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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K


(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996

OR

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

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 33-28976/33-50968/33-48701

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MINNESOTA
41-0823832
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

IDS TOWER 10, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
55440-0534 (Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) (612) 671-3131

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

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

THE REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS I(1) (a)
and (b) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE PERMITTED
ABBREVIATED NARRATIVE DISCLOSURE.


PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS

IDS Life Insurance Company (the Company) is a stock life insurance company
organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The Company is a wholly
owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation (AEFC), which is a
wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Company. The Company serves
residents of all states except New York. IDS Life Insurance Company of New York
and American Centurion Life Assurance Company are wholly owned subsidiaries of
the Company and serve New York State residents. The Company also wholly owns
American Enterprise Life Insurance Company and American Partners Life Insurance
Company.

The Company's principal products are deferred annuities and universal life
insurance, which are issued primarily to individuals. It offers single premium
and flexible premium deferred annuities on both a fixed and variable dollar
basis. Immediate annuities are offered as well. The Company's insurance products
include universal life (fixed and variable), whole life, single premium life and
term products (including waiver of premium and accidental death benefits). The
Company also markets disability income and long-term care insurance.

The Company's principal annuity product in terms of amount in force is the fixed
deferred annuity. The annuity contract guarantees a minimum interest rate during
the accumulation period (the time before annuity payments begin), although the
Company normally pays a higher rate reflective of current market rates. The
Company has also adopted a practice whereby the higher current rate is
guaranteed for a specified period. The Company also offers a variable annuity
product under the name Flexible Portfolio Annuity. This is a fixed/variable
annuity offering the purchaser a choice among mutual funds with portfolios of
equities, bonds, managed assets and/or short-term securities, and the Company's
general account, as the underlying investment vehicles. With respect to funds
applied to the variable portion of the annuity, the purchaser, rather than the
Company, assumes the investment risks and receives the rewards inherent in the
ownership of the underlying investment. The Flexible Portfolio Annuity provides
for a surrender charge during the first eight years after a purchase payment is
made. At December 31, 1996, the Company had $39.2 billion of fixed and variable
annuities in force, an increase of 10 percent from the prior year end.

The Company's principal insurance product is the flexible-premium,
adjustable-benefit universal life insurance policy. In this type of insurance
policy, each premium payment accumulates interest in a cash value account. The
policyholder has access to the cash surrender value in whole or in part after
the first year. The size of the cash value of the fund can also be controlled by
the policyholder by increasing or decreasing premiums, subject only to
maintaining a required minimum to keep the policy in force. Monthly deductions
from the cash value of the policy are made for the cost of insurance, expense
charges and any policy riders. At December 31, 1996, the Company had $49.6
billion of fixed and variable universal life-type insurance in force, up 15
percent from December 31, 1995.

Assets held in segregated accounts which fund the variable annuity and variable
life insurance products totaled $18.5 billion at December 31, 1996, a 24 percent
increase from December 31, 1995.



IDS Life Insurance Company, American Enterprise Life Insurance Company and
American Partners Life Insurance Company are subject to comprehensive regulation
by the Minnesota Department of Commerce (Insurance Division), the Indiana
Department of Insurance and the Arizona Department of Insurance, respectively.
IDS Life Insurance Company of New York and American Centurion Life Assurance
Company are both subject to comprehensive regulation by the New York Department
of Insurance. The laws of the other states in which the Company does business
regulate such matters as the licensing of sales personnel and, in some cases,
the contents of insurance policies. The purpose of such regulation and
supervision is primarily to protect the interests of policyholders. In the
United States, the McCarran-Ferguson Act provides that the primary regulation of
the insurance industry is left to the individual states. Typically, states
regulate such matters as company licensing, agent licensing, cancellation or
nonrenewal of policies, minimum health insurance policy benefits, life insurance
cost disclosure, solicitation and replacement practices, unfair trade and claims
practices, rates, forms, advertising, investment type and quality, minimum
capital and surplus levels and changes in control. Virtually all states mandate
participation in insurance guaranty associations, which assess insurance
companies in order to fund claims of policyholders of insolvent insurance
companies. In addition to state laws, the Company is affected by a variety of
federal laws, and there is periodic federal interest in various aspects of the
insurance industry including taxation, solvency and accounting procedures, as
well as the treatment of persons differently because of sex, with respect to
terms, conditions, rates or benefits of an insurance contract. If any of these
issues were resolved unsatisfactorily, there could be an adverse effect upon the
Company.

As a distributor of variable contracts, the Company is registered as a
broker-dealer. As the investment manager for various investment companies, the
Company is registered as an investment advisor under applicable federal laws and
is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.

The insurance and annuity business is highly competitive and the Company's
competitors consist of insurance companies and other financial institutions.
Competitive factors applicable to the business of the Company include the
interest rates credited to its products, the financial strength of the
organization and the services provided to policyholders.

For additional information, see Note 10, Segment information, in the "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements".

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company occupies office space in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is leased by
its parent, American Express Financial Corporation. The Company reimburses
American Express Financial Corporation for rent based on direct and indirect
allocation methods. IDS Life Insurance Company of New York and American
Centurion Life Assurance Company rent office space in Albany, New York.
Facilities occupied by the Company and its subsidiaries are believed to be
adequate for the purposes for which they are used and are well maintained.



ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

A number of lawsuits have been filed against life and health insurers in
jurisdictions in which the Company and AEFC do business involving insurers'
sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly supervise agents,
and other matters. The Company and AEFC, like other life and health insurers,
from time to time are involved in such litigation. On December 13, 1996, an
action entitled Lesa Benacquisto and Daniel Benacquisto vs. IDS Life Insurance
Company and American Express Financial Corporation was commenced in Minnesota
state court. The action is brought by individuals who replaced an existing
Company insurance policy with a new Company policy. The plaintiffs purport to
represent a class consisting of all persons who replaced existing Company
policies with new policies from and after January 1, 1985. The complaint puts at
issue various alleged sales practices and misrepresentations, alleged breaches
of fiduciary duties and alleged violations of consumer fraud statutes.
Plaintiffs seek damages in an unspecified amount and also seek to establish a
claims resolution facility for the determination of individual issues. The
Company and AEFC filed an answer to the Complaint on February 18, 1997.

The Company is a defendant in various other lawsuits, none of which, in the
opinion of the Company counsel, will result in a material liability.

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

Not applicable.



PART II


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

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Item omitted pursuant to General Instructions I(2) (a) of Form 10-K.

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

1996 Compared to 1995:

Consolidated net income increased 14 percent to $415 million in 1996, compared
to $365 million in 1995. Earnings growth resulted primarily from increases in
management fees and policyholder and contractholder charges partially offset by
a slight decrease in investment margins. These increases reflect higher average
insurance and annuities in force during 1996. Investment margins were below
prior year levels primarily due to increasing interest credited rates throughout
1996.

Consolidated income before income taxes totaled $622 million in 1996, compared
with $561 million in 1995. In 1996, $161 million was from the life, disability
income and long-term care insurance segment, compared with $125 million in 1995.
In 1996, $461 million was from the annuity segment, compared with $440 million
in 1995.

Total premiums received increased to $6.1 billion in 1996, compared with $5.0
billion in 1995. This increase is primarily due to an increase in sales of
variable annuities in 1996.

Total revenues increased to $2.7 billion in 1996, compared with $2.5 billion in
1995. The increase is primarily due to increases in net investment income,
policyholder and contractholder charges, and management fees. Net investment
income, the largest component of revenues, increased from the prior year,
reflecting a slight increase in investments owned.

Policyholder and contractholder charges, which consist primarily of cost of
insurance charges on universal life-type policies, increased 18 percent to $303
million in 1996, compared with $256 million in 1995. This increase reflects
higher total life insurance in force which grew 13 percent to $67 billion at
December 31, 1996.

Management and other fees increased 26 percent to $271 million in 1996, compared
with $216 million in 1995. This is primarily due to an increase in separate
account assets, which grew 24 percent to $19 billion at December 31, 1996, due
to market appreciation and sales. The Company provides investment management
services for the mutual funds used as investment options for variable annuities
and variable life insurance. The Company also receives a mortality and expense
risk fee from the separate accounts.

Total benefits and expenses increased slightly to $2.1 billion in 1996. The
largest component of expenses, interest credited to policyholder accounts for
universal life-type insurance and investment contracts, increased to $1.4
billion. This was due to higher aggregate amounts in force and an increase in
average interest credited rates.

1995 compared to 1994:

Consolidated net income increased 8.6% to $365 million in 1995, compared to $336
million in 1994. Earnings growth resulted primarily from increases in management
fees and policyholder and contractholder charges partially offset by a slight
decrease in investment margins. These increases reflect higher average insurance
and annuities in force during 1995. Investment margins were below prior year
levels primarily due to higher interest credited rates during the first two
quarters of 1995.

