred until completion.

The costs of the  project  and the date on which the  Company  believes  it will
complete the Year 2000  modifications  are based on management's best estimates,
which were derived utilizing numerous  assumptions of future events. The Company
also recognizes there are outside  influences and  dependencies  relative to its
Year 2000 effort, over which it has little or no control.  However,  the Company
is putting effort into ensuring these  considerations  will have minimal impact.
These would include the continued availability of certain resources, third-party
modification  plans and many other factors.  However,  there can be no guarantee
that these estimates will be achieved and actual results could differ from those
anticipated.
    

                                     PART C
                            PREMIER VARIABLE CONTRACT
                                OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

          (a)    Financial Statements included in the Registration Statement
                 (1)   Part A:
                       Condensed Financial Information for the five years ended
                       December 31, 1997 and for the period  beginning  July 15,
                       1992 and ended December 31, 1992.

                 (2)   Part B:
                         Principal Mutual Life Insurance  Company Separate
                         Account B:
                           Report of Independent Auditors.
                           Statement of Net Assets, December 31, 1997.
                           Statement of Operations for the year ended 
                             December 31, 1997.
                           Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the years
                             ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
                           Notes to  Financial Statements.
                         The Principal Financial Group(R):
                           Report of Independent Auditors.
                           Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years
                             ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
                           Consolidated Statements of Financial Position,
                             December 31, 1997 and 1996.
                           Consolidated Statements of Equity for the years
                             ended  December 31, 1997 and 1996.
                           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
                             years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
                           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

          (b)    Exhibits
                 (1)   Board resolution of Registrant (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (3a)  Distribution Agreement (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (3b)  Selling Agreement (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (4a)  Form of Variable Annuity Contract (Filed 12/16/97)  
                 (4b)  Variable Annuity Contract Endorsement (Filed 12/16/97)  
                 (4c)  Variable Annuity Contract Rider (Filed 12/16/97)  
                 (5)   Form of Variable Annuity Application (Filed 10/23/97) 
                 (6a)  Articles of Incorporation of Depositor (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (6b)  Bylaws of Depositor (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (9)   Opinion of Counsel (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (10a) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 
                 (10b) Powers of Attorney 
                 (13a) Total Return Calculation (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (13b) Annualized Yield for Separate Account B (Filed 3/1/96)
                 (27)  Financial Data Schedule for Separate Account B

<PAGE>
Item 25.  Officers and Directors of the Depositor

          Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company  is  managed by a Board of
          Directors  which is elected by its  policyowners.  The  directors  and
          executive  officers of the Company,  their positions with the Company,
          including Board Committee  memberships,  and their principal  business
          address, are as follows:

            DIRECTORS:                       Principal
            Name, Positions and Offices      Business Address

            MARY VERMEER ANDRINGA            Vermeer Manufacturing Company
            Director                         Box 200
            Member, Nominating Committee     Pella, IA  50219-0200

            RUTH M. DAVIS                    The Pymatuning Group, Inc.
            Director                         Suite 570, 4900 Seminary Road
            Member, Nominating Committee     Alexandria, VA  22311

            DAVID J. DRURY                   The Principal Financial Group
            Director                         Des Moines, IA  50392
            Chairman of the Board
            Chief Executive Officer
            Chair, Executive Committee

            C. DANIEL GELATT, JR.            NMT Corporation
            Director                         2004 Kramer Street
            Member, Executive Committee      La Crosse, WI  54603
              Chair, Human Resources 
              Committee

            J. BARRY GRISWELL                The Principal Financial Group
            Director and                     Des Moines, IA  50392
            President 

            G. DAVID HURD                    The Principal Financial Group
            Director                         Des Moines, IA  50392
            Member, Executive and                                          
              Nominating Committees

            THEODORE M. HUTCHISON            4019 Oak Forest Drive    
            Director                         Des Moines, IA  50312
            Member, Nominating Committees

            CHARLES S. JOHNSON               Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
            Director                         400 Locust, Ste. 700 Capital Square
            Member, Audit Committee          Des Moines, IA 50309

            WILLIAM T. KERR                  Meredith Corporation
            Director                         1716 Locust St.
            Member, Executive Committee      Des Moines, IA  50309-3023
              and Chair, Nominating 
              Committee

