424B5: Prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration File No. 333-69675

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY 5, 2004)

4,739,500 8.375% SERIES D CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED SHARES OF

        In this prospectus supplement we are offering 4,739,500 of our 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares, par value $1.00 per share, at a price of $25.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $118,487,500.

        We will pay quarterly cumulative dividends, in arrears, on the 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares from the date of original issuance. These dividends will be payable on February, May, August and November 15 (or the first business day thereafter) of each year, when and as authorized by our board of directors and declared by us, beginning on May 17, 2004, at a yearly rate of 8.375% of the $25.00 liquidation preference, or $2.09375 per 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred share, per year. We may not redeem the 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares prior to February 10, 2009, except as necessary to preserve our status as a real estate investment trust. On or after February 10, 2009, we may, at our option, redeem the 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares, in whole or from time to time in part, for $25.00 per 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred share in cash plus any accrued and unpaid distributions through the date of redemption. The 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares have no stated maturity, are not subject to any sinking fund and will remain outstanding indefinitely unless we redeem them. The 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares are subject to certain restrictions on ownership and transfer designed to preserve our qualification as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes.

        We have agreed to engage Cohen & Steers Capital Advisors, LLC, as placement agent for this offering. Cohen & Steers has no commitment to purchase securities and will act only as an agent in obtaining indications of interest on the securities from certain investors. After paying the placement agent fee and other estimated expenses payable by us, we anticipate receiving approximately $114,900,313 in net proceeds from this offering.

        We expect to deliver our Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares offered by this prospectus supplement on or about February 10, 2004.

        We have applied to list our Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares for trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OHI PrD". The New York Stock Exchange has various requirements for listing, including requirements relating to the distribution of the shares to be listed to no fewer than 100 beneficial owners. We expect that there will initially be not less than 100 holders of our Series D preferred shares. Trading of our Series D preferred shares on the New York Stock Exchange is expected to commence within 30 days of initial delivery of our Series D preferred shares or at such time thereafter as the requirements for the listing are met.

        Investing in our Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Placement Agent

Cohen & Steers Capital Advisors, LLC

The date of this prospectus supplement is February 5, 2004

        We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SUMMARY OF THE OFFERING

        This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Because it is a summary, it may not contain all of the information that is important to you. Before making a decision to invest in our 8.375% Series D cumulative redeemable preferred shares, which we sometimes refer to as the "Series D preferred shares," you should read carefully this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, as well as the more detailed information contained in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

        Unless the context requires otherwise, the words "Omega," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

        The Series D preferred shares offered hereby are being sold by us. None of our stockholders are selling any shares in this offering.

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OMEGA HEALTHCARE INVESTORS, INC.

        We were incorporated in the State of Maryland on March 31, 1992. We are a self-administered real estate investment trust, or REIT, investing in income-producing healthcare facilities, principally long-term care facilities located in the United States. We provide lease or mortgage financing to qualified operators of skilled nursing facilities and, to a lesser extent, assisted living and acute care facilities. We have historically financed investments through borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, private placements or public offerings of debt or equity securities, the assumption of secured indebtedness, or a combination of these methods.

        As of December 31, 2003, our portfolio of domestic investments consisted of 211 healthcare facilities, located in 28 states and operated by 39 third-party operators. Our gross investments in these facilities, net of impairments and before reserve for uncollectible loans, totaled $812.3 million. This portfolio is made up of:

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152 long-term healthcare facilities and 2 rehabilitation hospitals owned and leased to third parties;



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fixed rate mortgages on 51 long-term healthcare facilities; and



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6 long-term healthcare facilities that were recovered from customers and are currently closed.

        In addition, we also held miscellaneous investments of approximately $29.8 million at December 31, 2003.

        Our principal executive offices are located at 9690 Deereco Road, Suite 100, Timonium, Maryland 21093, and our telephone number is (410) 427-1700. Additional information regarding our company is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and other documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement). See "Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."

EXPLORER RELATIONSHIP AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        Our majority stockholder, Explorer, holds all of our outstanding Series C preferred stock, which has an aggregate liquidation preference of $104,842,000, and is convertible at the holder's option into our common stock at a conversion price of $6.25 per share. We have entered into a Repurchase and Conversion Agreement with Explorer pursuant to which Explorer has granted us an option to repurchase up to 700,000 shares of Series C preferred stock at $145.92 per share (or $9.12 per share of common stock on an as converted basis). The repurchase option is subject to a minimum repurchase of $100 million and expires on February 27, 2004. Upon exercise of the repurchase option Explorer has agreed to convert all of its remaining shares of Series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock and, as a result, no Series C preferred stock would be outstanding. We expect to use $102.1 million of the net proceeds of this offering to purchase 700,000 shares of Series C preferred stock held by Explorer. The remaining net proceeds from this offering will be used for general corporate purposes which could include repaying existing indebtedness, redeeming Series A preferred shares or funding additional investments by us. The conversion of Explorer's shares of Series C preferred stock and our purchase of a portion of our Series C preferred stock owned by Explorer is contingent on the consummation of this offering.

        Following our repurchase of 700,000 shares of Series C preferred stock, Explorer will be issued approximately 5.6 million shares of common stock upon conversion of the remaining Series C preferred stock.

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        Immediately following the completion of this offering, the application of the proceeds received from this offering to fund the exercise of our repurchase option, and Explorer's required conversion of all of its remaining Series C preferred stock into shares of our common stock:

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No Series C preferred stock will be outstanding, and we expect to re-classify the remaining authorized shares of Series C preferred stock as authorized but unissued preferred stock, without designation as to class or, if necessary, as additional Series D preferred shares; and



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Explorer would hold approximately 18.1 million shares of our common stock, representing approximately 41.5% of our outstanding common stock. Under the stockholders agreement between Explorer and the Company, Explorer would continue to be entitled to designate four of our ten directors.

        On February 5, 2004, we received a request from Explorer pursuant to its registration rights agreement with us requesting that we prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement registering Explorer's shares of our common stock on a shelf basis permitting sales from time to time as determined by Explorer. Under the terms of our registration rights agreement, we are required to file the shelf registration statement within 30 days following receipt of the registration request.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Dividends

        On January 21, 2004, our board of directors increased the quarterly dividend on our common stock to $0.17 per common share, representing a 13% increase over the previous quarterly dividend on common stock.

Fourth Quarter 2003 Earnings

        On January 29, 2004, we reported our results for the quarter ended December 31, 2003, including revenues of $20.8 million, income before gain on assets sold of $8 million, income from continuing operations of $7.2 million, and net income available to common of $154,000. With respect to balance sheet data, we reported total investments of $707.6 million, $3.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $725.1 million in total assets, all as of December 31, 2003. In addition, as of December 31, 2003, we had $177.1 million of borrowings outstanding under our revolving lines of credit and $103.5 million of unsecured debt and other long-term borrowings.

Portfolio Developments

        On December 1, 2003, we re-leased one former Sun Healthcare Group, Inc., or Sun, skilled nursing facility, located in California and representing 59 beds, to a new operator, which lease has a 10-year term at an initial annual lease rate of $0.12 million.

        Effective January 1, 2004, we re-leased five skilled nursing facilities to an existing operator under a new master lease, which has a 5-year term and an initial annual lease rate of $0.75 million. Four former Sun skilled nursing facilities, three located in Illinois and one located in Indiana and representing an aggregate of 449 beds, were part of the transaction. The fifth skilled nursing facility in the transaction, located in Illinois and representing 128 beds, was the last remaining owned and operated facility in our portfolio.

        On January 26, 2004, we signed a non-binding term sheet representing an agreement in principle with Sun regarding 51 properties we own that are leased to various affiliates of Sun. Under the arrangement contemplated by the non-binding term sheet, Sun would continue to operate and occupy 23 long-term care facilities, five behavioral properties and two hospital properties. One property in the State of Washington, formerly operated by a Sun affiliate, has already been closed and the lease relating to that property will be terminated. With respect to the remaining 20 facilities, 15 have already been transitioned to new operators and five are in the process of being transferred to new operators.

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        The non-binding term sheet contemplates execution and delivery of a new master lease with the following general terms:

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Term: Through December 31, 2013.



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Base Rent: Commencing February 1, 2004, monthly base rent would be $1,560,190, subject to annual increases not to exceed 2.5% per year.



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Deferred Base Rent: $7,761,000 would be deferred and shall bear interest at a floating rate with a floor of 6% per year. That interest would accrue but would not be payable to us through January 3, 2008. Interest thereafter accruing would be paid monthly. We are releasing all other claims for base rent which otherwise would be due under the current leases.



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Conversion of Deferred Base Rent: Omega would have the right at any time to convert the deferred base rent into 800,000 shares of Sun's common stock, subject to certain non-dilution provisions and the right of Sun to pay cash in an amount equal to the value of that stock in lieu of issuing stock to Omega. If the value of the common stock exceeds 140% of the deferred base rent, Sun can require Omega to convert the deferred base rent into Sun's common stock.

        The terms described above are subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive documents satisfactory to us and Sun.

        On November 7, 2003, we re-leased two skilled nursing facilities formerly leased by Claremont Healthcare Holdings, Inc., or Claremont, located in Ohio and representing 270 beds, to a new operator under a Master Lease, which has a 10-year term and has an initial annual rent of $1.2 million.

        Effective December 1, 2003, we sold one former Claremont skilled nursing facility, located in Illinois and representing 150 beds, for $9.0 million. We received net proceeds of approximately $5.9 million in cash and a $3.0 million, 5-year, 10.5% secured note for the balance. This transaction results in a non-cash, non-funds from operations accounting loss of approximately $3.8 million, which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003.

        We continue our ongoing restructuring discussions with Claremont regarding the five facilities Claremont currently leases from us. Claremont failed to pay base rent due during the fourth quarter of 2003 in the amount of $1.5 million. During the fourth quarter of 2003, we applied security deposits in the amount of $1.0 million to pay Claremont's rent payments and we demanded that Claremont restore the $1.5 million security deposit. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have no additional security deposits with Claremont. We are recognizing revenue from Claremont on a cash-basis as it is received.

        On December 4, 2003, we sold our investment in Principal Healthcare Finance Trust realizing proceeds of approximately $1.6 million, net of closing costs, resulting in an accounting gain of approximately $0.1 million. Also in December, we sold one closed facility located in Massachusetts, realizing proceeds of approximately $0.5 million, net of closing costs, resulting in an accounting gain of approximately $0.1 million.

Credit Facilities

        Acquisition Line of Credit.    Effective December 31, 2003, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries entered into a 4-year, $50 million revolving acquisition line of credit arranged by GE Healthcare Financial Services. The line of credit renews annually and is secured by first liens on potential new facilities as the same are acquired or otherwise by assignments of mortgages made on the new acquisitions. The interest rate on borrowings under the acquisition line of credit is the London Interbank Offered Rate plus 3.75% with a 6% floor and is identical to the interest rate on our existing credit facility that was also arranged by GE Healthcare Financial Services. Additional fees equal to 50 basis points on the amount advanced will be payable at the time of an advance. There were no borrowings under this acquisition line of credit as of December 31, 2003.

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        Credit Facility.    In June 2003, we provided a guaranty of the obligations of our various subsidiaries that are the borrowers under a loan agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation ("GECC"), on its own behalf and as agent for certain other banks who are participating in the credit facility under the loan agreement. Our guaranty contains various affirmative and negative covenants typical for such transactions including a limitation on the amount of dividends that we can pay that is equal to 95% of our "Funds from Operations" as defined in the White Paper on Funds from Operations approved by the Board of Governors of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, or NAREIT, in April 2002.

        In connection with our repurchase of a portion of Explorer's Series C preferred stock, our results for the first quarter of 2004 will include a non-recurring reduction in net income attributable to common stockholders of approximately $40 million. This amount reflects the sum of (i) the difference between the deemed redemption price of $145.92 per share of our Series C preferred stock and the carrying amount of $100 per share of Series C preferred stock multiplied by the number of shares of Series C preferred stock repurchased upon exercise of our option to repurchase shares of Series C preferred stock and (ii) the cost associated with the original issuance of our Series C preferred stock that was previously classified as additional paid in capital, pro rated for the repurchase. On July 31, 2003, the SEC issued its interpretation of FASB-EITF Issue D-42, "The Effect on the Calculation of Earnings per Share for the Redemption or Induced Conversion of Preferred Stock." Under the SEC's interpretation relating to the redemption of preferred stock, the difference between the carrying amount of the shares and the redemption price must be recorded as a reduction in net income attributable to common stockholders. The SEC's interpretation also included a statement that, upon conversion or redemption, all costs associated with the original issuance of such preferred stock should be recorded as a reduction of net income attributable to common stockholders. Therefore, both of these non-recurring charges will reduce our earnings per share and funds from operations. GECC and certain of the other banks participating in our credit facility have confirmed that this non-recurring reduction in net income attributable to common stockholders will not be included in the calculation pursuant to our guaranty of the maximum amount of dividends that we can pay.

Impact of Discontinued Operations on Prior Period Results

        On February 5, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K to update our historical financial statements in accordance with the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," regarding assets disposed during the period from January 1, 2003 to September 30, 2003 and SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections." During the first nine months of 2003, we sold certain properties, and in compliance with SFAS 144, have reported revenue, expenses and gain or (loss) on sale from these properties as income (loss) from discontinued operations for each period presented in our quarterly reports filed since the date of the sales (including the comparable period of the prior year). Under SEC requirements the same reclassification as discontinued operations required by SFAS 144 following the sale of properties is required for previously issued annual financial statements for each of the three years shown in our last annual report on Form 10-K, if those financials are incorporated by reference in subsequent filings with the SEC made under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, such as this prospectus supplement. These reclassifications resulting from asset dispositions have no effect on our reported net income available to common stockholders or balance sheet.

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RISK FACTORS

        Investment in our Series D preferred shares involves various risks. In addition to the other information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should consider carefully the following risk factors before deciding to invest in our Series D preferred shares. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operations. In such case, you may lose all or part of your original investment.

RISKS RELATED TO THE OPERATORS OF OUR FACILITIES

        Our financial position could be weakened and our ability to pay dividends could be limited if any of our major operators were unable to meet their obligations to us or failed to renew or extend their relationship with us as their lease terms expire, or if we were unable to lease or re-lease our facilities or make mortgage loans on economically favorable terms. These adverse developments could arise due to a number of factors, including those listed below.

The bankruptcy, insolvency or financial deterioration of our operators could delay our ability to collect unpaid rents or require us to find new operators for rejected facilities.

        We are exposed to the risk that our operators may not be able to meet their obligations, which may result in their bankruptcy or insolvency. Although our leases and loans provide us the right to terminate an investment, evict an operator, demand immediate repayment and other remedies, the bankruptcy laws afford certain rights to a party that has filed for bankruptcy or reorganization. An operator in bankruptcy may be able to restrict our ability to collect unpaid rent and interest during the bankruptcy proceeding.

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Leases.    If one of our lessees seeks bankruptcy protection, the lessee can either assume or reject the lease. Generally, the operator is required to make rent payments to us during its bankruptcy until it rejects the lease. If the lessee assumes the lease, the court cannot change the rental amount or any other lease provision that could financially impact us. However, if the lessee rejects the lease, the facility would be returned to us. In that event, if we were able to re-lease the facility to a new operator only on unfavorable terms or after a significant delay, we could lose some or all of the associated revenue from that facility for an extended period of time.



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Mortgage Loans.    If an operator defaults under one of our mortgage loans, we may have to foreclose on the mortgage or protect our interest by acquiring title to a property and thereafter making substantial improvements or repairs in order to maximize the facility's investment potential. Operators may contest enforcement of foreclosure or other remedies, seek bankruptcy protection against an enforcement and/or bring claims for lender liability in response to actions to enforce mortgage obligations. If an operator seeks bankruptcy protection, the automatic stay of the federal bankruptcy law would preclude us from enforcing foreclosure or other remedies against the operator unless relief is obtained from the court. High "loan to value" ratios or declines in the value of the facility may prevent us from realizing an amount equal to our mortgage loan upon foreclosure.

        The receipt of liquidation proceeds or the replacement of an operator that has defaulted on its lease or loan could be delayed by the approval process of any federal, state or local agency necessary for the replacement of the operator licensed to manage the facility. In some instances, we may take possession of a property that exposes us to successor liabilities. These events, if they were to occur, could reduce our revenue and operating cash flow.

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        Our lease arrangements with operators who operate more than one of our facilities are generally made pursuant to a single master lease covering all of that operator's facilities leased from us. Although each lease or master lease provides that we may terminate the master lease upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of the tenant, the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978 provides that a trustee in a bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding under the Bankruptcy Act, or a debtor-in-possession in a reorganization, has the power and the option to assume or reject the unexpired lease obligations of a debtor-lessee. In the event that the unexpired lease is assumed on behalf of the debtor-lessee, all the rental obligations thereunder generally would be entitled to a priority over other unsecured claims. However, the court also has the power to modify a lease if a debtor-lessee in a reorganization were required to perform certain provisions of a lease that the court determined to be unduly burdensome. It is not possible to determine at this time whether or not any of our leases or master leases contain any such provisions. If a lease is rejected, the lessor has a general unsecured claim limited to any unpaid rent already due plus an amount equal to the rent reserved under the lease, without acceleration, for the greater of one year or 15% of the remaining term of such lease, not to exceed three years.

Operators that fail to comply with governmental reimbursement programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, licensing and certification requirements, fraud and abuse regulations or new legislative developments may be unable to meet their obligations to us.

        Our operators are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations that are subject to frequent and substantial changes (sometimes applied retroactively) resulting from legislation, adoption of rules and regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations of existing law. The ultimate timing or effect of these changes cannot be predicted. These changes may have a dramatic effect on our operators' costs of doing business and the amount of reimbursement by both government and other third-party payors. The failure of any of our operators to comply with these laws, requirements and regulations could adversely affect their ability to meet their obligations to us. In particular:

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Medicare and Medicaid.    A significant portion of our skilled nursing facility operators' revenue is derived from governmentally-funded reimbursement programs, primarily Medicare and Medicaid, and failure to maintain certification and accreditation in these programs would result in a loss of funding from such programs. Moreover, federal and state governments have adopted and continue to consider various reform proposals to control health care costs. In recent years, there have been fundamental changes in the Medicare program that have resulted in reduced levels of payment for a substantial portion of health care services. In many instances, revenues from Medicaid programs are already insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred in providing care to those patients. In addition, reimbursement from private payors has in many cases effectively been reduced to levels approaching those of government payors. Governmental concern regarding health care costs and their budgetary impact may result in significant reductions in payments to health care facilities, and future reimbursement rates for either governmental or private payors may not be sufficient to cover cost increases in providing services to patients. Loss of certification or accreditation or any changes in reimbursement policies that reduce reimbursement to levels that are insufficient to cover the cost of providing patient care could cause the revenues of our operators to decline, potentially jeopardizing their ability to meet their obligations to us. In that event, our revenues from those facilities could be reduced, which could in turn cause the value of our affected properties to decline.