Consolidated income before income taxes totaled $561 million in 1995, compared
with $513 million in 1994. In 1995, $125 million was from the life, disability
income, health and long-term care insurance segment, compared with $123 million
in 1994. In 1995, $440 million was from the annuity segment, compared with $394
million in 1994. There was a $4.9 million net realized loss on investments in
1995, compared with a net realized loss on investments of $4.3 million in 1994.

Total premiums received decreased to $5.0 billion in 1995, compared with $5.7
billion in 1994. This decrease is primarily due to a decrease in sales of
variable annuities, reflecting very strong sales of variable products during
1994.



Total revenues increased to $2.5 billion in 1995, compared with $2.3 billion in
1994. The increase is primarily due to increases in net investment income,
policyholder and contractholder charges, and management fees. Net investment
income, the largest component of revenues, increased from the prior year,
reflecting an increase in investments owned.

Policyholder and contractholder charges, which consist primarily of cost of
insurance charges on universal life-type policies, increased 16% to $256 million
in 1995, compared with $220 million in 1994. This increase reflects higher total
life insurance in force which grew 13% to $59.4 billion at December 31, 1995.

Management and other fees increased 32% to $216 million in 1995, compared with
$164 million in 1994. This is primarily due to an increase in separate account
assets, which grew 38% to $15 billion at December 31, 1995, due to market
appreciation and sales. The Company provides investment management services for
the mutual funds used as investment options for variable annuities and variable
life insurance. The Company also receives a mortality and expense risk fee from
the separate accounts.

Total benefits and expenses increased to $2.0 billion in 1995. The largest
component of expenses, interest credited to policyholder accounts for universal
life-type insurance and investment contracts, increased to $1.3 billion. This
was due to higher aggregate amounts in force and an increase in average interest
credited rates.

Risk Management

The Company primarily invests in fixed income securities over a broad range of
maturities for the purpose of providing fixed annuity clients with a competitive
rate of return on their investments while minimizing risk, and to provide a
dependable and targeted spread between the interest rate earned on investments
and the interest rate credited to clients' accounts. The Company does not invest
in securities to generate trading profits.

The Company has an investment committee that holds regularly scheduled meetings
and, when necessary, special meetings. At these meetings, the committee reviews
models projecting different interest rate scenarios and their impact on
profitability. The objective of the committee is to structure the investment
security portfolio based upon the type and behavior of products in the liability
portfolio so as to achieve targeted levels of profitability.

Rates credited to clients' accounts are generally reset at shorter intervals
than the maturity of underlying investments. Therefore, margins may be
negatively impacted by increases in the general level of interest rates. Part of
the committee's strategy includes the purchase of some types of derivatives,
such as interest rate caps and swaps, for hedging purposes. These derivatives
protect margins by increasing investment returns if there is a sudden and severe
rise in interest rates, thereby mitigating the impact of an increase in rates
credited to clients' accounts.



Liquidity and Capital Resources

The liquidity requirements of the Company are met by funds provided from
operations and investment activity. The primary components of the funds provided
are premiums, investment income, proceeds from sales of investments as well as
maturities and periodic repayments of investment principal.

The primary uses of funds are policy benefits, commissions and operating
expenses, policy loans, dividends and investment purchases.

The Company has available lines of credit with two banks and its parent
aggregating $175 million, of which $100 million is with its parent. The $25,000
line of credit with one bank expired on Dec. 31, 1996 and the Company did not
seek renewal. The $50,000 line of credit with the other bank expires on June 30,
1997 and the Company expects to seek renewal. The lines of credit are used
strictly as short-term sources of funds. Borrowings outstanding under the
agreements were $nil at Dec. 31, 1996. At Dec. 31, 1996, outstanding reverse
repurchase agreements totaled $17 million.

At Dec. 31, 1996, investments in fixed maturities comprised 86 percent of the
Company's total invested assets. Of the fixed maturity portfolio, approximately
42 percent is invested in GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities which
are considered AAA/Aaa quality.

At Dec. 31, 1996, approximately 9.6 percent of the Company's investments in
fixed maturities were below investment grade bonds. These investments may be
subject to a higher degree of risk than the high-rated issues because of the
borrower's generally greater sensitivity to adverse economic conditions, such as
recession or increasing interest rates, and in certain instances, the lack of an
active secondary market. Expected returns on below investment grade bonds
reflect consideration of such factors. The Company has identified those fixed
maturities for which a decline in fair value is determined to be other than
temporary, and has written them down to fair value with a charge to earnings.

At Dec. 31, 1996, net unrealized appreciation on fixed maturities held to
maturity included $380 million of gross unrealized appreciation and $94 million
of gross unrealized depreciation. Net unrealized appreciation on fixed
maturities available for sale included $231 million of gross unrealized
appreciation and $93 million of gross unrealized depreciation.

At Dec. 31, 1996, the Company had an allowance for losses for mortgage loans
totaling $37 million and for real estate investments totaling $4 million.

The economy and other factors have caused an increase in the number of insurance
companies that are under regulatory supervision. This circumstance has resulted
in an increase in assessments by state guaranty associations to cover losses to
policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated companies. Some assessments can be
partially recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain
states. The Company established an asset for guaranty association assessments
paid to those states allowing a reduction in future premium taxes over a
reasonable period of time. The asset is being amortized as premium taxes are
reduced. The Company has also estimated the potential effect of future
assessments on the Company's financial position and results of operations and
has established a reserve for such potential assessments.

In the first quarter of 1997, the Company paid a $45 million dividend to its
parent. In 1996, dividends paid to its parent were $165 million.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has established risk-based
capital standards to determine the capital requirements of a life insurance
company based upon the risks inherent in its operations. These standards require
the computation of a risk-based capital amount which is then compared to a
company's actual total adjusted capital. The computation involves applying
factors to various statutory financial data to address four primary risks: asset
default, adverse insurance experience, interest rate risk and external events.
These standards provide for regulatory attention when the percentage of total
adjusted capital to authorized control level risk-based capital is below certain
levels. As of Dec. 31, 1996, the Company's total adjusted capital was well in
excess of the levels requiring regulatory attention.

Segment Information

The Company's operations consist of two business segments: Individual and group
life, disability income and long-term care insurance; and fixed and variable
annuity products designed for individuals, pension plans, small businesses and
employer-sponsored groups. The Company is not dependent upon any single customer
and no single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of revenue in 1996,
1995 or 1994. Additionally, no single distributor accounted for more than 10
percent of premiums received in 1996, 1995 or 1994.(See Note 10, Segment
information, in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements".)



ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The response to this item is submitted in a separate section of this report.

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

None.



PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Item omitted pursuant to General Instructions I(2) (c) of Form 10-K.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Item omitted pursuant to General Instructions I(2) (c) of Form 10-K.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

Item omitted pursuant to General Instructions I(2) (c) of Form 10-K.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Item omitted pursuant to General Instructions I(2) (c) of Form 10-K.



PART IV

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

(a) (1) Financial Statements

See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedules.

(2) Financial Statement Schedules

See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedules.

(3) Exhibits

3.1 Copy of Certificate of Incorporation of IDS Life Insurance
Company filed electronically as Exhibit 3.1 to Post
Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No.
33-28976 is incorporated herein by reference.

3.2 Copy of the Amended By-laws of IDS Life Insurance Company
filed electronically as Exhibit 3.2 to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No. 33-28976 is
incorporated herein by reference.

3.3 Copy of Resolution of the Board of Directors of IDS Life
Insurance Company, dated May 5, 1989, establishing IDS Life
Account MGA filed electronically as Exhibit 3.3 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No.
33-28976 is incorporated herein by reference.

4.1 Copy of Group Annuity Contract, Form 30363C, filed
electronically as Exhibit 4.1 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 5 to Registration Statement No. 33-28976 is incorporated
herein by reference.

4.2 Copy of Group Annuity Certificate, Form 30360C, filed
electronically as Exhibit 4.2 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 5 to Registration Statement No. 33-28976 is incorporated
herein by reference.

4.3 Copy of Endorsement No. 30340C-GP to the Group Annuity
Contract filed electronically as Exhibit 4.3 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No.
33-28976 is incorporated herein by reference.

4.4 Copy of Endorsement No. 30340C to the Group Annuity
Certificate filed electronically as Exhibit 4.4 to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement No.
33-28976 is incorporated herein by reference.

4.5 Copy of Group Annuity Contract, Form 30363D, filed
electronically as Exhibit 4.1 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-50968 is incorporated
herein by reference.

4.6 Copy of Group Annuity Certificate, Form 30360D, filed
electronically as Exhibit 4.2 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-50968 is incorporated
herein by reference.

4.7 Form of Deferred Annuity Contract, Form 30365E, filed
electronically as Exhibit 4.3 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-50968 is incorporated
herein by reference.

4.8 Form of Group Deferred Variable Annuity Contract, Form
34660, filed electronically as Exhibit 4.1 to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No. 33-48701 is
incorporated herein by reference.

22. Copy of List of Subsidiaries filed electronically as Exhibit
21 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registration
Statement No. 33-28976 is herein incorporated by reference.