            LEE LIU                          IES Industries Inc.
            Director                         Post Office Box 351
            Member, Executive and            Cedar Rapids, IA  52406
              Human Resources Committees

            VICTOR. H. LOEWENSTEIN           Egon Zehnder International
            Director                         350 Park Avenue - 8th Floor
            Member, Audit                    New York, NY  10022
              Committee

            RONALD D. PEARSON                Hy-Vee, Inc.
            Director                         5820 Westown Parkway
            Member, Human Resources          West Des Moines, IA  50266
              Committee

            JOHN R. PRICE                    The Chase Manhattan Corporation
            Director                         270 Park Avenue - 44th Floor
            Member, Nominating Committee     New York, NY  10017

            DONALD M. STEWART                The College Board
            Director                         45 Columbus Avenue
            Member, Human Resources          New York, NY  10023-6992
              Committee

            ELIZABETH E. TALLETT             Dioscor, Inc.
            Director                         48 Federal Twist Road
            Chair, Audit Committee           Stockton, NJ  08559

            DEAN D. THORNTON                 1602- 34 Court West
            Director                         Seattle, WA  98199
            Member, Audit Committee 

            FRED W. WEITZ                    Essex Meadows, Inc.
            Director                         800 Second Avenue, Suite 150
            Member, Human Resources          Des Moines, IA  50309
              Committee

            Executive Officers (Other than Directors):

            JOHN E. ASCHENBRENNER            Senior Vice President

            DENNIS P. FRANCIS                Senior Vice President

            THOMAS J. GAARD                  Senior Vice President

            MICHAEL H.GERSIE                 Senior Vice President

            THOMAS J. GRAF                   Senior Vice President

            RONALD E. KELLER                 Executive Vice President

            GREGG R. NARBER                  Senior Vice President and
                                             General Counsel

            MARY A. O'KEEFE                  Senior Vice President

            RICHARD L. PREY                  Senior Vice President

            CARL C. WILLIAMS                 Senior Vice President and Chief
                                             Information Officer

Item 26.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Depositor

              Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company (incorporated as a
              mutual life insurance company under the laws of Iowa);

              Sponsored the  organization of the following mutual funds,
              some of which it  controls  by  virtue  of  owning  voting
              securities:

               Principal  Balanced Fund, Inc.(a Maryland  Corporation)  0.74% of
               shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998.

               Principal Blue Chip Fund, Inc.(a Maryland  Corporation)  0.95% of
               shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998.

               Principal Bond Fund, Inc.(a Maryland Corporation) 1.35% of shares
               outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual Life  Insurance  Company
               (including subsidiaries and affiliates) on January 30, 1998.

               Principal  Capital  Value Fund,  Inc.  (a  Maryland  Corporation)
               27.36% of  outstanding  shares  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life
               Insurance  Company  (including  subsidiaries  and  affiliates) on
               January 30, 1998.

               Principal Cash  Management  Fund,  Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)
               2.34% of  outstanding  shares  owned  by  Principal  Mutual  Life
               Insurance  Company  (including  subsidiaries  and  affiliates) on
               January 30, 1998.

               Principal  Government  Securities  Income Fund,  Inc. (a Maryland
               Corporation)  0.40% of  shares  outstanding  owned  by  Principal
               Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company   (including   subsidiaries  and
               affiliates) on January 30, 1998.

               Principal  Growth Fund,  Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)  0.48% of
               outstanding  shares  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998.

               Principal High Yield Fund, Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)  16.72%
               of shares  outstanding  owned by Principal  Mutual Life Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998.

               Principal  International  Emerging Markets Fund, Inc. (a Maryland
               Corporation)  66.10% of  shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal
               Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company   (including   subsidiaries  and
               affiliates) on January 30, 1998.

               Principal  International  Fund,  Inc.  (a  Maryland  Corporation)
               23.63% of  shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life
               Insurance  Company  (including  subsidiaries  and  affiliates) on
               January 30, 1998.

               Principal   International   SmallCap   Fund,   Inc.  (a  Maryland
               Corporation)  61.51% of  shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal
               Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company   (including   subsidiaries  and
               affiliates) on January 30, 1998.

