-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, EdIS9tXM0V3p45DExxKfUHUvO2jlLFgjXs/tO2LMP5h5XA6HgQXToEIPGwBysOiD o2fTthbC8ofzPcR6CvspFQ== 0001193125-09-040670.txt : 20090227 0001193125-09-040670.hdr.sgml : 20090227 20090227134923 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-09-040670 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 14 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20081231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090227 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090227 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: INVACARE CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000742112 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ORTHOPEDIC, PROSTHETIC & SURGICAL APPLIANCES & SUPPLIES [3842] IRS NUMBER: 952680965 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-15103 FILM NUMBER: 09641472 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE INVACARE WAY STREET 2: P O BOX 4028 CITY: ELYRIA STATE: OH ZIP: 44036 BUSINESS PHONE: 4403296000 10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-K

 

 

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

or

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 1-15103

 

 

INVACARE CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Ohio   95-2680965

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

One Invacare Way, P.O. Box 4028, Elyria, Ohio 44036

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (440) 329-6000

 

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Exchange on which Registered

Common Shares, without par value

Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares, without par value

 

New York Stock Exchange

New York Stock Exchange

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

 

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of June 30, 2008, the aggregate market value of the 28,073,726 Common Shares of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $573,826,959 and the aggregate market value of the 29,511 Class B Common Shares of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $603,205. While the Class B Common Shares are not listed for public trading on any exchange or market system, shares of that class are convertible into Common Shares at any time on a share-for-share basis. The market values indicated were calculated based upon the last sale price of the Common Shares as reported by The New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2008, which was $20.44. For purposes of this information, the 2,871,162 Common Shares and 1,080,174 Class B Common Shares which were held by Executive Officers and Directors of the Registrant were deemed to be the Common Shares and Class B Common Shares held by affiliates.

As of February 23, 2009, 31,025,638 Common Shares and 1,109,685 Class B Common Shares were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14) of this report.

Except as otherwise stated, the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is as of December 31, 2008.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION

2008 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K CONTENTS

 

Item

        Page
PART I:

1.

  

Business

   I-3

1A.

  

Risk Factors

   I-17

1B.

  

Unresolved Staff Comments

   I-27

2.

  

Properties

   I-28

3.

  

Legal Proceedings

   I-31

4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   I-31
  

Executive Officers of the Registrant

   I-31
PART II:

5.

  

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

   I-33

6.

  

Selected Financial Data

   I-36

7.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   I-37

7A.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   I-52

8.

  

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

   I-52

9.

  

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

   I-52

9A.

  

Controls and Procedures

   I-52

9B.

  

Other Information

   I-53
PART III:

10.

  

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

   I-54

11.

  

Executive Compensation

   I-54

12.

  

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

   I-54

13.

  

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

   I-54

14.

  

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

   I-54
PART IV:

15.

  

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

   I-55

Signatures

   I-56

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

GENERAL

Invacare Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor in the $8.0 billion worldwide market for medical equipment used in the home based upon its distribution channels, breadth of product line and net sales. The company designs, manufactures and distributes an extensive line of health care products for the non-acute care environment, including the home health care, retail and extended care markets. The company continuously revises and expands its product lines to meet changing market demands and currently offers numerous product lines. The company sells its products principally to over 25,000 home health care and medical equipment providers, distributors and government locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Asia. Invacare’s products are sold through its worldwide distribution network by its sales force, telesales associates and various organizations of independent manufacturers’ representatives and distributors. The company also distributes medical equipment and disposable medical supplies manufactured by others.

Invacare is committed to design, manufacture and deliver the best value in medical products, which promote recovery and active lifestyles for people requiring home and other non-acute health care. Invacare pursues this vision by:

 

   

designing and developing innovative and technologically superior products;

 

   

ensuring continued focus on our primary market—the non-acute health care market;

 

   

marketing our broad range of products;

 

   

providing a professional and cost-effective sales, customer service and distribution organization;

 

   

supplying innovative provider support and aggressive product line extensions;

 

   

building a strong referral base among health care professionals;

 

   

continuously advancing and recruiting top management candidates;

 

   

empowering all employees;

 

   

providing a performance-based reward environment; and

 

   

continually striving for total quality throughout the organization.

When the company was acquired in December 1979 by a group of investors, including some of its current officers and Directors, it had $19.5 million in net sales and a limited product line of standard wheelchairs and patient aids. In 2008, Invacare reached approximately $1.8 billion in net sales, representing a 17% compound average sales growth rate since 1979, and, based upon distribution channels, breadth of product line and net sales, currently is the leading company in each of the following major, non-acute, medical equipment categories: power and manual wheelchairs, home care bed systems and home oxygen systems.

The company’s executive offices are located at One Invacare Way, Elyria, Ohio, 44036 and its telephone number is (440) 329-6000. In this report, “Invacare” and the “company” refer to Invacare Corporation and, unless the context otherwise indicates, its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

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THE HOME MEDICAL EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY

North America Market

The home medical equipment market includes home health care products, physical rehabilitation products and other non-disposable products used for the recovery and long-term care of patients. The company believes that patients overwhelmingly prefer care and treatment in their home. There is a growing body of evidence that home care results in faster recovery and better outcomes. Homecare is more cost-effective and comfortable than institutional care by a considerable factor. A principal reason is that homecare patients are not exposed to today’s increasingly virulent strains of hospital-borne pathogens. Invacare through its diverse product and service offerings delivers a medical trifecta: patient satisfaction; better outcomes; lower costs. There is no question that an adequately equipped home is a better recovery option for a significant number of patients who face hospitalization. Demand for domestic home medical equipment products will continue to grow during the next decade and beyond as a result of the factors mentioned above and more, including:

Growth in Population over Age 65. Globally, overall life expectancy continues to increase. Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) state that the average life expectancy in the United States for men and women who reach the age of 65 is now 82 and 85, respectively. Furthermore, life expectancy in the United States at birth is now an average of 78 for men and women together, a record high. The DHHS also reports that people age 65 or older represent the vast majority of home health care patients and will increase to 12% of the population by the year 2050.

Treatment Trends. The company believes that many medical professionals and patients prefer home health care over institutional care because home health care results in greater patient independence, increased patient responsibility and improved responsiveness to treatment. Further, health care professionals, public payors and private payors appear to favor home care as a cost effective, clinically appropriate alternative to facility-based care. Recent surveys show that approximately 70% of adults would rather recover from an accident or illness in their home, while approximately 90% of the population aged 65 and over showed a preference for home-based, long-term care. In addition, the number of hospital beds per capita has fallen over the past twenty-five years in the United States, from 4.4 beds per 1,000 population in 1980 to 2.7 in 2005, a trend which is expected to continue. This decline has coincided with the reduction in average length of stays in hospitals.

Technological Trends. Technological advances have made medical equipment increasingly adaptable for use in the home. Current hospital procedures often allow for earlier patient discharge, thereby lengthening recuperation periods outside of the traditional institutional setting. In addition, continuing medical advances prolong the lives of adults and children, thus increasing the demand for home medical care equipment.

Health Care Cost Containment Trends. In 2005, health care expenditures in the United States totaled $2.0 trillion dollars or approximately 16% of the GDP, the highest among industrialized countries, and were paid by private health insurers (36%), the federal government (34%), state and local governments (11%), consumers (15%) and other private funds (4%). In 2014, the nation’s health care spending is projected to increase to $4.1 trillion, growing at an average annual rate of 6.9%. Over this same period, spending on health care is expected to increase to approximately 19.6% of GDP. The rising cost of health care has caused many payors of health care expenses to look for ways to contain costs. The company believes that home health care and home medical equipment will play a significant role in reducing health care costs. Recent trends show that home health care expenditures are becoming an increasing percentage of total health care expenditures in the United States.

Society’s Mainstreaming of People with Disabilities. People with disabilities are increasingly a part of the fabric of society, in part due to the 1991 Americans with Disabilities Act, or the “ADA.” This legislation provides mainstream opportunities to people with disabilities. The ADA imposes requirements on certain components of society to make reasonable accommodations to integrate people with disabilities into the community and the workplace.

 

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Distribution Channels. The changing home health care market continues to provide new ways of reaching the end user. The distribution network for products has expanded to include not only specialized home health care providers and extended care facilities but retail drug stores, surgical supply houses, rental, hospital and HMO-based stores, home health agencies, mass merchandisers, direct sales and the Internet.

Europe/Asia/Pacific Market

The company believes that, while many of the market factors influencing demand in the U.S. are also present in Europe and Asia/Pacific—aging of the population, technological trends and society’s acceptance of people with disabilities—each of the markets of Europe and in Asia/Pacific have distinctive characteristics. The health care industry is more heavily socialized and, therefore, is more influenced by government regulation and fiscal policy. Variations in product specifications, regulatory approval processes, distribution requirements and reimbursement policies require the company to tailor its approach. Management believes that as the European markets become more homogenous and the company continues to refine its distribution channels, the company can more effectively penetrate these markets. Likewise, the company expects to increase its sales in the highly fragmented Australian, New Zealand and Asian markets.

The company is directly affected by government regulation and reimbursement policies in virtually every country in which the company operates. In the United States, the growth of health care costs has increased at rates in excess of the rate of inflation and as a percentage of GDP for several decades. A number of efforts to control the federal deficit have impacted reimbursement levels for government sponsored health care programs, and private insurance companies and state Medicaid programs peg their reimbursement levels to Medicare.

Similar efforts are being undertaken in other countries, including for example, Germany. Reimbursement guidelines in the home health care industry have a substantial impact on the nature and type of equipment an end-user can obtain and, thus, affect the product mix, pricing and payment patterns of our customers who are medical equipment providers. The company believes its strong market position and technical expertise will allow it to respond to ongoing regulatory changes. However, the issues described above will likely continue to have significant impacts on the pricing of the company’s products.

GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENTS AND PRODUCT CATEGORIES

North America

North America includes: North America/Home Medical Equipment (NA/HME), Invacare Supply Group (ISG) and Institutional Products Group (IPG).

North America/HME

This segment includes: Rehab, Standard and Respiratory product lines as discussed below.

REHAB PRODUCTS

Power Wheelchairs. Invacare manufactures a complete line of power wheelchairs for individuals who require independent powered mobility. The range includes products that can be significantly customized to meet an individual’s specific needs, as well as products that are inherently versatile and meet a broad range of individual requirements. Power wheelchair lines are marketed under the Invacare® TDX® brand names and include a full range of powered mobility products. The TDX® line of power wheelchairs offer an unprecedented combination of power, stability and maneuverability. The Pronto® Series Power Wheelchairs with SureStep feature center-wheel drive performance for exceptional maneuverability and intuitive driving. Power tilt and recline systems are offered as well.

 

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Custom Manual Wheelchairs. Invacare manufactures and markets a range of custom manual wheelchairs for everyday, sports and recreational uses. These lightweight chairs are marketed under the Invacare®  and Invacare Top End® brand names. The chairs provide mobility for people with moderate to severe disabilities in their everyday activities as well as for use in various sports such as basketball, racing and tennis.

Personal Mobility. Invacare manufactures the AT’m portable power wheelchair for consumers needing light duty powered mobility with the ability to quickly disassemble and be transported even in a compact or mid-sized vehicle. In addition, Invacare distributes two portable, compact scooters for consumers needing powered mobility and capable of operating a tiller. The Lynx model scooters are available in three-wheel and four-wheel versions.

Seating and Positioning Products. Invacare markets seat cushions, back supports and accessories under three series. Invacare® Absolute Series provides simple seating solutions for comfort, fit and function. Invacare InTouch Series includes versatile modular seating, providing optimal rehab solutions. Invacare PinDot Series offers custom seating solutions personalized for the most challenged clients. The company also has a product line of seating products and wheelchairs for the pediatric market.

STANDARD PRODUCTS

Manual Wheelchairs. Invacare’s manual wheelchairs are sold for use inside and outside the home, institutional settings, or public places. Our clients include people who are chronically or temporarily disabled and require basic mobility performance with little or no frame modification. Examples of our manual wheelchair lines, which are marketed under the Invacare® brand name, include the 9000 and Tracer® product lines. These lines offer wheelchairs that are designed to accommodate the diverse capabilities and unique needs of the individual from petite to bariatric sizes.

Personal Care. Invacare manufactures and/or distributes a full line of personal care products, including ambulatory aids such as crutches, canes, walkers and wheeled walkers. This category also features the Value Line Rollator, one of the latest Value Line products. Value Line products are products that are cost-effective, easy to use and contain the features and benefits that providers, clinicians and individuals require. Also available are safety aids such as tub transfer benches, shower chairs and grab bars, and patient care products such as commodes and other toilet assist aids.

Home Care Beds. Invacare manufactures and distributes a wide variety of manual, semi-electric and fully electric beds for home use under the Invacare® brand name. Home care bed accessories include bedside rails, mattresses, overbed tables, trapeze bars and traction equipment. Also available are new bariatric beds and accompanying accessories to serve the special needs of bariatric patients.

Low Air Loss Therapy Products. Invacare distributes a complete line of mattress overlays and replacement products, under the Invacare® brand name. These products, which use air flotation to redistribute weight and move moisture away from patients, assist in the total care of those who are immobile and spend a great deal of time in bed.

Patient Transport. Invacare manufactures and/or distributes products needed to assist in transferring individuals from surface to surface (bed to chair) or transporting from room to room. Designed for use in the home and institutional settings, these products include patient lifts and slings, and a new series of mobile, multi-functional recliners.

RESPIRATORY PRODUCTS

Invacare manufactures and/or distributes home respiratory products, including: oxygen concentrators, HomeFill® oxygen delivery systems, sleep apnea products, aerosol therapy and associated respiratory product lines. The company’s home respiratory products are marketed predominantly under the Invacare® brand name. The Invacare® HomeFill® oxygen delivery system enables people to safely and easily make compressed oxygen in their home and store it in cylinders for future use.

 

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OTHER PRODUCTS

Invacare also manufactures markets and distributes many accessory products, including spare parts, wheelchair cushions, arm rests, wheels and respiratory parts. In some cases, the company’s accessory items are built to be interchangeable so that they can be used to replace parts on products manufactured by others.

Invacare Supply Group

Invacare distributes numerous lines of branded medical supplies including ostomy, incontinence, diabetic, interals, wound care and urology products as wells as home medical equipment, including aids for daily living. Invacare Supply Group (ISG) also sells through the retail market.

Institutional Products Group

Invacare, operating as Institutional Products Group (IPG), is a manufacturer and distributor of healthcare furnishings including beds, case goods and patient handling equipment for the long-term care markets, specialty clinical recliners for dialysis and oncology clinics and certain other home medical equipment and accessory products.

Asia/Pacific

The company’s Asia/Pacific operations consist of Invacare Australia, which distributes the Invacare range of products which includes: manual and power wheelchairs, lifts, ramps, beds, furniture and pressure care products; Dynamic Controls, a manufacturer of electronic operating components used in power wheelchairs, scooters and other products; Invacare New Zealand, a distributor of a wide range of home medical equipment; and Invacare Asia, which imports and distributes home medical equipment to the Asian markets.

Europe

The company’s European operations operate as a “common market” company with sales throughout Europe. The European operations currently sell a line of products providing room for growth as Invacare continues to broaden its product line offerings to more closely resemble those of its North American operations.

Most wheelchair products sold in Europe are designed locally to meet specific market requirements. The company manufactures and/or assembles both manual and power wheelchair products at the following European facilities: Invacare UK Ltd. in the United Kingdom, Invacare Poirier S.A.S. in France, Invacare (Deutschland) GmbH in Germany and Ulrich Alber Gmbh in Germany. Manual wheelchair products are also manufactured and/or assembled at Invacare Portugal, Kuschall AG in Switzerland (the Kuschall range), and Invacare Rea AB in Sweden, beds and patient lifts at EC-Hong A/S in Denmark and personal care products at Aquatec GmbH in Germany and Dolomite AB in Sweden. Oxygen products such as concentrators and the HomeFill® oxygen delivery system are imported from Invacare U.S. or China operations.

For information relating to net sales by product group, see Business Segments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

WARRANTY

Generally, the company’s products are covered from the date of sale to the customer by warranties against defects in material and workmanship for various periods depending on the product. Certain components carry a lifetime warranty.

 

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COMPETITION

North America and Asia/Pacific

The home medical equipment market is highly competitive and Invacare products face significant competition from other well-established manufacturers. The company believes that its success in increasing market share is dependent on providing value to the customer based on the quality, performance and price of the company products, the range of products offered, the technical expertise of the sales force, the effectiveness of the company distribution system, the strength of the dealer and distributor network and the availability of prompt and reliable service for its products. Various manufacturers, from time to time, have instituted price-cutting programs in an effort to gain market share and may do so again in the future.

Europe

As a result of the differences encountered in the European marketplace, competition generally varies from one country to another. The company typically encounters one or two strong competitors in each country, some of them becoming regional leaders in specific product lines.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

North America and Asia/Pacific

Invacare products are marketed in the United States and Asia/Pacific primarily to providers who in turn sell or rent these products directly to consumers within the non-acute care setting. Invacare’s primary customer is the home medical equipment (HME) provider. The company also employs a “pull-through” marketing strategy to medical professionals, including physical and occupational therapists, who refer their patients to HME providers to obtain specific types of home medical equipment, as well as to consumers, who express a product or brand preference.

Invacare’s domestic sales and marketing organization consists primarily of a homecare sales force, which markets and sells Invacare® branded products to HME providers. Each member of Invacare’s home care sales force functions as a Territory Business Manager (TBM) and handles all product and service needs for an account, thus saving customers’ valuable time. The TBM also provides training and servicing information to providers, as well as product literature, point-of-sale materials and other advertising and merchandising aids. In Canada, products are sold by a sales force and distributed through regional distribution centers in Quebec to health care providers throughout Canada.

The Inside Sales Department provides increased sales coverage of smaller accounts and complements the efforts of the field sales force. Inside Sales offers cost-effective sales coverage through a targeted telesales effort, and has delivered solid sales growth since its existence.

Invacare’s Technical Education department offers education programs that continue to place emphasis on improving the productivity of repair technicians. The Service Referral Network includes numerous providers who honor the company’s product warranties regardless of where the product was purchased. This network of servicing providers seeks to ensure that all consumers using Invacare products receive quality service and support that is consistent with the Invacare brand promise.

The company markets products and services to the long-term care market through IPG. IPG products include beds and furnishings, patient handling, bathing, therapeutic support surfaces and DME products. IPG sales and marketing organizations consist of field sales representatives and independent rep agencies supported by a marketing group that generates awareness and demand at nursing homes for Invacare products and services. IPG also provides interior design services for nursing homes and assisted living facilities involved with renovation and new construction.

 

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In 2008, Invacare launched Invacare iPartner Solutionssm, a growing suite of programs and services designed to simplify business for HME providers, reduce their costs, optimize their resources and improve their bottom line. Invacare iPartner Solutionssm will help HME providers respond to the challenges associated with competitive bidding, escalating operating costs and changes in Medicare reimbursement. The Invacare iPartner Solutionssm portfolio is currently divided into three areas: equipment maintenance solutions, business solutions and billing solutions.

The company sells distributed products, primarily soft goods and disposable medical supplies, through ISG. ISG products include ostomy, incontinence, wound care and diabetic supplies, as well as other soft goods and disposables. ISG markets its products through field account managers, inside telesales, a customer service department and the Internet. Additionally, ISG entered the long-term care market on a regional basis and markets to those nursing homes utilizing independent manufacturer representatives. ISG also markets a Home Delivery Program to home medical equipment providers through which ISG drop ships supplies in the provider’s name to the customer’s address. Thus, providers have no products to stock, no minimum order requirements and delivery is made within 24 to 48 hours nationwide. ISG also offers many customized marketing programs designed to help its customers create awareness, grow companion and cash sales and assist in patient retention.

Invacare continues to improve performance and usability on www.invacare.com. In 2008, the company focused on the implementation of a new website platform and web interface for Invacare.com, Invacare.ca and Invacare Pro. The goal was to create a more usable web presence, concentrating on a customer-centric approach that allows the company to field a user interface that more closely represents customer needs.

Also in 2008, the company continued its strategic advertising campaign in key trade publications that reach the providers of home medical equipment. The company also contributed extensively to editorial coverage in trade publications concerning the products the company manufactures and our representatives attended numerous trade shows and conferences on a national and regional basis in which Invacare products were displayed to providers, health care professionals and consumers. “Yes, You Can” continues to be Invacare’s global tagline, and it remains steadfast in the new HME ads and indicative of the company’s “can do” attitude.

The company continues to generate greater consumer awareness of its products. This was evidenced by the company’s sponsorship of a variety of wheelchair sporting events and support of various philanthropic causes benefiting the consumers of our products. The company continued its sponsorships of individual wheelchair athletes and teams, including several of the top-ranked male and female racers, handcyclists, and wheelchair tennis players in the world. In fact, athletes using Invacare Top End wheelchair equipment brought home 122 medals from the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, China. In addition, Invacare was the title sponsor for the tenth year in a row of the Invacare World Team Cup of Wheelchair Tennis Tournament, which took place in June in Italy. The company also continued its support of disabled veterans through its sponsorship of the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. The games bring a competitive and recreational sports experience to military service veterans who use wheelchairs for their mobility needs due to spinal cord injury, neurological conditions or amputation.

Europe

The company’s European operations consist primarily of manufacturing, marketing and distribution operations in Western Europe and export sales activities through local distributors elsewhere in the world. The company has a sales force and where appropriate, distribution centers in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Norway and the Netherlands, and sells through distributors elsewhere in Europe. In markets where the company has its own sales force, product sales are typically made through dealers of medical equipment and, in certain markets, directly to government agencies. In 2008, the continued consolidation of big buying groups tending to develop their business on a European scale has confirmed itself. As a result, Invacare is generalizing the application of pan-European pricing policies.

 

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The company’s top 10 customers accounted for approximately 10% of 2008 net sales. The loss of business of one or more of these customers or buying groups may have a significant impact on the company, although no single customer accounted for more than 3% of the company’s 2008 net sales. Providers who are part of a buying group generally make individual purchasing decisions and are invoiced directly by the company.

PRODUCT LIABILITY COSTS

The company’s captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Company, currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses of $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate of the company’s North American product liability exposure. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage insuring up to $75,000,000 in annual aggregate losses arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’s per country foreign liability limits, as applicable. There can be no assurance that Invacare’s current insurance levels will continue to be adequate or available at affordable rates.

Product liability reserves are recorded for individual claims based upon historical experience, industry expertise and indications from the third-party actuary. Additional reserves, in excess of the specific individual case reserves, are provided for incurred but not reported claims based upon third-party actuarial valuations at the time such valuations are conducted. Historical claims experience and other assumptions are taken into consideration by the third-party actuary to estimate the ultimate reserves. For example, the actuarial analysis assumes that historical loss experience is an indicator of future experience, that the distribution of exposures by geographic area and nature of operations for ongoing operations is expected to be very similar to historical operations with no dramatic changes and that the government indices used to trend losses and exposures are appropriate. Estimates made are adjusted on a regular basis and can be impacted by actual loss award settlements on claims. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company accepts responsibility for the determination and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING

Invacare is committed to continuously improving its existing product lines in a focused manner. In 2008, new product development continued to be a focus as part of Invacare’s strategy to gain market share and maintain a competitive advantage along with beginning to globally standardize certain product platforms. To this end, the company introduced several new products and product enhancements. The following are some of the most significant 2008 product developments:

North America/HME

Invacare® G-trac™ Electronic Gyroscope module offers power wheelchair users with alternative driver controls, an added level of control for safe, consistent driving performance. Improved tracking makes it possible for the chair to drive straight on the intended path of the user. Side sloped terrain (even slightly); obstacles that only one wheel encounter or come upon one side ahead of the other (such as door jambs); steps and curbs approached at an angle; and soft or rough unleveled terrain, all make it difficult for power chairs with alternative driver controls to stay on course without veering to one side or the other. The G-Trac module makes it possible to safely and independently drive a power chair in these environments.

Invacare launched a new Infrared Control Module for Invacare® power wheelchair users with Invacare® MK6i™ Expandable Electronics. This new control module will allow power wheelchair users to utilize their driver control to operate up to six remote control devices such as televisions, stereos and DVD players, lights and switches using standard X-10 technology, even operate a TASH® Infrared telephone.

 

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The Invacare power team spent much of 2007 and 2008 streamlining its five rehab powered seating platforms down to one—Invacare® Formula™CG powered seating. To further leverage the features and benefits of this new powered seating system, the company enhanced key features of the product to bring further clinical benefits to rehab patients. Invacare continues to be the total custom rehab solution for power bases, powered seating and electronics.

The Invacare® Top End® Crossfire™ T6A custom manual wheelchair is the latest extension of the Top End Crossfire custom manual wheelchair platform. The T6A is the one of the most versatile, lightweight rigid chairs on the market today with literally thousands of configuration possibilities. The T6A was created to address the needs of both experienced and new users who want performance, comfort and durability in a lightweight package.

The Invacare® Top End® Force™ handcycle features a center frame construction, which has an internal rib that reinforces the frame making it super stiff for maximum transfer of power. The Force’s center frame design also allows for transfers that are easier than any other handcycles in its class. In addition, the Force’s aerodynamic design offers an adjustable, lie-down, reclining or recumbent position which ensures optimum comfort using mostly arm, shoulder and chest muscles. This is the position preferred by paraplegics and quadriplegics.

In 2008, Invacare launched the XPO2™ portable concentrator, which was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for use onboard passenger aircraft. The XPO2, named for its extreme portability, is a small, lightweight, durable portable concentrator that is also clinically robust. It offers a pulse dose oxygen delivery system with settings from one to five, and weighs a mere six pounds.

Invacare Respiratory Products also continued to develop new technologies, including the Invacare® select aerosol compressor, a standard compressor packaged with a disposable nebulizer. This is an economic option in Invacare’s line-up of aerosol delivery devices. The company is also developing a quieter version of the Invacare® Perfecto2 Oxygen Concentrator. The Perfecto2™ Whisper oxygen concentrator is expected to launch in 2009 with a significantly lower decibel level than the Perfecto2, making it the smallest, lightest, quietest and most energy efficient 5-liter concentrator ever produced by Invacare. Additionally, Invacare is developing its first pneumatic conserver, which the company plans to launch in early 2009. This is Invacare’s first foray into the conserver market. It is a pulse dose, pneumatic conserver with a 3.5 to 1 conserving ratio.

Invacare Standard Products launched a new line of Therapeutic Support Surfaces (TSS). This line includes the Invacare® Solace™ Foam and Invacare® MicroAir™ Powered TSS Products. These products represent the first time that a complete line of TSS products has been available nationwide under a single trusted brand name. The products offer unique improvements resulting in a line that blends technology with comfort. In 2009, the line will be expanded into bariatric sizes and bolstered version as well.

The Invacare® Get-U-Up™ lift is the market’s first hydraulic stand-up lift which gives patients the benefits of a standing lift versus a full-body lift but at a price level more appropriate for a homecare market.

Asia/Pacific

Asia/Pacific continued range extensions and design improvements to products during 2008 and introduced various new products such as the Dynamic Controls DX-2 wheelchair controller and various new power and manual wheelchairs in Australia.

Europe

During 2008, Europe introduced fourteen new products. The following are some of the most significant 2008 product developments:

Typhoon® II is a high-performance power chair for active people. The Centre Wheel drive feature offers outstanding indoor and outdoor maneuverability while the Sure Step® system provides excellent

 

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stability. Driving performance has been improved: the power chair can now easily handle uneven terrain and overcome obstacles even when driving backwards. TruTrack® is now available as standard equipment on this wheelchair.

TDX® SP (Total Driving eXperience) is a power wheelchair that takes all the best features of the TDX® series and improves upon them with enhanced performance, superior ride quality, quieter chassis and an elegantly simple design. Built-in technologies include a True Center Wheel drive, Enhanced SureStep®, Traction Control Design, Quiet Stability Lock, MK6i Electronics and powerful 4-pole motors. The TDX® SP is designed to meet the needs of rehab clients who demand performance and style.