27. Financial data schedule is filed electronically herewith.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed in the fourth quarter of 1996

No reports on Form 8-K were required to be filed by the Company for
the quarter ended December 31, 1996.



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Registrant


3/14/97 By /s/ James A. Mitchell
---------------------------------
Date James A. Mitchell, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer

3/14/97 By /s/ Melinda S. Urion
---------------------------------
Date Melinda S. Urion, Executive Vice
President and Controller

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been duly signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

3/14/97 By /s/ David R. Hubers
---------------------------------
Date David R. Hubers, Director

3/14/97 By /s/ Richard W. Kling
---------------------------------
Date Richard W. Kling, President

3/14/97 By /s/ Paul F. Kolkman
---------------------------------
Date Paul F. Kolkman, Executive Vice
President

3/14/97 By /s/ James A. Mitchell
----------------------------------
Date James A. Mitchell, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer

3/14/97 By /s/ Stuart A. Sedlacek
-----------------------------------
Date Stuart A. Sedlacek, Executive Vice
President, Assured Assets

3/14/97 By /s/ Melinda S. Urion
-----------------------------------
Date Melinda S. Urion, Executive Vice
President and Controller



ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 8 and ITEM 14(a) (1) and (2) and (d)

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA



IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES



The following consolidated financial statements of IDS Life Insurance Company
are included in Item 8:

Report of Independent Auditors

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statement schedules of IDS Life Insurance
Company are included in Item 14(d):

I. Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties

III. Supplementary Insurance Information

IV. Reinsurance

V. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules to the consolidated financial statements required by
Article 7 of Regulation S-X are not required under the related instructions or
are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.



Report of Independent Auditors
The Board of Directors
IDS Life Insurance Company



We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IDS Life
Insurance Company (a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Financial
Corporation) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the related consolidated
statements of income, stockholder's equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1996. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedules listed in the index at Item 14(a). These financial
statements and schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedules based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of IDS
Life Insurance Company at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules,
when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
changed its method of accounting for certain investments in debt and equity
securities in 1994.



Ernst & Young LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 7, 1997



IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


Dec. 31, Dec. 31,
ASSETS 1996 1995
- ------ ---- ---------
(thousands)

Investments:
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity, at amortized cost (Fair value:
1996, $10,521,650; 1995, $11,878,377) .............. $10,236,379 $11,257,591
Available for sale, at fair value (Amortized cost:
1996, $11,008,622; 1995, $10,146,136) .............. 11,146,845 10,516,212
Mortgage loans on real estate ...................... 3,493,364 2,945,495
Policy loans ....................................... 459,902 424,019
Other investments .................................. 251,465 146,894

Total investments .................................. 25,587,955 25,290,211

Cash and cash equivalents .......................... 224,603 72,147
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers ................ 157,722 114,387
Amounts due from brokers ........................... 11,047 --
Other accounts receivable .......................... 44,089 39,108
Accrued investment income .......................... 343,313 348,008
Deferred policy acquisition costs .................. 2,330,805 2,025,725
Deferred income taxes .............................. 33,923 --
Other assets ....................................... 37,364 36,410
Separate account assets ............................ 18,535,160 14,974,082

Total assets ....................................... $47,305,981 $42,900,078
=========== ===========



IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)


Dec. 31, Dec. 31
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY 1996 1995
- ------------------------------------ ---- ----
(thousands)


Liabilities:
Future policy benefits:
Fixed annuities .................................... $21,838,008 $21,404,836
Universal life-type insurance ...................... 3,177,149 3,076,847
Traditional life insurance ......................... 209,685 209,249
Disability income and long-term care insurance ..... 424,200 327,157

Policy claims and other
policyholders' funds ............................... 83,634 56,323
Deferred income taxes .............................. -- 112,904
Amounts due to brokers ............................. 261,987 121,618
Other liabilities .................................. 332,078 285,354
Separate account liabilities ....................... 18,535,160 14,974,082

Total liabilities .................................. 44,861,901 40,568,370

Stockholder's equity:
Capital stock, $30 par value per share;
100,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding .. 3,000 3,000
Additional paid-in capital ......................... 283,615 278,814
Net unrealized gain on investments ................. 86,102 230,129
Retained earnings .................................. 2,071,363 1,819,765

Total stockholder's equity ......................... 2,444,080 2,331,708

Total liabilities and stockholder's equity ......... $47,305,981 $42,900,078
=========== ===========

Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


Years ended Dec. 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
(thousands)

Revenues:
Premiums:
Traditional life insurance $ 51,403 $ 50,193 $ 48,184
Disability income and long-term care insurance 131,518 111,337 96,456

Total premiums 182,921 161,530 144,640

Policyholder and contractholder charges 302,999 256,454 219,936
Management and other fees 271,342 215,581 164,169
Net investment income 1,965,362 1,907,309 1,781,873
Net realized loss on investments (159) (4,898) (4,282)

Total revenues 2,722,465 2,535,976 2,306,336

Benefits and expenses:
Death and other benefits:
Traditional life insurance 26,919 29,528 28,263
Universal life-type insurance
and investment contracts 85,017 71,691 52,027
Disability income and
long-term care insurance 19,185 16,259 13,393

Increase (decrease) in liabilities for future policy benefits:
Traditional life insurance 1,859 (1,315) (3,229)
Disability income and
long-term care insurance 57,230 51,279 37,912

Interest credited on universal life-type
insurance and investment contracts 1,370,468 1,315,989 1,174,985
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs 278,605 280,121 280,372
Other insurance and operating expenses 261,468 211,642 210,101

Total benefits and expenses 2,100,751 1,975,194 1,793,824

Income before income taxes 621,714 560,782 512,512

Income taxes 207,138 195,842 176,343

Net income $ 414,576 $ 364,940 $ 336,169
========== ========== ==========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Three years ended Dec. 31, 1996
(thousands)

Additional Net Unrealized
Capital Paid-In Gain (Loss) on Retained
Stock Capital Investments Earnings Total
----- ------- ----------- -------- -----

Balance, Dec. 31, 1993 $3,000 $ 222,000 $ 114 $1,468,230 $1,693,344
Initial adoption of SFAS No. 115 -- -- 181,269 -- 181,269
Net income -- -- -- 336,169 336,169
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on investments -- -- (457,091) -- (457,091)
Cash dividends -- -- -- (165,000) (165,000)

Balance, Dec. 31, 1994 3,000 222,000 (275,708) 1,639,399 1,588,691
Net income -- -- -- 364,940 364,940
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on investments -- -- 505,837 -- 505,837
Capital contribution from parent -- 56,814 -- -- 56,814
Loss on reinsurance transaction
with affiliate -- -- -- (4,574) (4,574)
Cash dividends -- -- -- (180,000) (180,000)

Balance, Dec. 31, 1995 3,000 278,814 230,129 1,819,765 2,331,708
Net income -- -- -- 414,576 414,576
Change in net unrealized
gain (loss) on investments -- -- (144,027) -- (144,027)
Capital contribution from parent -- 4,801 -- -- 4,801
Other changes -- -- -- 2,022 2,022
Cash dividends -- -- -- (165,000) (165,000)

Balance, Dec. 31, 1996 $3,000 $283,615 $ 86,102 $2,071,363 $2,444,080
===== ======= ====== ======== ========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years ended Dec. 31,
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
(thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 414,576 $ 364,940 $ 336,169
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Policy loan issuance, excluding universal
life-type insurance (49,314) (46,011) (37,110)
Policy loan repayment, excluding universal
life-type insurance 41,179 36,416 33,384
Change in amounts recoverable from reinsurers (43,335) (34,083) (25,006)
Change in other accounts receivable (4,981) 12,231 (28,551)
Change in accrued investment income 4,695 (30,498) (10,333)
Change in deferred policy acquisition
costs, net (294,755) (196,963) (192,768)
Change in liabilities for future policy
benefits for traditional life,
disability income and
long-term care insurance 97,479 85,575 55,354
Change in policy claims and other
policyholders' funds 27,311 6,255 5,552
Change in deferred income taxes (65,609) (33,810) (19,176)
Change in other liabilities 46,724 (6,548) (122)
(Accretion of discount)
amortization of premium, net (23,032) (22,528) 30,921
Net realized loss on investments 159 4,898 4,282
Policyholder and contractholder
charges, non-cash (154,286) (140,506) (126,918)
Other, net (10,816) 3,849 (8,709)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities $ (14,005) $ 3,217 $ 16,969






IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)


Years ended Dec. 31,
1996 1995 1994
(thousands)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Fixed maturities held to maturity:
Purchases $ (43,751) $ (1,007,208) $ (879,740)
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls 759,248 538,219 1,651,762
Sales 279,506 332,154 58,001
Fixed maturities available for sale:
Purchases (2,299,198) (2,452,181) (2,763,278)
Maturities, sinking fund payments and calls 1,270,240 861,545 1,234,401
Sales 238,905 136,825 374,564
Other investments, excluding policy loans:
Purchases (904,536) (823,131) (634,807)
Sales 236,912 160,521 243,862
Change in amounts due from brokers (11,047) 7,933 (2,214)
Change in amounts due to brokers 140,369 (105,119) (124,749)