               Principal  Limited Term Bond Fund, Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)
               45.48% of  shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life
               Insurance  Company(including   subsidiaries  and  affiliates)  on
               January 30, 1998.

               Principal  MidCap Fund,  Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)  0.60% of
               shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998

               Principal Real Estate Fund, Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation) 95.34%
               of shares  outstanding  owned by Principal  Mutual Life Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998

               Principal SmallCap Fund, Inc.(a Maryland  Corporation)  88.70% of
               shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998

               Principal  Special  Markets Fund,  Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)
               96.92%  of  shares  outstanding  of  the  International  Emerging
               Markets  Portfolio,  50.28%  of  the  shares  outstanding  of the
               International Securities Portfolio,  96.87% of shares outstanding
               of the  International  SmallCap  Portfolio and 100% of the shares
               outstanding  of the  Mortgage-Backed  Securities  Portfolio  were
               owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company  (including
               subsidiaries and affiliates) on January 30, 1998

               Principal  Tax-Exempt  Bond Fund,  Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)
               0.56% of  shares  outstanding  owned  by  Principal  Mutual  Life
               Insurance  Company  (including  subsidiaries  and  affiliates) on
               January 30, 1998.

               Principal  Tax-Exempt  Cash  Management  Fund,  Inc.  (a Maryland
               Corporation)  0.99% of  shares  outstanding  owned  by  Principal
               Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company   (including   subsidiaries  and
               affiliates) on January 30, 1998.

               Principal Utilities Fund, Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation) 1.45% of
               shares  outstanding  owned by  Principal  Mutual  Life  Insurance
               Company  (including  subsidiaries  and affiliates) on January 30,
               1998.

               Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc. (a Maryland  Corporation)
               100% of shares  outstanding  of the following  Accounts  owned by
               Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company and its Separate Accounts
               on  January  30,  1998:   Aggressive  Growth,  Asset  Allocation,
               Balanced,  Bond, Capital Value,  Government  Securities,  Growth,
               High Yield, International, MidCap and Money Market.

          Subsidiaries  organized  and  wholly-owned  by  Principal  Mutual Life
          Insurance Company:

               a.   Principal  Holding  Company (an Iowa  Corporation) A holding
                    company  wholly-owned  by  Principal  Mutual Life  Insurance
                    Company.

               b.   PT  Asuransi Jiwa Principal Egalita Indonesia  (an Indonesia
                    Corporation)

          Subsidiaries wholly-owned by Principal Holding Company:

               a.   Petula Associates,  Ltd. (an Iowa Corporation) a real estate
                    development company.

               b.   Patrician Associates, Inc. (a California Corporation) a real
                    estate development company.

               c.   Principal   Development   Associates,   Inc.  (a  California
                    Corporation) a real estate development company.

               d.   Princor Financial Services Corporation (an Iowa Corporation)
                    a registered broker-dealer.

               e.   Invista  Capital  Management,  Inc. (an Iowa  Corporation) a
                    registered investment adviser.

               f.   Principal Marketing Services,  Inc. (a Delaware Corporation)
                    a  corporation  formed  to  serve  as an  interface  between
                    marketers and manufacturers of financial services products.

               g.   The Principal Financial Group, Inc. (a Delaware corporation)
                    a general  business  corporation  established  in connection
                    with the new corporate identity. It is not currently active.

               h.   Delaware  Charter  Guarantee  & Trust  Company  (a  Delaware
                    Corporation) a nondepository trust company.

               i.   The Admar  Group,  Inc. (a Florida  Corporation)  a national
                    managed care service organization that developes and manages
                    preferred provider organizations.

               j.   Principal   Health  Care,  Inc.  (an  Iowa   Corporation)  a
                    developer and administrator of managed care systems.

               k.   Principal Financial  Advisors,  Inc. (an Iowa Corporation) a
                    registered investment advisor.

               l.   Principal  Asset  Markets,  Inc.  (an  Iowa  Corporation)  a
                    residential mortgage loan broker.

               m.   Principal Portfolio  Services,  Inc. (an Iowa Corporation) a
                    mortgage due diligence company.

               n.   Principal  International,   Inc.  (an  Iowa  Corporation)  a
                    company  formed for the  purpose of  international  business
                    development.