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Licensing and Certification.    Our operators and facilities are subject to regulatory and licensing requirements of federal, state and local authorities and are periodically audited by them to confirm compliance. Failure to obtain licensure or loss or suspension of licensure would prevent a facility from operating or result in a suspension of reimbursement payments until all licensure

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issues have been resolved and the necessary licenses obtained or reinstated. Our skilled nursing facilities require governmental approval, in the form of a certificate of need that generally varies by state and is subject to change, prior to the addition or construction of new beds, the addition of services or certain capital expenditures. Some of our facilities may be unable to satisfy current and future certificate of need requirements and may for this reason be unable to continue operating in the future. In such event, our revenues from those facilities could be reduced or eliminated for an extended period of time.

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Fraud and Abuse Regulations.    There are various extremely complex and largely uninterpreted federal and state laws governing a wide array of referrals, relationships and arrangements and prohibiting fraud by healthcare providers, including criminal provisions that prohibit filing false claims or making false statements to receive payment or certification under Medicare and Medicaid, or failing to refund overpayments or improper payments. Governments are devoting increasing attention and resources to anti-fraud initiatives against healthcare providers. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 expanded the penalties for healthcare fraud, including broader provisions for the exclusion of providers from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Furthermore, the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in cooperation with other federal and state agencies, continues to focus on the activities of skilled nursing facilities in certain states in which we have properties. In addition, the federal False Claims Act allows a private individual with knowledge of fraud to bring a claim on behalf of the federal government and earn a percentage of the federal government's recovery. Because of these incentives, these so-called "whistleblower" suits have become more frequent. The violation of any of these regulations by an operator may result in the imposition of fines or other penalties that could jeopardize that operator's ability to make lease or mortgage payments to us or to continue operating its facility.



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Legislative and Regulatory Developments.    Each year, legislative proposals are introduced or proposed in Congress and in some state legislatures that would affect major changes in the healthcare system, either nationally or at the state level. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, P.Law 108-173, which is one example of such legislation, was enacted in late 2003. The Medicare reimbursement changes for the long term care industry under this Act are limited to a temporary increase in the per diem amount paid to skilled nursing facilities for residents who have AIDS. The significant expansion of other benefits for Medicare beneficiaries under this Act, such as the expanded prescription drug benefit, could result in financial pressures on the Medicare program that might result in future legislative and regulatory changes with impacts for our operators. Other proposals under consideration include efforts by individual states to control costs by decreasing state Medicaid reimbursements, a federal "Patient Protection Act" to protect consumers in managed care plans, efforts to improve quality of care and reduce medical errors throughout the health care industry and hospital cost-containment initiatives by public and private payors. We cannot accurately predict whether any proposals will be adopted or, if adopted, what effect, if any, these proposals would have on operators and, thus, our business.

        Regulatory proposals and rules are released on an ongoing basis that may have major impact on the healthcare system generally and the skilled nursing and long-term care industries in particular. For Medicare, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") issued on January 30, 2004 its proposed annual update to the long-term care hospital prospective payment system as well as other related changes. The proposed update, which would take effect for payments made between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005, would increase Medicare rates by 2.9% over the fiscal year 2004 rates. This proposal could be changed before implementation. In the January 30, 2004 proposed rule, CMS also proposed to make other technical changes with potential reimbursement implications. For example,

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CMS proposed to adjust the threshold for outlier payments, raising the fixed-loss amount to $21,864 (up from $19,590 in fiscal year 2004). This change would increase the costs a long-term care hospital must bear on its own before the Medicare program shares the financial burden of a patient generating extraordinarily high costs.

Our operators may be subject to significant legal actions that could subject them to increased operating costs and substantial uninsured liabilities, which may affect their ability to pay their lease and mortgage payments to us.

        As is typical in the health care industry, our operators are often subject to claims that their services have resulted in resident injury or other adverse effects. Many of these operators have experienced an increasing trend in the frequency and severity of Professional Liability and General Liability insurance, or PL/GL, claims and litigation asserted against them. The insurance coverage maintained by our operators may not cover all claims made against them nor continue to be available at a reasonable cost, if at all. In some states, insurance coverage for the risk of punitive damages arising from PL/GL claims and/or litigation may not, in certain cases, be available to operators due to state law prohibitions or limitations of availability. As a result, our operators operating in these states may be liable for punitive damage awards that are either not covered or are in excess of their insurance policy limits. We also believe that there has been, and will continue to be, an increase in governmental investigations of long-term care providers, particularly in the area of Medicare/Medicaid false claims, as well as an increase in enforcement actions resulting from these investigations. Insurance is not available to cover such losses. Any adverse determination in a legal proceeding or governmental investigation, whether currently asserted or arising in the future, could have a material adverse effect on an operator's financial condition. If an operator is unable to obtain or maintain insurance coverage, if judgments are obtained in excess of the insurance coverage, if an operator is required to pay uninsured punitive damages, or if an operator is subject to an uninsurable government enforcement action, the operator could be exposed to substantial additional liabilities.

Increased competition as well as increased operating costs has resulted in lower revenues for some of our operators and may affect the ability of our tenants to meet their payment obligations to us.

        The healthcare industry is highly competitive and we expect that it may become more competitive in the future. Our operators are competing with numerous other companies providing similar health care services or alternatives such as home health agencies, life care at home, community-based service programs, retirement communities and convalescent centers. We cannot be certain the operators of all of our facilities will be able to achieve occupancy and rate levels that will enable them to meet all of their obligations to us. Our operators may encounter increased competition in the future that could limit their ability to attract residents or expand their businesses and therefore affect their ability to pay their lease or mortgage payments.

        The market for qualified nurses, healthcare professionals and other key personnel is highly competitive and our operators may experience difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Increases in labor costs due to higher wages and greater benefits required to attract and retain qualified healthcare personnel incurred by our operators could affect their ability to pay their lease or mortgage payments. This situation could be particularly acute in certain states that have enacted legislation establishing minimum staffing requirements.

RISKS RELATED TO US AND OUR OPERATIONS

        In addition to the operator related risks discussed above, there are a number of risks directly associated with us and our operations.

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We rely on external sources of capital to fund future capital needs, and if we encounter difficulty in obtaining such capital, we may not be able to make future investments necessary to grow our business or meet maturing commitments.

        In order to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, we are required, among other things, to distribute each year to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income. Because of this distribution requirement, we may not be able to fund, from cash retained from operations, all future capital needs, including capital needs to make investments and to satisfy or refinance maturing commitments. As a result, we may rely on external sources of capital. If we are unable to obtain needed capital at all or only on unfavorable terms from these sources, we might not be able to make the investments needed to grow our business, or to meet our obligations and commitments as they mature, which could negatively affect the ratings of our debt and even, in extreme circumstances, affect our ability to continue operations. Our access to capital depends upon a number of factors over which we have little or no control, including general market conditions and the market's perception of our growth potential and our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions and the market price of the shares of our capital stock. Generally speaking, difficult capital market conditions in our industry during the past several years and our need to stabilize our portfolio have limited our access to capital. Our potential capital sources include, but are not limited to:

        Equity Financing.    As with other publicly-traded companies, the availability of equity capital will depend, in part, on the market price of our common stock which, in turn, will depend upon various market conditions and other factors that may change from time to time including:

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the extent of investor interest;



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the general reputation of REITs and the attractiveness of their equity securities in comparison to other equity securities, including securities issued by other real estate-based companies;



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our financial performance and that of our operators;



•

the contents of analyst reports about us and the REIT industry;



•

general stock and bond market conditions, including changes in interest rates on fixed income securities, which may lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to demand a higher annual yield from future distributions;



•

our failure to maintain or increase our dividend, which is dependent, to a large part, on growth of funds from operations which in turn depends upon increased revenues from additional investments and rental increases; and



•

other factors such as governmental regulatory action and changes in REIT tax laws.

        The market value of the equity securities of a REIT is generally based upon the market's perception of the REIT's growth potential and its current and potential future earnings and cash distributions. Our failure to meet the market's expectation with regard to future earnings and cash distributions likely would adversely affect the market price of our common stock and reduce the value of your investment.

        Debt Financing/Leverage.    Financing for future investments and our maturing commitments may be provided by borrowings under our bank line of credit, private or public offerings of debt, the assumption of secured indebtedness, mortgage financing on a portion of our owned portfolio or through joint ventures. We are subject to risks normally associated with debt financing, including the risks that our cash flow will be insufficient to make timely payments of interest, that we will be unable to refinance existing indebtedness and that the terms of refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of existing indebtedness. If we are unable to refinance or extend principal payments due at maturity or pay them with proceeds from other capital transactions, our cash flow may not be sufficient

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in all years to pay distributions to our stockholders and to repay all maturing debt. Furthermore, if prevailing interest rates, changes in our debt ratings or other factors at the time of refinancing result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, the interest expense relating to that refinanced indebtedness would increase, which could reduce our profitability and the amount of dividends we are able to pay. Moreover, additional debt financing increases the amount of our leverage. Our degree of leverage could have important consequences to stockholders, including affecting our investment grade ratings, affecting our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, development or other general corporate purposes and making us more vulnerable to a downturn in business or the economy generally.

Two of the operators of our facilities each account for more than 10% of our revenues.

        Based on existing contractual rent and lease payments and non-binding agreements in principle regarding the restructuring of certain existing investments, we expect Advocat, Inc. ("Advocat") and Sun to each account for over 10% of our revenues, with Sun expected to account for slightly over 20% of our revenues for 2004. The failure or inability of either of these operators to pay their obligations to us could materially reduce our revenues and net income, which could in turn reduce the amount of dividends we pay and cause our stock price to decline. For additional information, see "Recent Developments."

Unforeseen costs associated with the acquisition of new properties could reduce our profitability.

        Our business strategy contemplates future acquisitions that may not prove to be successful. For example, we might encounter unanticipated difficulties and expenditures relating to any acquired properties, including contingent liabilities, or newly acquired properties might require significant management attention that would otherwise be devoted to our ongoing business. If we agree to provide funding to enable healthcare operators to build, expand or renovate facilities on our properties and the project is not completed, we could be forced to become involved in the development to ensure completion or we could lose the property. These costs may negatively affect our results of operations.

We may not be able to sell certain closed facilities for their book value.

        From time to time we close facilities and actively market such facilities for sale. To the extent we are unable to sell these properties for our book value, we may be required to take an impairment charge or loss on the sale, either of which would reduce our net income.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition.

        We have substantial indebtedness and will continue to have substantial indebtedness after the completion of the offering. In addition, we may increase our indebtedness in the future. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to our stockholders. For example, it could:

•

limit our ability to satisfy our obligations with respect to Series D preferred shares;



•

make us more vulnerable to economic downturns;



•

potentially limit our ability to withstand competitive pressures if as a result of a decline in our rating agency ratings our cost of capital increases as compared to our competitors' cost of capital reducing the spread on our investments; and



•

impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes;

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Explorer has the ability to substantially influence control of our company.

        Explorer presently owns 53.5% of our voting stock through its ownership of our Series C preferred stock and approximately 12.5 million shares of common stock.

        Upon completion of this offering and the purchase from Explorer of 700,000 shares of our Series C preferred stock at $145.92 per share, Explorer will convert all of its remaining 348,420 shares of Series C preferred stock into approximately 5.6 million shares of common stock. See "Explorer Relationship and Related Transactions." We estimate that Explorer will beneficially own approximately 41.5% of our outstanding common stock immediately following the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby. While Explorer will own less than a majority of our outstanding voting securities upon the completion of these transactions, Explorer will still be our largest stockholder and still control such a large portion of our voting power that Explorer's effective control will not be significantly diminished unless it sells additional shares. Under our stockholders agreement with Explorer, Explorer is entitled to designate a number of our directors proportionate to Explorer's beneficial ownership of our voting securities, and proportionate representation on committees of our board of directors, subject to applicable law and the rules of New York Stock Exchange and the SEC. As a result, immediately following this offering Explorer will continue to be in a position to substantially influence the management and affairs of our company. Explorer will also have sufficient voting power to substantially influence the vote on all matters submitted to our stockholders, including transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control. This could prevent transactions in which the stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices. The interests of Explorer may not coincide with the interests of the holders of our Series D preferred shares.

Our real estate investments are relatively illiquid.

        Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, tend to limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. All of our properties are "special purpose" properties that could not be readily converted to general residential, retail or office use. Healthcare facilities that participate in Medicare or Medicaid must meet extensive program requirements, including physical plant and operational requirements, which are revised from time to time. Such requirements may include a duty to admit Medicare and Medicaid patients, limiting the ability of the facility to increase its private pay census beyond certain limits. Medicare and Medicaid facilities are regularly inspected to determine compliance, and may be excluded from the programs—in some cases without a prior hearing—for failure to meet program requirements. Transfers of operations of nursing homes and other healthcare-related facilities are subject to regulatory approvals not required for transfers of other types of commercial operations and other types of real estate. Thus, if the operation of any of our properties becomes unprofitable due to competition, age of improvements or other factors such that our lessee or mortgagor becomes unable to meet its obligations on the lease or mortgage loan, the liquidation value of the property may be substantially less, particularly relative to the amount owing on any related mortgage loan, than would be the case if the property were readily adaptable to other uses. The receipt of liquidation proceeds or the replacement of an operator that has defaulted on its lease or loan could be delayed by the approval process of any federal, state or local agency necessary for the transfer of the property or the replacement of the operator with a new operator licensed to manage the facility. In addition, certain significant expenditures associated with real estate investment, such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment. Should such events occur, our income and cash flows from operations would be adversely affected.

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As an owner or lender with respect to real property, we may be exposed to possible environmental liabilities.

        Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner of real property or a secured lender, such as us, may be liable in certain circumstances for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, under or disposed of in connection with such property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances, including government fines and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances and liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of an operator of the property. The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal or property damages and the owner's liability therefore could exceed the value of the property, and/or the assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral which, in turn, would reduce our revenues.

        Although our leases and mortgage loans require the lessee and the mortgagor to indemnify us for certain environmental liabilities, the scope of such obligations may be limited, and we cannot assure you that any such mortgagor or lessee would be able to fulfill its indemnification obligations.

The industry in which we operate is highly competitive. This competition may prevent us from raising prices at the same pace as our costs increase.

        We compete for additional healthcare facility investments with other healthcare investors, including other REITs. The operators of the facilities compete with other regional or local nursing care facilities for the support of the medical community, including physicians and acute care hospitals, as well as the general public. Some significant competitive factors for the placing of patients in skilled and intermediate care nursing facilities include quality of care, reputation, physical appearance of the facilities, services offered, family preferences, physician services and price. If our cost of capital should increase relative to the cost of capital of our competitors, the spread that we realize on our investments may decline if competitive pressures limit or prevent us from charging higher interest rates.

We are named as defendants in litigation arising out of PL/GL claims relating to our previously owned and operated facilities which if decided against us, could adversely affect our financial condition.

        We and several of our wholly-owned subsidiaries have been named as defendants in PL/GL claims related to our owned and operated facilities. Other third-party managers responsible for the day-to-day operations of these facilities have also been named as defendants in these claims. In these suits, patients of certain previously owned and operated facilities have alleged significant damages, including punitive damages, against the defendants. The lawsuits are in various stages of discovery and we are unable to predict the likely outcome at this time. We continue to vigorously defend these claims and pursue all rights we may have against the managers of the facilities, under the terms of the management agreements. We have insured these matters, subject to self-insured retentions of various amounts. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in our defense of these matters or in asserting our claims against various managers of the subject facilities or that the amount of any settlement or judgment will be substantially covered by insurance or that any punitive damages will be covered by insurance.

We are subject to significant anti-takeover provisions.

        In addition to the potential anti-takeover effects resulting from Explorer's significant investment in our company, our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain various procedural and other requirements which could make it difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate actions. Our

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board of directors also has the authority to issue additional shares of preferred stock and to fix the preferences, rights and limitations of the preferred stock without stockholder approval. We have also adopted a stockholders rights plan which provides for share purchase rights to become exercisable at a discount if a person or group, other than Explorer and its affiliates, acquires more than 9.9% of our common stock or announces a tender offer for more than 9.9% of our common stock. These provisions could discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of us, which could adversely affect the market price of our securities.

We may change our investment strategies and policies and capital structure.

        Our board of directors, without the approval of our stockholders, may alter our investment strategies and policies if it determines in the future that a change is in our and our stockholders' best interests. The methods of implementing our investment strategies and policies may vary as new investments and financing techniques are developed.

If we fail to maintain our REIT status, we will be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates.

        We were organized to qualify for taxation as a real estate investment trust, or REIT, under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. We believe we have conducted, and we intend to continue to conduct, our operations so as to qualify as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements, some on an annual and some on a quarterly basis, established under highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involve the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. For example, in order to qualify as a REIT, each year we must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our taxable income, other than any net capital gain. We cannot assure you that we will at all times satisfy these rules and tests.

        If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, as a result of a determination that we failed to meet the annual distribution requirement or otherwise, we would be subject to federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Moreover, unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, we also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost. This treatment would reduce our net earnings and cash flow available for investment, debt service or distribution to stockholders because of our additional tax liability for the years involved. In addition, distributions to stockholders would no longer be required to be made.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR SERIES D PREFERRED SHARES

The Series D preferred shares are a new issue of securities and do not have an established trading market, which may negatively affect their market value and your ability to transfer or sell your shares.

        Series D preferred shares are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We have filed an application to list the Series D preferred shares on the New York Stock Exchange. However, we cannot assure you that the Series D preferred shares will be approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, which would require, among other things, that the Series D preferred shares comply with certain distribution requirements. Even if so approved, trading of the Series D preferred shares on the New York Stock Exchange may not begin until 30 days after the date of initial delivery of the Series D preferred shares. In any event, we cannot assure you that an active trading market for the Series D preferred shares will develop or, even if one develops, will be maintained. As a result, the ability to transfer or sell the Series D preferred shares and any trading price of the Series D preferred shares could be adversely affected.

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The market value of the Series D preferred shares could be substantially affected by various factors.

        Whether or not the Series D preferred shares are publicly traded, the share price of the Series D preferred shares will depend on many factors, which may change from time to time, including:

•

prevailing interest rates, increases in which may have an adverse effect on the share price of the Series D preferred shares;



•

the market for similar securities issued by REITs;



•

the limited number of holders of Series D preferred shares;



•

general economic and financial market conditions; and



•

our financial condition, performance and prospects.

Our issuance of additional capital stock, warrants or debt securities, whether or not convertible, may reduce the market price for our shares.

        We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of our capital stock, warrants or debt securities, or the availability of our securities for future sale, will have on the market price of our shares, including our Series D preferred shares. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock or preferred shares, warrants or debt securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock in the public market or the perception that such sales might occur could reduce the market price of our Series D preferred shares and the terms upon which we may obtain additional equity financing in the future. Following the completion of the offering contemplated hereby and the exercise of our repurchase option with respect to 700,000 shares of Explorer's Series C preferred stock and Explorer's required conversion of its remaining Series C preferred stock, Explorer will own approximately 18.1 million shares of our common stock, which will represent approximately 41.5% of our common stock. Explorer has requested that we register the resale of its securities under the federal securities laws, and we are required by the terms of our registration rights agreement with Explorer to prepare and file a registration statement registering Explorer's shares of common stock on a "shelf" basis permitting sales from time to time as determined by Explorer. See "Explorer Relationship and Related Transactions."

        In addition, we may issue additional capital stock in the future to raise capital or as a result of the following:

•

The issuance and exercise of options to purchase our common stock. As of December 31, 2003, we had outstanding options to acquire approximately 2.3 million shares of our common stock. In addition, we may in the future issue additional options or other securities convertible into or exercisable for our common stock under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, or other remuneration plans. We may also issue options or convertible securities to our employees in lieu of cash bonuses or to our directors in lieu of director's fees.