K-Nova: This state of the art Limited Edition wheelchair can definitely be called a “cut above the rest.” Studded with 219 Swarovski Crystals the Kuschall® K-Nova is a work of art and only 444 chairs are being produced worldwide. The Kuschall® K-Nova gives our trendsetting users the technological benefits of the K-Series as well as a one-of-a-kind design.

Kuschall® Champion features a dynamic design and unique one-motion folding mechanism. The Kuschall® Champion remains the essential wheelchair. Foldable and with the stability and driving performance of a rigid wheelchair, the Champion is the ideal wheelchair for daily life as well as travel.

Kuschall® Ultra-Light active wheelchair will let you benefit from a wheelchair that is adjusted exactly to your personal needs. Wherever your path might lead you, its extraordinary lightness and maneuverability, the Ultra-Light will always help you reach your goal.

Invacare® XLT is the ideal active, rigid chair for day to day use. Designed to be perfectly adjusted to fit the body, the XLT offers its users a wide range of various levels of support, enabling and even improving independence and mobility.

Rea® Azalea™ Minor is designed for users that require a seat that has a smaller depth and width. Adapted from the Rea® Azalea, it boasts all the advantages of a reliable, tilt-able wheelchair with its special weight-shifting mechanism. This new model is ideal for all users that require a solid, stable wheelchair.

Comet™ is a four wheel scooter featuring a safe, fast and enjoyable drive. Reliability remains the hallmark of this secure and speedy scooter. Whether stocking up at the supermarket or challenging its outdoor performance, you can rely on the Comet to get you where you want to go, quickly, in comfort and with peace of mind. By combining rugged outdoor capabilities with ergonomics and good looks, the Invacare® Comet is a stellar solution for your transportation needs.

Orion™ is a four wheel scooter equipped with multiple features to ensure a safe and easy ride. Imagine being able to undertake long journeys in complete safety and comfort. Whether you enjoy a daily trip to the shops or love to travel further afield, the Invacare® Orion gives you freedom of independence. Combining ergonomics with style, Orion is the obvious choice for relaxing, reliable drive.

Perfecto2™ is the smallest, lightest, quietest and most energy efficient 5-liter concentrator ever produced by Invacare. Packaged in a contemporary, patient-preferred design, the high-performance Perfecto2 unit incorporates all of the best features of the market-leading Platinum XL concentrator, while significantly improving upon the key specifications of the Platinum XL. Also available with the SensO2 oxygen sensor (IRC5PO2), the Perfecto2 concentrator represents a quantum leap forward in the evolution of oxygen concentrators.

Invacare® Birdie™ and Birdie™ Compact lifts offer maximum space for users and allows comfortable lifts and transfer to or from beds, chairs or even the floor. The lifters are designed to ensure that folding and unfolding can be carried out easily and without the need for tools. In addition, the lifter can be dismantled into two parts if needed and without tools.

Aquatec Ocean Shower transit chair is a self propel, reclining and electric shower chair commode to meet the needs of many users. The full range of chairs is height adjustable and can be easily adapted to many body measurements and weights providing comfortable and ergonomic sitting positions.

 

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Dolomite Jazz is an aluminum light weight rollator that folds simply into a compact, upright position allowing for easy storage. It combines modern design features with exceptional functionality. Adjustment possibilities in the height and handles combined with a built-in brake system provide stability, comfort and safety for a wide range of users.

Softform Premier Active Glide is an active mattress developed for both the acute and community settings, and is comprised of a Softform Premier mattress, widely recognized as a leading high risk active mattress for pressure area care.

An “electronic spare part list” has been introduced to the Invacare Europe after sales service departments which has improved product spare part selection and customer service.

MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS

The company’s objective is to continue to reduce costs through facility consolidation and headcount reductions along with reducing fixed costs through transitioning to more assembly operations while maintaining the highest quality supply chain in the industry. The company seeks to achieve this objective through a strategic combination of Invacare manufacturing facilities, contract manufacturing facilities and key suppliers. The operational strategy further supports the marketing strategy with flexible providers of new and modified products that respond to the demands of the market.

The supply chain is focused on providing custom, configured, made-to-order products from facilities close to the customers in each of its major markets. As strategic choices are made globally, those facilities that remain in higher-cost regions of North America and Europe will be factories focused on providing these specific competitive advantages to the marketing and sales teams in these regions.

The company continues to place specific emphasis on shifting production over the next few years to Asian sourcing opportunities, including China and India, which is a component of the company’s multi-year manufacturing and distribution strategy and supports the company-wide cost reduction goals. Access to sourcing opportunities has been facilitated by our establishment of a full test and design engineering facility in our location in Suzhou, China. In Asia, Invacare manufactures products that serve regional market opportunities through our wholly-owned factory in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. The Suzhou facility supplies products to the major regions of the world served by Invacare: North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

Best practices in lean manufacturing are used throughout the company’s operations to eliminate waste, shorten lead times, optimize inventory, improve productivity, drive quality and engage supply chain associates in the defining and implementation of needed change.

The company purchases raw materials, components, sub-assemblies and finished goods from a variety of suppliers around the world. The company’s Hong Kong-based Asian sourcing and purchasing office has proven to be a significant asset to our supply chain through its development and management of suppliers across Asia. Where appropriate, Invacare utilizes contracts with suppliers in all regions to increase the guarantees of delivery, cost, quality and responsiveness. In those situations where contracts are not advantageous, Invacare works to manage multiple sources of supply and relationships that provide increased flexibility to the supply chain.

North America

The company has focused its factories in North America on the final assembly of powered mobility and custom manual wheelchairs, the fully integrated manufacture of homecare and institutional care beds, the final assembly of respiratory products and the integrated component fabrication, painting and final assembly of a variety of standard manual wheelchairs and commodes. The company operates four major factories located in Elyria, Ohio; Sanford, Florida; London, Ontario and Reynosa, Mexico.

 

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Asia/Pacific

The company continues to aggressively integrate its operations in Australia to maximize the leverage of operational efficiencies. In addition, the company’s cost reduction initiative to move controller manufacturing from New Zealand to China was completed during the year.

Europe

The company has eleven manufacturing facilities spread throughout Europe with the capability to manufacture patient aid, wheelchair, powered mobility, bath safety, beds and patient transport products. The European manufacturing and logistics facilities are focused on accelerating opportunities for streamlining to gain significant synergies in cost and quality over the next few years.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

The company is directly affected by government regulation and reimbursement policies in virtually every country in which it operates. Government regulations and health care policy differ from country to country, and within some countries (most notably the U.S., European Union, Australia, Canada and increasingly Asia), from state to state or province to province. Changes in regulations and health care policy take place frequently and can impact the size, growth potential and profitability of products sold in each market.

In the U.S., the growth of health care costs has increased at rates in excess of the rate of inflation and as a percentage of GDP for several decades. A number of efforts to control the federal deficit have impacted reimbursement levels for government sponsored health care programs and private insurance companies often imitate changes made in federal programs. Reimbursement guidelines in the home health care industry have a substantial impact on the nature and type of equipment an end user can obtain and thus, affect the product mix, pricing and payment patterns of the company’s customers who are the HME providers.

The company continues its pro-active efforts to shape public policy that impacts home and community-based, non-acute health care. The company is currently very active with federal legislation and regulatory policy makers. Invacare believes that these efforts give the company a competitive advantage in two ways. First, customers frequently express appreciation for our efforts on behalf of the entire industry. Second, sometimes the company has the ability to anticipate and plan for changes in public policy, unlike most other HME manufacturers who must react to change after it occurs.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) regulates the manufacture and sale of medical devices. Under such regulation, medical devices are classified as Class I, Class II or Class III devices. The company’s principal products are designated as Class I or Class II devices. In general, Class I devices must comply with labeling and record keeping requirements and are subject to other general controls. In addition to general controls, certain Class II devices must comply with product design and manufacturing controls established by the FDA. Domestic and foreign manufacturers of medical devices distributed commercially in the U.S. are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA. Furthermore, state, local and foreign governments have adopted regulations relating to the design, manufacture and marketing of health care products. During the past two years, the FDA inspected the Taylor Street manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. The FDA documented its inspectional observations on FDA Form 483 which the company is currently addressing. In addition, the management systems of all locations required to meet ISO 13485 requirements for Canada, Europe and other foreign markets were inspected during 2008 and found to be certifiable as such.

From time to time, the company may undertake voluntary recalls or field corrective actions of our products to maintain ongoing customer relationships and to enhance our reputation for adhering to high standards of quality and safety. None of the company’s actions has been classified by the FDA as high risk (Class I). The company continues to strengthen its programs to better ensure compliance with applicable regulations, particularly those which could have a material adverse effect on the company.

 

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The company occasionally sponsors clinical studies, usually involving its respiratory or sleep products. These studies have historically been non-significant risk studies with human subjects. Such studies, their protocols, participant criteria and all results are registered in the Clinical Registry managed by the National Institutes of Health and available to the public via the Internet.

Although there are a number of reimbursement related issues in most of the countries in which Invacare competes, the issues of primary importance are currently in the United States. There are two critical reimbursement issues for the company: the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implementation of National Competitive Bidding (NCB) which Congress delayed last year for 18 to 24 months and changes to Medicare reimbursement payments for home oxygen mandated by the Deficit Reduction Act.

Effective January, 2009, CMS announced Medicare reimbursement cuts of 9.5% for those product categories which had been included in phase one of the now delayed NCB program. However, it is expected that CMS will continue its implementation of NCB in 2009 and thereafter.

In addition to the 9.5% reduction in oxygen reimbursement from Medicare, the Deficit Reduction Act’s thirty-six month limit on rental payments for home oxygen went into effect January 1, 2009. CMS has clarified that payments do restart after sixty months of a patient’s usage of oxygen.

Although these reductions in Medicare payments are not beneficial to the home care industry, the company believes that it can still grow and thrive in this environment. No significant cost-of-living adjustments have been made over the last few years to the reimbursement and payment amounts permitted under Medicare with respect to the company’s products, but the company will continue to try to respond with improved productivity to address the lack of support from Congress. In addition, the company’s new respiratory products (for example, the low cost HomeFill® oxygen delivery system) can help offset the Medicare reimbursement cuts to the home care provider. The company will continue to focus on developing products that help the provider improve profitability. Additionally, the company continues to focus on low-cost country sourcing and/or manufacturing to help ensure that the company is one of the lowest cost manufacturers and distributors to the home care provider.

BACKLOG

The company generally manufactures most of its products to meet near-term demands by shipping from stock or by building to order based on the specialty nature of certain products. Therefore, the company does not have substantial backlog of orders of any particular product nor does it believe that backlog is a significant factor for its business.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2008, the company had approximately 6,100 employees.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES

The company also markets its products for export to other foreign countries. In 2008, the company had product sales in over 80 countries worldwide. For information relating to net sales, operating income and identifiable assets of the company’s foreign operations, see Business Segments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The company files Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments thereto, as well as proxy statements and other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The public may read and copy any material that the company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website, www.sec.gov, which contains all reports, proxy statements and other information filed by the company with the SEC.

Additionally, Invacare’s filings with the SEC are available on or through the company’s website, www.invacare.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically with, or furnished to, the SEC. Copies of the company’s filings also can be requested, free of charge, by writing to: Shareholder Relations Department, Invacare Corporation, One Invacare Way, P.O. Box 4028, Elyria, OH 44036-2125.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Terms such as “will,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “continue,” “forecast,” “believe,” “anticipate” and “seek,” as well as similar comments, are forward-looking in nature. Actual results and events may differ significantly from those expressed or anticipated as a result of risks and uncertainties which include, but are not limited to, the following: possible adverse effects of being substantially leveraged, which could impact our ability to raise capital, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry or expose us to interest rate or event of default risks; adverse changes in government and other third-party payor reimbursement levels and practices; consolidation of health care providers and our competitors; loss of key health care providers; ineffective cost reduction and restructuring efforts; inability to design, manufacture, distribute and achieve market acceptance of new products with higher functionality and lower costs; extensive government regulation of our products; lower cost imports; increased freight costs; failure to comply with regulatory requirements or receive regulatory clearance or approval for our products or operations in the United States or abroad; potential product recalls; uncollectible accounts receivable; the uncertain impact on our providers, on our suppliers and on the demand for our products of the recent global economic downturn and general volatility in the credit and stock markets; difficulties in implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system; legal actions or regulatory proceedings and governmental investigations; product liability claims; inadequate patents or other intellectual property protection; incorrect assumptions concerning demographic trends that impact the market for our products; provisions of Ohio law or in our debt agreements, our shareholder rights plan or our charter documents that may prevent or delay a change in control; the loss of the services of our key management and personnel; decreased availability or increased costs of raw materials which could increase our costs of producing our products; inability to acquire strategic acquisition candidates because of limited financing alternatives; risks inherent in managing and operating businesses in many different foreign jurisdictions; increased security concerns and potential business interruption risks associated with political and/or social unrest in foreign countries where the company’s facilities or assets are located; exchange rate and tax rate fluctuations, as well as the risks described from time to time in Invacare’s reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to review or update any forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments or otherwise.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The company’s business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this annual report on Form 10-K and in the company’s other filings with the SEC, before making any investment decision with respect to the company’s securities. The risks and uncertainties described below may not be the only ones the company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known by the company or that the company currently deems immaterial may also affect the company’s business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occur, develop or worsen, the company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could change substantially.

Changes in government and other third-party payor reimbursement levels and practices have negatively impacted and could continue to negatively impact the company’s revenues and profitability.

The company’s products are sold through a network of medical equipment and home health care providers, extended care facilities, hospital and HMO-based stores, and other providers. Many of these providers (the company’s customers) are reimbursed for the products and services provided to their customers and patients by third-party payors, such as government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, private insurance plans and managed care programs. Most of these programs set maximum reimbursement levels for some of the products sold by the company in the United States and abroad. If third-party payors deny coverage, make the reimbursement process or documentation requirements more uncertain or further reduce their current levels of reimbursement (i.e., beyond the reductions described below), or if the company’s costs of production increase faster than increases in reimbursement levels, the company may be unable to sell the affected product(s) through its distribution channels on a profitable basis.

Reduced government reimbursement levels and changes in reimbursement policies have in the past added, and could continue to add, significant pressure to the company’s revenues and profitability. For example, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced U.S. reimbursement cuts of 9.5% for those product categories which had been included in phase one of the now delayed National Competitive Bidding (NCB) program. These U.S. cuts were effective January 1, 2009. In addition to the 9.5% reduction on oxygen reimbursement from Medicare mentioned above, the Deficit Reduction Act’s limit on 36 months of rental payments for home oxygen went into effect January 1, 2009. CMS has clarified that payments do restart after 60 months of a patient’s usage of oxygen. However, Invacare’s new respiratory products (for example, the low cost HomeFill® oxygen delivery system) can help offset the reimbursement cuts that the home care provider is receiving from Medicare.

Similar trends and concerns are occurring in state Medicaid programs. These recent changes to reimbursement policies, and any additional unfavorable reimbursement policies or budgetary cuts that may be adopted in the future, could adversely affect the demand for the company’s products by customers who depend on reimbursement from the government-funded programs. The percentage of the company’s overall sales that are dependent on Medicare or other insurance programs may increase as the portion of the U.S. population over age 65 continues to grow, making the company more vulnerable to reimbursement level reductions by these organizations. Reduced government reimbursement levels also could result in reduced private payor reimbursement levels because some third-party payors may index their reimbursement schedules to Medicare fee schedules. Reductions in reimbursement levels also may affect the profitability of the company’s customers and ultimately force some customers without strong financial resources to go out of business. The reductions that went into effect recently may prove to be so dramatic that some of the company’s customers may not be able to adapt quickly enough to survive. The company is the industry’s largest creditor and an increase in bankruptcies in the company’s customer base could have an adverse effect on the company’s financial results.

Outside the United States, reimbursement systems vary significantly by country. Many foreign markets have government-managed health care systems that govern reimbursement for new home health care products. The ability of hospitals and other providers supported by such systems to purchase the company’s products is

 

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dependent, in part, upon public budgetary constraints. Canada, Germany and other European countries, for example, have tightened reimbursement rates and other countries may follow. If adequate levels of reimbursement from third-party payors outside of the United States are not obtained, international sales of the company’s products may decline, which could adversely affect the company’s net sales and would have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The impact of all the changes discussed above is uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The consolidation of health care customers and the company’s competitors could result in a loss of customers or in additional competitive pricing pressures.

Numerous initiatives and reforms instituted by legislators, regulators and third-party payors to reduce home medical equipment costs have resulted in a consolidation trend in the home medical equipment industry as well as among the company’s customers, including home health care providers. Some of the company’s competitors have been lowering the purchase prices of their products in an effort to attract customers. This in turn has resulted in greater pricing pressures, including pressure to offer customers more competitive pricing terms, and the exclusion of certain suppliers from important market segments as group purchasing organizations, independent delivery networks and large single accounts continue to consolidate purchasing decisions for some of the company’s customers. Further consolidation could result in a loss of customers, in increased collectability risks, or in increased competitive pricing pressures.

The company is subject to risks arising out of the current global economic and credit crisis.

As is the case for many companies operating in the current economic environment, the company is exposed to a number of risks arising out of the global credit crisis. These risks include the possibility that: one or more of the lenders participating in the company’s revolving credit facility may be unable or unwilling to extend credit to the company; the third party company that provides lease financing to the company’s customers may refuse or be unable to fulfill its financing obligations or extend credit to the company’s customers; one or more customers of the company may be unable to pay for purchases of the company’s products on a timely basis; one or more key suppliers may be unable or unwilling to provide critical goods or services to the company; and one or more of the counterparties to the company’s hedging arrangements may be unable to fulfill its obligations to the company. Although the company has taken actions in an effort to mitigate these risks, during periods of economic downturn, the company’s exposure to these risks increases. Events of this nature may adversely affect the company’s liquidity or sales and revenues, and therefore have an adverse effect on the company’s business and results of operations.

The company’s reported results may be adversely affected by increases in reserves for uncollectible accounts receivable.

The company has a large balance of accounts receivable and has established a reserve for the portion of such accounts receivable that the company estimates will not be collected because of the company’s customers’ non-payment. The reserve is based on historical trends and current relationships with the company’s customers and providers. Changes in the company’s collection rates can result from a number of factors, including turnover in personnel, changes in the payment policies or practices of payor changes in industry rates or pace of reimbursement or changes in the financial health of the company’s customers. As a result of recent changes in Medicare reimbursement regulations, specifically changes to the qualification processes and reimbursement levels of consumer power wheelchairs and custom power wheelchairs, the business viability of several of the company’s customers has become questionable. The company’s reserve for uncollectible receivables has fluctuated in the past and will continue to fluctuate in the future. Changes in rates of collection or fluctuations, even if they are small in absolute terms, could require the company to increase its reserve for uncollectible receivables beyond its current level. The company has reviewed the accounts receivables, including those receivables financed through DLL, associated with many of its customers that are most exposed to these issues.

 

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As part of the company’s 2006 financial results, the company recorded an incremental accounts receivable reserve of $26.8 million and continues to closely monitor collections and the credit-worthiness of the company’s customers. The company also has implemented tighter credit policies. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the company wrote-off $15,868,000 in installment receivables and $5,856,000 in trade accounts receivable which the company determined could not be collected, for which allowances had been previously recorded. The write-offs were associated with a customer against whom the company initiated foreclosure proceedings in May 2008 and with respect to which the court issued a foreclosure order in September 2008, which allowed the company to recover a limited amount of what was owed. If the business viability of certain of the company’s customers continues to deteriorate, or if the company’s credit policies are ineffective in reducing the company’s exposures to credit risk, additional increases in reserves for uncollectible accounts may be necessary, which could adversely affect the company’s financial results.

The industry in which the company operates is highly competitive and some of the company’s competitors may be larger and may have greater financial resources than the company does.

The home medical equipment market is highly competitive and the company’s products face significant competition from other well-established manufacturers. Any increase in competition may cause the company to lose market share or compel the company to reduce prices to remain competitive, which could have a material adverse affect on the company’s results of operations.

If the company’s cost reduction efforts are ineffective, the company’s revenues and profitability could be negatively impacted.

In response to the reductions in Medicare power wheelchair and oxygen reimbursement levels and other governmental and third party payor pricing pressures and competitive pricing pressures, the company initiated numerous cost reduction efforts and continues to implement further reductions. The company may not be successful in achieving the operating efficiencies and operating cost reductions expected from these efforts and the company may experience business disruptions associated with the restructuring and cost reduction activities, including the restructuring activities previously announced and, in particular, the company’s facility consolidations initiated in connection with these activities. These efforts may not produce the full efficiency and cost reduction benefits that the company expects. Further, these benefits may be realized later than expected, and the costs of implementing these measures may be greater than anticipated. If these measures are not successful, the company intends to undertake additional cost reduction efforts, which could result in future charges. Moreover, the company’s ability to achieve other strategic goals and business plans and the company’s financial performance may be adversely affected and the company could experience business disruptions with customers and elsewhere if the company’s cost reduction and restructuring efforts prove ineffective.

The company’s success depends on the company’s ability to design, manufacture, distribute and achieve market acceptance of new products with higher functionality and lower costs.

The company sells products to customers primarily in markets that are characterized by technological change, product innovation and evolving industry standards and in which product price is increasingly a primary consideration in customers’ purchasing decisions. The company is continually engaged in product development and improvement programs. The company must continue to design and improve innovative products, effectively distribute and achieve market acceptance of those products, and reduce the costs of producing the company’s products, in order to compete successfully with the company’s competitors. If competitors’ product development capabilities become more effective than the company’s product development capabilities, if competitors’ new or improved products are accepted by the market before the company’s products or if competitors are able to produce products at a lower cost and thus offer products for sale at a lower price, the company’s business, financial condition and results of operation could be adversely affected.

 

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The company is subject to extensive government regulation, and if the company fails to comply with applicable laws or regulations, the company could suffer severe criminal or civil sanctions or be required to make significant changes to the company’s operations that could have a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations.

The company sells its products principally to medical equipment and home health care providers who resell or rent those products to consumers. Many of those providers (the company’s customers) are reimbursed for the Invacare products sold to their customers and patients by third-party payors, including Medicare and Medicaid. The U.S. federal government and the governments in the states and other countries in which we operate regulate many aspects of the company’s business. As a medical device manufacturer, the company is subject to extensive government regulation, including numerous laws directed at preventing fraud and abuse and laws regulating reimbursement under various government programs. The marketing, invoicing, documenting and other practices of health care suppliers and manufacturers are all subject to government scrutiny. Government agencies periodically open investigations and obtain information from health care suppliers and manufacturers pursuant to the legal process. Violations of law or regulations can result in severe criminal, civil and administrative penalties and sanctions, including disqualification from Medicare and other reimbursement programs, which could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. The company has established numerous policies and procedures that the company believes are sufficient to ensure that the company will operate in substantial compliance with these laws and regulations.

The company received a subpoena in 2006 from the U.S. Department of Justice seeking documents relating to three long-standing and well-known promotional and rebate programs maintained by the company. The company believes that the programs described in the subpoena are in compliance with all applicable laws and the company is cooperating fully with the government investigation which is currently being conducted out of Washington, D.C. There can be no assurance that the company’s business or financial condition will not be adversely affected by the government investigation.

Health care is an area of rapid regulatory change. Changes in the law and new interpretations of existing laws may affect permissible activities, the costs associated with doing business, and reimbursement amounts paid by federal, state and other third-party payors. The company cannot predict the future of federal, state and local regulation or legislation, including Medicare and Medicaid statutes and regulations, or possible changes in health care policies in any country in which the company conducts business. Future legislation and regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business.

The company’s research and development and manufacturing processes are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental requirements.

The company’s research and development and manufacturing processes are subject to federal, state, local and foreign environmental requirements, including requirements governing the discharge of pollutants into the air or water, the use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and the responsibility to investigate and cleanup contaminated sites. Under some of these laws, the company also could be held responsible for costs relating to any contamination at the company’s past or present facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites. These could include costs relating to contamination that did not result from any violation of law and, in some circumstances, contamination that the company did not cause. The company may incur significant expenses relating to the failure to comply with environmental laws. The enactment of stricter laws or regulations, the stricter interpretation of existing laws and regulations or the requirement to undertake the investigation or remediation of currently unknown environmental contamination at the company’s own or third party sites may require the company to make additional expenditures, which could be material.

Lower cost imports could negatively impact the company’s profitability.

Lower cost imports sourced from Asia may continue to negatively impact the company’s sales volumes. Competition from certain of these products has caused the company to lower its prices, cutting into the

 

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company’s profit margins and reducing the company’s overall profitability. Asian goods had a particularly strong negative impact on the company’s sales of Standard Products (this category includes products such as manual wheelchairs, canes, walkers and bath aids) during 2006 and 2007.

The company’s failure to comply with regulatory requirements or receive regulatory clearance or approval for the company’s products or operations in the United States or abroad could adversely affect the company’s business.

The company’s medical devices are subject to extensive regulation in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, or the “FDA,” and by similar governmental authorities in the foreign countries where the company does business. The FDA regulates virtually all aspects of a medical device’s development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, promotion, distribution and marketing. In addition, the company is required to file reports with the FDA if the company’s products cause, or contribute to, death or serious injury, or if they malfunction and would be likely to cause, or contribute to, death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur. In general, unless an exemption applies, the company’s wheelchair and respiratory medical devices must receive a pre-marketing clearance from the FDA before they can be marketed in the United States. The FDA also regulates the export of medical devices to foreign countries. The company cannot be assured that any of the company’s devices, to the extent required, will be cleared by the FDA through the pre-market clearance process or that the FDA will provide export certificates that are necessary to export certain of the company’s products. If FDA issues a warning letter as a result of its findings from recent inspections, the FDA could refuse to provide export certificates until the matters covered in the warning letter are resolved.

Additionally, the company may be required to obtain pre-marketing clearances to market modifications to the company’s existing products or market its existing products for new indications. The FDA requires device manufacturers themselves to make and document a determination as to whether or not a modification requires a new clearance; however, the FDA can review and disagree with a manufacturer’s decision. The company has applied for, and received, a number of such clearances in the past. The company may not be successful in receiving clearances in the future or the FDA may not agree with the company’s decisions not to seek clearances for any particular device modification. The FDA may require a clearance for any past or future modification or a new indication for the company’s existing products. Such submissions may require the submission of additional data and may be time consuming and costly, and ultimately may not be cleared by the FDA.

If the FDA requires the company to obtain pre-marketing clearances for any modification to a previously cleared device, the company may be required to cease manufacturing and marketing the modified device or to recall the modified device until the company obtains FDA clearance and the company may be subject to significant regulatory fines or penalties. In addition, the FDA may not clear these submissions in a timely manner, if at all. The FDA also may change its policies, adopt additional regulations or revise existing regulations, each of which could prevent or delay pre-market clearance of the company’s devices, or could impact the company’s ability to market a device that was previously cleared. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect the company’s business.

The company’s failure to comply with the regulatory requirements of the FDA and other applicable U.S. regulatory requirements may subject the company to administrative or judicially imposed sanctions. These sanctions include warning letters, civil penalties, criminal penalties, injunctions, product seizure or detention, product recalls and total or partial suspension of production.

In many of the foreign countries in which the company markets its products, the company is subject to extensive regulations that are similar to those of the FDA, including those in Europe. The regulation of the company’s products in Europe falls primarily within the European Economic Area, which consists of the 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Only medical devices that comply with certain conformity requirements of the Medical Device Directive are allowed to be marketed within the European Economic Area. In addition, the national health or social security organizations of certain foreign countries, including those outside Europe, require the company’s products to be qualified before they can

 

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be marketed in those countries. Failure to receive or delays in the receipt of, relevant foreign qualifications in the European Economic Area or other foreign countries could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business.

The company’s products are subject to recalls, which could harm the company’s reputation and business.

