BEVERLY ENTERPRISES INC
10-K, 1998-03-27
SKILLED NURSING CARE FACILITIES
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<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
 
                       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 (FEE REQUIRED)
 
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                       OR
 
          [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-9550
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
                   DELAWARE                                        62-1691861
        (State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)
        5111 ROGERS AVENUE, SUITE 40-A
             FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS                                  72919-0155
   (Address of principal executive offices)                        (Zip Code)
</TABLE>
 
       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (501) 452-6712
 
          Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
               TITLE OF EACH CLASS                                      ON WHICH REGISTERED
               -------------------                                     ---------------------
    <S>                                                             <C>
           Common Stock, $.10 par value                               New York Stock Exchange
                                                                       Pacific Stock Exchange
      9% Senior Notes due February 15, 2006                           New York Stock Exchange
</TABLE>
 
        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
 
     INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER 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 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.  [ ]
 
     THE AGGREGATE MARKET VALUE OF THE VOTING STOCK HELD BY NONAFFILIATES OF
REGISTRANT WAS $1,598,662,838 AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1998.
 
                                  106,027,451
 
     (NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING, NET OF TREASURY SHARES, AS
OF FEBRUARY 27, 1998)
 
     PART III IS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE FROM THE PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 28, 1998.
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
                                     PART I
 
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
 
GENERAL
 
     References herein to the Company include Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries.
 
     Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (formerly known as New Beverly Holdings, Inc.),
which was incorporated on April 15, 1997 ("New Beverly"), is the successor to
the former Beverly Enterprises, Inc., which was incorporated on February 27,
1987 ("Old Beverly"), as the result of a tax-free reorganization completed
December 3, 1997 (the "Reorganization") in order to facilitate the Merger of PCA
with Capstone (as discussed below). The Reorganization was accomplished in two
steps. Old Beverly transferred or contributed to New Beverly all of its assets
and liabilities, except for its institutional pharmacy business conducted by its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacy Corporation of America and its subsidiaries
("PCA"), (the "Remaining Healthcare Business"), in exchange for all of the
issued and outstanding common stock of New Beverly. Old Beverly immediately
distributed the common stock of New Beverly to its stockholders on a one-for-one
basis (the "Distribution"). As a result of the Distribution, New Beverly became
an independent, publicly-traded company engaged in the Remaining Healthcare
Business and owned by the stockholders of Old Beverly. Following the
Distribution, Old Beverly, whose only assets consisted of the stock of PCA and
its subsidiaries, merged with and into Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc.
("Capstone"), with Capstone being the surviving corporation (the "Merger").
Immediately after the Merger, Capstone changed its name to PharMerica, Inc. and
New Beverly changed its name to Beverly Enterprises, Inc. References to Beverly
Enterprises, Inc., or the Company, prior to December 3, 1997 will mean the
predecessor corporation, Old Beverly. References to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.,
or the Company, on or after December 3, 1997 will mean New Beverly, and New
Beverly will be treated for accounting purposes as the continuing reporting
entity with respect to the historical and future operations of the Company. See
"Part II, Item 8 -- Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for
additional information.
 
     The business of the Company consists principally of providing long-term
healthcare, including the operation of nursing facilities, acute long-term
transitional hospitals, rehabilitation therapy services, outpatient therapy
clinics, assisted living centers and home health centers.
 
     The Company is one of the largest operators of nursing facilities in the
United States. At January 31, 1998, the Company operated 568 nursing facilities
with 63,376 licensed beds. The facilities are located in 29 states and the
District of Columbia, and range in capacity from 20 to 355 beds. At January 31,
1998, the Company also operated 34 assisted living centers containing 901 units,
13 transitional hospitals containing 671 beds, 70 outpatient therapy clinics,
and 25 home health centers. The Company's facilities had average occupancy of
88.9%, 87.4% and 88.1% during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. See "Item 2. Properties."
 
     Information provided by the Company from time to time may contain certain
"forward-looking" information regarding continued performance improvements made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks
and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods
to differ materially from forecasted results. These risks and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to, national and local economic conditions, the
effect of government regulation, the competitive environment in which the
Company operates, and the availability and cost of labor and materials. These,
and other risks and uncertainties that could affect future results, are
discussed in greater detail throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
     Healthcare service providers, such as the Company, operate in an industry
that is subject to significant changes from business combinations, new strategic
alliances, legislative reform, aggressive marketing practices by competitors and
market pressures. In this environment, the Company is frequently contacted by,
and otherwise engages in discussions with, other healthcare companies and
financial advisors regarding possible strategic alliances, joint ventures,
business combinations and other financial alternatives.
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   3
 
OPERATIONS
 
     The Company is organized into three operating units, which support the
Company's delivery of vertically integrated services to the long-term healthcare
market. These operating units include: (i) Beverly Healthcare, which provides
long-term and subacute care through the operation of nursing facilities and
assisted living centers; (ii) Beverly Care Alliance, which operates outpatient
therapy clinics and home health centers, and manages Beverly Healthcare's
rehabilitation services business; and (iii) Beverly Specialty Hospitals, which
operates the Company's transitional hospitals. Business in each operating unit
is conducted by one or more corporations headed by a President who is also a
senior officer of the Company and reports directly to the President of the
Company. Each of the three operating units also has a separate Board of
Directors consisting of four senior executives of the Company and the President
of the unit.
 
     Long-Term Care. Beverly Healthcare's nursing facilities provide residents
with routine long-term care services, including daily dietary, social and
recreational services and a full range of pharmacy services and medical
supplies. Beverly Healthcare's highly skilled staff also offers complex and
intensive medical services to patients with higher acuity disorders outside the
traditional acute care hospital setting.
 
     Rehabilitation Therapies. Through Beverly Care Alliance, the Company offers
industrial rehabilitation, outpatient therapy clinics, acute hospital therapy
contracts, management/consulting rehabilitation programs and home health
services within the Company's network of facilities and to other healthcare
providers.
 
     Transitional Care. Beverly Specialty Hospitals operates transitional
hospitals which address the needs of patients requiring intense therapy
regimens, but not necessarily the breadth of services provided within
traditional acute care hospitals. The typical Beverly Specialty Hospital patient
requires an average of six hours of nursing care per day for 30 to 45 days.
 
     Other Services. The Company offers other healthcare related services to
payors and patients, including assisted living services and information and
referral systems that link payors and employees to long-term care providers.
 
     The Company has a Quality Management ("QM") program to help ensure that
high quality care is provided in each of its nursing, transitional and
outpatient facilities. The Company's QM program has been a key factor in helping
the Company to exceed the industry's nationwide average compliance statistics,
as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the Department of
Health and Human Services ("HCFA"). The Company's nationwide QM network of
healthcare professionals includes physician medical directors, registered
nurses, dieticians, social workers and other specialists who work in conjunction
with regional and facility based QM professionals. Facility based QM is
structured through the Company's Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee.
With a philosophy of quality improvement, Company-wide clinical indicators are
utilized as a database to set goals and monitor thresholds in critical areas
directly related to the delivery of healthcare related services. These internal
evaluations are used by local quality improvement teams, which include QM
advisors, to identify and correct possible problems. The Senior Vice President
of QM reports directly to the President of the Company and the QM Committee of
the Company's Board of Directors.
 
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION AND REIMBURSEMENT
 
     The Company's nursing facilities are subject to compliance with various
federal, state and local healthcare statutes and regulations. Compliance with
state licensing requirements imposed upon all healthcare facilities is a
prerequisite for the operation of the facilities and for participation in
government-sponsored healthcare funding programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare.
Medicaid is a medical assistance program for the indigent, operated by
individual states with the financial participation of the federal government.
Medicare is a health insurance program for the aged and certain other
chronically disabled individuals, operated by the federal government. Changes in
the reimbursement policies of such funding programs as a result of budget cuts
by federal and state governments or other legislative and regulatory actions
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
     The Company receives payments for services rendered to patients from (a)
each of the states in which its nursing facilities are located under the
Medicaid program; (b) the federal government under the Medicare program; and (c)
private payors, including commercial insurers and managed care payors, and
Veterans Administration ("VA"). The following table sets forth: (i) patient days
derived from the indicated sources of payment as a percentage of total patient
days, (ii) room and board revenues derived from the indicated sources of payment
as a percentage of net operating revenues, and (iii) ancillary and other
revenues derived from all sources of payment as a percentage of net operating
revenues, for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   MEDICAID             MEDICARE          PRIVATE AND VA
                              ------------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                        ROOM AND             ROOM AND             ROOM AND
                              PATIENT    BOARD     PATIENT    BOARD     PATIENT    BOARD     ANCILLARY AND
                               DAYS     REVENUES    DAYS     REVENUES    DAYS     REVENUES   OTHER REVENUES
                              -------   --------   -------   --------   -------   --------   --------------
<S>                           <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>
     Year ended:
       December 31, 1997....    68%        40%       12%        12%       20%        16%           32%
       December 31, 1996....    69%        42%       12%        12%       19%        14%           32%
       December 31, 1995....    68%        43%       12%        11%       20%        15%           31%
</TABLE>
 
     Consistent with the long-term care industry in general, changes in the mix
of the Company's patient population among the Medicaid, Medicare and private
categories can significantly affect revenues and profitability. Although the
level of cost reimbursement for Medicare patients typically generates the
highest revenue per patient day, profitability is not proportionally increased
due to the additional costs associated with the required higher level of nursing
care and other services for such patients. In most states, private patients are
the most profitable, and Medicaid patients are the least profitable.
 
     The Company has experienced significant growth in ancillary revenues over
the past several years. Ancillary revenues are derived from providing services
to residents beyond room, board and custodial care and include occupational,
physical, speech, respiratory and intravenous ("IV") therapy, as well as sales
of pharmaceuticals and other services. Such services are currently provided
primarily to Medicare and private pay patients, consistent with the trend in
healthcare of providing a broader range of services in a lower cost setting,
such as the Company's nursing facilities. The Company is pursuing further growth
of ancillary revenues, through acquisitions as well as internal expansion of
specialty services such as rehabilitation. Due to the Company's continuing
efforts to bring therapists on staff as opposed to contracting for their
services, and the corresponding reduction in costs, the overall rate of growth
in ancillary revenues has been adversely impacted.
 
     Medicaid programs are currently in existence in all of the states in which
the Company operates nursing facilities. While these programs differ in certain
respects from state to state, they are all subject to federally-imposed
requirements, and at least 50% of the funds available under these programs is
provided by the federal government under a matching program.
 
     The Medicaid and Medicare programs each contain specific requirements which
must be adhered to by healthcare facilities in order to qualify under the
programs. Currently, Medicare and most state Medicaid programs utilize a
cost-based reimbursement system for nursing facilities which reimburses
facilities for the reasonable direct and indirect allowable costs incurred in
providing routine patient care services (as defined by the programs) plus, in
certain states, efficiency incentives or a return on equity, subject to certain
cost ceilings. These costs normally include allowances for administrative and
general costs as well as the costs of property and equipment (e.g. depreciation
and interest, fair rental allowance or rental expense). In some states, cost-
based reimbursement is subject to retrospective adjustment through cost report
settlement. In other states, payments made to a facility on an interim basis
that are subsequently determined to be less than or in excess of allowable costs
may be adjusted through future payments to the affected facility and to other
facilities owned by the same owner. State Medicaid reimbursement programs vary
as to methodology used to determine the level of allowable costs which are
reimbursed to operators.
 
     Arkansas and California provide for reimbursement at a flat daily rate, as
determined by the responsible state agency. Several states in which the Company
currently operates have enacted payment mechanisms which are based on patient
acuity versus traditional cost-based methodologies. Many other states are
actively
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
developing similar payment systems. There can be no assurances made as to the
ultimate impact of these changes in payment mechanisms on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
     Governmental funding for healthcare programs is subject to statutory and
regulatory changes, administrative rulings, interpretations of policy,
intermediary determinations and governmental funding restrictions, all of which
may materially increase or decrease program reimbursement to healthcare
facilities. In August 1997, the President signed into law the Balanced Budget
Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") in which Congress included numerous program changes
directed at balancing the federal budget. The legislation changes Medicare and
Medicaid policy in a number of ways, including: (i) development of new Medicare
and Medicaid health plan options; (ii) creation of additional safeguards against
healthcare fraud and abuse; (iii) repeal of the Medicaid "Boren Amendment"
payment standard; (iv) a 10% reduction in Part B therapy costs for the period
from January 1, 1998 through July 1, 1998, at which time reimbursement for these
services will be based on HCFA established fee schedules; (v) the phasing in of
a Medicare prospective payment system ("PPS") for skilled nursing facilities
effective July 1, 1998 (which will be in effect for the Company in January
1999); and (vi) establishment of limitations on Part B therapy charges per
beneficiary per year. The legislation includes new opportunities for providers
to focus further on patient outcomes by creating alternative patient delivery
structures. At this time, the Company has not been able to fully assess the
impact of these changes, due in part to uncertainty as to the details of
implementation and interpretation of the legislation by HCFA and, therefore, no
assurances can be made as to the ultimate impact of this legislation or future
healthcare reform legislation on the Company's consolidated financial position,
results of operations, or cash flows. However, future federal budget legislation
and regulatory changes may negatively impact the Company.
 
     During the first quarter of 1998, proposed rules were issued by HCFA which,
if implemented in their proposed form, would establish guidelines for maximum
reimbursement to skilled nursing facilities for contracted speech and
occupational therapy services based on equivalent salary amounts for on-staff
therapists. In addition, these proposed rules would revise the salary
equivalency rules currently in effect for physical and respiratory therapy
services. The Company does not expect the new rules to have a material adverse
effect on its consolidated results of operations or cash flows based on the
following: (i) the Company currently provides the majority of its therapy
services through on-staff therapists; and (ii) the salary equivalency guidelines
cease to apply to skilled nursing facilities once the 1997 Act provisions for
PPS become effective.
 
     In addition to the requirements to be met by the Company's facilities for
annual licensure renewal, the Company's healthcare facilities are subject to
annual surveys and inspections in order to be certified for participation in the
Medicare and Medicaid programs. In order to maintain their operator's licenses
and their certification for participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs, the
nursing facilities must meet certain statutory and administrative requirements.
These requirements relate to the condition of the facilities and the adequacy
and condition of the equipment used therein, the quality and adequacy of
personnel, and the quality of medical care. Such requirements are subject to
change. There can be no assurance that, in the future, the Company will be able
to maintain such licenses for its facilities or that the Company will not be
required to expend significant sums in order to do so.
 
     HCFA adopted survey, certification and enforcement procedures by
regulations effective July 1, 1995 to implement the Medicare and Medicaid
provisions of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 ("OBRA 1987")
governing survey, certification and enforcement of the requirements for contract
participation by skilled nursing facilities under Medicare and nursing
facilities under Medicaid. Among the provisions that HCFA has adopted are
requirements that (i) surveys focus on residents' outcomes; (ii) all deviations
from the participation requirements will be considered deficiencies, but all
deficiencies will not constitute noncompliance; and (iii) certain types of
deficiencies must result in the imposition of a sanction. The regulations also
identify alternative remedies and specify the categories of deficiencies for
which they will be applied. These remedies include: temporary management; denial
of payment for new admissions; denial of payment for all residents; civil money
penalties of $50 to $10,000 per day of violation; closure of facility and/or
transfer of residents in emergencies; directed plans of correction; and directed
in service training. The regulations also specify under what circumstances
alternative enforcement remedies or termination, or both,
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
will be imposed on facilities which are not in compliance with the participation
requirements. The Company has undertaken an analysis of the procedures in
respect of its programs and facilities covered by the final HCFA regulations.
While the Company is unable to predict with total accuracy the degree to which
its programs and facilities will be determined to be in compliance with
regulations in the future, compliance data for the past year is available.
Results of HCFA surveys for the past year have determined that in the states
where the Company operates nursing facilities, the Company has a higher
percentage of deficiency-free facilities than the rest of the facilities in
those states combined. Furthermore, the Company's facilities that are cited with
deficiencies are cited less frequently than the rest of the facilities in the
industry. Although the Company could be adversely affected if a substantial
portion of its programs or facilities were eventually determined not to be in
compliance with the HCFA regulations, the Company believes its programs and
facilities generally exceed industry standards.
 
     The Company believes that its facilities are in substantial compliance with
the various Medicaid and Medicare regulatory requirements currently applicable
to them. In the ordinary course of its business, however, the Company receives
notices of deficiencies for failure to comply with various regulatory
requirements. The Company reviews such notices and takes appropriate corrective
action. In most cases, the Company and the reviewing agency will agree upon the
steps to be taken to bring the facility into compliance with regulatory
requirements. In some cases or upon repeat violations, the reviewing agency may
take a number of adverse actions against a facility. These adverse actions can
include the imposition of fines, temporary suspension of admission of new
patients to the facility, decertification from participation in the Medicaid or
Medicare programs and, in extreme circumstances, revocation of a facility's
license.
 
     The Medicaid and Medicare programs provide criminal penalties for entities
that knowingly and willfully offer, pay, solicit or receive remuneration in
order to induce business that is reimbursed under these programs. The illegal
remuneration provisions of the Social Security Act, also known as the
"anti-kickback" statute, prohibit the payment or receipt of remuneration
intended to induce the purchasing, leasing, ordering or arranging for any good,
facility, service or item paid by Medicaid or Medicare programs. The violation
of the illegal remuneration provisions is a felony and can result in the
imposition of fines of up to $25,000 per occurrence. In addition, certain states
in which the Company's facilities are located have enacted statutes which
prohibit the payment of kickbacks, bribes and rebates for the referral of
patients. The Medicare program has published certain "Safe Harbor" regulations
which describe various criteria and guidelines for transactions which are deemed
to be in compliance with the anti-remuneration provisions. Although the Company
has contractual arrangements with some healthcare providers, management believes
it is in compliance with the anti-kickback statute and other provisions of the
Social Security Act and with the applicable state statutes. However, there can
be no assurance that government officials responsible for enforcing these
statutes will not assert that the Company or certain transactions in which it is
involved are in violation of these statutes. The Social Security Act also
imposes criminal and civil penalties for making false claims to the Medicaid and
Medicare programs for services not rendered or for misrepresenting actual
services rendered in order to obtain higher reimbursement.
 
     The Medicare and Medicaid programs also provide for the mandatory and/or
permissive exclusion of providers of services who are convicted of certain
offenses or who have been found to have violated certain laws or regulations. In
certain circumstances, conviction of abusive or fraudulent behavior with respect
to one facility may subject other facilities under common control or ownership
to disqualification from participation in Medicaid and Medicare programs. In
addition, some federal and state regulations provide that all facilities under
common control or ownership licensed to do business within a state are subject
to delicensure if any one or more of such facilities is delicensed.
 
     While federal regulations do not provide states with grounds to curtail
funding of their Medicaid cost reimbursement programs due to state budget
deficiencies, states have nevertheless curtailed funding in such circumstances
in the past. No assurance can be given that states will not do so in the future
or that the future funding of Medicaid programs will remain at levels comparable
to the present levels. The United States Supreme Court ruled in 1990 that
healthcare providers could use the Boren Amendment to require states to comply
with their legal obligation to adequately fund Medicaid programs. The 1997 Act
repeals the Boren Amendment and authorizes states to develop their own standards
for setting payment rates. It requires each
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
state to use a public process for establishing proposed rates whereby the
methodologies and justifications used for setting such rates are available for
public review and comment. This will require facilities to become more involved
in the rate setting process and failure to do so may interfere with a facility's
ability to challenge rates later.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The long-term care industry is highly competitive. The Company's
competitive position varies from facility to facility, from community to
community and from state to state. Some of the significant competitive factors
for the placing of patients in a nursing facility include quality of care,
reputation, physical appearance of facilities, services offered, family
preferences, location, physician services and price. The Company's operations
compete with services provided by nursing facilities, acute care hospitals,
subacute facilities, transitional hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, hospices
and home healthcare centers. The Company also competes with a number of
tax-exempt nonprofit organizations which can finance acquisitions and capital
expenditures on a tax-exempt basis or receive charitable contributions
unavailable to the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will not
encounter increased competition which could adversely affect its business,
results of operations or financial condition.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately 74,000 employees. The
Company is subject to both federal minimum wage and applicable federal and state
wage and hour laws and maintains various employee benefit plans.
 
     The federal government passed legislation in 1996 to increase the minimum
wage in two phases. The initial increase took effect October 1, 1996, with the
final increase effective September 1, 1997. This new legislation did not result
in a material increase in the Company's wage rates in 1997 or 1996, because a
substantial portion of the Company's associates earn in excess of the new
minimum wage levels. The effect of the new minimum wage on the Company's future
operations is not expected to be material as the Company believes that a
significant portion of such increase will be reimbursed through Medicare and
Medicaid rate increases.
 
     In recent years, the Company has experienced increases in its labor costs
primarily due to higher wages and greater benefits required to attract and
retain qualified personnel, increased staffing levels in its nursing facilities
due to greater patient acuity and the hiring of therapists on staff. The
Company's ability to control costs, including its wages and related expenses
which continue to rise and represent the largest component of the Company's
operating and administrative expenses, will significantly impact its future
operating results. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Operating Results."
 
     In the past, the healthcare industry, including the Company's long-term
care facilities, has experienced a shortage of nurses to staff healthcare
operations, and, more recently, the healthcare industry has experienced a
shortage of therapists. The Company is not currently experiencing a nursing or
therapist shortage, but it competes with other healthcare providers for nursing
and therapist personnel and may compete with other service industries for
persons serving the Company in other capacities, such as nurses' aides. A
nursing, therapist or nurse's aide shortage could force the Company to pay even
higher salaries and make greater use of higher cost temporary personnel. A lack
of qualified personnel might also require the Company to reduce its census or
admit patients requiring a lower level of care, both of which could adversely
affect operating results.
 
     Approximately 100 of the Company's facilities, or 7% of the Company's
employees, are represented by various labor unions. Certain labor unions have
publicly stated that they are concentrating their organizing efforts within the
long-term healthcare industry. The Company, being one of the largest employers
within the long-term healthcare industry, has been the target of a "corporate
campaign" by two AFL-CIO affiliated unions attempting to organize certain of the
Company's facilities. Although the Company has never experienced any material
work stoppages and believes that its relations with its employees are generally
good, the Company cannot predict the effect continued union representation or
organizational activities will have on
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
the Company's future activities. There can be no assurance that continued union
representation and organizational activities will not result in material work
stoppages, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
operations.
 
     Excessive litigation is a tactic common to "corporate campaigns" and one
that is being employed against the Company. There have been several proceedings
against facilities operated by the Company before the National Labor Relations
Board ("NLRB"). These proceedings consolidate individual cases from separate
facilities, and certain of these proceedings are currently pending before the
NLRB. The Company is vigorously defending these proceedings. The Company
believes, based on advice of its general counsel, that many of these cases are
without merit, and further, it is the Company's belief that the NLRB-related
proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, are not material to the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
 
     At January 31, 1998, the Company operated 568 nursing facilities, 34
assisted living centers, 13 transitional hospitals, 70 outpatient therapy
clinics and 25 home health centers in 31 states and the District of Columbia.
Most of the Company's 188 leased nursing facilities are subject to "net" leases
which require the Company to pay all taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.
Most of the Company's leases have original terms from ten to fifteen years and
contain at least one renewal option, which could extend the original term of the
leases by five to fifteen years. Many of the Company's leases also contain
purchase options. The Company considers its physical properties to be in good
operating condition and suitable for the purposes for which they are being used.
Certain of the nursing facilities and assisted living centers owned by the
Company are included in the collateral securing the obligations under its
various debt agreements. See "Part II, Item 8 -- Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements."
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
     The following is a summary of the Company's nursing facilities, assisted
living centers, transitional hospitals, outpatient therapy clinics and home
health centers at January 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        OUTPATIENT    HOME
                                   NURSING            ASSISTED        TRANSITIONAL       THERAPY     HEALTH
                                  FACILITIES       LIVING CENTERS       HOSPITALS        CLINICS     CENTERS
                              ------------------   --------------   -----------------   ----------   -------
                                         TOTAL                                TOTAL
                                       LICENSED             TOTAL            LICENSED
          LOCATION            NUMBER     BEDS      NUMBER   UNITS   NUMBER     BEDS       NUMBER     NUMBER
          --------            ------   ---------   ------   -----   ------   --------   ----------   -------
<S>                           <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>        <C>          <C>
Alabama.....................    21       2,725       --       --      --        --          --         --
Arizona.....................     3         480       --       --       1        48          --         --
Arkansas....................    31       3,827        3       48       1        38          --          2
California..................    68       7,238        2      113      --        --          --          9
District of Columbia........     1         355       --       --      --        --          --         --
Florida.....................    61       7,704        5      290      --        --          --         --
Georgia.....................    17       2,100        4       72      --        --          18          2
Hawaii......................     2         396       --       --      --        --          --         --
Illinois....................     3         275       --       --      --        --          --         --
Indiana.....................    26       3,817        1       16       1        40          --          1
Kansas......................    33       2,164        3       39      --        --          --         --
Kentucky....................     8       1,037       --       --      --        --          --         --
Maryland....................     4         585        1       16      --        --           9         --
Massachusetts...............    24       2,402       --       --      --        --          --         --
Michigan....................     2         206       --       --      --        --          --         --
Minnesota...................    35       3,152        3       32      --        --          --         --
Mississippi.................    21       2,466       --       --      --        --          --         --
Missouri....................    29       3,038        3      101      --        --          --          1
Nebraska....................    24       2,173        1       16      --        --          --          3
New Jersey..................     1         120       --       --      --        --          --         --
North Carolina..............    11       1,398        1       16      --        --          --         --
Ohio........................    12       1,433       --       --       1        44           3         --
Oklahoma....................    --          --       --       --       2        64          --         --
Pennsylvania................    42       4,785        3       53      --        --          --          3
South Carolina..............     3         302       --       --      --        --           2         --
South Dakota................    17       1,232       --       --      --        --          --         --
Tennessee...................     7         948        2       57       3       105          --         --
Texas.......................    --          --       --       --       4       332          38          3
Virginia....................    16       2,113        2       32      --        --          --         --
Washington..................    11       1,082       --       --      --        --          --         --
West Virginia...............     3         310       --       --      --        --          --         --
Wisconsin...................    32       3,513       --       --      --        --          --          1
                               ---      ------       --      ---      --       ---          --         --
                               568      63,376       34      901      13       671          70         25
                               ===      ======       ==      ===      ==       ===          ==         ==
CLASSIFICATION
- -----------
Owned.......................   378      41,561       30      709       1       198          --         --
Leased......................   188      21,680        4      192      12       473          70         25
Managed.....................     2         135       --       --      --        --          --         --
                               ---      ------       --      ---      --       ---          --         --
                               568      63,376       34      901      13       671          70         25
                               ===      ======       ==      ===      ==       ===          ==         ==
</TABLE>
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
 
     On March 4, 1998, a jury in California returned a verdict of $95.1 million
against a nursing facility operated by a subsidiary of the Company. The verdict,
which was based on findings of fraud as well as negligence and abuse, consisted
of $365,580 in compensatory damages and $94.7 million in punitive damages. Since
punitive damages are generally not covered by insurance, a final judgement of
this size could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
results of operations and financial position. However, it is the Company's
belief, based on discussions with its trial and appellate counsel, that many of
the jury's findings, including fraud, are not supportable from the evidence
presented in the case, and the judgement entered will be significantly reduced
by the trial court or an appeal. The Company intends to aggressively pursue all
post-trial remedies available to it.
 
     There are various other lawsuits and regulatory actions pending against the
Company arising in the normal course of business, some of which seek punitive
damages which are generally not covered by insurance. The Company does not
believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
 
     On November 20, 1997, in conjunction with the Reorganization, the Company
held a Special Meeting of Stockholders in Fort Smith, Arkansas, for the purposes
of approving and adopting an Agreement and Plan of Distribution, approving and
adopting an Agreement and Plan of Merger, approving the New Beverly 1997
Long-Term Incentive Plan, approving the New Beverly Non-Employee Directors Stock
Option Plan, approving the possible adjournment of the Special Meeting of
Stockholders for purposes of soliciting additional votes in favor of the above
proposals and transacting such other business as may have properly come before
the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
 
     The Agreement and Plan of Distribution was approved at the meeting. The
following table sets forth the number of votes for and against, as well as
abstentions as to this matter:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
For......................................................  88,956,221
Against..................................................     153,732
Abstentions..............................................     184,382
</TABLE>
 
     The Agreement and Plan of Merger was approved at the meeting. The following
table sets forth the number of votes for and against, as well as abstentions as
to this matter:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
For......................................................  88,958,901
Against..................................................     150,959
Abstentions..............................................     184,475
</TABLE>
 
     The New Beverly 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan was approved at the meeting.
The following table sets forth the number of votes for and against, as well as
abstentions as to this matter:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
For......................................................  83,453,156
Against..................................................   5,560,086
Abstentions..............................................     281,093
</TABLE>
 
     The New Beverly Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan was approved at
the meeting. The following table sets forth the number of votes for and against,
as well as abstentions as to this matter:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
For......................................................  81,970,461
Against..................................................   6,971,231
Abstentions..............................................     352,643
</TABLE>
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
     The possible adjournment of the Special Meeting was approved at the
meeting. The following table sets forth the number of votes for and against, as
well as abstentions as to this matter:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                                        <C>
For......................................................  63,009,792
Against..................................................  25,144,748
Abstentions..............................................   1,139,795
</TABLE>
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
     The table below sets forth, as to each executive officer and director of
the Company, such person's name, positions with the Company and age. Each
executive officer and director of the Company holds office until a successor is
elected, or until the earliest of death, resignation or removal. Each executive
officer is elected or appointed by the Board of Directors. The information below
is given as of March 18, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    NAME                                           POSITION                       AGE
                    ----                                           --------                       ---
<S>                                            <C>                                                <C>
David R. Banks(1)............................  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
                                               and Director                                       61
Boyd W. Hendrickson(1).......................  President, Chief Operating Officer and Director    53
William A. Mathies...........................  Executive Vice President and President -- Beverly
                                                Healthcare                                        38
T. Jerald Moore..............................  Executive Vice President and President -- Beverly
                                                Specialty Hospitals                               57
Robert W. Pommerville........................  Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
                                                Secretary                                         57
Bobby W. Stephens............................  Executive Vice President -- Asset Management       53
Scott M. Tabakin.............................  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
                                               Officer                                            39
Mark D. Wortley..............................  Executive Vice President and President -- Beverly
                                               Care Alliance                                      42
Pamela H. Daniels............................  Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting
                                               Officer                                            34
Beryl F. Anthony, Jr.(1)(3)(5)...............  Director                                           60
Carolyne K. Davis, R.N., Ph.D.(1)(4).........  Director                                           66
James R. Greene(2)(3)(4).....................  Director                                           76
Edith E. Holiday(2)(4)(5)....................  Director                                           46
Jon E. M. Jacoby(1)(2).......................  Director                                           59
Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, M.D.(3)(4)...........  Director                                           43
Marilyn R. Seymann(2)(4)(5)..................  Director                                           55
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Member of the Executive Committee.
 
(2) Member of the Audit Committee.
 
(3) Member of the Compensation Committee.
 
(4) Member of the Quality Management Committee.
 
(5) Member of the Nominating Committee.
 
     Mr. Banks has been a director of the Company since 1979 and has served as
Chief Executive Officer since May 1989 and Chairman of the Board since March
1990. Mr. Banks was President of the Company from 1979 to September 1995. Mr.
Banks is a director of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., Ralston Purina
Company, Wellpoint Health Networks, Inc., and trustee for Occidental College.
Mr. Banks also serves as a director of PharMerica, Inc., a major supplier of
institutional pharmacy services to the Company.
 
     Mr. Hendrickson joined the Company in 1988 as a Division President. He was
elected Vice President of Marketing in May 1989, Executive Vice President of
Operations and Marketing in February 1990, President of Beverly Healthcare in
January 1995 and President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of the
Company in September 1995. He is a director of PharMerica, Inc.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
     Mr. Mathies joined the Company in 1981 as an Administrator in training. He
was an Administrator until 1986 at which time he became a Regional Manager. In
1988, Mr. Mathies was elected Vice President of Operations for the California
region and was elected Executive Vice President of the Company and President of
the corporations within Beverly Healthcare in September 1995.
 
     Mr. Moore joined the Company as Executive Vice President in December 1992
and was elected President of the corporations within Beverly Specialty Hospitals
in June 1996. Mr. Moore was employed at Aetna Life and Casualty from 1963 to
1992 and was elected Senior Vice President in 1990.
 
     Mr. Pommerville first joined the Company in 1970 and left in 1976. He
rejoined the Company as Vice President and General Counsel in 1984 and was
elected Secretary in February 1990, Senior Vice President in March 1990 and
Executive Vice President and Acting Compliance Officer in February 1995.
 
     Mr. Stephens joined the Company as a staff accountant in 1969. He was
elected Assistant Vice President in 1978, Vice President of the Company and
President of the Company's Central Division in 1980, and Executive Vice
President in February 1990. Mr. Stephens is a director of City National Bank in
Fort Smith, Arkansas, Beverly Japan Corporation, and Harbortown Properties, Inc.
 
     Mr. Tabakin joined the Company in October 1992 as Vice President,
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. He was elected Senior Vice President in
May 1995, Acting Chief Financial Officer in September 1995 and Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer in October 1996. From 1980 to 1992, Mr.
Tabakin was with Ernst & Young LLP.
 
     Mr. Wortley joined the Company as Senior Vice President and President of
the corporations within Beverly Care Alliance in September 1994 and was elected
Executive Vice President in February 1996. From 1988 to 1994, Mr. Wortley was an
officer of Therapy Management Innovations.
 
     Ms. Daniels joined the Company in May 1988 as Audit Coordinator. She was
promoted to Financial Reporting Senior Manager in 1991 and Director of Financial
Reporting in 1992. She was elected Vice President, Controller and Chief
Accounting Officer in October 1996. From 1985 to 1988, Ms. Daniels was with
Price Waterhouse LLP.
 
     Mr. Anthony served as a member of the United States Congress and was
Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from 1987 through
1990. In 1993, he became a partner in the Winston & Strawn law firm. He has been
a director of the Company since January 1993.
 
     Dr. Davis is currently a part-time scholar in residence at the Sloan Health
Management Program at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. She served as
Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services from 1981 to 1985. She was a director of the
Company from 1985 to 1989 and served as consultant and advisor to the Company's
Board of Directors from 1989 to 1997. She was a national and international
health care advisor to Ernst & Young LLP from 1985 to 1997. She is a member of
the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Science, a trustee for the
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, a member of the board of directors
for Georgetown University, a director of Beckman Instruments, Inc., Merck & Co.,
Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of North America, Pharmaceutical
Marketing Services, Inc. and MiniMed, Inc. She has been a director of the
Company since December 1997.
 
     Mr. Greene's principal occupation has been that of a director and
consultant to various U.S. and international businesses since 1986. He is a
director of Buck Engineering Company and Bank Leumi. He has been a director of
the Company since January 1991.
 
     Ms. Holiday is an attorney. She served as White House Liaison for the
Cabinet and all federal agencies during the Bush administration. Prior to that,
Ms. Holiday served as General Counsel of the U.S. Treasury Department, as well
as its Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Public Affairs and Public Liaison.
She is a director of Amerada Hess Corporation, Hercules Incorporated and H.J.
Heinz Company and a director or trustee of various investment companies in the
Franklin Templeton Group of Funds. She has been a director of the Company since
March 1995.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
     Mr. Jacoby is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and a
director of Stephens Group, Inc. Mr. Jacoby has held the indicated positions
with Stephens Group, Inc. since 1986, and prior to that time, served as Manager
of the Corporate Finance Department and Assistant to the President of Stephens
Inc. Mr. Jacoby is a director of Power-One, Inc. and Delta and Pine Land
Company, Inc. He has been a director of the Company since February 1987.
 
     Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey is Director of the Institute of Aging, Chief of the
Division of Geriatric Medicine, Associate Executive Vice President for health
policy, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. From 1992
to 1994, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey was in the Senior Executive Service in the Agency
for Health Care Policy and Research, U.S. Public Health Service of the
Department of Health and Human Services. She is a director of Managed Care
Solutions, Inc. and Kapson Senior Quarters Corp. She has been a director of the
Company since March 1995.
 
     Ms. Seymann is President and Chief Executive Officer of M One, Inc., a
management and information systems consulting firm specializing in the financial
services industry. From 1990 to 1993, Ms. Seymann was Director and Vice Chairman
of the Federal Housing Finance Board. Prior to that, she served as Managing
Director of Andersen Asset Based Services, a unit of Arthur Andersen LLP. From
1986 to 1990, Ms. Seymann was Executive Vice President of Chase Bank of Arizona
and served as President, Private Banking of Chase Trust Company from 1987 to
1990. She is a director of Claremont Technology Group, Inc. She has been a
director of the Company since March 1995.
 
     During 1997, there were eight meetings of the Board of Directors. Each
director attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board and committees on
which he or she served.
 
     In 1997, directors, other than Mr. Banks and Mr. Hendrickson, received a
retainer fee of $25,000 for serving on the Board and an additional fee of $1,000
for each Board or committee meeting attended. The chairperson of each committee
received an additional $1,000 for each committee meeting attended. Mr. Banks,
the Company's current Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr.
Hendrickson, the Company's current President and Chief Operating Officer,
received no additional cash compensation for serving on the Board or its
committees.
 
     During 1997, the Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred
Compensation Plan (the "Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan") was
approved. Such plan provides each nonemployee director the opportunity to
receive awards equivalent to shares of Common Stock ("deferred share units") and
to defer receipt of compensation for services rendered to the Company. There are
three types of contributions available under the plan. First, nonemployee
directors can defer all or part of retainer and meeting fees to a pre-tax
deferred compensation account with two investment options. The first investment
option is a cash account which is credited with interest, and the second
investment option is a deferred share unit account, with each unit having a
value equivalent to one share of Common Stock. The second type of contribution
is a Company matching contribution whereby the Company matches 25% of the amount
of fees deferred, to the extent the deferral is in the deferred share unit
account. Third, as a replacement for the prior benefits under the retirement
plan for outside directors, each nonemployee director receives a grant of 500
deferred share units each year which is automatically credited to the deferred
share unit account. Distributions under the plan will commence upon retirement,
termination, death or disability and will be made in shares of Common Stock
unless the Board of Directors approves payment in cash.
 
     During 1997, the New Beverly Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (the
"Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan") was approved. Such plan became
effective December 3, 1997 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2007,
subject to earlier termination by the Board of Directors. Such plan replaced the
Nonemployee Directors' Plan entered into in 1994. There are 300,000 shares of
the Company's $.10 par value common stock ("Common Stock") authorized for
issuance, subject to certain adjustments, under the Non-Employee Directors Stock
Option Plan. The Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan was amended by the
Board of Directors on December 11, 1997 to provide that 3,375 stock options be
granted to each nonemployee director on June 1 of each year until the plan is
terminated, subject to the availability of shares. Such grants have been made
since 1994 to each of the nonemployee directors. Such stock options are granted
at a purchase price equal to fair market value on the date of grant, become
exercisable one year after date of grant and expire ten years after date of
grant.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
 
     The Company's Common Stock is listed on the New York and Pacific Stock
Exchanges. The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of
high and low sales prices of the Common Stock as reported on the New York Stock
Exchange composite tape.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PRICES
                                                              -----------
                                                              HIGH    LOW
                                                              ----    ---
<S>                                                           <C>     <C>
1996
  First Quarter.............................................  $12 3/8 $10 1/8
  Second Quarter............................................   12 5/8  11
  Third Quarter.............................................   12 1/8   9 1/4
  Fourth Quarter............................................   13 3/4  10 5/8
1997
  First Quarter.............................................  $16 1/8 $12 1/4
  Second Quarter............................................   16 7/8  13 1/8
  Third Quarter.............................................   17 1/2  14 9/16
  Fourth Quarter............................................   17 1/2  12 1/8(1)
1998
  First Quarter (through March 18)..........................  $15 9/16 $12 5/16
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) After the effect of the Reorganization on December 3, 1997 (as discussed
    herein).
 
     The Company is subject to certain restrictions under its long-term debt
agreements related to the payment of cash dividends on its Common Stock. During
1997 and 1996, no cash dividends were paid on the Company's Common Stock and no
future dividends are currently planned.
 
     At March 18, 1998, there were 5,824 record holders of the Common Stock.
 
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
 
     The Beverly Enterprises 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended and
restated) enables all full-time employees having completed one year of
continuous service to purchase shares of Common Stock at the current market
price through payroll deductions. The Company makes contributions in the amount
of 30% of the participant's contribution. Each participant specifies the amount
to be withheld from earnings per two-week pay period, subject to certain
limitations. The total charge to the Company's statement of operations for the
year ended December 31, 1997 related to this plan was approximately $2,449,000.
At December 31, 1997, there were approximately 4,700 participants in the plan.
 
     Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch World Headquarters, North Tower, World
Financial Center, New York, New York 10281, was appointed broker to open and
maintain an account in each participant's name and to purchase shares of Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange for each participant.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
 
     The following table of selected financial data should be read in
conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and related
notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    AT OR FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                       ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         1997(1)        1996          1995         1994         1993
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                    <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net operating revenues...............................  $ 3,217,099   $ 3,267,189   $3,228,553   $2,969,239   $2,884,451
Interest income......................................       13,201        13,839       14,228       14,578       15,269
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
        Total revenues...............................    3,230,300     3,281,028    3,242,781    2,983,817    2,899,720
Costs and expenses:
  Operating and administrative:
    Wages and related................................    1,772,429     1,819,500    1,736,151    1,600,580    1,593,410
    Other............................................    1,115,592     1,139,442    1,224,681    1,114,916    1,069,536
  Interest...........................................       82,713        91,111       84,245       64,792       66,196
  Depreciation and amortization......................      107,060       105,468      103,581       88,734       82,938
  Transaction costs..................................       44,000            --           --           --           --
  Impairment of long-lived assets:
    Adoption of SFAS No. 121.........................           --            --       68,130           --           --
    Development and other costs......................           --            --       32,147           --           --
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
        Total costs and expenses.....................    3,121,794     3,155,521    3,248,935    2,869,022    2,812,080
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and
  extraordinary charge...............................      108,506       125,507       (6,154)     114,795       87,640
Provision for income taxes...........................       49,913        73,481        1,969       37,882       29,684
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary charge............       58,593        52,026       (8,123)      76,913       57,956
Extraordinary charge, net of income tax benefit of
  $1,099 in 1996, $1,188 in 1994 and $1,155 in
  1993...............................................           --        (1,726)          --       (2,412)      (2,345)
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
Net income (loss)....................................  $    58,593   $    50,300   $   (8,123)  $   74,501   $   55,611
                                                       ===========   ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares........  $    58,593   $    50,300   $  (14,998)  $   66,251   $   31,173
                                                       ===========   ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Income (loss) per share of common stock(2):
  Basic:
    Before redemption premium on preferred stock and
      extraordinary charge...........................  $       .57   $       .53   $     (.16)  $      .80   $      .67
    Redemption premium on preferred stock............           --            --           --           --         (.25)
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
    Before extraordinary charge......................          .57           .53         (.16)         .80          .42
    Extraordinary charge.............................           --          (.02)          --         (.02)        (.03)
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
    Net income (loss)................................  $       .57   $       .51   $     (.16)  $      .78   $      .39
                                                       ===========   ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========
    Shares used to compute per share amounts.........  102,060,000    98,574,000   92,233,000   85,430,000   79,735,000
  Diluted:
    Before redemption premium on preferred stock and
      extraordinary charge...........................  $       .57   $       .50   $     (.16)  $      .78   $      .65
    Redemption premium on preferred stock............           --            --           --           --         (.23)
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
    Before extraordinary charge......................          .57           .50         (.16)         .78          .42
    Extraordinary charge.............................           --          (.01)          --         (.02)        (.03)
                                                       -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
    Net income (loss)................................  $       .57   $       .49   $     (.16)  $      .76   $      .39
                                                       ===========   ===========   ==========   ==========   ==========
  Shares used to compute per share amounts...........  103,422,000   110,726,000   92,233,000   98,016,000   85,243,000
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total assets.........................................  $ 2,073,469   $ 2,525,082   $2,506,461   $2,322,578   $2,000,804
Current portion of long-term obligations.............  $    31,551   $    38,826   $   84,639   $   60,199   $   43,125
Long-term obligations, excluding current portion.....  $   686,941   $ 1,106,256   $1,066,909   $  918,018   $  706,917
Stockholders' equity.................................  $   862,505   $   861,095   $  820,333   $  827,244   $  742,862
OTHER DATA:
Patient days.........................................   21,676,000    23,670,000   25,297,000   26,766,000   29,041,000
Average occupancy percentage(3)......................         88.9%         87.4%        88.1%        88.5%        88.5%
Number of nursing home beds..........................       63,552        71,204       75,669       78,058       85,001
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Amounts for 1997 include the operations of PCA up until the effective date
    of the Merger (as discussed herein).
(2) The earnings per share amounts prior to 1997 were restated as required to
    comply with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings
    per Share." See "Part II, Item 8 -- Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated
    Financial Statements."
(3) Average occupancy percentage for 1997 was based on operational beds, and for
    all periods prior to 1997, such percentage was based on licensed beds.
    Average occupancy percentage for 1997 based on licensed beds was 87.1%.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
GENERAL
 
     Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (formerly known as New Beverly Holdings, Inc.),
which was incorporated on April 15, 1997 ("New Beverly"), is the successor to
the former Beverly Enterprises, Inc., which was incorporated on February 27,
1987 ("Old Beverly"), as the result of a tax-free reorganization completed
December 3, 1997 (the "Reorganization") in order to facilitate the Merger of PCA
with Capstone (as discussed below). The Reorganization was accomplished in two
steps. Old Beverly transferred or contributed to New Beverly all of its assets
and liabilities, except for its institutional pharmacy business conducted by its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacy Corporation of America and its subsidiaries
("PCA"), (the "Remaining Healthcare Business"), in exchange for all of the
issued and outstanding common stock of New Beverly. Old Beverly immediately
distributed the common stock of New Beverly to its stockholders on a one-for-one
basis (the "Distribution"). As a result of the Distribution, New Beverly became
an independent, publicly-traded company engaged in the Remaining Healthcare
Business and owned by the stockholders of Old Beverly. Following the
Distribution, Old Beverly, whose only assets consisted of the stock of PCA and
its subsidiaries, merged with and into Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc.
("Capstone"), with Capstone being the surviving corporation (the "Merger").
Immediately after the Merger, Capstone changed its name to PharMerica, Inc. and
New Beverly changed its name to Beverly Enterprises, Inc. References to Beverly
Enterprises, Inc., or the Company, prior to December 3, 1997 will mean the
predecessor corporation, Old Beverly. References to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.,
or the Company, on or after December 3, 1997 will mean New Beverly, and New
Beverly will be treated for accounting purposes as the continuing reporting
entity with respect to the historical and future operations of the Company. See
"Part II, Item 8 -- Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
 
     Healthcare system reform and concerns over rising Medicare and Medicaid
costs continue to be high priorities for both federal and state governments. In
August 1997, the President signed into law the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (the
"1997 Act") in which Congress included numerous program changes directed at
balancing the federal budget. The legislation changes Medicare and Medicaid
policy in a number of ways, including: (i) development of new Medicare and
Medicaid health plan options; (ii) creation of additional safeguards against
healthcare fraud and abuse; (iii) repeal of the Medicaid "Boren Amendment"
payment standard; (iv) a 10% reduction in Part B therapy costs for the period
from January 1, 1998 through July 1, 1998, at which time reimbursement for these
services will be based on HCFA established fee schedules; (v) the phase in of a
Medicare prospective payment system ("PPS") for skilled nursing facilities
effective July 1, 1998 (which will be in effect for the Company in January
1999); and (vi) establishment of limitations on Part B therapy charges per
beneficiary per year. The legislation includes new opportunities for providers
to focus further on patient outcomes by creating alternative patient delivery
structures. At this time, the Company has not been able to fully assess the
impact of these changes, due in part to uncertainty as to the details of
implementation and interpretation of the legislation by the Health Care
Financing Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services ("HCFA")
and, therefore, no assurances can be made as to the ultimate impact of this
legislation or future healthcare reform legislation on the Company's
consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. However,
future federal budget legislation and regulatory changes may negatively impact
the Company.
 
     During the first quarter of 1998, proposed rules were issued by HCFA which,
if implemented in their proposed form, would establish guidelines for maximum
reimbursement to skilled nursing facilities for contracted speech and
occupational therapy services, based on equivalent salary amounts for on-staff
therapists. In addition, these proposed rules would revise the salary
equivalency rules currently in effect for physical and respiratory therapy
services. The Company does not expect the regulations to have a material adverse
effect on its consolidated results of operations or cash flows based on the
following: (i) the Company currently provides the majority of its therapy
services through on-staff therapists; and (ii) the salary equivalency guidelines
cease to apply to skilled nursing facilities once the 1997 Act provisions for
PPS become effective.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
     The federal government passed legislation in 1996 to increase the minimum
wage in two phases. The initial increase took effect October 1, 1996, with the
final increase effective September 1, 1997. This new legislation did not result
in a material increase in the Company's wage rates in 1997 or 1996, because a
substantial portion of the Company's associates earn in excess of the new
minimum wage levels. The effect of the new minimum wage on the Company's future
operations is not expected to be material as the Company believes that a
significant portion of such increase will be reimbursed through Medicare and
Medicaid rate increases.
 
     The Company's future operating performance will continue to be affected by
the issues facing the long-term healthcare industry as a whole, including the
maintenance of occupancy, its ability to continue to expand higher margin
businesses, the availability of nursing, therapy and other personnel, the
adequacy of funding of governmental reimbursement programs, the demand for
nursing home care and the nature of any healthcare reform measures that may be
taken by the federal government, as discussed above, as well as by any state
governments. The Company's ability to control costs, including its wages and
related expenses which continue to rise and represent the largest component of
the Company's operating and administrative expenses, will also significantly
impact its future operating results.
 
  IMPACT OF THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE
 
     The Year 2000 Issue is the result of computer programs being written using
two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. Any of the Company's
computer programs that have date-sensitive software may recognize a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in a system
failure or miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among
other things, a temporary inability to process transactions, send invoices, or
engage in similar normal business activities.
 
     The Company has determined that it will be required to modify or replace
significant portions of its software so that its computer systems will function
properly with respect to dates in the year 2000 and thereafter. The Company will
utilize both internal and external resources to reprogram, or replace, and test
the software for Year 2000 modifications. The full effect of the Year 2000
Issue, including the total costs to complete such project, is not readily
determinable at this time. The Company presently believes that with
modifications to existing software and conversions to new software, the Year
2000 Issue will not pose significant operational problems for its computer
systems. However, if such modifications and conversions are not made, or are not
completed timely, the Year 2000 Issue could have a material impact on the
operations of the Company.
 
     The Company is in the process of initiating formal communications with all
of its significant suppliers and large customers to determine the extent to
which the Company's interface systems are vulnerable to those third parties'
failure to remediate their own Year 2000 Issues. There can be no guarantee that
the systems of other companies on which the Company's systems rely will be
timely converted and will not have an adverse effect on the Company's systems or
ongoing operations.
 
OPERATING RESULTS
 
  1997 COMPARED TO 1996
 
     Operating results for 1997 include the operations of PCA up until the
effective date of the Merger (as discussed herein). Net income was $58,593,000
for the year ended December 31, 1997, as compared to net income of $50,300,000
for the same period in 1996. Net income for 1997 included a pre-tax charge of
$44,000,000 relating to the Reorganization on December 3, 1997 (as discussed
herein). Net income for 1996 included a $1,726,000 extraordinary charge, net of
income taxes, related to the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs
related to certain refinanced debt.
 
     The Company had an annual effective tax rate of 46% for the year ended
December 31, 1997, compared to an annual effective tax rate of 59% for the same
period in 1996. The annual effective tax rate in 1997 was different than the
federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of nondeductible transaction
costs associated with the Reorganization. In addition, the annual effective tax
rate in 1996 was different than the
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of nondeductible goodwill
associated with the sale of the Company's MedView Services unit ("MedView").
 
     Net operating revenues and operating and administrative costs decreased
approximately $50,100,000 and $70,900,000, respectively, for the year ended
December 31, 1997, as compared to the same period in 1996. These decreases
consist of the following: decreases in net operating revenues and operating and
administrative costs of approximately $246,500,000 and $215,900,000,
respectively, due to the disposition of, or lease terminations on 68 nursing
facilities in 1997 and 83 nursing facilities and MedView in 1996; partially
offset by increases in net operating revenues and operating and administrative
costs of approximately $100,300,000 and $77,600,000, respectively, for
facilities which the Company operated during each of the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996 ("same facility operations"); increases in net operating
revenues and operating and administrative costs of approximately $57,800,000 and
$51,500,000, respectively, related to the acquisitions of eight nursing
facilities in 1996, as well as certain outpatient therapy and hospice businesses
acquired in 1997 and 1996; and increases in net operating revenues and operating
and administrative costs of approximately $38,300,000 and $15,900,000,
respectively, due to the operations of PCA.
 
     The increase in net operating revenues for same facility operations for the
year ended December 31, 1997, as compared to the same period in 1996, was due to
the following: approximately $103,200,000 due to increases in room and board
rates and approximately $11,800,000 due primarily to increases in ancillary
revenues and various other items. These increases in net operating revenues were
partially offset by approximately $9,300,000 due to a decrease in same facility
occupancy to 89.8% for the year ended December 31, 1997, as compared to 90.3%
for the same period in 1996 and approximately $5,400,000 due to one less
calendar day for the year ended December 31, 1997, as compared to the same
period in 1996.
 
     The increase in operating and administrative costs for same facility
operations for the year ended December 31, 1997, as compared to the same period
in 1996, was due to the following: approximately $55,600,000 due to increased
wages and related expenses principally due to higher wages and greater benefits
required to attract and retain qualified personnel, the hiring of therapists on
staff as opposed to contracting for their services and increased staffing levels
in the Company's nursing facilities to cover increased patient acuity;
approximately $18,200,000 due primarily to increases in purchased ancillary
products; approximately $14,300,000 due to increases in nursing supplies and
other variable costs; and approximately $10,200,000 due to various other items.
These increases in operating and administrative costs were partially offset by
approximately $20,700,000 due to a decrease in contracted therapy expenses as a
result of hiring therapists on staff as opposed to contracting for their
services.
 
     Interest expense decreased approximately $8,400,000 as compared to the same
period in 1996 primarily due to repayments of the term loan and revolver
borrowings under the Company's 1994 Credit Agreement, the term loan under the
Company's 1992 Credit Facility and the Nippon Term Loan during late 1996 with
the proceeds from a new credit facility, as well as the redemption of the
Company's 5 1/2% Debentures in the third quarter of 1997 and the debt repayments
made during the fourth quarter of 1997 with the proceeds from the Merger (as
discussed below). The increase in depreciation and amortization expense of
approximately $1,600,000 as compared to the same period in 1996, was affected by
the following: approximately $9,900,000 increase primarily due to capital
additions and improvements, as well as acquisitions; partially offset by a
decrease of approximately $8,300,000 related to the disposition of, or lease
terminations on, certain nursing facilities and MedView.
 
     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share," ("SFAS No.
128"). SFAS No. 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully diluted
earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary
earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of
options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is very
similar to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per share. Earnings
per share amounts for all periods have been presented, and where appropriate,
restated to conform to the SFAS No. 128 requirements.
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," ("SFAS
No. 130") which is required to be adopted
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
in financial statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No.
130 requires the presentation of comprehensive income in a company's financial
statements. Comprehensive income represents all changes in the equity of a
company during the reporting period, including net income and charges directly
to retained earnings which are excluded from net income. The Company will adopt
SFAS No. 130 in its consolidated financial statements during the first quarter
of 1998 and does not expect there to be a material effect on its consolidated
financial position or results of operations.
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," ("SFAS No. 131") which is required to be
adopted in financial statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997.
SFAS No. 131 provides revised disclosure guidelines for segments of a company
based on a management approach to defining operating segments. The Company will
provide reporting disclosures as required by SFAS No. 131 for the year ending
December 31, 1998. The Company has not completed its review of SFAS No. 131, but
does not anticipate that there will be a significant effect on the Company's
reporting disclosures.
 
  1996 COMPARED TO 1995
 
     Net income was $50,300,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, as
compared to a net loss of $8,123,000 for the same period in 1995. Net income for
1996 included a $1,726,000 extraordinary charge, net of income taxes, related to
the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs related to certain
refinanced debt. Net loss for 1995 included a pretax charge of $100,277,000 for
impaired long-lived assets related primarily to the adoption of SFAS No. 121 (as
defined below) and the write-off of software and business development costs, as
well as a charge of $4,000,000 related to an overhead and staff reduction
program implemented during the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
     In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," ("SFAS No. 121")
which requires impairment losses to be recognized for long-lived assets used in
operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows are not sufficient to recover the assets' carrying amounts. The impairment
loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying
amount.
 
     In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company recorded an impairment loss of
approximately $68,130,000 upon adoption of SFAS No. 121. Such loss primarily
related to certain nursing facilities, transitional hospitals, institutional
pharmacies and assisted living centers with current period operating losses.
Such current period operating losses, combined with a history of operating
losses and anticipated future operating losses, led management to believe that
impairment existed at such facilities. In addition, there were certain nursing
facilities for which management expected an adverse impact on future earnings
and cash flows as a result of recent changes in state Medicaid reimbursement
programs. Accordingly, management estimated the undiscounted future cash flows
to be generated by each facility. If the undiscounted future cash flow estimates
were less than the carrying value of the corresponding facility, management
estimated the fair value of such facility and wrote the carrying value down to
its estimate of fair value. Management calculated the fair value of the impaired
facilities by using the present value of estimated future cash flows, or its
best estimate of what such facility, or similar facilities in that state, would
sell for in the open market. Management believes it has the knowledge to make
such estimates of open market sales prices based on the volume of facilities the
Company has purchased and sold in previous years.
 
     In addition to the SFAS No. 121 charge, the Company recorded a fourth
quarter of 1995 impairment loss for other long-lived assets of approximately
$32,147,000 primarily related to the write-off of software and business
development costs. During the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company hired a new
Senior Vice President of Information Technology, who redirected the Company's
systems development initiatives, causing a write-down, or a write-off, of
certain software and software development projects. In addition, the Company
wrote off certain business development and other costs where the Company
believed the carrying amounts were unrecoverable.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
     The Company had an annual effective tax rate of 59% for the year ended
December 31, 1996, compared to a negative annual effective tax rate of 32% for
the same period in 1995. The annual effective tax rate in 1996 was different
than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of nondeductible
goodwill associated with the sale of MedView. In addition, the annual effective
tax rate in 1995 was different than the federal statutory rate primarily due to
the impact of nondeductible goodwill included in the adjustments resulting from
the adoption of SFAS No. 121. At December 31, 1996, the Company had general
business tax credit carryforwards of $12,236,000 for income tax purposes which
expire in years 2005 through 2011. For financial reporting purposes, the general
business tax credit carryforwards have been utilized to offset existing net
taxable temporary differences reversing during the carryforward periods.
 
     Net operating revenues increased approximately $38,600,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995. This increase
consists of the following: increases of approximately $62,300,000 for facilities
which the Company operated during each of the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995 ("same facility operations"); increases of approximately $91,700,000
related to the acquisition of Pharmacy Management Services, Inc. ("PMSI") in
mid-1995, acquisitions of eight nursing facilities, and certain pharmacy,
hospice and outpatient therapy businesses during 1996 and the expanded
operations of American Transitional Hospitals, Inc. ("ATH"); partially offset by
decreases of approximately $115,400,000 due to the disposition of, or lease
terminations on, 83 nursing facilities and MedView in 1996 and 29 nursing
facilities in 1995. Operating and administrative costs decreased approximately
$1,900,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to the same period
in 1995. This decrease consists of the following: decreases of approximately
$114,200,000 due to the disposition of, or lease terminations on, 83 nursing
facilities and MedView in 1996 and 29 nursing facilities in 1995; offset by
increases of approximately $39,000,000 for same facility operations and
increases of approximately $73,300,000 related to the acquisition of PMSI in
mid-1995, acquisitions of eight nursing facilities, and certain pharmacy,
hospice and outpatient therapy businesses during 1996 and the expanded
operations of ATH.
 
     The increase in net operating revenues for same facility operations for the
year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995, was due to
the following: approximately $110,500,000 due primarily to increases in room and
board rates; and approximately $5,600,000 due to one additional calendar day for
the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to the same period in 1995. These
increases in net operating revenues were partially offset by approximately
$28,500,000 due to a decrease in same facility occupancy to 87.7% for the year
ended December 31, 1996, as compared to 88.9% for the same period in 1995;
approximately $19,700,000 due to decreases in ancillary revenues primarily due
to the Company's continuing efforts to bring therapists on staff as opposed to
contracting for their services; and approximately $5,600,000 due to various
other items.
 
     The increase in operating and administrative costs for same facility
operations for the year ended December 31, 1996, as compared to the same period
in 1995, was due to the following: approximately $109,000,000 due to increased
wages and related expenses (excluding pharmacy) principally due to higher wages
and greater benefits required to attract and retain qualified personnel, the
hiring of therapists on staff as opposed to contracting for their services and
increased staffing levels in the Company's nursing facilities to cover increased
patient acuity; approximately $8,300,000 due to increases in nursing supplies
and other variable costs; and approximately $19,100,000 due to various other
items. These increases in operating and administrative costs were partially
offset by approximately $93,400,000 due to a decrease in contracted therapy
expenses as a result of hiring therapists on staff as opposed to contracting for
their services; and approximately $4,000,000 due to an overhead and staff
reduction program implemented during the fourth quarter of 1995.
 
     Interest expense increased approximately $6,900,000 as compared to the same
period in 1995 primarily due to the exchange of Preferred Stock into 5 1/2%
Debentures in November 1995, the issuance and assumption of approximately
$40,000,000 of long-term obligations in conjunction with certain acquisitions
and the issuance of $25,000,000 of taxable revenue bonds during 1995, partially
offset by a reduction of approximately $52,800,000 of long-term obligations in
conjunction with the disposition of certain facilities. Although depreciation
and amortization expense increased only $1,900,000 as compared to the same
period in 1995, it was affected by the following: approximately $5,800,000
increase primarily due to capital additions and
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
improvements and, to a lesser extent, acquisitions; partially offset by a
decrease of approximately $3,900,000 related to the disposition of, or lease
terminations on, certain nursing facilities.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $105,200,000 in cash
and cash equivalents and net working capital of approximately $282,300,000. The
Company anticipates that approximately $36,100,000 of its existing cash at
December 31, 1997, while not legally restricted, will be utilized to fund
certain workers' compensation and general liability claims, and the Company does
not expect to use such cash for other purposes. The Company had approximately
$324,300,000 of unused commitments under its Revolver/Letter of Credit Facility
as of December 31, 1997.
 
     Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31,
1997 was approximately $144,200,000. Net cash provided by investing activities
and net cash used for financing activities were approximately $230,900,000 and
$339,600,000, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 1997. The Company
primarily used cash generated from operations to fund capital expenditures
totaling approximately $133,100,000. The Company received net cash proceeds of
approximately $421,400,000 from the dispositions of facilities and other assets
(which includes approximately $281,000,000 of cash from the Merger of PCA with
Capstone), approximately $32,300,000 from collections on notes receivable and
the Company's REMIC investment and approximately $31,100,000 from the issuance
of long-term obligations. Such net cash proceeds were used to fund acquisitions
of approximately $61,600,000, to repay approximately $166,400,000 of long-term
obligations, to repurchase shares of Common Stock, and to repay Revolver
borrowings.
 
     As a result of the Merger of PCA with Capstone, the Company received
approximately $281,000,000 of cash as partial repayment for PCA's intercompany
debt, with a charge to the Company's retained earnings of approximately
$45,100,000 for the remaining intercompany balance which was not repaid. The
Company used such cash to repay Revolver borrowings, to redeem the 7 5/8%
convertible subordinated debentures, to pay off the 8 3/4% Notes, to repay
certain other notes and mortgages and for general corporate purposes. Pursuant
to the Reorganization, each of the Company's stockholders of record at the close
of business on December 3, 1997 received .4551 shares of PharMerica, Inc.'s
common stock for each share of the Company's Common Stock held. The conversion
ratio was based on a total of 109,873,230 outstanding shares of the Company's
Common Stock at the close of business on December 3, 1997 divided into the
50,000,000 shares issued by PharMerica, Inc.
 
     In connection with the Reorganization, the Company incurred $44,000,000 of
transaction costs related to the restructuring, repayment or renegotiating of
substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt instruments, as well as the
renegotiating or making of certain payments, primarily in the form of
accelerated vesting of stock-based awards, under various employment agreements
with officers of the Company. Such amounts were funded with a portion of the
$281,000,000 proceeds received as partial repayment of PCA's intercompany debt,
as discussed above. Included in the $44,000,000 of transaction costs were
approximately $18,000,000 of non-cash expenses related to various long-term
incentive agreements.
 
     On July 17, 1997, the Company called its 5 1/2% convertible subordinated
debentures (the "5 1/2% Debentures") for redemption on August 18, 1997. A total
of $149,162,550 of the $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding was
converted to 11,189,924 shares of the Company's Common Stock, increasing the
Company's outstanding shares. The remaining principal amount of $837,450 was
redeemed at 103.30% of the principal amount. Had the conversion been completed
prior to January 1, 1997, the pro forma diluted net income per share for the
year ended December 31, 1997 would have been $.56.
 
     During 1997, the Company entered into promissory notes totaling
approximately $25,800,000 in conjunction with its purchase of certain nursing
facilities. Such debt instruments bear interest at rates ranging from 7.78% to
8.63%, require monthly installments of principal and interest, and are secured
by mortgage interests in the real property and security interests in the
personal property of the purchased nursing facilities.
 
     In July 1996, the Company entered into a term loan facility (the "GE
Capital Facility"), whereby the Company may borrow up to $25,000,000 from time
to time in separate series, in amounts and at interest rates
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
based on the three-year U.S. Treasury Note rate plus 230 basis points at the
date of funding. The GE Capital Facility requires monthly principal and interest
payments and is secured by a security interest in certain lighting equipment of
various nursing facilities. As of December 31, 1997, approximately $9,600,000 of
aggregate principal amount under the GE Capital Facility remained unissued.
 
     In June 1996, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
authorized a stock repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase, from
time to time on the open market, up to a total of 10,000,000 shares of its
outstanding Common Stock. During 1997, the Company repurchased approximately
4,900,000 shares of its Common Stock at a cost of approximately $62,700,000. The
repurchases were financed primarily through proceeds from dispositions and
borrowings under the Company's Revolver/Letter of Credit Facility. In connection
with the Reorganization, the Company cancelled and retired 6,274,108 shares of
Common Stock, with a book value of approximately $70,300,000, held in treasury
on the effective date of the Reorganization.
 
     The Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents, working
capital from operations, borrowings under its banking arrangements, issuance of
certain debt securities and refinancings of certain existing indebtedness will
be adequate to repay its debts due within one year of approximately $31,600,000,
to make normal recurring capital additions and improvements of approximately
$102,000,000, to make selective acquisitions, including the purchase of
previously leased facilities, to construct new facilities, and to meet working
capital requirements for the twelve months ending December 31, 1998.
 
     As of December 31, 1997, the Company had total indebtedness of
approximately $718,500,000 and total stockholders' equity of approximately
$862,500,000. The ability of the Company to satisfy its long-term obligations
will be dependent upon its future performance, which will be subject to
prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors
beyond the Company's control, such as federal and state healthcare reform. In
addition, healthcare service providers, such as the Company, operate in an
industry that is currently subject to significant changes from business
combinations, new strategic alliances, legislative reform, increased regulatory
oversight, aggressive marketing practices by competitors and market pressures.
In this environment, the Company is frequently contacted by, and otherwise
engages in discussions with, other healthcare companies and financial advisors
regarding possible strategic alliances, joint ventures, business combinations
and other financial alternatives. The terms of substantially all of the
Company's debt instruments require the Company to repay or refinance
indebtedness under such debt instruments in the event of a change of control.
There can be no assurance that the Company will have the financial resources to
repay such indebtedness upon a change of control. See "-- General."
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors...........   23
Consolidated Balance Sheets.................................   24
Consolidated Statements of Operations.......................   25
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.............   26
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.......................   27
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................   28
Supplementary Data (Unaudited) -- Quarterly Financial
  Data......................................................   47
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
               REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. Our audits also included the
financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule 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
Beverly Enterprises, Inc. at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a
whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth
therein.
 
                                                  /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Little Rock, Arkansas
February 6, 1998, except
for Note 5, paragraph 6,
as to which the date is
March 4, 1998
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        ASSETS
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                                 1997          1996
                                                              ----------    ----------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................  $  105,230    $   69,761
  Accounts receivable -- patient, less allowance for
     doubtful accounts: 1997 -- $17,879; 1996 -- $25,618....     384,833       491,063
  Accounts receivable -- nonpatient, less allowance for
     doubtful accounts:
     1997 -- $626; 1996 -- $401.............................      14,400        13,480
  Notes receivable..........................................       4,409        10,746
  Operating supplies........................................      30,439        55,348
  Deferred income taxes.....................................      27,304        14,543
  Prepaid expenses and other................................      59,703        42,304
                                                              ----------    ----------
          Total current assets..............................     626,318       697,245
Property and equipment, net.................................   1,158,329     1,248,785
Other assets:
  Notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful notes:
     1997 -- $2,917; 1996 -- $4,951.........................      20,564        37,306
  Designated and restricted funds...........................      64,233        75,848
  Goodwill, net.............................................      99,280       356,197
  Other, net................................................     104,745       109,701
                                                              ----------    ----------
          Total other assets................................     288,822       579,052
                                                              ----------    ----------
                                                              $2,073,469    $2,525,082
                                                              ==========    ==========
 
                         LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..........................................  $   75,791    $   99,121
  Accrued wages and related liabilities.....................     123,146       131,072
  Accrued interest..........................................      15,108        16,969
  Other accrued liabilities.................................      98,421        93,042
  Current portion of long-term obligations..................      31,551        38,826
                                                              ----------    ----------
          Total current liabilities.........................     344,017       379,030
Long-term obligations.......................................     686,941     1,106,256
Deferred income taxes payable...............................     111,388        83,610
Other liabilities and deferred items........................      68,618        95,091
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, shares authorized: 25,000,000............          --            --
  Common stock, shares issued: 1997 -- 109,890,205;
     1996 -- 104,432,848....................................      10,989        10,443
  Additional paid-in capital................................     874,335       774,672
  Retained earnings.........................................      27,571       133,957
  Treasury stock, at cost: 1997 -- 4,000,000 shares;
     1996 -- 5,423,408 shares...............................     (50,390)      (57,977)
                                                              ----------    ----------
          Total stockholders' equity........................     862,505       861,095
                                                              ----------    ----------
                                                              $2,073,469    $2,525,082
                                                              ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                         --------------------------------------
                                                            1997          1996          1995
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>           <C>
Net operating revenues.................................  $3,217,099    $3,267,189    $3,228,553
Interest income........................................      13,201        13,839        14,228
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
          Total revenues...............................   3,230,300     3,281,028     3,242,781
Costs and expenses:
  Operating and administrative:
     Wages and related.................................   1,772,429     1,819,500     1,736,151
     Other.............................................   1,115,592     1,139,442     1,224,681
  Interest.............................................      82,713        91,111        84,245
  Depreciation and amortization........................     107,060       105,468       103,581
  Transaction costs....................................      44,000            --            --
  Impairment of long-lived assets:
     Adoption of SFAS No. 121..........................          --            --        68,130
     Development and other costs.......................          --            --        32,147
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
          Total costs and expenses.....................   3,121,794     3,155,521     3,248,935
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and
  extraordinary charge.................................     108,506       125,507        (6,154)
Provision for income taxes.............................      49,913        73,481         1,969
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary charge..............      58,593        52,026        (8,123)
Extraordinary charge, net of income tax benefit of
  $1,099...............................................          --        (1,726)           --
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
Net income (loss)......................................  $   58,593    $   50,300    $   (8,123)
                                                         ==========    ==========    ==========
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares..........  $   58,593    $   50,300    $  (14,998)
                                                         ==========    ==========    ==========
Income (loss) per share of common stock:
  Basic:
     Before extraordinary charge.......................  $      .57    $      .53    $     (.16)
     Extraordinary charge..............................          --          (.02)           --
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
     Net income (loss).................................  $      .57    $      .51    $     (.16)
                                                         ==========    ==========    ==========
     Shares used to compute per share amounts..........     102,060        98,574        92,233
                                                         ==========    ==========    ==========
  Diluted:
     Before extraordinary charge.......................  $      .57    $      .50    $     (.16)
     Extraordinary charge..............................          --          (.01)           --
                                                         ----------    ----------    ----------
     Net income (loss).................................  $      .57    $      .49    $     (.16)
                                                         ==========    ==========    ==========
     Shares used to compute per share amounts..........     103,422       110,726        92,233
                                                         ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          ADDITIONAL
                                    PREFERRED   COMMON     PAID-IN     RETAINED    TREASURY
                                      STOCK      STOCK     CAPITAL     EARNINGS     STOCK       TOTAL
                                    ---------   -------   ----------   ---------   --------   ---------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>         <C>        <C>
Balances at January 1, 1995.......  $ 150,000   $ 8,962    $609,762    $  98,655   $(40,135)  $ 827,244
  Issuance of 12,361,184 shares of
     common stock for the purchase
     of PMSI......................         --     1,236     149,693           --         --     150,929
  Exchange of Preferred Stock into
     5 1/2% Debentures............   (150,000)       --          --           --         --    (150,000)
  Employee stock transactions,
     net..........................         --        64       7,094           --         --       7,158
  Preferred stock dividends.......         --        --          --       (6,875)        --      (6,875)
  Net loss........................         --        --          --       (8,123)        --      (8,123)
                                    ---------   -------    --------    ---------   --------   ---------
Balances at December 31, 1995.....         --    10,262     766,549       83,657    (40,135)    820,333
  Employee stock transactions,
     net..........................         --       181       8,123           --         --       8,304
  Purchase of 1,451,200 shares of
     common stock for treasury....         --        --          --           --    (17,842)    (17,842)
  Net income......................         --        --          --       50,300         --      50,300
                                    ---------   -------    --------    ---------   --------   ---------
Balances at December 31, 1996.....         --    10,443     774,672      133,957    (57,977)    861,095
  Employee stock transactions,
     net..........................         --        54      21,314           --         --      21,368
  Purchase of 4,850,700 shares of
     common stock for treasury....         --        --          --           --    (62,729)    (62,729)
  Cancellation and retirement of
     6,274,108 shares of common
     stock held in treasury.......         --      (627)    (69,689)          --     70,316          --
  Disposition of PCA..............         --        --          --     (121,230)        --    (121,230)
  Forgiveness of PCA intercompany
     balance......................         --        --          --      (45,081)        --     (45,081)
  Conversion of 5 1/2% Debentures
     into common stock............         --     1,119     147,991           --         --     149,110
  Conversion of 7 5/8% Debentures
     into common stock............         --        --          47           --         --          47
  Unrealized gains on securities,
     net of income taxes of
     $896.........................         --        --          --        1,332         --       1,332
  Net income......................         --        --          --       58,593         --      58,593
                                    ---------   -------    --------    ---------   --------   ---------
Balances at December 31, 1997.....  $      --   $10,989    $874,335    $  27,571   $(50,390)  $ 862,505
                                    =========   =======    ========    =========   ========   =========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                          1997           1996           1995
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>            <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income (loss)..................................  $    58,593    $    50,300    $    (8,123)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
     cash provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization...................      107,060        105,468        103,581
     Impairment of long-lived assets.................           --             --        100,277
     Provision for reserves on patient, notes and
       other receivables, net........................       34,341         28,544         15,889
     Amortization of deferred financing costs........        3,163          3,210          4,379
     Transaction costs...............................       44,000             --             --
     Extraordinary charge............................           --          2,825             --
     Gains on dispositions of facilities and other
       assets, net...................................      (19,901)       (20,951)        (2,253)
     Deferred taxes..................................       20,247         33,765        (20,394)
     Net decrease in insurance related accounts......      (25,432)       (22,336)       (10,531)
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
       of acquisitions and dispositions:
       Accounts receivable -- patient................      (46,639)       (25,851)       (84,420)
       Operating supplies............................       (3,911)         3,226          1,649
       Prepaid expenses and other receivables........      (18,749)           771           (154)
       Accounts payable and other accrued expenses...        3,377        (53,029)        16,370
       Income taxes payable..........................       (7,305)        26,711         (6,194)
       Other, net....................................       (4,640)           527         (3,867)
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
          Total adjustments..........................       85,611         82,880        114,332
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
          Net cash provided by operating
            activities...............................      144,204        133,180        106,209
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Capital expenditures...............................     (133,087)      (136,442)      (161,911)
  Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired....      (61,567)       (80,981)       (34,184)
  Proceeds from dispositions of facilities and other
     assets..........................................      421,412        121,660         46,892
  Collections on notes receivable and REMIC
     investment......................................       32,273         12,809         15,594
  Other, net.........................................      (28,178)        (8,547)       (10,945)
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
          Net cash provided by (used for) investing
            activities...............................      230,853        (91,501)      (144,554)
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Revolver borrowings................................    1,604,000      1,308,000      1,017,000
  Repayments of Revolver borrowings..................   (1,745,000)    (1,230,000)      (939,000)
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term obligations....       31,137        228,862         25,000
  Repayments of long-term obligations................     (166,369)      (318,447)       (68,400)
  Purchase of common stock for treasury..............      (65,126)       (15,445)            --
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options............        5,401          3,620          2,146
  Deferred financing costs...........................       (1,251)        (7,560)        (2,161)
  Dividends paid on preferred stock..................           --           (688)        (8,250)
  Proceeds from designated funds, net................       (2,380)         3,437            349
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
          Net cash provided by (used for) financing
            activities...............................     (339,588)       (28,221)        26,684
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
  equivalents........................................       35,469         13,458        (11,661)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year.......       69,761         56,303         67,964
                                                       -----------    -----------    -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year.............  $   105,230    $    69,761    $    56,303
                                                       ===========    ===========    ===========
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the year for:
     Interest (net of amount capitalized)............  $    81,411    $    81,193    $    80,433
     Income taxes (net of refunds)...................       36,971         11,906         28,557
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Basis of Presentation
 
     References herein to the Company include Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries.
 
     Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (formerly known as New Beverly Holdings, Inc.),
which was incorporated on April 15, 1997 ("New Beverly"), is the successor to
the former Beverly Enterprises, Inc., which was incorporated on February 27,
1987 ("Old Beverly"), as the result of a tax-free reorganization completed
December 3, 1997 (the "Reorganization") in order to facilitate the Merger of PCA
with Capstone (as discussed below). The Reorganization was accomplished in two
steps. Old Beverly transferred or contributed to New Beverly all of its assets
and liabilities, except for its institutional pharmacy business conducted by its
wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacy Corporation of America and its subsidiaries
("PCA"), (the "Remaining Healthcare Business"), in exchange for all of the
issued and outstanding common stock of New Beverly. Old Beverly immediately
distributed the common stock of New Beverly to its stockholders on a one-for-one
basis (the "Distribution"). As a result of the Distribution, New Beverly became
an independent, publicly-traded company engaged in the Remaining Healthcare
Business and owned by the stockholders of Old Beverly. Following the
Distribution, Old Beverly, whose only assets consisted of the stock of PCA and
its subsidiaries, merged with and into Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc.
("Capstone"), with Capstone being the surviving corporation (the "Merger").
Immediately after the Merger, Capstone changed its name to PharMerica, Inc. and
New Beverly changed its name to Beverly Enterprises, Inc. References to Beverly
Enterprises, Inc., or the Company, prior to December 3, 1997 will mean the
predecessor corporation, Old Beverly. References to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.,
or the Company, on or after December 3, 1997 will mean New Beverly, and New
Beverly will be treated for accounting purposes as the continuing reporting
entity with respect to the historical and future operations of the Company. See
Note 2 for additional information.
 
     The Company provides long-term healthcare in 31 states and the District of
Columbia. Its operations include nursing facilities, acute long-term
transitional hospitals, rehabilitation therapy services, outpatient therapy
clinics, assisted living centers and home health centers. The consolidated
financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and all
of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     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.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     Cash and cash equivalents include time deposits and certificates of deposit
with original maturities of three months or less.
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation or,
where appropriate, the present value of the related capital lease obligations
less accumulated amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed by the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
  Intangible Assets
 
     Goodwill (stated at cost less accumulated amortization of $21,610,000 in
1997 and $38,446,000 in 1996) is being amortized over 40 years or, if
applicable, the life of the lease using the straight-line method. Operating and
leasehold rights and licenses, which are included in the consolidated balance
sheet caption "Other, net," (stated at cost less accumulated amortization of
$17,442,000 in 1997 and $18,716,000 in 1996) are being amortized over the lives
of the related assets (principally 40 years) and leases (principally 10 to 15
years), using the straight-line method.
 
     On an ongoing basis, the Company reviews the carrying value of its
intangible assets in light of any events or circumstances that indicate they may
be impaired or that the amortization period may need to be adjusted. If such
circumstances suggest the intangible value cannot be recovered, calculated based
on undiscounted cash flows over the remaining amortization period, the carrying
value of the intangible will be reduced by such shortfall. As of December 31,
1997, the Company does not believe there is any indication that the carrying
value or the amortization period of its intangibles needs to be adjusted. See
"-- Impairment of Long-Lived Assets."
 
  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
     In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of," ("SFAS No. 121")
which requires impairment losses to be recognized for long-lived assets used in
operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash
flows are not sufficient to recover the assets' carrying amounts. The impairment
loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying
amount. In accordance with SFAS No. 121, the Company assesses the need for an
impairment write-down when such indicators of impairment are present.
 
     In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company recorded an impairment loss of
approximately $68,130,000 upon adoption of SFAS No. 121. Such loss primarily
related to certain nursing facilities, transitional hospitals, institutional
pharmacies and assisted living centers with current period operating losses.
Such current period operating losses, combined with a history of operating
losses and anticipated future operating losses, led management to believe that
impairment existed at such facilities. In addition, there were certain nursing
facilities for which management expected an adverse impact on future earnings
and cash flows as a result of recent changes in state Medicaid reimbursement
programs. Accordingly, management estimated the undiscounted future cash flows
to be generated by each facility. If the undiscounted future cash flow estimates
were less than the carrying value of the corresponding facility, management
estimated the fair value of such facility and wrote the carrying value down to
its estimate of fair value. Management calculated the fair value of the impaired
facilities by using the present value of estimated future cash flows, or its
best estimate of what such facility, or similar facilities in that state, would
sell for in the open market. Management believes it has the knowledge to make
such estimates of open market sales prices based on the volume of facilities the
Company has purchased and sold in previous years. There were no material
impairment adjustments recorded during the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996.
 
     In addition to the SFAS No. 121 charge, the Company recorded a fourth
quarter of 1995 impairment loss for other long-lived assets of approximately
$32,147,000 primarily related to the write-off of software and business
development costs. During the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company hired a new
Senior Vice President of Information Technology, who redirected the Company's
systems development initiatives, causing a write-down, or a write-off, of
certain software and software development projects. In addition, the Company
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
wrote off certain business development and other costs where the Company
believed the carrying amounts were unrecoverable.
 
  Insurance
 
     The Company insures auto liability, general liability and workers'
compensation risks, in most states, through insurance policies with third
parties, some of which may be subject to reinsurance agreements between the
insurer and Beverly Indemnity, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.
The liabilities for estimated incurred losses not covered by third party
insurance are discounted at 10% to their present value based on expected loss
payment patterns determined by independent actuaries. Had the discount rate been
reduced by one-half of a percentage point, the Company would have incurred a
pre-tax charge of approximately $1,100,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997.
The discounted insurance liabilities are included in the consolidated balance
sheet captions as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997        1996
                                                              -------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>        <C>
Accrued wages and related liabilities.......................  $28,484    $ 32,644
Other accrued liabilities...................................    6,874       8,226
Other liabilities and deferred items........................   50,366      90,714
                                                              -------    --------
                                                              $85,724    $131,584
                                                              =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
     On an undiscounted basis, the total insurance liabilities as of December
31, 1997 and 1996 were $111,200,000 and $170,099,000, respectively. As of
December 31, 1997, the Company had deposited approximately $80,800,000 in funds
(the "Beverly Indemnity funds") that are restricted for the payment of insured
claims. In addition, the Company anticipates that approximately $36,100,000 of
its existing cash at December 31, 1997, while not legally restricted, will be
utilized to fund certain workers' compensation and general liability claims, and
the Company does not expect to use such cash for other purposes.
 