•

The issuance of debt securities exchangeable for our common stock.



•

The exercise of warrants we may issue in the future.



•

Lenders sometimes ask for warrants or other rights to acquire shares in connection with providing financing. We cannot assure you that our lenders will not request such rights.

Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect purchasers of our Series D preferred shares.

        In recent years, numerous legislative, judicial and administrative changes have been made in the provisions of the federal income tax laws applicable to investments similar to an investment in our Series D preferred shares. Changes are likely to continue to occur in the future, and we cannot assure

S-17

you that any of these changes will not adversely affect your taxation as a holder of Series D preferred shares. Any of these changes could have an adverse effect on an investment in Series D preferred shares or on market value or resale potential. You are urged to consult with your own tax advisor with respect to the impact that recent legislation may have on your investment and the status of legislative regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect.

Recent changes in taxation of corporate dividends may adversely affect the value of our Series D preferred shares.

        The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 that was enacted into law on May 28, 2003, among other things, generally reduces to 15% the maximum marginal rate of tax payable by individuals on dividends received from a regular C corporation. This reduced tax rate, however, will not apply to dividends paid to individuals by a REIT on its shares, except for certain limited amounts, which we do not expect to pay the holders of Series D preferred shares. While the earnings of a REIT that are distributed to its stockholders still generally will be subject to less combined federal income taxation than earnings of a non-REIT C corporation that are distributed to its stockholders net of corporate-level tax, this legislation could cause individual investors to view the stock of regular C corporations as more attractive relative to the shares of a REIT than was the case prior to the enactment of the legislation. Individual investors could hold this view because the dividends from regular C corporations will generally be taxed at a lower rate while dividends from REITs will generally be taxed at the same rate as the individual's other ordinary income. We cannot predict what effect, if any, the enactment of this legislation may have on the value of the shares of REITs in general or on the value of our Series D preferred shares in particular, either in terms of price or relative to other investments.

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CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus supplement includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus supplement may constitute forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Although we believe that our assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that our assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in this prospectus supplement, including factors disclosed under "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-8 of this prospectus supplement. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, among other things:

•

uncertainties relating to the business operations of the operators of our assets, including those relating to reimbursement by third party payors, regulatory matters and occupancy levels;



•

the ability of any operators in bankruptcy to reject unexpired lease obligations, modify the terms of our mortgages, and impede our ability to collect unpaid rent or interest during the process of a bankruptcy proceeding and retain security deposits for the debtors' obligations;



•

our ability to sell closed assets on a timely basis and at terms that allow us to realize the carrying value of these assets;



•

our ability to negotiate appropriate modifications to the terms of our credit facilities;



•

our ability to manage, re-lease or sell any owned and operated facilities;



•

the availability and cost of capital;



•

competition in the financing of healthcare facilities;



•

regulatory and other changes in the healthcare sector;



•

the effect of economic and market conditions generally and, particularly, in the healthcare industry;



•

changes in interest rates;



•

the amount and yield of any additional investments;



•

changes in tax laws and regulations affecting real estate investment trusts; and



•

changes in the ratings of our debt and preferred securities.

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

        The ratios of earnings to fixed charges, and the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are set forth below. We have calculated the ratio of earnings to fixed charges by adding net income (loss) from continuing operations to fixed charges and dividing that sum by such fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends was calculated in the same manner as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges except that accrued preferred stock dividends were included for each of the periods shown irrespective of whether or not such dividends were actually paid.

*

Our earnings were insufficient to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends by $48,142, $36,787 and $31,072 in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

(1)

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends have been revised to reflect the impact of the implementation of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets."

        We issued 2,300,000 shares of Series A preferred in April 1997 which are entitled to receive dividends at the rate of 9.25% per year, or $2.3125 per share. We issued 2,000,000 shares of Series B preferred in April 1998 which are entitled to receive dividends at the rate of 8.625% per year, or $2.156 per share. We issued 1,000,000 Series C preferred shares in July 2000 and 48,420 Series C preferred shares in April 2001. The Series C preferred shares, all of which will be converted into common stock if we exercise our repurchase option to purchase at least $100 million of Series C preferred stock upon completion of this offering, are entitled to receive dividends at the greater of 10% per year or the dividend payable on the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series C preferred shares. For purposes of the information set forth above, the dividend rate of 10% per year on the Series C preferred shares or $10.00 per share was used.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We have entered into a Repurchase and Conversion Agreement with Explorer pursuant to which Explorer has granted us the right through February 27, 2004 to purchase up to 700,000 shares of our Series C preferred stock at a price of $145.92 per share (or $9.12 per share of common stock on an as converted basis). The repurchase option is subject to a minimum aggregate purchase price of $100 million and we can increase the number of shares of Series C preferred stock purchased up to a maximum of 700,000 shares for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $102 million.

        After paying the placement agent fee and other estimated expenses payable by us, we anticipate receiving $114.9 million in net proceeds from this offering. We expect to use $102.1 million of net proceeds from this offering to purchase 700,000 shares of our Series C preferred stock owned by Explorer. The remaining net proceeds from this offering will be used for general corporate purposes which could include repaying existing indebtedness, redeeming Series A preferred shares or funding additional investments by us.

        Following the completion of the offering contemplated hereby and the exercise of our repurchase option, Explorer, the sole holder of our Series C preferred stock, has also agreed to convert all of its remaining shares of Series C preferred stock into common stock. Our ability to exercise the repurchase option is contingent on the consummation of this offering.

        After our repurchase of 700,000 Series C preferred shares, Explorer will be issued approximately 5.6 million shares of common stock upon conversion of the remaining Series C preferred shares. Following the repurchase and conversion, Explorer will hold approximately 18.1 million common shares or approximately 41.5% of our outstanding common shares.

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table shows, as of September 30, 2003:

•

our actual capitalization; and



•

our capitalization on an as adjusted basis giving effect to the issuance and sale of 4,739,500 of our Series D preferred shares offered by this prospectus supplement, the application of $102.1 million of the net proceeds from such offering to repurchase 700,000 shares of our Series C preferred stock from Explorer and the conversion of all of our remaining outstanding Series C preferred stock into approximately 5.6 million shares of our common stock.

        This table should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes therein contained in our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement.

(1)

As of September 30, 2003, an additional $22 million was available for borrowings under our revolving lines of credit.

        The information in the preceding table excludes:

•

2,352,835 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2003 at a weighted average exercise price of $2.97; and



•

574,483 shares of our common stock available for grant under our stock incentive plan.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES D PREFERRED SHARES

        The description of the particular terms of the Series D preferred shares supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of the preferred shares set forth in the accompanying prospectus, to which description reference is hereby made. The following summary of the material terms and provisions of the Series D preferred shares does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the pertinent sections in the Articles Supplementary setting forth the terms of the Series D preferred shares, which we sometimes refer to as the "articles supplementary," a copy of which will be made available by us on request, our articles of incorporation, as amended, our bylaws, as amended, and applicable laws.

Maturity

        The Series D preferred shares have no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption.

Rank

        The Series D preferred shares will, with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank (i) senior to all classes or series of our common stock, and to all equity securities ranking junior to the Series D preferred shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, (ii) on a parity with the Series A and Series B preferred stock and with all equity securities issued by us the terms of which specifically provide that such equity securities rank on a parity with the Series D preferred shares with respect to dividend rights or rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, and (iii) junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness. The term "equity securities" does not include convertible debt securities, which will rank senior to the Series D preferred shares prior to conversion. Explorer, the sole holder of our Series C preferred stock, has agreed to convert all of its Series C preferred stock into common stock upon the completion of this offering and the application of $102.1 million of the proceeds of this offering to purchase 700,000 shares of Series C preferred stock. We expect to reclassify the currently authorized but unissued Series C preferred stock so that such series would not remain authorized for issuance. See "Explorer Relationship and Related Transactions."

Dividends

        Holders of shares of the Series D preferred shares are entitled to receive, when and as declared by our board of directors, or a duly authorized committee thereof, out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends, preferential cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.375% per year of the Liquidation Preference per share (equivalent to a fixed annual amount of $2.09375 per share).

        Dividends on the Series D preferred shares shall be cumulative from the date of original issue and shall be payable in arrears for each period ended April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31, on or before the 15th day of May, August, November and February of each year, or, if not a business day, the next succeeding business day (each, a "Dividend Payment Date"). The first dividend will be paid on May 17, 2004 with respect to the period commencing on the date of issue and ending April 30, 2004. Any quarterly dividend payable on the Series D preferred shares for any partial dividend period will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. Dividends will be payable to holders of record as they appear in our stock records at the close of business on the applicable record date, which shall be the last day of the preceding calendar month prior to the applicable Dividend Payment Date or such other date designated by our board of directors for the payment of dividends that is not more than 30 nor less than 10 days prior to such Dividend Payment Date (each, a "Dividend Record Date").

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        No dividends on shares of Series D preferred shares shall be declared by our board of directors or paid or set apart for payment by us at such time as the terms and provisions of any of our agreements, including any agreement relating to our indebtedness, prohibits such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment or provides that such declaration, payment or setting apart for payment would constitute a breach thereof or a default thereunder, or if such declaration or payment shall be restricted or prohibited by law.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, dividends on the Series D preferred shares will accrue whether or not we have earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment of such dividends, whether or not such dividends are declared and whether or not such dividends are prohibited by agreement. Accrued but unpaid dividends on the Series D preferred shares will not bear interest and holders of the Series D preferred shares will not be entitled to any dividends in excess of full cumulative dividends described above. Except as set forth in the next sentence, no dividends will be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any of our capital stock or any other series of Preferred Stock ranking, as to dividends, on a parity with or junior to the Series D preferred shares (other than a dividend in shares of our common stock or in shares of any other class of stock ranking junior to the Series D preferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) for any period unless full cumulative dividends have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for such payment on the Series D preferred shares for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period. When dividends are not paid in full (or a sum sufficient for such full payment is not so set apart) upon the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and B preferred stock and the shares of any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock, all dividends declared upon the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and any other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity as to dividends with the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock shall be declared pro rata so that the amount of dividends declared per share of Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and such other series of Preferred Stock, shall in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that accrued dividends per share on the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and such other series of Preferred Stock (which shall not include any accrual in respect of unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods if such Preferred Stock does not have a cumulative dividend) bear to each other.

        Except as provided in the immediately preceding paragraph, unless full cumulative dividends on the Series D preferred shares have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof is set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, no dividends (other than in shares of common stock or other shares of capital stock ranking junior to the Series D preferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation) shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment nor shall any other distribution be declared or made upon the common stock, or any other of our capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation, nor shall any shares of common stock, or any other shares of our capital stock ranking junior to or on a parity with the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation be redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired for any consideration (or any moneys be paid to or made available for a sinking fund for the redemption of any such shares) by us (except by conversion into or exchange for our other capital stock ranking junior to the Series D preferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation or redemptions for the purpose of preserving our qualification as a REIT). Holders of shares of the Series D preferred shares shall not be entitled to any dividend, whether payable in cash, property or stock, in excess of full cumulative dividends on the Series D preferred shares as provided above. Any dividend payment made on shares of the Series D preferred shares shall first be credited against the earliest accrued but unpaid dividend due with respect to such shares which remains payable.

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Liquidation Preference

        Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, the holders of shares of Series D preferred shares are entitled to be paid out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders a liquidation preference of $25 per share in cash or property at its fair market value as determined by our board of directors, plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of payment, but without interest, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common stock or any other class or series of our capital stock that ranks junior to the Series D preferred shares as to liquidation rights. We will promptly provide to the holders of Series D preferred shares written notice of any event triggering the right to receive such Liquidation Preference. After payment of the full amount of the Liquidation Preference, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to which they are entitled, the holders of Series D preferred shares will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. Our consolidation or merger with or into any other corporation, trust or entity or of any other corporation with or into us, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of our property or business, shall not be deemed to constitute our liquidation, dissolution or winding up; provided, however, that, in each case, effective provision is made in the organizational documents of the resulting or surviving entity or otherwise for the rights of the holders of the Series D preferred shares to receive dividends and participate in any distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of such resulting or surviving entity.

        In determining whether a distribution (other than upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation) by dividend, redemption or other acquisition of shares of our capital stock or otherwise is permitted under the Maryland General Corporation Law (the "MGCL") no effect shall be given to amounts that would be needed, if we were to be dissolved at the time of the distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon distribution of holders of shares of our capital stock whose preferential rights upon distribution are superior to those receiving the distribution.

Redemption

        The Series D preferred shares are not redeemable prior to February 10, 2009. However, in order to ensure that we will continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, we will have the right to purchase from the holder any shares of Series D preferred shares in excess of 9.9% of the value of our outstanding capital stock (the "Excess Shares"). See "—Restrictions on Ownership." On and after February 10, 2009, we, at our option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' written notice, may redeem shares of the Series D preferred shares, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25 per share, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date fixed for redemption (except with respect to Excess Shares. See "—Restrictions on Ownership"), without interest. No shares of Series D preferred shares may be redeemed except with assets legally available for the payment of the redemption price. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series D preferred shares has been given and if the funds necessary for such redemption have been set aside, separate and apart from other funds, by us in trust for the pro rata benefit of the holders of any shares of Series D preferred shares so called for redemption, then from and after the redemption date dividends will cease to accrue on such shares of Series D preferred shares, such shares of Series D preferred shares shall no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price. If less than all of the outstanding Series D preferred shares are to be redeemed, the Series D preferred shares to be redeemed shall be selected pro rata (as nearly as may be practicable without creating fractional shares) or by any other equitable method determined by us.

        Unless full cumulative dividends on all shares of Series D preferred shares shall have been or contemporaneously are declared and paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set apart for payment for all past dividend periods and the then current dividend period, no shares of Series D preferred shares shall be redeemed unless all outstanding shares of Series D preferred shares

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are simultaneously redeemed and we shall not purchase or otherwise acquire directly or indirectly any shares of Series D preferred shares (except by exchange for our capital stock ranking junior to the Series D preferred shares as to dividends and upon liquidation); provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prevent the purchase by us of Excess Shares in order to ensure that we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, or the purchase or acquisition of shares of Series D preferred shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all outstanding shares of Series D preferred shares. So long as no dividends are in arrears, we shall be entitled at any time and from time to time to repurchase shares of Series D preferred shares in open-market transactions duly authorized by our board of directors and effected in compliance with applicable laws.

        Notice of redemption will be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of New York, such publication to be made once a week for two successive weeks commencing not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date. A similar notice will be mailed by us, postage prepaid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date, addressed to the respective holders of record of the Series D preferred shares to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they appear on our stock transfer records. No failure to give such notice or any defect therein or in the mailing thereof shall affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any shares of Series D preferred shares except as to the holder to whom notice was defective or not given. Each notice shall state: (i) the redemption date; (ii) the redemption price; (iii) the number of shares of Series D preferred shares to be redeemed; (iv) the place or places where the Series D preferred shares are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price; and (v) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accrue on such redemption date. If less than all of the Series D preferred shares held by any holder is to be redeemed, the notice mailed to such holder shall also specify the number of shares of Series D preferred shares held by such holder to be redeemed.

        Immediately prior to any redemption of Series D preferred shares, we shall pay, in cash, any accumulated and unpaid dividends through the redemption date, unless a redemption date falls after a Dividend Record Date and prior to the corresponding Dividend Payment Date, in which case each holder of Series D preferred shares at the close of business on such Dividend Record Date shall be entitled to the dividend payable on such shares on the corresponding Dividend Payment Date notwithstanding the redemption of such shares before such Dividend Payment Date.

        The Series D preferred shares have no stated maturity and will not be subject to any sinking fund or mandatory redemption. However, in order to ensure that we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT, Series D preferred shares acquired by a stockholder, actually or constructively, that causes such stockholder to own in excess of 9.9% of the value of our outstanding capital stock will automatically become Excess Shares, and we will have the right to purchase such Excess Shares from the holder. In addition, Excess Shares may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time when outstanding shares of Series D preferred shares are being redeemed, for cash at a redemption price of $25 per share, but excluding accrued and unpaid dividends on such Excess Shares, without interest. Such Excess Shares shall be redeemed in such proportion and in accordance with such procedures as shares of Series D preferred shares are being redeemed.

        All Series D preferred shares redeemed shall be retired and shall be reclassified as authorized and unissued preferred shares, without designation as to class or series, and may thereafter be reissued as any class or series of preferred shares.

Voting Rights

        Holders of the Series D preferred shares will not have any voting rights, except as set forth below.

        Whenever dividends on any shares of Series D preferred shares shall be in arrears for any six or more quarterly distribution periods, regardless of whether such quarterly periods are consecutive (a "Preferred Dividend Default"), the number of directors then constituting our board of directors shall

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be increased by two (if not already increased by reason of a similar arrearage with respect to any Parity Preferred (as hereinafter defined), the holders of such shares of Series D preferred shares (voting separately as a class with the Series A and Series B preferred stock and with all other series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock as to dividends or upon liquidation (and upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable ("Parity Preferred")) will be entitled to vote separately as a class, in order to fill the vacancies thereby created, for the election of a total of two additional directors of Omega (the "Preferred Stock Directors") at a special meeting called by the holders of record of at least 20% of the Series D preferred shares or of the Series C, Series B or Series A preferred stock or the holders of record of at least 20% of any series of Parity Preferred so in arrears (unless such request is received less than 90 days before the date fixed for the next annual or special meeting of stockholders) or at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and at each subsequent annual meeting until all dividends accumulated on such shares of Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and Parity Preferred for the past dividend periods and the dividend for the then current dividend period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment. In the event the directors of Omega are divided into classes, each such vacancy shall be apportioned among the classes of directors to prevent stacking in any one class and to insure that the number of directors in each of the classes of directors are as equal as possible. Each Preferred Stock Director, as a qualification for election as such (and regardless of how elected) shall submit to our board of directors a duly executed, valid, binding and enforceable letter of resignation from our board of directors, to be effective upon the date upon which all dividends accumulated on such shares of Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and Parity Preferred for the past dividend periods and the dividend for the then current dividend period shall have been fully paid or declared and a sum sufficient for the payment thereof set aside for payment, whereupon the terms of office of all persons elected as Preferred Stock Directors by the holders of the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and any Parity Preferred shall, upon the effectiveness of their respective letters of resignation, forthwith terminate, and the number of directors then constituting our board of directors shall be reduced accordingly. A quorum for any such meeting shall exist if at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and shares of Parity Preferred upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable are represented in person or by proxy at such meetings. Such Preferred Stock Directors shall be elected upon the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and such Parity Preferred present and voting in person or by proxy at a duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present. If and when all accumulated dividends and the dividend for the then current dividend period on the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock shall have been paid in full or declared and set aside for payment in full, the holders thereof shall be divested of the foregoing voting rights (subject to revesting in the event of each and every Preferred Dividend Default) and, if all accumulated dividends and the dividend for the then current dividend period have been paid in full or declared and set aside for payment in full on the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock and all series of Parity Preferred upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the term of office of each Preferred Stock Director so elected shall terminate. Any Preferred Stock Director may be removed at any time with or without cause by, and shall not be removed otherwise than by the vote of, the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock when they have the voting rights described above (voting separately as a class with all series of Parity Preferred upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable). So long as a Preferred Dividend Default shall continue, any vacancy in the office of a Preferred Stock Director may be filled by written consent of the Preferred Stock Director remaining in office, or if none remains in office, by a vote of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of Series D preferred shares and the Series A and Series B preferred stock when they have the voting

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rights described above (voting separately as a class with the Series A and Series B preferred stock and all series of Parity Preferred upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable). The Preferred Stock Directors shall each be entitled to one vote per director on any matter.