               o.   Principal   Spectrum   Associates,    Inc.   (a   California
                    Corporation) a real estate development company.

               p.   Principal Commercial Advisors,  Inc. (an Iowa Corporation) a
                    company that  purchases,  manages and sells  commercial real
                    estate assets.

               q.   Principal FC, Ltd. (an Iowa  Corporation) a limited  purpose
                    investment corporation.

               r.   Principal Residential Mortgage, Inc. (an Iowa Corporation) a
                    residential mortgage loan broker.

               s.   Equity FC, Ltd. (an Iowa Corporation)  engaged in investment
                    transactions   including  limited  partnership  and  limited
                    liability companies.

               t.   Principal Bank (a Federal Corporation) a Federally chartered
                    direct delivery savings bank.

               u.   HealthRisk Resource Group, Inc. (an Iowa Corporation) a 
                    management services organization.

          Subsidiaries  organized and wholly-owned by Princor Financial Services
          Corporation:

               a.   Principal  Management Corporation  (an  Iowa  Corporation) a
                    registered investment advisor.

               b.   Principal Investors Corporation (a New Jersey Corporation) a
                    registered   broker-dealer  with  the  Securities   Exchange
                    Commission. It is not currently active.

          Subsidiary wholly owned by Delaware Charter Guarantee & Trust Company:

               a.   Trust  Consultants,   Inc.  (a  California   Corporation)  a
                    Consulting and Administration of Employee Benefit Plans.

          Subsidiary organized and wholly-owned by Principal Health Care, Inc.:

               a.   Principal Health Care of Texas, Inc. ( a Texas  Corporation)
                    a health maintenance organization.

          Subsidiaries owned by The Admar Group, Inc.:

               a.   Admar Corporation (a California  Corporation) a managed care
                    services organization.

               b.   Admar Insurance Marketing, Inc. (a California Corporation) a
                    managed care services organization.

               c.   Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc. (a Colorado Corporation) a
                    managed care services organization.

               d.   SelectCare Management Co., Inc. (a California Corporation) a
                    managed care services organization.

               e.   Image  Financial & Insurance  Services,  Inc. (a  California
                    Corporation) a managed care services organization.

               f.   WM. G.  Hofgard & Co.,  Inc. (a  California  Corporation)  a
                    managed care services organization.

          Subsidiary owned by Petula Associates, Ltd.

               a.   Magnus Properties, Inc. (an Iowa Corporation) which owns   
                    real estate.

          Subsidiaries owned by Principal International, Inc.:

               a.   Principal Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Limited (a Hong Kong
                    Corporation) group life and group pension products.

               b.   Principal  International   Argentina,   S.A.  (an  Argentina
                    services corporation).

               c.   Principal   International   Asia   Limited   (a  Hong   Kong
                    Corporation)   a   corporation   operating   as  a  regional
                    headquarters for Asia.

               d.   Principal    International   de   Chile,   S.A.   (a   Chile
                    Corporation) a holding company.

               e.   Principal  International  Espana, S.A. de Seguros de Vida (a
                    Spain  Corporation)  a life  insurance  company  (individual
                    group), annuities and pension.

               f.   Principal Mexico Compania de Seguros, S.A. de C.V. (a Mexico
                    Corporation)  a  life  insurance  company   (individual  and
                    group), personal accidents.

               g.   Qualitas   Medica,   S.A.  (an   Argentina   HMO)  a  health
                    maintenance organization.

               h.   Afore Confia-Principal, S.a. de C.V. (a Mexico Corporation),
                    pension.

               i.   Zao Principal International (a Russia Corporation) inactive.

               j.   Principal  Trust  Company  (Asia)  Limited  (an  Asia  trust
                    company).

               k.   Principal Asset Management Company (Asia) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
                    a corporation which manages pension funds.

          Subsidiaries  owned by Principal International Argentina, S.A.:

               a.   Ethika  Administradora  de Fondos de Jubilaciones y Pensions
                    S.A. (an Argentina company) a pension company.

               b.   Principal Compania de Seguros de Retiro,  S.A. (an Argentina
                    Corporation) an individual annuity/employee benefit company.

               c.   Principal  Life  Compania de  Seguros,  S.A.  (an  Argentina
                    Corporation) a life insurance company.