     During 1997, the Company transferred a portion of its liabilities for
workers' compensation and general liability related to certain of its sold
nursing facilities to a third-party indemnity insurance company. In addition,
the Company purchased traditional indemnity insurance coverage for its 1997
workers' compensation and auto liabilities. Since the Company does not need to
set aside funds nor estimate liabilities for future payments of these claims,
these transactions resulted in a significant reduction in the Company's
insurance liabilities during the year ended December 31, 1997, as compared to
the same period in 1996.
 
  Stock-Based Awards
 
     In October 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," ("SFAS No. 123") which encourages, but does not require,
companies to recognize compensation expense for stock-based awards based on
their fair value on the date of grant. The Company has elected to continue to
account for its stock-based awards in accordance with Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and,
accordingly, recognizes no compensation expense for its stock option grants. See
Note 6 for the pro forma effects on the Company's reported net income and
earnings per share assuming the election had been made to recognize compensation
expense on stock-based awards in accordance with SFAS No. 123.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
  Revenues
 
     The Company's revenues are derived primarily from providing long-term
healthcare services. Approximately 74%, 75% and 77% of the Company's net
operating revenues for 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were derived from
funds under federal and state medical assistance programs, and approximately 68%
and 73% of the Company's net patient accounts receivable at December 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively, are due from such programs. These revenues and
receivables are reported at their estimated net realizable amounts and are
subject to audit and retroactive adjustment. Provisions for estimated
third-party payor settlements are provided in the period the related services
are rendered and are adjusted in the period of settlement. Changes in estimates
related to third party receivables resulted in the recording of approximately
$8,900,000, $10,900,000 and $19,700,000 of net operating revenues for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk
 
     The Company has significant accounts receivable, notes receivable and other
assets whose collectibility or realizability is dependent upon the performance
of certain governmental programs, primarily Medicaid and Medicare. These
receivables and other assets represent the only concentration of credit risk for
the Company. The Company does not believe there are significant credit risks
associated with these governmental programs. The Company believes that an
adequate provision has been made for the possibility of these receivables and
other assets proving uncollectible and continually monitors and adjusts these
allowances as necessary.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     The Company follows the liability method in accounting for deferred income
taxes. The liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities
are recorded at currently enacted tax rates based on the difference between the
tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial
reporting purposes, referred to as temporary differences.
 
  Earnings per Share
 
     In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share," ("SFAS No.
128"). SFAS No. 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully diluted
earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary
earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of
options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is very
similar to the previously reported fully diluted earnings per share. Earnings
per share amounts for all periods have been presented, and where appropriate,
restated to conform to the SFAS No. 128 requirements.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
     The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997       1996       1995
                                                         --------   --------   --------
<S>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
NUMERATOR:
  Income (loss) from continuing operations.............  $ 58,593   $ 52,026   $ (8,123)
  Preferred stock dividends............................        --         --     (6,875)
                                                         --------   --------   --------
  Numerator for basic earnings per share -- income
     (loss) available to common stockholders...........    58,593     52,026    (14,998)
  Effect of dilutive securities:
     5 1/2% Debentures.................................        --      3,420         --
                                                         --------   --------   --------
  Numerator for diluted earnings per share -- income
     (loss) available to common stockholders after
     assumed conversions...............................  $ 58,593   $ 55,446   $(14,998)
                                                         ========   ========   ========
DENOMINATOR:
  Denominator for basic earnings per share -- weighted
     average shares....................................   102,060     98,574     92,233
  Effect of dilutive securities:
     Employee stock options............................     1,236        899         --
     Performance shares................................       126         --         --
     5 1/2% Debentures.................................        --     11,253         --
                                                         --------   --------   --------
  Dilutive potential common shares.....................     1,362     12,152         --
                                                         --------   --------   --------
  Denominator for diluted earnings per share --adjusted
     weighted average shares and assumed conversions...   103,422    110,726     92,233
                                                         ========   ========   ========
Basic earnings per share...............................  $   0.57   $   0.53   $  (0.16)
                                                         ========   ========   ========
Diluted earnings per share.............................  $   0.57   $   0.50   $  (0.16)
                                                         ========   ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
  New Accounting Standards
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income," ("SFAS
No. 130") which is required to be adopted in financial statements for periods
beginning after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 130 requires the presentation of
comprehensive income in a company's financial statements. Comprehensive income
represents all changes in the equity of a company during the reporting period,
including net income and charges directly to retained earnings which are
excluded from net income. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 130 in its
consolidated financial statements during the first quarter of 1998 and does not
expect there to be a material effect on its consolidated financial position or
results of operations.
 
     In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," ("SFAS No. 131") which is required to be
adopted in financial statements for periods beginning after December 15, 1997.
SFAS No. 131 provides revised disclosure guidelines for segments of a company
based on a management approach to defining operating segments. The Company will
provide reporting disclosures as required by SFAS No. 131 for the year ending
December 31, 1998. The Company has not completed its
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
review of SFAS No. 131, but does not anticipate that there will be a significant
effect on the Company's reporting disclosures.
 
  Other
 
     Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1997
presentation.
 
2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company purchased six
previously leased nursing facilities (758 beds) and certain other assets
including, among other things, 14 institutional pharmacies and 40 outpatient
therapy clinics, for approximately $60,800,000 cash and approximately $9,500,000
closing and other costs. Also during such period, the Company sold or terminated
the leases on 68 nursing facilities (8,314 beds) and certain other assets for
cash proceeds of approximately $146,800,000. The Company primarily used the net
cash proceeds from the disposition of facilities and other assets to repay
Revolver borrowings, to repurchase the zero coupon notes and to repay various
other indebtedness. The Company recognized net pre-tax gains of approximately
$19,900,000 as a result of these dispositions. The operations of these
facilities and certain other assets were immaterial to the Company's
consolidated financial position and results of operations.
 
     On December 3, 1997, the Company completed its previously announced Merger
of PCA with Capstone. As a result of the Merger, the Company received
approximately $281,000,000 of cash as partial repayment for PCA's intercompany
debt, with a charge to the Company's retained earnings of approximately
$45,100,000 for the remaining intercompany balance which was not repaid. The
Company used such cash to repay Revolver borrowings, to redeem the 7 5/8%
convertible subordinated debentures, to pay off the 8 3/4% Notes, to repay
certain other notes and mortgages and for general corporate purposes. Pursuant
to the Reorganization, each of the Company's stockholders of record at the close
of business on December 3, 1997 received .4551 shares of PharMerica, Inc.'s
common stock for each share of the Company's Common Stock held. The conversion
ratio was based on a total of 109,873,230 outstanding shares of the Company's
Common Stock at the close of business on December 3, 1997 divided into the
50,000,000 shares issued by PharMerica, Inc.
 
     In connection with the Reorganization, the Company incurred $44,000,000 of
transaction costs related to the restructuring, repayment or renegotiating of
substantially all of the Company's outstanding debt instruments, as well as the
renegotiating or making of certain payments, primarily in the form of
accelerated vesting of stock-based awards, under various employment agreements
with officers of the Company. Such amounts were funded with a portion of the
$281,000,000 proceeds received as partial repayment of PCA's intercompany debt,
as discussed above. Included in the $44,000,000 of transaction costs were
approximately $18,000,000 of non-cash expenses related to various long-term
incentive agreements.
 
     At the date of the Merger, PCA had total assets of approximately
$489,200,000, total liabilities of approximately $368,000,000 and total
stockholder's equity of approximately $121,200,000. Total net operating revenues
for PCA for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were approximately
$564,200,000, $516,400,000 and $451,700,000, respectively. Total net operating
revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 represent the operations of PCA
prior to the Merger.
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1996, the Company acquired 22 nursing
facilities (2,138 beds)(15 of such facilities (1,747 beds) were previously
leased), one previously managed nursing facility (180 beds) and certain other
assets including, among other things, pharmacy, hospice and outpatient therapy
businesses, for approximately $80,000,000 cash, approximately $7,500,000
acquired debt, approximately $7,000,000
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
2. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS -- (CONTINUED)
closing and other costs, approximately $4,800,000 reduction in receivables and
approximately $1,900,000 security and other deposits. The acquisitions of such
facilities and other assets were accounted for as purchases. The Company did not
operate three of such nursing facilities which were subleased to other nursing
home operators in prior year transactions. Also during such period, the Company
sold or terminated the leases on 83 nursing facilities (5,230 beds) (including
the three nursing facilities which were not operated by the Company, as
mentioned above) and certain other assets for cash proceeds of approximately
$36,700,000 and approximately $4,200,000 of notes receivable. The Company
recognized net pre-tax gains of approximately $6,300,000 as a result of these
dispositions. The operations of these facilities and certain other assets were
immaterial to the Company's consolidated financial position and results of
operations.
 
     In November 1996, the Company sold its MedView Services unit ("MedView")
for cash of approximately $89,700,000 (approximately $2,200,000 of which was
included in accounts receivable-nonpatient at December 31, 1996). MedView
provides a full range of managed care services to the workers' compensation
market and is the nation's largest workers' compensation-related preferred
provider organization with 120,000 member providers. It also offers case
management and injury reporting and tracking services. The Company recognized
net pre-tax gains of approximately $14,700,000 as a result of this disposition.
The operations of MedView were immaterial to the Company's consolidated
financial position and results of operations.
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company purchased 17
previously leased nursing facilities (2,118 beds), one previously leased
retirement living center (17 units) and certain other assets for approximately
$32,700,000 cash, approximately $40,400,000 acquired debt and approximately
$1,700,000 security and other deposits. The Company did not operate four of such
facilities which were subleased to other nursing home operators in prior year
transactions. Also during such period, the Company sold, subleased or terminated
the leases on 11 nursing facilities (1,199 beds), 12 homes for the
developmentally disabled (1,065 beds), six retirement living centers (1,141
units) and certain other assets for cash proceeds of approximately $39,400,000,
approximately $3,700,000 of notes receivable and the assumption of approximately
$52,800,000 of debt. In addition, the Company terminated a management agreement
on two nursing facilities (150 beds) and four assisted living centers (510
units). The Company recognized net pre-tax gains of approximately $2,300,000 as
a result of these dispositions. The operations of these facilities and certain
other assets were immaterial to the Company's consolidated financial position
and results of operations.
 
     In June 1995, the Company acquired Pharmacy Management Services, Inc.
("PMSI") in exchange for approximately 12,400,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock plus closing and related costs. PMSI is a leading nationwide provider of
medical cost containment and managed care services to workers' compensation
payors and claimants. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and was
not material to the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Following is a summary of property and equipment and related accumulated
depreciation and amortization, by major classification, at December 31 (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            TOTAL                     OWNED                 LEASED
                                   -----------------------   -----------------------   -----------------
                                      1997         1996         1997         1996       1997      1996
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -------   -------
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>       <C>
Land, buildings and
  improvements...................  $1,437,334   $1,476,988   $1,395,859   $1,424,517   $41,475   $52,471
Furniture and equipment..........     329,222      375,479      324,309      365,678     4,913     9,801
Construction in progress.........      30,607       39,403       30,607       39,403        --        --
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -------   -------
                                    1,797,163    1,891,870    1,750,775    1,829,598    46,388    62,272
Less accumulated depreciation and
  amortization...................     638,834      643,085      606,541      601,330    32,293    41,755
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   -------   -------
                                   $1,158,329   $1,248,785   $1,144,234   $1,228,268   $14,095   $20,517
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     The Company provides depreciation and amortization using the straight-line
method over the following estimated useful lives: land improvements -- 5 to 15
years; buildings -- 35 to 40 years; building improvements -- 5 to 20 years;
leasehold improvements -- 5 to 20 years or term of lease, if less; furniture and
equipment -- 5 to 15 years. Capitalized lease assets are amortized over the
remaining initial terms of the leases.
 
     Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $87,286,000, $85,221,000
and $82,752,000, respectively.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
4. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
 
     Long-term obligations consist of the following at December 31 (dollars in
thousands, except per share amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997         1996
                                                              ----------   ----------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
Notes and mortgages, less imputed interest: 1997 -- $203,
  1996 -- $257; due in installments through the year 2031,
  at effective interest rates of 5.93% to 12.50%, a portion
  of which is secured by property, equipment and other
  assets with a net book value of $229,062 at December 31,
  1997......................................................  $  170,738   $  178,983
Industrial development revenue bonds, less imputed interest:
  1997 -- $19, 1996 -- $48; due in installments through the
  year 2013, at effective interest rates of 5.08% to 10.52%,
  a portion of which is secured by property and other assets
  with a net book value of $227,917 at December 31, 1997....     188,711      203,606
9% Senior Notes due February 15, 2006, unsecured............     180,000      180,000
1996 Credit Agreement due December 31, 2001.................      15,000      156,000
Term Loan under the GE Capital Facility.....................      10,505        9,547
8 3/4% First Mortgage Bonds due July 1, 2008, secured by
  first mortgages on eight nursing facilities with an
  aggregate net book value of $16,342 at December 31,
  1997......................................................      18,750       19,362
8 5/8% First Mortgage Bonds due October 1, 2008, secured by
  first mortgages on ten nursing facilities with an
  aggregate net book value of $27,673 at December 31,
  1997......................................................      28,195       29,062
8 3/4% Notes due December 31, 2003, unsecured (repaid in
  October 1997).............................................          --       24,845
7 3/4% Note due in quarterly installments through June 1,
  2001, secured by first mortgages on 11 nursing facilities
  and one assisted living center with an aggregate net book
  value of $21,679 at December 31, 1997.....................      21,437       22,554
Series 1995 Bonds due June 2005, at an interest rate of
  6.88% with respect to $7,000 and 7.24% with respect to
  $18,000, secured by a letter of credit....................      25,000       25,000
Medium Term Notes due June 15, 2000, at an interest rate
  based on LIBOR, as defined, plus .35%, secured by eligible
  receivables of selected nursing facilities of $54,722 at
  December 31, 1997, which cannot be used to satisfy claims
  of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.................      40,000       50,000
7 5/8% convertible subordinated debentures due March 15,
  2003, convertible at $20.47 per share of Common Stock
  (redeemed in December 1997)...............................          --       67,924
5 1/2% convertible subordinated debentures due August 1,
  2018, convertible at $13.33 per share of Common Stock
  (called for redemption on August 18, 1997)................          --      150,000
Zero coupon notes, face amount, less unamortized discount:
  1996 -- $785 (repurchased in May 1997)....................          --        1,172
                                                              ----------   ----------
                                                                 698,336    1,118,055
Present value of capital lease obligations, less imputed
  interest: 1997 -- $456, 1996 -- $863, at effective
  interest rates of 5.83% to 13.00%.........................      20,156       27,027
                                                              ----------   ----------
                                                                 718,492    1,145,082
Less amounts due within one year............................      31,551       38,826
                                                              ----------   ----------
                                                              $  686,941   $1,106,256
                                                              ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
4. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
     On July 17, 1997, the Company called its 5 1/2% convertible subordinated
debentures (the "5 1/2% Debentures") for redemption on August 18, 1997. A total
of $149,162,550 of the $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding was
converted to 11,189,924 shares of the Company's Common Stock, increasing the
Company's outstanding shares. The remaining principal amount of $837,450 was
redeemed at 103.30% of the principal amount. Had the conversion been completed
prior to January 1, 1997, the pro forma diluted net income per share for the
year ended December 31, 1997 would have been $.56.
 
     The Company primarily used the net cash proceeds from the disposition of
facilities and other assets, as well as the cash received from the Merger, to
repay Revolver borrowings, to repurchase the zero coupon notes, to redeem the
7 5/8% convertible subordinated debentures, to pay off the 8 3/4% Notes, to
repay certain other notes and mortgages and for general corporate purposes (See
Note 2).
 
     During 1997, the Company entered into promissory notes totaling
approximately $25,800,000 in conjunction with its purchase of certain nursing
facilities. Such debt instruments bear interest at rates ranging from 7.78% to
8.63%, require monthly installments of principal and interest, and are secured
by mortgage interests in the real property and security interests in the
personal property of the purchased nursing facilities.
 
     In December 1996, the Company entered into a $375,000,000 Amended and
Restated Credit Agreement (the "1996 Credit Agreement") which provides for a
Revolver/Letter of Credit Facility (the "Revolver/LOC Facility"). Borrowings
under the 1996 Credit Agreement bear interest at adjusted LIBOR plus .875%, the
Prime Rate, as defined, or the adjusted CD rate, as defined, plus 1%, at the
Company's option. Such interest rates may be adjusted quarterly based on certain
financial ratio calculations. The Company pays certain commitment fees and
commissions with respect to the Revolver/LOC Facility and had approximately
$324,300,000 of unused commitments under such facility at December 31, 1997. The
1996 Credit Agreement is secured by a security interest in the stock of certain
of the Company's subsidiaries and imposes on the Company certain financial tests
and restrictive covenants.
 
     In July 1996, the Company entered into a term loan facility (the "GE
Capital Facility"), whereby the Company may borrow up to $25,000,000 from time
to time in separate series, in amounts and at interest rates based on the
three-year U.S. Treasury Note rate plus 230 basis points at the date of funding.
The GE Capital Facility requires monthly principal and interest payments and is
secured by a security interest in certain lighting equipment of various nursing
facilities. As of December 31, 1997, approximately $9,600,000 of aggregate
principal amount under the GE Capital Facility remained unissued.
 
     In February 1996, the Company completed the sale of $180,000,000 of 9%
Senior Notes due February 15, 2006 (the "Senior Notes") through a public
offering (the "Senior Notes offering"). The Senior Notes are unsecured
obligations, guaranteed by substantially all of the Company's present and future
subsidiaries (collectively, the "Subsidiary Guarantors"), and impose on the
Company certain restrictive covenants. Separate financial statements of the
Subsidiary Guarantors are not considered to be material to holders of the Senior
Notes since the guaranty of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors is joint and
several and full and unconditional (except that liability thereunder is limited
to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render its
obligations thereunder subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy
Code of 1978, as amended, or any comparable provisions of applicable state law),
and Beverly Enterprises, Inc., the parent, has no operations or assets separate
from its investment in its subsidiaries.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
4. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS -- (CONTINUED)
     Maturities and sinking fund requirements of long-term obligations,
including capital leases, for the years ending December 31 are as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              1998      1999      2000      2001      2002     THEREAFTER    TOTAL
                             -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   ----------   --------
<S>                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>          <C>
Future minimum lease
  payments.................  $ 3,713   $ 3,127   $ 2,802   $ 2,667   $ 2,763    $ 22,156    $ 37,228
Less interest..............    1,816     1,642     1,510     1,399     1,273       9,432      17,072
                             -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    --------    --------
Net present value of future
  minimum lease payments...    1,897     1,485     1,292     1,268     1,490      12,724      20,156
Notes, mortgages, bonds and
  debentures...............   29,654    25,588    71,425    55,909    46,356     469,404     698,336
                             -------   -------   -------   -------   -------    --------    --------
                             $31,551   $27,073   $72,717   $57,177   $47,846    $482,128    $718,492
                             =======   =======   =======   =======   =======    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
     Many of the capital and operating leases contain at least one renewal
option (which could extend the term of the leases by five to fifteen years),
purchase options, escalation clauses and provisions for payments by the Company
of real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs.
 
     The industrial development revenue bonds were originally issued prior to
1985 primarily for the construction or acquisition of nursing facilities. Bond
reserve funds are included in designated funds. These funds are invested
primarily in certificates of deposit and in United States government securities
and are carried at cost, which approximates market value. Net capitalized
interest relating to construction was not material in 1997, 1996 or 1995.
 
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     The future minimum rental commitments required by all noncancelable
operating leases with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year as of
December 31, 1997, are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        YEAR ENDING
                        DECEMBER 31,
                        ------------
<S>                                                           <C>
  1998......................................................  $ 68,799
  1999......................................................    57,451
  2000......................................................    39,308
  2001......................................................    27,897
  2002......................................................    23,019
Thereafter..................................................    34,702
                                                              --------
                                                              $251,176
                                                              ========
</TABLE>
 
     Total future minimum rental commitments are net of approximately
$22,594,000 of minimum sublease rental income due in the future under
noncancelable subleases. Rent expense on operating leases, net of sublease
rental income, for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
1997 -- $114,694,000; 1996 -- $116,718,000; 1995 -- $127,074,000. Sublease rent
income was approximately $5,638,000, $4,595,000 and $5,426,000 for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Contingent rent expense,
based primarily on revenues, was approximately $18,000,000, $18,000,000 and
$22,000,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -- (CONTINUED)
     In 1992, the Company entered into an agreement to outsource its management
information systems functions for a period of seven years, with an option to
renew based on mutual agreement among the parties. Such agreement was
renegotiated during 1997 to allow the Company to bring the programming functions
under its direct control but continue to outsource the data processing
functions. The future minimum commitments as of December 31, 1997 required under
such agreement are as follows: 1998 -- $4,127,000; 1999 -- $4,033,000;
2000 -- $3,944,000; 2001 -- $3,859,000; 2002 -- $2,849,000. The Company incurred
approximately $4,498,000, $8,711,000 and $8,529,000 under such agreement during
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
     The Company is contingently liable for approximately $79,375,000 of
long-term obligations maturing on various dates through 2019, as well as annual
interest and letter of credit fees of approximately $7,274,000. Such contingent
liabilities principally arose from the Company's sale of nursing facilities and
retirement living centers. The Company operates the facilities related to
approximately $25,895,000 of the principal amount for which it is contingently
liable, pursuant to long-term agreements accounted for as operating leases. In
addition, the Company is contingently liable for various operating leases that
were assumed by purchasers and are secured by the rights thereto.
 
     Approximately 100 of the Company's facilities, or 7% of the Company's
employees, are represented by various labor unions. Certain labor unions have
publicly stated that they are concentrating their organizing efforts within the
long-term healthcare industry. The Company, being one of the largest employers
within the long-term healthcare industry, has been the target of a "corporate
campaign" by two AFL-CIO affiliated unions attempting to organize certain of the
Company's facilities. Although the Company has never experienced any material
work stoppages and believes that its relations with its employees (and the
existing unions that represent certain of them) are generally good, the Company
cannot predict the effect continued union representation or organizational
activities will have on the Company's future activities. There can be no
assurance that continued union representation and organizational activities will
not result in material work stoppages, which could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations.
 
     On March 4, 1998, a jury in California returned a verdict of $95.1 million
against a nursing facility operated by a subsidiary of the Company. The verdict,
which was based on findings of fraud as well as negligence and abuse, consisted
of $365,580 in compensatory damages and $94.7 million in punitive damages. Since
punitive damages are generally not covered by insurance, a final judgement of
this size could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated
results of operations and financial position. However, it is the Company's
belief, based on discussions with its trial and appellate counsel, that many of
the jury's findings, including fraud, are not supportable from the evidence
presented in the case, and the judgement entered will be significantly reduced
by the trial court or an appeal. The Company intends to aggressively pursue all
post-trial remedies available to it.
 
     There are various other lawsuits and regulatory actions pending against the
Company arising in the normal course of business, some of which seek punitive
damages which are generally not covered by insurance. The Company does not
believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material
adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
     The Company had 300,000,000 shares of authorized $.10 par value common
stock ("Common Stock") at December 31, 1997 and 1996. The Company is subject to
certain restrictions under its long-term debt agreements related to the payment
of cash dividends on its Common Stock. The Company had 25,000,000 shares of
authorized $1 par value preferred stock at December 31, 1997 and 1996, all of
which remained
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -- (CONTINUED)
unissued. The Board of Directors has authority, without further stockholder
action, to set rights, privileges and preferences for any unissued shares of
preferred stock.
 
     In June 1996, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
authorized a stock repurchase program whereby the Company may repurchase, from
time to time on the open market, up to a total of 10,000,000 shares of its
outstanding Common Stock. During 1997, the Company repurchased approximately
4,900,000 shares of its Common Stock at a cost of approximately $62,700,000. The
repurchases were financed primarily through proceeds from dispositions and
borrowings under the Company's Revolver/LOC Facility. In connection with the
Reorganization, the Company cancelled and retired 6,274,108 shares of Common
Stock, with a book value of approximately $70,300,000, held in treasury on the
effective date of the Reorganization.
 
     During 1994, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a Stockholder
Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan"). The Rights Plan provides for the distribution
of one Common Stock Purchase Right (the "Rights") for each share of Common Stock
outstanding at the close of business on November 2, 1994. Under certain
circumstances, the Rights become exercisable to purchase shares of Common Stock,
or securities of an acquiring entity, at one-half of market value. The Rights
are designed to protect stockholders in the event of an unsolicited attempt to
acquire the Company and to deal with the possibility of unilateral actions by
hostile acquirors. These Rights are redeemable at the option of the Company at
$.01 per Right. The issuance of the Rights has no dilutive effect on the
Company's earnings per share. On May 18, 1995, the Company's stockholders
approved certain amendments to the Rights Plan which provided, among other
things, that the Rights Plan will expire on the date of the 1998 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders, which has been set for May 28, 1998, unless an extension of the
term is approved by the stockholders at the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(the "Amended Rights Plan"). The Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights
plan to be effective on the effective date of the Reorganization with the same
terms as the Amended Rights Plan.
 
     During 1997, the New Beverly 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan was approved
(the "1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan"). Such plan became effective December 3,
1997 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2006, subject to the earlier
termination by the Board of Directors. Such plan replaced the 1996 Long-Term
Incentive Plan, the 1993 Incentive Stock Plan and the 1985 Nonqualified Stock
Option Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") is responsible for administering the 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
and will have complete discretion in determining the number of shares or units
to be granted, in setting performance goals and in applying other restrictions
to awards, as needed, under the plan. The Company has 10,000,000 shares of
Common Stock authorized for issuance, subject to certain adjustments, under the
1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan in the form of nonqualified stock options,
incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
performance awards, bonus stock and other stock unit awards. Except for options
granted upon the assumption of, or in substitution for, options of another
company in which the Company participates in a corporate transaction or the
options as described below, nonqualified and incentive stock options must be
granted at a purchase price equal to the market price on the date of grant.
Options shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions
and conditions as the Committee shall determine and expire no later than 10
years from the grant date. Stock appreciation rights may be granted alone, in
tandem with an option or in addition to an option. Stock appreciation rights
shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and
conditions as the Committee shall determine and expire no later than 10 years
from the grant date. Restricted stock awards are outright stock grants which
have a minimum vesting period of one year for performance-based awards and three
years for other awards. Performance awards, bonus stock and other stock unit
awards may be granted based on the achievement of certain performance or other
goals and will carry certain restrictions, as defined.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -- (CONTINUED)
     During 1997, the New Beverly Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan was
approved (the "Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan"). Such plan became
effective December 3, 1997 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2007,
subject to the earlier termination by the Board of Directors. Such plan replaced
the Nonemployee Directors' Plan. The Company has 300,000 shares of Common Stock
authorized for issuance, subject to certain adjustments, under its Non-Employee
Directors Stock Option Plan. The Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan was
amended by the Board of Directors on December 11, 1997 to provide that each
nonemployee director be granted an option to purchase 3,375 shares of the
Company's Common Stock on June 1 of each year until the plan is terminated,
subject to the availability of shares. Such options are granted at a purchase
price equal to fair market value on the date of grant, become exercisable one
year after date of grant and expire ten years after date of grant.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -- (CONTINUED)
     The following table summarizes stock option, restricted stock and other
stock units data relative to the Company's long-term incentive plans for the
years ended December 31:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 1997                            1996                           1995
                                     -----------------------------   ----------------------------   ----------------------------
                                       NUMBER     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE    NUMBER     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE    NUMBER     WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                                     OF SHARES     EXERCISE PRICE    OF SHARES    EXERCISE PRICE    OF SHARES    EXERCISE PRICE
                                     ----------   ----------------   ---------   ----------------   ---------   ----------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>                <C>         <C>                <C>         <C>
Options outstanding at beginning of
  year.............................   4,908,727        $10.55        4,394,382        $ 9.02        4,375,441        $ 8.74
Changes during the year:
  Granted..........................   2,944,522         10.87        1,696,500         12.38          355,500         13.04
  Acquired.........................          --            --               --            --          342,311          6.17
  Exercised........................  (1,047,423)         8.06         (833,587)         5.41         (416,010)         5.22
  Cancelled........................    (243,923)        14.64         (348,568)        12.39         (262,860)        12.19
                                     ----------                      ---------                      ---------
Options outstanding at end of
  year.............................   6,561,903(1)        9.29       4,908,727         10.55        4,394,382          9.02
                                     ==========                      =========                      =========
Options exercisable at end of
  year.............................   5,073,903          8.23        2,560,209          8.75        3,028,903          7.52
                                     ==========                      =========                      =========
Options available for grant at end
  of year..........................   3,738,097                      3,052,403                      1,243,953
                                     ==========                      =========                      =========
Restricted stock outstanding at
  beginning of year................     145,200                        306,052                        267,353
Changes during the year:
  Granted..........................      10,500                         29,000                        236,555
  Vested...........................    (134,711)                      (148,352)                      (182,153)
  Forfeited........................     (20,989)                       (41,500)                       (15,703)
                                     ----------                      ---------                      ---------
Restricted stock outstanding at end
  of year..........................          --                        145,200                        306,052
                                     ==========                      =========                      =========
Phantom units outstanding at
  beginning of year................      76,769                         90,942                         44,529
Changes during the year:
  Granted..........................          --                             --                         54,110
  Vested...........................     (76,316)                        (6,982)                            --
  Cancelled........................        (453)                        (7,191)                        (7,697)
                                     ----------                      ---------                      ---------
Phantom units outstanding at end of
  year.............................          --                         76,769                         90,942
                                     ==========                      =========                      =========
Performance shares outstanding at
  beginning of year................     992,000                             --                             --
Changes during the year:
  Granted..........................      16,000                      1,040,000                             --
  Vested...........................    (759,389)                            --                             --
  Cancelled........................    (248,611)                       (48,000)                            --
                                     ----------                      ---------                      ---------
Performance shares outstanding at
  end of year......................          --                        992,000                             --
                                     ==========                      =========                      =========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Exercise prices for options outstanding as of December 31, 1997 ranged from
    $3.24 to $12.88. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of these
    options is eight years.
 
     As a result of the Reorganization (as discussed herein), immediately prior
to the Distribution, (i) each option to purchase the Company's Common Stock then
outstanding became fully vested and exercisable, (ii) all restrictions on
outstanding restricted shares lapsed and became fully vested, (iii) each
outstanding award of phantom units became fully vested, and (iv) each
outstanding performance share became fully
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -- (CONTINUED)
vested. The Company incurred non-cash expenses of approximately $18,000,000 as
it related to these stock-based awards, which was included in the $44,000,000 of
transaction costs. In addition, all options outstanding immediately after the
Distribution were cancelled and replaced with new options issued by the Company
under the 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Such options are exercisable upon the
same terms and conditions (except that all options are 100% vested) as under the
applicable option agreement issued thereunder, except that (i) the number of
shares for which such options may be converted, and (ii) the option exercise
price per share of such options were adjusted to take into account the effect of
the Reorganization.
 
     The Company accounts for its stock-based awards in accordance with
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("APB No. 25") and related Interpretations because, as discussed
below, the alternative fair value accounting provided for under Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation," ("SFAS No. 123") requires use of option valuation models that
were not developed for use in valuing employee stock options. Since the exercise
price of the Company's employee stock options equals the market price of the
underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized for
employee stock options under APB No. 25. The Company recognizes compensation
expense for its restricted stock grants, performance share grants (when the
performance targets are achieved) and other stock unit awards. The total charges
to the Company's consolidated statements of operations for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 related to these stock-based awards were
approximately $19,767,000, $509,000 and $3,065,000, respectively. The total
charges for 1997 included approximately $18,000,000 related to the impact of the
Reorganization on the Company's stock-based awards (as discussed above), which
was included in the $44,000,000 of transaction costs.
 
     Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS No. 123, and has been determined as if the Company had
accounted for its 1997, 1996 and 1995 stock option and performance share grants
under the fair value method as prescribed by such statement. The fair value for
stock options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively: risk-free interest rates
of 5.9%, 6.5% and 6.0%; volatility factors of the expected market price of the
Company's Common Stock of .35, .34 and .35; and a weighted-average expected life
of the option of 8 years, 10 years and 10 years. The Company does not currently
pay cash dividends on its Common Stock and no future dividends are currently
planned. Such weighted-average assumptions resulted in a weighted average fair
value of options granted during 1997, 1996 and 1995 of $7.84 per share, $7.30
per share and $7.65 per share, respectively. The fair value of the performance
share grants was based on the market value of the Company's Common Stock on the
date of grant.
 
     The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions
and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the
input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company's stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the
subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimates, in
management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable
single measure of the fair value of its stock options.
 
     For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
stock options and performance shares is amortized to expense over their
respective vesting periods. The pro forma effects on reported net income (loss)
and diluted earnings per share assuming the Company had elected to account for
its stock option and performance share grants in accordance with SFAS No. 123
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, would have
been net income of $47,244,000 or $.46 per share, net income
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY -- (CONTINUED)
of $48,964,000 or $.49 per share and net loss of $8,408,000 or $.17 per share.
The pro forma amounts for 1997 reflect the impact of the Reorganization on the
Company's outstanding stock options (as discussed above). Such pro forma effects
are not necessarily indicative of the effect on future years.
 
     The Beverly Enterprises 1988 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as amended and
restated) enables all full-time employees having completed one year of
continuous service to purchase shares of Common Stock at the current market
price through payroll deductions. The Company makes contributions in the amount
of 30% of the participant's contribution. Each participant specifies the amount
to be withheld from earnings per two-week pay period, subject to certain
limitations. The total charges to the Company's consolidated statements of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 related to this
plan were approximately $2,449,000, $2,258,000 and $2,201,000, respectively.
 
7. INCOME TAXES
 
     The provisions for taxes on income before extraordinary charge consist of
the following for the years ended December 31 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997       1996        1995
                                                       -------    -------    --------
<S>                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Federal:
  Current............................................  $22,997    $31,615    $ 17,518
  Deferred...........................................   20,404     29,466     (16,877)
State:
  Current............................................    6,669      8,101       4,845
  Deferred...........................................     (157)     4,299      (3,517)
                                                       -------    -------    --------
                                                       $49,913    $73,481    $  1,969
                                                       =======    =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
     The Company had an annual effective tax rate of 46% for the year ended
December 31, 1997, compared to an annual effective tax rate of 59% and a
negative annual effective tax rate of 32% for the years ended December 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively. The annual effective tax rate in 1997 was different than
the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of nondeductible
transaction costs associated with the Reorganization (see Note 2). The annual
effective tax rate in 1996 was different than the federal statutory rate
primarily due to the impact of nondeductible goodwill associated with the
MedView disposition (see Note 2). In addition, the annual effective tax rate in
1995 was different than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact
of nondeductible goodwill included in the adjustments resulting from the
adoption of SFAS No. 121 (see Note 1).
 
     A reconciliation of the provision for (benefit from) income taxes, computed
at the statutory rate, to the Company's annual effective tax rate is summarized
as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1997              1996              1995
                                   --------------    --------------    --------------
                                   AMOUNT      %     AMOUNT      %     AMOUNT      %
                                   -------    ---    -------    ---    -------    ---
<S>                                <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>
Tax (benefit) at statutory
  rate...........................  $37,977     35    $43,927     35    $(2,154)    35
General business tax credits.....       --     --         --     --     (1,014)    17
State tax provision, net.........    4,233      4      8,060      6        863    (14)
Nondeductible intangibles........    1,702      2     20,881     17      3,797    (62)
Effect of Merger.................    5,618      5         --     --         --     --
Other............................      383     --        613      1        477     (8)
                                   -------    ---    -------    ---    -------    ---
                                   $49,913     46    $73,481     59    $ 1,969    (32)
                                   =======    ===    =======    ===    =======    ===
</TABLE>
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
7. INCOME TAXES -- (CONTINUED)
     Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes
and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of temporary
differences giving rise to the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               DECEMBER 31, 1997      DECEMBER 31, 1996
                                              --------------------   --------------------
                                               ASSET     LIABILITY    ASSET     LIABILITY
                                              --------   ---------   --------   ---------
<S>                                           <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Insurance reserves..........................  $ 36,104   $     --    $ 55,540   $     --
General business tax credit carryforwards...        --         --      12,236         --
Alternative minimum tax credit
  carryforwards.............................    13,969         --      14,698         --
Provision for dispositions..................    32,591      5,776      11,009      6,152
Depreciation and amortization...............        29    140,062       1,401    141,804
Operating supplies..........................        --     12,907          --     14,206
Other.......................................    18,304     26,336      22,995     24,784
                                              --------   --------    --------   --------
                                              $100,997   $185,081    $117,879   $186,946
                                              ========   ========    ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
8. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     Financial Accounting Standards Statement No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair
Value of Financial Instruments," requires disclosure of fair value information
about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for
which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market
prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value
or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by
the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash
flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated
by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized
in immediate settlement of the instrument. Statement No. 107 excludes certain
financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure
requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not
represent the underlying value of the Company. The following methods and
assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures
for financial instruments:
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash
and cash equivalents approximates its fair value.
 
  Notes Receivable, Net (Including Current Portion)
 
     For variable-rate notes that reprice frequently and with no significant
change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair values
for fixed-rate notes are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, using
interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers
of similar credit quality.
 
  Beverly Indemnity Funds
 
     The fair value of the Beverly Indemnity funds is based on information
obtained from the trustee and the manager of such funds. Such funds are included
in the consolidated balance sheet captions "Prepaid expenses and other" and
"Designated and restricted funds" based on when the corresponding claims are
expected to be paid. These funds are invested primarily in United States
government securities with maturity dates ranging
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
 
8. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
primarily from one to five years. During 1997, the Company purchased traditional
indemnity insurance coverage for its 1997 workers' compensation and auto
liabilities (see Note 1) which resulted in the Company selling a portion of
these securities, with a book value of approximately $10,100,000, to fund such
purchase. The gain on the sale of such securities was immaterial to the
Company's consolidated results of operations for the year ended December 31,
1997. The remaining securities are classified as available-for-sale and as such
are carried at fair value.
 
  Investment in a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit (REMIC)
 
     The fair value of the Company's REMIC investment, which was included in the
consolidated balance sheet caption "Other, net" in 1996, is based on information
obtained from the REMIC servicer. The Company converted the REMIC investment to
notes receivable from the underlying note makers during 1997.
 
  Long-term Obligations (Including Current Portion)
 
     The carrying amounts of the Company's variable-rate borrowings approximate
their fair values. The fair values of the remaining long-term obligations are
estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company's
incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
 
     The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1997                      1996
                                       --------------------    ------------------------
                                       CARRYING      FAIR       CARRYING        FAIR
                                        AMOUNT      VALUE        AMOUNT        VALUE
                                       --------    --------    ----------    ----------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
Cash and cash equivalents............  $105,230    $105,230    $   69,761    $   69,761
Notes receivable, net (including
  current portion)...................    24,973      26,400        48,052        49,900
Beverly Indemnity funds..............    80,804      80,804        94,472        94,821
REMIC investment.....................        --          --         8,052         8,084
Long-term obligations (including
  current portion)...................   718,492     746,439     1,145,082     1,161,031
</TABLE>
 
     In order to consummate certain dispositions and other transactions, the
Company has agreed to guarantee the debt assumed or acquired by the purchaser or
the performance under a lease, by the lessor. It was not practicable to estimate
the fair value of the Company's off-balance sheet guarantees (See Note 5). The
Company does not charge a fee for entering into such agreements and contracting
with a financial institution to estimate such amounts could not be done without
incurring excessive costs. In addition, unlike the Company, a financial
institution would not be in a position to assume the underlying obligations and
operate the nursing facilities collateralizing the obligations, which would
significantly impact the calculation of the fair value of such off-balance sheet
guarantees.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
                         SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (UNAUDITED)
                            QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
     The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1997                                              1996
                              ------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------------------------
                                1ST        2ND        3RD        4TH        TOTAL        1ST        2ND        3RD        4TH
                              --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Revenues:
  Remaining Healthcare
    Business................  $697,899   $692,033   $676,938   $690,444   $2,757,314   $709,166   $696,922   $716,300   $724,226
  PCA.......................   147,639    153,770    155,573    107,342      564,324    124,418    124,898    130,413    136,847
  Elimination of
    intercompany revenues...   (25,257)   (25,139)   (24,585)   (16,357)     (91,338)   (19,077)   (20,012)   (20,774)   (22,299)
                              --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
        Total revenues......  $820,281   $820,664   $807,926   $781,429   $3,230,300   $814,507   $801,808   $825,939   $838,774
                              ========   ========   ========   ========   ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
Income (loss) before
  provision for income taxes
  and extraordinary
  charge....................  $ 30,772   $ 34,950   $ 45,222   $ (2,438)  $  108,506   $ 22,827   $ 28,325   $ 38,130   $ 36,225
Provision for income
  taxes.....................    12,309     13,980     18,089      5,535       49,913      9,131     11,330     15,252     37,768
                              --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Income (loss) before
  extraordinary charge......    18,463     20,970     27,133     (7,973)      58,593     13,696     16,995     22,878     (1,543)
Extraordinary charge........        --         --         --         --           --         --         --         --     (1,726)
                              --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income (loss)...........  $ 18,463   $ 20,970   $ 27,133   $ (7,973)  $   58,593   $ 13,696   $ 16,995   $ 22,878   $ (3,269)
                              ========   ========   ========   ========   ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
Income (loss) per share of
  common stock:
  Basic:
    Before extraordinary
      charge................  $    .19   $    .21   $    .26   $   (.07)  $      .57   $    .14   $    .17   $    .23   $   (.01)
    Extraordinary charge....        --         --         --         --           --         --         --         --       (.02)
                              --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
    Net income (loss).......  $    .19   $    .21   $    .26   $   (.07)  $      .57   $    .14   $    .17   $    .23   $   (.03)
                              ========   ========   ========   ========   ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
    Shares used to compute
      per share amounts.....    98,144     97,736    103,508    108,719      102,060     98,739     98,981     98,239     98,341
                              ========   ========   ========   ========   ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
  Diluted:
    Before extraordinary
      charge................  $    .18   $    .20   $    .26   $   (.07)  $      .57   $    .13   $    .16   $    .22   $   (.01)
    Extraordinary charge....        --         --         --         --           --         --         --         --       (.02)
                              --------   --------   --------   --------   ----------   --------   --------   --------   --------
    Net income (loss).......  $    .18   $    .20   $    .26   $   (.07)  $      .57   $    .13   $    .16   $    .22   $   (.03)
                              ========   ========   ========   ========   ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
    Shares used to compute
      per share amounts.....   110,386    109,993    107,751    108,719      103,422    111,053    111,154    110,261     98,341
                              ========   ========   ========   ========   ==========   ========   ========   ========   ========
Common stock price range:
  High......................  $  16.13   $  16.88   $  17.50   $  17.50                $  12.38   $  12.63   $  12.13   $  13.75
  Low.......................  $  12.25   $  13.13      14.56   $  12.13(1)             $  10.13   $  11.00   $   9.25   $  10.63
 
<CAPTION>
                                 1996
                              ----------
                                TOTAL
                              ----------
<S>                           <C>
Revenues:
  Remaining Healthcare
    Business................  $2,846,614
  PCA.......................     516,576
  Elimination of
    intercompany revenues...     (82,162)
                              ----------
        Total revenues......  $3,281,028
                              ==========
Income (loss) before
  provision for income taxes
  and extraordinary
  charge....................  $  125,507
Provision for income
  taxes.....................      73,481
                              ----------
Income (loss) before
  extraordinary charge......      52,026
Extraordinary charge........      (1,726)
                              ----------
Net income (loss)...........  $   50,300
                              ==========
Income (loss) per share of
  common stock:
  Basic:
    Before extraordinary
      charge................  $      .53
    Extraordinary charge....        (.02)
                              ----------
    Net income (loss).......  $      .51
                              ==========
    Shares used to compute
      per share amounts.....      98,574
                              ==========
  Diluted:
    Before extraordinary
      charge................  $      .50
    Extraordinary charge....        (.01)
                              ----------
    Net income (loss).......  $      .49
                              ==========
    Shares used to compute
      per share amounts.....     110,726
                              ==========
Common stock price range:
  High......................
  Low.......................
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) After the effect of the Reorganization on December 3, 1997 (as discussed
    herein).
 