        So long as any shares of Series D preferred shares remain outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of the Series D preferred shares outstanding at the time, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or at a meeting (voting separately as a class):

•

amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Charter or the Articles Supplementary, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise (an "Event"), so as to materially and adversely affect any right, preference, privilege or voting power of the Series D preferred shares or the holders thereof;



•

authorize, create or issue, or increase the authorized or issued amount of, any class or series of shares of beneficial interest or rights to subscribe to or acquire any class or series of shares of beneficial interest or any security convertible into any class or series of shares of beneficial interest, in each case ranking senior to the Series D preferred shares with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or reclassify any shares of beneficial interest into any such shares;

provided, however, that with respect to the occurrence of any Event set forth above, so long as the Series D preferred shares (or any equivalent class or series of stock issued by the surviving corporation in any merger or consolidation to which we became a party) remain outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged, the occurrence of any such Event shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting power of holders of the Series D preferred shares and provided, further that (i) any increase in the amount of the authorized Preferred Stock or the creation or issuance of any other series of Preferred Stock, or (ii) any increase in the amount of the authorized shares of such series, in each case ranking on a parity with or junior to the Series D preferred shares with respect to payment of dividends or the distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, shall not be deemed to materially and adversely affect such rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers.

        The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of Series D preferred shares shall have been redeemed or called for redemption upon proper notice and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

        Except as expressly stated in the Articles Supplementary, the Series D preferred shares will not have any relative, participating, optional or other special voting rights and powers, and the consent of the holders thereof shall not be required for the taking of any corporate action, including but not limited to, any merger or consolidation involving us or a sale of all or substantially all of our assets, irrespective of the effect that such merger, consolidation or sale may have upon the rights, preferences or voting power of the holders of the Series D preferred shares.

Conversion

        The Series D preferred shares are not convertible into or exchangeable for any of our other property or securities.

Restrictions on Ownership and Transfer

        If our board of directors shall, at any time and in good faith, be of the opinion that actual or constructive ownership of at least 9.9% or more of the value of our outstanding capital stock has or may become concentrated in the hands of one owner, our board of directors shall have the power

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(i) by means deemed equitable by it to call for the purchase from any holder of the Series D preferred shares that number of shares of Series D preferred shares sufficient, in the opinion of our board of directors, to maintain or bring the actual or constructive ownership of such owner to a level of no more than 9.9% of the value of our outstanding capital stock, and (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue shares of Series D preferred shares to any person whose acquisition of such shares of Series D preferred shares would, in the opinion of our board of directors, result in the actual or constructive ownership by that person of more than 9.9% of the value of our outstanding capital stock. The purchase price for any shares of Series D preferred shares so redeemed shall be equal to the fair market value of the shares reflected in the closing sales price for the sales, if then listed on a national securities exchange, or if the shares are not then listed on a national securities exchange, the purchase price shall be equal to the redemption price of shares of Series D preferred shares. From and after the date fixed for purchase by our board of directors, the holder of any shares so called for purchase shall cease to be entitled to distributions and other benefits with respect to such shares, except the right to payment of the purchase price for the shares. Any transfer of Series D preferred shares that would create an actual or constructive owner of more than 9.9% of the value of the outstanding shares of our capital stock shall be deemed void ab initio and the intended transferee shall be deemed never to have had an interest therein. If the foregoing provision is determined to be void or invalid by virtue of any legal decision, statute, rule or regulation, then the transferee of such Series D preferred shares shall be deemed, at our option, to have acted as agent on our behalf in acquiring such shares and to hold such shares on our behalf.

        We and our transfer agent may refuse to transfer any shares of Series D preferred shares passing either by voluntary transfer, by operation of law, or under the last will and testament of any stockholder if such transfer would or might, in the opinion of our board of directors or our counsel, disqualify us as a REIT under the Code. Nothing herein contained shall limit our ability to impose or seek judicial or other imposition of additional restrictions if deemed necessary or advisable to preserve our tax status as a qualified REIT.

No Preemptive Rights

        No holder of Series D preferred shares shall be entitled to any preemptive rights to subscribe for or acquire any unissued shares of our preferred stock (whether now or hereafter authorized) or our securities convertible into or carrying a right to subscribe to or acquire shares of beneficial interest in us.

CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Consequences of the Series D Preferred Offering

        The following is a general summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us, and to the purchasers of our Series D preferred shares and our election to be taxed as a REIT. It is not tax advice. The summary is not intended to represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to a particular stockholder in view of any person's particular circumstances, nor is it intended to represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to stockholders subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws such as insurance companies, financial institutions, securities broker-dealers, investors in pass-through entities, expatriates, and taxpayers subject to alternative minimum taxation.

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        The following discussion relating to an investment in our Series D preferred shares was based on consultations with Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP, our special counsel. In the opinion of Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP, the following discussion, to the extent it constitutes matters of law or legal conclusions (assuming the facts, representations, and assumptions upon which the discussion is based are accurate), accurately represents the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to purchasers of our Series D preferred shares. Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP has not rendered any opinion regarding any effect of such issuance on holders of our common shares. The sections of the Code relating to the qualification and operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following discussion sets forth the material aspects of the Code sections that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its stockholders. The information in this section is based on the Code; current, temporary, and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code; the legislative history of the Code; current administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS; and court decisions, in each case, as of the date of this prospectus supplement. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings which are not binding on the IRS, except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received these rulings.

Taxation of Omega

        General.    We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or a REIT, under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 1992. We believe that we have been organized and operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code and we intend to continue to operate in such a manner, but no assurance can be given that we have operated or will be able to continue to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT.

        The sections of the Code that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following sets forth the material aspects of those sections. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof.

        In the opinion of Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP, which opinion has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement is a part, we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT, and our current and proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for continued qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. This opinion is based on various assumptions and is conditioned upon certain representations made by us as to factual matters concerning our business and properties. Moreover, such qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet, through actual annual operating results, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the various qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed below, the results of which will not be reviewed by Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the various results of our operation for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. Further, such requirements may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative or administrative actions at any time. We have neither sought nor obtained any formal ruling from the IRS regarding our qualification as a REIT and presently have no plan to apply for any such ruling. See "—Failure to Qualify."

        If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on our net income that is currently distributed to stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" (i.e., taxation at both the corporate and the stockholder level) that generally results from investment in a corporation. However, we will be subject to federal income tax as follows: First, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains; provided, however, that if we have a net capital gain, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on our undistributed REIT taxable income, computed without

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regard to net capital gain and the deduction for capital gains dividends, plus a 35% tax on undistributed net capital gain, if our tax as thus computed is less than the tax computed in the regular manner. Second, under certain circumstances, we may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on our items of tax preference that we do not distribute or allocate to our stockholders. Third, if we have (i) net income from the sale or other disposition of "foreclosure property" which is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate on such income. Fourth, if we have net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, certain sales or other dispositions of property (other than foreclosure property) held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business by us, (i.e., when we are acting as a dealer)), such income will be subject to a 100% tax. Fifth, if we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test (as discussed below), but have nonetheless maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements have been met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (a) the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% or 95% test, multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. Sixth, if we should fail to distribute by the end of each year at least the sum of (i) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually distributed. Seventh, we will be subject to a 100% excise on transactions with a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS that are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. Eighth, if we acquire any asset, which is defined as a "built-in gain asset" from a C corporation that is not a REIT (i.e., generally a corporation subject to full corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of the built-in gain asset in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset (or any other property) in the hands of the C corporation, and we recognize gain on the disposition of such asset during the 10-year period, which is defined as the "recognition period", beginning on the date on which such asset was acquired by us, then, to the extent of the built-in gain (i.e., the excess of (a) the fair market value of such asset on the date such asset was acquired by us over (b) our adjusted basis in such asset on such date), our recognized gain will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate. The results described above with respect to the recognition of built-in gain assume that we will not make an election pursuant to Treasury Regulations. Section 1.337(d)-7(c)(5).

        Requirements for Qualification.    The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association: (1) which is managed by one or more trustees or directors; (2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest; (3) which would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Code; (4) which is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to the provisions of the Code; (5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons; (6) during the last half year of each taxable year not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities); and (7) which meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its annual distributions to stockholders. The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than twelve months. For purposes of conditions (5) and (6), pension funds and certain other tax-exempt entities are treated as individuals, subject to a "look-through" exception in the case of condition (6).

        Income Tests.    In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we annually must satisfy two gross income requirements. First, at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived directly or indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property (including generally "rents from real property," interest on mortgages on real property and gains on sale of real property and real property mortgages, other than property described in Section 1221 of the Code) and income derived from certain types of temporary

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investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived from such real property investments, dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities other than property held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

        Rents received by us will qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if several conditions are met. First, the amount of the rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, any amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term "rents from real property" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Second, the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income tests if we, or an owner (actually or constructively) of 10% or more of the value of our stock, actually or constructively owns 10% or more of such tenant, which is defined as a related party tenant. Third, if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify as "rents from real property." Finally, for rents received to qualify as "rents from real property," we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of such property, other than through an independent contractor from which we derive no revenue. We, however, directly perform certain services that are "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupance only and are not otherwise considered "rendered to the occupant" of the property. In addition, we may provide a minimal amount of "non-customary" services to the tenants of a property, other than through an independent contractor, as long as our income from the services does not exceed 1% of our income from the related property. Furthermore, we may own up to 100% of the stock of a TRS, which may provide customary and noncustomary services to our tenants without tainting our rental income from the related properties.

        The term "interest" generally does not include any amount received or accrued (directly or indirectly) if the determination of such amount depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term "interest" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of gross receipts or sales. In addition, an amount that is based on the income or profits of a debtor will be qualifying interest income as long as the debtor derives substantially all of its income from the real property securing the debt from leasing substantially all of its interest in the property, but only to the extent that the amounts received by the debtor would be qualifying "rents from real property" if received directly by a REIT.

        If a loan contains a provision that entitles us to a percentage of the borrower's gain upon the sale of the real property securing the loan or a percentage of the appreciation in the property's value as of a specific date, income attributable to that loan provision will be treated as gain from the sale of the property securing the loan, which generally is qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests.

        Interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property generally is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. However, if the highest principal amount of a loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan as of the date we agreed to originate or acquire the loan, a portion of the interest income from such loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. The portion of the interest income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test will be equal to the portion of the principal amount of the loan that is not secured by real property.

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        Prohibited Transactions.    We will incur a 100% tax on the net income derived from any sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. We believe that none of our assets is held for sale to customers and that a sale of any of our assets would not be in the ordinary course of our business. Whether a REIT holds an asset primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. Nevertheless, we will attempt to comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the federal income tax laws prescribing when an asset sale will not be characterized as a prohibited transaction. We cannot assure you, however, that we can comply with the safe-harbor provisions or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.

        Foreclosure Property.    We will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from foreclosure property, other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, less expenses directly connected with the production of that income. However, gross income from foreclosure property will qualify for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Foreclosure property is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:

•

that is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid in such property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced such property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default or default was imminent on a lease of such property or on indebtedness that such property secured;



•

for which the related loan or lease was acquired by the REIT at a time when the default was not imminent or anticipated; and



•

for which the REIT markets a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property.

        Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property, or longer if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. This grace period terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:

•

on which a lease is entered into for the property that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, or any amount is received or accrued, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a lease entered into on or after such day that will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test;



•

on which any construction takes place on the property, other than completion of a building or any other improvement, where more than 10% of the construction was completed before default became imminent; or



•

which is more than 90 days after the day on which the REIT acquired the property and the property is used in a trade or business which is conducted by the REIT, other than through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself does not derive or receive any income.

        Beginning on January 1, 2001, foreclosure property also includes any "qualified health care property," as defined in Code Section 856(e)(6) acquired by us as the result of the termination or expiration of a lease of such property. We may operate a qualified healthcare facility, acquired in this manner for two years or longer if an extension is granted. We own one property with respect to which we have made foreclosure property elections. Properties that are taken back in a foreclosure or bankruptcy and operated for our own account are treated as foreclosure properties for income tax purposes, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 856(e). Gross income from foreclosure properties is "good income" for purposes of the annual REIT income tests. Once this election is made on the tax

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return, it is "good" for a period of three years, or until the properties are no longer operated for our own account. An election to extend the foreclosure status period for an additional three years can be made. In all cases of the foreclosure property, we utilize an independent contractor to conduct day-to-day operations in order to maintain REIT status. In certain cases we operate facilities through a taxable REIT subsidiary. For those properties operated through the taxable REIT subsidiary, we utilize an eligible independent contractor to conduct day-to-day operations to maintain REIT status. As a result of the foregoing, we do not believe that our participation in the operation of nursing homes will increase the risk that we will fail to qualify as a REIT. Through our 2002 taxable year, we have not paid any tax on our foreclosure property because those properties have been producing losses. However, in the future, our income from foreclosure property could be significant and we could be required to pay a significant amount of tax on that income.

        Hedging Transactions.    From time to time, we enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. To the extent that we enter into an interest rate swap or cap contract, option, futures contract, forward rate agreement, or any similar financial instrument to hedge our indebtedness incurred to acquire or carry "real estate assets," any periodic income or gain from the disposition of that contract should be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. Accordingly, our income and gain from our interest rate swap agreements generally is qualifying income for purpose, or the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. To the extent that we hedge with other types of financial instruments, or in other situations, it is not entirely clear how the income from those transactions will be treated for purposes of the gross income tests. We have structured and intend to continue to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.

        TRS Income. A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a TRS. A corporation of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT's assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs. However, a TRS does not include a corporation which directly or indirectly (i) operates or manages a health care (or lodging) facility, or (ii) provides to any other person (under a franchise, license, or otherwise) rights to any brand name under which a health care (or lodging) facility is operated. A TRS will pay income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the new rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT or the REIT's tenants that are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. We have made TRS elections with respect to Bayside Street II, Inc. and one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries that owned all of the preferred stock of Omega Worldwide. Those entities will pay corporate income tax on their taxable income and their after-tax next income will be available for distribution to us.

        Failure to Satisfy Income Tests.    If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will be generally available if our failure to meet such tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our tax return, and any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. Even if these relief provisions apply, we would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of the amounts by which we fail the 75% and 95% gross income tests, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

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        Asset Tests.    At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy the following tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets (including (i) our allocable share of real estate assets held by partnerships in which we own an interest and (ii) stock or debt instruments held for not more than one year purchased with the proceeds of a stock offering or long-term (at least five years) debt offering of our company), cash, cash items and government securities. Second, of our investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of our interest in any one issuer's securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. Third, we may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any one issuer's outstanding securities. Fourth, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more TRSs. Fifth, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of TRSs and other non-TRS taxable subsidiaries and other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.

        For purposes of the second and third asset tests, the term "securities" does not include our stock in another REIT, our equity or debt securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary or TRS, or our equity interest in any partnership. The term "securities," however, generally includes our debt securities issued by another REIT or a partnership, except that debt securities of a partnership are not treated as securities for purposes of the 10% value test if we own at least a 20% profits interest in the partnership.

        We may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. However, overall, no more than 20% of the value of our assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs, and no more than 25% of the value of our assets may consist of the securities of TRSs and other non-TRS taxable subsidiaries (including stock in non-REIT C Corporations) and other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.

        If the outstanding principal balance of a mortgage loan exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan, a portion of such loan likely will not be a qualifying real estate asset under the federal income tax laws. The non-qualifying portion of that mortgage loan will be equal to the portion of the loan amount that exceeds the value of the associated real property.

        After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy any of the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We have maintained and intend to continue to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests, and to take such other action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.

        Annual Distribution Requirements.    In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to (A) the sum of (i) 90% of our "REIT taxable income" (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain) and (ii) 90% of the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum of certain items of noncash income. Such distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. In addition, such distributions are required to be made pro rata, with no preference to any share of stock as compared with other shares of the same class, and with no preference to one class of stock as compared with another class except to the extent that such class is entitled to such a preference. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or do distribute at least 90%, but less than 100% of our "REIT taxable income," as adjusted, we will be subject to tax thereon at regular ordinary and capital gain corporate tax rates.

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        Furthermore, if we fail to distribute during a calendar year, or by the end of January following the calendar year in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, at least the sum of:

•

85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year;



•

95% of our REIT capital gain income for such year; and



•

any undistributed taxable income from prior periods,

we will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts we actually distribute. We may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain we receive in a taxable year. If we so elect, we will be treated as having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the 4% excise tax described above. We have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements. We may also be entitled to pay and deduct deficiency dividends in later years as a relief measure to correct errors in determining our taxable income. Although we may be able to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction we take for deficiency dividends.

        The availability to us of, among other things, depreciation deductions with respect to our owned facilities depends upon the treatment by us as the owner of such facilities for federal income tax purposes, and the classification of the leases with respect to such facilities as "true leases" rather than financing arrangements for federal income tax purposes. The questions of whether we are the owner of such facilities and whether the leases are true leases for federal tax purposes are essentially factual matters. We believe that we will be treated as the owner of each of the facilities that we lease, and such leases will be treated as true leases for federal income tax purposes. However, no assurances can be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge our status as the owner of our facilities subject to leases, and the status of such leases as true leases, asserting that the purchase of the facilities by us and the leasing of such facilities merely constitute steps in secured financing transactions in which the lessees are owners of the facilities and we are merely a secured creditor. In such event, we would not be entitled to claim depreciation deductions with respect to any of the affected facilities. As a result, we might fail to meet the 90% distribution requirement or, if such requirement is met, we might be subject to corporate income tax or the 4% excise tax.

Failure to Qualify

        If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be deductible and our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as ordinary income, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, and, subject to certain limitations of the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to such statutory relief. Failure to qualify could result in our incurring indebtedness or liquidating investments in order to pay the resulting taxes.

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Other Tax Matters

        We own and operate a number of properties through qualified REIT subsidiaries, QRSs. The QRSs are treated as qualified REIT subsidiaries under the Code. Code Section 856(i) provides that a corporation which is a qualified REIT subsidiary shall not be treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary shall be treated as assets, liabilities and such items (as the case may be) of the REIT. Thus, in applying the tests for REIT qualification described in this prospectus supplement under the heading "Taxation of Omega," the QRSs will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction, and credit of such QRSs will be treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction, and credit.

        In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, the REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, and items of income of any partnership, joint venture, or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes in which we own an interest, directly or indirectly, will be treated as our assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements.