Net cash used in investing activities (333,352) (2,350,442) (842,198)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Activity related to universal life-type insurance
and investment contracts:
Considerations received 3,567,586 4,189,525 3,566,814
Surrenders and death benefits (4,250,294) (3,141,404) (3,602,392)
Interest credited to account balances 1,370,468 1,315,989 1,174,985
Universal life-type insurance policy loans:
Issuance (86,501) (84,700) (78,239)
Repayment 58,753 52,188 50,554
Capital contribution from parent 4,801 -- --
Cash dividends to parent (165,000) (180,000) (165,000)

Net cash provided by financing activities 499,813 2,151,598 946,722

Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 152,456 (195,627) 121,493

Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 72,147 267,774 146,281

Cash and cash equivalents at
end of year $ 224,603 $ 72,147 $ 267,774
========= ======== ========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
($ thousands)

1. Summary of significant accounting policies

Nature of business

IDS Life Insurance Company (the Company) is a stock life insurance company
organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota. The Company is a wholly
owned subsidiary of American Express Financial Corporation, which is a wholly
owned subsidiary of American Express Company. The Company serves residents of
all states except New York. IDS Life Insurance Company of New York is a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and serves New York State residents.
The Company also wholly owns American Enterprise Life Insurance Company,
American Centurion Life Assurance Company (ACLAC) and American Partners Life
Insurance Company.

The Company's principal products are deferred annuities and universal life
insurance, which are issued primarily to individuals. It offers single
premium and flexible premium deferred annuities on both a fixed and variable
dollar basis. Immediate annuities are offered as well. The Company's
insurance products include universal life (fixed and variable), whole life,
single premium life and term products (including waiver of premium and
accidental death benefits). The Company also markets disability income and
long-term care insurance.

Basis of presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles which vary in
certain respects from reporting practices prescribed or permitted by state
insurance regulatory authorities.

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

Investments

Fixed maturities that the Company has both the positive intent and the
ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at
amortized cost. All other fixed maturities and all marketable equity
securities are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value.
Unrealized gains and losses on securities classified as available for sale
are carried as a separate component of stockholder's equity, net of deferred
taxes.

Realized investment gain or loss is determined on an identified cost basis.

Prepayments are anticipated on certain investments in mortgage-backed
securities in determining the constant effective yield used to recognize
interest income. Prepayment estimates are based on information received from
brokers who deal in mortgage-backed securities.

Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at amortized cost less reserves for
mortgage loan losses. The estimated fair value of the mortgage loans is
determined by a discounted cash flow analysis using mortgage interest rates
currently offered for mortgages of similar maturities.

Impairment of mortgage loans is measured as the excess of the loan's recorded
investment over its present value of expected principal and interest payments
discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or the fair value of
collateral. The amount of the impairment is recorded in a reserve for
mortgage loan losses. The reserve for mortgage loans losses is maintained at
a level that management believes is adequate to absorb estimated losses in
the portfolio. The level of the reserve account is determined based on
several factors, including historical experience, expected future principal
and interest payments, estimated collateral values, and current and
anticipated economic and political conditions. Management regularly evaluates
the adequacy of the reserve for mortgage loan losses.

The Company generally stops accruing interest on mortgage loans for which
interest payments are delinquent more than three months. Based on
management's judgement as to the ultimate collectibility of principal,
interest payments received are either recognized as income or applied to the
recorded investment in the loan.



The cost of interest rate caps and floors is amortized to investment income
over the life of the contracts and payments received as a result of these
agreements are recorded as investment income when realized. The amortized
cost of interest rate caps and floors is included in other investments.
Amounts paid or received under interest rate swap agreements are recognized
as an adjustment to investment income.

Policy loans are carried at the aggregate of the unpaid loan balances which
do not exceed the cash surrender values of the related policies.

When evidence indicates a decline, which is other than temporary, in the
underlying value or earning power of individual investments, such investments
are written down to the fair value by a charge to income.

Statements of cash flows

The Company considers investments with a maturity at the date of their
acquisition of three months or less to be cash equivalents. These securities
are carried principally at amortized cost which approximates fair value.

Supplementary information to the consolidated statements of cash flows
for the years ended Dec. 31 is summarized as follows:

1996 1995 1994
--------- -------- -----
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes $317,283 $191,011 $226,365
Interest on borrowings 4,119 5,524 1,553

Recognition of profits on annuity contracts and insurance policies

Profits on fixed deferred annuities are recognized by the Company over the
lives of the contracts, using primarily the interest method. Profits
represent the excess of investment income earned from investment of contract
considerations over interest credited to contract owners and other expenses.

The retrospective deposit method is used in accounting for universal
life-type insurance. This method recognizes profits over the lives of the
policies in proportion to the estimated gross profits expected to be
realized.

Premiums on traditional life, disability income and long-term care insurance
policies are recognized as revenue when due, and related benefits and
expenses are associated with premium revenue in a manner that results in
recognition of profits over the lives of the insurance policies. This
association is accomplished by means of the provision for future policy
benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy acquisition
costs.

Policyholder and contractholder charges include the monthly cost of insurance
charges and issue and administrative fees. These charges also include the
minimum death benefit guarantee fees received from the variable life
insurance separate accounts. Management and other fees include investment
management fees and mortality and expense risk fees from the variable annuity
and variable life insurance separate accounts and underlying funds.

Deferred policy acquisition costs

The costs of acquiring new business, principally sales compensation, policy
issue costs, underwriting and certain sales expenses, have been deferred on
insurance and annuity contracts. The deferred acquisition costs for most
single premium deferred annuities and installment annuities are amortized in
relation to surrender charge revenue and a portion of the excess of
investment income earned from investment of the contract considerations over
the interest credited to contract owners. The costs for universal life-type
insurance and certain installment annuities are amortized as a percentage of
the estimated gross profits expected to be realized on the policies. For
traditional life, disability income and long-term care insurance policies,
the costs are amortized over an appropriate period in proportion to premium
revenue.

Liabilities for future policy benefits

Liabilities for universal life-type insurance, single premium deferred
annuities and installment annuities are accumulation values.

Liabilities for fixed annuities in a benefit status are based on the
Progressive Annuity Table with interest at 5 percent, the 1971 Individual
Annuity Table with interest at 7 percent or 8.25 percent, or the 1983a Table
with various interest rates ranging from 5.5 percent to 9.5 percent,
depending on year of issue.



Liabilities for future benefits on traditional life insurance are based on
the net level premium method and anticipated rates of mortality, policy
persistency and interest earnings. Anticipated mortality rates generally
approximate the 1955-1960 Select and Ultimate Basic Table for policies issued
prior to 1980, the 1965-1970 Select and Ultimate Basic Table for policies
issued from 1981-1984 and the 1975-1980 Select and Ultimate Basic Table for
policies issued after 1984. Anticipated policy persistency rates vary by
policy form, issue age and policy duration with persistency on cash value
plans generally anticipated to be better than persistency on term insurance
plans. Anticipated interest rates are 4% for policies issued before 1974,
5.25% for policies issued from 1974-1980, and range from 10% to 6% depending
on policy form, issue year and policy duration for policies issued after
1980.

Liabilities for future disability income policy benefits include both policy
reserves and claim reserves. Policy reserves are based on the net level
premium method and anticipated rates of morbidity, mortality, policy
persistency and interest earnings. Anticipated morbidity rates are based on
the 1964 Commissioners Disability Table for policies issued before 1996 and
the 1985 CIDA table for policies issued in 1996. Anticipated mortality rates
are based on the 1958 Commissioners Standard Ordinary Table for policies
issued before 1996 and the 1975-1980 Basic Table for policies issued in 1996.
Anticipated policy persistency rates vary by policy form, occupation class,
issue age and policy duration. Anticipated interest rates are 3% for policies
issued before 1996 and grade from 7.5% to 5% over five years for policies
issued in 1996. Claim reserves are calculated on the basis of anticipated
rates of claim continuance and interest earnings. Anticipated claim
continuance rates are based on the 1964 Commissioners Disability Table for
claims incurred before 1993 and the 1985 CIDA Table for claims incurred after
1992. Anticipated interest rates are 8% for claims incurred prior to 1992, 7%
for claims incurred in 1992 and 6% for claims incurred after 1992.

Liabilities for future long-term care policy benefits include both policy
reserves and claim reserves. Policy reserves are based on the net level
premium method and anticipated rates of morbidity, mortality, policy
persistency and interest earnings. Anticipated morbidity rates are based on
the 1985 National Nursing Home Survey. Anticipated mortality rates are based
on the 1983a Table. Anticipated policy persistency rates vary by policy form,
issue age and policy duration. Anticipated interest rates are 9.5% grading to
7% over 10 years for policies issued from 1989-1992 and 7.75% grading to 7%
over 4 years for policies issued after 1992. Claim reserves are calculated on
the basis of anticipated rates of claim continuance and interest earnings.
Anticipated claim continuance rates are based on the 1985 National Nursing
Home Survey. Anticipated interest rates are 8% for claims incurred prior to
1992, 7% claims incurred in 1992 and 6% for claims incurred after 1992.