The company is subject to ongoing medical device reporting regulations that require the company to report to the FDA or similar governmental authorities in other countries if the company’s products cause, or contribute to, death or serious injury, or if they malfunction and would be likely to cause, or contribute to, death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur. The FDA and similar governmental authorities in other countries have the authority to require the company to do a field correction or recall the company’s products in the event of material deficiencies or defects in design or manufacturing. In addition, in light of a deficiency, defect in design or manufacturing or defect in labeling, the company may voluntarily elect to recall or correct the company’s products. A government mandated or voluntary recall/field correction by the company could occur as a result of component failures, manufacturing errors or design defects, including defects in labeling. Any recall/field correction would divert managerial and financial resources and could harm the company’s reputation with its customers, product users and the health care professionals that use, prescribe and recommend the company’s products. The company could have product recalls or field actions that result in significant costs to the company in the future, and these actions could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business.

Difficulties in implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning system have disrupted the company’s business.

During the fourth quarter of 2005, the company implemented the second phase of the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning, or “ERP,” system in North America. Primarily as a result of the complexities and business process changes associated with this implementation, the company encountered a number of issues related to the start-up of the system, including difficulties in processing orders, customer disruptions and the loss of some business. While the company believes that the difficulties associated with implementing and stabilizing the company’s ERP system were temporary and have been addressed, there can be no assurance that the company will not experience additional ongoing disruptions or inefficiencies in the company’s business operations as a result of this new system implementation, the final phases of which are to be completed in 2009 or 2010. Additional implementations are scheduled in other regions of the world for 2009 as well.

The company may be adversely affected by legal actions or regulatory proceedings.

The company may be subject to claims, litigation or other liabilities as a result of injuries caused by allegedly defective products, acquisitions the company has completed or in the intellectual property area. Any such claims or litigation against the company, regardless of the merits, could result in substantial costs and could harm the company’s business. Intellectual property litigation or claims also could require the company to:

 

   

cease manufacturing and selling any of the company’s products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property;

 

   

obtain a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property right alleged to have been infringed, which license may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all; or

 

   

redesign or rename the company’s products, which may not be possible, and could be costly and time consuming and could result in lost revenues and market share.

The results of legal proceedings are difficult to predict and the company cannot provide any assurance that an action or proceeding will not be commenced against the company, or that the company will prevail in any such action or proceeding. An unfavorable resolution of any legal action or proceeding could materially and adversely affect the company’s business, results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

 

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Product liability claims may harm the company’s business, particularly if the number of claims increases significantly or the company’s product liability insurance proves inadequate.

The manufacture and sale of home health care devices and related products exposes the company to a significant risk of product liability claims. From time to time, the company has been, and is currently, subject to a number of product liability claims alleging that the use of the company’s products has resulted in serious injury or even death.

Even if the company is successful in defending against any liability claims, these claims could nevertheless distract the company’s management, result in substantial costs, harm the company’s reputation, adversely affect the sales of all the company’s products and otherwise harm the company’s business. If there is a significant increase in the number of product liability claims, the company’s business could be adversely affected.

The company’s captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Company, currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses of $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate of the company’s North American product liability exposure. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage insuring up to $75,000,000 in annual aggregate losses arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’s per country foreign liability limits as applicable. There can be no assurance that the company’s current insurance levels will continue to be adequate or available at affordable rates.

Product liability reserves are recorded for individual claims based upon historical experience, industry expertise and indications from the third-party actuary. Additional reserves, in excess of the specific individual case reserves, are provided for incurred but not reported claims based upon third-party actuarial valuations at the time such valuations are conducted. Historical claims experience and other assumptions are taken into consideration by the third-party actuary to estimate the ultimate reserves. For example, the actuarial analysis assumes that historical loss experience is an indicator of future experience, that the distribution of exposures by geographic area and nature of operations for ongoing operations is expected to be very similar to historical operations with no dramatic changes and that the government indices used to trend losses and exposures are appropriate. Estimates made are adjusted on a regular basis and can be impacted by actual loss award settlements on claims. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company accepts responsibility for the determination and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices.

In addition, as a result of a product liability claim or if the company’s products are alleged to be defective, the company may have to recall some of its products, which could result in significant costs to the company and harm the company’s business reputation.

If the company’s patents and other intellectual property rights do not adequately protect the company’s products, the company may lose market share to its competitors and may not be able to operate the company’s business profitably.

The company relies on a combination of patents, trade secrets and trademarks to establish and protect the company’s intellectual property rights in its products and the processes for the development, manufacture and marketing of the company’s products.

The company uses non-patented proprietary know-how, trade secrets, undisclosed internal processes and other proprietary information and currently employs various methods to protect this proprietary information, including confidentiality agreements, invention assignment agreements and proprietary information agreements with vendors, employees, independent sales agents, distributors, consultants, and others. However, these agreements may be breached. The FDA or another governmental agency may require the disclosure of this information in order for the company to have the right to market a product. Trade secrets, know-how and other unpatented proprietary technology also may otherwise become known to, or independently developed by, the company’s competitors.

 

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In addition, the company holds U.S. and foreign patents relating to a number of its components and products and has patent applications pending with respect to other components and products. The company also applies for additional patents in the ordinary course of its business, as the company deems appropriate. However, these precautions offer only limited protection, and the company’s proprietary information may become known to, or be independently developed by, competitors, or the company’s proprietary rights in intellectual property may be challenged, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, the company cannot assure that its existing or future patents, if any, will afford the company adequate protection or any competitive advantage, that any future patent applications will result in issued patents or that the company’s patents will not be circumvented, invalidated or declared unenforceable.

Any proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office could result in adverse decisions as to the priority of the company’s inventions and the narrowing or invalidation of claims in issued patents. The company also could incur substantial costs in any proceeding. In addition, the laws of some of the countries in which the company’s products are or may be sold may not protect the company’s products and intellectual property to the same extent as U.S. laws, if at all. The company also may be unable to protect the company’s rights in trade secrets and unpatented proprietary technology in these countries.

In addition, the company holds patent and other intellectual property licenses from third parties for some of its products and on technologies that are necessary in the design and manufacture of some of the company’s products. The loss of these licenses could prevent the company from, or could cause additional disruption or expense in, manufacturing, marketing and selling these products, which could harm the company’s business.

The company’s operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected if the company becomes involved in litigation regarding its patents or other intellectual property rights.

Litigation involving patents and other intellectual property rights is common in the company’s industry, and other companies within the company’s industry have used intellectual property litigation in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage. The company currently is, and in the future may become, a party to lawsuits involving patents or other intellectual property. If the company loses any of these proceedings, a court or a similar foreign governing body could invalidate or render unenforceable the company’s owned or licensed patents, require the company to pay significant damages, seek licenses and/or pay ongoing royalties to third parties, require the company to redesign its products, or prevent the company from manufacturing, using or selling its products, any of which would have an adverse effect on the company’s results of operations and financial condition. The company has brought, and may in the future also bring, actions against third parties for infringement of the company’s intellectual property rights. The company may not succeed in these actions. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or its foreign equivalents and related legal and administrative proceedings are both costly and time consuming. Protracted litigation to defend or prosecute the company’s intellectual property rights could seriously detract from the time the company’s management would otherwise devote to running its business. Intellectual property litigation relating to the company’s products could cause its customers or potential customers to defer or limit their purchase or use of the affected products until resolution of the litigation.

The company’s business strategy relies on certain assumptions concerning demographic trends that impact the market for its products. If these assumptions prove to be incorrect, demand for the company’s products may be lower than expected.

The company’s ability to achieve its business objectives is subject to a variety of factors, including the relative increase in the aging of the general population. The company believes that these trends will increase the need for its products. The projected demand for the company’s products could materially differ from actual demand if the company’s assumptions regarding these trends and acceptance of its products by health care professionals and patients prove to be incorrect or do not materialize. If the company’s assumptions regarding

 

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these factors prove to be incorrect, the company may not be able to successfully implement the company’s business strategy, which could adversely affect the company’s results of operations. In addition, the perceived benefits of these trends may be offset by competitive or business factors, such as the introduction of new products by the company’s competitors or the emergence of other countervailing trends.

The loss of the services of the company’s key management and personnel could adversely affect its ability to operate the company’s business.

The company’s future success will depend, in part, upon the continued service of key managerial, research and development staff and sales and technical personnel. In addition, the company’s future success will depend on its ability to continue to attract and retain other highly qualified personnel. The company may not be successful in retaining its current personnel or in hiring or retaining qualified personnel in the future. The company’s failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. The company’s executive officers have substantial experience and expertise in the company’s industry. The company’s future success depends, to a significant extent, on the abilities and efforts of its executive officers and other members of its management team. If the company loses the services of any of its management team, the company’s business may be adversely affected.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer and certain members of management own shares representing a substantial percentage of the company’s voting power and their interests may differ from other shareholders.

The company has two classes of common stock. The Common Shares have one vote per share and the Class B Common Shares have 10 votes per share. As of January 1, 2009, the company’s chairman and CEO, Mr. A. Malachi Mixon, III, and certain members of management beneficially own up to approximately 34% of the combined voting power of the company’s Common Shares and Class B Common Shares and could influence the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the shareholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations and the sale of all or substantially all of the company’s assets. They also will have the power to influence or make more difficult a change in control. The interests of Mr. Mixon and his relatives may differ from the interests of the other shareholders and they may take actions with which some shareholders may disagree. Mr. Mixon, however, is committed to the long-term interests of all shareholders.

Decreased availability or increased costs of raw materials could increase the company’s costs of producing its products.

The company purchases raw materials, fabricated components and services from a variety of suppliers. Raw materials such as plastics, steel, and aluminum are considered key raw materials. Where appropriate, the company employs contracts with its suppliers, both domestic and international. In those situations in which contracts are not advantageous, the company believes that its relationships with its suppliers are satisfactory and that alternative sources of supply are readily available. From time to time, however, the prices and availability of these raw materials fluctuate due to global market demands, which could impair the company’s ability to procure necessary materials, or increase the cost of these materials. Inflationary and other increases in costs of these raw materials have occurred in the past and may recur from time to time. In addition, freight costs associated with shipping and receiving product and sales are impacted by fluctuations in the cost of oil and gas. A reduction in the supply or increase in the cost of those raw materials could impact the company’s ability to manufacture its products and could increase the cost of production. As an example, inflation in China has and will probably continue to increase appreciation of the Yuan as well as have an unfavorable impact on the cost of key commodities, such as steel and aluminum. Resulting increases in the cost of key commodities could have a negative impact on the profits of the company if these increases cannot be passed onto our customers.

 

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Since the company’s ability to obtain further financing may be limited, the company may be unable to acquire strategic acquisition candidates.

The company’s plans include identifying, acquiring, and integrating other strategic businesses. There are various reasons for the company to acquire businesses or product lines, including providing new products or new manufacturing and service capabilities, to add new customers, to increase penetration with existing customers, and to expand into new geographic markets. The company’s ability to successfully grow through acquisitions depends upon its ability to identify, negotiate, complete and integrate suitable acquisitions and to obtain any necessary financing. The costs of acquiring other businesses could increase if competition for acquisition candidates increases. Further, the company is constrained under the current provisions of its existing credit facilities from consummating any sizeable acquisitions without amending its financing arrangements. If the company is unable to obtain the necessary financing, it may miss opportunities to grow its business through strategic acquisitions.

Additionally, the success of the company’s acquisition strategy is subject to other risks and costs, including the following:

 

   

the company’s ability to realize operating efficiencies, synergies, or other benefits expected from an acquisition, and possible delays in realizing the benefits of the acquired company or products;

 

   

diversion of management’s time and attention from other business concerns;

 

   

difficulties in retaining key employees of the acquired businesses who are necessary to manage these businesses;

 

   

difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies throughout acquired companies;

 

   

adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers or customers;

 

   

the risks associated with the assumption of contingent or undisclosed liabilities of acquisition targets; and

 

   

ability to generate future cash flows or the availability of financing.

In addition, an acquisition could materially impair the company’s operating results by causing the company to incur debt or requiring the amortization of acquisition expenses and acquired assets.

The company is subject to certain risks inherent in managing and operating businesses in many different foreign jurisdictions.

The company has significant international operations, including operations in Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Asia and Europe. There are risks inherent in operating and selling products internationally, including:

 

   

difficulties in enforcing agreements and collecting receivables through certain foreign legal systems;

 

   

foreign customers who may have longer payment cycles than customers in the United States;

 

   

tax rates in certain foreign countries that may exceed those in the United States and foreign earnings that may be subject to withholding requirements;

 

   

the imposition of tariffs, exchange controls or other trade restrictions including transfer pricing restrictions when products produced in one country are sold to an affiliated entity in another country;

 

   

general economic and political conditions in countries where the company operates or where end users of the company’s products reside;

 

   

security concerns and potential business interruption risks associated with political and/or social unrest in foreign countries where the company’s facilities or assets are located;

 

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difficulties associated with managing a large organization spread throughout various countries;

 

   

difficulties in enforcing intellectual property rights and weaker intellectual property rights protection in some countries;

 

   

required compliance with a variety of foreign laws and regulations;

 

   

different regulatory environments and reimbursement systems; and

 

   

differing consumer product preferences.

The company’s revenues and profits are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that could adversely affect its results of operations or financial position.

Currency exchange rates are subject to fluctuation due to, among other things, changes in local, regional or global economic conditions, the imposition of currency exchange restrictions and unexpected changes in regulatory or taxation environments. The functional currency of the company’s subsidiaries outside the United States is the predominant currency used by the subsidiaries to transact business. Through the company’s international operations, the company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations, and changes in exchange rates can have a significant impact on net sales and elements of cost. The company conducts a significant number of transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In addition, because certain of the company’s costs and revenues are denominated in other currencies, the company’s results of operations are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as the financial results of those operations are translated from local currency into U.S. dollars upon consolidation. In particular, during 2009, the company expects that its reported results of operations will be adversely affected as a result of the relative strengthening of the U.S. dollar.

The company uses forward contracts to help reduce its exposure to exchange rate variation risk. Despite the company’s efforts to mitigate these risks, however, the company’s revenues and profitability may be materially adversely affected by exchange rate fluctuations. The company also is exposed to market risk through various financial instruments, including fixed rate and floating rate debt instruments. The company uses interest swap agreements to mitigate its exposure to interest rate fluctuations, but those efforts may not adequately protect the company from significant interest rate risks.

Certain provisions of the company’s debt agreements, its charter documents, its shareholder rights plan and Ohio law could delay or prevent the sale of the company.

Provisions of the company’s debt agreements, its charter documents, its shareholder rights plan and Ohio law may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or attempt to acquire, control of the company even if a change in control would result in the purchase of shares of the company at a premium to market price. In addition, these provisions may limit the ability of shareholders of the company to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interest.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

 

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Item 2. Properties.

The company owns or leases its warehouses, offices and manufacturing facilities and believes that these facilities are well maintained, adequately insured and suitable for their present and intended uses. Information concerning certain leased facilities of the company as of December 31, 2008 is set forth in Leases and Commitments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the company included in this report and in the table below:

 

North American/HME Operations

   Square
Feet
  

Ownership

Or Expiration

Date of Lease

  

Renewal

Options

  

Use

Akron, Ohio

   8,640    March 2012    One (1 yr.)    Offices

Alexandria, Virginia

   230    September 2009    None    Offices

Alpharetta, Georgia

   11,605    March 2014    None    Warehouse and Offices

Arlington, Texas

   63,626    May 2011    None    Warehouse

Atlanta, Georgia

   91,418    April 2011    One (3 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Augusta, Georgia

   3,200    September 2009    One (1 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Edison, New Jersey

   75,291    March 2010    None    Warehouse and Offices

Elyria, Ohio

           

—Taylor Street

   251,656    Own       Manufacturing and Offices

—Cleveland Street

   141,657    November 2010    None    Warehouse

—One Invacare Way

   50,000    Own       Headquarters

—1320 Taylor Street

   30,000    January 2010    One (5 yr.)    Offices

—1160 Taylor Street

   4,800    Own       Warehouse and Offices

Hong Kong, China

   2,557    December 2009    None    Offices

Kirkland, Quebec

   26,196    November 2010    One (5 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Knoxville, Tennessee

   2,400    May 2012    One (1 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Kunshan, China

   3,300    December 2009       Warehouse and Offices

Kunshan, China

   1,300    December 2009       Warehouse and Offices

Kunshan, China

   1,600    December 2009       Warehouse and Offices

Lithia Springs, Georgia

   2,000    December 2011       Warehouse and Offices

Marlboro, New Jersey

   2,800    June 2009    None    Offices

Memphis, Tennessee

   12,375    September 2009       Warehouse and Offices

Mississauga, Ontario

   26,530    February 2016    One (5 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Morton, Minnesota

   26,900    June 2009    Two (4 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Nashville, Tennessee

   1,803    July 2010       Warehouse and Offices

North Ridgeville, Ohio

   152,861    Own      

Manufacturing, Warehouses and Offices

North Ridgeville, Ohio

   33,000    Month to Month    None    Offices

Pharr, Texas

   2,672    Month to Month       Warehouse

Pharr, Texas

   4,375    November 2009       Warehouse

Pinellas Park, Florida

   11,400    July 2009    None    Manufacturing and Offices

Pinellas Park, Florida

   3,200    July 2009    One (1 yr.)    Manufacturing

Reynosa, Mexico

   152,256    Own       Manufacturing and Offices

Ridgeland, Mississippi

   2,400    July 2009    Three (1 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Sacramento, California

   26,900    May 2011    None   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Sanford, Florida

   116,272    Own       Manufacturing and Offices

Scarborough, Ontario

   5,428    February 2011    None    Manufacturing and Offices

Simi Valley, California

   38,501    February 2014    One (5 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Spicewood, Texas

   6,500    Month to Month    None    Manufacturing and Offices

Suzhou, China

   45,208    May 2010    None    Manufacturing and Offices

Tonawanda, New York

   7,515    March 2013    None    Warehouse and Offices

Vaughan, Ontario

   19,063    December 2010    None    Manufacturing and Offices

Vaughan, Ontario

   7,574    December 2010    None    Manufacturing and Offices

 

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Invacare Supply Group

   Square
Feet
  

Ownership

Or Expiration

Date of Lease

  

Renewal

Options

  

Use

Atlanta, Georgia

   45,866    March 2009    None    Warehouse and Offices

Atlanta, Georgia

   15,000    Month to Month    None    Warehouse

Grand Prairie, Texas

   43,754    April 2010    None    Warehouse and Offices

Jamesburg, New Jersey

   83,200    November 2009    One (5 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Milford, Massachusetts

   28,700    December 2015    None    Offices

Rancho Cucamonga, California

   55,890    June 2009    None    Warehouse and Offices

South Bend, Indiana

   48,000    August 2015    One (3 yr.)    Warehouse

Institutional Products Group

                   

Elkhart, Indiana

   43,268    October 2009    Two (5 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouses and Offices

London, Ontario

   103,200    Own       Manufacturing and Offices

London, Ontario

   5,648    Month to Month    None    Warehouse

St. Louis, Missouri

   8,196    July 2013    Two (3 yr.)    Offices

Asia/Pacific Operations

                   

Auckland, New Zealand

   30,518    September 2011    One (3 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Banyo, QLD, Australia

   26,791    July 2013    One (5 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Beverley, SA, Australia

   9,601    December 2010    One (3 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Broadview, SA, Australia

   16,146    October 2011    One (5 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Carrum Downs, VIC, Australia

   16,006    December 2012    One (5 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Christchurch, New Zealand

   15,683    December 2014    Two (6 yr.)    Offices

Christchurch, New Zealand

   80,213    December 2012      

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Kidderminster, United Kingdom

   6,200    January 2018       Warehouse and Offices

Malaga, WA, Australia

   8,396    April 2010       Warehouse and Offices

Newtown, NSW, Australia

   1,302    February 2010    Two (1 yr.)    Retail

North Olmsted, Ohio

   2,280    October 2013    One (3 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

North Rocks, NSW, Australia

   45,712    August 2012    Two (3 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Southport, QLD, Australia

   1,119    Month to Month       Retail

Suzhou, China

   13,800    May 2010       Manufacturing and Offices

Suzhou, China

   4,900    November 2009       Manufacturing and Offices

Taipei, Taiwan

   845    January 2010       Offices

Worcester, United Kingdom

   15,865    June 2013    Two (6 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

 

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European Operations

   Square
Feet
  

Ownership

Or Expiration

Date of Lease

  

Renewal

Options

  

Use

Albstadt, Germany

   78,494    February 2018    Two (5 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Anderstorp, Sweden

   47,560    Own      

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Bergen, Norway

   1,076    May 2009    One (5 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Bridgend, Wales

   131,522    December 2086      

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Brondby, Denmark

   17,922    June 2009    One (1 yr.)   

Warehouse and Offices

Dio, Sweden

   107,600    Own      

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Dublin, Ireland

   5,000    December 2024    Three (5 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Ede, The Netherlands

   12,917    May 2009    One (5 yr.)    Warehouse

Ede, The Netherlands

   9,257    November 2011    One (5 yr.)   

Warehouse and Offices

Fondettes, France

   191,856    Own      

Manufacturing and Warehouse

Girona, Spain

   14,639    January 2012    One (1 yr.)   

Warehouse and Offices

Gland, Switzerland

   5,533    December 2009    One (5 yr.)   

Offices

Gland, Switzerland

   1,184    December 2009    One (4 yr.)   

Offices

Gland, Switzerland

   323    December 2009    One (5 yr.)   

Offices

Goteberg, Sweden

   7,500    June 2009    One (3 yr.)   

Warehouse and Offices

Hong, Denmark

   155,541    Own      

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Isny, Germany

   40,000    Own      

Manufacturing, Warehouses and Offices

Isny, Germany

   885    November 2009    None   

Warehouse

Landskrona, Sweden

   3,099    April 2011    One (3 yr.)   

Warehouse

Loppem, Belgium

   4,036    March 2015    One (3 yr.)   

Warehouse and Offices

Mondsee, Austria

   2,153    March 2011    One (3 yr.)   

Warehouse and Offices

Odense, Denmark

   1,776    June 2009    One (1 yr.)   

Warehouse and Offices

Oporto, Portugal

   27,800    Own      

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Oporto, Portugal

   88,264    December 2015    One (7 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Oskarshamn, Sweden

   3,551    December 2009    One (1 yr.)   

Warehouse

Oslo, Norway

   36,414    September 2011      

Warehouse and Offices

Porta Westfalica, Germany

   134,563    October 2021    After 17 yrs   

Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices

Spanga, Sweden

   3,229    June 2010    One (3 yr.)    Warehouse and Offices

Spanga, Sweden

   16,140    Own       Warehouse and Offices

St. Cyr sur Loire, France

   538    Own       Offices

Thiene, Italy

   21,520    Own       Warehouse and Offices

Thiene, Italy

   10,764    October 2012       Warehouse

Trondheim, Norway

   3,229    December 2010    One (3 yr.)    Services and Offices

Witterswil, Switzerland

   40,328    March 2015    One (5 yr.)   

Manufacturing, Warehouse, and Offices

Witterswil, Switzerland

   1,954    March 2009       Warehouse

 

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary course of its business, Invacare is a defendant in a number of lawsuits, primarily product liability actions in which various plaintiffs seek damages for injuries allegedly caused by defective products. All of the product liability lawsuits have been referred to the company’s insurance carriers and generally are contested vigorously. The coverage territory of the company’s insurance is worldwide with the exception of those countries with respect to which, at the time the product is sold for use or at the time a claim is made, the U.S. government has suspended or prohibited diplomatic or trade relations. Management does not believe that the outcome of any of these actions will have a material adverse effect upon the company’s business or financial condition.

The company received a subpoena in 2006 from the U.S. Department of Justice seeking documents relating to three long-standing and well-known promotional and rebate programs maintained by the company. The company believes that the programs described in the subpoena are in compliance with all applicable laws and the company has cooperated fully with the government investigation. As of February 2009, the subpoena remains pending.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

During the fourth quarter of 2008, no matter was submitted to a vote of the company’s security holders.

Executive Officers of the Registrant.*

The following table sets forth the names of the executive officers of Invacare, each of whom serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, as well as certain other information.

 

Name

   Age   

Position

A. Malachi Mixon, III

   68   

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

Gerald B. Blouch

   62   

President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

Robert K. Gudbranson

   45   

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Anthony C. LaPlaca

   50   

Senior Vice President—General Counsel and Secretary

Joseph B. Richey, II

   72   

President—Invacare Technologies, Senior Vice President—Electronics and Design Engineering and Director

Louis F.J. Slangen

   61   

Senior Vice President—Global Market Development

Joseph S. Usaj

   57   

Senior Vice President—Human Resources

 

* The description of executive officers is included pursuant to Instruction 3 to Section (b) of Item 401 of Regulation S-K.

A. Malachi Mixon, III has been a director since 1979. Mr. Mixon has been Chief Executive Officer since 1979 and Chairman of the Board since 1983 and also served as President until 1996, when Gerald B. Blouch, Chief Operating Officer, was elected President. Mr. Mixon serves as a director of The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE), Cleveland, Ohio, a manufacturer and distributor of coatings and related products. Mr. Mixon serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, one of the world’s leading academic medical centers and also serves as a director of Park-Ohio Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ), Cleveland, Ohio, a diversified manufacturing services and products holding company.

Gerald B. Blouch has been President and a director of Invacare since November 1996. Mr. Blouch has been Chief Operating Officer since December 1994 and Chairman—Invacare International since December 1993. Previously, Mr. Blouch was President—Homecare Division from March 1994 to December 1994 and Senior Vice President—Homecare Division from September 1992 to March 1994. Mr. Blouch served as Chief Financial Officer of Invacare from May 1990 to May 1993 and Treasurer of Invacare from March 1991 to May 1993.

 

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Robert K. Gudbranson was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in April 2008. From October 2005 until his appointment at Invacare, Mr. Gudbranson served as Vice President of Strategic Planning and Acquisitions at Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LECO), a $2.0 billion global manufacturer of welding, brazing and soldering products located in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to joining Lincoln Electric, Mr. Gudbranson served as Director of Business Development and Investor Relations at Invacare from June 2002 to October 2005. Mr. Gudbranson has also served as Invacare’s Assistant Treasurer and as the European Finance Director.

Anthony C. LaPlaca was appointed Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary effective January 2009. Previously, Mr. LaPlaca served as Vice President and General Counsel for six and a half years with Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Knorr-Bremse group. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and General Counsel to Honeywell Transportation & Power Systems and General Counsel to Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, the predecessor to the Bendix business at Honeywell.

Joseph B. Richey, II has been a director since 1980 and in September 1992 was named President—Invacare Technologies and Senior Vice President—Electronics and Design Engineering. Previously, Mr. Richey was Senior Vice President of Product Development from July 1984 to September 1992 and Senior Vice President and General Manager of North American Operations from September 1989 to September 1992. Mr. Richey also serves as a director of Steris Corporation (NYSE), Cleveland, Ohio, a manufacturer and distributor of medical sterilizing equipment and is a member of the Board of Trustees for Case Western Reserve University and The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Louis F. J. Slangen was named Senior Vice President—Global Market Development in June 2004. Previously, Mr. Slangen was Senior Vice President—Sales & Marketing from December 1994 to June 2004 and from September 1989 to December 1994 was Vice President—Sales and Marketing. Mr. Slangen was previously President—Rehab Division from March 1994 to December 1994 and Vice President and General Manager—Rehab Division from September 1992 to March 1994.

Joseph S. Usaj has been the Senior Vice President—Human Resources since May 2004. Before coming to Invacare, Mr. Usaj served as Vice President—Human Resources for Ferro Corporation, a global manufacturer of performance materials in the electronics, automotive, consumer products and pharmaceutical industries, from August 2002 to December 2003. Previously, Mr. Usaj was Vice President—Human Resources for Phillips Medical Systems from 1998 to 2002.

 

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PART II

 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Invacare’s Common Shares, without par value, trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “IVC.” Ownership of the company’s Class B Common Shares (which are not listed on NYSE) cannot be transferred, except, in general, to family members. Class B Common Shares may be converted into Common Shares at any time on a share-for-share basis. The number of record holders of the company Common Shares and Class B Common Shares at February 23, 2009 was 3,527 and 24, respectively. The closing sale price for the Common Shares on February 23, 2009 as reported by NYSE was $17.42. The prices set forth below do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions.