Taxation of Stockholders

        Taxation of Domestic Stockholders.    As long as we qualify as a REIT, if you are a taxable U.S. stockholder, distributions made to you out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by you as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. Distributions that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed as long-term capital gains (to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the period for which you have held our stock. However, if you are a corporation, you may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to you to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of the shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, you will include the distributions in income as long-term capital gain (or short-term capital gain if you have held the shares for one year or less) assuming the shares are a capital asset in your hands. In addition, any distribution declared by us in October, November or December of any year payable to you as a stockholder of record on a specified date in any of these months shall be treated as both paid by us and received by you on December 31 of that year, provided that the distribution is actually paid by us during January of the following calendar year. You may not include in your individual income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

        In general, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares by you, if you have held the shares for six months or less (after applying certain holding period rules), will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions from us required to be treated by you as long-term capital gain.

Backup Withholding

        Assuming that you are a U.S. stockholder, we will report to you and the IRS the amount of distributions paid during each calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. Under the backup withholding rules, you may be subject to backup withholding with respect to distributions paid unless you:

•

are a corporation or come within certain other exempt categories and when required, demonstrate this fact; or

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•

provide a taxpayer identification number, certify as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

If you do not provide us with your correct taxpayer identification number, you may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against your income tax liability. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to you, if you fail to certify your nonforeign status to us. See "—Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Foreign Stockholders."

        Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders.    If you are a tax-exempt employee pension trust or other domestic tax-exempt stockholder, our distributions to you generally will not constitute "unrelated business taxable income," or UBTI, unless you have borrowed to acquire or carry our common stock. However, qualified trusts that hold more than 10% (by value) of certain REITs may be required to treat a certain percentage of that REIT's distributions as UBTI. This requirement will apply only if:

•

the REIT would not qualify for federal income tax purposes but for the application of a "look-through" exception to the "five or fewer" requirement applicable to shares held by qualified trusts; and



•

the REIT is "predominantly held" by qualified trusts.

        A REIT is predominantly held if either:

•

a single qualified trust holds more than 25% by value of the REIT interests; or



•

one or more qualified trusts, each owning more than 10% by value of the REIT interests, hold in the aggregate more than 50% by value of the REIT interests.

        The percentage of any REIT dividend treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of the UBTI earned by the REIT (treating the REIT as if it were a qualified trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI) to the total gross income (less certain associated expenses) of the REIT.

        A de minimis exception applies where the ratio set forth in the preceding sentence is less than 5% for any year. For those purposes, a qualified trust is any trust described in section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The provisions requiring qualified trusts to treat a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI will not apply if the REIT is able to satisfy the "five or fewer" requirement without relying upon the "look-through" exception. The restrictions on ownership of our common stock in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, will prevent application of the provisions treating a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI to tax-exempt entities purchasing our common stock, absent approval by our board of directors.

        Taxation of Foreign Stockholders.    The rules governing U.S. federal income taxation of nonresident alien individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships and other foreign stockholders (collectively, Non-U.S. Stockholders) are complex and no attempt will be made herein to provide more than a summary of these rules. Prospective Non-U.S. Stockholders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine the impact of federal, state and local income tax laws with regard to an investment in shares, including any reporting requirements.

        If you are a Non-U.S. Stockholder, the following discussion will apply to you. Distributions that are not attributable to gain from our sales or exchanges of U.S. real property interests and not designated by us as capital gains dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions will ordinarily be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax.

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        However, if income from the investment in the shares is treated as effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business, you generally will be subject to a tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as U.S. stockholders are taxed with respect to the distributions (and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax if you are a foreign corporation). We expect to withhold U.S. income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any distributions made to you unless:

•

a lower treaty rate applies, you file an IRS Form W-8BEN with us and other conditions are met; or



•

you file an IRS Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income, and other conditions are met.

        Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to you to the extent that the distributions do not exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of the shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of current accumulated earnings and profits exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, these distributions will give rise to tax liability if you would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or disposition of your shares in us, as described below. If it cannot be determined at the time a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distributions will be subject to withholding at the same rate as dividends. However, amounts thus withheld are refundable if it is subsequently determined that a distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

        For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, distributions that are attributable to gain from our sales or exchanges of U.S. real property interests will be taxed to you under the provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, or FIRPTA. Under FIRPTA, distributions attributable to gain from sales of U.S. real property interests are taxed to you as if the gain were effectively connected with a U.S. business. You would thus be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable to U.S. stockholders (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). Also, distributions subject to FIRPTA may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a foreign corporate stockholder not entitled to a treaty exemption. We are required by applicable Treasury Regulations to withhold 35% of any distribution that could be designated by us as a capital gains dividend. This amount is creditable against your FIRPTA tax liability.

        Gain recognized by you upon a sale of shares generally will not be taxed under FIRPTA if we are a "domestically controlled REIT," defined generally as a REIT in which at all times during a specified testing period less than 50% in value of the stock was held directly or indirectly by foreign persons. It is currently anticipated that we will be a "domestically controlled REIT," although there can be no assurance that we will retain that status. If we are not "domestically controlled," gain recognized by you will continue to be exempt under FIRPTA if you at no time owned more than five percent of our common stock. However, gain not subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to you if:

•

investment in the shares is effectively connected with your U.S. trade or business, in which case you will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to the gain; or



•

you are a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for more than 182 days during the taxable year and other applicable requirements are met, in which case you will be subject to a 30% tax on your capital gains.

        If the gain on the sale of shares were to be subject to taxation under FIRPTA, you will be subject to the same treatment as U.S. stockholders with respect to the gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals).

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        If the proceeds of a sale of shares by you are paid by or through a U.S. office of a broker, the payment is subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless you certify as to your name, address and non-U.S. status or otherwise establish an exemption. Generally, US information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds if the payment is made outside the U.S. through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker. U.S. information reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) will apply, however, to a payment of disposition proceeds outside the U.S. if:

•

the payment is made through an office outside the U.S. of a broker that is: (a) a U.S. person; (b) a foreign person that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the U.S.; or (c) a "controlled foreign corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and



•

the broker fails to initiate documentary evidence that you are a Non-U.S. Stockholder and that certain conditions are met or that you otherwise are entitled to an exemption.

Other Tax Consequences

New Legislation

        On May 28, 2003, President George W. Bush signed into law the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. This new tax law will reduce the maximum individual tax rate for long-term capital gains generally from 20% to 15% (for sales occurring after May 5, 2003 through December 31, 2008) and for dividends generally from 38.6% to 15% (for tax years from 2003 through 2008). Without future congressional action, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains will return to 20% in 2009, and the maximum rate on dividends will move to 35% in 2009 and 39.6% in 2011. Because we are not generally subject to federal income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income or capital gains distributed to our stockholders, our dividends will generally not be eligible for the new 15% tax rate on dividends. As a result, our ordinary REIT dividends will continue to be taxed at the higher tax rates applicable to ordinary income. However, the 15% tax rate for long-term capital gains and dividends will generally apply to:

•

your long-term capital gains, if any, recognized on the disposition of our shares;



•

our distributions designated as long-term capital gain dividends (except to the extent attributable to "unrecaptured Section 1250 gain," in which case such distributions would continue to be subject to a 25% tax rate);



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our dividends attributable to dividends received by us from non-REIT corporations, such as taxable REIT subsidiaries (i.e., a TRS); and



•

our dividends to the extent attributable to income upon which we have paid corporate income tax (e.g., to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income).

        Although this legislation does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the more favorable treatment of regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals to consider stocks of other corporations that pay dividends as more attractive relative to stocks of REITs. It is not possible to predict whether this change in perceived relative value will occur, or what the effect will be on the market price of our stock.

Possible Legislative or Other Actions Affecting Tax Consequences

        Prospective holders of our preferred stock should recognize that the present federal income tax treatment of investment in our company may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time and that any of these actions may affect investments and commitments previously made. The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved

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in the legislative process and by the IRS and the Treasury Department, resulting in revisions of regulations and revised interpretations of established concepts as well as statutory changes. Revisions in federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect the tax consequences of investment in our company.

State and Local Taxes

        We may be and you may be subject to state or local taxes in other jurisdictions such as those in which we may be deemed to be engaged in activities or own property or other interests. The state and local tax treatment of us may not conform to the federal income tax consequences discussed above.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We have agreed to engage Cohen & Steers Capital Advisors, LLC, which we sometimes refer to as "Cohen & Steers," as a placement agent for this offering. Cohen & Steers (and certain subadvisers it may engage in connection with the offering) may be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with its activities in connection with this offering.

        Cohen & Steers has no commitment to purchase any of our Series D preferred shares and will act only as an agent in obtaining indications of interest in our Series D preferred shares from certain investors. We agreed to pay the placement agent a fee equal to the sum of (i) 2.5% of the gross proceeds of this offering that we receive from non-affiliates of the placement agent and (ii) 1% of the gross proceeds that we receive from affiliates of the placement agent. We and the placement agent will each pay certain expenses relating to the offering.

        In a placement agent agreement to be entered into with Cohen & Steers in connection with the offering, we agree to indemnify Cohen & Steers and each of its partners, directors, officers, associates, affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, consultants, attorneys and agents, and each person, if any, controlling Cohen & Steers and any of its affiliates, against liabilities resulting from this offering and to contribute to payments Cohen & Steers may be required to make for these liabilities.

        In connection with this offering, Cohen & Steers may engage broker-dealers as sub-placement agents to participate in the placement of the Series D preferred shares. Such sub-placement agents may receive a portion of the placement agent fee to be paid to Cohen & Steers as well as other compensation and fees.

        In the ordinary course of business, Cohen & Steers, and/or one or more of the sub-placement agents referred to above, and their respective affiliates have or may have engaged, and may in the future engage, in financial advisory, investment banking and other transactions with us for which customary compensation has been, and will be paid.

        Subject to the terms and conditions of a purchase agreement to be dated the date this offering is consummated, with respect to which Cohen & Steers acted as placement agent, certain institutional investors will agree to purchase, and we will agree to sell, 4,739,500 Series D preferred shares at a price of $25.00 per share. The purchase agreement is to provide that the obligations of the purchasers to purchase these shares included in this offering are subject to customary closing conditions. We have applied to list the Series D preferred shares on the New York Stock Exchange. The purchase agreement provides that we are to use our reasonable best efforts to obtain such approval within 30 days of the original issuance of the Series D preferred shares, or if not, as soon as practicable thereafter. However, no assurance can be given that the application will be approved.

        We have agreed to engage Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc., who we sometimes refer to as "Legg Mason," as a finanical advisor in connection with the offering of the Series D preferred shares. Legg Mason will receive a payment of $200,000 in compensation for its services upon consummation of the offering. In an agreement to be entered into with Legg Mason in connection with the offering, we

S-41

agree to indemnify Legg Mason and each of its partners, directors, officers, associates, affiliates, subsidiaries, employees, consultants, attorneys and agents, and each person, if any, controlling Legg Mason and any of its affiliates, against liabilities resulting from this offering and to contribute to payments Legg Mason may be required to make for these liabilities.

        Jeffries & Company, Inc. is acting as settlement agent in connection with the sale of our Series D preferred shares under the purchase agreement and will receive a fee of $47,395.

        After paying the fees to the placement agent and Legg Mason and other estimated expenses, we anticipate receiving approximately $114.9 million in net proceeds from this offering.

LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain legal matters with respect to the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Powell Goldstein Frazer & Murphy LLP.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. included in the Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 2004 for the year ended December 31, 2002, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the public reference section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, as well as on our website at http://www.omegahealthcare.com. You may inspect information that we file with The New York Stock Exchange at the offices of The New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and our web address is included as an inactive textual reference only.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to the other information we have filed with the SEC. The information that we incorporate by reference is considered a part of this prospectus supplement and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus supplement. We incorporate by reference the following documents (File No. 1-11316) we filed with the SEC pursuant to Section (13)(a) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other than information in these documents that is not deemed to be filed with the SEC:

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 3, 2003;

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•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003, filed on May 9, 2003;



•

our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 24, 2003;



•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed on July 31, 2003;



•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003, filed on November 10, 2003;



•

our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 27, 2004; and



•

our two Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed on February 5, 2004.

        All documents we file later with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities will be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, other than information in the documents that is not deemed to be filed with the SEC. A statement contained in this prospectus supplement or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement will be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently filed document which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statements so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement.

        We will provide without charge to each person to whom this prospectus supplement is delivered, on the request of any person, a copy of any or all the documents incorporated herein by reference, other than exhibits to the documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the documents that this prospectus supplement incorporates. Requests for copies in writing or by telephone should be directed to:

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
9690 Deereco Road
Suite 100
Timonium, Maryland 21093
Attn: Robert O. Stephenson
(410) 427-1700

S-43

PROSPECTUS

$300,000,000

Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Common Stock
Warrants

        We may from time to time offer and sell in one or more series:

•

debt securities;



•

warrants to purchase debt securities;



•

shares of our preferred stock;



•

warrants to purchase shares of our preferred stock;



•

shares of our common stock; and



•

warrants to purchase shares of our common stock.

        The debt securities warrants, the preferred stock warrants and the common stock warrants are collectively referred to herein as the securities warrants. The debt securities, the preferred stock, the common stock and the securities warrants are collectively referred to herein as the securities. The securities offered by this prospectus will have an aggregate public offering price of $300,000,000. We will provide the specific terms of these securities in prospectus supplements to this prospectus prepared in connection with each offering. The debt securities may be convertible into preferred stock, common stock or debt securities of another series. The preferred stock may be convertible into common stock or preferred stock of another series. No securities may be sold under this prospectus without delivery of the applicable prospectus supplement. You should read this prospectus and the prospectus supplements carefully before you invest in the securities.

        Securities may be sold directly, through agents from time to time or through underwriters or dealers. If any of our agents or any underwriter is involved in the sale of the securities, the name of the agent or underwriter and any applicable commission or discount will be set forth in the accompanying prospectus supplement. See "Plan of Distribution." The net proceeds to us from the sale also will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OHI". On February 4, 2004, the closing price of our common stock was $10.53 per share.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is February 5, 2004.

        We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the applicable prospectus supplement. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do this prospectus nor any applicable prospectus supplement constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ii

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $300,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

        As allowed by SEC rules, this prospectus omits various information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement, including its exhibits and schedules. Statements contained in this prospectus about the provisions or contents of any contract, agreement or any other document referred to are not necessarily complete. For each of these contracts, agreements or documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, we refer you to the actual exhibit for a more complete description of the matters involved. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. For further information about us or the securities offered under this prospectus, you should refer to that registration statement, which you can obtain from the SEC as described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

        Unless the context requires otherwise, the words "we," "company," "us" and "our" refer to Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of this information by mail from the public reference section of the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, as well as on our website at http://www.omegahealthcare.com. You may inspect information that we file with The New York Stock Exchange at the offices of The New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and our web address is included as an inactive textual reference only.

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to the other information we have filed with the SEC. The information that we incorporate by reference is considered a part of this prospectus and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the information contained in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the following documents (File No. 1-11316) we filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other than information in these documents that is not deemed to be filed with the SEC:

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, filed on March 3, 2003;



•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first quarter ended March 31, 2003, filed on May 9, 2003;

1

•

our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 24, 2003;



•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2003, filed on July 31, 2003;



•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter ended September 30, 2003, filed on November 10, 2003;



•

our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 27, 2004; and



•

our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 5, 2004;

        All documents we file later with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subsequent to the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities will be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus, other than information in the documents that is not deemed to be filed with the SEC. A statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained in any subsequently filed document which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statements so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

        We will provide without charge to each person to whom this prospectus is delivered, on the request of any person, a copy of any or all the documents incorporated herein by reference, other than exhibits to the documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into the documents that this prospectus incorporates. Requests for copies in writing or by telephone should be directed to:

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.
9690 Deereco Road
Suite 100
Timonium, Maryland 21093
Attn: Robert O. Stephenson
(410) 427-1700

2

CAUTIONARY LANGUAGE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus may constitute forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Although we believe that our assumptions made in connection with the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that our assumptions and expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations are disclosed in this prospectus. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, among other things:

•

uncertainties relating to the business operations of the operators of our assets, including those relating to reimbursement by third party payors, regulatory matters and occupancy levels;



•

the ability of any operators in bankruptcy to reject unexpired lease obligations, modify the terms of our mortgages, and impede our ability to collect unpaid rent or interest during the process of a bankruptcy proceeding and retain security deposits for the debtors' obligations;



•

our ability to sell closed assets on a timely basis and at terms that allow us to realize the carrying value of these assets;



•

our ability to negotiate appropriate modifications to the terms of our credit facilities;



•

our ability to manage, re-lease, or sell any owned and operated facilities;



•

the availability and cost of capital;



•

competition in the financing of healthcare facilities;



•

regulatory and other changes in the healthcare sector;



•

the effect of economic and market conditions generally and, particularly, in the healthcare industry;



•

changes in interest rates;



•

the amount and yield of any additional investments;



•

changes in tax laws and regulations affecting real estate investment trusts; and



•

changes in the ratings of our debt and preferred securities.

3

THE COMPANY

        We were incorporated in the State of Maryland on March 31, 1992. We are a self-administered real estate investment trust, or REIT, investing in income-producing healthcare facilities, principally long-term care facilities located in the United States. We provide lease or mortgage financing to qualified operators of skilled nursing facilities and, to a lesser extent, assisted living and acute care facilities. We have historically financed investments through borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, private placements or public offerings of debt or equity securities, the assumption of secured indebtedness, or a combination of these methods.

        As of December 31, 2003, our portfolio of domestic investments consisted of 211 healthcare facilities, located in 28 states and operated by 39 third-party operators. Our gross investments in these facilities, net of impairments and before reserve for uncollectible loans, totaled $812.3 million. This portfolio is made up of:

•

152 long-term healthcare facilities and 2 rehabilitation hospitals owned and leased to third parties;



•

fixed rate, participating and convertible participating mortgages on 51 long-term healthcare facilities; and



•

6 long-term healthcare facilities that were recovered from customers and are currently closed.

        In addition, we also held miscellaneous investments of approximately $29.8 million at December 31, 2003.

        Our principal executive offices are located at 9690 Deereco Road, Suite 100, Timonium, Maryland 21093, and our telephone number is (410) 427-1700. Additional information regarding our company is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, and other documents on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus). See "Where You Can Find More Information."

4

RISK FACTORS

        Certain of the securities to be offered hereby may involve a high degree of risk. Such risks will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such offered securities.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS

        The ratios of earnings to fixed charges, and the ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are set forth below. We have calculated the ratio of earnings to fixed charges by adding net income (loss) from continuing operations to fixed charges and dividing that sum by such fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends was calculated in the same manner as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges except that accrued preferred stock dividends were included for each of the periods shown irrespective of whether or not such dividends were actually paid.

*

Our earning were insufficient to cover our fixed charges by $31,214, $16,793 and $10,957 in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

*

Our earnings were insufficient to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends by $48,142, $36,787 and $31,072 in 2000, 2001 and 2002, respectively.

(1)

Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges and ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends have been revised to reflect the impact of the implementation of the Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets."

5

        We issued 2,300,000 shares of Series A preferred in April, 1997 which are entitled to receive dividends at the rate of 9.25% per year, or $2.3125 per share. We issued 2,000,000 shares of Series B, preferred in April, 1998 which are entitled to receive dividends at the rate of 8.625% per year or $2.156 per share. We issued 1,000,000 Series C preferred shares in July 2000 and 48,420 Series C shares in April 2001. The Series C preferred shares, all which will be converted into common stock if we exercise our purchase option to purchase at least $100 million of Series C preferred stock upon completion of this offering, are entitled to receive dividends at the greater of 10% per year or the dividend payable on the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series C preferred shares. For purposes of the information set forth above, the dividend rate of 10% per year on the Series C preferred shares or $10.00 per share was used.

USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the net proceeds from the sale of the securities offered hereby will be used for the repayment of outstanding debt, to fund additional investments and for general corporate purposes.

6

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

        We may refer in this prospectus to one or more of the following categories of our securities:

•

shares of our common stock, par value $0.10 per share ("common stock");



•

shares of our preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, in one or more series (the "preferred stock");



•

debt securities, in one or more series ("debt securities");



•

common stock warrants (the "common stock warrants");



•

preferred stock warrants (the "preferred stock warrants");



•

debt securities warrants (the "debt securities warrants"); and



•

any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units.

        The terms of any specific offering of securities, including the terms of any units offered, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

        As of February 4, 2004, our authorized capital stock currently consists of 100,000,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.10 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, of which 2,300,000 have been designated as Series A preferred stock, 2,000,000 have been designated as Series B preferred stock, and 2,000,000 have been designated as Series C preferred stock. As of December 31, 2003, we had 37,290,562 shares of our common stock, 2,300,000 shares of our Series A preferred stock, 2,000,000 shares of our Series B preferred stock, and 1,048,420 shares of our Series C preferred stock issued and outstanding. Our common stock, Series A preferred stock and Series B preferred stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We intend to apply to list for trading on the New York Stock Exchange any additional shares of our common stock which are issued and sold hereunder. We may apply to list any additional series of preferred stock which are offered and sold hereunder, as described in the prospectus supplement relating to such preferred stock.

        Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement relating thereto, EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar of the common stock and preferred stock.

Common Stock

        All shares of our common stock participate equally in dividends payable to stockholders of our common stock when and as declared by our board of directors and in net assets available for distribution to stockholders of our common stock on liquidation or dissolution, have one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders and do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. All issued and outstanding shares of our common stock are, and our common stock offered hereby will be upon issuance, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Holders of our common stock do not have preference, conversion, exchange or preemptive rights. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "OHI."

Preferred Stock

        The terms of any series of the preferred stock offered by any prospectus supplement will be as described in such prospectus supplement. The following description of the terms of the preferred stock, except as modified in a prospectus supplement, sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the preferred stock. The description of certain provisions of the preferred stock set forth below and in any prospectus supplement does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the company's articles of incorporation, as amended, and the board of directors' resolution or articles supplementary relating to each series of the preferred stock which will be filed with the

7

Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at or prior to the time of the issuance of such series of the preferred stock.

General

        Under the articles of incorporation, the board of directors of the company is authorized without further stockholder action to provide for the issuance of up to an additional 3,700,000 shares of preferred stock of the company, in one or more series, with such designations, preferences, powers and relative participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereon, including, but not limited to, 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 as shall be stated in the resolution providing for the issue of a series of such stock, adopted, at any time or from time to time, by the board of directors of the company. The company has outstanding as of December 31, 2003, 2,300,000 shares of its 9.25% Series A cumulative preferred stock, 2,000,000 shares of its 8.625% Series B cumulative preferred stock and 1,048,420 shares of its Series C preferred stock.

        The preferred stock shall have the dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights set forth below unless otherwise provided in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the preferred stock. Reference is made to the prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of the preferred stock offered thereby for specific terms, including:

•

the designation and stated value per share of such preferred stock and the number of shares offered;



•

the amount of liquidation preference per share;



•

the initial public offering price at which such preferred stock will be issued;



•

the dividend rate (or method of calculation), the dates on which dividends shall be payable and the dates from which dividends shall commence to cumulate, if any;



•

any redemption or sinking fund provisions;



•

any conversion rights; and



•

any additional voting, dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights, preferences, privileges, limitations and restrictions.

        The preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no preemptive rights. Unless otherwise stated in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the preferred stock, each series of the preferred stock will rank on a parity as to dividends and distributions of assets with each other series of the preferred stock. The rights of the holders of each series of the preferred stock will be subordinate to those of the company's general creditors.

Dividend Rights

        Holders of the preferred stock of each series will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the board of directors of the company, out of funds of the company legally available therefor, cash dividends on such dates and at such rates as will be set forth in, or as are determined by, the method described in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of the preferred stock. Such rate may be fixed or variable or both. Each such dividend will be payable to the holders of record as they appear on the stock books of the company on such record dates, fixed by the board of directors of the company, as specified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of preferred stock.

8

        Dividends on any series of preferred stock may be cumulative or noncumulative, as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement. If the board of directors of the company fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend payment date on any series of preferred stock for which dividends are noncumulative, then the holders of such series of preferred stock will have no right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend period ending on such dividend payment date, and the company shall have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment dates. Dividends on the shares of each series of preferred stock for which dividends are cumulative will accrue from the date on which the company initially issues shares of such series.

        So long as the shares of any series of the preferred stock shall be outstanding, unless

•

full dividends (including if such preferred stock is cumulative, dividends for prior dividend periods) shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment on all outstanding shares of the preferred stock of such series and all other classes and series of preferred stock of the company (other than "junior stock" as defined below), and



•

the company is not in default or in arrears with respect to the mandatory or optional redemption or mandatory repurchase or other mandatory retirement of, or with respect to any sinking or other analogous fund for, any shares of preferred stock of such series or any shares of any other preferred stock of the company of any class or series (other than junior stock),

the company may not declare any dividends on any shares of common stock of the company or any other stock of the company ranking as to dividends or distributions of assets junior to such series of preferred stock (the common stock and any such other stock being herein referred to as "junior stock"), or make any payment on account of, or set apart money for, the purchase, redemption or other retirement of, or for a sinking or other analogous fund for, any shares of junior stock or make any distribution in respect thereof, whether in cash or property or in obligations or stock of the company, other than junior stock which is neither convertible into, nor exchangeable or exercisable for, any securities of the company other than junior stock.

Liquidation Preference

        In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company, voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each series of the preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the company available for distribution to stockholders, before any distribution of assets is made to the holders of common stock or any other shares of stock of the company ranking junior as to such distribution to such series of preferred stock, the amount set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of the preferred stock. If, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company, the amounts payable with respect to the preferred stock of any series and any other shares of preferred stock of the company (including any other series of the preferred stock) ranking as to any such distribution on a parity with such series of the preferred stock are not paid in full, the holders of the preferred stock of such series and of such other shares of preferred stock of the company will share ratably in any such distribution of assets of the company in proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are entitled. After payment to the holders of the preferred stock of each series of the full preferential amounts of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of each such series of the preferred stock will be entitled to no further participation in any distribution of assets by the company.

        If liquidating distributions shall have been made in full to all holders of shares of preferred stock, the remaining assets of the company shall be distributed among the holders of junior stock, according to their respective rights and preferences and in each case according to their respective number of shares. For such purposes, the consolidation or merger of the company with or into any other

9

corporation, or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the property or business of the company, shall not be deemed to constitute a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the company.

Redemption

        A series of the preferred stock may be redeemable, in whole or from time to time in part, at the option of the company, and may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise, in each case upon terms, at the time and at the redemption prices set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series. Shares of the preferred stock redeemed by the company will be restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the company.

        In the event that fewer than all of the outstanding shares of a series of the preferred stock are to be redeemed, whether by mandatory or optional redemption, the number of shares to be redeemed will be determined by lot or pro rata (subject to rounding to avoid fractional shares) as may be determined by the company or by any other method as may be determined by the company in its sole discretion to be equitable. From and after the redemption date (unless default shall be made by the company in providing for the payment of the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any), dividends shall cease to accumulate on the shares of the preferred stock called for redemption and all rights of the holders thereof (except the right to receive the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any) shall cease.

        So long as any dividends on shares of any series of the preferred stock or any other series of preferred stock of the company ranking on a parity as to dividends and distribution of assets with such series of the preferred stock are in arrears, no shares of any such series of the preferred stock or such other series of preferred stock of the company will be redeemed (whether by mandatory or optional redemption) unless all such shares are simultaneously redeemed, and the company will not purchase or otherwise acquire any such shares; provided, however, that the foregoing will not prevent the purchase or acquisition of such shares pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to holders of all such shares outstanding.

Conversion Rights

        The terms and conditions, if any, upon which shares of any series of preferred stock are convertible into common stock will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement relating thereto. Such terms will include the number of shares of common stock into which the preferred stock is convertible, the conversion price (or manner of calculation thereof), the conversion period, provisions as to whether conversion will be at the option of the holders of preferred stock or the company, the events requiring an adjustment of the conversion price and provisions affecting conversion.

Voting Rights

        Except as indicated below or in a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the preferred stock, or except as required by applicable law, the holders of the preferred stock will not be entitled to vote for any purpose.

        So long as any shares of the preferred stock of a series remain outstanding, the consent or the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the votes entitled to be cast with respect to the then outstanding shares of such series of the preferred stock together with any "parity preferred" (as defined below), voting as one class, either expressed in writing or at a meeting called for that purpose, will be necessary (i) to permit, effect or validate the authorization, or any increase in the authorized amount, of any class or series of shares of the company ranking prior to the preferred stock of such series as to dividends, voting or upon distribution of assets, and (ii) to repeal, amend or otherwise change any of the provisions applicable to the preferred stock of such series in any manner which adversely affects the powers, preferences, voting power or other rights or privileges of such series of the preferred stock. In

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case any series of the preferred stock would be so affected by any such action referred to in clause (ii) above in a different manner than one or more series of the parity preferred then outstanding, the holders of shares of the preferred stock of such series, together with any series of the parity preferred which will be similarly affected, will be entitled to vote as a class, and the company will not take such action without the consent or affirmative vote, as above provided, of at least 80% of the total number of votes entitled to be cast with respect to each such series of the preferred stock and the parity preferred, then outstanding, in lieu of the consent or affirmative vote hereinabove otherwise required.

        With respect to any matter as to which the preferred stock of any series is entitled to vote, holders of the preferred stock of such series and any other series of preferred stock of the company ranking on a parity with such series of the preferred stock as to dividends and distributions of assets and which by its terms provides for similar voting rights (the "parity preferred") will be entitled to cast the number of votes set forth in the prospectus supplement with respect to that series of preferred stock. As a result of the provisions described in the preceding paragraph requiring the holders of shares of a series of the preferred stock to vote together as a class with the holders of shares of one or more series of parity preferred, it is possible that the holders of such shares of parity preferred could approve action that would adversely affect such series of preferred stock, including the creation of a class of capital stock ranking prior to such series of preferred stock as to dividends, voting or distributions of assets.

        The foregoing voting provisions will not apply if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote would otherwise be required shall be effected, all outstanding shares of the preferred stock shall have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient funds shall have been deposited in trust to effect such redemption.

Redemption and Business Combination Provisions

        If our board of directors is, at any time and in good faith, of the opinion that actual or constructive ownership of at least 9.9% or more of the value of our outstanding capital stock has or may become concentrated in the hands of one owner, our board of directors will have the power:

•

by means deemed equitable by it, to call for the purchase from any of our stockholders a number of voting shares sufficient, in the opinion of our board of directors, to maintain or bring the actual or constructive ownership of such owner to a level of no more than 9.9% of the value of our outstanding capital stock; and



•

to refuse to transfer or issue voting shares of our capital stock to any person whose acquisition of such voting shares would, in the opinion of our board of directors, result in the actual or constructive ownership by that person of more than 9.9% of the value of our outstanding capital stock.

Further, any transfer of shares, options, warrants, or other securities convertible into voting shares that would create a beneficial owner of more than 9.9% of the value of our outstanding capital stock will be deemed void ab initio and the intended transferee will be deemed never to have had an interest therein. Subject to the rights of the preferred stock described below, the purchase price for any voting shares of our capital stock so redeemed will be equal to the fair market value of the shares reflected in the closing sales prices for the shares, if then listed on a national securities exchange, or the average of the closing sales prices for the shares if then listed on more than one national securities exchange, or if the shares are not then listed on a national securities exchange, the latest bid quotation for the shares if then traded over-the-counter, on the last business day immediately preceding the day on which we send notices of such acquisitions, or, if no such closing sales prices or quotations are available, then the purchase price shall be equal to the net asset value of such stock as determined by our board of directors in accordance with the provisions of applicable law. The purchase price for shares of Series A preferred stock, Series B preferred stock, Series C preferred stock and Series D preferred stock will be equal to the fair market value of the shares reflected in the closing sales price for the shares, if then

11

listed on a national securities exchange, or if the shares are not then listed on a national securities exchange, the purchase price will, in the case of the Series A preferred stock and Series B preferred stock, be equal to the redemption price of such shares of Series A preferred stock and Series B preferred stock, respectively, and, in the case of the Series C preferred stock and Series D preferred stock, the purchase price will be equal to the liquidation preference of such shares of Series C preferred stock and Series D preferred stock, respectively. From and after the date fixed for purchase by our board of directors, the holder of any shares so called for purchase will cease to be entitled to distributions, voting rights and other benefits with respect to such shares, except the right to payment of the purchase price for the shares.

        Our articles of incorporation require that, except in certain circumstances, business combinations between us and a beneficial holder of 10% or more of our outstanding voting stock, a related person, be approved by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of our outstanding voting shares.

        A "business combination" is defined in the articles of incorporation as:

•

any merger or consolidation of our company with or into a related person;



•

any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition, including without limitation a mortgage or any other security device, of all or any "substantial part," as defined below, of our assets including, without limitation, any voting securities of a subsidiary to a related person;



•

any merger or consolidation of a related person with or into our company;



•

any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or any substantial part of the assets of a related person to our company;



•

the issuance of any securities (other than by way of pro rata distribution to all stockholders) of our company to a related person; and



•

any agreement, contract or other arrangement providing for any of the transactions described in the definition of business combination.

The term "substantial part" is defined as more than 10% of the book value of our total assets as of the end of our most recent fiscal year ending prior to the time the determination is being made.

        The 80% voting requirement described above will not be applicable if (i) our board of directors has unanimously approved in advance the acquisition of our stock that caused a related person to become a related person, or (ii) the business combination is solely between us and a wholly owned subsidiary. Our board of directors unanimously approved in advance Explorer's acquisition of our Series C preferred stock, which made Explorer a related person to us. Therefore, the 80% voting requirement is inapplicable to Explorer.

        Under the terms of our articles of incorporation, as amended, our board of directors is classified into three classes. Each class of directors serves for a term of three years, with one class being elected each year.

        The foregoing provisions of the articles of incorporation and certain other matters may not be amended without the affirmative vote of at least 80% of our outstanding voting shares.

        The foregoing provisions may have the effect of discouraging unilateral tender offers or other takeover proposals which certain stockholders might deem in their interests or in which they might receive a substantial premium. Our board of directors' authority to issue and establish the terms of currently authorized preferred stock, without stockholder approval, may also have the effect of discouraging takeover attempts. The provisions could also have the effect of insulating current management against the possibility of removal and could, by possibly reducing temporary fluctuations in market price caused by accumulation of shares, deprive stockholders of opportunities to sell at a

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temporarily higher market price. However, our board of directors believes that inclusion of the business combination provisions in the articles of incorporation may help assure fair treatment of stockholders and preserve our assets.

        The foregoing summary of certain provisions of the articles of incorporation does not purport to be complete or to give effect to provisions of statutory or common law. The foregoing summary is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of applicable law and the articles of incorporation, a copy of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

Stockholder Rights Plan

        On May 12, 1999, our board of directors authorized the adoption of a stockholder rights plan. The plan is designed to require a person or group seeking to gain control of our company to offer a fair price to all of our stockholders. The rights plan will not interfere with any merger, acquisition or business combination that our board of directors finds is in our best interest and the best interests of our stockholders.

        In connection with the adoption of the stockholder rights plan, our board of directors declared a dividend distribution of one right for each common share outstanding on May 24, 1999. The stockholder protection rights will not become exercisable unless a person acquires 10% or more of our common stock, or begins a tender offer that would result in the person owning 10% or more of our common stock. At that time, each stockholder protection right would entitle each stockholder other than the person who triggered the rights plan to purchase either our common stock or stock of an acquiring entity at a discount to the then market price. The plan was not adopted in response to any specific attempt to acquire control of our company. We amended the stockholder rights plan to exempt Explorer and any of its transferees that become a party to the stockholders' agreement we have with Explorer from being deemed an acquiring person for purposes of the plan.

Debt Securities

        The terms of any debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement will be as described in such prospectus supplement, and as provided herein to the extent not modified in the prospectus supplement. Debt securities may be issued from time to time in series under an Indenture (the "Indenture") dated August 27, 1997 between the company and the bank named therein or its successor as trustee (the "Trustee"). As used under this caption, unless the context otherwise requires, offered debt securities shall mean the debt securities offered by this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement. The statements under this caption are brief summaries of certain provisions contained in the Indenture, do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Indenture, including the definition therein of certain terms, a copy of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The following sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the debt securities. Further terms of the offered debt securities will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.

General

        The Indenture provides for the issuance of debt securities in series, and does not limit the principal amount of debt securities which may be issued thereunder.

        Reference is made to the prospectus supplement for the following terms of the offered debt securities:

•

the specific title of the offered debt securities;



•

the aggregate principal amount of the offered debt securities;

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•

the percentage of the principal amount at which the offered debt securities will be issued;



•

the date on which the offered debt securities will mature;



•

the rate or rates per annum or the method for determining such rate or rates, if any, at which the offered debt securities will bear interest;



•

the times at which any such interest will be payable;



•

any provisions relating to optional or mandatory redemption of the offered debt securities at the option of the company or pursuant to sinking fund or analogous provisions;



•

the denominations in which the offered debt securities are authorized to be issued if other than $100,000;



•

any provisions relating to the conversion or exchange of the offered debt securities into common stock or into debt securities of another series;



•

the portion of the principal amount, if less than the principal amount, payable on acceleration;



•

the place or places at which the company will make payments of principal (and premiums, if any) and interest, if any, and the method of payment;



•

whether the offered debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in global form;



•

any additional covenants and events of default and the remedies with respect thereto not currently set forth in the Indenture;



•

the identity of the Trustee for the debt securities, and if not the Trustee, the identity of each paying agent and the debt securities Registrar;



•

the currency or currencies other than United States Dollars in which any series of debt securities will be issued; and



•

any other specific terms of the offered debt securities.

        One or more series of the debt securities may be issued as discounted debt securities (bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates) to be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount. Tax and other special considerations applicable to any such discounted debt securities will be described in the prospectus supplement relating thereto.

Status of Debt Securities

        The status and ranking of the debt securities will be as set forth in the prospectus supplement. Except as otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be unsecured obligations of the company ranking on a parity with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness.

Conversion Rights

        The terms, if any, on which debt securities of a series may be exchanged for or converted into shares of common stock or debt securities of another series will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto. To protect the company's status as a REIT, a beneficial holder may not convert any debt security, and such debt security shall not be convertible by any holder, if as a result of such conversion any person would then be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 9.9% or more of the company's shares of common stock.

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Absence of Restrictive Covenants

        Except as noted below under "Dividends, Distributions and Acquisitions of Capital Stock," the company is not restricted by the Indenture from paying dividends or from incurring, assuming or becoming liable for any type of debt or other obligations or from creating liens on its property for any purpose. The Indenture does not require the maintenance of any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity. Except as may be set forth in the prospectus supplement, there are no provisions of the Indenture which afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving the company.