          Subsidiary owned by Principal International de Chile, S.A.:

               a.   BanRenta   Compania  de  Seguros  de  Vida,  S.A.  (a  Chile
                    Corporation) group life and supplemental health,  individual
                    annuities.

          Subsidiary owned by Principal International Espana, S.A. de Seguros de
          Vida:

               a.   Princor  International Espana Sociedad Anonima de Agencia de
                    Seguros (a Spain Corporation) an insurance agency.

          Subsidiary owned by Afore Confia-Principal, S.A. de C.V.:

               a.   Siefore Confia-Principal, S.A. de C.V. (a Mexico 
                    Corporation) an investment fund company.

Item 27.  Number of Contractowners - As of: March 31, 1998             

                     (1)                          (2)               (3)
                                             Number of Plan      Number of
          Title of Class                      Participants     Contractowners
          --------------                     --------------    --------------
          BFA Variable Annuity Contracts                95            10
          Pension Builder Contracts                  1,192         1,340
          Personal Variable Contracts                4,388           137
          Premier Variable Contracts                17,789           270
          Flexible Variable Annuity Contract        29,718        29,718

Item 28.  Indemnification

               None

Item 29.       Principal Underwriters

     (a) Princor  Financial  Services  Corporation,  principal  underwriter  for
Registrant,  acts as principal  underwriter for,  Principal Balanced Fund, Inc.,
Principal Blue Chip Fund,  Inc.,  Principal Bond Fund, Inc.,  Principal  Capital
Value Fund, Inc.,  Principal Cash Management Fund,  Inc.,  Principal  Government
Securities Income Fund, Inc.,  Principal Growth Fund, Inc., Principal High Yield
Fund, Inc.,  Principal  International  Emerging  Markets Fund,  Inc.,  Principal
International Fund, Inc., Principal International SmallCap Fund, Inc., Principal
Limited Term Bond Fund, Inc., Principal MidCap Fund, Inc., Principal Real Estate
Fund, Inc., Principal SmallCap Fund, Inc., Principal Special Markets Fund, Inc.,
Principal Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Inc., Principal Tax-Exempt Cash Management Fund,
Inc.,  Principal  Utilities Fund, Inc.,  Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc.
and for  variable  annuity  contracts  participating  in  Principal  Mutual Life
Insurance  Company  Separate  Account B, a registered unit investment  trust for
retirement  plans  adopted  by  public  school  systems  or  certain  tax-exempt
organizations  pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code,  Section
457 retirement plans,  Section 401(a)  retirement plans,  certain non- qualified
deferred  compensation  plans and  Individual  Retirement  Annuity Plans adopted
pursuant to Section 408 of the Internal  Revenue  Code,  and for  variable  life
insurance  contracts issued by Principal Mutual Life Insurance  Company Variable
Life Separate Account, a registered unit investment trust.

  (b)      (1)                 (2)                       
                               Positions
                               and offices               
  Name and principal           with principal            
  business address             underwriter               

     John E. Aschenbrenner    Director                     
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Robert W. Baehr          Marketing Services           
     The Principal            Officer
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Craig L. Bassett         Treasurer                    
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Michael J. Beer          Senior Vice President and    
     The Principal            Chief Operating Officer
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Mary L. Bricker          Assistant Corporate          
     The Principal            Secretary
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Lynn A. Brones           Vice President -             
     The Principal            Investment Network
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     David J. Drury           Director                     
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Arthur S. Filean         Vice President               
     The Principal                                         
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Paul N. Germain          Vice President -             
     The Principal            Mutual Fund Operations
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA  50392