The range of high and low quarterly prices of the Common Shares and dividends in each of the two most recent fiscal years were as follows:

 

      2008    2007
     High    Low    Cash Dividends
Declared
   High    Low    Cash Dividends
Declared

Quarter Ended:

                 

December 31

   $ 24.67    $ 15.52    $ 0.0125    $ 27.48    $ 23.18    $ 0.0125

September 30

     26.44      19.50      0.0125      25.51      18.00      0.0125

June 30

     22.38      17.26      0.0125      19.32      17.35      0.0125

March 31

     25.62      21.49      0.0125      24.45      17.42      0.0125

During 2008 and 2007, the Board of Directors also declared annualized dividends of $0.045 per Class B Common Share. For information regarding limitations on the payment of dividends in the company loan and note agreements, see Long Term Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. The Common Shares are entitled to receive cash dividends at a rate of at least 110% of cash dividends paid on the Class B Common Shares.

 

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SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the yearly cumulative total return on Invacare’s common shares against the yearly cumulative total return of the companies listed on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index, the Russell 2000 Stock Index and the S&P Healthcare Equipment & Supplies Index*.

LOGO

 

      12/03    12/04    12/05    12/06    12/07    12/08

Invacare Corporation

   $ 100.00    $ 114.72    $ 78.19    $ 61.08    $ 62.84    $ 38.80

S&P 500

     100.00      110.88      116.33      134.70      142.10      89.53

Russell 2000

     100.00      118.33      123.72      146.44      144.15      95.44

S&P Healthcare Equipment & Supplies

   $ 100.00    $ 113.49    $ 117.16    $ 119.18    $ 130.51    $ 91.32

Copyright © 2009 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.

 

* The S&P Healthcare Equipment & Supplies Index is a capitalization-weighted average index comprised of health care companies in the S&P 500 Index.

The graph assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2003 in the common shares of Invacare Corporation, S&P 500 Index, Russell 2000 Index and the S&P Healthcare Equipment & Supplies Index, including reinvestment of dividends, through December 31, 2008.

 

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The following table presents information with respect to repurchases of common shares made by the company during the three months ended December 31, 2008. All of the repurchased shares were surrendered to the company by employees for tax withholding purposes in conjunction with the vesting of restricted shares held by the employees under the company’s 2003 Performance Plan.

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   Average Price
Paid Per Share
   Total Number of Shares
Purchased as Part of
Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
   Maximum Number
of Shares That May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs (1)

10/1/2008-10/31/08

   14,175    $ 15.65    —      1,362,900

11/1/2008- 11/30/08

   —        —      —      1,362,900

12/1/2008-12/31/08

   —        —      —      1,362,900
                     

Total

   14,175    $ 15.65    —      1,362,900
                     

 

(1) On August 17, 2001, the Board of Directors authorized the company to purchase up to 2,000,000 Common Shares. To date, the company has purchased 637,100 shares with authorization remaining to purchase 1,362,900 more shares. The company purchased no shares pursuant to this Board authorized program during 2008.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The selected consolidated financial data set forth below with respect to the company’s consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The consolidated statements of earnings, cash flows and shareholders’ equity data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and consolidated balance sheet data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are derived from the company’s previously filed Consolidated Financial Statements. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 7—“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

 

      2008 *    2007 **    2006 ***     2005 ****    2004
     (In thousands, except per share and ratio data)

Earnings

             

Net Sales

   $ 1,755,694    $ 1,602,237    $ 1,498,035     $ 1,529,732    $ 1,403,327

Net Earnings (loss)

     38,551      1,190      (317,774 )     48,852      75,197

Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Basic

     1.21      0.04      (10.00 )     1.55      2.41

Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Assuming Dilution

     1.21      0.04      (10.00 )     1.51      2.33

Dividends per Common Share

     0.05      0.05      0.05       0.05      0.05

Dividends per Class B Common Share

     0.04545      0.04545      0.04545       0.04545      0.04545

Balance Sheet

             

Current Assets

   $ 551,058    $ 591,085    $ 655,758     $ 594,466    $ 565,151

Total Assets

     1,314,473      1,500,042      1,490,451       1,646,772      1,628,124

Current Liabilities

     284,998      326,611      447,976       356,707      258,141

Working Capital

     266,060      264,474      207,782       237,759      307,010

Long-Term Debt

     460,121      513,342      448,883       457,753      547,974

Other Long-Term Obligations

     88,826      106,046      107,223       78,619      67,566

Shareholders’ Equity

     480,528      554,043      486,369       753,693      754,443

Other Data

             

Research and Development Expenditures

   $ 24,764    $ 22,491    $ 22,146     $ 23,247    $ 21,638

Capital Expenditures

     19,957      20,068      21,789       30,924      41,757

Depreciation and Amortization

     43,744      43,717      39,892       40,524      32,316

Key Ratios

             

Return on Sales %

     2.2      0.1      (21.2 )     3.2      5.4

Return on Average Assets %

     2.7      0.1      (20.3 )     3.0      5.5

Return on Beginning Shareholders’ Equity %

     7.0      0.2      (42.2 )     6.5      12.2

Current Ratio

     1.9:1      1.8:1      1.5:1       1.7:1      2.2:1

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

     1:1      0.9:1      0.9:1       0.6:1      0.7:1

 

* Reflects restructuring charge of $4,766 ($4,516 after tax or $.14 per share assuming dilution).
** Reflects restructuring charge of $11,408 ($10,478 after tax or $.33 per share assuming dilution), $13,408 expense related to finance charges, interest and fees associated with the company’s previously reported debt covenant violations ($13,408 after tax or $.42 per share assuming dilution).
*** Reflects restructuring charge of $21,250 ($18,700 after tax or $.59 per share assuming dilution), $3,745 expense related to finance charges, interest and fees associated with the company’s previously reported debt covenant violations ($3,300 after tax or $.10 per share assuming dilution), $26,775 expense related to accounts receivable collectability issues arising primarily from Medicare reimbursement reductions for power wheelchairs announced on November 15, 2006 ($26,775 after tax or $.84 per share assuming dilution), $300,417 expense for an impairment charge related to the write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets ($300,417 after tax or $9.45 per share assuming dilution).
**** Reflects restructuring charge of $7,533 ($5,160 after tax or $0.16 per share assuming dilution).

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

OUTLOOK

The company has taken or will take a number of actions to deliver improved earnings in 2009. Cost reductions, including global rationalization of the company’s product lines, remain a priority for the company throughout 2009, in order to offset the impacts from reimbursement and pricing pressures, the global economic crisis and the potential volatility in the value of the U.S. dollar. The company will also look to increase prices in regions where sourcing has led to increased costs due to U.S. dollar strength. For regions that already increased prices during 2008, we expect to receive additional benefit from those changes during the first part of the year. Finally, with declining commodity costs, the company expects to have a more favorable purchasing environment in 2009 than was the case in 2008.

The company has two key challenges at the start of 2009. First, as previously communicated, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced U.S. reimbursement cuts of 9.5% for those product categories which had been included in phase one of the now delayed National Competitive Bidding (NCB) program. These U.S. cuts were effective January 1, 2009. In addition to the 9.5% reduction on oxygen reimbursement from Medicare mentioned above, the Deficit Reduction Act’s limit on 36 months of rental payments for home oxygen went into effect January 1, 2009. CMS has clarified that payments do restart after 60 months of a patient’s usage of oxygen. Invacare’s new respiratory products (for example, the low cost HomeFill® oxygen delivery system), however, can help offset the reimbursement cuts that the home care provider is receiving from Medicare.

Secondly, the global financial crisis has negatively impacted the company’s earnings by strengthening the U.S. dollar, which lowers the translation of overseas profits. Separately, the financial crisis could impact the company’s supplier and customer base, although there does not appear to be a material change in either at this point. The company intends to remain judicious in its extension of credit to customers and to review supplier financial strength, particularly on key products and components.

With these factors in mind and despite the pressures from both lower reimbursement and the stronger U.S. dollar, the company plans on improving earnings with organic growth and market share gains. The projected increase in earnings is substantial in light of the weaker overseas profits due to foreign currency translation effects. With cost reductions, including the global rationalization of Invacare’s product lines, the company envisions 2009 as the next step in stronger earnings at Invacare. Organic sales growth, earnings and cash flow for 2009 are expected to be consistent with the guidance provided in the company’s January 29, 2009 press release.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2008 Versus 2007

Charge Related to Restructuring Activities. Throughout 2008, the company continued its cost reduction and profit improvement initiatives. The benefits achieved from the cost reduction initiatives, principally related to product sourcing savings, headcount reductions and manufacturing consolidation, totaled approximately $18,000,000 for 2008, which was slightly less than the company’s expectations due to increases in commodity costs. As expected, a significant portion of this benefit was offset by continued pricing pressures and product mix shift toward lower margin product, primarily in the U.S. and Europe, as a result of reimbursement changes.

Restructuring charges of $4,766,000 were incurred during 2008 of which $1,817,000 was recorded in cost of goods sold, since it relates to inventory markdowns, and the remaining charge amount is included in the Charge Related to Restructuring Activities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The costs incurred during 2008 were principally for severance, product line discontinuation and costs associated with facility closures.

 

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Net Sales. Consolidated net sales for 2008 increased 9.6% for the year, to $1,755,694,000 from $1,602,237,000 in 2007. Foreign currency translation increased net sales by two percentage points while acquisitions increased sales by less than a one percentage point. The remaining increase was primarily driven by performance in NA/HME and Europe; however, sales growth was achieved by all segments. NA/HME recognized double-digit sales growth in all major product lines, except Rehab, which had 9% growth, excluding Consumer Power products. European net sales growth resulted from volume increases in most regions, especially the United Kingdom, which benefited from new product introductions, including the HomeFill® oxygen delivery system.

North America/Home Medical Equipment

NA/HME net sales increased 10.8% in 2008 versus the prior year to $741,502,000 from $669,364,000 with acquisitions increasing net sales by one percentage point while foreign currency translation did not have a material impact. These sales consist of Rehab (power wheelchairs, custom manual wheelchairs, personal mobility and seating and positioning), Standard (manual wheelchairs, personal care, home care beds, low air loss therapy and patient transport), and Respiratory (oxygen concentrators, HomeFill® oxygen delivery systems, sleep apnea, aerosol therapy and other respiratory) products. Standard product line net sales improved by 15.5% in 2008, driven by increased volumes in manual wheelchairs, patient aids and beds. Rehab product line net sales increased by 4.2% in 2008, despite volume declines in our consumer power product line resulting from the Company’s previous decision to terminate sales to a large national account. Excluding consumer power products, Rehab product line net sales increased 9.2% driven by volume increases in custom power and custom manual wheelchairs. Respiratory product line sales increased by 11.3% in 2008, primarily attributable to increased unit volumes of oxygen concentrators and HomeFill® oxygen delivery systems.

Invacare Supply Group

ISG net sales increased 3.4% in 2008 over the prior year to $265,818,000 from $256,993,000. Acquisitions and foreign currency translation had no impact on the sales increase. These sales consist of ostomy, incontinence, diabetic, wound care and other medical supply products. The increase is primarily attributable to home delivery program net sales and private label brand net sales.

Institutional Products Group

IPG net sales increased 13.3% in 2008 over the prior year to $99,662,000 from $87,967,000. Foreign currency translation did not materially impact net sales. These sales consist of bed, furniture, home medical equipment, and bathing equipment products sold into the long-term care market. The increase is primarily attributable to new products introduced late in 2007 including beds, therapeutic support surfaces and clinical recliners.

Europe

European net sales increased 11.2% in 2008 compared to the prior year to $553,845,000 from $498,109,000 with foreign currency translation increasing net sales by six percentage points. Net sales were strong in most countries with the exception of Germany due to reimbursement and pricing pressures.

Asia/Pacific

Asia/Pacific net sales increased 5.6% in 2008 from the prior year to $94,867,000 from $89,804,000. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by one percentage point. The improvement was the result of volume increases in the company’s distribution business in New Zealand and at the company’s subsidiary which manufactures microprocessor controllers. Changes in exchange rates, particularly with the Euro and U.S. Dollar, can have a significant impact on sales in this segment.

 

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Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27.8% in 2008 as compared to 27.9% in 2007. Margin remained relatively unchanged as the company benefited from increased volumes, price increases and cost reduction initiatives, which were offset by increased commodity costs and unfavorable product mix. Margins in 2007 benefited by 0.2 of a percentage point from the impact of insurance and asset recoveries related to an embezzlement at one of the company’s foreign locations which the company disclosed last year. Excluding the benefit in 2007, margins improved slightly.

NA/HME gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 30.5% in 2008 versus 30.8% in 2007. Excluding the favorable impact from insurance and asset recoveries related to the embezzlement noted above, margins were relatively flat as cost reduction initiatives and price increases principally offset the increases in freight and commodity costs.

ISG gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined 0.6 of a percentage point in comparison to the prior year. While the company realized a benefit from freight recovery programs and cost reductions, these were offset by an unfavorable product mix toward lower margin products such as diabetic and incontinence products and a charge incurred resulting in the write-off of inventory.

IPG gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 3.2 percentage points in 2008 from the prior year. The increase in margin is primarily attributable to volume increases, freight recovery programs and favorable foreign currency exchange rate of the Canadian dollar.

Gross profit in Europe as a percentage of net sales declined 1.8 percentage points in 2008 from the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to an unfavorable product mix toward lower margin product, unfavorable foreign currency impacts due to the weakness of the British pound as compared to the Euro and by the negative impact of reimbursement and pricing pressures in Germany.

Gross profit in Asia/Pacific as a percentage of net sales improved by 8.3 percentage points in 2008 from the prior year. The increase was largely due to cost reduction activities including the move of controller manufacturing from New Zealand to China, which was completed during the year.

Selling, General and Administrative. Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were 22.7% in 2008 and 22.9% in 2007. The overall dollar increase was $31,408,000 or 8.6%, with foreign currency translation increasing expenses by $10,621,000 or three percentage points and acquisitions increasing expenses by approximately $3,389,000 or one percentage point. Excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation impact, selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $17,398,000 or 4.7%. Last year’s SG&A includes a one-time benefit of $3,981,000 resulting from debt cancellation related to the liquidation of a development stage investment as disclosed last year. Excluding foreign currency translation, acquisitions and this one-time benefit, SG&A expense increased $13,417,000 or 3.6%. This increase is primarily attributable to higher variable costs associated with increased sales volumes and earnings such as commissions and bonus, and investments in sales and marketing programs to drive future sales growth.

SG&A expenses for NA/HME increased 7.6% or $14,002,000 in 2008 compared to 2007. Acquisitions increased these expenses by approximately $3,389,000. Last year’s SG&A expenses include the one-time benefit from debt cancellation disclosed above. Excluding foreign currency translation and the one-time benefit, SG&A expense increased $6,632,000 or 3.6% primarily due to increased commission and bonus expense.

SG&A expenses for ISG increased by 1.8% or $467,000 in 2008 compared to 2007. The increase is attributable to higher administrative costs such as banking fees and insurance costs.

SG&A expenses for IPG decreased by 3.5% or $527,000 in 2008 compared to 2007. Foreign currency translation increased SG&A expenses by approximately three percentage points or $375,000. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses decreased by $902,000 due to favorable currency transaction effects, which more than offset investments made to drive increased sales.

 

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European SG&A expenses increased by 11.7% or $13,758,000 in 2008 compared to 2007. Foreign currency translation increased SG&A expenses by approximately $10,340,000. The remaining increase in expense of $3,418,000 or 2.9% was primarily due to greater investment in marketing programs and personnel to drive sales growth.

Asia/Pacific SG&A expenses increased 15.4% or $3,708,000 in 2008 compared to 2007. Foreign currency translation decreased expenses by $161,000. Excluding the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses increased $3,869,000 or 16.1% primarily due to increased selling costs and a less favorable foreign currency transactional impact compared to 2007.

Debt Finance Charges, Interest and Fees Associated with Debt Refinancing. In February 2007, the company completed its refinancing efforts which resulted in a Credit Agreement which provides for a $400 million senior secured credit facility consisting of a six-year $250 million term loan facility and a five-year $150 million revolving credit facility with interest at LIBOR plus 2.25%, the issuance and sale of $135 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% convertible senior subordinated debentures due 2027 and the issuance and sale of $175 million aggregate principal amount of 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015. The company incurred $13,408,000 in 2007 and $3,745,000 in 2006 for debt finance charges, interest and fees associated with the debt refinancing.

Interest. Interest expense decreased to $39,233,000 in 2008 from $44,309,000 in 2007, representing an 11.5% decrease. This decrease was attributable to debt reduction during the year and, to a lesser extent, decreased borrowing rates in 2008 compared to 2007. Interest income in 2008 was $3,045,000, which was higher than the prior year amount of $2,340,000, primarily due to increased volume of financing provided to customers and higher rates on financing. As a result of the company’s adoption of FSP APB 14-1 effective January 1, 2009, the company’s 2009 financial statements will contain restated amounts for 2008 and 2007 that will reflect an increase in interest expense of $3,695,000 and $2,904,000 for 2008 and 2007, respectively. See “Accounting Policies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

Income Taxes. The company had an effective tax rate of 25.1% in 2008 and 91.8% in 2007. The company’s effective tax rate is lower than the expected U.S. federal statutory rate due to earnings abroad being taxed at rates lower than the U.S. statutory rate. The company’s effective tax rate was reduced each year due to earnings abroad being taxed at rates lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate, including in 2007 a benefit of $7,820,000 related to a tax rate change in Germany and corresponding reduction of the company’s net German deferred tax liability. The company’s rate was increased each year due to losses without benefit, principally in the United States, which had a greater impact in 2007 than 2008 due to the size of the 2007 loss relative to total pretax income.

Research and Development. The company continues to invest in research and development activities to maintain its competitive advantage. The company dedicates funds to applied research activities to ensure that new and enhanced design concepts are available to its businesses. Research and development expenditures, which are included in costs of products sold, increased to $24,764,000 in 2008 from $22,491,000 in 2007. The expenditures, as a percentage of net sales, were 1.4% in both 2008 and 2007, respectively.

2007 Versus 2006

Charge Related to Restructuring Activities. The company achieved its cost reduction and profit improvement initiatives established at the beginning of 2007, which included: product line rationalization, expanded outsourcing, rationalization of facilities, supply chain simplification and rationalization and organization infrastructure rationalization. The benefits achieved from the cost reduction initiatives, principally related to product sourcing savings, headcount reductions and manufacturing consolidation, totaled $40 million for 2007, which was slightly better than the company’s expectations. However, as expected, a significant portion of this benefit was offset by continued pricing pressures and product mix shift toward lower margin product, primarily in the U.S., as a result of Medicare related reimbursement changes.

 

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Restructuring charges of $11,408,000 were incurred during 2007 of which $1,817,000 was recorded in cost of goods sold, since it relates to inventory markdowns and the remaining charge amount was included in the Charge Related to Restructuring Activities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The costs incurred during 2007 were principally for severance, product line discontinuation and costs associated with facility closures.

Net Sales. Consolidated net sales for 2007 increased 7.0% for the year, to $1,602,237,000 from $1,498,035,000 in 2006. Acquisitions accounted for a one percentage point increase in net sales while foreign currency translation increased net sales by three percentage points. The remaining increase was primarily driven by sales increases in the European and Invacare Supply Group (ISG) segments. European net sales growth resulted from volume increases in most regions, while ISG growth was mainly due to home delivery program sales to large providers and volume increases in diabetic, incontinence and enterals product lines.

North America/Home Medical Equipment

NA/HME net sales declined 1.0% in 2007 versus the prior year to $669,364,000 from $676,326,000 with foreign currency translation and acquisitions increasing net sales by one percentage point and less then one percentage point, respectively. Standard product line net sales improved by 1.9% in 2007, driven by increased volumes in manual wheelchairs and beds, partially offset by pricing reductions. Rehab product line net sales declined by 2.3% in 2007, primarily driven by volume declines in our consumer power product line, principally with national providers, along with competitive pricing reductions implemented in late 2006 due to Medicare reimbursement changes for custom and consumer power wheelchairs. Respiratory product line sales declined by 9.0% in 2007, primarily attributable to reduced unit volumes of oxygen concentrators resulting from the loss of one large national provider, continued inventory utilization programs by providers and pricing declines in concentrators. However, HomeFill® oxygen system net sales increased for the year by 30.4% due to increased purchases by two national providers.

Invacare Supply Group

ISG net sales increased 12.6% in 2007 over the prior year to $256,993,000 from $228,236,000. Acquisitions and foreign currency translation had no impact on the sales increase. The increase was primarily attributable to home delivery program sales to large providers and volume increases in our diabetic, incontinence and enterals product lines.

Institutional Products Group

IPG net sales decreased 5.9% in 2007 over the prior year to $87,967,000 from $93,455,000. Foreign currency translation increased net sales by one percentage point while acquisitions had no impact net sales. The decrease was primarily attributable reduced purchasing by a national account.

Europe

European net sales increased 15.7% in 2007 compared to the prior year to $498,109,000 from $430,427,000 with foreign currency translation increasing net sales by eight percentage points. Net sales were strong in most of the regions as sales volumes increased with growth in Standard, Rehab and Respiratory product lines.

Asia/Pacific

Asia/Pacific net sales increased 29.0% in 2007 from the prior year to $89,804,000 from $69,591,000. Acquisitions increased net sales by nineteen percentage points and foreign currency translation increased net sales by thirteen percentage points. Performance in this region continued to be negatively impacted by U.S. reimbursement uncertainty in the consumer power wheelchair market. This resulted in decreased sales of

 

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microprocessor controllers by Invacare’s New Zealand subsidiary, along with negative foreign currency impacts as Asia/Pacific transacts a substantial amount of its business with customers outside of their region in various currencies other than their functional currencies.

Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27.9% in 2007 as compared to 27.8% in 2006. The improvement in margin was primarily attributable to the company benefiting from cost reduction initiatives which was offset by continued competitive pricing pressures and increased freight costs. Margins also benefited by 0.2 of a percentage point from the impact of insurance and asset recoveries related to an embezzlement at one of the company’s foreign locations. The company was able to recover its loss through the receipt of $5,000,000 received under an employee dishonesty insurance policy as well as asset recoveries from the individuals involved during the fourth quarter of 2007.

NA/HME gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 30.7% in 2007 versus 29.7% in 2006. The improvement was primarily attributable to cost reduction initiatives and the favorable impact from insurance and asset recoveries related to an embezzlement as noted above. These benefits were partially offset by increases in freight costs and pricing reductions.

ISG gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined 0.5 of a percentage point from the prior year. The decline was primarily attributable to continued unfavorable product mix toward lower margin product, such as diabetic and incontinence products, and an unfavorable customer mix toward larger providers who historically have lower margins.

IPG gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 2.2 percentage points in 2007 from the prior year. The decrease in margin was attributable to volume decreases, unfavorable foreign currency exchange rate movement of the Canadian dollar and incremental costs related to new product introductions.

Gross profit in Europe as a percentage of net sales declined 1.4 percentage points in 2007 from the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to a shift in demand away from higher margin product, increased freight and duty costs which were partially offset by the impact of cost reduction activities.

Gross profit in Asia/Pacific as a percentage of net sales improved by 5.6 percentage points in 2007 from the prior year. The increase was largely due to cost reduction activities and favorable impact from acquisitions finalized in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Selling, General and Administrative. Consolidated SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 22.9% in 2007 and 24.9% in 2006. The overall dollar decrease was $7,000,000 or 1.9%, with foreign currency translation increasing expenses by $10,249,000 or three percentage points and acquisitions increasing expenses by approximately $4,845,000 or one percentage point. Excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation impact SG&A expenses decreased $22,094,000 or 5.9%. The decrease was primarily attributable to an incremental account receivable reserve of $26,775,000 recognized in the NA/HME segment in 2006, with no such incremental reserve in 2007.

SG&A expenses excluding acquisitions, foreign currency translation and the incremental accounts receivable reserve in 2006 increased $4,681,000 in 2007 or 1.3% primarily as a result of additional bonus expense, bad debt expense and legal and professional expenses related to the embezzlement noted above. These increases were offset by a one-time gain of $3,981,000 resulting from debt cancellation related to the liquidation of a development stage company which the company had consolidated as a variable interest entity in accordance with the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46).

SG&A expenses for NA/HME decreased 12.9% or $27,230,000 in 2007 compared to 2006. Foreign currency translation increased expense by $942,000 while acquisitions increased expense by approximately $313,000. The SG&A expenses decrease was primarily attributable to an incremental account receivable reserve

 

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of $26,775,000 recognized in 2006, with no such incremental reserve recorded in 2007. The remaining decrease in expense was $455,000 or 0.2%. The decline in expense was the result of cost reduction activities offset by increases in bonus expense, bad debt expense and legal and professional expenses related to the embezzlement noted above.

SG&A expenses for ISG increased by 12.5% or $2,858,000 in 2007 compared to 2006. The increase was attributable to higher distribution costs associated with increased sales volumes.

SG&A expenses for IPG increased by 5.9% or $836,000 in 2007 compared to 2006. Foreign currency translation increased SG&A expenses by approximately one percentage point or $132,000. The remaining increase in expenses of $704,000 was due to investments in sales and marketing programs to drive growth and unfavorable currency transaction effects due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar.

European SG&A expenses increased by 9.6% or $10,329,000 in 2007 compared to 2006. Foreign currency translation increased SG&A expenses by approximately $6,975,000. The remaining increase in expenses of $3,354,000 or 3.1% was primarily due to higher distribution costs and investment in marketing programs to drive sales growth.

Asia/Pacific SG&A expenses increased 34.8% or $6,207,000 in 2007 compared to 2006. Acquisitions increased SG&A expenses by approximately $4,532,000 and foreign currency translation increased expenses by $2,200,000. Excluding acquisitions and foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses decreased $525,000 or 2.9% as a result of cost reduction activities.

Asset write-downs related to goodwill and other intangibles. The company undertakes its annual impairment test of goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, in connection with the preparation of its fourth quarter results each year. No impairments were recognized in 2007. However, as a result of the reduced profitability of its NA/HME operating segment, and uncertainty associated with future market conditions, the company recorded an impairment charge of $294,656,000 related to goodwill and $160,000 related to intangible assets of this segment in 2006. In addition, an impairment charge of $5,601,000 was recorded related to the intangible related to NeuroControl, a consolidated variable interest entity, which is included in Other in the segment disclosure.

Debt Finance Charges, Interest and Fees Associated with Debt Refinancing. In February 2007, the company completed its refinancing efforts which resulted in a Credit Agreement which provides for a $400 million senior secured credit facility consisting of a six-year $250 million term loan facility and a five-year $150 million revolving credit facility with interest at LIBOR plus 2.25%, the issuance and sale of $135 million aggregate principal amount of 4.125% convertible senior subordinated debentures due 2027 and the issuance and sale of $175 million aggregate principal amount of 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015. The company incurred $13,408,000 in 2007 and $3,745,000 in 2006 for debt finance charges, interest and fees associated with the debt refinancing.

Interest. Interest expense increased to $44,309,000 in 2007 from $34,084,000 in 2006, representing a 30% increase. This increase was attributable to increased borrowing rates as a result of the company’s refinancing. Interest income in 2007 was $2,340,000, which was lower than the prior year amount of $2,775,000, primarily due to favorable finance terms provided to customers.

Income Taxes. The company had an effective tax rate of 91.8% in 2007 and 2.7% in 2006. The company’s effective tax rate was higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate, primarily due to domestic and certain foreign losses with no corresponding tax benefits due to a valuation allowance recorded against domestic and certain foreign deferred tax assets, partially offset by earnings abroad being taxed at rates lower than the U.S. federal statutory rate (including in 2007 a benefit of $7,820,000 related to a tax rate change in Germany and corresponding reduction of the company’s net German deferred tax liability). The increase in the effective rate in 2007 compared to 2006 was primarily due to the losses without tax benefit.