Optional Redemption

        The debt securities will be subject to redemption, in whole or from time to time in part, at any time for certain reasons intended to protect the company's status as a REIT, at the option of the company in the manner specified in the Indenture at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, premium, if any, plus interest accrued to the date of redemption. The Indenture does not contain any provision requiring the company to repurchase the debt securities at the option of the holders thereof in the event of a leveraged buyout, recapitalization or similar restructuring of the company.

Dividends, Distributions and Acquisitions of Capital Stock

        The Indenture provides that the company will not (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on its capital stock or to holders of its capital stock (other than dividends or distributions payable in its capital stock or other than as the company determines is necessary to maintain its status as a REIT), or (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any of its capital stock, or any warrants, rights or options or other securities to purchase or acquire any shares of its capital stock (other than the debt securities) or permit any subsidiary to do so, if at the time of such action an event of default (as defined in the Indenture) has occurred and is continuing or would exist immediately after giving effect to such action.

Events of Default

        An event of default with respect to debt securities of any series is defined in the Indenture as being:

•

failure to pay principal of or any premium on any debt security of that series when due;



•

failure to pay any interest on any debt security of that series when due, continued for 30 days;



•

failure to deposit any sinking fund payment when due, in respect of any debt security of that series;



•

failure to perform any other covenant of the company in the Indenture (other than a covenant included in the Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of debt securities other than that series), continued for 60 days after written notice as provided in the Indenture;



•

certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, conservatorship, receivership or reorganization; and



•

any other event of default provided with respect to the debt securities of that series.

        If an event of default with respect to the outstanding debt securities of any series occurs and is continuing, either the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount debt securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of all the outstanding debt securities of that series to be due and

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payable immediately. At any time after the declaration of acceleration with respect to the debt securities of any series has been made, but before a judgment or decree based on acceleration has been obtained, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, under certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration.

        The Indenture provides that, subject to the duty of the Trustee during default to act with the required standard of care, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders, unless such holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee and subject to certain limitations, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series.

        The company is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a statement as to the performance by the company of certain of its obligations under the Indenture and as to any default in such performance.

Modifications and Waiver

        Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the company and the Trustee without the consent of any holders to, among other things,

•

evidence the succession of another corporation to the company,



•

add to the covenants of the company or surrender any right or power conferred upon the company,



•

establish the form or terms of debt securities, including any subordination provisions,



•

cure any ambiguity, correct or supplement any provision which may be defective or inconsistent or make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Indenture, provided that such action does not adversely affect the interests of the holders of debt securities of any series in any material respect,



•

to add to, delete, or revise conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amounts, terms or purpose of debt securities, as set forth in the Indenture, or



•

evidence and provide for a successor Trustee.

        Modifications and amendments of the Indenture may be made by the company and the Trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected by such modification or amendment; provided, however, that no such modification or amendment may, without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security affected thereby:

•

change the stated maturity date of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest, if any, on any debt security;



•

reduce the principal amount of, or premium or interest if any, on any debt security;



•

reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount debt security payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof;



•

change the currency of payment of the principal of, or premium or interest, if any, on any debt security;

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•

impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any debt security;



•

modify the conversion provisions, if any, of any debt security in a manner adverse to the holder of that debt security; or



•

reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt security of any series, the consent of whose holders is required for modification or amendment of that Indenture or for waiver of compliance with certain provisions of that Indenture or for waiver of certain defaults.

        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt security of each series may, on behalf of all holders of the debt securities of that series, waive, insofar as that series is concerned, compliance by the company with certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series may, on behalf of all holders of the debt securities of that series, waive any past default under the Indenture with respect to the debt securities of that series, except a default in the payment of principal or premium or interest, if any, or a default in respect of a covenant or provision which under the terms of the Indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected.

Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets

        The Indenture provides that the company, without the consent of the holders of any of the debt securities, may consolidate or merge with or into or transfer its assets substantially as an entirety to, any entity organized under the laws of the United States or any state, provided that the successor entity assumes the company's obligations under the Indenture, that after giving effect to the transaction no event of default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become an event of default, shall have occurred and be continuing, and that certain other conditions are met.

Global Securities

        The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in global form (the "Global Securities"). Except as set forth in a prospectus supplement, the terms and provisions with respect to any Global Securities will be as set forth in this section captioned "Global Securities." The Global Securities will be deposited with a depositary (the "Depositary"), or with a nominee for a Depositary, identified in the prospectus supplement. In such case, one or more Global Securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by such Global Security or Securities. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive form, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary for such Global Security to a nominee of such Depositary or by a nominee of such Depositary to such Depositary or another nominee of such Depositary or by such Depositary or any such nominee to a successor of such Depositary or a nominee of such successor.

        The specific material terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to any portion of a series of debt securities to be represented by a Global Security will be described in the prospectus supplement. The company anticipates that the following provisions will apply to all depositary arrangements.

        Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the Depositary for such Global Security will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by such Global Security to the accounts of persons that have accounts with such Depositary ("participants"). The accounts to be credited shall be designated by any underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of such debt securities. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global

17

Security will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary for such Global Security (with respect to interests of participants) or by participants or persons that hold through participants (with respect to interests of persons other than participants). So long as the Depositary for a Global Security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of such Global Security, such Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by such Global Security for all purposes under the Indenture; provided, however, that for the purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by the holders of the debt securities, the company, the Trustee and its agents will treat a person as the holder of such principal amount of debt securities as specified in a written statement of the Depositary. Except as set forth herein or otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Security will not be entitled to have the debt securities represented by such Global Security registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of such debt securities in definitive form and will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the Indenture, but the beneficial owners and holders only.

        Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments on debt securities represented by a Global Security registered in the name of a Depositary or its nominee will be made to such Depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of such Global Security. None of the company, the Trustee or any Paying Agent for such debt securities will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

        The company expects that the Depositary for any debt securities represented by a Global Security, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest will immediately credit participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such Depositary. The company also expects that payments by participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in "street names" and will be the responsibility of such participants.

        If the Depositary for any debt securities represented by a Global Security is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary and a successor Depositary is not appointed by the company within 90 days, the company will issue such debt securities in definitive form in exchange for such Global Security. In addition, the company may at any time and in its sole discretion determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by one or more Global Securities and, in such event, will issue debt securities of such series in definitive form in exchange for all of the Global Security or securities representing such debt securities.

        The laws of some states require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in definitive form. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in debt securities represented by Global Securities.

Securities Warrants

        The terms of any securities warrants offered by any prospectus supplement will be as described in such prospectus supplement, and as provided herein to the extent not modified in the prospectus supplement. The company may issue securities warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. securities warrants may be issued independently or together with common stock, preferred stock or debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and may be attached to or separate from such common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities. Each series of securities

18

warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement (a "Securities Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between the company and a bank or trust company, as securities warrant agent, all as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of offered securities warrants. The securities warrant agent will act solely as an agent of the company in connection with the securities warrants of such series and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of securities warrants. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Securities Warrant Agreement and securities warrants do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the Securities Warrant Agreement and the securities warrants relating to each series of securities warrants which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part at or prior to the time of the issuance of such series of securities warrants.

        In the case of securities warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of such securities warrants, including the following where applicable:

•

the offering price;



•

the aggregate number of shares purchasable upon exercise of such securities warrants, the exercise price, and in the case of securities warrants for preferred stock the designation, aggregate number and terms of the series of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise of such securities warrants;



•

the designation and terms of any series of preferred stock with which such securities warrants are being offered and the number of such securities warrants being offered with such preferred stock;



•

the date, if any, on and after which such securities warrants and the related series of preferred stock or common stock will be transferable separately;



•

the date on which the right to exercise such securities warrants shall commence and the Expiration Date;



•

any special United States Federal income tax consequences; and



•

any other terms of such securities warrants.

        If securities warrants for the purchase of debt securities are offered, the applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of such securities warrants, including the following where applicable:

•

the offering price;



•

the denominations and terms of the series of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of such securities warrants;



•

the designation and terms of any series of debt securities, with which such securities warrants are being offered with each such debt securities;



•

the date, if any, on and after which such securities warrants and the related series of debt securities will be transferable separately;



•

the principal amount of the series of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of each such securities warrant and the price at which such principal amount of debt securities of such series may be purchased upon such exercise;



•

the date on which the right shall expire (the "Expiration Date");



•

whether the securities warrants will be issued in registered or bearer form;

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•

any special United States Federal income tax consequences;



•

the terms, if any, on which the company may accelerate the date by which the securities warrants must be exercised; and



•

any other terms of such securities warrants.

        Securities warrant certificates may be exchanged for new securities warrant certificates of different denominations, may (if in registered form) be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the corporate trust office of the securities warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. Prior to the exercise of any securities warrant to purchase debt securities, holders of such securities warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the debt securities purchasable upon such exercise, including the right to receive payments of principal or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on such debt securities or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture. Prior to the exercise of any securities warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, holders of such securities warrants will not have any rights of holders of such common stock or preferred stock, including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on such common stock or preferred stock, or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

Exercise of Securities Warrants

        Each securities warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase a number of shares of common stock, preferred stock or such principal amount of debt securities, as the case may be, at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement relating to the offered securities warrants. After the close of business on the Expiration Date (or such later date to which such Expiration Date may be extended by the company), unexercised securities warrants will become void.

        Securities warrants may be exercised by delivering to the securities warrant agent payment as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement of the amount required to purchase the common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise together with certain information set forth on the reverse side of the securities warrant certificate. securities warrants will be deemed to have been exercised upon receipt of payment of the exercise price, subject to the receipt within five (5) business days, of the securities warrant certificate evidencing such securities warrants. Upon receipt of such payment and the securities warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the securities warrant agent or any other office indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the company will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, as the case may be, purchasable upon such exercise. If fewer than all of the securities warrants represented by such securities warrant certificate are exercised, a new securities warrant certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of securities warrants.

Amendments and Supplements to Securities Warrant Agreement

        The Securities Warrant Agreements may be amended or supplemented without the consent of the holders of the securities warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the securities warrants and that do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the securities warrants.

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Common Stock Warrant Adjustments

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the exercise price of, and the number of shares of common stock covered by a common stock warrant are subject to adjustment in certain events, including:

•

payment of a dividend on the common stock payable in capital stock and stock splits, combinations or reclassifications of the common stock;



•

issuance to all holders of common stock of rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of common stock at less than their current market price (as defined in the Securities Warrant Agreement for such series of common stock warrants); and



•

certain distributions of evidences of indebtedness or assets (including cash dividends or distributions paid out of consolidated earnings or retained earnings or dividends payable in common stock) or of subscription rights and warrants (excluding those referred to above).

        No adjustment in the exercise price of, and the number of shares of common stock covered by a common stock warrant will be made for regular quarterly or other periods of recurring cash dividends or distributions or for cash dividends or distributions to the extent paid from consolidated earnings or retained earnings. No adjustment will be required unless such adjustment would require a change of at least 1% in the exercise price then in effect. Except as stated above, the exercise price of, and the number of shares of common stock covered by, a common stock warrant will not be adjusted for the issuance of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock, or carrying the right or option to purchase or otherwise acquire the foregoing in exchange for cash, other property or services.

        In the event of any (i) consolidation or merger of the company with or into any entity (other than a consolidation or a merger that does not result in any reclassification, conversion, exchange or cancellation of outstanding shares of common stock), (ii) sale, transfer, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the assets of the company, or (iii) reclassification, capital reorganization or change of the common stock (other than solely a change in par value or from par value to no par value), then any holder of a common stock warrant will be entitled, on or after the occurrence of any such event, to receive on exercise of such common stock warrant the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities, cash or other property (or any combination thereof) that the holder would have received had such holder exercised such holder's common stock warrant immediately prior to the occurrence of such event. If the consideration to be received upon exercise of the common stock warrant following any such event consists of common stock of the surviving entity, then from and after the occurrence of such event, the exercise price of such common stock warrant will be subject to the same anti-dilution and other adjustments described in the second preceding paragraph, applied as if such common stock of the surviving entity were common stock.

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CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Consequences of an Investment in Our Securities

        The following is a general summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us, and to the purchasers of our securities and our election to be taxed as a REIT. It is not tax advice. The summary is not intended to represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to a particular stockholder in view of any person's particular circumstances, nor is it intended to represent a detailed description of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to stockholders subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws such as insurance companies, financial institutions, securities broker-dealers, investors in pass-through entities, expatriates and taxpayers subject to alternative minimum taxation.

        The following discussion relating to an investment in our securities was based on consultations with Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP, our special counsel. In the opinion of Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP, the following discussion, to the extent it constitutes matters of law or legal conclusions (assuming the facts, representations, and assumptions upon which the discussion is based are accurate), accurately represents the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to purchasers of our securities. Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP has not rendered any opinion regarding any effect of such issuance on purchasers of our securities. The sections of the Code relating to the qualification and operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following discussion sets forth the material aspects of the Code sections that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT and its stockholders. The information in this section is based on the Code; current, temporary, and proposed Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code; the legislative history of the Code; current administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS; and court decisions, in each case, as of the date of this prospectus. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings which are not binding on the IRS, except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received these rulings.

Taxation of Omega

        General.    We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, or a REIT, under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 1992. We believe that we have been organized and operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code and we intend to continue to operate in such a manner, but no assurance can be given that we have operated or will be able to continue to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT.

        The sections of the Code that govern the federal income tax treatment of a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following sets forth the material aspects of those sections. This summary is qualified in its entirety by the applicable Code provisions, rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof.

        In the opinion of Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP, which opinion has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT, and our current and proposed method of operation will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for continued qualification and taxation as a REIT under the Code. This opinion is based on various assumptions and is conditioned upon certain representations made by us as to factual matters concerning our business and properties. Moreover, such qualification and taxation as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet, through actual annual operating results, distribution levels and diversity of stock ownership, the various qualification tests imposed under the Code discussed below, the results of which will not be reviewed by Powell, Goldstein, Frazer & Murphy LLP on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the

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various results of our operation for any particular taxable year will satisfy such requirements. Further, such requirements may be changed, perhaps retroactively, by legislative or administrative actions at any time. We have neither sought nor obtained any formal ruling from the IRS regarding our qualification as a REIT and presently have no plan to apply for any such ruling. See "—Failure to Qualify."

        If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on our net income that is currently distributed to stockholders. This treatment substantially eliminates the "double taxation" (i.e., taxation at both the corporate and the stockholder level) that generally results from investment in a corporation. However, we will be subject to federal income tax as follows: First, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains; provided, however, that if we have a net capital gain, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on our undistributed REIT taxable income, computed without regard to net capital gain and the deduction for capital gains dividends, plus a 35% tax on undistributed net capital gain, if our tax as thus computed is less than the tax computed in the regular manner. Second, under certain circumstances, we may be subject to the "alternative minimum tax" on our items of tax preference that we do not distribute or allocate to our stockholders. Third, if we have (i) net income from the sale or other disposition of "foreclosure property" which is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate on such income. Fourth, if we have net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, certain sales or other dispositions of property (other than foreclosure property) held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business by us, (i.e., when we are acting as a dealer)), such income will be subject to a 100% tax. Fifth, if we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test (as discussed below), but have nonetheless maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other requirements have been met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (a) the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% or 95% test, multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. Sixth, if we should fail to distribute by the end of each year at least the sum of (i) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually distributed. Seventh, we will be subject to a 100% excise on transactions with a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, that are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. Eighth, if we acquire any asset, which is defined as a "built-in gain asset" from a C corporation that is not a REIT (i.e., generally a corporation subject to full corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of the built-in gain asset in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset (or any other property) in the hands of the C corporation, and we recognize gain on the disposition of such asset during the 10-year period, which is defined as the "recognition period," beginning on the date on which such asset was acquired by us, then, to the extent of the built-in gain (i.e., the excess of (a) the fair market value of such asset on the date such asset was acquired by us over (b) our adjusted basis in such asset on such date), our recognized gain will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate. The results described above with respect to the recognition of built-in gain assume that we will not make an election pursuant to Treasury Regulations. Section 1.337(d)-7(c)(5).

        Requirements for Qualification.    The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association: (1) which is managed by one or more trustees or directors; (2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest; (3) which would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Code; (4) which is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company subject to the provisions of the Code; (5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons; (6) during the last half year of each taxable year not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities); and (7) which meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and

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the amount of its annual distributions to stockholders. The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4), inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than twelve months. For purposes of conditions (5) and (6), pension funds and certain other tax-exempt entities are treated as individuals, subject to a "look-through" exception in the case of condition (6).

        Income Tests.    In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we annually must satisfy two gross income requirements. First, at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived directly or indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property (including generally "rents from real property," interest on mortgages on real property and gains on sale of real property and real property mortgages, other than property described in Section 1221 of the Code) and income derived from certain types of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived from such real property investments, dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities other than property held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

        Rents received by us will qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if several conditions are met. First, the amount of the rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, any amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term "rents from real property" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Second, the Code provides that rents received from a tenant will not qualify as "rents from real property" in satisfying the gross income tests if we, or an owner (actually or constructively) of 10% or more of the value of our stock, actually or constructively owns 10% or more of such tenant, which is defined as a related party tenant. Third, if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify as "rents from real property." Finally, for rents received to qualify as "rents from real property," we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of such property, other than through an independent contractor from which we derive no revenue. We, however, directly perform certain services that are "usually or customarily rendered" in connection with the rental of space for occupance only and are not otherwise considered "rendered to the occupant" of the property. In addition, we may provide a minimal amount of "non-customary" services to the tenants of a property, other than through an independent contractor, as long as our income from the services does not exceed 1% of our income from the related property. Furthermore, we may own up to 100% of the stock of a TRS, which may provide customary and noncustomary services to our tenants without tainting our rental income from the related properties.

        The term "interest" generally does not include any amount received or accrued (directly or indirectly) if the determination of such amount depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term "interest" solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of gross receipts or sales. In addition, an amount that is based on the income or profits of a debtor will be qualifying interest income as long as the debtor derives substantially all of its income from the real property securing the debt from leasing substantially all of its interest in the property, but only to the extent that the amounts received by the debtor would be qualifying "rents from real property" if received directly by a REIT.

        If a loan contains a provision that entitles us to a percentage of the borrower's gain upon the sale of the real property securing the loan or a percentage of the appreciation in the property's value as of a specific date, income attributable to that loan provision will be treated as gain from the sale of the

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property securing the loan, which generally is qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests.

        Interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property generally is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. However, if the highest principal amount of a loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan as of the date we agreed to originate or acquire the loan, a portion of the interest income from such loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. The portion of the interest income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test will be equal to the portion of the principal amount of the loan that is not secured by real property.

        Prohibited Transactions.    We will incur a 100% tax on the net income derived from any sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. We believe that none of our assets is held for sale to customers and that a sale of any of our assets would not be in the ordinary course of our business. Whether a REIT holds an asset primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. Nevertheless, we will attempt to comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the federal income tax laws prescribing when an asset sale will not be characterized as a prohibited transaction. We cannot assure you, however, that we can comply with the safe-harbor provisions or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.