     The Company had an annual effective tax rate of 46% for the year ended
December 31, 1997 compared to an annual effective tax rate of 59% for the year
ended December 31, 1996. The annual effective tax rate in 1997 was different
than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the impact of nondeductible
transaction costs associated with the Reorganization (as discussed herein). In
addition, the annual effective tax rate in 1996 was different than the federal
statutory rate primarily due to the impact of nondeductible goodwill associated
with the MedView disposition (as discussed herein).
 
     Earnings per share for 1996 and the first three quarters of 1997 have been
restated to comply with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,
"Earnings per Share." See "Part II, Item 8 -- Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements."
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
 
     None.
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.
 
     Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's definitive proxy
statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 28, 1998, to
be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
 
     Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's definitive proxy
statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 28, 1998, to
be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
 
     Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's definitive proxy
statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 28, 1998, to
be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
 
     Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's definitive proxy
statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 28, 1998, to
be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
 
  (a) 1 and 2. The Consolidated Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial
      Statement Schedule
 
     The consolidated financial statements and consolidated financial statement
schedule listed in the accompanying index to consolidated financial statements
and financial statement schedules are filed as part of this annual report.
 
     3. Exhibits
 
     The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are incorporated
by reference herein or are filed as part of this annual report.
 
  (b) Reports on Form 8-K
 
     The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 3, 1997,
which reported under Item 5 that the Company completed the closing of the
transactions contemplated by the definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger dated
April 15, 1997 which combined Pharmacy Corporation of America with Capstone
Pharmacy Services, Inc. to create one of the nation's largest independent
institutional pharmacy companies and filed under Item 7 the Company's press
releases dated December 3, 1997 and December 10, 1997.
 
  (c) Exhibits
 
     See the accompanying index to exhibits referenced in Item 14(a)(3) above
for a list of exhibits incorporated herein by reference or filed as part of this
annual report.
 
  (d) Financial Statement Schedule
 
     See the accompanying index to consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedules referenced in Item 14(a)1 and 2, above.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                 INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
                         FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
                                  (ITEM 14(a))
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PAGE
                                                                       ----
<C>  <S> <C>                                                           <C>
 1.  Consolidated financial statements:
         Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors...........   23
         Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996...   24
         Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three
           years in the period ended December 31, 1997...............   25
         Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of
           the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.....   26
         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three
           years in the period ended December 31, 1997...............   27
         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................   28
         Supplementary Data (Unaudited) -- Quarterly Financial
           Data......................................................   47
 2.  Consolidated financial statement schedule for each of the three
       years in the period ended December 31, 1997:
         II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.....................   50
</TABLE>
 
     All other schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable or
the items do not exceed the various disclosure levels.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 CHARGED                     DUE TO
                                   BALANCE AT   (CREDITED)                ACQUISITIONS            BALANCE
                                   BEGINNING        TO                        AND                 AT END
           DESCRIPTION              OF YEAR     OPERATIONS   WRITE-OFFS   DISPOSITIONS   OTHER    OF YEAR
           -----------             ----------   ----------   ----------   ------------   ------   -------
<S>                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>      <C>
Year ended December 31, 1997:
  Allowance for doubtful
     accounts:
     Accounts
       receivable -- patient.....   $25,618      $35,343      $(34,858)     $(8,224)     $   --   $17,879
     Accounts receivable --
       nonpatient................       637          209          (218)          --         234       862*
     Notes receivable............     4,951       (1,211)         (306)      (1,453)        936     2,917
                                    -------      -------      --------      -------      ------   -------
                                    $31,206      $34,341      $(35,382)     $(9,677)     $1,170   $21,658
                                    =======      =======      ========      =======      ======   =======
Year ended December 31, 1996:
  Allowance for doubtful
     accounts:
     Accounts
       receivable -- patient.....   $22,860      $28,637      $(29,163)     $ 2,555      $  729   $25,618
     Accounts receivable --
       nonpatient................       813           56          (223)          --          (9)      637*
     Notes receivable............     4,953         (149)         (257)          24         380     4,951
                                    -------      -------      --------      -------      ------   -------
                                    $28,626      $28,544      $(29,643)     $ 2,579      $1,100   $31,206
                                    =======      =======      ========      =======      ======   =======
Year ended December 31, 1995:
  Allowance for doubtful
     accounts:
     Accounts
       receivable -- patient.....   $28,293      $21,008      $(30,326)     $ 3,885      $   --   $22,860
     Accounts receivable --
       nonpatient................     2,802       (1,919)          (70)          --          --       813*
     Notes receivable............     6,429       (3,200)          (61)       1,285         500     4,953
                                    -------      -------      --------      -------      ------   -------
                                    $37,524      $15,889      $(30,457)     $ 5,170      $  500   $28,626
                                    =======      =======      ========      =======      ======   =======
Valuation allowance on deferred
  tax assets.....................   $   198      $  (198)     $     --      $    --      $   --   $    --
                                    =======      =======      ========      =======      ======   =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Includes amounts classified in long-term other assets as well as current
  assets.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                                (ITEM 14(a)(3))
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
        3.1          -- Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of New
                        Beverly Holdings, Inc.
        3.2          -- Form of Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of
                        Incorporation of New Beverly Holdings Inc., changing its
                        name to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
        3.3          -- By-Laws of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on June 4, 1997
                        (File No. 333-28521))
        4.1          -- Indenture dated as of February 1, 1996 between Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, with
                        respect to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s 9% Senior Notes
                        due February 15, 2006 (the "9% Indenture") (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                        December 31, 1995)
        4.2          -- Form of Supplemental Indenture No. 2 to the 9% Indenture
                        dated as of November 19, 1997 (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 4.2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement of Form S-4 filed on September 8,
                        1997 (File No. 333-35137))
        4.3          -- Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993 (the "First Mortgage
                        Bond Indenture"), among Beverly Enterprises, Inc.,
                        Delaware Trust Company, as Corporate Trustee, and Richard
                        N. Smith, as Individual Trustee, with respect to First
                        Mortgage Bonds (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
                        to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form
                        10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993)
        4.4          -- First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993 to
                        the First Mortgage Bond Indenture, with respect to 8 3/4%
                        First Mortgage Bonds due 2008 (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 4.2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly
                        Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993)
        4.5          -- Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1993 to
                        the First Mortgage Bond Indenture, with respect to 8 5/8%
                        First Mortgage Bonds due 2008 (replaces Exhibit 4.1 to
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K
                        dated July 15, 1993)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        4.15 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on
                        Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993)
        4.6          -- Rights Agreement dated as of December 3, 1997, between
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as
                        Rights Agent
                        In accordance with item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K,
                        certain instruments pertaining to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s long-term obligations have not been filed; copies
                        thereof will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange
                        Commission upon request.
       10.1*         -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4
                        filed on February 13, 1995 (File No. 33-57663))
       10.2*         -- New Beverly Holdings, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
                        (the "1997 LTIP") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        4.1 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration Statement
                        on Form S-8 filed on December 8, 1997 (File No.
                        333-41669))
       10.3*         -- Amendment No. 1 to the 1997 LTIP dated as of December 3,
                        1997
       10.4*         -- New Beverly Holdings, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock
                        Option Plan (the "Directors' Option Plan") (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on
                        December 12, 1997 (File No. 333-42131))
</TABLE>
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
       10.5*         -- Amendment No. 1 to the Directors' Option Plan dated as of
                        December 3, 1997
       10.6*         -- Executive Medical Reimbursement Plan (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
                        31, 1987)
       10.7*         -- Amended and Restated Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive
                        Life Insurance Plan and Summary Plan Description (the
                        "Executive Life Plan") (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.7 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report
                        on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993)
       10.8*         -- Amendment No. 1, effective September 29, 1994, to the
                        Executive Life Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.10 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13, 1995 (File
                        No. 33-57663))
       10.9*         -- Executive Physicals Policy (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.8 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly
                        Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993)
       10.10*        -- Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan effective
                        July 18, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6
                        to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K
                        for the year ended December 31, 1991)
       10.11*        -- Amendment No. 1, effective September 29, 1994, to the
                        Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.13 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13, 1995 (File
                        No. 33-57663))
       10.12*        -- Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.9 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report
                        on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987)
       10.13*        -- Amendment No. 1, effective as of July 1, 1991, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.8 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report
                        on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991)
       10.14*        -- Amendment No. 2, effective as of December 12, 1991, to
                        the Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 10.9 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991)
       10.15*        -- Amendment No. 3, effective as of July 31, 1992, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.10 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992)
       10.16*        -- Amendment No. 4, effective as of January 1, 1993, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.18 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
       10.17*        -- Amendment No. 5, effective as of September 29, 1994, to
                        the Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 10.19 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
       10.18*        -- Amendment No. 6, effective as of January 1, 1996, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan
       10.19*        -- Amendment No. 7, effective as of September 1, 1997, to
                        the Executive Retirement Plan
       10.20*        -- Amendment No. 8, dated as of December 11, 1997, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan, changing its name to the
                        "Executive SavingsPlus Plan"
       10.21*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Supplemental Executive
                        Retirement Plan effective as of January 1, 1998
       10.22*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Executive Deferred
                        Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        4.1 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration Statement
                        on Form S-8 filed on December 5, 1997 (File No.
                        333-41673))
</TABLE>
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
       10.23*        -- Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Deferred Compensation
                        Plan made as of December 11, 1997
       10.24*        -- Amendment No. 2 to the Executive Deferred Compensation
                        Plan made as of December 11, 1997
       10.25*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred
                        Compensation Plan (the "Directors' Plan")(incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
                        30, 1997)
       10.26*        -- Amendment No. 1, effective as of December 3, 1997, to the
                        Directors' Plan
       10.27*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Supplemental Long-Term
                        Disability Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.24 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report on
                        Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
       10.28*        -- Form of Indemnification Agreement between Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. and its officers, directors and certain
                        of its employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        19.14 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on
                        Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1987)
       10.29*        -- Form of request by Beverly Enterprises, Inc. to certain
                        of its officers or directors relating to indemnification
                        rights (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.5 to
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                        for the quarter ended September 30, 1987)
       10.30*        -- Form of request by Beverly Enterprises, Inc. to certain
                        of its officers or employees relating to indemnification
                        rights (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.6 to
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                        for the quarter ended September 30, 1987)
       10.31*        -- Agreement dated December 29, 1986 between Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. and Stephens Inc. (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on January 18,
                        1990 (File No. 33-33052))
       10.32*        -- Employment Contract, made as of August 22, 1997, between
                        New Beverly Holdings, Inc. and David R. Banks
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment
                        No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 22, 1997 (File
                        No. 333-28521))
       10.33*        -- Form of Employment Contract, made as of August 22, 1997,
                        between New Beverly Holdings, Inc. and certain of its
                        officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to
                        Amendment No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 22,
                        1997 (File No. 333-28521))
       10.34         -- Master Lease Document -- General Terms and Conditions
                        dated December 30, 1985 for Leases between Beverly
                        California Corporation and various subsidiaries thereof
                        as lessees and Beverly Investment Properties, Inc. as
                        lessor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to
                        Beverly California Corporation's Annual Report on Form
                        10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985)
       10.35         -- Agreement dated as of December 29, 1986 among Beverly
                        California Corporation, Beverly Enterprises -- Texas,
                        Inc., Stephens Inc. and Real Properties, Inc.
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 to Beverly
                        California Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
                        December 30, 1986) and letter agreement dated as of July
                        31, 1987 among Beverly Enterprises, Inc., Beverly
                        California Corporation, Beverly Enterprises -- Texas,
                        Inc. and Stephens Inc. with reference thereto
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.13 to Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                        quarter ended June 30, 1987)
</TABLE>
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
       10.36         -- Participation Agreement, dated as of March 21, 1997,
                        among Vantage Healthcare Corporation, Petersen Health
                        Care, Inc., Beverly Savana Cay Manor, Inc., Beverly
                        Enterprises -- Georgia, Inc., and Beverly
                        Enterprises -- California, Inc. as Lessees and Structural
                        Guarantors; Beverly Enterprises, Inc. as Representative,
                        Construction Agent and Parent Guarantor; BMO Leasing
                        (U.S.), Inc. as Agent Lessor and Lessor; The Long-Term
                        Credit Bank of Japan, LTD., Los Angeles Agency and Bank
                        of Montreal, as Lenders; The Long-Term Credit Bank of
                        Japan, LTD., Los Angeles Agency as Arranger and
                        Administrative Agent for the Lenders; and Bank of
                        Montreal as Co-Arranger and Syndication Agent with
                        respect to the Lease Financing of Assisted Living and
                        Nursing Facilities for Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                        quarter ended June 30, 1997)
       10.37         -- Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to Participation Agreement,
                        dated as of May 27, 1997 (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.31 to Amendment No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on
                        September 22, 1997 (File No. 333-28521))
       10.38         -- Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement, dated as of
                        August 20, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.32 to Amendment No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement of Form S-1 filed on September 22,
                        1997 (File No. 333-28521))
       10.39         -- Trust Indenture dated as of December 1, 1994 from Beverly
                        Funding Corporation, as Issuer, to Chemical Bank, as
                        Trustee (the "Chemical Indenture") (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.45 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13,
                        1995 (File No. 33-57663))
       10.40         -- Series Supplement dated as of December 1, 1994 to the
                        Chemical Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.46 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13, 1995 (File
                        No. 33-57663))
       10.41         -- Data Processing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1992, by
                        and between Systematics Telecommunications Services, Inc.
                        and Beverly California Corporation (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
                        30, 1992)
       10.42         -- Form of Irrevocable Trust Agreement for the Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. Executive Benefits Plan (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on
                        February 13, 1995 (File No. 33-57663))
       11.1          -- Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Share for the years
                        ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993
       21.1          -- Subsidiaries of Registrant
       23.1          -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
       27.1          -- Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31,
                        1997
       27.2          -- Restated Financial Data Schedule for the year ended
                        December 31, 1996
       27.3          -- Restated Financial Data Schedule for the year ended
                        December 31, 1995
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Exhibits 10.1 through 10.33 are the management contracts, compensatory plans,
  contracts and arrangements in which any director or named executive officer
  participates.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>
                                                                     BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                                                                             Registrant
Dated: March 27, 1998                                       By:        /s/ DAVID R. BANKS
                                                            -------------------------------------------
                                                                           David R. Banks
                                                                    Chairman of the Board, Chief
                                                                   Executive Officer and Director
</TABLE>
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Registrant
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<C>                                                    <S>                              <C>
                 /s/ DAVID R. BANKS                    Chairman of the Board, Chief
- -----------------------------------------------------    Executive Officer and
                   David R. Banks                        Director                       March 27, 1998
 
               /s/ BOYD W. HENDRICKSON                 President, Chief Operating
- -----------------------------------------------------    Officer and Director
                 Boyd W. Hendrickson                                                    March 27, 1998
 
                /s/ SCOTT M. TABAKIN                   Executive Vice President and
- -----------------------------------------------------    Chief Financial Officer
                  Scott M. Tabakin                                                      March 27, 1998
 
                /s/ PAMELA H. DANIELS                  Vice President, Controller and
- -----------------------------------------------------    Chief Accounting Officer
                  Pamela H. Daniels                                                     March 27, 1998
              /s/ BERYL F. ANTHONY, JR.                Director                         March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
                Beryl F. Anthony, Jr.
 
                  CAROLYNE K. DAVIS                    Director                         March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Carolyne K. Davis
 
                 /s/ JAMES R. GREENE                   Director                         March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   James R. Greene
 
                /s/ EDITH E. HOLIDAY                   Director                         March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Edith E. Holiday
 
                /s/ JON E. M. JACOBY                   Director                         March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Jon E. M. Jacoby
 
             /s/ RISA J. LAVIZZO-MOUREY                Director                         March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
               Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey
 
               /s/ MARILYN R. SEYMANN                  Director                         March 27, 1998
- -----------------------------------------------------
                 Marilyn R. Seymann
</TABLE>
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
                                (ITEM 14(A)(3))
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
        3.1          -- Form of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of New
                        Beverly Holdings, Inc.
        3.2          -- Form of Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of
                        Incorporation of New Beverly Holdings Inc., changing its
                        name to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
        3.3          -- By-Laws of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on June 4, 1997
                        (File No. 333-28521))
        4.1          -- Indenture dated as of February 1, 1996 between Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, with
                        respect to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s 9% Senior Notes
                        due February 15, 2006 (the "9% Indenture") (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                        December 31, 1995)
        4.2          -- Form of Supplemental Indenture No. 2 to the 9% Indenture
                        dated as of November 19, 1997 (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 4.2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement of Form S-4 filed on September 8,
                        1997 (File No. 333-35137))
        4.3          -- Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993 (the "First Mortgage
                        Bond Indenture"), among Beverly Enterprises, Inc.,
                        Delaware Trust Company, as Corporate Trustee, and Richard
                        N. Smith, as Individual Trustee, with respect to First
                        Mortgage Bonds (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
                        to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form
                        10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993)
        4.4          -- First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993 to
                        the First Mortgage Bond Indenture, with respect to 8 3/4%
                        First Mortgage Bonds due 2008 (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 4.2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly
                        Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1993)
        4.5          -- Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1993 to
                        the First Mortgage Bond Indenture, with respect to 8 5/8%
                        First Mortgage Bonds due 2008 (replaces Exhibit 4.1 to
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K
                        dated July 15, 1993)(incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        4.15 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on
                        Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993)
        4.6          -- Rights Agreement dated as of December 3, 1997, between
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as
                        Rights Agent
                        In accordance with item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K,
                        certain instruments pertaining to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s long-term obligations have not been filed; copies
                        thereof will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange
                        Commission upon request.
       10.1*         -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Annual Incentive Plan
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4
                        filed on February 13, 1995 (File No. 33-57663))
       10.2*         -- New Beverly Holdings, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan
                        (the "1997 LTIP") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        4.1 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration Statement
                        on Form S-8 filed on December 8, 1997 (File No.
                        333-41669))
       10.3*         -- Amendment No. 1 to the 1997 LTIP dated as of December 3,
                        1997
       10.4*         -- New Beverly Holdings, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock
                        Option Plan (the "Directors' Option Plan") (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on
                        December 12, 1997 (File No. 333-42131))
       10.5*         -- Amendment No. 1 to the Directors' Option Plan dated as of
                        December 3, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   58
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
       10.6*         -- Executive Medical Reimbursement Plan (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
                        31, 1987)
       10.7*         -- Amended and Restated Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive
                        Life Insurance Plan and Summary Plan Description (the
                        "Executive Life Plan") (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.7 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report
                        on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993)
       10.8*         -- Amendment No. 1, effective September 29, 1994, to the
                        Executive Life Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.10 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13, 1995 (File
                        No. 33-57663))
       10.9*         -- Executive Physicals Policy (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.8 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly
                        Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1993)
       10.10*        -- Amended and Restated Deferred Compensation Plan effective
                        July 18, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6
                        to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K
                        for the year ended December 31, 1991)
       10.11*        -- Amendment No. 1, effective September 29, 1994, to the
                        Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.13 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13, 1995 (File
                        No. 33-57663))
       10.12*        -- Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.9 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report
                        on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1987)
       10.13*        -- Amendment No. 1, effective as of July 1, 1991, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.8 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report
                        on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991)
       10.14*        -- Amendment No. 2, effective as of December 12, 1991, to
                        the Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 10.9 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1991)
       10.15*        -- Amendment No. 3, effective as of July 31, 1992, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.10 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992)
       10.16*        -- Amendment No. 4, effective as of January 1, 1993, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.18 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
       10.17*        -- Amendment No. 5, effective as of September 29, 1994, to
                        the Executive Retirement Plan (incorporated by reference
                        to Exhibit 10.19 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual
                        Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994)
       10.18*        -- Amendment No. 6, effective as of January 1, 1996, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan
       10.19*        -- Amendment No. 7, effective as of September 1, 1997, to
                        the Executive Retirement Plan
       10.20*        -- Amendment No. 8, dated as of December 11, 1997, to the
                        Executive Retirement Plan, changing its name to the
                        "Executive SavingsPlus Plan"
       10.21*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Supplemental Executive
                        Retirement Plan effective as of January 1, 1998
       10.22*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Executive Deferred
                        Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        4.1 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration Statement
                        on Form S-8 filed on December 5, 1997 (File No.
                        333-41673))
       10.23*        -- Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Deferred Compensation
                        Plan made as of December 11, 1997
       10.24*        -- Amendment No. 2 to the Executive Deferred Compensation
                        Plan made as of December 11, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   59
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
       10.25*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Non-Employee Director Deferred
                        Compensation Plan (the "Directors' Plan")(incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
                        30, 1997)
       10.26*        -- Amendment No. 1, effective as of December 3, 1997, to the
                        Directors' Plan
       10.27*        -- Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Supplemental Long-Term
                        Disability Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.24 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Annual Report on
                        Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996)
       10.28*        -- Form of Indemnification Agreement between Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. and its officers, directors and certain
                        of its employees (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        19.14 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on
                        Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1987)
       10.29*        -- Form of request by Beverly Enterprises, Inc. to certain
                        of its officers or directors relating to indemnification
                        rights (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.5 to
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                        for the quarter ended September 30, 1987)
       10.30*        -- Form of request by Beverly Enterprises, Inc. to certain
                        of its officers or employees relating to indemnification
                        rights (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.6 to
                        Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
                        for the quarter ended September 30, 1987)
       10.31*        -- Agreement dated December 29, 1986 between Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. and Stephens Inc. (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on January 18,
                        1990 (File No. 33-33052))
       10.32*        -- Employment Contract, made as of August 22, 1997, between
                        New Beverly Holdings, Inc. and David R. Banks
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment
                        No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 22, 1997 (File
                        No. 333-28521))
       10.33*        -- Form of Employment Contract, made as of August 22, 1997,
                        between New Beverly Holdings, Inc. and certain of its
                        officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to
                        Amendment No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on September 22,
                        1997 (File No. 333-28521))
       10.34         -- Master Lease Document -- General Terms and Conditions
                        dated December 30, 1985 for Leases between Beverly
                        California Corporation and various subsidiaries thereof
                        as lessees and Beverly Investment Properties, Inc. as
                        lessor (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to
                        Beverly California Corporation's Annual Report on Form
                        10-K for the year ended December 31, 1985)
       10.35         -- Agreement dated as of December 29, 1986 among Beverly
                        California Corporation, Beverly Enterprises -- Texas,
                        Inc., Stephens Inc. and Real Properties, Inc.
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 to Beverly
                        California Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
                        December 30, 1986) and letter agreement dated as of July
                        31, 1987 among Beverly Enterprises, Inc., Beverly
                        California Corporation, Beverly Enterprises -- Texas,
                        Inc. and Stephens Inc. with reference thereto
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19.13 to Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                        quarter ended June 30, 1987)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   60
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
      NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
      -------                                -----------
<C>                  <S>
       10.36         -- Participation Agreement, dated as of March 21, 1997,
                        among Vantage Healthcare Corporation, Petersen Health
                        Care, Inc., Beverly Savana Cay Manor, Inc., Beverly
                        Enterprises -- Georgia, Inc., and Beverly
                        Enterprises -- California, Inc. as Lessees and Structural
                        Guarantors; Beverly Enterprises, Inc. as Representative,
                        Construction Agent and Parent Guarantor; BMO Leasing
                        (U.S.), Inc. as Agent Lessor and Lessor; The Long-Term
                        Credit Bank of Japan, LTD., Los Angeles Agency and Bank
                        of Montreal, as Lenders; The Long-Term Credit Bank of
                        Japan, LTD., Los Angeles Agency as Arranger and
                        Administrative Agent for the Lenders; and Bank of
                        Montreal as Co-Arranger and Syndication Agent with
                        respect to the Lease Financing of Assisted Living and
                        Nursing Facilities for Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
                        (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
                        quarter ended June 30, 1997)
       10.37         -- Amendment No. 1 and Waiver to Participation Agreement,
                        dated as of May 27, 1997 (incorporated by reference to
                        Exhibit 10.31 to Amendment No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on
                        September 22, 1997 (File No. 333-28521))
       10.38         -- Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement, dated as of
                        August 20, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.32 to Amendment No. 2 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement of Form S-1 filed on September 22,
                        1997 (File No. 333-28521))
       10.39         -- Trust Indenture dated as of December 1, 1994 from Beverly
                        Funding Corporation, as Issuer, to Chemical Bank, as
                        Trustee (the "Chemical Indenture") (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10.45 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13,
                        1995 (File No. 33-57663))
       10.40         -- Series Supplement dated as of December 1, 1994 to the
                        Chemical Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
                        10.46 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s Registration
                        Statement on Form S-4 filed on February 13, 1995 (File
                        No. 33-57663))
       10.41         -- Data Processing Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1992, by
                        and between Systematics Telecommunications Services, Inc.
                        and Beverly California Corporation (incorporated by
                        reference to Exhibit 10 to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.'s
                        Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
                        30, 1992)
       10.42         -- Form of Irrevocable Trust Agreement for the Beverly
                        Enterprises, Inc. Executive Benefits Plan (incorporated
                        by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Beverly Enterprises,
                        Inc.'s Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed on
                        February 13, 1995 (File No. 33-57663))
       11.1          -- Computation of Net Income (Loss) Per Share for the years
                        ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993
       21.1          -- Subsidiaries of Registrant
       23.1          -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
       27.1          -- Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31,
                        1997
       27.2          -- Restated Financial Data Schedule for the year ended
                        December 31, 1996
       27.3          -- Restated Financial Data Schedule for the year ended
                        December 31, 1995
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Exhibits 10.1 through 10.33 are the management contracts, compensatory plans,
  contracts and arrangements in which any director or named executive officer
  participates.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.1


                      RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                           NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.


        The undersigned, Robert W. Pommerville and Holly A. Odom, certify that
they are the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and the
Assistant Secretary, respectively, of New Beverly Holdings, Inc., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the
"Corporation"), and do hereby further certify as follows:

            1. The name of the Corporation is New Beverly Holdings, Inc., the
        name under which it was originally incorporated.

            2. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was
        filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
        on April 15, 1997.

            3. This Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted by
        stockholder vote in accordance with Sections 228, 242 and 245 of the
        General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

            4. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation
        as amended hereby is restated to read in its entirety, as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

        The name of the Corporation is New Beverly Holdings, Inc.

                                   ARTICLE II

        The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is
located at 1013 Centre Road, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle,
19805. The name of the Corporation's registered agent is Corporation Service
Company.

                                   ARTICLE III

        The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or
activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation
Law of the State of Delaware.

                                   ARTICLE IV

        1. The total number of shares which the Corporation shall have authority
to issue is Three Hundred Twenty-Five Million (325,000,000), consisting of
Twenty-Five Million (25,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value One Dollar
($1.00) per share (the "Preferred

                                        1

<PAGE>   2

Stock"), and Three Hundred Million (300,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par
value Ten Cents ($.10) per share (the "Common Stock").

        2. The shares of Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one
or more series. The Board of Directors hereby is authorized to establish from
time to time by resolution or resolutions and, if and to the extent from time to
time required by law, by filing a certificate pursuant to the applicable law of
the State of Delaware, the number of shares to be included in each such series,
and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights of the shares of
each such series and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof,
including but not limited to the fixing or alteration of the dividend rights,
dividend rate or rates, conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of
redemption (including sinking fund provisions), the redemption price or prices,
and the liquidation preferences, in each case, if any, of any wholly unissued
series of shares of Preferred Stock; and to increase or decrease the number of
shares of any series subsequent to the issue of shares of such series then
outstanding. In case the number of shares of any series shall be so decreased,
the shares constituting such decrease shall resume the status of authorized but
unissued shares of Preferred Stock without designation as to series.

                                    ARTICLE V

        The number of directors which shall comprise the full Board of Directors
of the Corporation may be fixed in the manner provided in the By-Laws of the
Corporation.

                                   ARTICLE VI

        Unless and except to the extent that the By-Laws of the Corporation
shall so require, the election of directors of the Corporation need not be by
written ballot.

                                   ARTICLE VII

        In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the laws
of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized and
empowered to make, alter and repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation, subject to
the power of the stockholders of the Corporation to alter or repeal any by-law
made by the Board of Directors.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

        No action of stockholders of the Corporation required to be taken or
which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the
Corporation may be taken without a meeting, prior notice and a vote, and the
power of the stockholders to consent in writing, without a meeting, to the
taking of any action is specifically denied.



                                        2

<PAGE>   3

                                   ARTICLE IX

        Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose or purposes
whatsoever may be called at any time, but only by a majority of the Board of
Directors, the Chairman of the Board or the President of the Corporation.

                                    ARTICLE X

        To the full extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, the
Corporation may lend money to, or guarantee any obligation of, or otherwise
assist any director, officer or employee of the Corporation or of its subsidiary
or subsidiaries, whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, such loan,
guaranty or assistance may reasonably be expected to benefit the Corporation.
Any loan, guaranty or other assistance may be with or without interest, and may
be unsecured, or secured in such manner as the Board of Directors shall approve,
including, without limitation, a pledge of shares of stock of the Corporation.
Nothing in this Article shall be deemed to deny, limit or restrict the powers of
guaranty or warranty of the Corporation at law or under any statute.

                                   ARTICLE XI

        1.     Vote Required for Certain Business Combinations.

        (a)    For purposes of this Article:

               (i) "Affiliate" and "beneficial owner" are used herein as defined
        in Rule 12b-2 and Rule 13d-3, respectively, under the Securities
        Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, ("1934 Act"). The term "Affiliate" as
        used herein shall exclude the Corporation, but shall include the
        definition of "Associate" as contained in said Rule 12b-2.

               (ii) An "Interested Shareholder" is a Person other than the
        Corporation or any subsidiary who is (A) the beneficial owner, directly
        or indirectly, of ten percent (10%) or more of the capital stock of the
        Corporation entitled to vote generally for the election of directors
        ("Voting Stock"), or (B) an Affiliate of the Corporation and (1) at any
        time within a two-year period prior to the record date to vote on a
        Business Combination was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly,
        of ten percent (10%) or more of the Voting Stock, or (2) at the
        completion of the Business Combination will be the beneficial owner of
        ten percent (10%) or more of the Voting Stock.

               (iii) A "Person" is a natural person or a legal entity of any
        kind, together with an Affiliate of such person or entity, or any person
        or entity with whom such person, entity or an Affiliate has any
        agreement or understanding relating to acquiring, voting, or holding
        Voting Stock.


                                        3

<PAGE>   4

               (iv) A "Disinterested Director" is a member of the Board of
        Directors of the Corporation (other than the Interested Shareholder) who
        was a director prior to the time the Interested Shareholder became an
        Interested Shareholder, or any director who was recommended for election
        by the Disinterested Directors. Any action to be taken by the
        Disinterested Directors shall require the affirmative vote of at least a
        majority of the Disinterested Directors.

               (v) A "Business Combination" is (A) a merger or consolidation of
        the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries with or into an Interested
        Shareholder; (B) the sale, lease, exchange, pledge, transfer or other
        disposition (1) by the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries of all or
        a Substantial Part of the Corporation's Assets to an Interested
        Shareholder, or (2) by an Interested Shareholder of any of its assets,
        except in the ordinary course of business, to the Corporation or any of
        its subsidiaries other than in connection with the exercise of rights or
        conversion of securities exercisable or convertible into securities of
        the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation, which exercisable
        rights or convertible securities were distributed on a pro rata basis to
        all holders of the Voting Stock of the same class held by the Interested
        Shareholder; (C) the issuance of stock or other securities of the
        Corporation or any of its subsidiaries to an Interested Shareholder,
        other than on a pro rata basis to all holders of Voting Stock of the
        same class held by the Interested Shareholder or other than upon
        exercise of rights or conversion of securities which were distributed on
        a pro rata basis to all holders of the Voting Stock of the same class
        held by the Interested Shareholder; (D) the adoption of any plan or
        proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation proposed
        by or on behalf of an Interested Shareholder; (E) any reclassification
        of securities, recapitalization, merger or consolidation or other
        transaction which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing
        the proportionate share by more than one percent (1%) of any Voting
        Stock beneficially owned by an Interested Shareholder; or (F) any
        agreement, contract or other arrangement providing for any of the
        foregoing transactions.

               (vi) A "Substantial Part of the Corporation's Assets" shall mean
        assets of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries in an amount equal
        to thirty percent (30%) or more of the fair market value, as determined
        by the Disinterested Directors, of the total consolidated assets of the
        Corporation and its subsidiaries taken as a whole as of the end of its
        most recent fiscal year ended prior to the time the determination is
        made.

        (b)    Subject to the provisions of any series of Preferred Stock which
may at the time be outstanding and in addition to any affirmative vote required
by law, the affirmative vote of not less than eighty percent (80%) of the Voting
Stock shall be required for the adoption or authorization of a Business
Combination, unless:

               (i)     a majority of the Disinterested Directors determine that:

                       (A) The Interested Shareholder is the beneficial owner of
               not less than

                                        4

<PAGE>   5

               eighty percent (80%) of the Voting Stock and has declared its
               intention to vote in favor of or approve such Business
               Combination; or

                       (B)(1) The fair market value of the consideration per
               share to be received or retained by the holders of each class or
               series of stock of the Corporation in a Business Combination is
               not less than the highest price per share (including brokerage
               commissions, transfer taxes and soliciting dealer's fees) paid by
               such Interested Shareholder for any shares of such class of stock
               within the two-year period prior to the Business Combination,
               whether before or after the Interested Shareholder became an
               Interested Shareholder; and (2) the Interested Shareholder shall
               not have received the benefit, directly or indirectly (except
               proportionately as a stockholder), of any loans, advances,
               guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance provided by the
               Corporation, whether in anticipation of or in connection with
               such Business Combination or otherwise; or

               (ii) The Business Combination has been approved by a majority of
        the Disinterested Directors.

        (c)    In the event any vote of holders of Voting Stock is required for
the adoption or approval of any Business Combination, a proxy or information
statement describing the Business Combination and complying with the
requirements of the 1934 Act shall be mailed at a date determined by the
Disinterested Directors to all stockholders of the Corporation whether or not
such statement is required under the 1934 Act. The statement shall contain any
recommendations as to the advisability (or inadvisability) of the Business
Combination which the Disinterested Directors, or any of them, may choose to
state and, if deemed advisable by the Disinterested Directors, an opinion of a
reputable national investment banking firm as to the fairness of the terms of
such Business Combination. Such firm shall be selected by a majority of the
Disinterested Directors and paid a reasonable fee for its services by the
Corporation as approved by the Disinterested Directors.

        2. Amendment, Repeal, etc. Notwithstanding anything contained in this
Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the By-Laws of the Corporation to the
contrary, the alteration, change, amendment or repeal of any provision of this
Article or adoption of any provisions inconsistent with this Article shall
require the affirmative vote of the holders of eighty percent (80%) of the
combined voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a
single class.

                                   ARTICLE XII

        1. Prevention of Greenmail. Any direct or indirect purchase or other
acquisition by the Corporation of any Voting Stock (as defined in Article XI) of
any class from any Interested Shareholder (as hereinafter defined) at a price in
excess of the Market Price (as hereinafter defined) shall, except as hereinafter
provided, require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least

                                        5

<PAGE>   6

a majority of the combined voting power of the Voting Stock, voting as a single
class. Such affirmative vote shall be required notwithstanding the fact that no
vote may be required, or that a lesser percentage may be specified, by law or in
any agreement with any national securities exchange, or otherwise, but no such
affirmative vote shall be required with respect to any purchase or other
acquisition of securities made as part of (a) a tender or exchange offer by the
Corporation to purchase securities of the same class made on the same terms to
all holders of such securities and complying with the applicable requirements of
the United States securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, (b) the redemption of any shares of Preferred Stock pursuant to the
provisions of Article IV of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any
Certificate of Designation with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, or (c)
pursuant to a publicly announced share repurchase program.

        2.  Prevention of Self-Dealing. In addition to any action including any
vote by stockholders, required by law or this Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, the approval or authorization of any Self-Dealing Transaction (as
hereinafter defined) shall require either (a) the approval of a majority of
Disinterest Directors (as defined in Article XI) or (b) the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least a majority of the combined voting power of the Voting
Stock, voting together as a single class.

        3.  Certain Definitions. For the purpose of this Article:

        (a) "Interested Shareholder" shall mean any person (other than the
Corporation or any subsidiary) who or which:

            (i)  is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of five percent
        (5%) or more of the outstanding Voting Stock; or

            (ii) is an Affiliate of the Corporation and at any time within
        the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question was the
        beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of five percent (5%) or more
        of the outstanding Voting Stock.

        (b) "Affiliates" and "beneficial owner" are used herein as defined in
Rule 12b-2 and Rule 13d-3, respectively, under the 1934 Act. The term
"Affiliate" as used herein shall exclude the Corporation, but shall include the
definition of "Associate" as contained in said Rule 12b-2.

        (c) In determining whether a person is an Interested Shareholder
pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section 3, (i) such person (the "Shareholder")
shall be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any Voting Stock (A) of which any
Affiliate of the Shareholder is the beneficial owner, (B) of which any other
person is the beneficial owner and with which the Shareholder or any of the
Shareholder's Affiliates had any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the
purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any Voting Stock or (C) of
which any other person is the beneficial owner as a result of the assignment by
or succession from the Shareholder within the two-year period immediately prior
to the date in question which shall have occurred in the

                                        6

<PAGE>   7

course of a transaction or series of transactions not involving a public
offering within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, and (ii) any class of
Voting Stock outstanding shall be deemed to include any Voting Stock deemed
owned through application of clause (i) of this paragraph (c) but shall not
include any other securities of such class which may be issuable pursuant to any
agreement, arrangement or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights,
warrants or options, or otherwise.

        (d) "Self-Dealing Transaction" means any of the following transactions:

            (i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or any
        Subsidiary with (A) any Interested Shareholder or (B) any other
        corporation (whether or not itself an Interested Shareholder) which is,
        or after such merger or consolidation would be, an Affiliate of an
        Interested Shareholder; or

            (ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other
        disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) to or with
        any Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate of any Interested
        Shareholder of any assets of the Corporation or any Subsidiary having an
        aggregate fair market value of $100,000,000 or more or any loan,
        advance, guarantee or other financial assistance, including any tax
        credit or other tax advantages, to or with any Interested Shareholder or
        any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder which involves a financial
        obligation or benefit of $100,000,000 or more; or

            (iii) the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or any Subsidiary
        (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of any securities of
        the Corporation or any Subsidiary to any Interested Shareholder or any
        Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder in exchange for cash, securities
        or other property (or a combination thereof) having an aggregate fair
        market value of $100,000,000 or more; or

            (iv) the adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation or
        dissolution of the Corporation proposed by or on behalf of any
        Interested Shareholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder;
        or

            (v) any reclassification of securities (including any reverse stock
        split), or recapitalization of the Corporation, or any merger or
        consolidation of the Corporation with any of its Subsidiaries or any
        other transaction (whether or not with or into or otherwise involving an
        Interested Shareholder) which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of
        increasing the proportionate share by more than one percent (1%) of the
        outstanding shares of any class of Voting Stock of the Corporation or
        any Subsidiary which is directly or indirectly owned by an Interested
        Shareholder or any Affiliate of any Interested Shareholder.

        (e) "Subsidiary" means any corporation of which a majority of any class
of shares of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation; provided,
however, that for the purposes of the definition of Interested Shareholder

                                        7

<PAGE>   8

set forth in paragraph (a) of this Section 3, the term "Subsidiary" shall mean
only a corporation of which a majority of the combined voting power of all
shares of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of
directors is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

        (f) "Market Price" means the average of the closing sale prices on the
20 regular trading days immediately preceding the date of any binding agreement
to purchase shares of Voting Stock of the class of Voting Stock in question on
the Composite Tape for New York Stock Exchange- Listed Stocks, or, if such class
of Voting Stock is not quoted on the Composite Tape, on the New York Stock
Exchange, or, if such class of Voting Stock is not listed on such Exchange, on
the principal United States securities exchange registered under the 1934 Act,
on which such class of Voting Stock is listed, or, if such class of Voting Stock
is not listed on any such exchange, the last closing bid quotations with respect
to a share of such class of Voting Stock immediately preceding the time in
question on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated
Quotations System or any system then in use (or any other system of reporting or
ascertaining quotations then available), or if such class of Voting Stock is not
so quoted, the fair market value at the time in question of such stock as
determined by the Board of Directors in good faith.

        4. Powers of the Board of Directors. A majority of the Disinterested
Directors, or, if there are no Disinterested Directors, a majority of the
members of the Board of Directors then in office, shall have the power to
determine, for the purpose of this Article, on the basis of information known to
them, (a) whether a person is an Interested Shareholder, (b) the number of
shares of Voting Stock beneficially owned by any person, (c) whether a person is
an Affiliate or Associate of another, and (d) whether the assets or financial
obligations or benefits which are the subject of any Self- Dealing Transaction
have, or the consideration to be received for the issuance or transfer of
securities by the Corporation or any Subsidiary in any Self-Dealing Transaction
has, an aggregate fair market value of or involve $100,000,000 or more. A
majority of the Disinterested Directors, a majority of the members of the Board
of Directors then in office, shall have the further power to interpret all of
the terms and provisions of this Article.