 

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Research and Development. The company continued to invest in research and development activities to maintain its competitive advantage. The company dedicated funds to applied research activities to ensure that new and enhanced design concepts were available to its businesses. Research and development expenditures, which are included in costs of products sold, increased to $22,491,000 in 2007 from $22,146,000 in 2006. The expenditures, as a percentage of net sales, were 1.4% and 1.5% in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

INFLATION

Although the company cannot determine the precise effects of inflation, management believes that inflation does continue to have an influence on the cost of materials, salaries and benefits, utilities and outside services. The company attempts to minimize or offset the effects through increased sales volumes, capital expenditure programs designed to improve productivity, alternative sourcing of material and other cost control measures. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, the company was able to offset the majority of the impact of price increases from suppliers by productivity improvements and other cost reduction activities.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The company continues to maintain an adequate liquidity position through its unused bank lines of credit (see Long-Term Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report) and working capital management.

Total debt outstanding was $478,820,000 million at the end of 2008 down from $537,852,000 at the end of 2007. The improvement was driven primarily by the company’s cash flow generation and better cash utilization.

On February 12, 2007, the company completed the refinancing of its existing indebtedness and put in place a long-term capital structure. The financing program provided the company with total capacity of approximately $710 million, the net proceeds of which were utilized to refinance substantially all of the company’s existing indebtedness and pay related fees and expenses (the “Refinancing”). As part of the Refinancing, the company entered into a $400 million senior secured credit facility consisting of a $250 million term loan facility and a $150 million revolving credit facility. The company’s obligations under the new senior secured credit facility are secured by substantially all of the company’s assets and are guaranteed by its material domestic subsidiaries, with certain obligations also guaranteed by its material foreign subsidiaries. Borrowings under the new senior secured credit facility generally bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%, including an initial facility fee of 0.50% per annum on the facility.

Also in February 2007, the company completed the sale of $175 million principal amount of its 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015. The notes are unsecured senior obligations of the company guaranteed by substantially all of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, and pay interest at 9.75% per annum on each February 15 and August 15. The net proceeds to the company from the offering of the notes were approximately $167 million.

As part of the February 2007 Refinancing, the company completed the sale of $135 million principal amount of its 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027. The debentures are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the company guaranteed by substantially all of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, pay interest at 4.125% per annum on each February 1 and August 1, and are convertible upon satisfaction of certain conditions into cash, common shares of the company, or a combination of cash and common shares of the company, subject to certain conditions. The initial conversion rate is 40.3323 shares per $1,000 principal amount of debentures, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $24.79 per share. The debentures are redeemable at the company’s option, subject to specified conditions, on or after February 6, 2012 through and including February 1, 2017, and at the company’s option after February 1, 2017.

 

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On February 1, 2017 and 2022 and upon the occurrence of certain circumstances, holders have the right to require the company to repurchase all or some of their debentures. The net proceeds to the company from the offering of the debentures were approximately $132.3 million.

The company’s borrowing arrangements contain covenants with respect to, among other items, maximum amount of debt, minimum loan commitments, interest coverage, net worth, dividend payments, working capital, and funded debt to capitalization, as defined in the company’s bank agreements and agreement with its note holders. The company is currently, and expects to be in 2009, in compliance with all covenant requirements. Under the most restrictive covenant of the company’s borrowing arrangements as of December 31, 2008, the company had the capacity to borrow up to an additional $150,000,000 via the company’s revolving credit facility; provided that this capacity is not necessarily available to fund acquisitions by the company. The company’s borrowing arrangements impose restrictions regarding the establishment of intercompany loans and thus, cash transfers. Those restrictions can have a negative impact on the company’s ability to meet liquidity needs, particularly in the United States.

While there is general concern about the potential for rising interest rates, the company believes that its exposure to interest rate fluctuations is manageable given that portions of the company’s debt are at fixed rates for extended periods of time, the company has the ability to utilize swaps to exchange variable rate debt to fixed rate debt, if needed, and the company’s free cash flow should allow it to absorb any modest rate increases in the months ahead without any material impact on its liquidity or capital resources. As of December 31, 2008, the weighted average floating interest rate on borrowings was 7.19%.

As is the case for many companies operating in the current economic environment, the company is exposed to a number of risks arising out of the global credit crisis. These risks include the possibility that: one or more of the lenders participating in the company’s revolving credit facility may be unable or unwilling to extend credit to the company; the third party company that provides lease financing to the company’s customers may refuse or be unable to fulfill its financing obligations or extend credit to the company’s customers; one or more customers of the company may be unable to pay for purchases of the company’s products on a timely basis; one or more key suppliers may be unable or unwilling to provide critical goods or services to the company; and one or more of the counterparties to the company’s hedging arrangements may be unable to fulfill its obligations to the company. Although the company has taken actions in an effort to mitigate these risks, during periods of economic downturn, the company’s exposure to these risks increases. Events of this nature may adversely affect the company’s liquidity or sales and revenues, and therefore have an adverse effect on the company’s business and results of operations.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

There are no individually material capital expenditure commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2008. The company estimates that capital investments for 2009 could approximate $20,000,000 to $22,000,000, compared to actual capital expenditures of $19,957,000 in 2008. The company believes that its balances of cash and cash equivalents, together with funds generated from operations and existing borrowing facilities, will be sufficient to meet its operating cash requirements and fund required capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.

CASH FLOWS

Cash flows provided by operating activities were $76,414,000 in 2008, compared to $79,100,000 in the previous year. The 2007 operating cash flow amount benefited from the collection of a tax receivable of $11,800,000 and $5,000,000 in insurance proceeds received on an embezzlement claim, compared to a tax receivable collection in 2008 of $4,000,000. Excluding these items, operating cash flows in 2008 benefited from much improved earnings offset by higher accounts receivable due to strong fourth quarter 2008 sales and greater cash used for inventory in 2008 as compared to 2007.

 

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Cash flows used for investing activities were $22,485,000 in 2008, compared to $22,058,000 in 2007. The increase in cash used was primarily attributable to higher acquisition costs compared to 2007, partially offset by the liquidation of a portion of insurance investments in 2008.

Cash flows required by financing activities in 2008 were $61,686,000, compared to cash flows required of $79,545,000 in 2007. While the company paid down more debt in 2008 compared to 2007, cash flows required by financing activities were much lower in 2008 as compared to 2007, which included the payment of $22,992,000 in debt financing costs related to the company’s refinancing.

During 2008, the company generated free cash flow of $59,879,000 compared to free cash flow of $72,539,000 in 2007. The decrease is due primarily to the collection of a tax receivable of $11,800,000 and $5,000,000 in insurance proceeds received on an embezzlement claim in 2007 compared to only a tax receivable collection of $4,000,000 in 2008. Furthermore, the improved earnings in 2008 were offset by the negative impact of higher receivables, due to strong fourth quarter sales, and greater cash used for inventory in 2008 compared to 2007. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that is comprised of net cash provided by operating activities, excluding net cash impact related to restructuring activities, less net purchases of property and equipment, net of proceeds from sales of property and equipment. Management believes that this financial measure provides meaningful information for evaluating the overall financial performance of the company and its ability to repay debt or make future investments (including acquisitions, etc.).

The non-GAAP financial measure is reconciled to the GAAP measure as follows (in thousands):

 

     Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 76,414     $ 79,100  

Plus: Net Cash impact related to restructuring activities

     3,211       13,006  

Less: Purchases of property and equipment—net

     (19,746 )     (19,567 )
                

Free Cash Flow

   $ 59,879     $ 72,539  
                

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

     Payments due by period
     Total    Less than
1 year
    1-3 years    3-5 years    More than
5 years
     (In thousands)

Long-term debt obligations

             

Credit Facility

   $ 212,180    $ 29,087 *   $ 21,479    $ 161,614    $ —  

9.75% Senior Notes due 2015

     279,508      17,063       34,125      34,125      194,195

4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027

     235,935      5,569       11,138      11,138      208,090

Operating lease obligations

     56,456      21,067       22,796      7,629      4,964

Capital lease obligations

     14,954      1,818       2,949      2,687      7,500

Purchase obligations (primarily computer systems contracts)

     633      400       233      —        —  

Product liability

     23,758      4,024       9,395      4,481      5,858

SERP

     24,717      424       1,958      1,959      20,376

Other, principally deferred compensation

     7,530      180       1,206      170      5,974
                                   

Total

   $ 855,671    $ 79,632     $ 105,279    $ 223,803    $ 446,957
                                   

 

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* Includes an estimated additional payment of $15,328,000 as required by the company’s credit facility based upon “excess cash flow” for 2008 and scheduled for payment in March 2009 (as defined in the agreement). While additional payments may be required based on excess cash flow, the above table does not include any additional such payments beyond the estimated payment for 2009 as such payments can not be accurately estimated.

“Other” includes an estimated payment of $35,000 in less than 1 year and $959,000 in years 1-3 for liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions. The table does not include any other payments related to liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions as the company can not make a reasonably reliable estimate as to any other payments. See Income Taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

DIVIDEND POLICY

It is the company’s policy to pay a nominal dividend in order for its stock to be more attractive to a broader range of investors. The current annual dividend rate remains at $0.05 per Common Share and $0.045 per Class B Common Share. It is not anticipated that this will change materially as the company continues to have available significant growth opportunities through internal development and acquisitions. For 2008, annualized dividends of $0.05 per Common Share and $0.045 per Class B Common Share were declared and paid.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Consolidated Financial Statements included in the report include accounts of the company, all majority-owned subsidiaries and a variable interest entity for which the company was the primary beneficiary in 2007. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect amounts reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnotes. In preparing the financial statements, management has made its best estimates and judgments of certain amounts included in the financial statements, giving due consideration to materiality. However, application of these accounting policies involves the exercise of judgment and use of assumptions as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.

The following critical accounting policies, among others, affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Invacare’s revenues are recognized when products are shipped to unaffiliated customers. The SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, “Revenue Recognition,” as updated by SAB No. 104, provides guidance on the application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to selected revenue recognition issues. The company has concluded that its revenue recognition policy is appropriate and in accordance with GAAP and SAB No. 101. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold.

Sales are made only to customers with whom the company believes collection is reasonably assured based upon a credit analysis, which may include obtaining a credit application, a signed security agreement, personal guarantee and/or a cross corporate guarantee depending on the credit history of the customer. Credit lines are established for new customers after an evaluation of their credit report and/or other relevant financial information. Existing credit lines are regularly reviewed and adjusted with consideration given to any outstanding past due amounts.

 

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The company offers discounts and rebates, which are accounted for as reductions to revenue in the period in which the sale is recognized. Discounts offered include: cash discounts for prompt payment, base and trade discounts based on contract level for specific classes of customers. Volume discounts and rebates are given based on large purchases and the achievement of certain sales volumes. Product returns are accounted for as a reduction to reported sales with estimates recorded for anticipated returns at the time of sale. The company does not sell any goods on consignment.

Distributed products sold by the company are accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force, or “EITF” No. 99-19 Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent. The company records distributed product sales gross as a principal since the company takes title to the products and has the risks of loss for collections, delivery and returns.

Product sales that give rise to installment receivables are recorded at the time of sale when the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred. In December 2000, the company entered into an agreement with DLL, a third party financing company, to provide the majority of future lease financing to Invacare customers. As such, interest income is recognized based on the terms of the installment agreements. Installment accounts are monitored and if a customer defaults on payments, interest income is no longer recognized. All installment accounts are accounted for using the same methodology, regardless of duration of the installment agreements.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. Substantially all of the company’s receivables are due from health care, medical equipment dealers and long term care facilities located throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Europe. A significant portion of products sold to dealers, both foreign and domestic, is ultimately funded through government reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. As a consequence, changes in these programs can have an adverse impact on dealer liquidity and profitability. The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts is based primarily on management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. In addition, as a result of the third party financing arrangement, management monitors the collection status of these contracts in accordance with the company’s limited recourse obligations and provides amounts necessary for estimated losses in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

The company continues to closely monitor the credit-worthiness of its customers and adhere to tight credit policies. Due to delays in the implementation of various government reimbursement policies, including national competitive bidding, there still remains significant uncertainty as to the impact that those changes will have on the company’s customers.

Invacare has an agreement with De Lage Landen, Inc. (“DLL”), a third party financing company, to provide the majority of future lease financing to Invacare’s North America customers. The DLL agreement provides for direct leasing between DLL and the Invacare customer. The company retains a recourse obligation for events of default under the contracts. The company monitors the collections status of these contracts and has provided amounts for estimated losses in its allowances for doubtful accounts.

Inventories and Related Allowance for Obsolete and Excess Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined by the first-in, first-out method. Inventories have been reduced by an allowance for excess and obsolete inventories. The estimated allowance is based on management’s review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales. A provision for excess and obsolete inventory is recorded as needed based upon the discontinuation of products, redesigning of existing products, new product introductions, market changes and safety issues. Both raw materials and finished goods are reserved for on the balance sheet.

 

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In general, Invacare reviews inventory turns as an indicator of obsolescence or slow moving product as well as the impact of new product introductions. Depending on the situation, the company may partially or fully reserve for the individual item. The company continues to increase its overseas sourcing efforts, increase its emphasis on the development and introduction of new products, and decrease the cycle time to bring new product offerings to market. These initiatives are sources of inventory obsolescence for both raw material and finished goods.

Goodwill, Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets

Property, equipment, intangibles and certain other long-lived assets are amortized over their useful lives. Useful lives are based on management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate revenue. Under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are subject to annual impairment tests. Furthermore, goodwill and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The company completes its annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year. As a result of reduced profitability in the NA/HME operating segment and uncertainty associated with future market conditions, the company recorded impairment charges in 2006 related to goodwill and an intangible in this segment of $294,656,000 and $160,000, respectively, while an impairment charge of $5,601,000 was recorded related to the intangible recorded associated with NeuroControl, which is part of Other in the segment disclosure. No impairment was recognized in 2007 or 2008. The discount rates used have a significant impact upon the discounted cash flow methodology utilized in our annual impairment testing as higher discount rates decrease the fair value estimates used in our testing.

The company utilizes a discounted cash flow method model to analyze reporting units for impairment in which the company forecasts income statement and balance sheet amounts based on assumptions regarding future sales growth, profitability, inventory turns, days’ sales outstanding, etc. to forecast future cash flows. The cash flows are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital discount rate where the cost of debt is based on quoted rates for 20-year debt of companies of similar credit risk and the cost of equity is based upon the 20-year treasury rate for the risk free rate, a market risk premium, the industry average beta, a small cap stock adjustment and company specific risk premiums. The assumptions used are based on a market participant’s point of view and yielded a discount rate of 8.90% to 9.90% in 2008 compared to 9.25% to 10.25% in 2007. The discount rate has fluctuated in the last 3 years by less than 50 basis points. If the discount rate used were 50 basis points higher for the 2008 impairment analysis, the company would still not have an impairment for any of the reporting units.

While there was no indication of impairment in 2008 related to goodwill or intangibles for any reporting units, a future potential impairment is possible for any of the company’s reporting units should actual results differ materially from forecasted results used in the valuation analysis. Furthermore, the company’s annual valuation of goodwill can differ materially if the market inputs used to determine the discount rate change significantly. For instance, higher interest rates or greater stock price volatility would increase the discount rate and thus increase the chance of impairment.

Product Liability

The company’s captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Co., currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses of $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate of the company’s North American product liability exposure. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage insuring up to $75,000,000 in annual aggregate losses arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’s per country foreign liability limits, as applicable. There can be no assurance that Invacare’s current insurance levels will continue to be adequate or available at affordable rates.

 

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Product liability reserves are recorded for individual claims based upon historical experience, industry expertise and indications from the third-party actuary. Additional reserves, in excess of the specific individual case reserves, are provided for incurred but not reported claims based upon third-party actuarial valuations at the time such valuations are conducted. Historical claims experience and other assumptions are taken into consideration by the third-party actuary to estimate the ultimate reserves. For example, the actuarial analysis assumes that historical loss experience is an indicator of future experience, that the distribution of exposures by geographic area and nature of operations for ongoing operations is expected to be very similar to historical operations with no dramatic changes and that the government indices used to trend losses and exposures are appropriate.

Estimates made are adjusted on a regular basis and can be impacted by actual loss award settlements on claims. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company accepts responsibility for the determination and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices.

Warranty

Generally, the company’s products are covered from the date of sale to the customer by warranties against defects in material and workmanship for various periods depending on the product. Certain components carry a lifetime warranty. A provision for estimated warranty cost is recorded at the time of sale based upon actual experience. The company continuously assesses the adequacy of its product warranty accrual and makes adjustments as needed. Historical analysis is primarily used to determine the company’s warranty reserves. Claims history is reviewed and provisions are adjusted as needed. However, the company does consider other events, such as a product recall, which could warrant additional warranty reserve provision. No material adjustments to warranty reserves were necessary in the current year. See Warranty Costs in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for a reconciliation of the changes in the warranty accrual.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

The company accounts for share based compensation under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). The company has not made any modifications to the terms of any previously granted options and no changes have been made regarding the valuation methodologies or assumptions used to determine the fair value of options granted since 2005 and the company continues to use a Black-Scholes valuation model. As of December 31, 2008, there was $12,599,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans, which is related to non-vested shares, and includes $4,505,000 related to restricted stock awards. The company expects the compensation expense to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.

The majority of the options awarded have been granted at exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted without cost to the recipients are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods.

Income Taxes

As part of the process of preparing its financial statements, the company is required to estimate income taxes in various jurisdictions. The process requires estimating the company’s current tax exposure, including assessing the risks associated with tax audits, as well as estimating temporary differences due to the different treatment of items for tax and accounting policies. The temporary differences are reported as deferred tax assets and or liabilities. The company also must estimate the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and whether or not valuation allowances should be established. In the event that actual results differ from its estimates, the company’s provision for income taxes could be materially impacted.

 

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The company does not believe that there is a substantial likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported related to its critical accounting policies.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 157 (FAS 157), Fair Value Measurements, which created a framework for measuring fair value, clarified the definition of fair value and expanded the disclosures regarding fair value measurements. FAS 157 did not require any new fair value measurements. The company adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2008 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the adoption had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as goodwill and intangibles, the company elected to adopt as of January 1, 2009 the provisions of FAS 157 as allowed pursuant to FASB Staff Position 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. The adoption of FAS 157 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), which changed the accounting for business acquisitions. SFAS 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes principles and requirements as to how an acquirer should recognize and measure in its financial statements the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest and goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also requires expanded disclosure regarding the nature and financial effects of a business combination. The company adopted SFAS 141R as of January 1, 2009 and the adoption had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. SFAS 141R could have a material impact on the company’s financial statements in future periods if the company completes significant acquisitions in the future.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The company adopted SFAS 161 effective January 1, 2009 and is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption will have on the company’s 2009 financial statement disclosures.

On May 9, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position APB 14-1 (FSP APB 14-1) to provide clarification of the accounting for convertible debt that can be settled in cash upon conversion. The FASB believed this clarification was needed because the accounting being applied for convertible debt does not fully reflect the true economic impact on the issuer since the conversion option is not captured as a borrowing cost and its full dilutive effect is not included in earnings per share. The FSP requires separate accounting for the liability and equity components of the convertible debt in a manner that would reflect Invacare’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The company had to bifurcate a component of its convertible debt as a component of stockholders’ equity and will accrete the resulting debt discount as interest expense. The company adopted FSP APB 14-1 effective January 1, 2009 and, as a result, the company expects that reported interest expense will increase and net earnings will decrease by approximately $4,142,000 or $0.13 per share in 2009, assuming no material change in weighted average shares outstanding during 2009. FSP APB 14-1 requires retrospective application upon adoption and accordingly, amounts for 2008 and 2007 will be restated in the 2009 financial statements. The impact on 2008 and 2007 will be to increase reported interest expense and decrease reported earnings by $3,695,000 ($0.12 per share) and $2,904,000 ($0.09 per share), respectively.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

The company is exposed to market risk through various financial instruments, including fixed rate and floating rate debt instruments. The company uses interest swap agreements to mitigate its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Based on December 31, 2008 debt levels, a 1% change in interest rates would impact interest expense by approximately $50,000. Additionally, the company operates internationally and, as a result, is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations. Specifically, the exposure results from intercompany loans and third party sales or payments. In an attempt to reduce this exposure, foreign currency forward contracts are utilized. The company does not believe that any potential loss related to these financial instruments would have a material adverse effect on the company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The company’s current financing agreements, established in February 2007, provided the company with total capacity of approximately $710,000,000. The $150,000,000 revolving credit facility has the earliest expiration date, which is February 2012. Accordingly, the company’s exposure to the volatility of the current market environment is limited as the company does not currently need to re-finance any of its debt. However, the company’s borrowing arrangements contain covenants with respect to, among other items, maximum amount of debt, minimum loan commitments, interest coverage, dividend payments, working capital, and debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), as defined in the company’s bank agreements and agreement with its note holders. The company is in compliance with all covenant requirements, but should it fall out of compliance with these requirements, the company would have to attempt to obtain financing in the current market environment and thus likely be required to pay much higher interest rates.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Reference is made to the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Consolidated Balance Sheets, Consolidated Statement of Operations, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule, which appear on pages FS-1 to FS-48 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2008, an evaluation was performed, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the company in the reports it files and submits under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of adequate internal control over financial reporting that provides reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded and that transactions are authorized, recorded and reported properly. The system includes self-monitoring mechanisms; regular testing by

 

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the company’s internal auditors; a Code of Conduct; written policies and procedures; and a careful selection and training of employees. Actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified. An effective internal control system, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations—including the possibility of the circumvention or overriding of controls—and therefore can provide only reasonable assurance that errors and fraud that can be material to the financial statements are prevented or would be detected on a timely basis. Further, because of changes in conditions, internal control system effectiveness may vary over time.

Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting is based on the Internal Control—Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In management’s opinion, internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2008.

The company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, audited the company’s internal control over financial reporting and, based on that audit, issued an attestation report regarding the company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Information required by Item 10 as to the executive officers of the company is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The other information required by Item 10 as to the directors of the company, the Audit Committee, the audit committee financial expert, the procedures for recommending nominees to the Board of Directors, compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and corporate governance is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance” in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

We submitted the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Section 12(a) Annual CEO Certification as to our compliance with the NYSE corporate governance listing standards to the NYSE in June 2008. In addition, we have filed the certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the quality of our public disclosures as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Corporate Governance” in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Share Ownership of Principal Holders and Management” in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Information regarding the securities authorized for issuance under the company’s equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Compensation of Executive Officers” and “Compensation of Directors” in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Independent Auditors” and “Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures” in the company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1) Financial Statements.

The following financial statements of the company are included in Part II, Item 8:

Consolidated Statement of Operations—years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

Consolidated Balance Sheet—December 31, 2008 and 2007

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows—years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity—years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules.

The following financial statement schedule of the company is included in Part II, Item 8:

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

(a)(3) Exhibits.

See Exhibit Index at page number I-57 of this Report on Form 10-K.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized as of February 27, 2009.

 

INVACARE CORPORATION
By:  

/s/    A. MALACHI MIXON, III        

  A. Malachi Mixon, III
 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

and Chief Executive Officer

 

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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated as of February 27, 2009.

 

Signature

  

Title

/s/    A. MALACHI MIXON, III      

A. Malachi Mixon, III

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

/s/    GERALD B. BLOUCH        

Gerald B. Blouch

   President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

/s/    ROBERT K. GUDBRANSON        

Robert K. Gudbranson

  

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/    JAMES C. BOLAND        

James C. Boland

   Director

/s/    MICHAEL F. DELANEY        

Michael F. Delaney

   Director

/s/    C. MARTIN HARRIS, M.D.        

C. Martin Harris, M.D.

   Director

/s/    BERNADINE P. HEALY, M.D.        

Bernadine P. Healy, M.D.

   Director

/s/    JOHN R. KASICH        

John R. Kasich

   Director

/s/    DALE C. LAPORTE        

Dale C. LaPorte

   Director

/s/    DAN T. MOORE, III        

Dan T. Moore, III

   Director

/s/    JOSEPH B. RICHEY, II        

Joseph B. Richey, II

  

President – Invacare Technologies, Senior Vice President – Electronics and Design Engineering and Director

/s/    WILLIAM M. WEBER        

William M. Weber

   Director

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION

Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

Exhibit Index

 

Official

Exhibit No.

 

Description

   Sequential
  Page No.  
 
  2.1   Sale and Purchase Agreement Regarding the Sale and Purchase of All Shares in WP Domus GmbH by and among WP Domus LLC, Mr. Peter Schultz and Mr. Wilhelm Kaiser, Invacare GmbH & Co. KG and Invacare Corporation dated as of July 31, 2004    (A )
  2.2   Guarantee Letter Agreement of Warburg, Pincus Ventures, L.P. and Warburg, Pincus International, L.P. dated as of September 9, 2004    (A )
  3(a)**   Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation   
  3(b)   Code of Regulations, as amended on May 22, 1996    (F )
  4(a)   Specimen Share Certificate for Common Shares    (I )
  4(b)   Specimen Share Certificate for Class B Common Shares    (I )
  4(c)   Rights agreement between Invacare Corporation and National City Bank dated as of July 8, 2005    (G )
  4(d)   Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2007, by and among Invacare Corporation, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (including the Form of 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debenture due 2027 and related Guarantee attached as Exhibit A)    (K )
  4(e)   Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2007, by and among Invacare Corporation, the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee (including the Form of 9.75% Senior Note due 2015 and related Guarantee attached as Exhibit A)    (K )
10(a)   1992 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan adopted in May 1992    (F )
10(b)   Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, adopted in May 1992    (F )
10(c)   Invacare Corporation 1994 Performance Plan approved January 28, 1994    (F )
10(d)   Amendment No. 1 to the Invacare Corporation 1994 Performance Plan approved May 28, 1998    (F )*
10(e)   Amendment No. 2 to the Invacare Corporation 1994 Performance Plan approved May 24, 2000    (B )*
10(f)   Amendment No. 3 to the Invacare Corporation 1994 Performance Plan approved March 13, 2003    (D )*
10(g)   Invacare Retirement Savings Plan, effective January 1, 2001, as amended    (N )
10(h)   Agreement entered into by and between the company and Chief Financial Officer    (E )*
10(i)   Invacare Corporation 401(K) Plus Benefit Equalization Plan, effective January 1, 2003, as amended and restated    (N )
10(j)   Invacare Corporation Amended and Restated 2003 Performance Plan    (L )*
10(k)   Form of Change of Control Agreement entered into by and between the company and certain of its executive officers and schedule of all such agreements with current executive officers    (O )*

 

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Official

Exhibit No.

 

Description

   Sequential
  Page No.  
 
10(l)**   Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by and between the company and certain of its directors and executive officers and schedule of all such agreements with directors and executive officers    *  
10(m)   Invacare Corporation Deferred Compensation Plus Plan, as amended effective December 31, 2008    (O )
10(n)   Invacare Corporation Death Benefit Only Plan, effective January 1, 2005, as amended    (N )
10(o)   Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective February 1, 2000    (F )*
10(p)   Form of Director Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 1994 Performance Plan    (F )*
10(q)   Form of Director Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan    (N )
10(r)   Form of Director Deferred Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan    (N )
10(s)   Form of Restricted Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan    (N )
10(t)   Form of Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan    (N )
10(u)   Form of Executive Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan    (N )
10(v)   Form of Switzerland Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan    (N )
10(w)   Form of Switzerland Executive Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan    (N )
10(x)**   Director Compensation Schedule   
10(y)   Invacare Corporation Executive Incentive Bonus Plan, effective as of January 1, 2005    (H )*
10(z)   Credit Agreement, dated February 12, 2007, by and among Invacare Corporation, the Facility Guarantors named therein, the lenders named therein, Banc of America Securities LLC and KeyBank National Association as joint lead arrangers for the term loan facility, and National City Bank and KeyBank National Association as joint lead arrangers for the revolving loan facility    (K )
10(aa)   Purchase Agreement by and among Invacare Corporation, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, and the Initial Purchasers named therein dated as of February 5, 2007    (J )
10(ab)   Purchase Agreement by and among Invacare Corporation, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein, and the Initial Purchasers named therein dated as of February 7, 2007    (J )
10(ac)**   Form of Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plan entered into between the company and certain of its executive officers and other employees and a schedule of all such agreements with executive officers and other employees   
10(ad)   A. Malachi Mixon, III Retirement Benefit Agreement    (N )*
10(ae)   Cash Balance Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated, effective December 31, 2008    (O )*

 

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Official

Exhibit No.