Reinsurance

The maximum amount of life insurance risk retained by the Company on any one
life is $750 of life and waiver of premium benefits plus $50 of accidental
death benefits. The maximum amount of disability income risk retained by the
Company on any one life is $6 of monthly benefit for benefit periods longer
than three years. The excesses are reinsured with other life insurance
companies on a yearly renewable term basis. Graded premium whole life and
long-term care policies are primarily reinsured on a coinsurance basis.

Federal income taxes

The Company's taxable income is included in the consolidated federal income
tax return of American Express Company. The Company provides for income taxes
on a separate return basis, except that, under an agreement between American
Express Financial Corporation and American Express Company, tax benefit is
recognized for losses to the extent they can be used on the consolidated tax
return. It is the policy of American Express Financial Corporation to
reimburse subsidiaries for all tax benefits.

Included in other liabilities at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995 are $33,358 and
($13,415), respectively, receivable from/(payable to) American Express
Financial Corporation for federal income taxes.

Separate account business

The separate account assets and liabilities represent funds held for the
exclusive benefit of the variable annuity and variable life insurance
contract owners.

The Company makes contractual mortality assurances to the variable annuity
contract owners that the net assets of the separate accounts will not be
affected by future variations in the actual life expectancy experience of the
annuitants and the beneficiaries from the mortality assumptions implicit in
the annuity contracts. The Company makes periodic fund transfers to, or
withdrawals from, the separate accounts for such actuarial adjustments for
variable annuities that are in the benefit payment period. For variable life
insurance, the Company guarantees that the rates at which insurance charges
and administrative fees are deducted from contract funds will not exceed
contractual maximums. The Company also guarantees that the death benefit will
continue payable at the initial level regardless of investment performance so
long as minimum premium payments are made.



Accounting changes

The Financial Accounting Standards Board's (FASB) Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of," was effective Jan. 1, 1996. The new rule did not have a
material impact on the Company's results of operations or financial
condition. The Company adopted SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." The effect of adopting
the new rule was to increase stockholder's equity by $181,269, net of
tax, as of Jan. 1, 1994, but the adoption had no impact on the Company's net
income.

Reclassification

Certain 1995 and 1994 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1996
presentation.

2. Investments

Fair values of investments in fixed maturities represent quoted market prices
and estimated values when quoted prices are not available. Estimated values
are determined by established procedures involving, among other things,
review of market indices, price levels of current offerings of comparable
issues, price estimates and market data from independent brokers and
financial files.

Net realized gain (loss) on investments for the years ended Dec. 31 is
summarized as follows:

1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------

Fixed maturities ............ $ 8,736 $ 9,973 $ (1,575)
Mortgage loans .............. (8,745) (13,259) (3,013)
Other investments ........... (150) (1,612) 306
-------- -------- --------
$ (159) $ (4,898) $ (4,282)
======== ======== ========



Changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments for the
years ended Dec. 31 are summarized as follows:

1996 1995 1994
---------- ------------ -----------
Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity ....... $ (335,515) $ 1,195,847 $(1,329,740)
Available for sale ..... (231,853) 811,649 (720,449)
Equity securities ......... (52) 3,118 (2,917)

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values of
investments in fixed maturities and equity securities at Dec. 31, 1996 are as
follows:



Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Held to maturity Cost Gains Losses Value
---------------- ---- ----- ------ -----

U.S. Government agency obligations $ 44,002 $ 933 $ 1,276 $ 43,659
State and municipal obligations 9,685 412 -- 10,097
Corporate bonds and obligations 8,057,997 356,687 47,639 8,367,045
Mortgage-backed securities 2,124,695 21,577 45,423 2,100,849
------------ --------- ------- ------------
$10,236,379 $379,609 $94,338 $10,521,650
=========== ======== ======= ===========

Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Available for sale Cost Gains Losses Value
------------------ ---- ----- ------ -----
U.S. Government agency obligations $ 77,944 $ 2,607 $ 96 $ 80,455
State and municipal obligations 11,032 1,336 -- 12,368
Corporate bonds and obligations 3,701,604 122,559 24,788 3,799,375
Mortgage-backed securities 7,218,042 104,808 68,203 7,254,647
---------- -------- ------ -----------
Total fixed maturities 11,008,622 231,310 93,087 11,146,845
Equity securities 3,000 308 -- 3,308
----------- -------- ------- -----------
$11,011,622 $231,618 $93,087 $11,150,153
=========== ======== ======= ===========


The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values of
investments in fixed maturities and equity securities at Dec. 31, 1995 are as
follows:


Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Held to maturity Cost Gains Losses Value


U.S. Government agency obligations $ 64,523 $ 3,919 $ -- $ 68,442
State and municipal obligations 11,936 362 32 12,266
Corporate bonds and obligations 8,921,431 620,327 36,786 9,504,972
Mortgage-backed securities 2,259,701 42,684 9,688 2,292,697
----------- --------- ------- -----------
$11,257,591 $667,292 $46,506 $11,878,377
=========== ======== ======= ===========

Gross Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair
Available for sale Cost Gains Losses Value

U.S. Government agency obligations $ 84,082 $ 3,248 $ 50 $ 87,280
State and municipal obligations 11,020 1,476 -- 12,496
Corporate bonds and obligations 2,514,308 186,596 3,451 2,697,453
Mortgage-backed securities 7,536,726 206,288 24,031 7,718,983
---------- -------- ------- ----------
Total fixed maturities 10,146,136 397,608 27,532 10,516,212
Equity securities 3,156 361 -- 3,517
---------- -------- ------- ----------
$10,149,292 $397,969 $27,532 $10,519,729
=========== ======== ======= ===========




The amortized cost and fair value of investments in fixed maturities at Dec.
31, 1996 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities will
differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to
call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Amortized Fair
Held to maturity Cost Value

Due in one year or less $ 197,711 $ 200,134
Due from one to five years 2,183,374 2,294,335
Due from five to ten years 4,606,775 4,779,690
Due in more than ten years 1,123,824 1,146,642
Mortgage-backed securities 2,124,695 2,100,849
------------ ------------
$10,236,379 $10,521,650

Amortized Fair
Available for sale Cost Value

Due in one year or less $ 227,051 $ 229,650
Due from one to five years 851,428 899,098
Due from five to ten years 2,140,579 2,182,079
Due in more than ten years 571,522 581,371
Mortgage-backed securities 7,218,042 7,254,647
------------ ------------
$11,008,622 $11,146,845

During the years ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, fixed maturities
classified as held to maturity were sold with amortized cost of $277,527,
$333,508 and $61,290, respectively. Net gains and losses on these sales were
not significant. The sale of these fixed maturities was due to significant
deterioration in the issuers' creditworthiness.

As a result of adopting the FASB Special Report, "A Guide to Implementation
of Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities," the Company reclassified securities with a book value of $91,760
and net unrealized gains of $881 from held to maturity to available for sale
in December 1995.

In addition, fixed maturities available for sale were sold during 1996 with
proceeds of $238,905 and gross realized gains and losses of $571 and $16,084,
respectively. Fixed maturities available for sale were sold during 1995 with
proceeds of $136,825 and gross realized gains and losses of $nil and $5,781,
respectively. Fixed maturities available for sale were sold during 1994 with
proceeds of $374,564 and gross realized gains and losses of $1,861 and
$7,602, respectively.

At Dec. 31, 1996, bonds carried at $13,571 were on deposit with various
states as required by law.



Net investment income for the years ended Dec. 31 is summarized as follows:

1996 1995 1994
--------- ------- -----

Interest on fixed maturities $1,666,929 $1,656,136 $1,556,756
Interest on mortgage loans 283,830 232,827 196,521
Other investment income 43,283 35,936 38,366
Interest on cash equivalents 5,754 5,363 6,872
------------- ------- -----------
1,999,796 1,930,262 1,798,515
Less investment expenses 34,434 22,953 16,642
------------ --------- ----------
$1,965,362 $1,907,309 $1,781,873
========== ========== ==========

At Dec. 31, 1996, investments in fixed maturities comprised 84 percent of the
Company's total invested assets. These securities are rated by Moody's and
Standard & Poor's (S&P), except for securities carried at approximately $1.9
billion which are rated by American Express Financial Corporation internal
analysts using criteria similar to Moody's and S&P. A summary of investments
in fixed maturities, at amortized cost, by rating on Dec. 31 is as follows:

Rating 1996 1995
------ ----------- -----------
Aaa/AAA ....................... $ 9,460,134 $ 9,907,664
Aaa/AA ........................ 2,870 3,112
Aa/AA ......................... 241,914 279,403
Aa/A .......................... 192,631 154,846
A/A ........................... 2,949,895 3,104,122
A/BBB ......................... 1,034,661 871,782
Baa/BBB ....................... 4,531,515 4,417,654
Baa/BB ........................ 768,285 657,633
Below investment grade ........ 2,063,096 2,007,511
----------- -----------
$21,245,001 $21,403,727

At Dec. 31, 1996, 95 percent of the securities rated Aaa/AAA are GNMA, FNMA
and FHLMC mortgage-backed securities. No holdings of any other issuer are
greater than 1 percent of the Company's total investments in fixed
maturities.