     Ernest H. Gillum         Assistant Vice President -   
     The Principal            Registered Products          
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     William C. Gordon        Insurance License Officer    
     The Principal            
     Financial Group          
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Thomas J. Graf           Director                     
     The Principal            
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     J. Barry Griswell        Director and                 
     The Principal            Chairman of the              
     Financial Group          Board                        
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Joyce N. Hoffman         Vice President and           
     The Principal            Corporate Secretary
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Stephan L. Jones         Director and                 
     The Principal            President                    
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Ronald E. Keller         Director                     
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Ellen Z. Lamale          Director                     
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     John R. Lepley           Senior Vice                  
     The Principal            President - Marketing
     Financial Group          and Distribution
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Gregg R. Narber          Director                     
     The Principal            
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Mark M. Oswald           Compliance Officer           
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Kelly A. Paul            Systems/Technology -         
     The Principal            Officer
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Richard L. Prey          Director                     
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Layne A. Rasmussen       Controller -                 
     The Principal            Mutual Funds 
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Martin R. Richardson     Operations Officer -         
     The Principal            Broker/Dealer Services
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Elizabeth R. Ring        Controller                   
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Michael D. Roughton      Counsel                      
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Jean B. Schustek         Product Compliance Officer - 
     The Principal            Registered Products
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA  50392

     Kyle R. Selberg          Vice President-Marketing     
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Susan R. Sorensen        Marketing Officer            
     The Principal
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

     Roger C. Stroud          Assistant Director -         
     The Principal            Marketing
     Financial Group
     Des Moines, IA 50392

           (c)        (1)                       (2)
           
                                      Net Underwriting
            Name of Principal           Discounts and
               Underwriter               Commissions

            Princor Financial           $11,491,356.06
            Services Corporation

                   (3)                       (4)                 (5)

             Compensation on             Brokerage
                Redemption              Commissions         Compensation

                     0                       0                    0

Item 30.  Location of Accounts and Records

          All accounts,  books or other  documents of the Registrant are located
          at the offices of the Depositor,  The Principal  Financial  Group, Des
          Moines, Iowa 50392.

Item 31.  Management Services

          Inapplicable

Item 32. Undertakings

          The Registrant  undertakes that in restricting  cash  withdrawals from
          Tax  Sheltered  Annuities  to  prohibit  cash  withdrawals  before the
          Participant  attains age 59 1/2,  separates  from  service,  dies,  or
          becomes  disabled  or in the  case  of  hardship,  Registrant  acts in
          reliance of SEC No Action Letter addressed to American Counsel of Life
          Insurance (available November 28, 1988). Registrant further undertakes
          that:

          1.   Registrant  has included  appropriate  disclosure  regarding  the
               redemption  restrictions  imposed  by Section  403(b)(11)  in its
               registration  statement,   including  the  prospectus,   used  in
               connection with the offer of the contract;

          2.   Registrant  will include  appropriate  disclosure  regarding  the
               redemption  restrictions  imposed  by Section  403(b)(11)  in any
               sales  literature  used  in  connection  with  the  offer  of the
               contract;

          3.   Registrant will instruct sales  representatives  who solicit Plan
               Participants  to purchase the contract  specifically to bring the
               redemption  restrictions  imposed  by Section  403(b)(11)  to the
               attention of the potential Plan Participants; and

          4.   Registrant will obtain from each Plan Participant who purchases a
               Section 403(b) annuity contract,  prior to or at the time of such
               purchase, a signed statement acknowledging the Plan Participant's
               understanding  of (a) the  restrictions on redemption  imposed by
               Section 403(b)(11), and (b) the investment alternatives available
               under the  employer's  Section 403(b)  arrangement,  to which the
               Plan Participant may elect to transfer his contract value.

  REPRESENTATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 26 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company represents the fees and charges deducted
under the Policy,  in the aggregate,  are reasonable in relation to the services
rendered,  the expenses  expected to be incurred,  and the risks  assumed by the
Company.
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant,  Principal Mutual Life Insurance
Company  Separate  Account  B,  certifies  that it  meets  the  requirements  of
Securities Act Rule 485(b) for  effectiveness of the Registration  Statement and
has duly caused this Amendment to the Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned  thereto duly authorized in the City of Des Moines and
State of Iowa, on the 13th day of April, 1998

                         PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
                         SEPARATE ACCOUNT B

                                 (Registrant)


                         By:  PRINCIPAL MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                 (Depositor)

                                   /s/ David J. Drury
                         By ______________________________________________
                              David J. Drury
                              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Attest:

/s/ Joyce N. Hoffman
- -----------------------------------
Joyce N. Hoffman
Vice President and
  Corporate Secretary


As required by the  Securities Act of 1933,  this Amendment to the  Registration
Statement has been signed by the following  persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.