 

Description

   Sequential
  Page No.  
 
10(af)   Form of Participation Agreement, for current participants in the Cash Balance Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as of December 31, 2008, entered into by and between the company and certain participants and a schedule of all such agreements with participants    (O )*
10(ag)   Amended and Restated Severance Protection Agreement, between the Company and Gerald B. Blouch, effective December 31, 2008    (O )*
10(ah)**   First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2007, by and among Invacare Corporation, certain Subsidiaries of the Company party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, National City Bank, as Multicurrency Administrative Agent, Multicurrency Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer, National City Bank, Canada Branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Collateral Agent, and Banc of America Securities Asia Limited, as Australian Administrative Agent and Australian Collateral Agent   
10(ai)**   Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2009, by and among Invacare Corporation, certain Subsidiaries of the Company party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, National City Bank, as Multicurrency Administrative Agent, Multicurrency Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer, National City Bank, Canada Branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Collateral Agent, and Banc of America Securities Asia Limited, as Australian Administrative Agent and Australian Collateral Agent   
21**   Subsidiaries of the company   
23**   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm   
31.1**   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   
31.2**   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   
32.1**   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   
32.2**   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   

 

* Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement
** Filed herewith

 

(A)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit to the company report on Form 8-K, dated September 9, 2004, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(B)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form S-8, dated March 30, 2001, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(C)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(D)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(E)    Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated March 6, 2008.

 

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(F)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(G)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated July 8, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(H)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit to Appendix A to the company Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A dated April 8, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(I)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(J)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 5, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(K)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 12, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(L)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-Q, dated June 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(M)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-Q, dated September 30, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(N)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(O)    Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated December 31, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Invacare Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Invacare Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (a)(2). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Invacare Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

As discussed in Accounting Policies in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R), effective December 31, 2006.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Invacare Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

February 26, 2009

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Invacare Corporation

We have audited Invacare Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Invacare Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying “Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” which is included in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Invacare Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Invacare Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 of Invacare Corporation, and the financial statement schedule for the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 and our report dated February 26, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

February 26, 2009

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Net sales

   $ 1,755,694     $ 1,602,237     $ 1,498,035  

Cost of products sold

     1,266,802       1,155,933       1,080,965  
                        

Gross Profit

     488,892       446,304       417,070  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     398,254       366,846       373,846  

Charges related to restructuring activities

     2,949       9,591       17,277  

Debt finance charges, interest and fees associated with debt refinancing

     —         13,408       3,745  

Asset write-downs related to goodwill and other intangibles

     —         —         300,417  

Interest expense

     39,233       44,309       34,084  

Interest income

     (3,045 )     (2,340 )     (2,775 )
                        

Earnings (loss) before Income Taxes

     51,501       14,490       (309,524 )

Income taxes

     12,950       13,300       8,250  
                        

Net Earnings (loss)

   $ 38,551     $ 1,190     $ (317,774 )
                        

Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Basic

   $ 1.21     $ .04     $ (10.00 )
                        

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding—Basic

     31,902       31,840       31,789  
                        

Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Assuming Dilution

   $ 1.21     $ .04     $ (10.00 )
                        

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding—Assuming Dilution

     31,953       31,927       31,789  
                        

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     December 31,
2008
    December 31,
2007
 
     (In thousands)  
Assets     

Current Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 47,516     $ 62,200  

Marketable securities

     72       255  

Trade receivables, net

     266,483       264,143  

Installment receivables, net

     4,267       4,057  

Inventories, net

     178,737       195,604  

Deferred income taxes

     2,051       2,478  

Other current assets

     51,932       62,348  
                

Total Current Assets

     551,058       591,085  

Other Assets

     60,451       91,662  

Other Intangibles

     84,766       104,736  

Property and Equipment, net

     143,512       169,376  

Goodwill

     474,686       543,183  
                

Total Assets

   $ 1,314,473     $ 1,500,042  
                

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

    

Current Liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 119,633     $ 150,170  

Accrued expenses

     143,612       145,958  

Accrued income taxes

     3,054       5,973  

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term obligations

     18,699       24,510  
                

Total Current Liabilities

     284,998       326,611  

Long-Term Debt

     460,121       513,342  

Other Long-Term Obligations

     88,826       106,046  

Shareholders’ Equity

    

Preferred Shares (Authorized 300 shares; none outstanding)

     —         —    

Common Shares (Authorized 100,000 shares; 32,449 and 32,126 issued in 2008 and 2007, respectively)—no par

     8,119       8,034  

Class B Common Shares (Authorized 12,000 shares; 1,111 and 1,112, issued and outstanding in 2008 and 2007, respectively)—no par

     278       278  

Additional paid-in-capital

     156,267       147,295  

Retained earnings

     313,296       276,344  

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings

     50,789       164,969  

Treasury shares (1,424 and 1,200 shares in 2008 and 2007, respectively)

     (48,221 )     (42,877 )
                

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     480,528       554,043  
                

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 1,314,473     $ 1,500,042  
                

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (In thousands)  

Operating Activities

      

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 38,551     $ 1,190     $ (317,774 )

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     43,744       43,717       39,892  

Provision for losses on trade and installment receivables

     14,284       11,927       37,711  

Provision for deferred income taxes

     1,420       6,030       4,285  

Provision for other deferred liabilities

     2,930       3,570       3,429  

Provision for stock-based compensation

     3,299       2,554       1,587  

Loss on disposals of property and equipment

     145       1,686       2,219  

Debt finance charges, interest and fees associated with debt refinancing

     —         13,408       —    

Write down of goodwill and intangibles

     —         —         300,417  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

      

Trade receivables

     (15,031 )     1,469       (4,035 )

Installment sales contracts, net

     (3,788 )     (8,348 )     (5,997 )

Inventories

     (292 )     14,542       (15,932 )

Other current assets

     4,754       31,377       (25,043 )

Accounts payable

     (20,440 )     (18,298 )     22,857  

Accrued expenses

     5,479       (15,661 )     18,414  

Other long-term liabilities

     1,359       (10,063 )     424  
                        

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     76,414       79,100       62,454  

Investing Activities

      

Purchases of property and equipment

     (19,957 )     (20,068 )     (21,789 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     211       501       2,298  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (8,420 )     (5,496 )     (15,296 )

(Increase) decrease in other investments

     (65 )     155       252  

(Increase) decrease in other long-term assets

     4,882       1,446       (850 )

Other

     864       1,404       939  
                        

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

     (22,485 )     (22,058 )     (34,446 )

Financing Activities

      

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     356,261       699,001       872,549  

Payments on revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     (417,182 )     (754,002 )     (846,100 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     834       44       2,364  

Payment of financing costs

     —         (22,992 )     —    

Payment of dividends

     (1,599 )     (1,596 )     (1,589 )
                        

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

     (61,686 )     (79,545 )     27,224  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (6,927 )     2,500       1,347  
                        

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (14,684 )     (20,003 )     56,579  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     62,200       82,203       25,624  
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 47,516     $ 62,200     $ 82,203  
                        

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

    Common
Stock
  Class B
Stock
  Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Earnings (Loss)
    Unearned
Compen-
sation
    Treasury
Stock
    Total  
    (In thousands)  

January 1, 2006 Balance

  $ 7,925   $ 278   $ 139,942     $ 598,025     $ 47,480     $ (1,692 )   $ (38,265 )   $ 753,693  

Cumulative effect adjustment, adoption of SAB 108, net of tax

          (1,912 )           (1,912 )

Adjustment upon adoption of FAS 123R

        (1,692 )         1,692         —    

Exercise of stock options

    59       4,911             (4,314 )     656  

Non-qualified stock option expense

        512               512  

Restricted stock awards

    29       1,046               1,075  

Net loss

          (317,774 )           (317,774 )

Foreign currency translation adjustments

            64,386           64,386  

Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges

            2,303           2,303  

Marketable securities holding loss

            (41 )         (41 )
                     

Total comprehensive loss

                  (251,126 )

Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net of tax

            (14,940 )         (14,940 )

Dividends

          (1,589 )           (1,589 )
                                                           

December 31, 2006 Balance

    8,013     278     144,719       276,750       99,188       —         (42,579 )     486,369  

Exercise of stock options

    1       42               43  

Non-qualified stock option expense

        1,232               1,232  

Restricted stock awards

    20       1,302             (298 )     1,024  

Net earnings

          1,190             1,190  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

            66,373           66,373  

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges

            (3,334 )         (3,334 )

Defined benefit plans amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses

            2,701           2,701  

Marketable securities holding gain

            41           41  
                     

Total comprehensive income

                  66,971  

Dividends

          (1,596 )           (1,596 )
                                                           

December 31, 2007 Balance

    8,034     278     147,295       276,344       164,969       —         (42,877 )     554,043  

Exercise of stock options

    61       5,697             (5,011 )     747  

Non-qualified stock option expense

        1,961               1,961  

Restricted stock awards

    24       1,314             (333 )     1,005  

Net earnings

          38,551             38,551  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

            (124,361 )         (124,361 )

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges

            (387 )         (387 )

Defined benefit plans:

               

Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses and credits

            2,513           2,513  

Plan amendment giving rise to prior service credit

            12,455           12,455  

Amounts arising during the year, primarily due to the addition of new participants

            (4,287 )         (4,287 )

Marketable securities holding loss

            (113 )         (113 )
                     

Total comprehensive loss

                  (75,629 )

Dividends

          (1,599 )           (1,599 )
                                                           

December 31, 2008 Balance

  $ 8,119   $ 278   $ 156,267     $ 313,296     $ 50,789     $ —       $ (48,221 )   $ 480,528  
                                                           

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations: Invacare Corporation is the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor in the $8.0 billion worldwide market for medical equipment used in the home based upon our distribution channels, breadth of product line and net sales. The company designs, manufactures and distributes an extensive line of health care products for the non-acute care environment, including the home health care, retail and extended care markets.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company, its majority owned subsidiaries and a variable interest entity for which the company is the primary beneficiary. Certain foreign subsidiaries, represented by the European segment, are consolidated using a November 30 fiscal year end in order to meet filing deadlines. No material subsequent events have occurred related to the European segment, which would require disclosure or adjustment to the company’s financial statements. All significant intercompany transactions are eliminated.

Use of Estimates: The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Marketable Securities: Marketable securities consist of short-term investments in repurchase agreements, government and corporate securities, certificates of deposit and equity securities. Marketable securities with original maturities of less than three months are treated as cash equivalents. The company has classified its marketable securities as available for sale. The securities are carried at their fair value and net unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, are carried as a component of accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss).

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost determined by the first-in, first-out method. Market costs are based on the lower of replacement cost or estimated net realizable value. Inventories have been reduced by an allowance for excess and obsolete inventories. The estimated allowance is based on management’s review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated on the basis of cost. The company principally uses the straight-line method of depreciation for financial reporting purposes based on annual rates sufficient to amortize the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives. Machinery and equipment as well as furniture and fixtures are generally depreciated using lives of 3 to 10 years, while buildings and improvements are depreciated using lives of 3 to 40 years. Accelerated methods of depreciation are used for federal income tax purposes. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The asset would be considered impaired when the future net undiscounted cash flows generated by the asset are less than its carrying value. An impairment loss would be recognized based on the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles: In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, (“SFAS No. 142”) goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing. For purposes of the impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit is estimated by forecasting cash flows and discounting those cash flows using appropriate discount rates. The fair values are then compared to the carrying value of the net assets of each reporting unit. No impairments were recognized in 2008 or 2007. As a result of reduced profitability in the NA/ HME operating segment and uncertainty associated with future market conditions, in 2006 the company recorded

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Accounting Policies—Continued

 

impairment charges related to goodwill and an intangible asset in this segment of $294,656,000 and $160,000, respectively, in addition, an impairment charge of $5,601,000 was recorded related to the intangible asset recorded associated with NeuroControl, which is included in Other in the segment disclosure, at December 31, 2006.

Accrued Warranty Cost: Generally, the company’s products are covered by warranties against defects in material and workmanship for various periods depending on the product from the date of sale to the customer. Certain components carry a lifetime warranty. A provision for estimated warranty cost is recorded at the time of sale based upon actual experience. The company continuously assesses the adequacy of its product warranty accrual and makes adjustments as needed. Historical analysis is primarily used to determine the company’s warranty reserves. Claims history is reviewed and provisions are adjusted as needed. However, the company does consider other events, such as a product recall, which could warrant additional warranty reserve provision. No material adjustments to warranty reserves were necessary in the current year. See Current Liabilities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the changes in the warranty accrual.

Product Liability Cost: The company’s captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Co., currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses of $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate of the company’s North American product liability exposure. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage insuring up to $75,000,000 in annual aggregate losses arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’s per country foreign liability limits, as applicable. There can be no assurance that Invacare’s current insurance levels will continue to be adequate or available at affordable rates.

Product liability reserves are recorded for individual claims based upon historical experience, industry expertise and indications from the third-party actuary. Additional reserves, in excess of the specific individual case reserves, are provided for incurred but not reported claims based upon actuarial valuations at the time such valuations are conducted. Historical claims experience and other assumptions are taken into consideration by the third-party actuary to assist the company in estimating the ultimate reserves. For example, the actuarial analysis assumes that historical loss experience is an indicator of future experience, that the distribution of exposures by geographic area and nature of operations for ongoing operations is expected to be very similar to historical operations with no dramatic changes and that the government indices used to trend losses and exposures are appropriate. Estimates made are adjusted on a regular basis and can be impacted by actual loss award settlements on claims. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company accepts responsibility for the determination and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices.

Revenue Recognition: Invacare’s revenues are recognized when products are shipped to unaffiliated customers. The SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 101, Revenue Recognition, as updated by SAB No. 104, provides guidance on the application of GAAP to selected revenue recognition issues. The company has concluded that its revenue recognition policy is appropriate and in accordance with GAAP and SAB No. 101.

Sales are only made to customers with whom the company believes collection is reasonably assured based upon a credit analysis, which may include obtaining a credit application, a signed security agreement, personal guarantee and/or a cross corporate guarantee depending on the credit history of the customer. Credit lines are established for new customers after an evaluation of their credit report and/or other relevant financial information. Existing credit lines are regularly reviewed and adjusted with consideration given to any outstanding past due amounts.

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Accounting Policies—Continued

 

The company offers discounts and rebates, which are accounted for as reductions to revenue in the period in which the sale is recognized. Discounts offered include: cash discounts for prompt payment, base and trade discounts based on contract level for specific classes of customers. Volume discounts and rebates are given based on large purchases and the achievement of certain sales volumes. Product returns are accounted for as a reduction to reported sales with estimates recorded for anticipated returns at the time of sale. The company does not sell any goods on consignment.

Distributed products sold by the company are accounted for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 99-19 Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent. The company records distributed product sales gross as a principal since the company takes title to the products and has the risks of loss for collections, delivery and returns.

Product sales that give rise to installment receivables are recorded at the time of sale when the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred. The company has an agreement with a third party financing company to provide the majority of future installment financing to Invacare customers. As such, interest income is recognized based on the terms of the installment agreements. Installment accounts are monitored and if a customer defaults on payments, interest income is no longer recognized. All installment accounts are accounted for using the same methodology, regardless of duration of the installment agreements.

Research and Development: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in cost of products sold. The company’s annual expenditures for product development and engineering were approximately $24,764,000, $22,491,000 and $22,146,000 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Advertising: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The company has a co-op advertising program in which the company reimburses customers up to 50% of their costs of qualifying advertising expenditures. Invacare product and brand logos must appear in all advertising. Invacare requires customers to submit proof of advertising with their claims for reimbursement. The company’s cost of the program is included in SG&A expense in the consolidated statement of operations at the time the liability is estimated. Reimbursement is made on an annual basis and within 3 months of submission and approval of the documentation. The company receives monthly reporting from those in the program of their qualified advertising dollars spent and accrues based upon information received. Advertising expenses amounted to $16,224,000, $17,529,000 and $20,869,000 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, the majority of which is incurred for advertising in the United States.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans: Prior to the company’s adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”), the company accounted for options under its stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method proscribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APBO) No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. Only compensation cost related to restricted stock awards granted without cost was reflected in net earnings, as all other options awarded were granted at exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.

Effective January 1, 2006, the company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective application method. Under the modified prospective method, compensation cost has been recognized since January 1, 2006 for: 1) all stock-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006 based upon the grant-date fair value calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 123R, and 2) all stock-based payments granted prior to, but not vested

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Accounting Policies—Continued

 

as of, January 1, 2006 based upon grant-date fair value as calculated for previously presented pro forma footnote disclosures in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation. The amounts of stock-based compensation expense recognized were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007    2006

Stock-based compensation expense recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expense

   $ 3,299    $ 2,554    $ 1,587

The amounts above reflect compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and nonqualified stock options awarded under the 2003 Performance Plan. Stock-based compensation is not allocated to the business segments, but is reported as part of All Other as shown in the company’s Business Segment Note to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes: The company uses the liability method in measuring the provision for income taxes and recognizing deferred tax assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The liability method requires that deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences of currently enacted rates for differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities. Undistributed earnings of the company’s foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been provided for unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries that are permanently reinvested is not practically determinable.

Derivative Instruments: The company recognizes its derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet measured at fair value. A majority of the company’s derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The remaining gain or loss on the derivative instrument in excess of the cumulative change in the fair value of the hedged item, if any, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change.

The company is a party to interest rate swap agreements that qualify as cash flow hedges and effectively convert floating-rate debt to fixed-rate debt, so the company can avoid the risk of changes in market interest rates. Until the company refinanced its debt in February 2007, the company was also a party to interest rate swap agreements that qualified as fair value hedges and effectively converted fixed-rate debt to floating-rate debt, so the company could avoid paying higher than market interest rates. The company recognized net losses of $2,684,000, $394,000 and $696,000 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively related to its swap agreements, which is reflected in interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations.

To protect against increases/decreases in forecasted foreign currency cash flows resulting from inventory purchases/sales over the next year, the company utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to hedge portions of its forecasted purchases/sales denominated in foreign currencies. The company recognized a net loss of $26,000 in 2008, a net gain of $451,000 in 2007 and a net loss of $240,000 in 2006 on foreign currency cash flow hedges. The gains and losses are included in cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.

The company recognized no gain or loss related to hedge ineffectiveness or discontinued cash flow hedges. If it is later determined that a hedged forecasted transaction is unlikely to occur, any gains or losses on the forward contracts would be reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings. The company does not

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Accounting Policies—Continued

 

expect this to occur during the next twelve months. The company has historically not recognized any ineffectiveness related to forward contract cash flow hedges because the company generally limits it hedges to between 60% and 90% of total forecasted transactions for a given entity’s exposure to currency rate changes and the transactions hedged are recurring in nature.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. The company adopted SFAS 161 effective January 1, 2009 and is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption will have on our 2009 financial statement disclosures.

Foreign Currency Translation: The functional currency of the company’s subsidiaries outside the United States is the applicable local currency. The assets and liabilities of the company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at weighted average exchange rates. Gains and losses resulting from translation are included in accumulated other comprehensive earnings (loss).

Net Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of Common Shares and Class B Common Shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of Common Shares and Class B Common Shares outstanding plus the effects of dilutive stock options and awards outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share can potentially be impacted by the convertible notes should the conditions be met to make the notes convertible.

Defined Benefit Plans: In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board “FASB” issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R), or “FAS 158.” FAS 158 requires plan sponsors to recognize the funded status of their defined benefit postretirement benefit plans in the consolidated balance sheet, measure the fair value of plan assets and benefit obligations as of the balance sheet date and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The company adopted the provisions of FAS 158 on December 31, 2006. The adoption required the company to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of our postretirement benefit plan in the December 31, 2006 balance sheet, with a corresponding adjustment of $14,940,000 to accumulated other comprehensive income on a pre-tax and after-tax basis. The adoption of FAS 158 did not affect the company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006, or for any prior period presented.

In 2006, the company determined that the reported December 31, 2005 accumulated benefit for the company’s non-qualified defined benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) was understated by $2,941,000 ($1,912,000 after-tax), or $0.06 per share, as the result of accounting errors in which recorded expense in prior years was netted by SERP benefit payments. The company assessed the error amounts considering SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 99, Materiality, as well as SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements When Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, or “SAB 108.” The error was not material to any prior period reported financial statements, but was material in the current year. Accordingly, the company recorded the correction of the understatement of expense as an adjustment to beginning 2006 retained earnings pursuant to the special transition provision detailed in SAB 108.

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Accounting Policies—Continued

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, or “FIN 48.” FIN 48 prescribes recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return as well as guidance regarding derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. Upon adoption, the company did not recognize an adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. The company continues to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

In September, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 157 (FAS 157), Fair Value Measurements, which created a framework for measuring fair value, clarified the definition of fair value and expanded the disclosures regarding fair value measurements. FAS 157 did not require any new fair value measurements. The company adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2008 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the adoption had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as goodwill and intangibles, the company elected to adopt as of January 1, 2009 the provisions of FAS 157 as allowed pursuant to FASB Staff Position 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. The adoption of FAS 157 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141R), which changed the accounting for business acquisitions. SFAS 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes principles and requirements as to how an acquirer should recognize and measure in its financial statements the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest and goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also requires expanded disclosure regarding the nature and financial effects of a business combination. The company adopted SFAS 141R as of January 1, 2009 and the adoption had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. SFAS 141R could have a material impact on the company’s financial statements in future periods if the company completes significant acquisitions in the future.

On May 9, 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments That May Be Settled in Cash upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (FSP APB 14-1) to provide clarification of the accounting for convertible debt that can be settled in cash upon conversion. The FASB believed this clarification was needed because the accounting being applied for convertible debt does not fully reflect the true economic impact on the issuer since the conversion option is not captured as a borrowing cost and its full dilutive effect is not included in earnings per share. The FSP requires separate accounting for the liability and equity components of the convertible debt in a manner that would reflect Invacare’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The company had to bifurcate a component of its convertible debt as a component of stockholders’ equity and will accrete the resulting debt discount as interest expense. The company adopted FSP APB 14-1 effective January 1, 2009 and as a result the company expects that reported interest expense will increase and net earnings will decrease by approximately $4,142,000 in 2009. FSP APB 14-1 requires retrospective application upon adoption and accordingly, amounts for 2008 and 2007 will be restated in the 2009 financial statements. The impact on 2008 and 2007 will be to increase reported interest expense and decrease reported earnings by $3,695,000 ($0.12 per share) and $2,904,000 ($0.09 per share), respectively.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Receivables

Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. Substantially all of the company’s receivables are due from health care, medical equipment dealers and long term care facilities located throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Europe. A significant portion of products sold to dealers, both foreign and domestic, is ultimately funded through government reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, the company has seen a significant shift in reimbursement to customers from managed care entities. As a consequence, changes in these programs can have an adverse impact on dealer liquidity and profitability. The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts ($18,048,000 in 2008 and $39,135,000 in 2007) is based primarily on management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. The company’s allowance for uncollectible accounts contemplates the increased collectability risk resulting from changes in Medicare reimbursement regulations, specifically changes to the qualification processes and reimbursement levels of power wheelchairs. The company has reviewed the accounts receivables associated with many of its customers that are most exposed to these issues. The company is also working with certain of its customers in an effort to help them reduce costs, including product line consolidations and introduction of simplified pricing. In addition, the company has also implemented tighter credit policies with many of these accounts. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the company wrote-off $15,868,000 in installment receivables and $5,856,000 in trade accounts receivable which the company determined could not be collected and for which allowances had been previously provided. The write-offs were associated with a customer against whom the company initiated foreclosure proceedings in May 2008 and with respect to which the court issued a foreclosure order in September 2008, which allowed the company to recover a limited amount of what was owed.

Until February 2007, the company utilized a 364-day $100 million accounts receivable securitization facility which was entered into on September 30, 2005. The Receivables Purchase Agreement (the “Receivables Agreement”), provided for, among other things, the transfer from time to time by Invacare and certain of its subsidiaries of ownership interests of certain domestic accounts receivable on a revolving basis to the bank conduit, an asset-backed issuer of commercial paper, and/or the financial institutions named in the Receivables Agreement. Pursuant to the Receivables Agreement, the company and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time could transfer accounts receivable to Invacare Receivables Corporation (IRC), a special purpose entity and subsidiary of Invacare. IRC would then transfer interests in the receivables to the Conduit and/or the financial institutions named in the Receivables Agreement and receive funds from the conduit and/or the financial institutions raised through the issuance of commercial paper (in its own name) by the conduit and/or the financial institutions.

In accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Invacare accounted for the transaction as a secured borrowing. Borrowings under the facility were effectively repaid as receivables were collected, with new borrowings created as additional receivables were sold. As of December 31, 2006, Invacare had $71,750,000 in borrowings pursuant to the securitization facility at a borrowing rate of approximately 6.1% in 2006. In February 2007, the accounts receivable securitization facility was terminated and thus the company has no borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2007 or 2008 associated with the facility.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Receivables—Continued

 

Installment receivables as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  
     Current     Long-
Term
    Total     Current     Long-
Term
    Total  

Installment receivables

   $ 5,549     $ 9,568     $ 15,117     $ 4,404     $ 30,560     $ 34,964  

Less:

            

Unearned interest

     (129 )     —         (129 )     (100 )     (3,176 )     (3,276 )

Allowance for doubtful accounts

     (1,153 )     (3,889 )     (5,042 )     (247 )     (3,578 )     (3,825 )
                                                
   $ 4,267     $ 5,679     $ 9,946     $ 4,057     $ 23,806     $ 27,863  
                                                

In addition, as a result of the company’s third party financing arrangement, management monitors the collection status of the contracts with De Lage Landen, Inc. for which the company has a limited recourse obligation and provides amounts necessary for estimated losses in the allowance for doubtful accounts. See Concentration of Credit Risk in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the financing arrangement. Long-term installment receivables are included in “Other Assets” on the consolidated balance sheet.

Inventories

Inventories as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007

Finished goods

   $ 99,486    $ 116,808

Raw materials

     64,493      63,815

Work in process

     14,758      14,981
             
   $ 178,737    $ 195,604
             

Other Current Assets

Other current assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007

Value added taxes receivable

   $ 22,062    $ 22,808

Recoverable income taxes

     6,460      11,219

Prepaids and other current assets

     23,410      28,321
             
   $ 51,932    $ 62,348
             

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  

Machinery and equipment

   $ 308,532     $ 308,904  

Land, buildings and improvements

     90,410       97,478  

Furniture and fixtures

     25,041       33,204  

Leasehold improvements

     15,720       16,390  
                
     439,703       455,976  

Less allowance for depreciation

     (296,191 )     (286,600 )
                
   $ 143,512     $ 169,376  
                

Acquisitions

In March 2008, Invacare Corporation acquired the assets of Naylor Medical Sales & Rentals, Inc. (Naylor) a Tennessee corporation specializing in rentals for $2,152,000, which was paid in cash. In October 2008, Invacare Corporation purchased a billing company operating as Homecare Collection Services (HCS) for $6,268,000. Both of these acquisitions were made to expand the company’s services business. The company’s results of operations include the results of Naylor and HCS since their respective dates of acquisition. Pursuant to the HCS purchase agreement, the company agreed to pay contingent consideration based upon earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation over the three years subsequent to the acquisition up to a maximum of $3,000,000. When the contingencies related to both of the acquisitions are settled, any additional consideration paid will increase the respective purchase price and reported goodwill.

On November 27, 2007, Invacare Corporation acquired RoadRunner Mobility, Inc., a Texas corporation and a leading repairer of power wheelchairs supporting the equipment service needs of the Medicare beneficiary through a national network of service centers and service technicians for $5,496,000 in cash. The company’s results of operations include the results of RoadRunner Mobility, Inc. since the date of the acquisition.