At Dec. 31, 1996, approximately 13.7 percent of the Company's invested assets
were mortgage loans on real estate. Summaries of mortgage loans by region of
the United States and by type of real estate are as follows:

Dec. 31, 1996 Dec. 31, 1995
------------------------- ------------------------
On Balance Commitments On Balance Commitments
Region Sheet to Purchase Sheet to Purchase
------------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
East North Central $ 777,960 $ 19,358 $ 720,185 $ 67,206
West North Central 389,285 29,620 303,113 34,411
South Atlantic 891,852 35,007 732,529 111,967
Middle Atlantic 553,869 17,959 508,634 37,079
New England 310,177 14,042 244,816 40,452
Pacific 190,770 4,997 168,272 23,161
West South Central 105,173 11,246 61,860 27,978
East South Central 75,176 -- 58,462 10,122
Mountain 236,597 11,401 184,964 16,774
---------- -------- -------- ------
3,530,859 143,630 2,982,835 369,150
Less allowance for losses 37,495 -- 37,340 --
---------- -------- ------- ---
$3,493,364 $143,630 $2,945,495 $369,150
========== ======== ========== ========

Dec. 31, 1996 Dec. 31, 1995
------------------------- ------------------------
On Balance Commitments On Balance Commitments
Property type Sheet to Purchase Sheet to Purchase
- ----------------------- --------- --------- ----------- -----------
Department/retail stores $1,154,179 $ 68,032 $ 985,660 $ 134,538
Apartments 1,119,352 23,246 1,038,446 84,978
Office buildings 611,395 27,653 464,381 62,664
Industrial buildings 296,944 6,716 255,469 22,721
Hotels/motels 97,870 6,257 31,335 48,816
Nursing/retirement homes 88,226 1,877 80,864 4,378
Mixed Use 73,120 -- 53,169 --
Medical buildings 67,178 8,289 57,772 2,495
Other 22,595 1,560 15,739 8,560
------------ ---------- --------- --------
3,530,859 143,630 2,982,835 369,150
Less allowance for losses 37,495 -- 37,340 --
------------ ------ --------- ------
$3,493,364 $143,630 $2,945,495 $369,150
========== ======== ========== ========



Mortgage loan fundings are restricted by state insurance regulatory authorities
to 80 percent or less of the market value of the real estate at the time of
origination of the loan. The Company holds the mortgage document, which gives
the right to take possession of the property if the borrower fails to perform
according to the terms of the agreement. The fair value of the mortgage loans is
determined by a discounted cash flow analysis using mortgage interest rates
currently offered for mortgages of similar maturities. Commitments to purchase
mortgages are made in the ordinary course of business. The fair value of the
mortgage commitments is $nil.

At Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, the Company's recorded investment in impaired loans
was $79,441 and $83,874 with a reserve of $16,162 and $19,307, respectively.
During 1996 and 1995, the average recorded investment in impaired loans was
$74,338 and $74,567, respectively.

The Company recognized $4,889 and $5,014 of interest income related to impaired
loans for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.

The following table presents changes in the reserve for investment losses
related to all loans:

1996 1995
--------- --------
Balance, Jan. 1 .................... $ 37,340 $ 35,252
Provision for investment losses .... 10,005 15,900
Loan payoffs ....................... (4,700) (11,900)
Foreclosures ....................... (5,150) (1,350)
Other .............................. -- (562)
-------- --------
Balance, Dec. 31 ................... $ 37,495 $ 37,340
======== ========

At Dec. 31, 1996, the Company had commitments to purchase affordable housing
limited partnership investments of $28,476, which is recorded as a liability in
the accompanying balance sheets. The total amounts committed in 1997 and 1998
are $25,234 and $3,242, respectively. The Company also had commitments to
purchase real estate investments for $35,425. Commitments to purchase real
estate investments are made in the ordinary course of business. The fair value
of these commitments is $nil.



3. Income taxes

The Company qualifies as a life insurance company for federal income tax
purposes. As such, the Company is subject to the Internal Revenue Code
provisions applicable to life insurance companies.

Income tax expense consists of the following:

1996 1995 1994
------ -------- -------
Federal income taxes:
Current $260,357 $218,040 $186,508
Deferred (65,609) (33,810) (19,175)
-------- -------- --------
194,748 184,230 167,333
State income taxes-current 12,390 11,612 9,010
--------- ------- ------
Income tax expense $207,138 $195,842 $176,343
======== ======== ========

Increases (decreases) to the federal tax provision applicable to pretax
income based on the statutory rate are attributable to:


1996 1995 1994
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Provision Rate Provision Rate Provision Rate

Federal income
taxes based on
the statutory rate $217,600 35.0% $196,274 35.0% $179,379 35.0%
Increases (decreases)
are attributable to:
Tax-excluded interest
and dividend income (9,636) (1.6) (8,524) (1.5) (9,939) (2.0)
Other, net (13,216) (2.1) (3,520) (0.6) (2,107) (0.4)
--------- ----- -------- ---- -------- ----
Federal income taxes $194,748 31.3% $184,230 32.9% $167,333 32.6%
======== ===== ======== ==== ======== ====


A portion of life insurance company income earned prior to 1984 was not
subject to current taxation but was accumulated, for tax purposes, in a
policyholders' surplus account. At Dec. 31, 1996, the Company had a
policyholders' surplus account balance of $20,114. The policyholders' surplus
account is only taxable if dividends to the stockholder exceed the
stockholder's surplus account or if the Company is liquidated. Deferred
income taxes of $7,040 have not been established because no distributions of
such amounts are contemplated.



Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
as of Dec. 31 are as follows:

1996 1995
------- -----
Deferred tax assets:
Policy reserves $724,412 $600,176
Life insurance guarantee
fund assessment reserve 29,854 26,785
Other 2,763 --
----------- -------------
Total deferred tax assets 757,029 626,961
--------- -------

Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs 665,685 590,762
Unrealized gain on investments 48,486 129,653
Investments, other 8,935 17,152
Other -- 2,298
-------- -------
Total deferred tax liabilities 723,106 739,865
-------- -------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)$ 33,923 $(112,904)
========= =========

The Company is required to establish a "valuation allowance" for any portion
of the deferred tax assets that management believes will not be realized. In
the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that the Company will
realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets and, therefore, no such
valuation allowance has been established.

4. Stockholder's equity

During 1996, the Company received a $4,801 capital contribution from its
parent, American Express Financial Corporation. During 1995, the Company
received a $39,700 capital contribution from its parent in the form of
investments in fixed maturities and mortgage loans. In addition, effective
Jan. 1, 1995, the Company began consolidating the financial results of ACLAC.
This change reflected the transfer of ownership of ACLAC from Amex Life
Assurance Company (Amex Life), a former affiliate, to the Company prior to
the sale of Amex Life to an unaffiliated third party on Oct. 2, 1995. This
transfer of ownership to the Company has been reflected as a capital
contribution of $17,114 in the accompanying financial statements. The effect
of this change in reporting entity was not significant and prior periods have
not been restated.

As discussed in Note 5, the Company entered into a reinsurance agreement with
Amex Life during 1995. As a result of this transaction, a loss of $4,574 was
realized and reported as a direct charge to retained earnings.

Other changes in the statements of stockholder's equity are primarily related
to reinsurance transactions with affiliates.

Retained earnings available for distribution as dividends to the parent are
limited to the Company's surplus as determined in accordance with accounting
practices prescribed by state insurance regulatory authorities. Statutory
unassigned surplus aggregated $1,261,592 as of Dec. 31, 1996 and $1,103,993
as of Dec. 31, 1995 (see Note 3 with respect to the income tax effect of
certain distributions). In addition, any dividend distributions in 1997 in
excess of approximately $351,306 would require approval of the Department of
Commerce of the State of Minnesota.

Statutory net income for the years ended Dec. 31 and capital and surplus as
of Dec. 31 are summarized as follows:

1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
Statutory net income $ 365,585 $ 326,799 $ 294,699
Statutory capital and surplus 1,565,082 1,398,649 1,261,958

Dividends paid to American Express Financial Corporation were $165,000 in
1996, $180,000 in 1995, and $165,000 in 1994.

5. Related party transactions

The Company has loaned funds to American Express Financial Corporation under
a collateral loan agreement. The balance of the loan was $11,800 and $25,800
at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. This loan can be increased to a
maximum of $75,000 and pays interest at a rate equal to the preceding month's
effective new money rate for the Company's permanent investments. It is
collateralized by equity securities valued at $116,543 at Dec. 31, 1996.
Interest income on related party loans totaled $780, $1,371 and $2,894 in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

The Company purchased a five year secured note from an affiliated company
which had an outstanding balance of $nil and $19,444 at Dec. 31, 1996 and
1995, respectively. The note bears a fixed rate of 8.42 percent. Interest
income on the above note totaled $1,637, $1,937 and $2,278 in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.