        Foreclosure Property.    We will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from foreclosure property, other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, less expenses directly connected with the production of that income. However, gross income from foreclosure property will qualify for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Foreclosure property is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:

•

that is acquired by a REIT as the result of the REIT having bid in such property at foreclosure, or having otherwise reduced such property to ownership or possession by agreement or process of law, after there was a default or default was imminent on a lease of such property or on indebtedness that such property secured;



•

for which the related loan or lease was acquired by the REIT at a time when the default was not imminent or anticipated; and



•

for which the REIT markets a proper election to treat the property as foreclosure property.

        Property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property, or longer if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. This grace period terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:

•

on which a lease is entered into for the property that, by its terms, will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test, or any amount is received or accrued, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a lease entered into on or after such day that will give rise to income that does not qualify for purposes of the 75% gross income test;



•

on which any construction takes place on the property, other than completion of a building or any other improvement, where more than 10% of the construction was completed before default became imminent; or

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•

which is more than 90 days after the day on which the REIT acquired the property and the property is used in a trade or business which is conducted by the REIT, other than through an independent contractor from whom the REIT itself does not derive or receive any income.

        Beginning on January 1, 2001, foreclosure property also includes any "qualified health care property," as defined in Code Section 856(e)(6) acquired by us as the result of the termination or expiration of a lease of such property. We may operate a qualified healthcare facility, acquired in this manner for two years or longer if an extension is granted. We own one property with respect to which we have made foreclosure property elections. Properties that are taken back in a foreclosure or bankruptcy and operated for our own account are treated as foreclosure properties for income tax purposes, pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 856(e). Gross income from foreclosure properties is "good income" for purposes of the annual REIT income tests. Once this election is made on the tax return, it is "good" for a period of three years, or until the properties are no longer operated for our own account. An election to extend the foreclosure status period for an additional three years can be made. In all cases of the foreclosure property, we utilize an independent contractor to conduct day-to-day operations in order to maintain REIT status. In certain cases we operate facilities through a taxable REIT subsidiary. For those properties operated through the taxable REIT subsidiary, we utilize an eligible independent contractor to conduct day-to-day operations to maintain REIT status. As a result of the foregoing, we do not believe that our participation in the operation of nursing homes will increase the risk that we will fail to qualify as a REIT. Through our 2002 taxable year, we have not paid any tax on our foreclosure property because those properties have been producing losses. However, in the future, our income from foreclosure property could be significant and we could be required to pay a significant amount of tax on that income.

        Hedging Transactions.    From time to time, we enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors, options to purchase these items, and futures and forward contracts. To the extent that we enter into an interest rate swap or cap contract, option, futures contract, forward rate agreement, or any similar financial instrument to hedge our indebtedness incurred to acquire or carry "real estate assets," any periodic income or gain from the disposition of that contract should be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. Accordingly, our income and gain from our interest rate swap agreements generally is qualifying income for purpose, or the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. To the extent that we hedge with other types of financial instruments, or in other situations, it is not entirely clear how the income from those transactions will be treated for purposes of the gross income tests. We have structured and intend to continue to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT.

        TRS Income.    A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a TRS. A corporation of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT's assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs. However, a TRS does not include a corporation which directly or indirectly (i) operates or manages a health care (or lodging) facility, or (ii) provides to any other person (under a franchise, license, or otherwise) rights to any brand name under which a health care (or lodging) facility is operated. A TRS will pay income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the new rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT or the REIT's tenants that are not conducted on an arm's-length basis. We have made TRS elections with respect to Bayside Street II, Inc. and one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries that

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owned all of the preferred stock of Omega Worldwide. Those entities will pay corporate income tax on their taxable income and their after-tax next income will be available for distribution to us.

        Failure to Satisfy Income Tests.    If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such year if we are entitled to relief under certain provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will be generally available if our failure to meet such tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our tax return, and any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. Even if these relief provisions apply, we would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of the amounts by which we fail the 75% and 95% gross income tests, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability.

        Asset Tests.    At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy the following tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets (including (i) our allocable share of real estate assets held by partnerships in which we own an interest and (ii) stock or debt instruments held for not more than one year purchased with the proceeds of a stock offering or long-term (at least five years) debt offering of our company), cash, cash items and government securities. Second, of our investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of our interest in any one issuer's securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. Third, we may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any one issuer's outstanding securities. Fourth, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more TRSs. Fifth, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of TRSs and other non-TRS taxable subsidiaries and other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.

        For purposes of the second and third asset tests, the term "securities" does not include our stock in another REIT, our equity or debt securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary or TRS, or our equity interest in any partnership. The term "securities," however, generally includes our debt securities issued by another REIT or a partnership, except that debt securities of a partnership are not treated as securities for purposes of the 10% value test if we own at least a 20% profits interest in the partnership.

        We may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. However, overall, no more than 20% of the value of our assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs, and no more than 25% of the value of our assets may consist of the securities of TRSs and other non-TRS taxable subsidiaries (including stock in non-REIT C Corporations) and other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.

        If the outstanding principal balance of a mortgage loan exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan, a portion of such loan likely will not be a qualifying real estate asset under the federal income tax laws. The non-qualifying portion of that mortgage loan will be equal to the portion of the loan amount that exceeds the value of the associated real property.

        After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy any of the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter. We have maintained and intend to continue to maintain adequate records of the value of our assets to ensure compliance with the asset tests, and to take such other action within 30 days after the close of any quarter as may be required to cure any noncompliance.

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        Annual Distribution Requirements.    In order to qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to (A) the sum of (i) 90% of our "REIT taxable income" (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain) and (ii) 90% of the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum of certain items of noncash income. Such distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. In addition, such distributions are required to be made pro rata, with no preference to any share of stock as compared with other shares of the same class, and with no preference to one class of stock as compared with another class except to the extent that such class is entitled to such a preference. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or do distribute at least 90%, but less than 100% of our "REIT taxable income," as adjusted, we will be subject to tax thereon at regular ordinary and capital gain corporate tax rates.

        Furthermore, if we fail to distribute during a calendar year, or by the end of January following the calendar year in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, at least the sum of:

•

85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year;



•

95% of our REIT capital gain income for such year; and



•

any undistributed taxable income from prior periods,

we will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts we actually distribute. We may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain we receive in a taxable year. If we so elect, we will be treated as having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the 4% excise tax described above. We have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements. We may also be entitled to pay and deduct deficiency dividends in later years as a relief measure to correct errors in determining our taxable income. Although we may be able to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction we take for deficiency dividends.

        The availability to us of, among other things, depreciation deductions with respect to our owned facilities depends upon the treatment by us as the owner of such facilities for federal income tax purposes, and the classification of the leases with respect to such facilities as "true leases" rather than financing arrangements for federal income tax purposes. The questions of whether we are the owner of such facilities and whether the leases are true leases for federal tax purposes are essentially factual matters. We believe that we will be treated as the owner of each of the facilities that we lease, and such leases will be treated as true leases for federal income tax purposes. However, no assurances can be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge our status as the owner of our facilities subject to leases, and the status of such leases as true leases, asserting that the purchase of the facilities by us and the leasing of such facilities merely constitute steps in secured financing transactions in which the lessees are owners of the facilities and we are merely a secured creditor. In such event, we would not be entitled to claim depreciation deductions with respect to any of the affected facilities. As a result, we might fail to meet the 90% distribution requirement or, if such requirement is met, we might be subject to corporate income tax or the 4% excise tax.

Failure to Qualify

        If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and the relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be

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deductible and our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as ordinary income, to the extent of current and accumulated earnings and profits, and, subject to certain limitations of the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to such statutory relief. Failure to qualify could result in our incurring indebtedness or liquidating investments in order to pay the resulting taxes.

Other Tax Matters

        We own and operate a number of properties through qualified REIT subsidiaries, "QRSs". The QRSs are treated as qualified REIT subsidiaries under the Code. Code Section 856(i) provides that a corporation which is a qualified REIT subsidiary shall not be treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary shall be treated as assets, liabilities and such items (as the case may be) of the REIT. Thus, in applying the tests for REIT qualification described in this prospectus under the heading "Taxation of Omega," the QRSs will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction, and credit of such QRSs will be treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction, and credit.

        In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, the REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, and items of income of any partnership, joint venture, or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes in which we own an interest, directly or indirectly, will be treated as our assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements.

Taxation of Stockholders

        Taxation of Domestic Stockholders.    As long as we qualify as a REIT, if you are a taxable US stockholder, distributions made to you out of current or accumulated earnings and profits (and not designated as capital gain dividends) will be taken into account by you as ordinary income and will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction for corporations. Distributions that are designated as capital gain dividends will be taxed as long-term capital gains (to the extent they do not exceed our actual net capital gain for the taxable year) without regard to the period for which you have held our stock. However, if you are a corporation, you may be required to treat up to 20% of certain capital gain dividends as ordinary income. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to you to the extent that they do not exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of the shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, you will include the distributions in income as long-term capital gain (or short-term capital gain if you have held the shares for one year or less) assuming the shares are a capital asset in your hands. In addition, any distribution declared by us in October, November or December of any year payable to you as a stockholder of record on a specified date in any of these months shall be treated as both paid by us and received by you on December 31 of that year, provided that the distribution is actually paid by us during January of the following calendar year. You may not include in your individual income tax returns any of our net operating losses or capital losses.

        In general, any loss upon a sale or exchange of shares by you, if you have held the shares for six months or less (after applying certain holding period rules), will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of distributions from us required to be treated by you as long-term capital gain.

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Backup Withholding

        Assuming that you are a US stockholder, we will report to you and the IRS the amount of distributions paid during each calendar year, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. Under the backup withholding rules, you may be subject to backup withholding with respect to distributions paid unless you:

•

are a corporation or come within certain other exempt categories and when required, demonstrate this fact; or



•

provide a taxpayer identification number, certify as to no loss of exemption from backup withholding, and otherwise comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

If you do not provide us with your correct taxpayer identification number, you may also be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. Any amount paid as backup withholding will be creditable against your income tax liability. In addition, we may be required to withhold a portion of capital gain distributions to you, if you fail to certify your nonforeign status to us. See "—Taxation of Stockholders—Taxation of Foreign Stockholders."

        Treatment of Tax-Exempt Stockholders.    If you are a tax-exempt employee pension trust or other domestic tax-exempt stockholder, our distributions to you generally will not constitute "unrelated business taxable income," or UBTI, unless you have borrowed to acquire or carry our common stock. However, qualified trusts that hold more than 10% (by value) of certain REITs may be required to treat a certain percentage of that REIT's distributions as UBTI. This requirement will apply only if:

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the REIT would not qualify for federal income tax purposes but for the application of a "look-through" exception to the "five or fewer" requirement applicable to shares held by qualified trusts; and



•

the REIT is "predominantly held" by qualified trusts.

        A REIT is predominantly held if either:

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a single qualified trust holds more than 25% by value of the REIT interests; or



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one or more qualified trusts, each owning more than 10% by value of the REIT interests, hold in the aggregate more than 50% by value of the REIT interests.

        The percentage of any REIT dividend treated as UBTI is equal to the ratio of the UBTI earned by the REIT (treating the REIT as if it were a qualified trust and therefore subject to tax on UBTI) to the total gross income (less certain associated expenses) of the REIT.

        A de minimis exception applies where the ratio set forth in the preceding sentence is less than 5% for any year. For those purposes, a qualified trust is any trust described in section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The provisions requiring qualified trusts to treat a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI will not apply if the REIT is able to satisfy the "five or fewer" requirement without relying upon the "look-through" exception. The restrictions on ownership of our common stock in our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, will prevent application of the provisions treating a portion of REIT distributions as UBTI to tax-exempt entities purchasing our common stock, absent approval by our board of directors.

        Taxation of Foreign Stockholders.    The rules governing US federal income taxation of nonresident alien individuals, foreign corporations, foreign partnerships and other foreign stockholders (collectively, Non-US Stockholders) are complex and no attempt will be made herein to provide more than a summary of these rules. Prospective Non-US Stockholders should consult with their own tax advisors to

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determine the impact of federal, state and local income tax laws with regard to an investment in shares, including any reporting requirements.

        If you are a Non-US Stockholder, the following discussion will apply to you. Distributions that are not attributable to gain from our sales or exchanges of US real property interests and not designated by us as capital gains dividends will be treated as dividends of ordinary income to the extent that they are made out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such distributions will ordinarily be subject to a withholding tax equal to 30% of the gross amount of the distribution unless an applicable tax treaty reduces or eliminates that tax.

        However, if income from the investment in the shares is treated as effectively connected with your conduct of a US trade or business, you generally will be subject to a tax at graduated rates, in the same manner as US stockholders are taxed with respect to the distributions (and may also be subject to the 30% branch profits tax if you are a foreign corporation). We expect to withhold US income tax at the rate of 30% on the gross amount of any distributions made to you unless:

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a lower treaty rate applies, you file an IRS Form W-8BEN with us and other conditions are met; or



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you file an IRS Form W-8ECI with us claiming that the distribution is effectively connected income, and other conditions are met.

        Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will not be taxable to you to the extent that the distributions do not exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, but rather will reduce the adjusted basis of the shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of current accumulated earnings and profits exceed the adjusted basis of your shares, these distributions will give rise to tax liability if you would otherwise be subject to tax on any gain from the sale or disposition of your shares in us, as described below. If it cannot be determined at the time a distribution is made whether or not the distribution will be in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits, the distributions will be subject to withholding at the same rate as dividends. However, amounts thus withheld are refundable if it is subsequently determined that a distribution was, in fact, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

        For any year in which we qualify as a REIT, distributions that are attributable to gain from our sales or exchanges of US real property interests will be taxed to you under the provisions of the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, or FIRPTA. Under FIRPTA, distributions attributable to gain from sales of US real property interests are taxed to you as if the gain were effectively connected with a US business. You would thus be taxed at the normal capital gain rates applicable to US stockholders (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals). Also, distributions subject to FIRPTA may be subject to a 30% branch profits tax in the hands of a foreign corporate stockholder not entitled to a treaty exemption. We are required by applicable Treasury Regulations to withhold 35% of any distribution that could be designated by us as a capital gains dividend. This amount is creditable against your FIRPTA tax liability.

        Gain recognized by you upon a sale of shares generally will not be taxed under FIRPTA if we are a "domestically controlled REIT," defined generally as a REIT in which at all times during a specified testing period less than 50% in value of the stock was held directly or indirectly by foreign persons. It is currently anticipated that we will be a "domestically controlled REIT," although there can be no assurance that we will retain that status. If we are not "domestically controlled," gain recognized by you will continue to be exempt under FIRPTA if you at no time owned more than five percent of our common stock. However, gain not subject to FIRPTA will be taxable to you if:

•

investment in the shares is effectively connected with your US trade or business, in which case you will be subject to the same treatment as US stockholders with respect to the gain; or

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•

you are a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United States for more than 182 days during the taxable year and other applicable requirements are met, in which case you will be subject to a 30% tax on your capital gains.

        If the gain on the sale of shares were to be subject to taxation under FIRPTA, you will be subject to the same treatment as US stockholders with respect to the gain (subject to applicable alternative minimum tax and a special alternative minimum tax in the case of nonresident alien individuals).

        If the proceeds of a sale of shares by you are paid by or through a US office of a broker, the payment is subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless you certify as to your name, address and non-US status or otherwise establish an exemption. Generally, US information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds if the payment is made outside the US through a non-US office of a non-US broker. US information reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) will apply, however, to a payment of disposition proceeds outside the US if:

•

the payment is made through an office outside the US of a broker that is: (a) a US person; (b) a foreign person that derives 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the US; or (c) a "controlled foreign corporation" for US federal income tax purposes; and



•

the broker fails to initiate documentary evidence that you are a Non-US Stockholder and that certain conditions are met or that you otherwise are entitled to an exemption.

Other Tax Consequences

New Legislation

        On May 28, 2003, President George W. Bush signed into law the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. This new tax law will reduce the maximum individual tax rate for long-term capital gains generally from 20% to 15% (for sales occurring after May 5, 2003 through December 31, 2008) and for dividends generally from 38.6% to 15% (for tax years from 2003 through 2008). Without future congressional action, the maximum tax rate on long-term capital gains will return to 20% in 2009, and the maximum rate on dividends will move to 35% in 2009 and 39.6% in 2011. Because we are not generally subject to federal income tax on the portion of our REIT taxable income or capital gains distributed to our stockholders, our dividends will generally not be eligible for the new 15% tax rate on dividends. As a result, our ordinary REIT dividends will continue to be taxed at the higher tax rates applicable to ordinary income. However, the 15% tax rate for long-term capital gains and dividends will generally apply to:

•

your long-term capital gains, if any, recognized on the disposition of our shares;



•

our distributions designated as long-term capital gain dividends (except to the extent attributable to "unrecaptured Section 1250 gain," in which case such distributions would continue to be subject to a 25% tax rate);



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our dividends attributable to dividends received by us from non-REIT corporations, such as taxable REIT subsidiaries (i.e., a TRS); and



•

our dividends to the extent attributable to income upon which we have paid corporate income tax (e.g., to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our taxable income).

        Although this legislation does not adversely affect the taxation of REITs or dividends paid by REITs, the more favorable treatment of regular corporate dividends could cause investors who are individuals to consider stocks of other corporations that pay dividends as more attractive relative to

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stocks of REITs. It is not possible to predict whether this change in perceived relative value will occur, or what the effect will be on the market price of our stock.

Possible Legislative or Other Actions Affecting Tax Consequences

        Prospective holders of our preferred stock should recognize that the present federal income tax treatment of investment in our company may be modified by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time and that any of these actions may affect investments and commitments previously made. The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the Treasury Department, resulting in revisions of regulations and revised interpretations of established concepts as well as statutory changes. Revisions in federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could adversely affect the tax consequences of investment in our company.

State and Local Taxes

        We may be and you may be subject to state or local taxes in other jurisdictions such as those in which we may be deemed to be engaged in activities or own property or other interests. The state and local tax treatment of us may not conform to the federal income tax consequences discussed above.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may sell the securities to one or more underwriters for public offering and sale by them and may also sell the securities to investors directly or through agents. We will name any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of securities in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have reserved the right to sell or exchange securities directly to investors on our own behalf in those jurisdictions where we are authorized to do so.

        We may distribute the securities from time to time in one or more transactions:

•

at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed;



•

at market prices prevailing at the time of sale;



•

at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or



•

at negotiated prices.

        We may also, from time to time, authorize dealers, acting as our agents, to offer and sell securities upon the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. In connection with the sale of securities, we, or the purchasers of securities for whom the underwriters may act as agents, may compensate underwriters in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, an agent will be acting on a best efforts basis and a dealer will purchase securities as a principal, and may then resell the securities at varying prices to be determined by the dealer.

        When securities are to be sold to underwriters, unless otherwise set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, the underwriters' obligations to purchase those securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent. If the underwriters purchase any of the securities, they will be obligated to purchase all of the securities.

        We will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement any compensation we pay to underwriters or agents in connection with the offering of securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers. Dealers and agents participating in the distribution of securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions. We may enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to reimburse these persons for certain expenses.

        To facilitate the offering of securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over- allotments or short sales of the securities, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option, if any. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing securities in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

        Certain of the underwriters, dealers or agents and their associates may engage in transactions with and perform services for us in the ordinary course of our business.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain legal matters with respect to the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Powell Goldstein Frazer & Murphy LLP.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. included in the Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 5, 2004 for the year ended December 31, 2002 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon incorporated by reference therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

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