In 2006, Invacare Corporation acquired two businesses, which were individually immaterial and in the aggregate, at a total cost of $15,296,000, which was paid in cash. The company acquired Home Health Equipment Pty Ltd, an Australian based company, and leading supplier of medical equipment in South Australia, providing high quality equipment and service to institutions and individual clients selling the full range of rehabilitation, mobility and continuing care products. In addition, the company acquired Morris Surgical Pty Ltd, an Australian based company, and a leading supplier of medical equipment in Queensland, providing high quality equipment and service to institutions and individual clients selling the full range of rehabilitation, mobility, continuing care products as well as niche and made to order products.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment is as follows (in thousands):

 

     North
America /
HME
   Invacare
Supply
Group
    Institutional
Products
Group
    Europe     Asia/
Pacific
    Consolidated  

Balance at January 1, 2007

   $ —      $ 23,541     $ 18,107     $ 416,952     $ 31,829     $ 490,429  

Acquisitions

     2,822      —         —         —         —         2,822  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        —         3,318       42,155       5,431       50,904  

Purchase accounting adjustments

     —        —         —         (972 )     —         (972 )
                                               

Balance at December 31, 2007

     2,822      23,541       21,425       458,135       37,260       543,183  

Acquisitions

     6,195      —         —         —         —         6,195  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        —         (3,914 )     (62,742 )     (7,240 )     (73,896 )

Purchase accounting adjustments

     145      (468 )     —         1,239       (1,712 )     (796 )
                                               

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 9,162    $ 23,073     $ 17,511     $ 396,632     $ 28,308     $ 474,686  
                                               

As a result of the Naylor and HCS acquisitions in 2008, additional goodwill of $6,195,000 was recorded, which is deductible for tax purposes. As a result of the RoadRunner Mobility, Inc. acquisition in 2007, additional goodwill of $2,822,000 was recorded, which is deductible for tax purposes.

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, goodwill is subject to annual impairment testing. For purposes of Step I of the impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit is estimated by forecasting cash flows and discounting those cash flows using appropriate discount rates. The fair values are then compared to the carrying value of the net assets of each reporting unit. Step II of the impairment test requires a more detailed assessment of the fair values associated with the net assets of a reporting unit that fails the Step I test, including a review for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS 144”).

The company utilizes a discounted cash flow method model to analyze reporting units for impairment in which the company forecasts income statement and balance sheet amounts based on assumptions regarding future sales growth, profitability, inventory turns, days’ sales outstanding, etc. to forecast future cash flows. The cash flows are discounted using a weighted average cost of capital discount rate where the cost of debt is based on quoted rates for 20-year debt of companies of similar credit risk and the cost of equity is based upon the 20-year treasury rate for the risk free rate, a market risk premium, the industry average beta, a small cap stock adjustment and company specific risk premiums. The assumptions used are based on a market participant’s point of view and yielded discount rates between 8.90% and 9.90% in 2008 compared to 9.25% and 10.25% in 2007. While no impairment was indicated in 2008 for any reporting units, a future potential impairment is possible for any of the company’s reporting units should actual results differ materially from forecasted results.

An impairment charge related to goodwill in the North America/HME segment of $294,656,000 was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006 as a result of reduced profitability in the NA/HME operating segment and uncertainty associated with future market conditions. As part of the impairment analysis in 2006, the company compared the forecasted un-discounted cash flows for each facility in the North America/HME segment to the carrying value of the net assets associated with a given facility, which calculated no impairment of any other long-lived assets pursuant to SFAS No. 144.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Goodwill—Continued

 

The 2006 impairment of goodwill in the NA/HME operating segment was primarily the result of reduced government reimbursement levels and changes in reimbursement policies, which negatively affected revenues and profitability in the NA/HME operating segment. The changes announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or “CMS,” affected eligibility, documentation, codes, and payment rules relating to power wheelchairs impacted the predictability of reimbursement of expenses for and access to power wheelchairs and created uncertainty in the market place, thus decreasing purchases. NA/HME sales of respiratory products were also negatively affected as small and independent provider sales declined as these dealers slowed their purchases of the company’s HomeFill® oxygen delivery system product line, in part, until they had a clearer view of future oxygen reimbursement levels. Furthermore, a study issued by the Office of Inspector General or “OIG,” in September 2006 suggested that $3.2 billion in savings could be achieved over five years by reducing the reimbursed rental period from three years to thirteen months. The uncertainty created by these announcements negatively impacted the home oxygen equipment market, particularly for those providers considering changing to the HomeFill oxygen delivery system.

Other Intangibles

All of the company’s other intangible assets have definite lives and continue to be amortized over their useful lives, except for $30,934,000 related to trademarks, which have indefinite lives. The changes in intangible balances reflected on the balance sheet from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2008 were primarily the result of foreign currency translation. The company’s intangibles consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
     Historical
Cost
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Historical
Cost
   Accumulated
Amortization

Customer Lists

   $ 72,155    $ 28,526    $ 77,329    $ 21,238

Trademarks

     30,934      —        36,505      —  

License agreements

     5,494      4,688      4,559      4,335

Developed Technology

     6,698      1,942      7,316      1,425

Patents

     6,761      4,790      6,909      4,313

Other

     8,890      6,220      8,650      5,221
                           
   $ 130,932    $ 46,166    $ 141,268    $ 36,532
                           

Intangibles recorded as the result of acquisitions during 2008 were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair
Value
   Weighted Average
Amortization Period

Customer lists

   $ 889    7 years

Other

     253    3 years
         

Total

   $ 1,142   
         

Amortization expense related to other intangibles was $9,634,000, $8,985,000 and $9,311,000 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to be $8,762,000 for 2009, $8,437,000 in 2010, $8,055,000 in 2011, $7,367,000 in 2012 and $6,597,000 in 2013. Amortized intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis for periods from 3 to 20 years with the majority of the intangibles being amortized over a life of between 10 and 13 years.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Other Intangibles—Continued

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the company reviews intangibles for impairment. For purposes of the impairment test, the fair value of each unamortized intangible is estimated by forecasting cash flows and discounting those cash flows using appropriate discount rates. The fair values are then compared to the carrying value of the intangible. For amortized intangibles, the forecasted undiscounted cash flows were compared to the carrying value, and if impairment results, the impairment is measured based on the estimated fair value of the intangibles. As a result of the company’s 2008 intangible impairment review, there was no impairment to any intangible assets. As a result of the company’s 2006 intangible impairment review, an impairment charge of $160,000 was recorded associated with a trade name, which is part of the NA/HME segment and a charge of $5,601,000 was recorded related to the intangible asset recorded associated with NeuroControl, which is included in Other in the segment disclosure. See Investment in Affiliated Company in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report below. The company has recorded a material amount of intangibles as the result of acquisitions which may become impaired if performance assumptions, primarily related to sales and operating cash flows estimates, made at the time of originally valuing the intangibles are not achieved.

Investment in Affiliated Company

FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities(FIN 46), which was revised in December 2003, requires consolidation of an entity if the company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s (VIE) activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns, or both. A company that consolidates a VIE is known as the primary beneficiary of that entity.

Until the fourth quarter of 2007, the company consolidated NeuroControl, a company whose product is focused on the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain in the United States. Certain of the company’s officers and directors (or their affiliates) had small minority equity ownership positions in NeuroControl. Based on the provisions of FIN 46 and the company’s analysis, the company had consolidated this investment on a prospective basis since January 1, 2005 and recorded an intangible asset for patented technology of $7,003,000. The other beneficial interest holders have no recourse against the company.

In the fourth quarter of 2006, the company’s board of directors made a decision to no longer fund the cash needs of NeuroControl. Based upon that decision, NeuroControl’s directors decided to commence a liquidation process and cease operations. Therefore, funding of this investment ceased on December 31, 2006. As a result of this decision, the company established a valuation reserve related to the NeuroControl intangible asset of $5,601,000 to fully reserve against the patented technology intangible as it was deemed to be impaired. In the fourth quarter of 2007, the company recognized a one-time gain of $3,981,000 due to the cancellation of debt owed by NeuroControl to two third parties. As of December 31, 2007, all operations of NeuroControl had ceased.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007

Accrued salaries and wages

   $ 40,819    $ 41,851

Accrued taxes other than income taxes, primarily Value Added Taxes

     24,684      29,721

Accrued warranty cost

     16,798      16,616

Accrued interest

     11,792      11,926

Accrued freight

     15,076      10,036

Accrued rebates

     3,567      7,420

Accrued legal and professional

     3,135      3,927

Accrued product liability, current portion

     4,024      3,556

Accrued insurance

     2,466      2,071

Accrued severance

     773      1,224

Accrued derivative liability

     4,456      78

Other accrued items, principally trade accruals

     16,022      17,532
             
   $ 143,612    $ 145,958
             

Accrued rebates relate to several volume incentive programs the company offers its customers. The company accounts for these rebates as a reduction of revenue when the products are sold in accordance with the guidance in EITF No. 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products). The company has experienced significant pricing pressure in the U.S. market for standard products in recent years and has partially reduced prices to our customers in the form of a volume rebate such that the rebates would typically apply only if customers increased their standard product purchases from the company.

Changes in accrued warranty costs were as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  

Balance as of January 1

   $ 16,616     $ 15,165  

Warranties provided during the period

     11,705       10,253  

Settlements made during the period

     (12,364 )     (9,538 )

Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations

     841       736  
                

Balance as of December 31

   $ 16,798     $ 16,616  
                

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Long-Term Debt

Debt as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  

$250,000,000 term loan facility at 2.25% above local interbank offered rates (LIBOR), expires February 12, 2013

   $ 160,000     $ 197,500  

$150,000,000 revolving credit facility at 2.25% above LIBOR, expires February 12, 2012

     —         19,488  

$175,000,000 senior notes at 9.75%, due in February 2015

     173,193       172,896  

$135,000,000 convertible senior subordinated debentures at 4.125%, due in February 2027

     135,000       135,000  

Other notes and lease obligations

     10,627       12,968  
                
     478,820       537,852  

Less current maturities of long-term debt

     (18,699 )     (24,510 )
                
   $ 460,121     $ 513,342  
                

On February 12, 2007, the company completed a new financing program which provided the company with total capacity of approximately $710 million, the net proceeds of which were used to refinance substantially all of the company’s then existing indebtedness and pay related fees and expenses. The refinancing was made necessary, in part, because on November 6, 2006, the company determined that it was in violation of a financial covenant contained in three Note Purchase Agreements between the company and various institutional lenders (the “Note Purchase Agreements”). The Note Purchase Agreements related to an aggregate principal amount of $330 million in long-term debt of the company. The financial covenant limited the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated operating cash flow. The company believed the limit was exceeded as a result of borrowings by the company in early October, 2006 under its $500 million credit facility dated January 14, 2005 with various banks (the “Credit Facility”). The violation of the covenant under the Note Purchase Agreements also may have constituted a default under both the Credit Facility and the company’s separate $100 million trade receivables securitization facility (collectively, all of these loan facilities are referred to as the “Loan Facilities”). The company obtained the necessary waivers of the covenants that were violated.

As part of the new financing, the company entered into a $400,000,000 senior secured credit facility consisting of a $250,000,000 term loan facility and a $150,000,000 revolving credit facility. The company’s obligations under the new senior secured credit facility are secured by substantially all of the company’s assets and are guaranteed by its material domestic subsidiaries, with certain obligations also guaranteed by its material foreign subsidiaries. Borrowings under the new senior secured credit facility will generally bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%, including an initial facility fee of 0.50% per annum on the facility.

The company also completed the sale of $175,000,000 principal amount of its 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015 to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The notes are unsecured senior obligations of the company guaranteed by substantially all of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, and pay interest at 9.75% per annum on each February 15 and August 15. The net proceeds to the company from the offering of the notes, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discount and the offering expenses payable by the company, were approximately $167,000,000.

Also, as part of the refinancing, the company completed the sale of $135,000,000 principal amount of its Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027 to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The debentures are unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the company

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Long-Term Debt—Continued

 

guaranteed by substantially all of the company’s domestic subsidiaries, pay interest at 4.125% per annum on each February 1 and August 1, and are convertible upon satisfaction of certain conditions into cash, common shares of the company, or a combination of cash and common shares of the company, subject to certain conditions, and at the company’s discretion. The debentures allow the company to satisfy the conversion using any combination of cash or stock. The company intends to satisfy the accreted value of the debentures using cash. Assuming adequate cash on hand at the time of conversion, the company also intends to satisfy the conversion spread using cash, as opposed to stock. The company includes the dilutive effect of shares necessary to settle the conversion spread in the Net Earnings (loss) per Share – Assuming Dilution calculation unless such amounts are antidilutive. The initial conversion rate is 40.3323 shares per $1,000 principal amount of debentures, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $24.79 per share. Holders of the debentures can convert the debt to common stock if the company’s common stock price is at a level in excess of $32.23, a 30% premium to the initial conversion price for at least 20 trading days during a period of 30 consecutive trading days preceding the date on which the notice of conversion is given. The debentures are redeemable at the company’s option, subject to specified conditions, on or after February 6, 2012 through and including February 1, 2017, and at the company’s option after February 1, 2017. On February 1, 2017 and 2022 and upon the occurrence of certain circumstances, holders have the right to require the company to repurchase all or some of their debentures. The company evaluated the terms of the call, redemption and conversion features under the applicable accounting literature, including SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities and EITF 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock, and determined that the features did not require separate accounting as derivatives. The net proceeds to the company from the offering of the debentures after deducting the estimated offering expenses payable by the company, were approximately $132,300,000.

The notes, debentures and common shares issuable upon conversion of the debentures have been registered under the Securities Act.

On March 31, 2006, the company and the other parties to its $500 million Credit Facility dated as of January 12, 2005, entered into certain amendments to the Agreement which among other things: (i) amended the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and EBIT under the Credit Facility to clarify the treatment of restructuring costs under the Credit Facility, and (ii) amended the definition of Consolidated Interest Expense under the Credit Facility to exclude any interest accrued under any Trade Receivables Securitization Transaction permitted pursuant to Section 5.2(n) of the Credit Facility. The debt outstanding related to the $500 million Credit Facility was repaid in full as part of the refinancing completed on February 12, 2007.

There were no borrowings denominated in foreign currencies as of December 31, 2008 compared to an aggregated $19,488,000 at December 31, 2007. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the weighted average floating interest rate on borrowings was 6.95% and 7.18%, respectively.

The company’s borrowing arrangements contain covenants with respect to, among other items, maximum amount of debt, minimum loan commitments, interest coverage, dividend payments, working capital, and debt to EBITDA, as defined in the company’s bank agreements and agreement with its note holders. The company is in compliance with all covenant requirements. Under the most restrictive covenant of the company’s borrowing arrangements as of December 31, 2008, the company had the capacity to borrow up to an additional $150,000,000.

In July 2007, the company entered into cash flow hedges that exchanged the LIBOR variable rate on $125,000,000 of term loan debt for a fixed rate of 5.0525% and in November 2007 exchanged the LIBOR variable rate on $30,000,000 of term loan debt for a fixed rate of 3.95%. In December 2006, $50,000,000 in fair

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Long-Term Debt—Continued

 

value hedge swaps that exchanged fixed rates for floating rates were de-designated as hedges as the associated debt was to be paid off as part of the company’s refinancing, which was completed in February 2007. In August 2006, $50,000,000 in fair value hedge swaps were also terminated. All losses associated with the terminations of fair value hedge swaps were amortized over the remaining life of the previously hedged debt using the effective yield method.

The aggregate minimum maturities of long-term debt for each of the next five years are as follows: $18,699,000 in 2009, $3,361,000 in 2010, $3,368,000 in 2011, $3,338,000 in 2012, and $3,384,000 in 2013. The 2009 payment amount includes estimated additional mandatory payment of $15,328,000 as required by the company’s credit facility based upon 2008 excess cash flow as defined in the agreement. Interest paid on borrowings was $40,547,000, $42,053,000 and $28,723,000 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Other Long-Term Obligations

Other long-term obligations as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan liability

   $ 24,293    $ 33,496

Product liability

     19,734      17,580

Deferred income taxes

     25,664      28,824

Other, principally deferred compensation

     19,135      26,146
             

Total long-term obligations

   $ 88,826    $ 106,046
             

Leases and Commitments

The company leases a portion of its facilities, transportation equipment, data processing equipment and certain other equipment. These leases have terms from 1 to 20 years and provide for renewal options. Generally, the company is required to pay taxes and normal expenses of operating the facilities and equipment. As of December 31, 2008, the company is committed under non-cancelable operating leases, which have initial or remaining terms in excess of one year and expire on various dates through 2024. Lease expenses were approximately $23,363,000 in 2008, $22,229,000 in 2007, and $21,302,000 in 2006.

The amount of buildings and equipment capitalized in connection with capital leases was $14,752,000 and $16,595,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, accumulated amortization was $4,179,000 and $3,789,000, respectively, which is included in depreciation expense.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Leases and Commitments—Continued

 

Future minimum operating and capital lease commitments as of December 31, 2008, are as follow (in thousands):

 

Year

   Capital Leases     Operating Leases

2009

   $ 1,818     $ 21,067

2010

     1,501       14,100

2011

     1,448       8,696

2012

     1,353       4,504

2013

     1,334       3,125

Thereafter

     7,500       4,964
              

Total future minimum lease payments

     14,954     $ 56,456
        

Amounts representing interest

     (4,381 )  
          

Present value of minimum lease payments

   $ 10,573    
          

Retirement and Benefit Plans

Substantially all full-time salaried and hourly domestic employees are included in the Invacare Retirement Savings Plan sponsored by the company. The company makes matching cash contributions up to 66.7% of employees’ contributions up to 3% of compensation, quarterly contributions based upon 4% of qualified wages and may make discretionary contributions to the domestic plans based on an annual resolution of the Board of Directors.

The company sponsors a Deferred Compensation Plus Plan covering certain employees, which provides for elective deferrals and the company retirement deferrals so that the total retirement deferrals equal amounts that would have contributed to the company’s principal retirement plans if it were not for limitation imposed by income tax regulations. Contribution expense for the above plans in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $6,140,000, $5,455,000, and $5,514,000, respectively.

The company also sponsors a non-qualified defined benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for certain key executives. The projected benefit obligation related to this unfunded plan was $24,717,000 and $33,920,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and the accumulated benefit obligation was $24,323,000 and $22,842,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The projected benefit obligations were calculated using a salary increase of 4% at both December 31, 2008 and 2007. The assumed discount rate for both 2008 and 2007 was 6.0% based upon the discount rate on high-quality fixed-income investments without adjustment. The retirement age was 65 for both 2008 and 2007. Expense for the plan in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $2,391,000, $3,031,000, and $2,861,000, respectively of which $1,294,000, $1,520,000, and $1,407,000 was related to interest cost with the remaining portion related to service costs, prior service costs and other gains/losses. Benefit payments in 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $424,000, $424,000 and $952,000, respectively.

Effective December 31, 2008, the SERP was amended, in part to comply with IRS Section 409A. As a result of the amendment, the plan became a defined benefit cash balance plan for all non-retirees and thus future payments by the company will be made based upon a cash balance formula with interest credited at 6%. The plan continues to be unfunded with individual hypothetical accounts maintained for each participant. Future company expense will be equal to the hypothetical contributions made for each participant plus the crediting of interest. As

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Retirement and Benefit Plans—Continued

 

a result of the plan amendment, a prior service credit of $12,455,000 was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The prior service credit will be amortized consistent with the amortization of the unrealized losses previously recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income under FAS 158. The company has determined that amortization of each of these components will offset annually and thus the net expense reported by the company will be equal to the company’s contributions.

In 2005, the company began sponsoring a Death Benefit Only Plan for certain key executives that provides a benefit equal to three times the participant’s final earnings should the participant’s death occur while an employee and a benefit equal to one times the participant’s final earnings upon the participant’s death after normal retirement or post-employment. Expense for the plan in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $121,000, $281,000, and $252,000, respectively of which $72,000, $254,000, and $221,000 was related to service cost and accrual adjustments with the remaining portion related to interest costs. There were no benefit payments in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Accumulated other comprehensive income associated with the SERP and Death Benefit Only Plan (Defined Benefit Plans) was $1,558,000 and $12,239,000 as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively for a net change of ($10,681,000) with $2,513,000 in net periodic benefit costs recognized during the year.

In conjunction with these non-qualified plans, the company has invested in life insurance policies related to certain employees to satisfy these future obligations. The current cash surrender value of these policies approximates the current benefit obligations. In addition, the projected policy benefits exceed the projected benefit obligations.

Shareholders’ Equity Transactions

The company’s Common Shares have a $.25 stated value. The Common Shares and the Class B Common Shares generally have identical rights, terms and conditions and vote together as a single class on most issues, except that the Class B Common Shares have ten votes per share, carry a 10% lower cash dividend rate and, in general, can only be transferred to family members. Holders of Class B Common Shares are entitled to convert their shares into Common Shares at any time on a share-for-share basis.

The 2003 Performance Plan (the “2003 Plan”) allows the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) to grant up to 3,800,000 Common Shares in connection with incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock awards (including the use of restricted stock). The 1994 Performance Plan (the “1994 Plan”), as amended, expired in 2004 and allowed the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) to grant up to 5,500,000 Common Shares. The Committee has the authority to determine which employees and directors will receive awards, the amount of the awards and the other terms and conditions of the awards. During 2008, 2007 and 2006, the Committee granted 701,594, 503,096 and 522,152, respectively, in non-qualified stock options for a term of ten years at the fair market value of the company’s Common Shares on the date of grant under the 2003 Plan. There were no stock appreciation rights outstanding at December 31, 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Restricted stock awards for 96,800, 80,320, and 115,932 shares were granted in years 2008, 2007 and 2006 without cost to the recipients. The 2008 weighted average fair value of the 2008 restricted stock awards was $25.42. The restricted stock awards vest ratably over the four years after the award date. There were 51,130 restricted stock awards with a weighted average fair value of $28.01 that vested in 2008 and 18,336 restricted stock awards with a weighted average fair value of $28.45 that were forfeited in 2008. At December 31, 2008

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Shareholders’ Equity Transactions—Continued

 

and 2007, there were 204,567 and 175,294 shares, respectively for restricted stock awards that were unvested. Unearned restricted stock compensation of $4,505,000 in 2008, $3,904,000 in 2007 and $3,512,000 in 2006, determined as the market value of the shares at the date of grant, is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Compensation expense of $1,338,000, $1,322,000 and $1,075,000 was recognized in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to restricted stock awards granted since 2001.

The 2003 Plan and the 1994 Performance Plan have provisions that allow employees to exchange mature shares to pay the exercise price and surrender shares for the options to cover the minimum tax withholding obligation. Under these provisions, the company acquired treasury shares of approximately 224,000 for $5,334,000 in 2008, 14,000 for $298,000 in 2007 and 128,000 for $4,314,000 in 2006.

The following table summarizes information about stock option activity for the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:

 

    2008     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  2007     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  2006     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Options outstanding at January 1

    4,732,965     $ 30.02     4,724,651     $ 30.68     4,776,162     $ 31.57

Granted

    701,594       24.82     503,096       23.26     522,152       23.87

Exercised

    (243,982 )     23.60     (1,875 )     23.32     (231,448 )     24.61

Canceled

    (280,030 )     33.89     (492,907 )     29.45     (342,215 )     36.83
                                         

Options outstanding at December 31

    4,910,547     $ 29.37     4,732,965     $ 30.02     4,724,651     $ 30.68
                                         

Options price range at December 31

  $ 10.70 to       $ 16.03 to       $ 16.03 to    
  $ 47.80       $ 47.80       $ 47.80    

Options exercisable at December 31

    3,654,689         3,895,458         4,216,624    

Options available for grant at December 31*

    746,320         1,354,431         1,784,033    

 

* Options available for grant as of December 31, 2008 reduced by net restricted stock award activity of 291,762.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008:

 

     Options Outstanding    Options Exercisable

Exercise Prices

   Number
Outstanding
At 12/31/08
   Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
   Number
Exercisable
At 12/31/08
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price

$ 10.70 – $16.03

   31,822    2.6 years    $ 12.15    8,680    $ 16.03

$ 16.31 – $24.43

   1,953,284    4.1    $ 22.21    1,380,940    $ 21.96

$ 25.13 – $36.40

   1,698,733    5.5    $ 29.08    1,038,361    $ 30.97

$ 37.70 – $47.80

   1,226,708    5.7    $ 41.61    1,226,708    $ 41.61
                            

Total

   4,910,547    5.0    $ 29.37    3,654,689    $ 31.10
                  

The plans provide that shares granted come from the company’s authorized but unissued Common Shares or treasury shares. In addition, the company’s stock-based compensation plans allow participants to exchange shares for withholding taxes, which results in the company acquiring treasury shares. Pursuant to the plans, the Committee has established that the majority of the 2008 grants may not be exercised within one year from the

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Shareholders’ Equity Transactions—Continued

 

date granted and options must be exercised within ten years from the date granted. Accordingly, the assumption regarding the stock options issued in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was that 25% of such options vested in the year following issuance. The stock options awarded during such years provided a four-year vesting period whereby options vest equally in each year. The 2008, 2007 and 2006 expense may be adjusted for forfeitures of awards that will not vest because service or employment requirements have not been met.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Expected dividend yield

   .21 %   .20 %   .93 %

Expected stock price volatility

   31.5 %   29.2 %   29.5 %

Risk-free interest rate

   2.65 %   4.31 %   4.71 %

Expected life in years

   3.7     3.9     4.4  

Forfeiture percentage

   5.7 %   8.0 %   16.5 %

Expected stock price volatility is calculated at each date of grant based on historical stock prices for a period of time commensurate with the expected life of the option. The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $6.91, $7.01 and $7.87, respectively. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was 5.0, 5.0 and 5.3 years, respectively. The weighted-average contractual life of options exercisable at December 31, 2008 was 3.6 years. The total intrinsic value of stock awards exercised in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $263,000, $3,000 and $1,792,170, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the intrinsic value of all options outstanding and of all options exercisable was $112,000 and zero, respectively.

The exercise of stock awards in 2008, 2007 and 2006 resulted in cash received by the company totaling $834,000, $44,000 and $2,364,000 for each period, respectively with no tax benefits for any period. The total fair value of awards vested during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $1,771,000, $975,000 and zero, respectively. The vesting amount in 2006 was zero as vesting occurs 25% annually, thus none of the 2006 grants vested during 2006 and there were no previous grants to vest due to the acceleration of vesting of previous awards in 2005.

As of December 31, 2008, there was $12,599,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans, which is related to non-vested options and shares, which includes $4,505,000 related to restricted stock awards. The company expects the compensation expense to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2 years. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the company presented all tax benefit deductions resulting from the exercise of stock options as a component of operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In accordance with SFAS 123R, tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized for those options is classified as a component of financing cash flows.

Effective July 8, 2005, the company adopted a new Rights Agreement to replace the company’s previous shareholder rights plan, which expired on July 7, 2005. In order to implement the new Rights Agreement, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of one Right for each outstanding share of the company’s Common Shares and Class B Common Shares to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 19, 2005. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the company one one-thousandth of a Series A Participating Serial Preferred Share, without par value, at a Purchase Price of $180.00 in cash, subject to adjustment. The Rights will not become exercisable until after a person (an “Acquiring Party”) has acquired, or obtained the right

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Shareholders’ Equity Transactions—Continued

 

to acquire, or commences a tender offer to acquire, shares representing 30% or more of the company’s outstanding voting power, subject to deferral by the Board of Directors. After the Rights become exercisable, under certain circumstances, the Rights may be exercisable to purchase Common Shares of the company, or common shares of an acquiring company, at a price equal to the exercise price of the Right divided by 50% of the then current market price per Common Share or acquiring company common share, as the case may be. The Rights will expire on July 18, 2015 unless previously redeemed or exchanged by the company. The company may redeem and terminate the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.001 per Right at any time prior to 10 days following a public announcement that an Acquiring Party has acquired beneficial ownership of shares representing 30% or more of the company’s outstanding voting power, and in certain other circumstances described in the Rights Agreement.