The Company has a reinsurance agreement whereby it assumed 100 percent of a
block of single premium life insurance business from Amex Life Assurance
Company (Amex Life), a former affiliate. The accompanying consolidated
balance sheets at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995 include $758,812 and $764,663,
respectively, of future policy benefits related to this agreement.

The Company has a reinsurance agreement to cede 50 percent of its long-term
care insurance business to Amex Life. The accompanying consolidated balance
sheets at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995 include $134,121 and $95,484, respectively,
of reinsurance receivables related to this agreement. Premiums ceded amounted
to $32,917, $25,553 and $20,360 and reinsurance recovered from reinsurers
amounted to $5,135, $4,998 and $3,022 for the years ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995
and 1994, respectively.

The Company has a reinsurance agreement to assume deferred annuity contracts
from Amex Life. At Oct. 1, 1995, a $803,618 block of deferred annuities and
$28,327 of deferred policy acquisition costs were transferred to the Company.
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet at Dec. 31, 1996 includes
$828,298 of future policy benefits related to this agreement. Contracts with
future policy benefits totaling $50,400 were still reinsured with the former
affiliate at Dec. 31, 1996. The remaining contracts had been novated to
Company contracts.

Until July 1, 1995, the Company participated in the IDS Retirement Plan of
American Express Financial Corporation which covered all permanent employees
age 21 and over who had met certain employment requirements. Effective July
1, 1995, the IDS Retirement Plan was merged with American Express Company's
American Express Retirement Plan, which simultaneously was amended to include
a cash balance formula and a lump sum distribution option. Employer
contributions to the plan are based on participants' age, years of service
and total compensation for the year. Funding of retirement costs for this
plan complies with the applicable minimum funding requirements specified by
ERISA. The Company's share of the total net periodic pension cost was $174,
$155 and $156 in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.

The Company also participates in defined contribution pension plans of
American Express Company which cover all employees who have met certain
employment requirements. Company contributions to the plans are a percent of
either each employee's eligible compensation or basic contributions. Costs of
these plans charged to operations in 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $990, $815 and
$957, respectively.

The Company participates in defined benefit health care plans of American
Express Financial Corporation that provide health care and life insurance
benefits to retired employees and retired financial advisors. The plans
include participant contributions and service related eligibility
requirements. Upon retirement, such employees are considered to have been
employees of American Express Financial Corporation. American Express
Financial Corporation expenses these benefits and allocates the expenses to
its subsidiaries. Accordingly, costs of such benefits to the Company are
included in employee compensation and benefits and cannot be identified on a
separate company basis.

Charges by American Express Financial Corporation for use of joint
facilities, marketing services and other services aggregated $397,362,
$377,139, and $335,183 for 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Certain of
these costs are included in deferred policy acquisition costs. In addition,
the Company rents its home office space from American Express Financial
Corporation on an annual renewable basis.

6. Commitments and contingencies

At Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, traditional life insurance and universal life-type
insurance in force aggregated $67,274,354 and $59,683,532, respectively, of
which $3,875,921 and $3,771,204 were reinsured at the respective year ends.
The Company also reinsures a portion of the risks assumed under disability
income and long-term care policies. Under all reinsurance agreements,
premiums ceded to reinsurers amounted to $48,250, $39,399 and $31,016 and
reinsurance recovered from reinsurers amounted to $15,612, $14,088, and
$10,778 for the years ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994. Reinsurance
contracts do not relieve the Company from its primary obligation to
policyholders.

A number of lawsuits have been filed against life and health insurers in
jurisdictions in which the Company and its subsidiaries do business involving
insurers' sales practices, alleged agent misconduct, failure to properly
supervise agents, and other matters. In December 1996, an action of this type
was brought against the Company and its parent, American Express Financial
Corporation. The plaintiffs purport to represent a class consisting of all
persons who replaced existing Company policies with new Company policies from
and after Jan. 1, 1985. The complaint puts at issue various alleged sales
practices and misrepresentations, alleged breaches of fiduciary duties and



alleged violations of consumer fraud statutes. Plaintiffs seek damages in an
unspecified amount and seek to establish a claims resolution facility for the
determination of individual issues. The Company and its parent believe they
have meritorious defenses to the claims raised in the lawsuit. The outcome of
any litigation cannot be predicted with certainty, particularly in the early
stages of an action. In the opinion of management, however, the ultimate
resolution of the above lawsuit and others filed against the Company should
not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position.

During 1996, the Company settled the federal tax audit for 1987 through 1989
tax years. There was no material impact as a result of that audit. Also, the
IRS is currently auditing the Company's 1990 through 1992 tax years.
Management does not believe there will be a material impact as a result of
this audit.

7. Lines of credit

The Company has available lines of credit with two banks and its
parent aggregating $175,000, of which $100,000 is with its parent. The
lines of credit are at 40 to 80 basis points over the lenders' cost of
funds or equal to the prime rate, depending on which line of credit
agreement is used. The $25,000 line of credit with one bank expired on
Dec. 31, 1996 and the Company did not seek renewal. The $50,000 line of
credit with the other bank expires on June 30, 1997 and the Company
expects to seek renewal. Borrowings outstanding under these agreements
were $nil at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995.

8. Derivative financial instruments

The Company enters into transactions involving derivative financial
instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, including hedging
specific transactions. The Company does not hold derivative instruments for
trading purposes. The Company manages risks associated with these instruments
as described below.

Market risk is the possibility that the value of the derivative financial
instruments will change due to fluctuations in a factor from which the
instrument derives its value, primarily an interest rate. The Company is not
impacted by market risk related to derivatives held for non-trading purposes
beyond that inherent in cash market transactions. Derivatives held for
purposes other than trading are largely used to manage risk and, therefore,
the cash flow and income effects of the derivatives are inverse to the
effects of the underlying transactions.

Credit risk is the possibility that the counterparty will not fulfill the
terms of the contract. The Company monitors credit exposure related to
derivative financial instruments through established approval procedures,
including setting concentration limits by counterparty and industry, and
requiring collateral, where appropriate. A vast majority of the Company's
counterparties are rated A or better by Moody's and Standard & Poor's.

Credit exposure related to interest rate caps and floors is measured by the
replacement cost of the contracts. The replacement cost represents the fair
value of the instruments.

The notional or contract amount of a derivative financial instrument is
generally used to calculate the cash flows that are received or paid over the
life of the agreement. Notional amounts are not recorded on the balance
sheet. Notional amounts far exceed the related credit exposure.



The Company's holdings of derivative financial instruments are as follows:

Notional Carrying Fair Total Credit
Dec. 31, 1996 Amount Value Value Exposure
------------- --------- ------- -------- ------------
Assets:
Interest rate caps $ 4,000,000 $16,227 $ 7,439 $ 7,439
Interest rate floors 1,000,000 2,041 4,341 4,341
Interest rate swaps 1,000,000 -- (24,715) --
---------- ------- -------- -------
$6,000,000 $18,268 $(12,935) $11,780
========== ======= ======== =======
Dec. 31, 1995
Assets:
Interest rate caps $5,100,000 $26,680 $ 8,366 $ 8,366
========== ======= ======== =======

The fair values of derivative financial instruments are based on market
values, dealer quotes or pricing models. The interest rate caps and floors
expire on various dates from 1996 to 2001. The interest rate swaps are in
effect through 2001.

Interest rate caps, swaps and floors are used principally to manage the
Company's interest rate risk. These instruments are used to protect the
margin between interest rates earned on investments and the interest rates
credited to related annuity contract holders.

9. Fair values of financial instruments

The Company discloses fair value information for most on- and off-balance
sheet financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that
value. Fair values of life insurance obligations and all non-financial
instruments, such as deferred acquisition costs are excluded. Off-balance
sheet intangible assets, such as the value of the field force, are also
excluded. Management believes the value of excluded assets is significant.
The fair value of the Company, therefore, cannot be estimated by aggregating
the amounts presented.



1996 1995
------ -----
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Financial Assets Value Value Value Value
---------------- ----- ----- ----- -----

Investments:
Fixed maturities (Note 2):
Held to maturity $10,236,379 $10,521,650 $11,257,591 $11,878,377
Available for sale 11,146,845 11,146,845 10,516,212 10,516,212
Mortgage loans on
real estate (Note 2) 3,493,364 3,606,077 2,945,495 3,184,666
Other:
Equity securities (Note 2) 3,308 3,308 3,517 3,517
Derivative financial
instruments (Note 8) 18,268 (12,935) 26,680 8,366
Other 63,993 66,242 52,182 52,182
Cash and
cash equivalents (Note 1) 224,603 224,603 72,147 72,147
Separate account assets
(Note 1) 18,535,160 18,535,160 14,974,082 14,974,082

Financial Liabilities
Future policy benefits
for fixed annuities 20,641,986 19,721,968 20,259,265 19,603,114
Separate account
liabilities 17,358,087 16,688,519 14,208,619 13,665,636




At Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, the carrying amount and fair value of future
policy benefits for fixed annuities exclude life insurance-related contracts
carried at $1,112,155 and $1,070,598, respectively, and policy loans of
$83,867 and $74,973, respectively. The fair value of these benefits is based
on the status of the annuities at Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995. The fair value of
deferred annuities is estimated as the carrying amount less any applicable
surrender charges and related loans. The fair value for annuities in non-life
contingent payout status is estimated as the present value of projected
benefit payments at rates appropriate for contracts issued in 1996 and 1995.