                                  ARTICLE XIII

        The Corporation shall indemnify to the full extent permitted by law
(such as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended) any person made, or
threatened to be made, a defendant or witness to any action, suit or proceeding
(whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative), by reason of the
fact that such person is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or by
reason of the fact that such director or officer, at the request of the
Corporation, is or was serving any other corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, in any capacity.

        Any amendment, repeal, or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall
not adversely affect any right or protection of such person existing hereunder
with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such amendment, repeal,
or modification.


                                        8

<PAGE>   9

                                   ARTICLE XIV

        A director of this Corporation shall not be liable to the Corporation or
its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a
director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation
thereof is not permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law as the same
exists or may hereafter be amended.

        Any amendment, repeal, or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall
not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation
existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such
amendment, repeal, or modification.

                                   ARTICLE XV

        Subject to the provisions of Article XI, the Corporation reserves the
right at any time, and from time to time, to amend, alter, change or repeal any
provision contained in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, and other
provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force
may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by law; and
all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon
stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this
Restated Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter
amended are granted subject to the rights reserved in this Article.

                                   ARTICLE XVI

        The Board of Directors of the Corporation is authorized from time to
time to enact by resolution, without additional authorization by the
stockholders of the Corporation, by-laws of the Corporation, in such form and
with such additional terms as the Board of Directors may determine, with respect
to, among other things, the matters of corporate proceeding set forth below:

               (a) Regulation of the procedure for submitting nominations of
        persons to be elected directors, including requirements that nominations
        of persons to be elected directors, other than nominations submitted on
        behalf of the incumbent Board of Directors, be (i) by notice in writing
        containing such information as the Board of Directors determines, and
        (ii) submitted to the corporate secretary or other designated officer or
        agent of the Corporation that number of days before the meeting of the
        stockholders at which such election is to be held as is specified in
        such by-law.

               (b) Regulation of the procedure for introducing business to be
        brought before any annual or special meetings of the stockholders of the
        corporation, other than business introduced by the Corporation.



                                        9

<PAGE>   10

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument this
21st day of November, 1997.


                                            ------------------------------------
                                               Robert W. Pommerville
                                               Executive Vice President, General
                                               Counsel and Secretary

Attest:



- -----------------------------------
        Holly A. Odom
        Assistant Secretary



                                       10

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 3.2


                            CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
                                       OF
                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
                                       OF
                           NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.

        The undersigned, Robert W. Pommerville and Holly A. Odom, certify that
they are the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and the
Assistant Secretary, respectively, of New Beverly Holdings, Inc., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the
"Corporation"), and do hereby further certify as follows:

        1. The name of the Corporation is currently New Beverly Holdings, Inc.,
        the name under which it was originally incorporated.

        2. The original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was
        filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
        on April 15, 1997.

        3. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was
        filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware
        on November 21, 1997.

        4. This Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation was
        duly adopted by the sole stockholder of the Corporation in accordance
        with Section 228 and 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
        Delaware.

        5. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is
        amended hereby by changing Article I thereof so that, as amended said
        Article shall be and read as follows:

                                   "ARTICLE I

            The name of the Corporation is Beverly Enterprises, Inc."

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument as of
this ____ day of December, 1997.


                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Robert W. Pommerville
                                   Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
                                   Secretary

Attest:


- ---------------------------
Holly A. Odom
Assistant Secretary

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.6

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





                           NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.


                                       and


                              THE BANK OF NEW YORK

                                 as Rights Agent




                                Rights Agreement

                          Dated as of December 3, 1997





================================================================================
<PAGE>   2


                                RIGHTS AGREEMENT

     Agreement, dated as of December 3, 1997 between NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.,
A DELAWARE CORPORATION (the "Company"), and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, A NEW YORK
BANKING CORPORATION, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent").

                                    RECITALS

     The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized and declared a
dividend of one right (a "Right") for each Common Share (as defined in Section
1.6) of the Company outstanding at the close of business on December 3, 1997
(the "Record Date") and has authorized the issuance of one Right with respect to
each Common Share that shall become outstanding between the Record Date and the
earliest of the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date and the Final Expiration
Date (as such terms are defined in Sections 3.1 and 7.1), each Right initially
representing the right to purchase one Common Share.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:

     Section 1.  Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Rights Agreement, the
following terms have the meanings indicated:

             1.1 "Acquiring Person" shall mean any Person (as such term is
hereinafter defined) who or which, together with all Affiliates and Associates
(as such terms are hereinafter defined) of such Person, shall be the Beneficial
Owner (as such term is hereinafter defined) of 15% or more of the Common Shares
of the Company then outstanding but shall not include the Company, any
Subsidiary of the Company or any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any
Subsidiary of the Company or any entity holding shares of capital stock of the
Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan, in its capacity as an
agent or trustee for any such plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Person
shall become an "Acquiring Person" as the result of an acquisition of Common
Shares by the Company which, by reducing the number of shares outstanding,
increases the proportionate number of shares beneficially owned by such Person
to 15% or more of the Common Shares of the Company then outstanding; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if a Person shall become the Beneficial Owner of 15% or more of
the Common Shares of the Company then outstanding solely by reason of share
purchases by the Company and shall, after such share purchases by the Company,
become the Beneficial Owner of any additional Common Shares of the Company, then
such Person shall be deemed to be an "Acquiring Person." Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith
that a Person who would otherwise be an "Acquiring Person," as defined pursuant
to the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.1, has become such inadvertently,
and such Person divests as promptly as practicable a sufficient number of Common
Shares so that such Person would no longer be an Acquiring Person, as defined
pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 1.1, then such Person shall
not be deemed to be an "Acquiring Person" at any time for any purposes of this
Agreement.



<PAGE>   3


             1.2 "Affiliate" and "Associate" shall have the respective meanings
ascribed to such terms in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations, as in
effect on the date of this Rights Agreement, under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

             1.3 A Person shall be deemed the "Beneficial Owner" of and shall be
deemed to "beneficially own" any securities:

                 (i) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
         Associates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly (as determined
         pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the
         Exchange Act as in effect on the date of this Agreement);

                 (ii) which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or
         Associates, directly or indirectly, has (A) the right to acquire
         (whether such right is exercisable immediately, or only after the
         passage of time, compliance with regulatory requirements, fulfillment
         of a condition or otherwise) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or
         understanding, whether or not in writing (other than customary
         agreements with and between underwriters and selling group members with
         respect to a bona fide public offering of securities), or upon the
         exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, rights (other than the
         Rights), warrants or options, or otherwise; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a
         Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially
         own, (1) securities tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer
         made by or on behalf of such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates
         or Associates until such tendered securities are accepted for purchase
         or exchange or (2) securities which such Person or any of such Person's
         Affiliates or Associates may acquire, does or do acquire or may be
         deemed to have the right to acquire, pursuant to any merger or other
         acquisition agreement between the Company and such Person (or one or
         more of his Affiliates or Associates) if such agreement has been
         approved by the Board of Directors of the Company prior to such
         Person's becoming an Acquiring Person; or (B) the right to vote
         pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (whether or not
         in writing); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a Person shall not be deemed the
         Beneficial Owner of, or to beneficially own, any security under this
         clause (B) if the agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such
         security (1) arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given to
         such Person in response to a public proxy or consent solicitation made
         pursuant to, and in accordance with, the applicable rules and
         regulations of the Exchange Act and (2) is not also then reportable on
         Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act (or any comparable or successor
         report); or

                 (iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by
         any other Person (or any Affiliate or Associate thereof) with which
         such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates or Associates has any
         agreement, arrangement or understanding (other than customary
         agreements with and between underwriters and selling group members with
         respect to a bona fide public offering of securities), whether or not
         in writing, for the

                                        2

<PAGE>   4


         purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except pursuant to a revocable
         proxy as described in the proviso to Section 1.3(ii)(B)) or disposing
         of any securities of the Company.

             1.4 "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday,
Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are
authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

             1.5 "Close of Business" on any given date shall mean 5:00 p.m., New
York City time, on such date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if such date is not a
Business Day it shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the next succeeding
Business Day.

             1.6 "Common Shares" when used with reference to the Company shall
mean the shares of common stock, par value $.10 per share, of the Company.
"Common Shares" when used with reference to any Person other than the Company
shall mean the capital stock with the greatest voting power, or the equity
securities or other equity interest having power to control or direct the
management, of such other Person or, if such Person is a Subsidiary of another
Person, the Person or Persons which ultimately control such first-mentioned
Person, and which has issued and outstanding such capital stock, equity
securities or equity interest.

             1.7 "Continuing Director" shall mean (i) any member of the Board of
Directors of the Company, while such Person is a member of the Board, who is not
an Acquiring Person, or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person, or an
employee, director, representative, nominee or designee of any Acquiring Person
or of any such Affiliate or Associate, and was a member of the Board prior to
the time that any Person becomes an Acquiring Person or (ii) any Person (during
such period in which such Person is a member of the Board) who, after the time
that any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, becomes a member of the Board and
who is not an Acquiring Person, or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring
Person, or an employee, director, representative, nominee or designee of an
Acquiring Person or of any such Affiliate or Associate, if such Person's
nomination for election or election to the Board is recommended or approved by a
majority of the Continuing Directors.

             1.8 "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company, firm, corporation, unassociated association, trust or
other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such
entity.

             1.9 "Shares Acquisition Date" shall mean the first date of public
announcement (which, for purposes of this definition, shall include, without
limitation, the filing of a report pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act
or pursuant to a comparable successor statute) by the Company or an Acquiring
Person that an Acquiring Person has become such or that discloses information
which reveals the existence of an Acquiring Person.


                                        3

<PAGE>   5

             1.10 "Subsidiary" of any Person shall mean any corporation or other
entity of which a majority of the voting power of the voting equity securities
or equity interests is owned, of record or beneficially, directly or indirectly,
by such Person.

             1.11 A "Trigger Event" shall be deemed to have occurred upon any
Person becoming an Acquiring Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Trigger
Event shall not be deemed to have occurred if the event causing the 15%
ownership threshold to be crossed is an acquisition of Common Shares made
pursuant to a cash tender offer made pursuant to the rules and regulations under
the Exchange Act and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
Schedule 14D-1 (or any successor form) for all outstanding Common Shares not
beneficially owned by the Person making such offer (or by its Affiliates or
Associates) so long as the Board of Directors of the Company determines, after
receiving advice from one or more investment banking firms, that such offer is
(i) at a price and on terms which are fair to stockholders (taking into account
all factors which such members of the Board deem relevant, including without
limitation, prices which could reasonably be achieved if the Company or its
assets were sold on an orderly basis designed to realize maximum value) and (ii)
otherwise in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that there must be Continuing Directors then in office and any such
determination shall require the concurrence of a majority of such Continuing
Directors.

             1.12 The following terms shall have the meanings defined for such
terms in the Sections set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                  Term                                                 Section
                  <S>                                                  <C>
                  Adjustment Shares                                    11.1.2
                  common stock equivalent                              11.1.3
                  Company                                              Recitals
                  current per share market price                       11.4
                  Current Value                                        11.1.3
                  Distribution Date                                    3.1
                  Exchange Act                                         1.2
                  Exchange Consideration                               27
                  Final Expiration Date                                7.1
                  NASDAQ                                               9
                  Purchase Price                                       4
                  Record Date                                          Recitals
                  Redemption Date                                      7.1
                  Redemption Price                                     23.1
                  Right                                                Recitals
                  Right Certificate                                    3.1
                  Rights Agent                                         Recitals
                  Spread                                               11.1.3
                  Substitution Period                                  11.1.3
                  Summary of Rights                                    3.2
                  Trading Day                                          11.4
</TABLE>

                                       4
<PAGE>   6

     Section 2. Appointment of Rights Agent. The Company hereby appoints the
Rights Agent to act as agent for the Company and the holders of the Rights (who,
in accordance with Section 3, shall prior to the Distribution Date also be the
holders of the Common Shares) in accordance with the terms and conditions
hereof, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The Company may
from time to time appoint such co-Rights Agents as it may deem necessary or
desirable upon ten (10) days' prior written notice to the Rights Agent. The
Rights Agent shall have no duty to supervise, and shall in no event be liable
for, the acts or omissions of any such co-Rights Agent. In the event the Company
appoints one or more co-Rights Agents, the respective duties of the Rights Agent
and any co-Rights Agent shall be as the Company shall determine.
Contemporaneously with such appointment, if any, the Company shall notify the
Rights Agent thereof.

     Section 3. Issuance of Right Certificates.

            3.1 Rights Evidenced by Share Certificates. Until the earlier of
(i) the tenth day after the Shares Acquisition Date or (ii) the tenth day after
the date of the commencement of, or first public announcement of the intent of
any Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, any employee
benefit plan of the Company or of any Subsidiary of the Company or any entity
holding shares of capital stock of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of
any such plan, in its capacity as an agent or trustee for any such plan) to
commence, a tender or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in
any Person becoming the Beneficial Owner of Common Shares aggregating 15% or
more of the then outstanding Common Shares of the Company (the earlier of (i)
and (ii) being herein referred to as the "Distribution Date," whether or not
either such date occurs prior to the Record Date), (x) the Rights (unless
earlier expired, redeemed or terminated) will be evidenced (subject to the
provisions of Section 3.2) by the certificates for Common Shares registered in
the names of the holders thereof (which certificates for Common Shares shall
also be deemed to be Right Certificates) and not by separate certificates, and
(y) the Rights (and the right to receive certificates therefor) will be
transferable only in connection with the transfer of the underlying Common
Shares. The preceding sentence notwithstanding, prior to the Distribution Date
specified therein (or such later Distribution Date as the Board of Directors of
the Company may select pursuant to this sentence), the Board of Directors of the
Company may postpone, one or more times, the Distribution Date beyond the
earlier of the dates set forth in such preceding sentence; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that there must be Continuing Directors then in office and any such postponement
shall require the approval of at least a majority of such Continuing Directors.
As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, the Rights Agent will send,
by first-class, postage-prepaid mail, to each record holder of Common Shares as
of the close of business on the Distribution Date, at the address of such holder
shown on the records of the Company, a certificate for Rights, in substantially
the form of Exhibit A hereto (a "Right Certificate"), evidencing one Right for
each Common Share so held. As of the

                                        5

<PAGE>   7

Distribution Date, the Rights will be evidenced solely by such Right
Certificates. The Company shall give the Rights Agent prompt written notice of
the Distribution Date.

             3.2 Summary of Rights. On the Record Date or as soon as practicable
thereafter, the Company will send or cause to be sent a copy of a Summary of
Rights to Purchase Common Shares, in substantially the form attached hereto as
Exhibit B (the "Summary of Rights"), by first-class, postage-prepaid mail, to
each record holder of Common Shares as of the close of business on the Record
Date at the address of such holder shown on the records of the Company. With
respect to certificates for Common Shares outstanding as of the close of
business on the Record Date, until the Distribution Date (or the earlier
Redemption Date or Final Expiration Date), the Rights will be evidenced by such
certificates for Common Shares registered in the names of the holders thereof
together with a copy of the Summary of Rights and the registered holders of the
Common Shares shall also be registered holders of the associated Rights. Until
the Distribution Date (or the earlier Redemption Date or Final Expiration Date),
the surrender for transfer of any certificate for Common Shares outstanding at
the close of business on the Record Date, with or without a copy of the Summary
of Rights, shall also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the
Common Shares represented thereby.

             3.3 New Certificates After Record Date. Certificates for Common
Shares which become outstanding (whether upon issuance out of authorized but
unissued Common Shares, issuance out of treasury or transfer or exchange of
outstanding Common Shares) after the Record Date but prior to the earliest of
the Distribution Date, the Redemption Date or the Final Expiration Date, shall
be deemed also to be certificates for Rights, and shall have impressed, printed,
stamped, written or otherwise affixed onto them the following legend:

             This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to
             certain Rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement between New
             Beverly Holdings, Inc. and The Bank of New York, dated as of
             ________________, 1997, as the same may be amended from time to
             time (the "Rights Agreement"), the terms of which are hereby
             incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on file at
             the principal executive offices of New Beverly Holdings, Inc. Under
             certain circumstances, as set forth in the Rights Agreement, such
             Rights will be evidenced by separate certificates and will no
             longer be evidenced by this certificate. New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
             will mail to the holder of this certificate a copy of the Rights
             Agreement without charge after receipt of a written request
             therefor. As described in the Rights Agreement, Rights which are
             held by or have been held by Acquiring Persons or Associates or
             Affiliates thereof (as defined in the Rights Agreement) shall
             become null and void.


                                        6

<PAGE>   8

With respect to such certificates containing the foregoing legend, until the
Distribution Date (or the earlier Redemption Date or Final Expiration Date), the
Rights associated with the Common Shares represented by such certificates shall
be evidenced by such certificates and the surrender for transfer of any such
certificates shall also constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with
the Common Shares represented thereby. In the event that the Company purchases
or acquires any Common Shares after the Record Date but prior to the
Distribution Date, any Rights associated with such Common Shares shall be deemed
canceled and retired so that the Company shall not be entitled to exercise any
Rights associated with the Common Shares which are no longer outstanding.

     Section 4. Form of Right Certificates. The Right Certificates (and the
forms of election to purchase shares, certification and assignment to be printed
on the reverse thereof) shall be substantially the same as Exhibit A hereto and
may have such marks of identification or designation and such legends, summaries
or endorsements printed thereon as the Company may deem appropriate and as are
not inconsistent with the provisions of this Rights Agreement, or as may be
required to comply with any applicable law or with any rule or regulation made
pursuant thereto or with any rule or regulation of any stock exchange or trading
system on which the Rights may from time to time be listed or quoted, or to
conform to usage. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Right
Certificates, whenever issued, shall be dated as of the Record Date, and shall
show the date of countersignature by the Rights Agent, and on their face shall
entitle the holders thereof to purchase such number of Common Shares as shall be
set forth therein at the price per share set forth therein (the "Purchase
Price"), but the number and kind of such shares and the Purchase Price shall be
subject to adjustment as provided herein.

     Section 5. Countersignature and Registration. The Right Certificates shall
be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chairman of the Board of Directors,
the Chief Executive Officer, President or any Vice President, either manually or
by facsimile signature, and shall have affixed thereto the Company's seal or a
facsimile thereof which shall be attested by the Secretary or any Assistant
Secretary of the Company, either manually or by facsimile signature. The Right
Certificates shall be manually countersigned by an authorized signatory of the
Rights Agent, but it shall not be necessary for the same signatory to
countersign all of the Right Certificates hereunder. No Right Certificate shall
be valid for any purpose unless so countersigned. In case any officer of the
Company who shall have signed any of the Right Certificates shall cease to be
such officer of the Company before countersignature by the Rights Agent and
issuance and delivery by the Company, such Right Certificates, nevertheless, may
be countersigned by the Rights Agent, and issued and delivered by the Company
with the same force and effect as though the person who signed such Right
Certificates had not ceased to be such officer of the Company; and any Right
Certificate may be signed on behalf of the Company by any person who, at the
actual date of the execution of such Right Certificate, shall be a proper
officer of the Company to sign such Right Certificate, although at the date of
the execution of this Rights Agreement any such person was not such an officer.


                                        7

<PAGE>   9

     Following the Distribution Date, the Rights Agent will keep or cause to be
kept, at one of its offices in New York, books for registration and transfer of
the Right Certificates issued hereunder. Such books shall show the names and
addresses of the respective holders of the Right Certificates, the number of
Rights evidenced on its face by each of the Right Certificates, the number of
the Right Certificates and the date of each of the Right Certificates.

     Section 6. Transfer, Split Up, Combination and Exchange of Right
Certificates; Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Right Certificates. Subject
to the provisions of Section 11.1.2 and Section 14, at any time after the close
of business on the Distribution Date, and at or prior to the close of business
on the earlier of the Redemption Date or the Final Expiration Date, any Right
Certificate or Right Certificates (other than Right Certificates representing
Rights that have become void pursuant to Section 11.1.2 or that have been
exchanged pursuant to Section 27) may be transferred, split up or combined or
exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right Certificates, entitling the
registered holder to purchase a like number of Common Shares as the Right
Certificate or Right Certificates surrendered then entitled such holder to
purchase. Any registered holder desiring to transfer, split up or combine or
exchange any Right Certificate shall make such request in writing delivered to
the Rights Agent, and shall surrender, together with any required form of
assignment and certificate duly completed, the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates to be transferred, split up or combined or exchanged at the office
of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose. Neither the Rights Agent nor
the Company shall be obligated to take any action whatsoever with respect to the
transfer of any such surrendered Right Certificate or Right Certificates until
the registered holder shall have completed and signed the certificate contained
in the form of assignment on the reverse side of such Right Certificate or Right
Certificates and shall have provided such additional evidence of the identity of
the Beneficial Owner (or former Beneficial Owner) or Affiliates or Associates
thereof as the Company shall reasonably request. Thereupon the Rights Agent
shall countersign and deliver to the person entitled thereto a Right Certificate
or Right Certificates, as the case may be, as so requested. The Company may
require payment from the holders of Right Certificates of a sum sufficient to
cover any tax or governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any
transfer, split up or combination or exchange of such Right Certificates.

     Upon receipt by the Company and the Rights Agent of evidence reasonably
satisfactory to them of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of a Right
Certificate, and, in case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity or
security reasonably satisfactory to them, and, at the Company's request,
reimbursement to the Company and the Rights Agent of all reasonable expenses
incidental thereto, and upon surrender to the Rights Agent and cancellation of
the Right Certificate if mutilated, the Company will make and deliver a new
Right Certificate of like tenor to the Rights Agent for countersignature and
delivery to the registered owner in lieu of the Right Certificate so lost,
stolen, destroyed or mutilated.

                                        8

<PAGE>   10

     Section 7. Exercise of Rights; Purchase Price; Expiration Date of Rights.

            7.1 Exercise of Rights. Subject to Section 11.1.3, the registered
holder of any Right Certificate may exercise the Rights evidenced thereby
(except as otherwise provided herein) in whole or in part at any time after the
Distribution Date upon surrender of the Right Certificate, with the form of
election to purchase and certification on the reverse side thereof duly
executed, to the Rights Agent at the office of the Rights Agent designated for
such purpose, together with payment of the Purchase Price for each Common Share
as to which the Rights are exercised, at or prior to the earliest of (i) the
close of business on the Final Expiration Date (as such term is hereinafter
defined), (ii) the time at which the Rights are redeemed as provided in Section
23 (the "Redemption Date"), (iii) the closing of any merger or other acquisition
transaction involving the Company pursuant to an agreement of the type described
in Section 1.3(ii)(A)(2), at which time the Rights are deemed terminated, or
(iv) the time at which the Rights are exchanged as provided in Section 27. The
Final Expiration Date shall mean the date of the annual meeting of stockholders
in 1998 (the "1998 Meeting"), unless a proposal requiring extension of the Final
Expiration Date to the date of the annual meeting of stockholders in the year
2001 (the "2001 Meeting") shall have received the affirmative vote of a majority
of the shares voting thereon at the 1998 Meeting, in which case the Final
Expiration Date shall be extended to the 2001 Meeting.

            7.2 Purchase Price. The Purchase Price for each Common Share
pursuant to the exercise of a Right shall initially be $70, shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time as provided in Sections 11, 13 and 26 and shall be
payable in lawful money of the United States of America in accordance with
paragraph 7.3.

            7.3 Payment Procedures. Upon receipt of a Right Certificate
representing exercisable Rights, with the form of election to purchase and
certification duly executed, accompanied by payment of the Purchase Price for
the shares to be purchased and an amount equal to any applicable transfer tax
required to be paid by the holder of such Right Certificate in accordance with
Section 9, by certified or cashier's check or money order payable to the order
of the Company, the Rights Agent shall thereupon promptly (i) requisition from
any transfer agent of the Common Shares (or make available, if the Rights Agent
is the transfer agent) certificates for the number of Common Shares to be
purchased and the Company hereby irrevocably authorizes its transfer agent to
comply with all such requests, (ii) when appropriate, requisition from the
Company the amount of cash to be paid in lieu of the issuance of fractional
shares in accordance with Section 14, (iii) promptly after receipt of such
certificates, cause the same to be delivered to or upon the order of the
registered holder of such Right Certificate, registered in such name or names as
may be designated by such holder and (iv) when appropriate, after receipt,
promptly deliver such cash to or upon the order of the registered holder of such
Right Certificate. In the event that the Company is obligated to issue other
securities of the Company, pay cash and/or distribute other property pursuant to
Section 11.1.3, the Company will make all arrangements necessary so that such
other securities, cash and/or other property are available for distribution by
the Rights Agent, if and when appropriate.


                                        9

<PAGE>   11

             7.4 Partial Exercise. In case the registered holder of any Right
Certificate shall exercise less than all the Rights evidenced thereby, a new
Right Certificate evidencing Rights equivalent to the Rights remaining
unexercised shall be issued by the Rights Agent and delivered to the registered
holder of such Right Certificate or to his duly authorized assigns, subject to
the provisions of Section 14.

             7.5 Full Information Concerning Ownership. Notwithstanding anything
in this Rights Agreement to the contrary, neither the Rights Agent nor the
Company shall be obligated to undertake any action with respect to a registered
holder upon the occurrence of any purported exercise as set forth in this
Section 7 unless the certificate contained in the form of election to purchase
set forth on the reverse side of the Right Certificate surrendered for such
exercise shall have been duly completed and signed by the registered holder
thereof and the Company shall have been provided with such additional evidence
of the identity of the Beneficial Owner (or former Beneficial Owner) or
Affiliates or Associates thereof as the Company shall reasonably request.

     Section 8.  Cancellation and Destruction of Right Certificates. All Right
Certificates surrendered for the purpose of exercise, transfer, split up,
combination or exchange shall, if surrendered to the Company or to any of its
agents, be delivered to the Rights Agent for cancellation or in canceled form,
or, if surrendered to the Rights Agent, shall be canceled by it, and no Right
Certificates shall be issued in lieu thereof except as expressly permitted by
any of the provisions of this Rights Agreement. The Company shall deliver to the
Rights Agent for cancellation and retirement, and the Rights Agent shall so
cancel and retire, any other Right Certificate acquired by the Company otherwise
than upon the exercise thereof. The Rights Agent shall deliver all canceled
Right Certificates to the Company, or may, but shall not be required to, at the
written request of the Company, destroy such canceled Right Certificates, and in
such case shall deliver a certificate of destruction thereof to the Company.

     Section 9.  Reservation and Availability of Common Shares. The Company
covenants and agrees that it will cause to be reserved and kept available out of
its authorized and unissued Common Shares, or any authorized and issued Common
Shares held in its treasury, the number of Common Shares that will be sufficient
to permit the exercise in full of all outstanding Rights.

     So long as the Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of Rights may be
listed on any national securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter
market and quoted on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ"), the Company shall use its best efforts to
cause, from and after such time as the Rights become exercisable, all shares
reserved for such issuance to be listed on such exchange or so traded in such
over-the-counter market, upon official notice of issuance upon such exercise.

     The Company covenants and agrees that it will take all such action as may
be necessary to ensure that all Common Shares delivered upon exercise of Rights
shall, at the time of delivery of the certificates for such shares (subject to
payment of the Purchase Price), be duly and validly authorized and issued and
fully paid and nonassessable shares.

                                       10

<PAGE>   12

     The Company further covenants and agrees that it will pay when due and
payable any and all Federal and state transfer taxes and charges which may be
payable in respect of the issuance or delivery of the Right Certificates or of
any Common Shares upon the exercise of Rights. The Company shall not, however,
be required to pay any transfer tax which may be payable in respect of any
transfer or delivery of Right Certificates to a person other than, or the
issuance or delivery of certificates for the Common Shares in a name other than
that of, the registered holder of the Right Certificate evidencing Rights
surrendered for exercise or to issue or deliver any certificates for Common
Shares in a name other than that of the registered holder upon the exercise of
any Rights until any such tax shall have been paid (any such tax being payable
by the holder of such Right Certificate at the time of surrender) or until it
has been established to the Company's satisfaction that no such tax is due.

     Section 10. Common Shares Record Date. Each person in whose name any
certificate for Common Shares is issued upon the exercise of Rights shall for
all purposes be deemed to have become the holder of record of the Common Shares
represented thereby on, and such certificate shall be dated, the date upon which
the Right Certificate evidencing such Rights was duly surrendered and payment of
the Purchase Price (and any applicable transfer taxes) was made; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if the date of such surrender and payment is a date upon which the
Common Shares transfer books of the Company are closed, such person shall be
deemed to have become the record holder of such shares on, and such certificate
shall be dated, the next succeeding Business Day on which the Common Shares
transfer books of the Company are open.

     Section 11. Adjustment of Purchase Price, Number of Shares or Number of
Rights. The Purchase Price, the number of shares covered by each Right and the
number of Rights outstanding are subject to adjustment from time to time as
provided in this Section 11.

           11.1 Post Execution Events.

                11.1.1 Corporate Dividends, Reclassifications, Etc. In the event
the Company shall at any time after the date of this Rights Agreement (A)
declare a dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares, (B) subdivide
the outstanding Common Shares, (C) combine the outstanding Common Shares into a
smaller number of shares or (D) issue any shares of its capital stock in a
reclassification of the Common Shares (including any such reclassification in
connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Company is the continuing
or surviving corporation), except as otherwise provided in this Section 11.1,
the Purchase Price in effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or
of the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification, and
the number and kind of shares of capital stock issuable on such date, shall be
proportionately adjusted so that the holder of any Right exercised after such
time shall be entitled to receive the aggregate number and kind of shares of
capital stock which, if such Right had been exercised immediately prior to such
date and at a time when the Common Shares transfer books of the Company were
open, he would have owned upon such exercise and been entitled to receive by
virtue of such dividend, subdivision, combination or reclassification. If an
event occurs which would require an adjustment under both Section 11.1.1 and
Section 11.1.2,

                                       11

<PAGE>   13

the adjustment provided for in this Section 11.1.1 shall be in addition to, and
shall be made prior to, the adjustment required pursuant to, Section 11.1.2.

             11.1.2 Acquiring Person Events; Triggering Events. Subject to
Sections 23.1 and 27 of this Agreement, in the event

                    (A) any Acquiring Person or any Associate or Affiliate of
any Acquiring Person, at any time after the date of this Rights Agreement,
directly or indirectly, shall merge into the Company or otherwise combine with
the Company and the Company shall be the continuing or surviving corporation of
such merger or combination and the Common Shares of the Company shall remain
outstanding and not changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of
any other Person or the Company or cash or any other property, or

                    (B) that a Trigger Event occurs,

then, promptly following the occurrence of each such event listed in this
Section 11.1.2, proper provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right,
except as provided below, shall thereafter have a right to receive, upon
exercise thereof in accordance with the terms of this Rights Agreement, such
number of Common Shares as shall equal the result obtained by (x) multiplying
the then-current Purchase Price by the then-number of Common Shares for which a
Right is then exercisable and (y) dividing that product by 50% of the current
per share market price of the Common Shares (determined pursuant to Section
11.4) on the first of the date of the occurrence of, or the date of the first
public announcement of, one of the events listed above in this Section 11.1.2
(the "Adjustment Shares"); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the transaction that would
otherwise give rise to the foregoing adjustment is also subject to the
provisions of Section 13, then only the provisions of Section 13 shall apply and
no adjustment shall be made pursuant to this Section 11.1.2; and PROVIDED,
FURTHER, that nothing contained in this Section 11.1.2 shall limit or otherwise
diminish the power of the Board of Directors (or, if applicable, the Continuing
Directors) to postpone the Distribution Date pursuant to Section 3.1 or to
extend the period during which the Rights may be redeemed pursuant to Section
23.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of either of the events
listed above in this Section 11.1.2, any Rights that are or were acquired or
beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or any Associate or Affiliate of the
Acquiring Person shall become void and any holder (whether or not such holder is
an Acquiring Person or an Associate or Affiliate of an Acquiring Person) of such
Rights shall thereafter have no right to exercise such Rights under any
provision of this Rights Agreement or otherwise. The Company shall not enter
into any transaction of the type described in this Section 11.1.2 if at the time
of such transaction there are any rights, warrants, instruments or securities
outstanding or any arrangements which, as a result of the consummation of such
transaction, would eliminate or substantially diminish the benefits intended to
be afforded by the Rights. Any Right Certificate issued pursuant to Section 3 or
Section 22 that represents Rights beneficially owned by: (1) an Acquiring Person
or any Associate or Affiliate thereof, (2) a transferee of an Acquiring Person
(or of any such Associate or Affiliate) who becomes a transferee after the
Acquiring Person becomes such, or (3) a transferee of an Acquiring Person (or of
any such

                                       12

<PAGE>   14

Associate or Affiliate) who becomes a transferee prior to or concurrently with
the Acquiring Person becoming such and receives such Rights pursuant to either
(A) a transfer (whether or not for consideration) from the Acquiring Person to
holders of equity interests in such Acquiring Person or to any Person with whom
the Acquiring Person has any continuing agreement, arrangement or understanding
regarding the transferred Rights or (B) a transfer which the Board of Directors
of the Company has determined is part of a plan, arrangement or understanding
which has as a primary purpose or effect avoidance of this Section 11.1.2 and
any Right Certificate issued pursuant to Section 6, 7.4 or 22 or this Section 11
upon transfer, exchange, replacement or adjustment of any other Right
Certificate referred to in this sentence, shall contain the following legend
(PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Rights Agent shall not be responsible for affixing
such legend unless it has actual knowledge as to the foregoing circumstances or
the Company has notified the Rights Agent in writing thereof):

     THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED BY THIS RIGHT CERTIFICATE ARE HELD OR HAVE BEEN HELD
     BY A PERSON WHO IS OR WAS AN ACQUIRING PERSON OR AN AFFILIATE OR AN
     ASSOCIATE OF AN ACQUIRING PERSON OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS RIGHT
     CERTIFICATE AND THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED HEREBY HAVE BECOME NULL AND VOID AS
     SPECIFIED IN SECTION 11.1.2 OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT.

             The Company shall use all reasonable efforts to insure that the
provisions of this Section 11.1.2 are complied with, but shall have no liability
to any holder of Right Certificates or other Person as a result of its failure
to make any determinations with respect to any Acquiring Person or its
Affiliates, Associates or transferees hereunder.

             11.1.3 Insufficient Shares. In the event that upon the occurrence
of one or more of the events listed in Section 11.1.2 above there shall not be
sufficient Common Shares authorized but unissued, or held by the Company as
treasury shares, to permit the exercise in full of the Rights in accordance with
the foregoing Section 11.1.2, the Company shall take all such action as may be
necessary to authorize additional Common Shares for issuance upon exercise of
the Rights, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Company determines that it is unable
to cause the authorization of a sufficient number of additional Common Shares,
then, in the event the Rights become exercisable, the Company, with respect to
each Right and to the extent necessary and permitted by applicable law and any
agreements or instruments in effect on the date hereof to which it is a party,
shall: (A) determine the excess of (1) the value of the Adjustment Shares
issuable upon the exercise of a Right (the "Current Value"), over (2) the
Purchase Price (such excess, the "Spread") and (B) with respect to each Right,
make adequate provision to substitute for the Adjustment Shares, upon payment of
the applicable Purchase Price, (1) cash, (2) a reduction in the Purchase Price,
(3) Common Shares or other equity securities of the Company (including, without
limitation, shares, or units of shares, of preferred stock which the Board of
Directors of the Company has deemed to have the same value as Common Shares)
(each such share of preferred stock constituting a "common stock equivalent")),
(4) debt securities of the Company, (5) other assets or (6) any combination of
the foregoing having an aggregate value

                                       13

<PAGE>   15

equal to the Current Value, where such aggregate value has been determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company based upon the advice of a nationally
recognized investment banking firm selected by the Board of Directors of the
Company; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if the Company shall not have made adequate
provision to deliver value pursuant to clause (B) above within thirty (30) days
following the first occurrence of one of the events listed in Section 11.1.2
above, then the Company shall be obligated to deliver, upon the surrender for
exercise of a Right and without requiring payment of the Purchase Price, Common
Shares (to the extent available) and then, if necessary, cash, which in the
aggregate are equal to the Spread. If the Board of Directors of the Company
shall determine in good faith that it is unlikely that sufficient additional
Common Shares could be authorized for issuance upon exercise in full of the
Rights, the thirty (30) day period set forth above may be extended and
re-extended to the extent necessary, but not more than ninety (90) days
following the first occurrence of one of the events listed in Section 11.1.2
above, in order that the Company may seek stockholder approval for the
authorization of such additional shares (such period as may be extended, the
"Substitution Period"). To the extent that the Company determines that some
action need be taken pursuant to the first and/or second sentences of this
Section 11.1.3, the Company (x) shall provide that such action shall apply
uniformly to all outstanding Rights, and (y) may suspend the exercisability of
the Rights until the expiration of the Substitution Period in order to seek any
authorization of additional shares and/or to decide the appropriate form of
distribution to be made pursuant to such first sentence and to determine the
value thereof. In the event of any such suspension, the Company shall issue a
public announcement stating that the exercisability of the Rights has been
temporarily suspended as well as a public announcement at such time as the
suspension is no longer in effect. For purposes of this Section 11.1.3, the
value of a Common Share shall be the current per share market price (as
determined pursuant to Section 11.4) on the date of the first occurrence of one
of the events listed in Section 11.1.2 above and the value of any "common stock
equivalent" shall be deemed to have the same value as the Common Shares on such
date.

             11.2 Dilutive Rights Offering. In case the Company shall fix a
record date for the issuance of rights or warrants to all holders of Common
Shares entitling them (for a period expiring within 45 calendar days after such
record date) to subscribe for or purchase Common Shares (or securities
convertible into Common Shares) at a price per Common Share (or having a
conversion price per Common Share, if a security convertible into Common Shares)
less than the current per share market price of the Common Shares (as defined in
Section 11.4) on such record date, the Purchase Price to be in effect after such
record date shall be determined by multiplying the Purchase Price in effect
immediately prior to such record date by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the number of Common Shares outstanding on such record date plus the
number of Common Shares which the aggregate offering price of the total number
of Common Shares to be offered (and/or the aggregate initial conversion price of
the convertible securities so to be offered) would purchase at such current
market price and the denominator of which shall be the number of Common Shares
outstanding on such record date plus the number of additional Common Shares to
be offered for subscription or purchase (or into which the convertible
securities so to be offered are initially convertible). In case such
subscription price may be paid in a consideration part or all of which shall be
in a form other than cash, the value of such consideration shall be as
determined

                                       14

<PAGE>   16

in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination
shall be described in a statement filed with the Rights Agent. Common Shares
owned by or held for the account of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company
shall not be deemed outstanding for the purpose of any such computation. Such
adjustments shall be made successively whenever such a record date is fixed; and
in the event that such rights or warrants are not so issued, the Purchase Price
shall be adjusted to be the Purchase Price which would then be in effect if such
record date had not been fixed.

             11.3 Distributions. In case the Company shall fix a record date for
the making of a distribution to all holders of the Common Shares (including any
such distribution made in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the
Company is the continuing or surviving corporation) of evidences of
indebtedness, securities or assets (other than a regular periodic cash dividend
at a rate not in excess of 125% of the rate of the last regular periodic cash
dividend theretofore paid or, in case regular periodic cash dividends have not
theretofore been paid, at a rate not in excess of 50% of the average net income
per share of the Company for the four quarters ended immediately prior to the
payment of such dividend, or a dividend payable in Common Shares (which
dividend, for purposes of this Agreement, shall be subject to the provisions of
Section 11.1.1(A) hereof)) or subscription rights or warrants (excluding those
referred to in Section 11.2), the Purchase Price to be in effect after such
record date shall be determined by multiplying the Purchase Price in effect
immediately prior to such record date by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the current per share market price of the Common Shares (as defined in
Section 11.4) on such record date, less the fair market value (as determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company, whose determination shall
be described in a statement filed with the Rights Agent) of the portion of the
assets, securities or evidences of indebtedness so to be distributed or of such
subscription rights or warrants applicable to one Common Share and the
denominator of which shall be such current per share market price of the Common
Shares. Such adjustments shall be made successively whenever such a record date
is fixed; and in the event that such distribution is not so made, the Purchase
Price shall again be adjusted to be the Purchase Price which would then be in
effect if such record date had not been fixed.

             11.4 Current Per Share Market Value. For the purpose of any
computation hereunder, the "current per share market price" of the Common Shares
on any date shall be deemed to be the average of the daily closing prices per
share of such Common Shares for the thirty (30) consecutive Trading Days (as
such term is hereinafter defined) immediately prior to such date; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that in the event that the current per share market price of the Common
Shares is determined during any period following the announcement by the issuer
of such Common Shares of (i) a dividend or distribution on such Common Shares
payable in such Common Shares or securities convertible into such Common Shares
or (ii) any subdivision, combination or reclassification of such Common Shares,
and prior to the expiration of thirty (30) Trading Days after the ex-dividend
date for such dividend or distribution, or the record date for such subdivision,
combination or reclassification, then, and in each such case, the "current per
share market price" shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect the current
market price per

                                       15

<PAGE>   17

Common Share equivalent. The closing price for each day shall be the last sale
price, regular way, or, in case no such sale takes place on such day, the
average of the closing bid and asked prices, regular way, in either case as
reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect
to securities listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange or,
if the Common Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on the New York Stock
Exchange, as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system
with respect to securities listed on the principal national securities exchange
on which the Common Shares are listed or admitted to trading or, if the Common
Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange, the last quoted price or, if not so quoted, the average of the high
bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market, as reported by NASDAQ
or such other system then in use, or, if on any such date the Common Shares are
not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked
prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in the Common
Shares selected by the Board of Directors of the Company. If on any such date no
such market maker is making a market in the Common Shares, the fair value of the
Common Shares on such date as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors
of the Company shall be used. The term "Trading Day" shall mean a day on which
the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Shares are listed
or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if the Common
Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any national securities
exchange, a Business Day. If the Common Shares are not publicly held or not so
listed or traded, "current per share market price" shall mean the fair value per
share as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company or,
if at the time of such determination there is an Acquiring Person, by a majority
of the Continuing Directors then in office, or if there are no Continuing
Directors, by a nationally recognized investment banking firm selected by the
Board of Directors, whose determination shall be described in a statement filed
with the Rights Agent.