Signature                          Title                           Date


/s/ D. J. Drury                Chairman and                    April 13, 1998
- --------------------           Chief Executive Officer
D. J. Drury



/s/ D. C. Cunningham           Vice President and              April 13, 1998
- --------------------           Controller (Principal
D. C. Cunningham               Accounting Officer)



/s/ M. H. Gersie               Senior Vice President          April 13, 1998
- --------------------           (Principal Financial
M. H. Gersie                   Officer)


  (M. V. Andringa)*            Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
M. V. Andringa


  (R. M. Davis)*               Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
R. M. Davis


  (C. D. Gelatt, Jr.)*         Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
C. D. Gelatt, Jr.


  (J. B. Griswell)*            Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
J. B. Griswell


  (G. D. Hurd)*                Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
G. D. Hurd


  (T. M. Hutchison)*           Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
T. M. Hutchison


  (C. S. Johnson)*             Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
C. S. Johnson


  (W. T. Kerr)*                Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
W. T. Kerr


  (L. Liu)*                    Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
L. Liu


  (V. H. Loewenstein)*         Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
V. H. Loewenstein


  (R. D. Pearson)*             Director                        April 13 1998
- --------------------
R. D. Pearson


  (J. R. Price)*               Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
J. R. Price, Jr.


  (D. M. Stewart)*             Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
D. M. Stewart


  (E. E. Tallett)*             Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
E. E. Tallett


  (D. D. Thornton)*            Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
D. D. Thornton


  (F. W. Weitz)*               Director                        April 13, 1998
- --------------------
F. W. Weitz


                           *By    /s/ David J. Drury
                                  ------------------------------------
                                  David J. Drury
                                  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer



                                  Pursuant to Powers of Attorney
                                  Previously Filed or Included Herein

ERNST & YOUNG LLP                     Suite 3400             Phone: 515 243 2727
                                      801 Grand Avenue
                                      Des Moines, Iowa 50309-2764




                         Consent of Independent Auditors








We  consent  to the  reference  to our  firm  under  the  captions  "Independent
Auditors" and to the use of our reports dated  February 6, 1998 (with respect to
Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B) and January 30, 1998
(with respect to The Principal Financial Group(R), comprised of Principal Mutual
Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries), in Post-Effective Amendment No. 12
to the Registration  Statement (Form N-4 No. 33-44670) and related Prospectus of
Principal  Mutual Life Insurance  Company Separate Account B Premier Variable (a
Group   Variable   Annuity   Contract  for   Employer-Sponsored   Qualified  and
Non-Qualified Retirement Plans).

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
April 15, 1998

Ernst & Young LLP is a member of Ernst & Young International, Ltd.

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY


KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that the  undersigned  director  of  Principal
Mutual Life Insurance  Company,  an Iowa  corporation  (the  "Company"),  hereby
constitutes  and appoints D. J. Drury,  G. D. Hurd,  T. M.  Hutchison  and F. W.
Weitz,  and each of them  (with full  power to each of them to act  alone),  the
undersigned's  true and lawful  attorney-in-fact  and agent,  with full power of
substitution to each, for and on behalf and in the name,  place and stead of the
undersigned, to execute and file any of the documents referred to below relating
to  registration  under the  Securities  Act of 1933 with  respect  to  variable
annuity contracts, with premiums received in connection with such contracts held
in the Principal Mutual Life Insurance Company Separate Account B on Form N-4 or
other forms under the Securities Act of 1933, and any and all amendments thereto
and reports  thereunder  with all  exhibits  and all  instruments  necessary  or
appropriate in connection therewith,  each of said  attorneys-in-fact and agents
and his or their  substitutes  being empowered to act with or without the others
or other,  and to have full power and authority to do or cause to be done in the
name and on behalf of the undersigned each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary  or  appropriate  with  respect  thereto  to be done in and  about the
premises in order to  effectuate  the same, as fully to all intents and purposes
as the undersigned might or could do in person;  hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said  attorneys-in-fact  and agents, or any of them, may do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.

IN                   WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned director has hereunto set
                     his hand this 13th day of April, 1998.


                     /S/ J. B. GRISWELL
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
       
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</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
       
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WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
       
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</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
       
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</TABLE>
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

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