At Dec. 31, 1996 and 1995, the fair value of liabilities related to separate
accounts is estimated as the carrying amount less any applicable surrender
charges and less variable insurance contracts carried at $1,177,073 and
$765,463, respectively.

10.Segment information

The Company's operations consist of two business segments; first, individual
and group life insurance, disability income and long-term care insurance, and
second, annuity products designed for individuals, pension plans, small
businesses and employer-sponsored groups. The consolidated condensed
statements of income for the years ended Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and
total assets at Dec. 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 by segment are summarized as
follows:

1996 1995 1994
------ ------ -----
Net investment income:
Life, disability income
and long-term care insurance $ 262,998 $ 256,242 $ 247,047
Annuities 1,702,364 1,651,067 1,534,826
----------- ----------- ------------
$ 1,965,362 $ 1,907,309 $ 1,781,873
=========== =========== ============
Premiums, charges and fees:
Life, disability income
and long-term care insurance $ 448,389 $ 384,008 $ 335,375
Annuities 308,873 249,557 193,370
------------ ------------ -------------
$ 757,262 $ 633,565 $ 528,745
============ ============ =============
Income before income taxes:
Life, disability income
and long-term care insurance $ 161,115 $ 125,402 $ 122,677
Annuities 460,758 440,278 394,117
Net loss on investments (159) (4,898) (4,282)
------------- ------------- --------------
$ 621,714 $ 560,782 $ 512,512
============ ============ =============
Total assets:
Life, disability income
and long-term care insurance $ 7,028,906 $ 6,195,870 $ 5,269,188
Annuities 40,277,075 36,704,208 30,478,355
----------- ----------- -----------
$47,305,981 $42,900,078 $35,747,543
=========== =========== ===========

Allocations of net investment income and certain general expenses are based
on various assumptions and estimates.

Assets are not individually identifiable by segment and have been allocated
principally based on the amount of future policy benefits by segment.

Capital expenditures and depreciation expense are not material, and
consequently, are not reported.



IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE I - CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES ($ thousands)
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996



- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D

Type of Investment Cost Value Amount at which
shown in the
balance sheet
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fixed maturities:
Held to maturity:
United States Government and
government agencies and
authorities (a) $ 2,085,280 $ 2,060,778 $ 2,085,280
States, municipalities and
political subdivisions 9,685 10,097 9,685
All other corporate bonds 8,141,414 8,450,775 8,141,414
------------- --------------- -----------------
Total held to maturity 10,236,379 10,521,650 10,236,379

Available for sale:
United States Government and
government agencies and
authorities (b) 6,925,876 6,960,002 6,960,002
States, municipalities and
political subdivisions 11,032 12,368 12,368
All other corporate bonds 4,071,714 4,174,475 4,174,475
------------- --------------- -----------------
Total available for sale 11,008,622 11,146,845 11,146,845

Mortgage loans on real estate 3,493,364 XXXXXXXXX 3,493,364
Policy loans 459,902 XXXXXXXXX 459,902
Other investments 251,465 XXXXXXXXX 251,465
------------- -----------------

Total investments $ 25,449,732 $ XXXXXXXXX $ 25,587,955
============= =================

(a) - Includes mortgage-backed securities with a cost and market value of $2,041,278 and $2,017,119,
respectively.
(b) - Includes mortgage-backed securities with a cost and market value of $6,847,932 and $6,879,547,
respectively.




IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996



Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K

Segment Deferred Future Unearned Other policy Premium Net Benefits, Amortization Other Premiums
policy policy premiums claims and revenue investment claims, of deferred operating written
acquisition benefits, benefits income losses and policy expenses
cost losses, payable settlement acquisition
claims and expenses costs
loss
expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Annuities $ 1,398,025 $ 21,838,008 $ - $ 50,137 $ - $1,702,364 $ 2,724 $ 189,645 $ 180,942 N/A



Life, DI, and
Long-term
Care Insurance 932,780 3,811,034 - 33,497 182,921 262,998 187,486 88,960 80,526 N/A

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

Total $ 2,330,805 $ 25,649,042 $ - $ 83,634 $ 182,921 $1,965,362 $ 190,210 $ 278,605 $ 261,468 N/A

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




IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995



Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K

Segment Deferred Future Unearned Other policy Premium Net Benefits, Amortization Other Premiums
policy policy premiums claims and revenue investment claims, of deferred operating written
acquisition benefits, benefits income losses and policy expenses
cost losses, payable settlement acquisition
claims and expenses costs
loss
expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Annuities $ 1,227,169 $ 21,404,836 $ - $ 28,191 $ - $1,651,067 $ 2,693 $ 189,626 $ 166,191 N/A



Life, DI,
and Long-term
Care Insurance 798,556 3,613,253 - 28,132 161,530 256,242 164,749 90,495 45,451 N/A


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

Total $ 2,025,725 $ 25,018,089 $ - $ 56,323 $ 161,530 $1,907,309 $ 167,442 $ 280,121 $ 211,642 N/A

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




IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE III - SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994



Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K

Segment Deferred Future Unearned Other policy Premium Net Benefits, Amortization Other Premiums
policy policy premiums claims and revenue investment claims, of deferred operating written
acquisition benefits, benefits income losses and policy expenses
cost losses, payable settlement acquisition
claims and expenses costs
loss
expenses
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Annuities $ 1,150,585 $ 19,361,979 $ - $ 23,888 $ - $1,534,826 $ (5,762) $ 194,060 $ 131,515 N/A



Life, DI, and
Long-term Care
Insurance 714,739 3,346,931 - 26,180 144,640 247,047 134,128 86,312 78,586 N/A


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

Total $ 1,865,324 $ 22,708,910 $ - $ 50,068 $ 144,640 $1,781,873 $ 128,366 $ 280,372 $ 210,101 N/A

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




IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE IV - REINSURANCE ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994



- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F

Gross amount Ceded to other Assumed from Net % of amount
companies other companies Amount assumed to net
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


For the year ended
December 31, 1996

Life insurance in force $ 65,571,173 $ 3,875,921 $ 1,703,181 $63,398,433 2.69%
===================================================================================================

Premiums:
Life insurance $ 54,111 $ 3,253 $ 545 $ 51,403 1.06%
DI & LTC insurance 164,561 33,043 -- 131,518 0.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums $ 218,672 $ 36,296 $ 545 $ 182,921 0.30%
===================================================================================================

For the year ended
December 31, 1995

Life insurance in force $ 57,895,180 $ 3,771,204 $ 1,788,352 $55,912,328 3.20%
===================================================================================================

Premiums:
Life insurance $ 53,089 $ 2,648 $ (248) $ 50,193 -0.49%
DI & LTC insurance 137,016 25,679 -- 111,337 0.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums $ 190,105 $ 28,327 $ (248) $ 161,530 -0.15%
===================================================================================================

For the year ended
December 31, 1994

Life insurance in force $ 50,814,651 $ 3,246,608 $ 1,851,916 $49,419,959 3.75%
===================================================================================================

Premiums:
Life insurance $ 51,219 $ 3,354 $ 319 $ 48,184 0.66%
DI & LTC insurance 114,049 17,593 -- 96,456 0.00%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total premiums $ 165,268 $ 20,947 $ 319 $ 144,640 0.22%
===================================================================================================




IDS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
SCHEDULE V - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS ($ thousands)
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1995 AND 1994



- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E

Additions
-------------
Balance at Charged to
Description Beginning Charged to Other Accounts- Deductions- Balance at End
of Period Costs & Expenses Describe Describe * of Period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


For the year ended
December 31, 1996
- ------------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans $37,340 $155 $0 $0 $37,495
Reserve for Other Investments $4,713 ($750) $0 $0 $3,963

For the year ended
December 31, 1995
- ------------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans $35,252 $1,088 $0 ($1,000) $37,340
Reserve for Other Investments $7,515 ($2,802) $0 $0 $4,713

For the year ended
December 31, 1994
- ------------------------------
Reserve for Mortgage Loans $35,020 $232 $0 $0 $35,252
Reserve for Fixed Maturities $22,777 ($16,777) $0 $6,000 $0
Reserve for Other Investments $10,700 ($3,185) $0 $0 $7,515

* 1995 amount represents a reserve on mortgage loans which were transferred from an affiliate.
1994 amount represents a direct writedown of the related investments in fixed maturities.