             11.5 Insignificant Changes. No adjustment in the Purchase Price
shall be required unless such adjustment would require an increase or decrease
of at least 1% in such price. Any adjustments which by reason of this Section
11.5 are not required to be made shall be carried forward and taken into account
in any subsequent adjustment. All calculations under this Section 11 shall be
made to the nearest cent or to the nearest ten-thousandth of a share as the case
may be.

             11.6 Shares Other Than Common Shares. If as a result of an
adjustment made pursuant to Section 11.1, the holder of any right thereafter
exercised shall become entitled to receive any shares of capital stock of the
Company other than Common Shares, thereafter the number of such other shares so
receivable upon exercise of any Right shall be subject to adjustment from time
to time in a manner and on terms as nearly equivalent as practicable to the
provisions with respect to the Common Shares contained in Sections 11.1 through
11.3, inclusive, and the provisions of Sections 7, 9, 10 and 13 with respect to
the Common Shares shall apply on like terms to any such other shares.


                                       16

<PAGE>   18

             11.7 Rights Issued Prior to Adjustment. All Rights originally
issued by the Company subsequent to any adjustment made to the Purchase Price
hereunder shall evidence the right to purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price,
the number of Common Shares purchasable from time to time hereunder upon
exercise of the Rights, all subject to further adjustment as provided herein.

             11.8 Effect of Adjustments. Unless the Company shall have exercised
its election as provided in Section 11.9, upon each adjustment of the Purchase
Price as a result of the calculations made in Sections 11.1, 11.2 and 11.3, each
Right outstanding immediately prior to the making of such adjustment shall
thereafter evidence the right to purchase, at the adjusted Purchase Price, that
number of shares (calculated to the nearest ten-thousandth) obtained by (i)
multiplying (x) the number of shares covered by a Right immediately prior to
this adjustment by (y) the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to such
adjustment of the Purchase Price and (ii) dividing the product so obtained by
the Purchase Price in effect immediately after such adjustment of the Purchase
Price.

             11.9 Adjustment in Number of Rights. The Company may elect on or
after the date of any adjustment of the Purchase Price to adjust the number of
Rights, in substitution for any adjustment in the number of Common Shares
issuable upon the exercise of a Right. Each of the Rights outstanding after such
adjustment of the number of Rights shall be exercised for the number of Common
Shares for which a Right was exercisable immediately prior to such adjustment.
Each Right held of record prior to such adjustment of the number of Rights shall
become that number of Rights (calculated to the nearest ten-thousandth) obtained
by dividing the Purchase Price in effect immediately prior to adjustment of the
Purchase Price by the Purchase Price in effect immediately after adjustment of
the Purchase Price. The Company shall make a public announcement of its election
to adjust the number of Rights, indicating the record date for the adjustment,
and, if known at the time, the amount of the adjustment to be made. This record
date may be the date on which the Purchase Price is adjusted or any day
thereafter, but, if the Right Certificates have been issued, shall be at least
ten (10) days later than the date of the public announcement. If Right
Certificates have been issued, upon each adjustment of the number of Rights
pursuant to this Section 11.9, the Company shall, as promptly as practicable,
cause to be distributed to holders of record of Right Certificates on such
record date Right Certificates evidencing, subject to Section 14, the additional
Rights to which such holders shall be entitled as a result of such adjustment,
or, at the option of the Company, shall cause to be distributed to such holders
of record in substitution and replacement for the Right Certificates held by
such holders prior to the date of adjustment, and upon surrender thereof, if
required by the Company, new Right Certificates evidencing all the Rights to
which such holders shall be entitled after such adjustment. Right Certificates
so to be distributed shall be issued, executed and countersigned in the manner
provided for herein (and may bear, at the option of the Company, the adjusted
Purchase Price) and shall be registered in the names of the holders of record of
Right Certificates on the record date specified in the public announcement.


                                       17

<PAGE>   19

             11.10 Right Certificates Unchanged. Irrespective of any adjustment
or change in the Purchase Price or the number of Common Shares issuable upon the
exercise of the Rights, the Right Certificates theretofore and thereafter issued
may continue to express the Purchase Price per share and the number of shares
which were expressed in the initial Right Certificates issued hereunder.

             11.11 Par Value Limitations. Before taking any action that would
cause an adjustment reducing the Purchase Price below the then par value, if
any, of the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights, the Company
shall take any corporate action which may, in the opinion of its counsel, be
necessary in order that the Company may validly and legally issue fully paid and
nonassessable Common Shares at such adjusted Purchase Price.

             11.12 Deferred Issuance. In any case in which this Section 11 shall
require that an adjustment in the Purchase Price be made effective as of a
record date for a specified event, the Company may elect to defer until the
occurrence of such event the issuing to the holder of any Right exercised after
such record date the Common Shares and other capital stock or securities of the
Company, if any, issuable upon such exercise over and above the Common Shares
and other capital stock or securities of the Company, if any, issuable upon such
exercise on the basis of the Purchase Price in effect prior to such adjustment;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall deliver to such holder a due bill or
other appropriate instrument evidencing such holder's right to receive such
additional shares upon the occurrence of the event requiring such adjustment.

             11.13 Reduction in Purchase Price. Anything in this Section 11 to
the contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall be entitled to make such
reductions in the Purchase Price, in addition to those adjustments expressly
required by this Section 11, as and to the extent that it in its sole discretion
shall determine to be advisable in order that any consolidation or subdivision
of the Common Shares, issuance wholly for cash of any of the Common Shares at
less than the current market price, issuance wholly for cash of Common Shares or
securities which by their terms are convertible into or exchangeable for Common
Shares, stock dividends or issuance of rights, options or warrants referred to
hereinabove in this Section 11, hereafter made by the Company to holders of its
Common Shares shall not be taxable to such stockholders.

     Section 12.   Certificate of Adjusted Purchase Price or Number of Shares.
Whenever an adjustment is made as provided in Sections 11 and 13, the Company
shall (a) promptly prepare a certificate setting forth such adjustment, and a
brief statement of the facts accounting for such adjustment, (b) promptly file
with the Rights Agent and with each transfer agent for the Common Shares a copy
of such certificate and (c) mail a brief summary thereof to each holder of a
Right Certificate in accordance with Section 25. The Rights Agent shall be fully
protected in relying on any such certificate and on any adjustment therein
contained and shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any such adjustment
unless and until it shall have received such certificate.

     Section 13.   Consolidation, Merger or Sale or Transfer of Assets or 
Earning Power.

                                       18

<PAGE>   20

             13.1 General. In the event that, following the Shares Acquisition
Date, directly or indirectly, (A) the Company shall consolidate with, or merge
with and into, any other Person and the Company shall not be the continuing or
surviving corporation, (B) any Person shall consolidate with the Company, or
merge with and into the Company and the Company shall be the continuing or
surviving corporation of such merger and, in connection with such merger, all or
part of the Common Shares shall be changed into or exchanged for stock or other
securities of the Company or any other Person or cash or any other property, or
(C) the Company shall sell, exchange, mortgage or otherwise transfer (or one or
more of its Subsidiaries shall sell, exchange, mortgage or otherwise transfer),
in one or more transactions, assets or earning power aggregating more than 50%
of the assets or earning power of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a
whole) to any other Person or Persons, then, and in each such case, proper
provision shall be made so that (i) each holder of a Right (except as otherwise
provided herein) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon the exercise
thereof at the then current Purchase Price in accordance with the terms of this
Rights Agreement, such number of Common Shares of such other Person (including
the Company as successor thereto or as the surviving corporation) as shall be
equal to the result obtained by (x) multiplying the then-current Purchase Price
by the then-number of Common Shares for which a Right is then exercisable
(without taking into account any adjustment previously made pursuant to Section
11.1.2) and (y) dividing that product by 50% of the current per share market
price of the Common Shares of such other Person (determined pursuant to Section
11.4) on the date of consummation of such consolidation, merger, sale or
transfer; (ii) the issuer of such Common Shares shall thereafter be liable for,
and shall assume, by virtue of such consolidation, merger, sale or transfer, all
the obligations and duties of the Company pursuant to this Rights Agreement;
(iii) the term "Company" shall thereafter be deemed to refer to such issuer; and
(iv) such issuer shall take such steps (including, but not limited to, the
reservation of a sufficient number of its Common Shares in accordance with
Section 9) in connection with such consummation as may be necessary to assure
that the provisions hereof shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as
reasonably may be, in relation to its Common Shares thereafter deliverable upon
the exercise of the Rights. The Company shall not enter into any transaction of
the kind referred to in this Section 13 if at the time of such transaction there
are any rights, warrants, instruments or securities outstanding or any
agreements or arrangements which, as a result of the consummation of such
transaction, would eliminate or substantially diminish the benefits intended to
be afforded by the Rights. The Company shall not consummate any such
consolidation, merger, sale or transfer unless prior thereto the Company and
such issuer shall have executed and delivered to the Rights Agent a supplemental
agreement so providing. The provisions of this Section 13 shall similarly apply
to successive mergers or consolidations or sales or other transfers.

             13.2 Approved Acquisitions. Notwithstanding anything contained
herein to the contrary, in the event of any merger or other acquisition
transaction involving the Company pursuant to a merger or other acquisition
agreement between the Company and any Person (or one or more of such Person's
Affiliates or Associates) which agreement has been approved by the Board of
Directors of the Company prior to any Person becoming an Acquiring Person, this
Rights Agreement and the rights of holders of Rights hereunder shall be
terminated in accordance with Section 7.1.

                                       19

<PAGE>   21

     Section 14.  Fractional Rights and Fractional Shares.

             14.1 Cash in Lieu of Fractional Rights. The Company shall not be
required to issue fractions of Rights or to distribute Right Certificates which
evidence fractional Rights. In lieu of such fractional Rights, there shall be
paid to the registered holders of the Right Certificates with regard to which
such fractional Rights would otherwise be issuable an amount in cash equal to
the same fraction of the current market value of a whole Right. For the purposes
of this Section 14.1, the current market value of a whole Right shall be the
closing price of the Rights for the Trading Day immediately prior to the date on
which such fractional Rights would have been otherwise issuable. The closing
price for any day shall be the last sale price, regular way, or, in case no such
sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices,
regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated
transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted to
trading on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the Rights are not listed or
admitted to trading on the New York Stock Exchange, as reported in the principal
consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed on
the principal national securities exchange on which the Rights are listed or
admitted to trading or, if the Rights are not listed or admitted to trading on
any national securities exchange, the last quoted price or, if not so quoted,
the average of the high bid and low asked prices in the over-the-counter market,
as reported by NASDAQ or such other system then in use or, if on any such date
the Rights are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing
bid and asked prices as furnished by a professional market maker making a market
in the Rights selected by the Board of Directors of the Company. If on any such
date no such market maker is making a market in the Rights, the fair value of
the Rights on such date as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
the Company shall be used.

             14.2 Cash in Lieu of Fractional Shares. The Company shall not be
required to issue fractions of shares upon exercise of the Rights or to
distribute certificates which evidence fractional shares. In lieu of fractional
shares, the Company may pay to the registered holders of Right Certificates at
the time such Rights are exercised as herein provided an amount in cash equal to
the same fraction of the current market value of one Common Share. For purposes
of this Section 14.2, the current market value of a Common Share shall be the
closing price of a Common Share (as determined pursuant to the second sentence
of Section 11.4) for the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of such
exercise.

             14.3 Waiver of Right to Receive Fractional Rights or Shares. The
holder of a Right by the acceptance of the Rights expressly waives his right to
receive any fractional Rights or any fractional shares upon exercise of a Right.

     Section 15.  Rights of Action. All rights of action in respect of this
Rights Agreement, except the rights of action given to the Rights Agent under
Section 18, are vested in the respective registered holders of the Right
Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution Date, the registered holders of the
Common Shares); and any registered holder of any Right Certificate (or, prior to
the Distribution Date, of the Common Shares), without the consent of the Rights
Agent

                                       20

<PAGE>   22

or of the holder of any other Right Certificate (or, prior to the Distribution
Date, of the Common Shares), may, in his own behalf and for his own benefit,
enforce this Rights Agreement, and may institute and maintain any suit, action
or proceeding against the Company to enforce this Rights Agreement, or otherwise
enforce or act in respect of his right to exercise the Rights evidenced by such
Right Certificate in the manner provided in such Right Certificate and in this
Rights Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing or any remedies available to
the holders of Rights, it is specifically acknowledged that the holders of
Rights would not have an adequate remedy at law for any breach of this Rights
Agreement and shall be entitled to specific performance of the obligations
under, and injunctive relief against actual or threatened violations of, the
obligations of any Person (including, without limitation, the Company) subject
to this Rights Agreement.

     Section 16.  Agreement of Right Holders. Every holder of a Right by
accepting the same consents and agrees with the Company and the Rights Agent and
with every other holder of a Right that:

                  (a) prior to the Distribution Date, the Rights will be
         transferable only in connection with the transfer of the Common Shares;

                  (b) as of and after the Distribution Date, the Right
         Certificates are transferable only on the registry books of the Rights
         Agent if surrendered at the office of the Rights Agent designated for
         such purpose, duly endorsed or accompanied by a proper instrument of
         transfer with all required certifications completed; and

                  (c) the Company and the Rights Agent may deem and treat the
         Person in whose name the Right Certificate (or, prior to the
         Distribution Date, the associated Common Shares certificate) is
         registered as the absolute owner thereof and of the Rights evidenced
         thereby (notwithstanding any notations of ownership or writing on the
         Right Certificates or the associated Common Shares certificate made by
         anyone other than the Company or the Rights Agent) for all purposes
         whatsoever, and neither the Company nor the Rights Agent shall be
         affected by any notice to the contrary.

         Section 17. Right Certificate Holder Not Deemed a Stockholder. No
holder, as such, of any Right Certificate shall be entitled to vote, receive
dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of the Common Shares or any
other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on the
exercise of the Rights represented thereby, nor shall anything contained herein
or in any Right Certificate be construed to confer upon the holder of any Right
Certificate, as such, any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company or any
right to vote for the election of directors or upon any matter submitted to
stockholders at any meeting thereof, or to give or withhold consent to any
corporate action, or to receive notice of meetings or other actions affecting
stockholders (except as provided in Section 24), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights evidenced by such
Right Certificate shall have been exercised in accordance with the provisions
hereof.


                                       21

<PAGE>   23

     Section 18. Concerning the Rights Agent. The Company agrees to pay to the
Rights Agent reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder
in accordance with a fee schedule to be mutually agreed upon and, from time to
time, on demand of the Rights Agent, its reasonable expenses and counsel fees
and expenses and other disbursements incurred in the administration and
execution of this Rights Agreement and the acceptance, exercise and performance
of its duties hereunder. The Company also agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent
for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability, or expense, incurred
without negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Rights
Agent, for anything done or omitted by the Rights Agent in connection with the
acceptance and administration of this Rights Agreement, including the costs and
expenses of defending against any claim of liability in the premises.

     The Rights Agent shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in
respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in connection with its
administration of this Rights Agreement in reliance upon any Right Certificate
or certificate for the Common Shares or for other securities of the Company,
instrument of assignment or transfer, power of attorney, endorsement, affidavit,
letter, notice, instruction, direction, opinion, consent, certificate,
statement, or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to be
signed and executed by the proper person or persons and when necessary, to be
verified or acknowledged.

     The provisions of this Section 18 shall survive the expiration of the
Rights and the termination of this Rights Agreement.

     Section 19. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent. Any
corporation into which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may be
merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from
any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights
Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially
all the corporate trust or stock transfer business of the Rights Agent or any
successor Rights Agent, shall be the successor to the Rights Agent under this
Rights Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act
on the part of any of the parties hereto, PROVIDED that such corporation would
be eligible for appointment as a successor Rights Agent under the provisions of
Section 21. In case at the time such successor Rights Agent shall succeed to the
agency created by this Rights Agreement, any of the Right Certificates shall
have been countersigned but not delivered, any such successor Rights Agent may
adopt the countersignature of the predecessor Rights Agent and deliver such
Right Certificates so countersigned; and in case at that time any of the Right
Certificates shall not have been countersigned, any successor Rights Agent may
countersign such Right Certificates either in the name of the predecessor Rights
Agent or in the name of the successor Rights Agent; and in all such cases such
Right Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Right Certificates
and in this Rights Agreement.

     In case at any time the name of the Rights Agent shall be changed and at
such time any of the Right Certificates shall have been countersigned but not
delivered, the Rights Agent may adopt the countersignature under its prior name
and deliver Right Certificates so countersigned;

                                       22

<PAGE>   24

and in case at that time any of the Right Certificates shall not have been
countersigned, the Rights Agent may countersign such Right Certificates either
in its prior name or in its changed name; and in all such cases such Right
Certificates shall have the full force provided in the Right Certificates and in
this Rights Agreement.

     Section 20.  Duties of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent undertakes the duties
and obligations expressly imposed by this Rights Agreement upon the following
terms and conditions, by all of which the Company and the holders of Right
Certificates, by their acceptance thereof, shall be bound, and no implied duties
or obligations shall be read into this Rights Agreement against the Rights
Agent.

             20.1 Legal Counsel. The Rights Agent may consult with legal counsel
selected by it (who may be legal counsel for the Company), and the opinion of
such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection to the
Rights Agent as to any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in
accordance with such opinion.

             20.2 Certificates as to Facts or Matters. Whenever in the
performance of its duties under this Rights Agreement the Rights Agent shall
deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established
by the Company prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or
matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically
prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a
certificate signed by any one of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the
Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice
President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Treasurer or Assistant
Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Rights Agent; and such certificate
shall be full authorization to the Rights Agent for any action taken or suffered
in good faith by it under the provisions of this Rights Agreement in reliance
upon such certificate.

             20.3 Standard of Care. The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder
only for its own negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

             20.4 Reliance on Rights Agreement and Right Certificates. The
Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of
fact or recitals contained in this Rights Agreement or in the Right Certificates
(except as to its countersignature thereof) or be required to verify the same,
but all such statements and recitals are and shall be deemed to have been made
by the Company only.

             20.5 No Responsibility as to Certain Matters. The Rights Agent
shall not be under any responsibility in respect of the validity of this Rights
Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the due execution hereof
by the Rights Agent) or in respect of the validity or execution of any Right
Certificate (except its countersignature thereof); nor shall it be responsible
for any breach by the Company of any covenant or condition contained in this
Rights Agreement or in any Right Certificate; nor shall it be responsible for
any change in the exercisability of the Rights (including the Rights becoming
void pursuant to Section 11.1.2) or

                                       23

<PAGE>   25

any adjustment required under the provisions of Sections 3, 11, 13, 23 or 27 or
responsible for the manner, method or amount of any such adjustment or the
ascertaining of the existence of facts that would require any such adjustment
(except with respect to the exercise of Rights evidenced by Right Certificates
after actual notice of any such adjustment); nor shall it by any act hereunder
be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or
reservation of any Common Shares to be issued pursuant to this Rights Agreement
or any Right Certificate or as to whether any Common Shares will, when so
issued, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

             20.6 Further Assurance by Company. The Company agrees that it will
perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed,
acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments and
assurances as may reasonably be required by the Rights Agent for the carrying
out or performing by the Rights Agent of the provisions of this Rights
Agreement.

             20.7 Authorized Company Officers. The Rights Agent is hereby
authorized and directed to accept instructions with respect to the performance
of its duties hereunder from any one of the Chairman of the Board of Directors,
the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any
Vice President, the Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Treasurer or
Assistant Secretary of the Company, and to apply to such officers for advice or
instructions in connection with its duties under this Rights Agreement, and it
shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered to be taken by it in good
faith in accordance with instructions of any such officer or for any delay in
acting while waiting for these instructions. Any application by the Rights Agent
for written instructions from the Company may, at the option of the Rights
Agent, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the
Rights Agent with respect to its duties or obligations under this Rights
Agreement and the date on and/or after which such action shall be taken or
omitted. The Rights Agent shall not be liable to the Company for any action
taken or omitted in accordance with a proposal included in any such application
on or after the date specified therein (which date shall not be less than three
business days after the date any such officer actually receives such
application, unless any such officer shall have consented in writing to an
earlier date) unless, prior to taking of any such action (or the effective date
in the case of omission), the Rights Agent shall have received written
instructions in response to such application specifying the action to be taken
or omitted.

             20.8 Freedom to Trade in Company Securities. The Rights Agent and
any stockholder, director, officer or employee of the Rights Agent may buy, sell
or deal in any of the Rights or other securities of the Company or become
pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the Company may be
interested, or contract with or lend money to the Company or otherwise act as
fully and freely as though it were not Rights Agent under this Rights Agreement.
Nothing herein shall preclude the Rights Agent from acting in any other capacity
for the Company or for any other legal entity.


                                       24

<PAGE>   26

             20.9 Reliance on Attorneys and Agents. The Rights Agent may execute
and exercise any of the rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty
hereunder either itself or by or through its attorneys or agents, and the Rights
Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act, omission, default,
neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys or agents or for any loss to the
Company resulting from any such act, omission, default, neglect or misconduct,
PROVIDED that reasonable care was exercised in the selection and continued
employment thereof.

             20.10 Rights Holders List. At any time and from time to time after
the Distribution Date, upon the written request of the Company, the Rights Agent
shall promptly deliver to the Company a list, as of the most recent practicable
date (or as of such earlier date as may be specified by the Company), of the
holders of record of Rights.

             20.11 Risk of Funds. No provision of this Rights Agreement shall
require the Rights Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any
financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the
exercise of its rights if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that
repayment of such funds or adequate indemnification against such risk or
liability is not reasonably assured to it.

             20.12 Notice from Company. The Company agrees to give the rights
Agent prompt written notice of any event or ownership which would prohibit the
exercise or transfer of the Right Certificates.

     Section 21.   Change of Rights Agent. The Rights Agent or any successor
Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Rights
Agreement upon thirty (30) days' notice in writing mailed to the Company and to
each transfer agent of the Common Shares by registered or certified mail. The
Company shall promptly notify the holders of the Right Certificates by
first-class mail of any such resignation. The Company may remove the Rights
Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon thirty (30) days' notice in writing,
mailed to the Rights Agent or successor Rights Agent, as the case may be, and to
each transfer agent of the Common Shares by registered or certified mail, and to
the holders of the Right Certificates by first-class mail. If the Rights Agent
shall resign or be removed or shall otherwise become incapable of acting, the
resigning, removed, or incapacitated Rights Agent shall remit to the Company, or
to any successor Rights Agent designated by the Company, all books, records,
funds, certificates or other documents or instruments of any kind then in its
possession which were acquired by such resigning, removed or incapacitated
Rights Agent in connection with its services as Rights Agent hereunder, and
shall thereafter be discharged from all duties and obligations hereunder.
Following notice of such removal, resignation or incapacity, the Company shall
appoint a successor to such Rights Agent. If the Company shall fail to make such
appointment within a period of thirty (30) days after giving notice of such
removal or after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or
incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Rights Agent or by the holder of a
Right Certificate (who shall, with such notice, submit his Right Certificate for
inspection by the Company), then the Rights Agent or the registered holder of
any Right Certificate may apply to any court of

                                       25

<PAGE>   27

competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new Rights Agent. Any successor
Rights Agent, whether appointed by the Company or by such a court, shall be a
corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or
of the State of New York (or any other state of the United States so long as
such corporation is authorized to do business as a banking institution in the
State of New York) in good standing, having a principal office in the State of
New York, which is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers
and is subject to supervision or examination by Federal or state authority and
which has at the time of its appointment as Rights Agent a combined capital and
surplus of at least $10 million. After appointment, the successor Rights Agent
shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if
it had been originally named as Rights Agent without further act or deed; but
the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer to the successor Rights
Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder, and execute and deliver any
further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose. Not later
than the effective date of any such appointment the Company shall file notice
thereof in writing with the predecessor Rights Agent and each transfer agent of
the Common Shares, and mail a notice thereof in writing to the registered
holders of the Right Certificates. Failure to give any notice provided for in
this Section 21, however, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality
or validity of the resignation or removal of the Rights Agent or the appointment
of the successor Rights Agent, as the case may be.

     Section 22.  Issuance of New Right Certificates. Notwithstanding any of the
provisions of this Rights Agreement or of the Rights to the contrary, the
Company may, at its option, issue new Right Certificates evidencing Rights in
such form as may be approved by its Board of Directors to reflect any adjustment
or change in the Purchase Price and the number or kind or class of shares or
other securities or property purchasable under the Right Certificates made in
accordance with the provisions of this Rights Agreement. In addition, in
connection with the issuance or sale of Common Shares following the Distribution
Date and prior to the redemption, exchange, termination or expiration of the
Rights, the Company (a) shall, with respect to Common Shares so issued or sold
pursuant to the exercise of stock options or under any employee plan or
arrangement, granted or awarded as of the Distribution Date, or upon exercise,
conversion or exchange of securities hereinafter issued by the Company, and (b)
may, in any other case, if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Board of
Directors of the Company, issue Right Certificates representing the appropriate
number of Rights in connection with such issuance or sale; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that (i) no such Right Certificate shall be issued if, and to the extent that,
the Company shall be advised by counsel that such issuance would create a
significant risk of material adverse tax consequences to the Company or the
Person to whom such Right Certificate would be issued, (ii) no such Right
Certificate shall be issued if, and to the extent that, appropriate adjustment
shall otherwise have been made in lieu of the issuance thereof and (iii) at the
time of a determination by the Board of Directors to cause the Company to issue
a Right Certificate under clause (b) above, there must be Continuing Directors
then in office and any such determination shall require the approval of at least
a majority of such Continuing Directors.


                                       26

<PAGE>   28

     Section 23.  Redemption. The Rights may be redeemed by action of the Board
of Directors pursuant to Section 23.1 or by Stockholder action pursuant to
Section 23.2 and shall not be redeemed in any other manner.

             23.1 Right to Redeem. The Board of Directors of the Company may, at
its option, at any time prior to the close of business on the tenth day
following the Shares Acquisition Date, redeem all but not less than all of the
then outstanding Rights at a redemption price of $.01 per Right, appropriately
adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or similar
transaction occurring after the date hereof (such redemption price being
hereinafter referred to as the "Redemption Price"), PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if
the Board of Directors of the Company authorizes redemption of the Rights after
the time a person becomes an Acquiring Person, then there must be Continuing
Directors then in office and such authorization shall require the approval of at
least a majority of such Continuing Directors. The preceding sentence
notwithstanding, prior to the expiration of the period during which the Rights
may be redeemed as specified therein (or such longer period as the Board of
Directors of the Company may select pursuant to this sentence), the Board of
Directors of the Company may extend, one or more times, the period during which
the Rights may be redeemed beyond the close of business on the tenth day
following the Shares Acquisition Date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that there must be
Continuing Directors then in office and any such extension shall require the
approval of at least a majority of such Continuing Directors. Anything contained
in this Rights Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Rights shall not
be exercisable following a transaction or event described in Section 11.1.2
prior to the expiration of the Company's right of redemption hereunder.

             23.2 Redemption by Shareholder Action.

                  (1) In the event (i) the Company receives an Offer from any
Offeror (as such terms are hereinafter defined), and (ii) within 60 days after
such receipt (such sixtieth day being referred to herein as the "Offer Date"),
the Board of Directors has not either (x) redeemed all but not less than all of
the then outstanding Rights or (y) approved an alternative transaction which the
Board of Directors has determined to be financially superior for the holders of
shares of Common Stock other than the Offeror and its Affiliates, the Board of
Directors shall call a special meeting of stockholders (the "Special Meeting")
for the purpose of voting on a precatory resolution requesting the Board of
Directors to accept such Offer, as such Offer may be amended or revised by the
Offeror from time to time to increase the price per share to be paid to holders
of shares of Common Stock (the "Resolution"). The Board of Directors shall
select a date for the Special Meeting and shall use its best efforts to ensure
that the Special Meeting actually be held on such date, which date shall not be
later than the later of (A) the earliest date after the Offer Date on which it
is reasonably practicable to arrange a Special Meeting and (B) the date of any
meeting of stockholders already scheduled as of the Offer Date; provided,
however, that if (x) such other meeting shall have been called for the purpose
of voting on a precatory resolution with respect to another Offer and (y) the
Offer Date shall be not later than 15 days after the date such other Offer was
received by the Company, then both the Resolution and such other resolution

                                       27

<PAGE>   29

shall be voted on at such meeting and such meeting shall be deemed to be the
Special Meeting. The Board of Directors shall set a date for determining the
stockholders of record entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting
in accordance with the Company's Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws and
with applicable law. At the Offeror's request, the Company shall in any proxy
soliciting material prepared by it in connection with the Special Meeting proxy
soliciting material submitted by the Offeror; provided, however, that the
Offeror shall by written agreement with the Company contained in or delivered
with such request have indemnified the Company against any and all liabilities
resulting from any misstatements, misleading statements and omissions contained
in the Offeror's proxy soliciting material and have agreed to pay the Company's
incremental costs incurred as a result of including such material in the
Company's proxy soliciting material. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Special
Meeting shall be held from and after such time as any Person becomes an
Acquiring Person, and any Special Meeting scheduled prior to such time and not
theretofore held shall be canceled.

                  (2) If at the Special Meeting the Resolution receives the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares as of the record
date of the Special Meeting, then all of the Rights shall be redeemed by such
stockholder action at the Redemption Price, effective immediately prior to the
consummation of any tender or exchange offer (provided that such offer is
consummated prior to 60 days after the date of the Special Meeting) pursuant to
which any Person offers to purchase all of the shares of Common Stock held by
Persons other than such Person and its Affiliates at a price per share in cash
and/or at an exchange ratio which is financially superior to the cash price
and/or the exchange ratio contained in the Resolution approved as the Special
Meeting; provided, however, that the Rights shall not be redeemed at any time
from and after such time as any Person becomes an Acquiring Person.

                  (3) Nothing contained in this Section 23.2 shall be deemed to
be in delegation of the obligation of the Board of Directors of the Company to
exercise its fiduciary duty. Without limiting the foregoing, nothing contained
herein shall be construed to suggest or imply that the Board of Directors shall
not be entitled to reject any Offer, or to recommend that holders of shares of
Common Stock reject any tender or exchange offer, or to take any other action
(including, without limitation, the commencement, prosecution, defense or
settlement of any litigation and the submission of additional or alternative
Offers or other proposals to the Special Meeting) with respect to any Offer or
any tender or exchange offer that the Board of Directors believes is necessary
or appropriate in the exercise of such fiduciary duty.

                  (4) Nothing in this Section 23.2 shall be construed as
limiting or prohibiting the Company or any Offeror from proposing or engaging,
at any time, in any acquisition, disposition or other transfer of any securities
of the Company, any merger or consolidation involving the Company, any sale or
other transfer of assets of the Company, any liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of the Company, or any other business combination or other
transaction, or any other action by the Company or such Offeror; provided,
however, that the holders of Rights shall have the rights set forth in this
Agreement with respect to any such

                                       28

<PAGE>   30

acquisition, disposition, transfer, merger, consolidation, sale, liquidation,
dissolution, winding-up, business combination, transaction or action.

                  (5) An "Offer" shall mean a written proposal delivered to the
Company by any Person (an "Offeror"), which proposal:

                      (A) provides for the acquisition at the same price of all
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock held by any Person other than the
Offeror and its Affiliates.

                      (B) if an offer all or partially for cash consideration,
states that the Offeror has obtained written financing commitments from
recognized financing sources, and/or has on hand cash or cash equivalents, for
the full amount of all financing necessary to consummate the Offer;

                      (C) if an offer all or partially for consideration other
than cash, (i) provides for any non-cash consideration to consist only of
securities which are listed and trading on the New York Stock Exchange and (ii)
is determined by the Board of Directors of the Company to be one of a series of
transactions which will provide tax-deferred treatment for the holders of shares
of Common Stock other than the Offeror and its Affiliates;

                      (D) is not subject to any financing, funding or similar
condition, nor any condition relating to completion of or satisfaction with any
due diligence or similar investigation and otherwise provides for usual and
customary terms and conditions; and

                      (E) requests the Company to call a special meeting of the
holders of Common Stock for the purpose of voting on a precatory resolution
requesting the Board of Directors to accept such Offer and contains a written
agreement of the Offeror to pay (or share with any other Offeror) at least
one-half of the Company's costs of such special meeting (exclusive of the
Company's costs of preparing and mailing proxy material for its own
solicitation)."

             23.3 Redemption Procedures. In the case of a redemption permitted
under Section 23.1 or Section 23.2, immediately upon the action of the Board of
Directors of the Company ordering the redemption of the Rights pursuant to
Section 23.1, or upon the effectiveness of the redemption of the Rights pursuant
to Section 23.2, evidence of which shall have been filed with the Rights Agent,
and without any further action and without any notice, the right to exercise the
Rights will terminate and the only right thereafter of the holders of Rights
shall be to receive the Redemption Price. Within ten (10) days after the action
of the Board of Directors ordering the redemption of the Rights, the Company
shall give, or cause the Rights Agent to give, notice of such redemption to the
holders of the then outstanding Rights by mailing such notice to all such
holders at their last addresses as they appear upon the registry books of the
Rights Agent or, prior to the Distribution Date, on the registry books of the
transfer agent for the Common Shares pursuant to Section 23.1 or the
effectiveness of the redemption of the Rights to

                                       29

<PAGE>   31

     Section 23.2. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided
shall be deemed given, whether or not the holder receives the notice. Each such
notice of redemption will state the method by which the payment of the
Redemption Price will be made. Neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates or
Associates may redeem, acquire or purchase for value any Rights at any time in
any manner other than that specifically set forth in this Section 23 or in
Section 27, and other than in connection with the purchase of Common Shares
prior to the Distribution Date.

     Section 24. Notice of Certain Events. In case the Company shall propose (a)
to pay any dividend payable in stock of any class to the holders of Common
Shares or to make any other distribution to the holders of Common Shares (other
than a regular periodic cash dividend at a rate not in excess of 125% of the
rate of the last regular periodic cash dividend theretofore paid or, in case
regular periodic cash dividends have not theretofore been paid, at a rate not in
excess of 50% of the average net income per share of the Company for the four
quarters ended immediately prior to the payment of such dividends, or a stock
dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the Common
Shares) or (b) to offer to the holders of Common Shares rights or warrants to
subscribe for or to purchase any additional Common Shares or shares of stock of
any class or any other securities, rights or options, or (c) to effect any
reclassification of its Common Shares (other than a reclassification involving
only the subdivision of outstanding Common Shares), or (d) to effect any
consolidation or merger into or with, or to effect any sale or other transfer
(or to permit one or more of its subsidiaries to effect any sale or other
transfer), in one or more transactions, of more than 50% of the assets or
earning power of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to, any
other Person (other than pursuant to a merger or other acquisition agreement of
the type described in Section 1.3(ii)(A)(2)), or (e) to effect the liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of the Company, then, in each such case, the Company
shall give to the Rights Agent and to each holder of a Right Certificate, in
accordance with Section 25, a notice of such proposed action, which shall
specify the record date for the purposes of such stock dividend, distribution of
rights or warrants, or the date on which such reclassification, consolidation,
merger, sale, transfer, liquidation, dissolution, or winding up is to take place
and the date of participation therein by the holders of the Common Shares, if
any such date is to be fixed, and such notice shall be so given in the case of
any action covered by clause (a) or (b) above at least ten (10) days prior to
the record date for determining holders of the Common Shares for purposes of
such action, and in the case of any such other action, at least ten (10) days
prior to the date of the taking of such proposed action or the date of
participation therein by the holders of the Common Shares, whichever shall be
the earlier.

     In case any event set forth in Section 11.1.2 of this Rights Agreement
shall occur, then, in any such case, the Company shall as soon as practicable
thereafter give to the Rights Agent and to each holder of a Right Certificate,
in accordance with Section 25, a notice of the occurrence of such event, which
notice shall describe the event and the consequences of the event to holders of
Rights under Section 11.1.2.

     Notwithstanding anything in this Rights Agreement to the contrary, prior to
the Distribution Date a filing by the Company with the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall

                                       30

<PAGE>   32

constitute sufficient notice to the holders of securities of the Company,
including the Rights, for purposes of this Rights Agreement and no other notice
need be given.

     Section 25. Notices. Notices or demands authorized by this Rights Agreement
to be given or made by the Rights Agent or by the holder of any Right
Certificate to or on the Company shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by
first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in
writing with the Rights Agent) as follows:

             New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
             5111 Rogers Avenue, Suite 40-A
             Fort Smith, Arkansas  72919
             Attention: Chairman of the Board or President

Subject to the provisions of Section 21, any notice or demand authorized by this
Rights Agreement to be given or made by the Company or by the holder of any
Right Certificate to or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given or made
if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address
is filed in writing with the Company) as follows:

             The Bank of New York
             101 Barclay Street
             New York, New York 10286
             Attention: Stock Transfer Administration

Notices or demands authorized by this Rights Agreement to be given or made by
the Company or the Rights Agent to the holder of any Right Certificate shall be
sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid,
addressed to such holder at the address of such holder as shown on the registry
books of the Company.

     Section 26. Supplements and Amendments. Prior to the Distribution Date and
subject to the last sentence of this Section 26, the Company and the Rights
Agent shall, if the Company so directs, supplement or amend any provision of
this Rights Agreement without the approval of any holders of certificates
representing Common Shares. From and after the Distribution Date and subject to
the last sentence of this Section 26, the Company and the Rights Agent may from
time to time supplement or amend this Rights Agreement without the approval of
any holders of Right Certificates (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or
supplement any provision contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent
with any other provisions herein, (ii) to shorten or lengthen any time period
hereunder (which shortening or lengthening, following the Shares Acquisition
Date, shall be effective only if there are Continuing Directors and shall
require the approval of at least a majority of such Continuing Directors) or
(iii) so long as the interests of the holders of the Right Certificates (other
than an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate of an Acquiring Person)
are not adversely affected thereby, to make any other changes or provisions in
regard to matters or questions arising hereunder which the Company and the
Rights Agent may deem necessary or desirable, including but not limited to
extending the Final Expiration Date;

                                       31

<PAGE>   33

     PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the right of the Board of Directors to extend the
Distribution Date or Redemption Date shall not require any amendment or
supplement hereunder. Upon the delivery of a certificate from an appropriate
officer of the Company which states that the proposed supplement or amendment is
in compliance with the terms of this Section 26, the Rights Agent shall execute
such supplement or amendment. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the
Rights Agent's consent must be obtained regarding any amendment or supplement
pursuant to this Section 26 which alters the Rights Agent's rights or duties.
Prior to the Distribution Date, the interests of the holders of Rights shall be
deemed coincident with the interests of the holders of Common Shares. Without
limiting the foregoing, at any time prior to such time as any Person becomes an
Acquiring Person, the Company and the Rights Agent may amend this Agreement to
lower the thresholds set forth in Sections 1.1 and 3.1 to not less than the
greater of (i) any percentage greater than the largest percentage of the
outstanding Common Shares then known by the Company to be beneficially owned by
any Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company, any employee
benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, or any entity
holding Common Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan) and (ii)
10%.

     Section 27.  Exchange.

             27.1 Exchange of Common Shares for Rights. The Board of Directors
of the Company may, at its option, at any time after the occurrence of a Trigger
Event, exchange Common Shares for all or part of the then outstanding and
exercisable Rights (which shall not include Rights that have become void
pursuant to the provisions of Section 11.1.2) by exchanging that number of
Common Shares having an aggregate value equal to the Spread (with such value
being based on the current per share market price (as determined pursuant to
Section 11.4) on the date of the occurrence of a Trigger Event) per Right,
appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock split, stock dividend or similar
transaction occurring after the date hereof (such amount per Right being
hereinafter referred to as the "Exchange Consideration"). Notwithstanding the
foregoing, (i) the Board of Directors shall not be empowered to effect such
exchange at any time after any Person (other than the Company, any Subsidiary of
the Company, any employee benefit plan of the Company or any such Subsidiary, or
any entity holding Common Shares for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan),
together with all Affiliates and Associates of such Person, becomes the
Beneficial Owner of 50% or more of the Common Shares then outstanding and (ii)
the Board shall not be empowered to effect an exchange for more than that number
of Rights for which there are sufficient Common Shares authorized but unissued,
or held by the Company as treasury shares, to permit the exchange for Rights.

             27.2 Exchange Procedures. Immediately upon the action of the Board
of Directors of the Company ordering the exchange for any Rights pursuant to
Section 27.1 and without any further action and without any notice, the right to
exercise such Rights shall terminate and the only right thereafter of a holder
of such Rights shall be to receive that number of Common Shares equal to the
number of such Rights held by such holder multiplied by the Exchange
Consideration. The Company shall promptly give public notice of any such
exchange; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the failure to give, or any defect in, such
notice shall not affect

                                       32

<PAGE>   34

the validity of such exchange. The Company promptly shall mail a notice of any
such exchange to all of the holders of such Rights at their last addresses as
they appear upon the registry books of the Rights Agent. Any notice which is
mailed in the manner herein provided shall be deemed given, whether or not the
holder receives the notice. Each such notice of exchange will state the method
by which the exchange of the Common Shares for Rights will be effected and, in
the event of any partial exchange, the number of Rights which will be exchanged.
Any partial exchange shall be effected pro rata based on the number of Rights
(other than the Rights which have become void pursuant to the provisions of
Section 11.1.2) held by each holder of Rights.

             27.3 No Fractional Shares Upon Exchange. The Company shall not be
required to issue fractions of Common Shares or to distribute certificates which
evidence fractional Common Shares. In lieu of such fractional Common Shares, the
Company shall pay to the registered holders of the Right Certificates, with
regard to which such fractional Common Shares would otherwise be issuable, in an
amount in cash equal to the same fraction of the current market value of a whole
Common Share. For the purposes of this Section 27.3, the current market value of
a whole Common Share shall be the current per share market value (as determined
pursuant to Section 11.4) for the Trading Day immediately prior to the date of
exchange pursuant to this Section 27.

     Section 28.  Successors. All the covenants and provisions of this Rights
Agreement by or for the benefit of the Company or the Rights Agent shall bind
and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.

     Section 29.  Benefits of this Rights Agreement. Nothing in this Rights
Agreement shall be construed to give to any person or corporation other than the
Company, the Rights Agent and the registered holders of the Right Certificates
(and, prior to the Distribution Date, the Common Shares) any legal or equitable
right, remedy or claim under this Rights Agreement; but this Rights Agreement
shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Company, the Rights Agent and
the registered holders of the Right Certificates (and, prior to the Distribution
Date, the Common Shares).

     Section 30.  Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
of this Rights Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other
authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms,
provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Rights Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.

     Section 31.  Governing Law. This Rights Agreement and each Right
Certificate issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the
laws of the State of Delaware and for all purposes shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of such State applicable to contracts to
be made and performed entirely within such State, except that Sections 18, 19,
20 and 21 hereof only shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions
thereof.

                                       33

<PAGE>   35

     Section 32. Counterparts. This Rights Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be
deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute
but one and the same instrument.

     Section 33. Descriptive Heading. Descriptive headings of the several
Sections of this Rights Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall
not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions
hereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Rights Agreement to
be duly executed and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed,
all as of the day and year first above written.

                                       NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.


                                       By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:

[SEAL]

                                       THE BANK OF NEW YORK


                                       By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                       Name:
                                       Title:



                                       34

<PAGE>   36

                                    EXHIBIT A
                           [Form of Right Certificate]

Certificate No. R-               _______ Rights



         NOT EXERCISABLE AFTER ______________, 20__ OR EARLIER IF NOTICE OF
         REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE IS GIVEN OR IF THE COMPANY IS MERGED OR ACQUIRED
         PURSUANT TO AN AGREEMENT OF THE TYPE DESCRIBED IN SECTION 1.3(ii)(A)(2)
         OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT. THE RIGHTS ARE SUBJECT TO REDEMPTION, AT THE
         OPTION OF THE COMPANY, AT $.01 PER RIGHT ON THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THE
         RIGHTS AGREEMENT. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES (SPECIFIED IN SECTION
         11.1.2 OF THE RIGHTS AGREEMENT), RIGHTS BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY AN
         ACQUIRING PERSON, OR ITS AFFILIATES OR ASSOCIATES, OR ANY SUBSEQUENT
         HOLDER OF SUCH RIGHTS MAY BECOME NULL VOID. [THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED BY
         THIS CERTIFICATE ARE HELD OR HAVE BEEN HELD BY A PERSON WHO IS OR WAS
         AN ACQUIRING PERSON OR AN ASSOCIATE OR AFFILIATE OF AN ACQUIRING PERSON
         OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS RIGHT CERTIFICATE AND THE RIGHTS REPRESENTED
         HEREBY HAVE BECOME NULL AND VOID AS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 11.1.2 OF THE
         RIGHTS AGREEMENT.]

                                Right Certificate
                           NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.

         This certifies that ________________, or registered assigns, is the
registered owner of the number of Rights set forth above, each of which entitles
the owner thereof, subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of the Rights
Agreement dated as of _____________, 1997, as the same may be amended from time
to time (the "Rights Agreement"), between New Beverly Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), and The Bank of New York, a New York banking
corporation, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent"), to purchase from the Company
at any time after the Distribution Date and prior to 5:00 P.M. (New York City
time) on ____________, 20__, at the offices of the Rights Agent, or its
successors as Rights Agent, designated for such purpose, one fully paid,
nonassessable common share (the "Common Shares") of the Company, at a purchase
price of $__ per share (the "Purchase Price"), upon presentation and surrender
of this Right Certificate with the Form of Election to Purchase and
certification duly executed. The number of Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate (and the number of shares which may be purchased upon exercise
thereof) set forth above, and the Purchase Price set forth above, are the number
and Purchase Price as of _______________, 1997 based on the Common Shares as
constituted at such date. Capitalized terms used in this Right Certificate


                                       35

<PAGE>   37

without definition shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Rights
Agreement. As provided in the Rights Agreement, the Purchase Price and the
number of Common Shares which may be purchased upon the exercise of the Rights
evidenced by this Right Certificate are subject to modification and adjustment
upon the happening of certain events.

     This Right Certificate is subject to all of the terms, provisions and
conditions of the Rights Agreement, which terms, provisions and conditions are
hereby incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof and to which
Rights Agreement reference is hereby made for a full description of the rights,
limitations of rights, obligations, duties and immunities hereunder of the
Rights Agent, the Company and the holders of the Right Certificates. Copies of
the Rights Agreement are on file at the principal offices of the Company and the
designated office of the Rights Agent.

     This Right Certificate, with or without other Right Certificates, upon
surrender at the offices of the Rights Agent designated for such purpose, may be
exchanged for another Right Certificate or Right Certificates of like tenor and
date evidencing Rights entitling the holder to purchase a like aggregate number
of Common Shares as the Rights evidenced by the Right Certificate or Right
Certificates surrendered shall have entitled such holder to purchase. If this
Right Certificate shall be exercised in part, the holder shall be entitled to
receive upon surrender hereof another Right Certificate or Right Certificates
for the number of whole Rights not exercised.

     Subject to the provisions of the Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors
may, at its option, (i) redeem the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate at
a redemption price of $.01 per Right at any time prior to ten (10) days after
the Shares Acquisition Date or (ii) exchange Common Shares for the Rights
evidenced by this Certificate, in whole or in part, after the occurrence of a
Trigger Event. The period during which redemption of the Rights is permitted may
be extended by the Board of Directors of the Company, but such an extension
shall require the concurrence of a majority of the Continuing Directors. Under
certain circumstances set forth in the Rights Agreement, the decision to redeem
shall require the concurrence of a majority of the Continuing Directors.

     No fractional Common Shares will be issued upon the exercise of any Right
or Rights evidenced hereby, but in lieu thereof a cash payment will be made, as
provided in the Rights Agreement.

     No holder of this Right Certificate, as such, shall be entitled to vote or
receive dividends or be deemed for any purpose the holder of the Common Shares
or of any other securities of the Company which may at any time be issuable on
the exercise hereof, nor shall anything contained in the Rights Agreement or
herein be construed to confer upon the holder hereof, as such, any of the rights
of a stockholder of the Company or any right to vote for the election of
directors or upon any matter submitted to stockholders at any meeting thereof,
or to give or withhold consent to any corporate action, or to receive notice of
meetings or other actions affecting stockholders


                                       36

<PAGE>   38

(except as provided in the Rights Agreement), or to receive dividends or
subscription rights, or otherwise, until the Right or Rights evidenced by this
Right Certificate shall have been exercised as provided in the Rights Agreement.

     If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of the Rights Agreement is
held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void
or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and
restrictions of the Rights Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and
shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.

     This Right Certificate shall not be valid or binding for any purpose until
it shall have been countersigned by the Rights Agent.

     WITNESS the facsimile signature of the proper officers of the Company and
its corporate seal.

Attest:                                    NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.


By:                                        By:
      -------------------------------            -------------------------------
Title:                                     Title:



Countersigned:


THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
as Rights Agent


By:
      -------------------------------
      Authorized Signature


Date of countersignature:
                          --------------------


                                       37

<PAGE>   39

                   [Form of Reverse Side of Right Certificate]
                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

             (To be executed by the registered holder if such holder
                  desires to transfer the Right Certificate.)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED _____________________________________________________________

hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto _______________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________
                  (Please print name and address of transferee)


This Right Certificate and the Rights evidenced thereby, together with all
right, title and interest therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and
appoint __________________________ Attorney, to transfer the within Right
Certificate on the books of the within-named Company, with full power of
substitution.

Dated:
      ------------------


                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Signature

Signature Guaranteed:


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

         Signatures must be guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution"
meeting the requirements of the Rights Agent, which requirements include
membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program
("STAMP") or such other "signature guarantee program" as may be determined by
the Rights Agent in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in
accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

         (1)      the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate [ ] are [ ] are
                  not beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate
                  or an Associate thereof; and

         (2)      after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
                  undersigned, the undersigned [ ] did [ ] did not acquire the
                  Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate from any


                                       38

<PAGE>   40

                  person who is, was or subsequently became an Acquiring Person
                  or an Affiliate or Associate thereof.

Dated:
      -------------------


                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Signature



                                       39

<PAGE>   41

                          FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE
      (To be executed if holder desires to exercise the Right Certificate.)

To:      NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.

         The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to exercise ________________
Rights represented by this Right Certificate to purchase the Common Shares
issuable upon the exercise of such Rights and requests that certificates for
such shares be issued in the name of:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         (Please print name and address)

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

If such number of Rights shall not be all the Rights evidenced by this Right
Certificate, a new Right Certificate for the balance remaining of such Rights
shall be registered in the name of and delivered to:

Please insert social security
or other identifying number

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         (Please print name and address)

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

Dated:
      ------------------


                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Signature

Signature Guaranteed:


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


                                       40

<PAGE>   42

The undersigned hereby certifies by checking the appropriate boxes that:

         (1)      the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate [ ] are [ ] are
                  not beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate
                  or an Associate thereof; and

         (2)      after due inquiry and to the best knowledge of the
                  undersigned, the undersigned [ ] did [ ] did not acquire the
                  Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate from any person who
                  is, was or subsequently became an Acquiring Person or an
                  Affiliate or Associate thereof.

Dated:
      ------------------


                                             -----------------------------------
                                             Signature


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     NOTICE

         The signature in the foregoing Form of Assignment and Form of Election
to Purchase must conform to the name as written upon the face of this Right
Certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement or any change
whatsoever.

         In the event the certification set forth above in the Form of
Assignment or Form of Election to Purchase is not completed, the Company will
deem the beneficial owner of the Rights evidenced by this Right Certificate to
be an Acquiring Person or an Affiliate or Associate hereof and, in the case of
an Assignment, will affix a legend to that effect on any Right Certificates
issued in exchange for this Right Certificate.



                                       41

<PAGE>   43

                                    EXHIBIT B

         As described in the Rights Agreement, Rights which are held by or have
been held by Acquiring Persons or Associates or Affiliates thereof (as defined
in the Rights Agreement) shall become null and void.

                   SUMMARY OF RIGHTS TO PURCHASE COMMON SHARES

         On ______________, 1997 the Board of Directors of New Beverly Holdings,
Inc. (the "Company") declared a dividend of one Right for each share of common
stock, $.10 par value (the "Common Shares"), of the Company outstanding at the
close of business on ________________, 1997(the "Record Date").

         As long as the Rights are attached to the Common Shares, the Company
will issue one Right with each new Common Share so that all such shares will
have attached Rights. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from
the Company one Common Share at a price of $___ per share, subject to adjustment
(the "Purchase Price"). The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in
a Rights Agreement, dated as of _________________, 1997, as the same may be
amended from time to time (the "Rights Agreement"), between the Company and The
Bank of New York, as Rights Agent (the "Rights Agent").

         Until the earlier to occur of (i) ten (10) days following a public
announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an
"Acquiring Person") has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial
ownership of 15% or more of the Common Shares or (ii) ten (10) days following
the commencement or announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or
exchange offer the consummation of which would result in the beneficial
ownership by a person or group of 15% or more of the Common Shares (the earlier
of (i) and (ii) being called the "Distribution Date," whether or not either such
date occurs prior to the Record Date), the Rights will be evidenced, with
respect to any of the Common Share certificates outstanding as of the Record
Date, by such Common Share certificate together with a copy of this Summary of
Rights.

         The Rights Agreement provides that the Board of Directors, with the
concurrence of a majority of the Continuing Directors (as defined below), may
postpone the Distribution Date and that, until the Distribution Date, the Rights
will be transferred with and only with the Common Shares. Until the Distribution
Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), new Common Share
certificates issued after the close of business on the Record Date upon transfer
or new issuance of the Common Shares will contain a notation incorporating the
Rights Agreement by reference. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier
redemption, exchange, termination or expiration of the Rights), the surrender
for transfer of any certificates for Common Shares, with or without a copy of
this Summary of Rights, will also constitute the transfer of the Rights
associated with the Common Shares represented by such certificate. As soon as
practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing
the Rights ("Right Certificates")

                                       42

<PAGE>   44

will be mailed to holders of record of the Common Shares as of the close of
business on the Distribution Date and such separate Right Certificates alone
will evidence the Rights.

         The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date. The Rights
will expire on __________ , 1998, subject to the Company's right to extend such
date (the "Final Expiration Date"), unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the
Company or terminated.

         The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Common Shares or other
securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject to
adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock
dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the Common
Shares, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the Common Shares of certain rights or
warrants to subscribe for or purchase Common Shares or convertible securities at
less than the current market price of the Common Shares or (iii) upon the
distribution to holders of the Common Shares of evidences of indebtedness,
securities or assets (excluding regular periodic cash dividends at a rate not in
excess of 125% of the rate of the last regular periodic cash dividend
theretofore paid or, in case regular periodic cash dividends have not
theretofore been paid, at a rate not in excess of 50% of the average net income
per share of the Company for the four quarters ended immediately prior to the
payment of such dividend, or dividends payable in Common Shares (which dividends
will be subject to the adjustment described in clause (i) above)) or of
subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

         In the event that a Person becomes an Acquiring Person (except pursuant
to certain cash offers for all outstanding Common Shares approved by the Board)
or if the Company were the surviving corporation in a merger with an Acquiring
Person or any affiliate or associate of an Acquiring Person and the Common
Shares were not changed or exchanged, each holder of a Right, other than Rights
that are or were acquired or beneficially owned by the 15% stockholder (which
Rights will thereafter be void), will thereafter have the right to receive upon
exercise that number of Common Shares having a market value of two times the
then current Purchase Price of the Right. With certain exceptions, in the event
that the Company were acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction or more than 50% of its assets or earning power were sold, proper
provision shall be made so that each holder of a Right shall thereafter have the
right to receive, upon the exercise thereof at the then current Purchase Price
of the Right, that number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company
which at the time of such transaction would have a market value of two times the
then current Purchase Price of the Right.

         At any time after a Person becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the
acquisition by such Acquiring Person of 50% or more of the outstanding Common
Shares, the Board of Directors may cause the Company to acquire the Rights
(other than Rights owned by an Acquiring Person which have become void), in
whole or in part, in exchange for that number of Common Shares having an
aggregate value equal to the Spread (the excess of the value of the Common
Shares issuable upon exercise of a Right after a Person becomes an Acquiring
Person over the Purchase Price) per Right (subject to adjustment).


                                       43

<PAGE>   45

         No adjustment in the Purchase Price will be required until cumulative
adjustments require an adjustment of at least 1% in such Purchase Price. No
fractional shares will be issued and in lieu thereof, a payment in cash will be
made based on the market price of the Common Shares on the last trading date
prior to the date of exercise.

         The Rights may be redeemed in whole, but not in part, at a price of
$.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price") by the Board of Directors at any time
until ten (10) days following the public announcement that a Person has become
an Acquiring Person. The Board of Directors, with the concurrence of a majority
of the Continuing Directors, may extend the period during which the Rights are
redeemable beyond the ten (10) days following the public announcement that a
Person has become an Acquiring Person. Under certain circumstances set forth in
the Rights Agreement, the decision to redeem shall require the concurrence of a
majority of the Continuing Directors (as defined below). Immediately upon the
action of the Board of Directors of the Company electing to redeem the Rights,
the Company shall make an announcement thereof, and upon such election, the
right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of
Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.

         The term "Continuing Directors" means any member of the Board of
Directors of the Company who was a member of the Board prior to the time that
any Person becomes an Acquiring Person, and any person who is subsequently
elected to the Board if such person is recommended or approved by a majority of
the Continuing Directors. Continuing Directors do not include an Acquiring
Person, or an affiliate or associate of an Acquiring Person, or any
representative of the foregoing.

         Until a Right is exercised, the holder thereof, as such, will have no
rights as a stockholder of the Company beyond those as an existing stockholder,
including, without limitation, the right to vote or to receive dividends.

         Any of the provisions of the Rights Agreement may be amended by the
Board of Directors of the Company prior to the Distribution Date. After the
Distribution Date, the Company and the Rights Agent may amend or supplement the
Rights Agreement without the approval of any holders of Right Certificates to
cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained therein
which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions therein, to
shorten or lengthen any time period under the Rights Agreement (so long as,
under certain circumstances, a majority of Continuing Directors approve such
shortening or lengthening) or so long as the interests of the holders of Right
Certificates (other than an Acquiring Person or an affiliate or associate of an
Acquiring Person) are not adversely affected thereby, to make any other
provisions in regard to matters or questions arising thereunder which the
Company and the Rights Agent may deem necessary or desirable, including but not
limited to extending the Final Expiration Date. The Company may at any time
prior to such time as any Person becomes an Acquiring Person amend the Rights
Agreement to lower the thresholds described above to not less than the greater
of (i) any percentage greater than the largest percentage of the outstanding

                                       44

<PAGE>   46

Common Shares then known by the Company to be beneficially owned by any person
or group of affiliated or associated persons and (ii) 10%.

         A copy of the Rights Agreement has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as an Exhibit to a Registration Statement on Form 8-A. A
copy of the Rights Agreement is available free of charge from the Company. This
summary description of the Rights does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Rights Agreement, which is
incorporated herein by reference.



                                       45

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.3

                          AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE
                           NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.
                         1997 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

     Amendment made this 11th day of December, 1997, by Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. (the "Corporation").

                                  WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, during the first week of December, 1997, Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
(as in existence prior to the "Transaction" referenced below) (hereinafter
referred to as "Old Beverly") transferred its healthcare business to a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Beverly, i.e., New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
("NBHI"), which was then spun-off to the shareholders of Old Beverly, all
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and between ("Capstone")
dated as of April 15, 1997; and

     WHEREAS, immediately following such spin-off, Old Beverly merged with and
into Capstone, with Capstone as the surviving corporation, all pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone dated as
of April 15, 1997 (all the aforementioned transactions to be referred to herein
collectively as the "Transaction"); and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to the Transaction, the Corporation changed its name
from NBHI to Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and assumed the sponsorship of the New
Beverly Holdings, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "1997 LTIP"); and 

     WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to amend the 1997 LTIP to (i) reflect the
new name of the Corporation following the Transaction, (ii) add restrictions on
the ability of the Compensation Committee of the Corporation's Board of
Directors ("Committee") to reduce or remove restrictions or accelerate vesting
with respect to previously granted Performance Awards, Bonus Stock, and Other
Stock Unit Awards (as defined in the 1997 LTIP), and (iii) prescribe minimum
vesting periods for various awards under the Plan; and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 14.8 of the 1997 LTIP, the Board of Directors
("Board") may amend the 1997 LTIP at any time;

     NOW, THEREFORE, effective as of the Closing Date of the Transactions (as
hereinabove defined), the 1997 LTIP shall be amended as follows:

     1.   The title page and Section 2.40 of the 1997 LTIP shall be amended to
change the name of the 1997 LTIP to the "Beverly Enterprises, Inc. 1997
Long-Term Incentive Plan" ("1997 LTIP");
<PAGE>   2
     2.   Sections 1 and 2.13 of the 1997 LTIP shall be amended to change the
name of the Company to "Beverly Enterprises, Inc.";

     3.   A new Section 2.50 is hereby added to the 1997 LTIP to read as
follows:

            2.50  "Transaction" means, collectively, those transactions which
            are described in the Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and
            between Beverly Enterprises, Inc. ("Old Beverly"), New Beverly
            Holdings, Inc. ("NBHI") and Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc.
            ("Capstone"), dated as of April 15, 1997, and the Agreement and Plan
            of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone dated as of April
            15, 1997.

     4.   Section 9.2 of the 1997 LTIP is hereby amended by adding a new
sentence at the end thereof to read as follows:

            "Except as specifically provided herein, including, without
            limitation, Section 14.13, the Committee shall have no authority to
            reduce or remove the Performance Goals or Performance Period without
            the express consent of the stockholders of the Company. Furthermore,
            except in the case of the Participant's death or disability, or a
            Change of Control of the Company, no Performance Unit or Performance
            Award shall become vested or payable less than one (1) year after
            its grant."

     5.   Section 10 of the 1997 LTIP shall be amended by replacing the first
paragraph thereof with the following:

            "Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan and applicable law,
            the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may award Shares
            of Bonus Stock to Participants without cash consideration. The
            Committee shall determine and indicate in the relevant Agreement
            restrictions which shall apply to such Bonus Stock, which shall
            provide for vesting periods and/or periods of restriction which 
            shall be not less stringent than those as contained in Section 8.4
            with respect to awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock
            Units. In addition, such Shares shall be subject to at least the
            following restrictions:"

     6.   Section 10 of the 1997 LTIP shall be further amended by adding a new
sentence at the end thereof to read as follows:





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
          "Except as specifically provided herein, including, without
          limitation, Section 14.13, the Committee shall have no authority to
          reduce or remove any restrictions or limitations on Bonus Stock
          without the express consent of the stockholders of the Company."

7.   Section 11.2(d) is hereby amended to read as follows:

          "Other Stock Unit Awards may be subject to a deferred payment
          schedule.  Furthermore, all Other Stock Unit Awards granted under the
          Plan shall be subject to vesting periods and/or periods of 
          restriction which are not less stringent than those as specified in 
          Section 8.4 with respect to awards of Restricted Stock and 
          Restricted Stock Units."

8.   Section 11.2 of the 1997 LTIP is hereby amended by adding a new subsection
(f) to read follows:

          "(f) Except as specifically provided herein, including, without
          limitation, Sections 11(e) and 14.13, the Committee shall have no
          authority to reduce or remove any Performance Criteria, vesting
          schedule, or other restriction or condition imposed on or Other Stock
          Unit Award without the express consent of the stockholders of the
          Company."



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to be
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the day and year first 
written above.


BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.


                                    By:
                                        -----------------------------

                                    Its:
                                         ----------------------------






                                       3


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.5



                          AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE
                           NEW BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.
                   NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN

     Amendment made this 11th day of December, 1997, by Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. (the "Corporation").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, effective as of December 3, 1997, Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (as in
existence prior to the "Transaction" referenced below) (hereinafter referred to
as "Old Beverly") transferred its healthcare business to a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Old Beverly, i.e., New Beverly Holdings, Inc. ("NBHI"), which was
then spun-off to the shareholders of Old Beverly, all pursuant to the Agreement
and Plan of Distribution by and between Old Beverly, NBHI and Capstone Pharmacy
Services, Inc. ("Capstone") dated as of April 15, 1997; and

     WHEREAS, immediately following such spin-off, Old Beverly merged with and
into Capstone, with Capstone as the surviving corporation, all pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone dated as of
April 15, 1997 (all the aforementioned transactions to be referred to herein
collectively as the "Transaction"); and

     WHEREAS, the Corporation adopted the New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan on May 29, 1997 (the "Plan"); and

     WHEREAS, the Corporation desires, in light of the Transaction as
hereinabove defined, to amend the Plan to increase the number of options granted
under the Plan to reflect adjustments in the value of the Corporation's Stock
following the Transaction; and

     WHEREAS, Section 8.1 of the Plan provides that it may be amended or
modified by the Corporation at any time and from time to time;

     NOW, THEREFORE, Section 3.2 of the Plan is hereby amended to read in its
entirety as follows:

          "Effective as of December 3, 1997, each Non-Employee Director as of
          his first Grant Date shall automatically be granted an Option to
          Purchase 3,375 shares of Common Stock, and shall automatically be
          granted an Option to purchase an additional 3,375 shares of Common
          Stock as of each Grant Date subsequent to the initial Grant Date
          applicable to such Non-Employee Director and during the term of this
<PAGE>   2
          Plan, with each such subsequent grant being effective as of the
          applicable Grant Date. To be eligible to receive such an Option grant
          with respect to any such Grant Date, the Non-Employee Director must be
          a Non-Employee Director on such Grant Date. All Options granted under
          this Section 3.2 shall be subject to the Common Stock availability
          provisions of Section 4.1. Each individual who first becomes a
          Non-Employee Director after the Effective Date shall automatically be
          granted an Option to purchase 3,375 shares of Common Stock, effective
          as of the Grant Date which is coincident with or next following the
          date on which such individual becomes a Non-Employee Director."

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to be
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the date and year first
written above.

                                             BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.

                                             By: 
                                                 -------------------------------
                                             Its: 
                                                  ------------------------------





                                       2

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.18



             AMENDMENT NUMBER SIX TO THE BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.


                           EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

Amendment made this 11th day of April, 1996, by Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
("Beverly"), but to be effective as of January 1, 1996.

                              W I T N E S S E T H:
         WHEREAS, Beverly sponsors the Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive
Retirement Plan (the "Plan");


         WHEREAS, Beverly now desires to adopt an amendment to change the date
on which a Participant in the Plan must be employed in order to be eligible for
matching contributions under the Plan;


         WHEREAS, Beverly is empowered and authorized to amend the Plan
pursuant to Article III of the Plan;


NOW, THEREFORE, the Executive Retirement Plan is hereby amended effective as of
January 1, 1996, in the following respect:

1.       The first sentence of Section 5.1, as previously amended by Amendment
4 to the Executive Retirement Plan, is hereby amended to read as follows:


         5.1     Matching Contributions.  Subject to the requirements and
         restrictions of this Article V, and subject also to the amendment or
         termination of the Plan, as of the last day of each Plan Year, the
         Company may, in its sole discretion, depending on profits, determine
         to make a matching contribution on behalf of each Participant who (a)
         has contributed at least two (2)%) of his Compensation for the Plan
         Year, (b) is employed by the Company as of December 31 of such year,
         or who retired during such Plan Year at or over age 59 1/2 with at
         least 10 Years of Service, and (c) has not withdrawn any funds that
         were used to calculate the company match from the Plan during that
         Plan Year.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Beverly has caused this Amendment Number 6 to be
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the day and year first
written above.


                                        BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.




                                        By:      /s/ Robert W. Pommerville
                                                -------------------------
                                                Its: Executive Vice President
                                                     General Counsel and 
                                                     Secretary

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.19

                          AMENDMENT NUMBER SEVEN TO THE
                            BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                            EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

         Amendment made this 11th day of December, 1997, by Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. (the "Corporation").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, the Corporation sponsors the Amended and Restated
Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive Retirement Plan (the
"Retirement Plan");

         WHEREAS, the Corporation now desires to adopt an amendment to the
Retirement Plan to provide for the transfer of a Participant's interest pursuant
to domestic relations order entered by a court of competent jurisdiction
incident to a divorce;

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is empowered and authorized to amend the
Retirement Plan pursuant to Article VIII of the Plan, as amended;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Retirement Plan is hereby amended effective
September 1, 1997 in the following respects:

         1. The Plan is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph to the
end of existing Article 9:

                Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant's benefits under
the Plan are subject to division pursuant to a domestic relations order which is
entered by a court of competent jurisdiction incident to a divorce, however, the
person claiming any interest in the Plan as result of such an order shall be
entitled to only those benefits under the Plan to which the affected Participant
would have been entitled. Furthermore, the interest of such transferee shall be
subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan, including without
limitation those provisions relating to timing and form of payment and vesting
of benefits. Moreover, the Company reserves the right to withhold from any
payments to such transferee or any compensation due the Participant, any income
and FICA taxes, and any other sums, as required by applicable law.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to be
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the day and year first
written above.

                                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.


                                           By:
                                           Its:



                                       1

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.20



                         AMENDMENT NUMBER EIGHT TO THE
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                           EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN


         Amendment made this 11th day of December, 1997, by Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. (the "Corporation").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:


         WHEREAS, during the first week of December, 1997, Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. (as in existence prior to the "Transaction" referenced below) (hereinafter
referred to as "Old Beverly") transferred its healthcare business to a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Beverly, i.e., New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
("NBHI"), which was then spun-off to the shareholders of Old Beverly, all
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and between Old Beverly,
NBHI and Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc. ("Capstone") dated as of April 15,
1997; and

         WHEREAS, immediately following such spin-off, Old Beverly merged with
and into Capstone, with Capstone as the surviving corporation, all pursuant to
the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone dated
as of April 15, 1997 (all the aforementioned transactions to be referred to
herein collectively as the "Transaction"); and

         WHEREAS, as a result of the Transaction, various employees of Pharmacy
Corporation of America ("PCA"), which was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Old
Beverly and an affiliate of the Corporation prior to the Transaction, will
become part of the Capstone controlled group of corporations; and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation maintains the Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
Executive Retirement Plan (the "Plan"); and

         WHEREAS, the Plan provides that a Participant must be employed as of
the last day of the Plan Year in order to receive a matching contribution
thereunder; and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation desires that all PCA employees who were
Participants in the Plan as of the closing date of the Transaction and who are
employed by PCA or a PCA affiliate on December 31, 1997 receive a matching
contribution under the Plan; and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation desires to change the name of the Plan to the
"Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive SavingsPlus Plan"; and





                                       1
<PAGE>   2
         WHEREAS, the Corporation is empowered and authorized to amend the Plan
pursuant to Article VIII thereof;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended in the following respects:

         1.      The name of the changed to "Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
Executive SavingsPlus Plan."

         2.      The Plan is further amended by changing the first paragraph of
Article I to read as follows:

                 The purpose of the Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive
                 SavingsPlus Plan (formerly the Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
                 Executive Retirement Plan)(the "Plan") of Beverly Enterprises,
                 Inc. is to attract and retain highly qualified and loyal
                 executives and managers by providing certain such executives
                 and managers with benefits, a portion of which benefits are in
                 lieu of payment of certain current compensation.

         3.      The Plan is further amended by amending section 2.12 to read 
as follows:

               "Plan" means the Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive SavingsPlus
Plan, as set forth herein.

         4.      Paragraph 5.5 of the Retirement Plan is amended by adding a new
paragraph at the end of existing Section 5.5 to read as follows:

                 "Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a
                 Change in Control shall not include any transfer to a
                 consolidated subsidiary, reorganization, spin-off, split-up,
                 distribution, or other similar or related transaction(s) or
                 any combination of the foregoing in which the core business
                 and assets of the Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a
                 whole) are transferred to another entity ("Controlled") with
                 respect to which (1) the majority of the Board of Directors of
                 the Company (as constituted immediately prior to such
                 transaction(s)) also serve as directors of Controlled and
                 immediately after such transaction(s) constitute a majority of
                 Controlled's board of directors, and (2) more than 70% of the
                 shareholders of the Company





                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                 (immediately prior to such transaction(s)) become shareholders
                 or other owners of Controlled and immediately after the
                 transaction(s) control more than 70% of the ownership and
                 voting rights of Controlled."



         5.      The Plan is further amended by adding Section 5 as follows:

                 Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this Article
                 V, those Plan Participants who will no longer be employed by
                 the Company or another adopting employer affiliated with the
                 Company as of the last day of the 1997 Plan Year, solely as a
                 result of those Transactions which are described in the
                 Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and between Beverly
                 Enterprises, Inc., New Beverly Holdings, Inc. and Capstone
                 Pharmacy Services, Inc., dated as of April 15, 1997, and the
                 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Beverly
                 Enterprises, Inc. and Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc., dated
                 as of April 15, 1997, as determined by the Committee in its
                 sole discretion, and who remain employed by Pharmacy
                 Corporation of America or an affiliate thereof as of December
                 31, 1997, shall receive a matching contribution in accordance
                 with Section 5.01 hereof, as if still employed by the Company
                 as of the last day of the Plan Year in which such Transactions
                 occur;

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to be
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the day and year first
written above.

                                                   BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.


                                                   By:
                                                   Its:





                                       3

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.21


                            BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.

                     SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
















                         EFFECTIVE AS OF JANUARY 1, 1998





<PAGE>   2

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS


<S>    <C>                                                                                                       <C>
ARTICLE I PURPOSE AND ESTABLISHMENT..........................................................................     1
                                                                                                                  
1.1    PURPOSE...............................................................................................     1
                                                                                                                  
ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS.......................................................................................     1
                                                                                                                  
2.1    "AFFILIATE"...........................................................................................     1
2.2    "BENEFICIARY".........................................................................................     1
2.3    "BOARD"...............................................................................................     2
2.4    "CHANGE OF CONTROL"...................................................................................     2
2.5    "CODE"................................................................................................     3
2.6    "COMMENCEMENT DATE"...................................................................................     3
2.7    "COMMITTEE"...........................................................................................     3
2.8    "COMPENSATION"........................................................................................     3
2.9    "DISABILITY"..........................................................................................     4
2.10   "EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFIT"............................................................................     4
2.11   "EFFECTIVE DATE"......................................................................................     4
2.12   "EMPLOYER"............................................................................................     4
2.13   "ERISA"...............................................................................................     4
2.14   "FINAL AVERAGE COMPENSATION"..........................................................................     4
2.15   "NORMAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT"...........................................................................     5
2.16   "NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE"..............................................................................     5
2.17   "PARTICIPANT".........................................................................................     5
2.18   "PLAN"................................................................................................     5
2.19   "PLAN YEAR"...........................................................................................     5
2.20   "RETIREMENT BENEFIT"..................................................................................     5
2.21   "YEAR OF SERVICE".....................................................................................     5
                                                                                                                  
ARTICLE III ELIGIBILITY, PARTICIPATION AND VESTING...........................................................     5
                                                                                                                  
3.1    ELIGIBILITY...........................................................................................     5
3.2    PARTICIPATION.........................................................................................     6
3.3    VESTING...............................................................................................     6
                                                                                                                  
ARTICLE IV AMOUNT AND PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFIT..........................................................     6
                                                                                                                  
4.1    AMOUNT OF NORMAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT...................................................................     6
4.2    AMOUNT OF EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFIT....................................................................     7
4.3    PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFIT.........................................................................     7
4.4    WITHHOLDING AND PAYROLL TAXES.........................................................................     8
4.5    PAYMENT DUE AN INCOMPETENT............................................................................     8
                                                                                                                  
ARTICLE V DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY.........................................................................     9
                                                                                                                  
5.1    BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION...............................................................................     9
5.2    CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY.................................................................................     9
5.3    NO DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY.............................................................................     9
5.4    DOUBT AS TO BENEFICIARY...............................................................................    10
                                                                                                                  
ARTICLE VI APPEALS PROCEDURE AND ARBITRATION.................................................................    10
                                                                                                                  
6.1    CLAIMS AND APPEAL PROCEDURE...........................................................................    10
6.2    BINDING ARBITRATION...................................................................................    11

</TABLE>


<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>

<S>    <C>                                                                                                       <C>
ARTICLE VII UNFUNDED NATURE OF PLAN..........................................................................    11
                                                                                                                 
7.1    THE PLAN IS UNFUNDED..................................................................................    11
7.2    EMPLOYER'S RIGHT TO ESTABLISH TRUST FUND..............................................................    12
                                                                                                                 
ARTICLE VIII ADMINISTRATION; AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION; RIGHTS AGAINST                                          
            THE EMPLOYER.....................................................................................    12
                                                                                                                 
8.1    ADMINISTRATION........................................................................................    12
8.2    LIABILITY OF COMMITTEE; INDEMNIFICATION...............................................................    12
8.3    AMENDMENT AND/OR TERMINATION..........................................................................    13
8.4    RIGHTS AGAINST THE EMPLOYER...........................................................................    13
8.5    EXPENSES..............................................................................................    13
                                                                                                                 
ARTICLE IX GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS.........................................................................    14
                                                                                                                 
9.1    SPENDTHRIFT CLAUSE....................................................................................    14
9.2    SEVERABILITY..........................................................................................    14
9.3    CONSTRUCTION..........................................................................................    14
9.4    GOVERNING LAW.........................................................................................    14
9.5    SEPARATENESS OF PLAN..................................................................................    15
9.6    DISCLAIMER............................................................................................    15
9.7    RELEASE...............................................................................................    15
9.8    SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS................................................................................    15

</TABLE>



<PAGE>   4

                            BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                     SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN



                                    ARTICLE I
                            PURPOSE AND ESTABLISHMENT


1.1      PURPOSE

         Effective as of January 1, 1998, Beverly Enterprises, Inc., hereby
establishes the "Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement
Plan," an unfunded plan "maintained by the employer primarily for the purpose of
providing deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly
compensated employees," within the meaning of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and
401(a)(1) of ERISA. This Plan is intended to constitute a "nonqualified deferred
compensation plan" for purposes of Section 3121(v)(2) of the Code as well as 4
U.S.C. ss. 114.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                   DEFINITIONS



2.1      "AFFILIATE"

         "Affiliate" means (a) a corporation, trade or business that, together
with any Employer, is a member of a controlled group of corporations or an
affiliated service group or under common control (within the meaning of section
414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code), but only for the period during which such other
entity is so affiliated with any Employer, and (b) any other entity required to
be aggregated with any Employer pursuant to Department of Treasury regulations
under section 414(o) of the Code.

2.2      "BENEFICIARY"

         "Beneficiary" means one or more persons, trusts, estates or other
entities designated or deemed to have been designated in accordance with Article
V of this Plan, that are entitled to receive benefits under this Plan in the
event of the Participant's death.



<PAGE>   5

2.3      "BOARD"

         "Board" means the Board of Directors of Beverly Enterprises, Inc.

2.4      "CHANGE OF CONTROL"

         Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if the conditions
set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall have been satisfied:

         (a) Any person, corporation or other entity or group, including any
"group" as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended ("Exchange Act"), becomes the beneficial owner of Shares having 30%
or more of the total number of votes that may be cast for the election of
directors of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company"); or

         (b) As the result of, or in connection with, any tender or exchange
offer, merger or other business combination, sale of assets or contested
election, or any combination of the foregoing (a "Transaction"), the persons who
were directors of the Company before the Transaction shall cease to constitute a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company or any successor to the
Company or its assets; or

         (c) If at any time (i) the Company shall consolidate with, or merge
with, any other Person and the Company shall not be the continuing or surviving
corporation, (ii) any Person shall consolidate with, or merge with, the Company,
and the Company shall be the continuing or surviving corporation and in
connection therewith, all or part of the outstanding stock shall be changed into
or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other Person or cash or any
other property, (iii) the Company shall be a party to a statutory share exchange
with any other Person after which the Company is a Subsidiary of any other
Person, or (iv) the Company shall sell or


                                        2



<PAGE>   6

otherwise transfer 50% or more of the assets or earnings power of the Company
and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to any Person or Persons; provided,
however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth above, a Change
in Control shall not include any transfer to a consolidated subsidiary,
reorganization, spin-off, split-up, distribution, or other similar or related
transaction(s) or any combination of the foregoing in which the core business
and assets of the Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a whole) are
transferred to another entity ("Controlled") with respect to which (1) the
majority of the Board of Directors of the Company (as constituted immediately
prior to such transaction(s) also serve as directors of Controlled and
immediately after such transaction(s) constitute a majority of Controlled's
board of directors, and (2) more than 70% of the shareholders of the Company
(immediately prior to such transaction(s)) become shareholders or other owners
of Controlled and immediately after the transaction(s) control more than 70% of
the ownership and voting rights of Controlled.

2.5      "CODE"

         "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time.

2.6      "COMMENCEMENT DATE"

         "Commencement Date" means the date on which a Participant or, if
applicable, a Beneficiary, begins to receive payments under the Plan.

2.7      "COMMITTEE"

         "Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board, or any such
other committee designated by the Board.

2.8      "COMPENSATION"

         "Compensation" means the annual base salary, excluding bonus,
commissions, overtime, employee benefits, relocation allowance, incentive
payments, directors fees and other special payments or fees, paid to a
Participant by any Employer for employment services rendered to any 

                                       3
<PAGE>   7

Employer, but before reduction for compensation deferred pursuant to all
qualified, non-qualified and Code Section 125 plans of any Employer.
"Compensation" shall not include any tax gross- up payments, whether made in
connection with an employee benefit plan or otherwise.

2.9      "DISABILITY"

         "Disability" means or refers to a disability that the Committee has
found would qualify the Participant (upon the expiration of any applicable
waiting period) for payment of benefits under the Employer's long-term
disability income plan. If the Employer does not continue to maintain a
long-term disability income plan, "Disability" shall mean any physical or mental
disability that the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, to be total
and permanent.

2.10     "EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFIT"

         "Early Retirement Benefit" means the monthly Retirement Benefit
calculated as described in Section 4.2 of this Plan.

2.11     "EFFECTIVE DATE"

         "Effective Date" means the effective date of this Plan, which is
January 1, 1998.

2.12     "EMPLOYER"

         "Employer" means Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and any Affiliate that has
adopted this Plan with the approval of Beverly Enterprises, Inc.

2.13     "ERISA"

         "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time.

2.14     "FINAL AVERAGE COMPENSATION"

         "Final Average Compensation" means the average of the Compensation paid
to a Participant during the three (3) consecutive full Plan Years immediately
preceding (and, if a full Plan Year, including) the Plan Year in which the
Participant retires, dies, or becomes Disabled. For purposes of computing Final
Average Compensation, Compensation in excess of $1,000,000 in any year shall be
disregarded.

                                       4
<PAGE>   8

2.15     "NORMAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT"

         "Normal Retirement Benefit" means the monthly Retirement Benefit
calculated as described in Section 4.1 of this Plan.

2.16     "NORMAL RETIREMENT DATE"

         "Normal Retirement Date" means the date on which the Participant
attains age 65.

2.17     "PARTICIPANT"

         "Participant" means an employee or former employee of the Employer who
has satisfied the requirements of Section 3.2 of this Plan.

2.18     "PLAN"

         "Plan" means the Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan, as set forth in this document, and as it may be amended from
time to time.

2.19     "PLAN YEAR"

         "Plan Year" means the twelve (12) consecutive month period commencing
on each January 1st and ending on each December 31.

2.20     "RETIREMENT BENEFIT"

         "Retirement Benefit" means the monthly benefit payable to a Participant
under this Plan.

2.21     "YEAR OF SERVICE"

         "Year of Service" means each full twelve (12) consecutive month period
that a Participant has been employed by an Employer, commencing with the
Participant's date of hire (and, if rehired, recommencing on his date of
rehire).



                                   ARTICLE III
                     ELIGIBILITY, PARTICIPATION AND VESTING


3.1      ELIGIBILITY

         Participation in the Plan shall be limited to a select group of
management and highly compensated employees of the Employer. From that group,
the Committee shall select from time 

                                       5
<PAGE>   9

to time, in its sole discretion, employees to participate in the Plan. The
Committee also has the authority to terminate an employee's participation in the
Plan at any time.

3.2      PARTICIPATION

         An eligible employee shall become a Participant hereunder on the date
as of which both of the following conditions have been satisfied: (a) the
Committee determines in its sole discretion that he shall be a Participant and
(b) he delivers to the Committee such properly completed enrollment and/or
beneficiary designation forms as the Committee may require. The Committee may,
in its absolute discretion, from time to time select individuals for or delete
individuals from participation in the Plan.

3.3      VESTING

         A Participant shall have a vested and nonforfeitable interest in the
Participant's Retirement Benefit upon (a) completing at least two (2) Years of
Service after the Effective Date; (b) attaining age 60; and (c) completing
fifteen (15) Years of Service. The fifteen (15) Years of Service requirement may
be waived for those Participants specified by the Committee in its sole
discretion, but only upon such Participants' attaining age 65. In addition, in
the event of a Change in Control, or a Participant's death or Disability, the
Participant shall be fully vested in the Participant's Retirement Benefit.

         The Committee may, in its sole discretion, modify these vesting
requirements or accelerate the vesting of the Retirement Benefit of any or all
Participants. If a Participant terminates employment with all Employers prior to
vesting in his Retirement Benefit, as provided above, he shall forfeit all of
his interest hereunder.



                                   ARTICLE IV
                    AMOUNT AND PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFIT


4.1      AMOUNT OF NORMAL RETIREMENT BENEFIT

         A Participant's Normal Retirement Benefit shall be one-twelfth (1/12)
of the product of a) .50 and b) the Participant's Final Average Compensation. A
Normal Retirement Benefit is only 


                                       6
<PAGE>   10

payable upon the Participant (i) attaining age 65 while still actively employed
by an Employer, and (ii) satisfying the vesting requirements of Section 3.3.

4.2      AMOUNT OF EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFIT

         (a) If a Participant retires on or after age 60 but before Normal
Retirement Age and he is vested in his Retirement Benefit, he may elect to
receive an Early Retirement Benefit. If the Early Retirement Benefit is elected,
a Participant is not eligible for the Normal Retirement Benefit. A Participant's
Early Retirement Benefit shall be equal to the Participant's Normal Retirement
Benefit reduced by 5% for each year retirement occurs before age 65, as
indicated below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

         Age at Retirement                  Early Retirement Benefit
         -----------------                  ------------------------
         <S>                                <C>
         64                                 Normal Retirement Benefit reduced by 5%

         63                                 Normal Retirement Benefit reduced by 10%

         62                                 Normal Retirement Benefit reduced by 15%

         61                                 Normal Retirement Benefit reduced by 20%

         60                                 Normal Retirement Benefit reduced by 25%

</TABLE>

         (b) If a Participant terminates employment prior to age 60, he is not
entitled to an Early Retirement Benefit (or to any benefit hereunder) unless he
becomes vested by virtue of death, Disability, or a Change in Control. In the
event of vesting prior to age 60 due to death, Disability, or a Change in
Control, a Participant (or, in the event of his death, his Beneficiary) may
elect to receive an Early Retirement Benefit commencing in the calendar year
following his termination of employment or at any time thereafter, but the
amount of such Early Retirement Benefit shall be equal to the age 60 Early
Retirement Benefit specified in (a) above, reduced by an additional 5% for each
year prior to age 60 that the benefit commences.

4.3      PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFIT

         A Participant's Retirement Benefit shall be paid for 180 months. Unless
the Participant or his Beneficiary elects a later date, the Commencement Date
shall be as of the first day of January in the calendar year immediately
following the calendar year in which the Participant retires, dies or becomes
Disabled, or as soon thereafter as is administratively practicable. However, if
a 

                                       7
<PAGE>   11

Participant vests due to death, Disability, or a Change in Control, his
Commencement Date shall be delayed until age 60 unless he affirmatively elects
otherwise pursuant to Section 4.2(b). However, in no event may a Retirement
Benefit commence prior to the calendar year immediately following the calendar
year of a Participant's termination of employment. If a Participant dies before
the Commencement Date, the 180 payments shall be made to his designated
Beneficiary. If a Participant dies after the Commencement Date, but before 180
payments have been made, the remainder of the payments shall be made to his
designated Beneficiary.

4.4      WITHHOLDING AND PAYROLL TAXES

         All amounts payable hereunder to any Participant or Beneficiary shall
be reduced by any and all federal, state and local taxes imposed upon the
Participant or Beneficiary that are required to be paid or withheld by the
Employer, as determined in the sole discretion of the Employer. Employment taxes
with respect to amounts credited hereunder shall be payable in accordance with
Section 3121(v)(2) of the Code and may be withheld from a Participant's
Compensation if due prior to the time of a distribution hereunder.

4.5      PAYMENT DUE AN INCOMPETENT

         If the Committee receives evidence that a Participant or Beneficiary
entitled to receive any payment under the Plan is physically or mentally
incompetent to receive such payment, the Committee may, in its sole discretion,
direct the payment to any other person or trust which has been legally appointed
by a court of competent jurisdiction or, in the event that no such person has
been appointed, to any person whom the Committee, in its sole discretion,
determines to be responsible for the care of the Participant or Beneficiary.
Payment to any person or trust in accordance with this Section will fully
discharge the obligations of the Plan and the Employer to such Participant or
Beneficiary.



                                    ARTICLE V
                           DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY


5.1      BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

         Each Participant shall have the right to designate his Beneficiary
(both primary as well as 


                                       8
<PAGE>   12

contingent) to receive any benefits payable under the Plan to a Beneficiary upon
the death of a Participant. The Beneficiary designated under this Plan may be
the same as or different from the Beneficiary designation under any other plan
of the Employer in which the Participant participates. A Participant shall make
any designation of Beneficiary or Beneficiaries by completing and signing the
applicable form and returning it to the Committee or its designated agent. If
the Participant names someone other than his spouse as a Beneficiary, a spousal
consent, if required by the Committee, must be signed by that Participant's
spouse on a form designated by the Committee and returned to the Committee. 

5.2      CHANGE OF BENEFICIARY 

         A Participant shall have the right to change a Beneficiary by
completing, signing and otherwise complying with the terms of the required form
and the Committee's rules and procedures, as in effect from time to time. Upon
the acceptance by the Committee of a new Beneficiary Designation Form, all
Beneficiary designations previously filed shall be canceled. The Committee shall
be entitled to rely on the last Beneficiary designation filed with the Committee
prior to the Participant's death. 

5.3      NO DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY

         If a Participant fails to designate a Beneficiary as provided in
Section 5.1 above or if all designated Beneficiaries predecease the Participant
or die prior to the complete distribution of the Participant's benefits, then
the Participant's designated Beneficiary shall be deemed to be his or her
surviving spouse. If the Participant has no surviving spouse, the benefits
remaining under the Plan to be paid to a Beneficiary shall be payable to the
executor or personal representative of the Participant's estate.

5.4      DOUBT AS TO BENEFICIARY

         If the Committee has any doubt as to the proper Beneficiary to receive
payments pursuant to this Plan, the Committee shall have the right, before a
Change in Control, to withhold such payments until this matter is resolved to
the Committee's satisfaction.


                                       9
<PAGE>   13

                                   ARTICLE VI
                        APPEALS PROCEDURE AND ARBITRATION

6.1      CLAIMS AND APPEAL PROCEDURE

         Any Participant or Beneficiary of a deceased Participant (a "Claimant")
may deliver to the Committee a written claim for a determination with respect to
the amounts distributable to such Claimant from the Plan. If such a claim
relates to the contents of a notice received by the Claimant, the claim must be
made within 60 days after such notice was received by the Claimant. All other
claims must be made within 180 days of the date on which the event that caused
the claim to arise occurred. The claim must state with particularity the
determination desired by the Claimant.

         The Committee shall consider a Claimant's claim within a reasonable
time, and shall notify the Claimant in writing of its determination. If the
Committee requires additional information, the Committee shall request such
information from the Claimant.

         Within 60 days after receiving a notice from the Committee that a claim
has been denied, in whole or in part, a Claimant (or the Claimant's duly
authorized representative) may file with the Committee a written request for a
review of the denial of the claim. The Committee shall render a written decision
on review within a reasonable period of time after receipt of the Claimant's
appeal.

         A Claimant's compliance with the foregoing provisions of this Section
6.1 is a mandatory prerequisite to a Claimant's right to commence any other
action (as described below in Section 6.2) with respect to any claim for
benefits under this Plan. 

6.2      BINDING ARBITRATION

         A claimant may contest the Committee's denial of his appeal only by
submitting the matter to binding arbitration before a single arbitrator agreed
to by the Claimant and the Committee. Any arbitration shall be held in Fort
Smith, Arkansas, unless otherwise agreed to by the Committee and the Claimant.
The arbitration shall be conducted pursuant to the Commercial 


                                       10
<PAGE>   14

Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator's
authority shall be limited to the affirmance or reversal of the Committee's
denial of the appeal, and the arbitrator shall have no power to alter, add to or
subtract from any provision of this Plan. Except as otherwise required by ERISA,
the arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding on all parties to the
maximum extent allowed by law. The arbitrator shall have no power to award any
punitive, exemplary, consequential, or special damages, and under no
circumstances shall an award contain any amount that in any way reflects any of
such types of damages. Each party shall bear its own attorney's fees and costs
of arbitration. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered
in any court having jurisdiction thereof.



                                   ARTICLE VII
                             UNFUNDED NATURE OF PLAN


7.1      THE PLAN IS UNFUNDED

         The Plan is an "unfunded plan primarily for the purpose of providing
deferred compensation for a select group of management or highly compensated
employees," within the meaning of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of
ERISA. The Employer shall not be required to segregate funds to pay Retirement
Benefits and nothing in this Plan shall be construed as providing for such
segregation. The Participant, his Beneficiary and any other person(s) having or
claiming a right to payments hereunder or to any interest in this Plan shall
have no funded, secured, or preferential right to payment hereunder, but rather
shall rely solely on the unsecured promise of the Employer. Nothing herein shall
be construed to give the Participant, his Beneficiary or any other person or
persons any right, title, interest or claim in or to any specific asset, fund,
reserve, account or property of any kind whatsoever owned by the Employer or in
which it may have any right, title or interest now or in the future; provided
that the Participant or any Beneficiary shall have the right to enforce his
claim against the Employer in the same manner as any unsecured creditor of the
Employer. Each Participant, by participating hereunder, agrees to waive any
priority creditor status for wage payments.


                                       11
<PAGE>   15

7.2      EMPLOYER'S RIGHT TO ESTABLISH TRUST FUND

         Notwithstanding Section 7.1, the Employer may, in its absolute
discretion, establish a trust fund and contribute to such trust fund assets that
shall be held therein, subject to the claims of the Employer's creditors in the
event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of the Employer, until paid to
Participants or Beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the Plan. The
Employer shall not establish any trust fund that would cause the Plan to fail to
be an unfunded plan for purposes of Title I of ERISA.



                                  ARTICLE VIII
                         ADMINISTRATION; AMENDMENTS AND
                    TERMINATION; RIGHTS AGAINST THE EMPLOYER


8.1      ADMINISTRATION

                  (a) The Committee shall administer the Plan and shall have the
full and absolute discretionary power and authority to construe and interpret
the provisions of the Plan and to determine a Participant's eligibility for
benefits hereunder.

                  (b) Any determination made by the Committee pursuant to the
authority granted under subsection (a) shall be conclusive and binding on all
Participants, Beneficiaries and any other person who at any time have, or claim
to have, any interest whatsoever under this Plan.

                  (c) Pursuant to Section 401(a)(1) of ERISA, it is intended
that the Plan and the administration thereof shall be exempt from Part 4 of
Title I of ERISA. The Committee and the members thereof shall not be deemed to
be fiduciaries within the meaning of Section 3(21) of ERISA, and shall not be
subject to the terms of Part 4 of Title I of ERISA.

8.2      LIABILITY OF COMMITTEE; INDEMNIFICATION

         To the extent permitted by law, no member of the Committee shall be
liable to any person for any action taken or omitted in connection with the
interpretation and administration of this Plan, unless attributable to his own
gross negligence or willful misconduct. To the maximum extent required or
permitted under applicable law, the Employer shall indemnify the members of the
Committee against any and all claims, losses, damages, and expenses, including
any amounts 


                                       12
<PAGE>   16

paid in settlement with the Committee's approval and any attorney's fees,
arising from their action or failure to act.

8.3      AMENDMENT AND/OR TERMINATION

         The Employer reserves the right to alter, amend or terminate the Plan
or any part hereof. Any such alteration, amendment or termination may be
effected by resolution of the Board or Committee acting in accordance with the
bylaws (or other applicable governing document) of the Employer, in such manner
as the Board or Committee may determine and for any reason whatsoever. Any such
amendment or termination shall become effective upon the date stated therein,
with or without prior notice, and shall be binding upon all Participants and
Beneficiaries.

8.4      RIGHTS AGAINST THE EMPLOYER

         The establishment of this Plan shall not be construed as giving to any
Participant, Beneficiary or other person any legal, equitable or other rights
(other than rights expressly granted by the provisions of the Plan) against the
Employer, or its officers, directors, agents or shareholders, or as giving to
any Participant or Beneficiary any equity or other interest in the assets or
business of the Employer or in shares of Employer stock or giving any employee
the right to be retained in the employment of the Employer. This Plan does not
constitute a contract of employment and all Participants shall be subject to
discharge to the same extent they would have been if this Plan had never been
adopted.

8.5      EXPENSES

         The cost of this Plan and the expenses of administering the Plan shall
be borne by the Employer.



                                   ARTICLE IX
                            GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS


9.1      SPENDTHRIFT CLAUSE

         Except as provided in a domestic relations order, no right, title or
interest of any kind in 


                                       13
<PAGE>   17

the Plan shall be transferable or assignable by any Participant or Beneficiary
or be subject to alienation, anticipation, encumbrance, garnishment, attachment,
execution or levy of any kind, whether voluntary or involuntary, nor subject to
the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements, or torts of the Participant or
Beneficiary. Any attempt to so alienate, anticipate, encumber, sell, transfer,
assign, pledge, garnish, attach or otherwise subject to legal or equitable
process or dispose of any interest in the Plan shall be void.

9.2      SEVERABILITY

         In the event that any provision of this Plan shall be declared illegal
or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the
remaining provisions of this Plan but shall be fully severable and this Plan
shall be construed and enforced as if said illegal or invalid provision had
never been a part of this Plan.

9.3      CONSTRUCTION

         The article and section headings are included only for convenience of
reference and are not to be taken as limiting or extending the meaning of any of
the terms and provisions of this Plan. Whenever appropriate, words used in the
singular shall include the plural or the plural may be read as the singular.
When used herein, the masculine gender includes the feminine gender.

9.4      GOVERNING LAW

         The validity and effect of this Plan and the rights and obligations of
all persons affected hereby shall be construed and determined in accordance with
the laws of the State of Arkansas, unless superseded by federal law.

9.5      SEPARATENESS OF PLAN

         Nothing in this Plan shall operate or be construed in any way to
modify, amend or affect the terms and provisions of any other plan established
or maintained by an Employer except as may otherwise be expressly provided.


                                       14
<PAGE>   18

9.6      DISCLAIMER

         The Employer makes no representations, warranties, or assurances and
assumes no responsibility as to the state or federal tax consequences of this
Plan or participation herein.

9.7      RELEASE

         As a condition to making any payment under the Plan, or to giving
effect to any designation of a Beneficiary or other election or other action
under the Plan by any Participant or any other person, the Committee may require
such consents or releases as it determines to be appropriate, and further may
require any such designation, election or other action to be in writing, in a
prescribed form and to be filed with the Committee in a manner prescribed by the
Committee. In the event the Committee determines, in its discretion, that
multiple conflicting claims may be made as to all or a part of the same benefit,
the Committee may delay the making of any payment until such conflict or
multiplicity of claims is resolved.

9.8      SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

         The Plan shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the
Employer, its successors, purchasers, and assigns, and all Participants,
Beneficiaries and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and
assigns.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Beverly Enterprises, Inc., hereby adopts the Plan
as of the Effective Date set forth above.

ATTEST:                                    BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.



                                           By:
- ------------------------------------          ----------------------------------

                                           Its:
                                               ---------------------------------



                                       15

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.23

                          AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                      EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN



         Amendment made this 11th day of December, 1997, by Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. (the "Corporation").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, the Corporation sponsors the Amended and Restated Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the "EDC Plan");

         WHEREAS, the Corporation now desires to adopt an amendment to the EDC
Plan to provide for the transfer of a Participant's interest pursuant to
Domestic Relations Order entered by a court of competent jurisdiction incident
to a divorce;

         WHEREAS, the Corporation is empowered and authorized to amend the EDC
Plan pursuant to Section 13 of the EDC Plan;

         NOW, THEREFORE, the EDC Plan is hereby amended effective September 1,
1997 in the following respects:

         1.      The Plan is hereby amended by adding the following new
paragraph at the end of existing Section 15:

                          Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant's
interest in the Plan may be transferred pursuant to a domestic relations order
which is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction incident to a divorce,
however, the person claiming any share of a Participant's interest pursuant to
such an order shall not be entitled to receive a distribution from the Plan
until such time as distributions commence or could have commenced to the
affected Participant.  Furthermore, such transferred interest shall be subject
to the same terms, conditions, and restrictions of the Plan as were applicable
to the Participant.

         2.      The Plan is amended by replacing the second sentence of
existing Section 16 with the following:

                          The Participants, their beneficiaries, personal
representatives and any transferee pursuant to a domestic relations order shall
bear any and all federal, foreign, state or local income or any other tax
imposed on amounts paid under the Plan.





                                       1
<PAGE>   2
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to be
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the day and year first
written above.

                                      BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.


                                      By:
                                      Its:





                                       2

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.24



                          AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO THE
                           BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                      EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

         Amendment made this 11th day of December, 1997, by Beverly
Enterprises, Inc. (the "Corporation")

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

         WHEREAS, during the first week of December, 1997, Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. (as in existence prior to the "Transaction" referenced below) (hereinafter
referred to as "Old Beverly") transferred its healthcare business to a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Old Beverly, i.e., New Beverly Holdings, Inc.
("NBHI"), which was then spun-off to the shareholders of Old Beverly, all
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and between Old Beverly,
NBHI and Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc. ("Capstone") dated as of April 15,
1997; and

         WHEREAS, immediately following such spin-off, Old Beverly merged with
and into Capstone, with Capstone as the surviving corporation, all pursuant to
the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone dated
as of April 15, 1997 (all the aforementioned transactions to be referred to
herein collectively as the "Transaction"); and

         WHEREAS, pursuant to the Transaction, the Corporation changed its name
from NBHI to Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and assumed the sponsorship of the
Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (as adopted by
Old Beverly effective January 1, 1997) (the "Plan"); and

         WHEREAS, the Corporation desires, in light of the Transaction, to
amend the Plan (i) to reflect adjustments to the deemed investment credits
under Section 7 of the Plan, and (ii) to allow those employees who will remain
employed by Old Beverly after the Transaction to receive a December, 1997





                                       1
<PAGE>   2
matching contribution under the Plan; and (iii) to modify the definition of
"Change of Control;" and

         WHEREAS, Section 13 of the Plan provides that it may be amended,
modified or terminated at any time by the Compensation Committee, which is a
subset of the full Board;





                                       2
<PAGE>   3

         NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended as follows, effective as of
the closing date of the Transaction:

                 1.       Section 2(c) of the Plan is amended by adding a new
paragraph at the end of the existing Section 2(c) to read as follows:

                 "Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a
                 Change in Control shall not include any transfer to a
                 consolidated subsidiary, reorganization, spin-off, split-up,
                 distribution, or other similar or related transaction(s) or
                 any combination of the foregoing in which the core business
                 and assets of the Company and its subsidiaries (taken as a
                 whole) are transferred to another entity ("Controlled") with
                 respect to which (1) the majority of the Board of Directors of
                 the Company (as constituted immediately prior to such
                 transaction(s)) also serve as directors of Controlled and
                 immediately after such transaction(s) constitute a majority of
                 Controlled's board of directors, and (2) more than 70% of the
                 shareholders of the Company (immediately prior to such
                 transaction(s)) become shareholders or other owners of
                 Controlled and immediately after the transaction(s) control
                 more than 70% of the ownership and voting rights of
                 Controlled."

                 2.       Section 2(e) of the Plan is amended to read as
follows:

                 "Company" means Beverly Enterprises, Inc., which shall mean
                 "Old Beverly" prior to the date of the Transaction, and shall
                 mean New Beverly Holdings, Inc. ("NBHI") (which has changed
                 its name to Beverly Enterprises, Inc.) subsequent to said
                 date.

                 3.       The Plan is amended by adding a new Section 2(w) to
read as follows:

                 "Transaction" means, collectively, those transactions which
                 are described in the Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and
                 between Beverly Enterprises, Inc. ("Old Beverly"), New Beverly
                 Holdings, Inc.  ("NBHI") and Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc.
                 ("Capstone"), dated as of April 15, 1997, and the Agreement
                 and Plan of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone
                 dated as of April 15, 1997.


                                      3
<PAGE>   4
                 4.       The Plan is amended to add a new Section 2(x) to read
as follows:

                 "Capstone Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.01 per
                 share, of Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc., a Delaware
                 corporation, (which has changed its name to PharMerica, Inc.)

                 5.       The Plan is amended to add Section 5(d) as follows:

                 Those Participants who constitute Retained Employees, as that
                 term is defined in the documents describing the Transaction,
                 shall be entitled to receive a matching contribution with
                 respect to their deferrals which were made during the month
                 containing the date of the Transaction, regardless of whether
                 such employees remain employed by the Company as of the first
                 day of the month following the date of the Transaction.

                 6.       Section 6 of the Plan is amended by adding the
following sentence at the end thereof:

                 Notwithstanding the foregoing, that portion of a Participant's
                 account balance which is deemed invested in Capstone Stock
                 will be payable pursuant to the terms of this Section 6 in
                 either cash or Capstone Stock, within the complete discretion
                 of the Committee.

                 7.       Section 7 of the Plan is amended by adding the
following new paragraphs as follows:

                 Notwithstanding the foregoing, as of the date of the
                 Transaction, the balances of each Participant's Deferral
                 Account, Rollover Account, Supplemental Contributions Account
                 and Matching Account shall be deemed invested in shares of New
                 Beverly Holdings, Inc. ("NBHI") and Capstone Pharmacy
                 Services, Inc.  ("Capstone") common stock in the ratio of .44
                 shares of Capstone common stock and one (1) share of NBHI
                 common stock for each share of Old Beverly Common Stock in
                 which said Accounts were previously deemed invested under this
                 Section 7. Such adjusted Account balances shall be further



                                      4
<PAGE>   5
                 adjusted based upon the fluctuations in value of NBHI and
                 Capstone Stock until distributed to the Participant pursuant
                 to the terms of the Plan.

                 Subsequent to the date of the Transaction, all further
                 additions to a Participant's Deferral Account, Supplemental
                 Contributions Account, Rollover Account, and Matching Account
                 shall be deemed invested solely in shares of NBHI common
                 stock, in accordance with the terms of this Section 7.
                 Therefore, at the end of each Plan Year, each Participant's
                 total account value shall be the sum of (i) the value of each
                 of his accounts as of the date of the Transaction, as adjusted
                 for the performance of NBHI and Capstone common stock, plus
                 (ii) the value of all contributions made subsequent to the
                 date of the Transaction, as adjusted for the change in the
                 value of NBHI common stock.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to be 
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the day and year first
written above.

                                        BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.

                                        By:
                                        Its:




                                      5

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.26




                          AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE TO THE
                             BEVERLY HOLDINGS, INC.
                         NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR DEFERRED
                               COMPENSATION PLAN

     Amendment made this 11th day of December, 1997, by Beverly Enterprises,
Inc. (the "Corporation").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, effective as of December 3, 1997, Beverly Enterprises, Inc. (as in
existence prior to the "Transaction" referenced below) (hereinafter referred to
as "Old Beverly") transferred its healthcare business to a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Old Beverly, i.e., New Beverly Holdings, Inc. ("NBHI"), which was
then spun-off to the shareholders of Old Beverly, all pursuant to the Agreement
and Plan of Distribution by and between Old Beverly, NBHI and Capstone Pharmacy
Services, Inc. ("Capstone") dated as of April 15, 1997; and

     WHEREAS, immediately following such spin-off, Old Beverly merged with and
into Capstone, with Capstone as the surviving corporation, all pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone dated as of
April 15, 1997 (all the aforementioned transactions to be referred to herein
collectively as the "Transaction"); and

     WHEREAS, pursuant to the Transaction, the Corporation changed its name
from NBHI to Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and assumed the sponsorship of the
Beverly Enterprises, Inc. Non-Employee Directors' Stock Deferred Compensation
Plan (as adopted by Old Beverly effective May 29, 1997) (the "Plan"); and

     WHEREAS, the Corporation desires, in light of the Transaction, to amend the
Plan to reflect adjustments to the Deferred Share Unit Accounts of the
Participants therein; and

     WHEREAS, the Corporation desires, in light of the Transaction, to amend
the Plan to increase the number of Annual Deferred Share Unit Grants under
Section 5 thereof to reflect adjustments in the value of the Corporation's
Stock following the Transaction; and

     WHEREAS, Section 12 of the Plan provides that it may be amended, modified
or terminated at any time;
<PAGE>   2
     NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

     1.   Section 2(d) of the Plan is amended to read as follows:

               "Company" means Beverly Enterprises, Inc., which shall mean "Old
               Beverly" prior to the date of the Transaction, and shall mean New
               Beverly Holdings, Inc. ("NBHI") (which has changed its name to
               Beverly Enterprises, Inc.) subsequent to said date.

     2.   The Plan is amended by adding a new Section 2(t) to read as follows:

               "Transaction" means, collectively, those transactions which are
               described in the Agreement and Plan of Distribution by and
               between Beverly Enterprises, Inc. ("Old Beverly"), New Beverly
               Holdings, Inc. ("NBHI"), and Capstone Pharmacy Services, Inc.
               ("Capstone"), dated as of April 15, 1997, and the Agreement and
               Plan of Merger by and between Old Beverly and Capstone dated as
               of April 15, 1997.

     3.   The Plan is amended by adding a new Section 23 to read as follows:

               As of the date of the Transaction, each Participant's Accounts
               under the Plan as expressed as a number of Deferred Share Units,
               shall be adjusted by dividing the number of Deferred Share Units
               by the Distribution Stock Fraction, as that term is defined in
               the documents described in Section 2(t). Subsequent to the
               Transaction, all subsequent additions to the Plan and all Account
               balances shall be deemed invested in Common Stock of New Beverly
               Holdings, Inc. (now known as Beverly Enterprises, Inc.), and 
               shall fluctuate in value accordingly.


     4.   The Plan is amended by replacing the second sentence of Section 5
thereof with the following:

               "Beginning with 1988 and each year thereafter, each director will
               receive a grant of 675 Deferred Share Units, credited as of the
               last day of the Stock's active trading in the month of January in
               the respective Plan Year."




                                       2
<PAGE>   3
     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to be
executed by a duly authorized representative, as of the day and year first
written above.

                                        BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.

                                        By: 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Its:
                                             -----------------------------------



                                       3

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 11.1

                            BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
                   COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BASIC:                                                                1997        1996         1995         1994         1993
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                                 <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>      
  Income (loss) before redemption premium on  
     preferred stock and extraordinary charge ...................   $  58,593   $  52,026    $  (8,123)   $  76,913    $  57,956
  Redemption premium on preferred stock .........................        --          --           --           --        (20,000)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary charge .....................      58,593      52,026       (8,123)      76,913       37,956
  Extraordinary charge, net of income taxes .....................        --        (1,726)        --         (2,412)      (2,345)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net income (loss) .............................................      58,593      50,300       (8,123)      74,501       35,611
  Preferred stock dividends .....................................        --          --         (6,875)      (8,250)      (4,438)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Net income (loss) applicable to common shares .................   $  58,593   $  50,300    $ (14,998)   $  66,251    $  31,173
                                                                    =========   =========    =========    =========    =========
  Applicable common shares:
    Weighted average outstanding shares during the period .......     102,060      98,574       92,233       85,430       79,735
                                                                    =========   =========    =========    =========    =========
  Income (loss) per share of common stock:
    Before redemption premium on  preferred stock and
      extraordinary charge ......................................   $     .57   $     .53    $    (.16)   $     .80    $     .67
    Redemption premium on preferred stock .......................        --          --           --           --           (.25)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
    Before extraordinary charge .................................         .57         .53         (.16)         .80          .42
    Extraordinary charge, net of income taxes ...................        --          (.02)        --           (.02)        (.03)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
    Net income (loss) per share of common stock .................   $     .57   $     .51    $    (.16)   $     .78    $     .39
                                                                    =========   =========    =========    =========    =========

DILUTED:
  Income (loss) before redemption premium on preferred
     stock and extraordinary charge .............................   $  58,593   $  52,026    $  (8,123)   $  76,913    $  57,956
  Reduction of interest expense resulting from assumed
    conversion of 7 5/8% convertible subordinated debentures .....       --  (b)     --  (a)      --  (a)      --  (a)      --  (a)
  Reduction of interest expense resulting from assumed
    conversion of 5 1/2% convertible subordinated debentures ....        --  (c)    8,252         --  (a)      --           --
  Reduction of interest expense resulting from assumed
    conversion of 9% convertible subordinated debentures ........        --          --           --           --  (g)     2,711
  Reduction of interest expense resulting from assumed
    conversion of zero coupon notes .............................        --  (d)     --  (a)      --  (a)      --  (a)       116
  Less applicable income taxes ..................................        --        (4,832)        --           --           (933)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------

  Adjusted income (loss) before redemption premium on
    preferred stock and extraordinary charge ....................      58,593      55,446       (8,123)      76,913       59,850
  Redemption premium on preferred stock .........................        --          --           --           --        (20,000)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Adjusted income (loss) before extraordinary charge ............      58,593      55,446       (8,123)      76,913       39,850
  Extraordinary charge, net of income taxes .....................        --        (1,726)        --         (2,412)      (2,345)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Adjusted net income (loss) ....................................      58,593      53,720       (8,123)      74,501       37,505
  Preferred stock dividends .....................................        --          --         (6,875)        --         (4,438)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
  Adjusted net income (loss) applicable to common shares ........   $  58,593   $  53,720    $ (14,998)   $  74,501    $  33,067
                                                                    =========   =========    =========    =========    =========
  Applicable common shares:
    Weighted average outstanding shares during the period .......     102,186      98,574       92,233       85,430       79,735
    Assumed conversion of preferred stock .......................        --          --           --           --  (f)      --  (a)
    Assumed conversion of Preferred Stock .......................        --          --           --  (e)    11,253         --  (a)
    Weighted average shares issuable upon exercise of common
       stock equivalents outstanding (principally stock
       options) using the "treasury stock" method ...............       1,236         899         --  (a)     1,333        1,167
    Assumed conversion of 7 5/8% convertible subordinated
       debentures ...............................................        --  (b)      -- (a)      --  (a)      --  (a)      --  (a)
    Assumed conversion of 5 1/2% convertible subordinated
       debentures ...............................................        --  (c)   11,253         --  (a)      --           --
    Assumed conversion of 9% convertible subordinated
       debentures ...............................................        --          --           --           --  (g)     4,322
    Assumed conversion of zero coupon notes .....................        --  (d)     --  (a)      --  (a)      --  (a)        19
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
    Total .......................................................     103,422     110,726       92,233       98,016       85,243
                                                                    =========   =========    =========    =========    =========
  Income (loss) per share of common stock:
    Before redemption premium on preferred stock and
      extraordinary charge ......................................   $     .57   $     .50    $    (.16)   $     .78    $     .65
    Redemption premium on preferred stock .......................        --          --           --           --           (.23)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
    Before extraordinary charge .................................         .57         .50         (.16)         .78          .42
    Extraordinary charge, net of income taxes ...................        --          (.01)        --           (.02)        (.03)
                                                                    ---------   ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------
    Net income (loss) per share of common stock .................   $     .57   $     .49    $    (.16)   $     .76    $     .39
                                                                    =========   =========    =========    =========    =========
</TABLE>

- -------------------
(a) Conversion would be anti-dilutive and is therefore not assumed in the
    computation of earnings per share of common stock.
(b) The 7 5/8% convertible subordinated debentures were paid off during the 
    fourth quarter of 1997.
(c) The 5 1/2% convertible subordinated debentures were converted to 11,189,924
    shares of common stock during the third quarter of 1997, with the remaining
    principal amount redeemed at 103.30%.
(d) The zero coupon notes were repurchased during the second quarter of 1997.
(e) The $2.75 Cumulative Convertible Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the
    "Preferred Stock") was exchanged into 5 1/2% convertible subordinated
    debentures during the fourth quarter of 1995.
(f) The cumulative convertible preferred stock (the "preferred stock") was
    redeemed in January 1994. 
(g) The 9% convertible subordinated debentures were converted to Common Stock
    during the third quarter of 1993.



<PAGE>   1

                                                                    EXHIBIT 21.1

                 BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                             SUBSIDIARY SCHEDULE
                              DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              STATE OF
CORPORATION                                                                                   INCORPORATION
- -----------                                                                                   -------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
A-1 Home Health Services, Inc.                                                                Georgia
AdviNet, Inc.                                                                                 Delaware
AGI-Camelot, Inc.                                                                             Missouri
American Transitional Care Dallas - Fort Worth, Inc.                                          Texas
American Transitional Health Care, Inc.                                                       Delaware
American Transitional Hospitals, Inc.                                                         Delaware
American Transitional Hospitals - Texas Medical Center, Inc.                                  Delaware
American Transitional Hospitals of East Tennessee, Inc.                                       Delaware
American Transitional Hospitals of Indiana, Inc.                                              Indiana
American Transitional Hospitals of Oklahoma, Inc.                                             Oklahoma
American Transitional Hospitals of Tennessee, Inc.                                            Tennessee
ATH - Clear Lake, Inc.                                                                        Delaware
ATH - Little Rock, Inc.                                                                       Delaware
ATH - Memphis, Inc.                                                                           Delaware
ATH Columbus, Inc.                                                                            Delaware
ATH Heights, Inc.                                                                             Texas
ATH Oklahoma City, Inc.                                                                       Oklahoma
ATH Tucson, Inc.                                                                              Arizona
Bercy International, Inc.                                                                     California
Beverly Assisted Living, Inc.                                                                 Delaware
Beverly Enterprises International Limited                                                     California
Beverly Enterprises Medical Equipment Corporation                                             California
Beverly Enterprises - Alabama, Inc.                                                           California
</TABLE>





                                       1
<PAGE>   2


                  BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       SUBSIDIARY SCHEDULE (CONTINUED)
                              DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              STATE OF
CORPORATION                                                                                   INCORPORATION
- -----------                                                                                   -------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
Beverly Enterprises - Arizona, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly Enterprises - Arkansas, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - California, Inc.                                                        California
Beverly Enterprises - Colorado, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Connecticut, Inc.                                                       California
Beverly Enterprises - Delaware, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Distribution Services, Inc.                                             California
Beverly Enterprises - District of Columbia, Inc.                                              California
Beverly Enterprises - Florida, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly Enterprises - Garden Terrace, Inc.                                                    California
Beverly Enterprises - Georgia, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly Enterprises - Hawaii, Inc.                                                            California
Beverly Enterprises - Idaho, Inc.                                                             California
Beverly Enterprises -Illinois, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly Enterprises - Indiana, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly Enterprises - Iowa, Inc.                                                              California
Beverly Enterprises - Kansas, Inc.                                                            California
Beverly Enterprises - Kentucky, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Louisiana, Inc.                                                         California
Beverly Enterprises - Maine, Inc.                                                             California
Beverly Enterprises - Maryland, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Massachusetts, Inc.                                                     California
Beverly Enterprises - Michigan, Inc.                                                          California
</TABLE>





                                       2
<PAGE>   3

                  BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       SUBSIDIARY SCHEDULE (CONTINUED)
                              DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              STATE OF
CORPORATION                                                                                   INCORPORATION
- -----------                                                                                   -------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
Beverly Enterprises - Minnesota, Inc.                                                         California
Beverly Enterprises - Mississippi, Inc.                                                       California
Beverly Enterprises - Missouri, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Montana, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly Enterprises - Nebraska, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Nevada, Inc.                                                            California
Beverly Enterprises - New Hampshire, Inc.                                                     California
Beverly Enterprises - New Jersey, Inc.                                                        California
Beverly Enterprises - New Mexico, Inc.                                                        California
Beverly Enterprises - North Carolina, Inc.                                                    California
Beverly Enterprises - North Dakota, Inc.                                                      California
Beverly Enterprises - Ohio, Inc.                                                              California
Beverly Enterprises - Oklahoma, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Oregon, Inc.                                                            California
Beverly Enterprises - Pennsylvania, Inc.                                                      California
Beverly Enterprises - Rhode Island, Inc.                                                      California
Beverly Enterprises - South Carolina, Inc.                                                    California
Beverly Enterprises - Tennessee, Inc.                                                         California
Beverly Enterprises - Texas, Inc.                                                             California
Beverly Enterprises - Utah, Inc.                                                              California
Beverly Enterprises - Vermont, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly Enterprises - Virginia, Inc.                                                          California
Beverly Enterprises - Washington, Inc.                                                        California
Beverly Enterprises - West Virginia, Inc.                                                     California
</TABLE>





                                       3
                                        
<PAGE>   4


                  BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       SUBSIDIARY SCHEDULE (CONTINUED)
                              DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              STATE OF
CORPORATION                                                                                   INCORPORATION
- -----------                                                                                   -------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
Beverly Enterprises - Wisconsin, Inc.                                                         California
Beverly Enterprises - Wyoming, Inc.                                                           California
Beverly - Bella Vista Holding, Inc.                                                           Delaware
Beverly Funding Corporation                                                                   Delaware
Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Services, Inc.                                              California
Beverly Holdings I, Inc.                                                                      Delaware
Beverly Indemnity, LTD.                                                                       Vermont
Beverly Manor Inc. of Hawaii                                                                  California
Beverly Manor Inc. of Phoenix                                                                 California
Beverly - Missouri Valley Holding, Inc.                                                       Delaware
Beverly - Rapid City Holding, Inc.                                                            Delaware
Beverly Real Estate Holdings, Inc.                                                            Delaware
Beverly Savana Cay Manor, Inc.                                                                California
Columbia Valley Nursing Home, Inc.                                                            Ohio
Commercial Management, Inc.                                                                   Iowa
Continental Care Centers of Council Bluffs, Inc.                                              Iowa
CS Holding Company                                                                            Delaware
Edgewood Convalescent Hospital                                                                California
Forest City Building, Ltd.                                                                    Missouri
Hallmark Convalescent Homes, Inc.                                                             Michigan
Home Medical Systems, Inc.                                                                    Delaware
HomeCare Preferred Choice, Inc.                                                               Delaware
Hospice Preferred Choice, Inc.                                                                Delaware
Hospital Facilities Corporation                                                               California
</TABLE>





                                       4
<PAGE>   5


                  BEVERLY ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       SUBSIDIARY SCHEDULE (CONTINUED)
                              DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              STATE OF
CORPORATION                                                                                   INCORPORATION
- -----------                                                                                   -------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
J. David Butler, L.P.T., Inc.                                                                 Texas
Kenwood View Nursing Home, Inc.                                                               Kansas
Liberty Nursing Homes, Incorporated                                                           Virginia
Matrix HealthCare Network, Inc.                                                               Delaware
Matrix Rehabilitation, Inc.                                                                   Delaware
Medical Arts Health Facility of Lawrenceville, Inc.                                           Georgia
Moderncare of Lumberton, Inc.                                                                 North Carolina
Nebraska City S-C-H, Inc.                                                                     Nebraska
Nursing Home Operators, Inc.                                                                  Ohio
Petersen Health Care, Inc.                                                                    Florida
Piedmont No. 1, Inc.                                                                          Missouri
PPI, Inc.                                                                                     New Mexico
Shastina Properties, Inc.                                                                     California
Shastina Realty, Inc.                                                                         California
South Alabama Nursing Home, Inc.                                                              Alabama
South Dakota - Beverly Enterprises, Inc.                                                      California
Spectra Healthcare Alliance, Inc.                                                             Delaware
Synergos - Scottsdale, Inc.                                                                   Arizona
Synergos, Inc.                                                                                California
TMD Disposition Company                                                                       Florida
Vantage Healthcare Corporation                                                                Delaware
</TABLE>





                                       5
                                        

<PAGE>   1


                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration 
Statements and amendments thereto:

      Form S-8 No. 33-21505         Employee Stock Purchase Plan 
      Form S-8 No. 333-41671        Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation
                                    Plan 
      Form S-8 No. 333-41669        1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan 
      Form S-8 No. 333-41673        Executive Deferred Compensation Plan 
      Form S-8 No. 333-42131        Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan

of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. and in the related Prospectuses of our
report dated February 6, 1998, except for Note 5, paragraph 6, as to which the
date is March 4, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Beverly Enterprises, Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 1997.


                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Little Rock, Arkansas
March 26, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                         105,230
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  422,147<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                    18,505<F2>
<INVENTORY>                                     30,439
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               626,318
<PP&E>                                       1,797,163
<DEPRECIATION>                                 638,834
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,073,469
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          344,017
<BONDS>                                        686,941
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,989
<OTHER-SE>                                     851,516
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,073,469
<SALES>                                      3,217,099
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,230,300
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,888,021
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               151,060
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0<F3>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              82,713
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                108,506
<INCOME-TAX>                                    49,913
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             58,593
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    58,593
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .57
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .57
<FN>
<F1>Excludes $23,481 of long-term notes receivable.
<F2>Excludes $2,917 of allowance for long-term notes receivable.
<F3>Included in Total costs and expenses line.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          69,761
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  541,308<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                    26,019<F2>
<INVENTORY>                                     55,348
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               697,245
<PP&E>                                       1,891,870
<DEPRECIATION>                                 643,085
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,525,082
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          379,030
<BONDS>                                      1,106,256
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,443
<OTHER-SE>                                     850,652
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,525,082
<SALES>                                      3,267,189
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,281,028
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,958,942
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               105,468
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0<F3>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              91,111
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                125,507
<INCOME-TAX>                                    73,481
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             52,026
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (1,726)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    50,300
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .51
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .49
<FN>
<F1>Excludes $42,257 of long-term notes receivable.
<F2>Excludes $4,951 of allowance for long-term notes receivable.
<F3>Included in Total costs and expenses line.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT ON
FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1995
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                          56,303
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  561,362<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                    23,357<F2>
<INVENTORY>                                     59,109
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               716,592
<PP&E>                                       1,771,010
<DEPRECIATION>                                 581,025
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,506,461
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          551,545
<BONDS>                                        988,909
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        10,262
<OTHER-SE>                                     810,071
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,506,461
<SALES>                                      3,228,553
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,242,781
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,960,832
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               203,858
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0<F3>
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              84,245
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (6,154)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     1,969
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (8,123)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (8,123)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.16)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.16)
<FN>
<F1>Excludes $46,868 of long-term notes receivable.
<F2>Excludes $4,953 of allowance for long-term notes receivable.
<F3>Included in Total costs and expenses line.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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