Capital Stock

Capital stock activity for 2008, 2007 and 2006 consisted of the following (in thousands of shares):

 

     Common Stock
Shares
   Class B
Shares
    Treasury
Shares
 

January 1, 2006 Balance

   31,695    1,112     (1,058 )

Exercise of stock options

   240    —       (128 )

Stock awards

   116    —       —    
                 

December 31, 2006 Balance

   32,051    1,112     (1,186 )

Exercise of stock options

   2    —       —    

Stock awards

   73    —       (14 )
                 

December 31, 2007 Balance

   32,126    1,112     (1,200 )

Conversion of Class B to Common

   1    (1 )   —    

Exercise of stock options

   242    —       (204 )

Stock awards

   80    —       (20 )
                 

December 31, 2008 Balance

   32,449    1,111     (1,424 )
                 

Stock awards for 8,000 shares were cancelled in 2007. Stock option exercises in 2006 include deferred share activity, which increased common shares by 9,000 shares and treasury shares by 4,000 shares.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Other Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

The components of other comprehensive earnings (loss) are as follows (in thousands):

 

    Currency
Translation
Adjustments
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Available-for-Sale
Securities
    Defined
Benefit
Plans
    Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Derivative
Financial
Instruments
    Total  

Balance at January 1, 2006

  $ 48,294     $ 701     $ —       $ (1,515 )   $ 47,480  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    64,386             64,386  

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities

      (63 )         (63 )

Deferred tax benefit relating to unrealized loss on available for sale securities

      22           22  

Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158

        (14,940 )       (14,940 )

Deferred tax benefit resulting from adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158

        5,229         5,229  

Valuation reserve resulting from adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158

        (5,229 )       (5,229 )

Current period unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of reclassifications

          3,543       3,543  

Deferred tax liability relating to unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments

          (1,240 )     (1,240 )
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2006

    112,680       660       (14,940 )     788       99,188  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    66,373             66,373  

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities

      63           63  

Deferred tax liability relating to unrealized gain on available for sale securities

      (22 )         (22 )

Defined benefit plan amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses

        2,701         2,701  

Deferred tax expense resulting from Defined benefit plan amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses

        (945 )       (945 )

Valuation reserve reduction resulting from amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses related to Defined benefit plans

        945         945  

Current period unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of reclassifications

          (3,786 )     (3,786 )

Deferred tax benefits relating to unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

          452       452  
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2007

    179,053       701       (12,239 )     (2,546 )     164,969  

Foreign currency translation adjustments

    (124,361 )           (124,361 )

Unrealized loss on available for sale securities

      (113 )         (113 )

Deferred tax liability relating to unrealized gain on available for sale securities

      40           40  

Valuation reserve reduction relating to unrealized gain on available for sale securities

      (40 )         (40 )

Defined Benefit Plans:

         

Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses

        2,513         2,513  

Plan amendment giving rise to prior service credit

        12,455         12,455  

Amounts arising during the year, primarily due to the addition of new participants

        (4,287 )       (4,287 )

Deferred tax expense resulting from amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses, prior service credit and other amounts arising during the year

        (3,738 )       (3,738 )

Valuation reserve reduction resulting from amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses, prior service credit and other amounts arising during the year

        3,738         3,738  

Current period unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of reclassifications

          (470 )     (470 )

Deferred tax benefits relating to unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments

          83       83  
                                       

Balance at December 31, 2008

  $ 54,692     $ 588     $ (1,558 )   $ (2,933 )   $ 50,789  
                                       

A net loss of $26,000 in 2008, a net gain of $450,000 in 2007 and a net loss of $240,000 in 2006 were reclassified into earnings related to derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Charges Related to Restructuring Activities

On July 28, 2005, the company announced multi-year cost reductions and profit improvement actions, which included: reducing global headcount, outsourcing improvements utilizing the company’s China manufacturing capability and third parties, shifting substantial resources from product development to manufacturing cost reduction activities and product rationalization, reducing freight exposure through freight auctions and changing the freight policy, general expense reductions and exiting four facilities. The restructuring was necessitated by the continued decline in reimbursement by the U.S. government as well as similar reimbursement pressures abroad and continued pricing pressures faced by the company as a result of outsourcing by competitors to lower cost locations.

To date, the company has made substantial progress on its restructuring activities, including exiting facilities and eliminating positions through December 31, 2008, which resulted in restructuring charges of $4,766,000, $11,408,000, $21,250,000 and $7,533,000 in 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, of which $1,817,000, $1,817,000, $3,973,000 and $238,000, respectively is recorded in cost of products sold as it relates to inventory markdowns. There have been no material changes in accrued balances related to the charge, either as a result of revisions in the plan or changes in estimates, and the company expects to utilize the accruals recorded as of December 31, 2008 during 2009. A progression by reporting segment of the accruals recorded as a result of the restructuring is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Severance     Product Line
Discontinuance
    Contract
Terminations
    Other     Total  

January 1, 2006 Balance

          

NA/HME

   $ 2,130     $ —       $ —       $ —       $ 2,130  

ISG

     112       —         165       —         277  

Europe

     799       —         —         —         799  

Asia/Pacific

     63       —         —         —         63  
                                        

Total

   $ 3,104     $ —       $ 165     $ —       $ 3,269  
                                        

Accruals

          

NA/HME

     5,549       2,719       1,346       —         9,614  

ISG

     457       552       —         —         1,009  

IPG

     38       —         —         —         38  

Europe

     5,208       455       —         2,995       8,658  

Asia/Pacific

     621       557       745       8       1,931  
                                        

Total

   $ 11,873     $ 4,283     $ 2,091     $ 3,003     $ 21,250  
                                        

Payments

          

NA/HME

     (6,320 )     (682 )     (789 )     —         (7,791 )

ISG

     (403 )     (552 )     (165 )     —         (1,120 )

IPG

     (38 )     —         —         —         (38 )

Europe

     (2,273 )     (455 )     —         (2,995 )     (5,723 )

Asia/Pacific

     (684 )     (557 )     (623 )     (8 )     (1,872 )
                                        

Total

   $ (9,718 )   $ (2,246 )   $ (1,577 )   $ (3,003 )   $ (16,544 )
                                        

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Charges Related to Restructuring Activities—Continued

 

     Severance     Product Line
Discontinuance
    Contract
Terminations
    Other     Total  

December 31, 2006 Balance

          

NA/HME

     1,359       2,037       557       —         3,953  

ISG

     166       —         —         —         166  

Europe

     3,734       —         —         —         3,734  

Asia/Pacific

     —         —         122       —         122  
                                        

Total

   $ 5,259     $ 2,037     $ 679     $ —       $ 7,975  
                                        

Accruals

          

NA/HME

     3,705       178       (19 )     —         3,864  

ISG

     67       —         —         —         67  

IPG

     19       —         98       55       172  

Europe

     862       386       —         3,247       4,495  

Asia/Pacific

     1,258       1,253       299       —         2,810  
                                        

Total

   $ 5,911     $ 1,817     $ 378     $ 3,302     $ 11,408  
                                        

Payments

          

NA/HME

     (4,362 )     (2,183 )     (172 )     —         (6,717 )

ISG

     (228 )     —         —         —         (228 )

IPG

     (19 )     —         (98 )     (55 )     (172 )

Europe

     (4,591 )     (386 )     —         (3,202 )     (8,179 )

Asia/Pacific

     (746 )     (1,253 )     (382 )     —         (2,381 )
                                        

Total

   $ (9,946 )   $ (3,822 )   $ (652 )   $ (3,257 )   $ (17,677 )
                                        

December 31, 2007 Balance

          

NA/HME

     702       32       366       —         1,100  

ISG

     5       —         —         —         5  

Europe

     5       —         —         45       50  

Asia/Pacific

     512       —         39       —         551  
                                        

Total

   $ 1,224     $ 32     $ 405     $ 45     $ 1,706  
                                        

Accruals

          

NA/HME

     217       —         (15 )     —         202  

ISG

     —         1,598       —         —         1,598  

IPG

     —         —         115       —         115  

Europe

     1,371       208       —         649       2,228  

Asia/Pacific

     522       11       90       —         623  
                                        

Total

   $ 2,110     $ 1,817     $ 190     $ 649     $ 4,766  
                                        

Payments

          

NA/HME

     (693 )     (31 )     (195 )     —         (919 )

ISG

     (5 )     (1,598 )     —         —         (1,603 )

IPG

     —         —         (115 )     —         (115 )

Europe

     (829 )     (208 )     —         (574 )     (1,611 )

Asia/Pacific

     (1,034 )     (11 )     (129 )     —         (1,174 )
                                        

Total

   $ (2,561 )   $ (1,848 )   $ (439 )   $ (574 )   $ (5,422 )
                                        

December 31, 2008 Balance

          

NA/HME

     226       1       156       —         383  

Europe

     547       —         —         120       667  
                                        

Total

   $ 773     $ 1     $ 156     $ 120     $ 1,050  
                                        

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Income Taxes

Earnings (loss) before income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Domestic

   $ (6,444 )   $ (40,369 )   $ (349,144 )

Foreign

     57,945       54,859       39,620  
                        
   $ 51,501     $ 14,490     $ (309,524 )
                        

The company has provided for income taxes (benefits) as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 560     $ (2,340 )   $ (12,815 )

State

     (600 )     1,430       750  

Foreign

     11,570       8,180       16,030  
                        
     11,530       7,270       3,965  

Deferred:

      

Federal

     190       3,230       11,695  

Foreign

     1,230       2,800       (7,410 )
                        
     1,420       6,030       4,285  
                        

Income Taxes

   $ 12,950     $ 13,300     $ 8,250  
                        

A reconciliation to the effective income tax rate from the federal statutory rate follows:

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Statutory federal income tax rate

   35.0 %   35.0 %   (35.0 )%

State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

   (.8 )   6.4     0.2  

Tax credits

   (2.8 )   (37.9 )   (0.1 )

Foreign taxes at less than the federal statutory rate excluding valuation allowances

   (14.8 )   (92.4 )   (2.0 )

Asset write-downs related to goodwill and other intangibles, without tax benefit

   —       —       30.2  

Federal and foreign valuation allowance

   6.1     176.2     9.3  

Variable interest entity without tax

   —       (12.3 )   .9  

Withholding taxes

   1.5     9.0     .5  

Compensation

   .6     10.4     —    

Dividends

   3.7     —       —    

Life Insurance

   2.2     (4.4 )   (.1 )

Foreign branch activity

   (6.8 )   (20.3 )   (1.1 )

Other, net

   1.2     22.1     (.1 )
                  
   25.1 %   91.8 %   2.7 %
                  

Included in 2007 foreign deferred tax expense is a $7,820,000 benefit related to a tax rate change in Germany corresponding to the reduction of the company’s net German deferred tax liability.

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Income Taxes—Continued

 

At December 31, 2008, total deferred tax assets were $112,287,000, total deferred tax liabilities were $38,756,000 and the tax valuation allowance total was $97,144,000 for a net deferred income tax liability of $23,613,000 compared to total deferred tax assets of $105,321,000, total deferred tax liabilities of $41,945,000 and a tax valuation allowance total of $89,722,000 for a net deferred income tax liability of $26,346,000 at December 31, 2007. Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  

Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net:

    

Loss carryforwards

   $ 1,307     $ 2,345  

Bad debt

     6,721       13,575  

Warranty

     4,121       3,837  

State and local taxes

     (1,768 )     (1,441 )

Other accrued expenses and reserves

     1,690       1,759  

Inventory

     2,320       2,557  

Compensation and benefits

     2,821       3,228  

Product liability

     292       292  

Valuation allowance

     (16,877 )     (25,446 )

Other, net

     1,424       1,772  
                
   $ 2,051     $ 2,478  
                

Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net:

    

Goodwill & intangibles

     (21,995 )     (25,329 )

Fixed assets

     (14,993 )     (13,441 )

Compensation and benefits

     14,875       15,943  

Loss and credit carryforwards

     49,758       39,374  

Product liability

     4,429       4,511  

State and local taxes

     21,557       16,128  

Valuation allowance

     (80,267 )     (64,276 )

Other, net

     972       (1,734 )
                
   $ (25,664 )   $ (28,824 )
                

Net Deferred Income Taxes

   $ (23,613 )   $ (26,346 )
                

At December 31, 2008, the company had domestic federal loss carryforwards of $51,840,000 of which $32,255,000 expires in 2027 and $19,585,000 expires in 2028, domestic charitable contribution carryforwards of $1,325,000 which expire from 2011 to 2013, federal foreign tax loss carryforwards of approximately $33,350,000 of which $22,670,000 are non-expiring, $580,000 expire in 2011, $4,965,000 expire in 2012, and $5,135,000 expire in 2026 to 2028. The loss carryforward amounts include $3,115,000 of remaining federal foreign loss carryforwards associated with 2004 acquisitions. At December 31, 2008 the company also had a $12,760,000 domestic capital loss carryforward of which $8,960,000 expires in 2011 and $3,800,000 expires in 2012 and $413,900,000 of domestic state and local tax loss carryforwards, of which $182,115,000 expire between 2009 and 2012, $87,130,000 expire between 2013 and 2022 and $144,655,000 expire after 2022, all of which are fully offset by valuation allowances. The company has domestic federal tax credit carryforwards of $13,675,000 of which $11,300,000 expire between 2014 and 2018 and $2,375,000 expire between 2025 and 2028.

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Income Taxes—Continued

 

The company recorded a valuation allowance for its domestic net deferred tax assets due to the domestic loss recognized in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and based upon near term domestic projections. During 2007 and 2008, the company also recorded valuation allowances for certain foreign country net deferred tax assets where recent performance results in a three year cumulative loss and near term projections indicate it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The company made income tax payments of $10,564,000, $1,060,000 and $14,370,000 during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the company had a liability for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties of $6,400,000 and $8,085,000, respectively. The company does not believe there will be a material change in its unrecognized tax positions over the next twelve months.

The total liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rates were $6,400,000 and $8,085,000 at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 8,085     $ 8,785  

Additions to:

    

Positions taken during the current year

     360       236  

Positions taken during a prior year

     40       338  

Deductions due to:

    

Exchange rate impact

     (260 )     —    

Positions taken during the current year

     (10 )     (3 )

Positions taken during a prior year

     (85 )     (37 )

Settlements with taxing authorities

     (1,370 )     (966 )

Lapse of statute of limitations

     (360 )     (268 )
                

Balance at end of year

   $ 6,400     $ 8,085  

The Company recognizes interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. During 2008, 2007 and 2006 the (benefit) provision for interest and penalties was ($155,000), $840,000 and $150,000, respectively. The Company had approximately $2,625,000 and $2,865,000 of accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. and certain foreign jurisdictions. The company is subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for calendar years ending 2003 to 2008, and is subject to various U.S. state income tax examinations for similar periods. With regards to foreign income tax jurisdictions, the company is generally subject to examinations for the periods 2003 to 2008.

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Net Earnings Per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per common share.

 

     2008    2007    2006  
     (In thousands except per share data)  

Basic

        

Average common shares outstanding

     31,902      31,840      31,789  

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 38,551    $ 1,190    $ (317,774 )

Net earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 1.21    $ .04    $ (10.00 )

Diluted

        

Average common shares outstanding

     31,902      31,840      31,789  

Stock options

     51      87      —    
                      

Average common shares assuming dilution

     31,953      31,927      31,789  

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 38,551    $ 1,190    $ (317,774 )

Net earnings (loss) per common share

   $ 1.21    $ .04    $ (10.00 )

At December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, 4,337,838, 4,232,589 and 4,724,651 shares associated with stock options, respectively were excluded from the average common shares assuming dilution, as they were anti-dilutive. In 2008, the majority of the anti-dilutive shares were granted at an exercise price of $25.79, which was higher than the average fair market value price of $20.99 for 2008. In 2007, the majority of the anti-dilutive shares were granted at an exercise price of $23.71, which was higher than the average fair market value price of $21.35 for 2007. In 2006, all of the shares associated with stock options were anti-dilutive because of the company’s loss.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The company manufactures and distributes durable medical equipment and supplies to the home health care, retail and extended care markets. The company performs credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. Prior to December 2000, the company financed equipment to certain customers. In December 2000, Invacare entered into an agreement with De Lage Landen, Inc. (“DLL”), a third party financing company, to provide the majority of future lease financing to Invacare’s North America customers. The DLL agreement provides for direct leasing between DLL and the Invacare customer. The company retains a recourse obligation of $33,318,000 at December 31, 2008 to DLL for events of default under the contracts, which total $91,588,000 at December 31, 2008. FASB Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, requires the company to record a guarantee liability as it relates to the limited recourse obligation. As such, the company has recorded a liability of $850,000 for this guarantee obligation within accrued expenses. The company monitors the collections status of these contracts and has provided amounts for estimated losses in its allowances for doubtful accounts in accordance with SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements.

Substantially all of the company’s receivables are due from health care, medical equipment providers and long term care facilities located throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Europe. A significant portion of products sold to dealers, both foreign and domestic, is ultimately funded through government reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, the company has also seen a significant shift in reimbursement to customers from managed care entities. As a consequence, changes in these programs can have an adverse impact on dealer liquidity and profitability. In addition, reimbursement guidelines in the home health care industry have a substantial impact on the nature and type of equipment an end user can obtain as well as the timing of reimbursement and, thus, affect the product mix, pricing and payment patterns of the company’s customers.

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

In September, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 157 (FAS 157), Fair Value Measurements, which created a framework for measuring fair value, clarified the definition of fair value and expanded the disclosures regarding fair value measurements. FAS 157 did not require any new fair value measurements. The company adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2008 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the adoption had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. For assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as goodwill and intangibles, the company elected to adopt as of January 1, 2009 the provisions of FAS 157 as allowed pursuant to FASB Staff Position 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157. The adoption of FAS 157 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis had no material impact on the company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Pursuant to FAS 157, the inputs used to derive the fair value of assets and liabilities are analyzed and assigned a level I, II or III priority, with level I being the highest and level III being the lowest in the hierarchy. Level I inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level II inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets: quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets. Level III inputs are based on valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

The following table provides a summary of the company’s assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis (in thousands).

 

     December 31,
2008
    Basis for Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date
     Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets /
(Liabilities)
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
    Significant Other
Unobservable
Inputs
     Level I    Level II     Level III

Marketable Securities

   $ 72     $ 72    $ —       $ —  

Forward Exchange Contracts—net

     (306 )     —        (306 )     —  

Interest Rate Swaps

     (2,737 )     —        (2,737 )     —  
                             

Total

   $ (2,971 )   $ 72    $ (3,043 )   $ —  

Marketable Securities: The company’s marketable securities are recorded based on quoted prices in active markets multiplied by the number of shares owned without any adjustments for transactional costs or other costs that may be incurred to sell the securities.

Interest Rate Swaps: The company is a party to interest rate swap agreements, which are entered into in the normal course of business, to reduce exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The agreements are with major financial institutions, which are expected to fully perform under the terms of the agreements thereby mitigating the credit risk from the transactions. The agreements are contracts to exchange floating rate payments for fixed rate payments without the exchange of the underlying notional amounts. The notional amounts of such agreements are used to measure interest to be paid or received and do not represent the amount of exposure to credit loss. The amounts to be paid or received under the interest rate swap agreements are accrued consistent with the terms of the agreements and market interest rates. Fair value for the company’s interest rate swaps are

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Fair Values of Financial Instruments—Continued

 

based on pricing models in which all significant inputs, such as interest rates and yield curves, are observable in active markets. The company believes that the fair values reported would not be materially different from the amounts that would be realized upon settlement.

The gains and losses that result from the company’s current cash flow hedge interest rate swaps are recognized as part of interest expense. Swap assets are recorded in either Other Current Assets or Other Assets, while swap liabilities are recorded in Accrued Expenses or Other Long-Term Obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Forward Contracts: The company operates internationally and as a result is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations. Specifically, the exposure includes intercompany loans and third party sales or payments. In an attempt to reduce this exposure, foreign currency forward contracts are utilized and accounted for as hedging instruments. The forward contracts are used to hedge the following currencies: AUD, GBP, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, NOK, NZD, SEK and USD. The company does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Fair values for the company’s foreign exchange forward contracts are based on quoted market prices for contracts with similar maturities.

The gains and losses that result from the majority of the forward contracts are deferred and recognized when the offsetting gains and losses for the identified transactions are recognized. The company recognized a net loss of $26,000 in 2008, a net gain of $451,000 in 2007 and a net loss of $240,000 in 2006. Gains or losses recognized as the result of the settlement of forward contracts are recognized in cost of products sold for hedges of inventory transactions or selling, general and administrative expenses for other hedged transactions. The company’s forward contracts are included in Other Current Assets or Accrued Expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The company’s forward contract hedged positions were as follows as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):

 

     Notional
Amount
   Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
 

EUR / USD

   $ 20,478    $ (1,194 )

AUD / USD

     7,062      (405 )

EUR / GBP

     3,230      645  

EUR / NZD

     4,752      (489 )

NZD / USD

     7,331      (276 )
               

Total

   $ 42,853    $ (1,719 )

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Fair Values of Financial Instruments—Continued

 

The carrying amounts and fair values of the company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008     2007  
     Carrying
Value
    Fair Value     Carrying
Value
    Fair Value  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 47,516     $ 47,516     $ 62,200     $ 62,200  

Marketable securities

     72       72       255       255  

Other investments

     8,657       8,657       8,605       8,605  

Installment receivables

     9,946       9,946       27,863       27,863  

Long-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)

     478,820       374,143       537,852       556,743  

Interest rate swaps

     (2,737 )     (2,737 )     (2,495 )     (2,495 )

Forward contracts in Other Current Assets

     1,413       1,413       —         —    

Forward contracts in Accrued Expenses

     (1,719 )     (1,719 )     (78 )     (78 )

The company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments used the following methods and assumptions:

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities approximates its fair value.

Installment receivables: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for installment receivables approximates its fair value. The interest rates associated with these receivables have not varied significantly since inception. Management believes that after consideration of the credit risk, the net book value of the installment receivables approximates market value.

Long-term debt: Fair values for the company’s senior notes and convertible debt are based on quoted market prices as of year end, while the term loan and revolving credit facility fair values are based upon the company’s estimate of the market for similar borrowing arrangements.

Other investments: The company has made other investments in limited partnerships and non-marketable equity securities, which are accounted for using the cost method, adjusted for any estimated declines in value. These investments were acquired in private placements and there are no quoted market prices or stated rates of return.

Business Segments

The company operates in five primary business segments: North America/Home Medical Equipment (NA/HME), Invacare Supply Group, Institutional Products Group, Europe and Asia/Pacific.

The NA/HME segment sells each of three primary product lines, which includes: standard, rehab and respiratory products. Invacare Supply Group sells distributed product and the Institutional Products Group sells health care furnishings and accessory products. Europe and Asia/Pacific sell the same product lines with the exception of distributed products. Each business segment sells to the home health care, retail and extended care markets.

 

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INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Business Segments—Continued

 

The company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or loss from operations before income taxes for each reportable segment. The accounting policies of each segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies for the company’s consolidated financial statements. Intersegment sales and transfers are based on the costs to manufacture plus a reasonable profit element. Therefore, intercompany profit or loss on intersegment sales and transfers is not considered in evaluating segment performance.

Reclassifications were made to the company’s segment disclosures including reclassification of revenues and earnings (loss) before income tax amounts for 2007 to be consistent with 2008 presentation. The reclassification increased sales and earnings before taxes in NA/HME and decreased sales and earnings before taxes in Institutional Products Group by approximately $1,000,000, respectively.

The information by segment is as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007    2006  

Revenues from external customers

        

North America/HME

   $ 741,502    $ 669,364    $ 676,326  

Invacare Supply Group

     265,818      256,993      228,236  

Institutional Products Group

     99,662      87,967      93,455  

Europe

     553,845      498,109      430,427  

Asia/Pacific

     94,867      89,804      69,591  
                      

Consolidated

   $ 1,755,694    $ 1,602,237    $ 1,498,035  
                      

Intersegment revenues

        

North America/HME

   $ 56,826    $ 47,698    $ 51,081  

Invacare Supply Group

     527      265      102  

Institutional Products Group

     2,668      1,151      —    

Europe

     12,482      10,394      12,599  

Asia/Pacific

     31,132      29,793      39,757  
                      

Consolidated

   $ 103,635    $ 89,301    $ 103,539  
                      

Depreciation and amortization

        

North America/HME

   $ 19,478    $ 20,109    $ 18,433  

Invacare Supply Group

     377      375      383  

Institutional Products Group

     1,670      1,818      1,888  

Europe

     17,198      15,904      14,533  

Asia/Pacific

     4,987      5,494      4,645  

All Other(1)

     34      17      10  
                      

Consolidated

   $ 43,744    $ 43,717    $ 39,892  
                      

Net interest expense (income)

        

North America/HME

   $ 22,240    $ 24,620    $ 16,530  

Invacare Supply Group

     3,531      3,443      3,158  

Institutional Products Group

     3,865      4,377      3,852  

Europe

     6,027      8,808      8,398  

Asia/Pacific

     525      721      (629 )
                      

Consolidated

   $ 36,188    $ 41,969    $ 31,309  
                      

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Business Segments—Continued

 

     2008     2007     2006  

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

      

North America/HME

   $ 28,267     $ 11,821     $ (310,162 )

Invacare Supply Group

     2,192       3,198       3,291  

Institutional Products Group

     6,725       (227 )     4,789  

Europe

     37,757       36,170       26,077  

Asia/Pacific

     (361 )     (6,750 )     (7,318 )

All Other(1)

     (23,079 )     (29,722 )     (26,201 )
                        

Consolidated

   $ 51,501     $ 14,490     $ (309,524 )
                        

Assets

      

North America/HME

   $ 359,364     $ 385,532     $ 430,121  

Invacare Supply Group

     88,540       88,106       90,086  

Institutional Products Group

     33,491       44,806       43,918  

Europe

     683,870       804,677       751,502  

Asia/Pacific

     90,062       104,297       98,737  

All Other(1)

     59,146       72,624       76,087  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 1,314,473     $ 1,500,042     $ 1,490,451  
                        

Long-lived assets

      

North America/HME

   $ 99,709     $ 119,866     $ 101,464  

Invacare Supply Group

     24,312       24,853       25,163  

Institutional Products Group

     28,103       34,880       31,374  

Europe

     517,319       610,074       563,479  

Asia/Pacific

     43,163       56,024       50,760  

All Other(1)

     50,809       63,260       62,453  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 763,415     $ 908,957     $ 834,693  
                        

Expenditures for assets

      

North America/HME

   $ 6,590     $ 7,138     $ 9,478  

Invacare Supply Group

     506       148       853  

Institutional Products Group

     962       813       828  

Europe

     6,311       7,669       8,041  

Asia/Pacific

     5,567       4,272       2,559  

All Other(1)

     21       28       30  
                        

Consolidated

   $ 19,957     $ 20,068     $ 21,789  
                        

 

(1) Consists of un-allocated corporate selling, general and administrative costs and intercompany profits, which do not meet the quantitative criteria for determining reportable segments. In addition, the “All other” earnings (loss) before income taxes includes debt finance charges, interest and fees associated with debt refinancing and the gain (loss) associated with a consolidated variable interest entity.

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Business Segments—Continued

 

Net sales by product, are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2008    2007    2006

North America/HME

        

Rehab

   $ 284,793    $ 268,756    $ 272,517

Standard

     280,662      242,186      239,540

Respiratory

     145,627      128,654      141,531

Other

     30,420      29,768      22,738
                    
   $ 741,502    $ 669,364    $ 676,326
                    

Invacare Supply Group

        

Distributed

   $ 265,818    $ 256,993    $ 228,236
                    

Institutional Products Group

        

Continuing Care

   $ 99,662    $ 87,967    $ 93,455
                    

Europe

        

Standard

   $ 306,264    $ 291,574    $ 252,335

Rehab

     232,384      195,182      170,138

Respiratory

     15,197      11,353      7,954
                    
   $ 553,845    $ 498,109    $ 430,427
                    

Asia/Pacific

        

Rehab

   $ 45,536    $ 41,310    $ 39,027

Standard

     22,768      20,655      13,070

Respiratory

     8,763      8,980      7,111

Other

     17,800      18,859      10,383
                    
   $ 94,867    $ 89,804    $ 69,591
                    

Total Consolidated

   $ 1,755,694    $ 1,602,237    $ 1,498,035
                    

No single customer accounted for more than 3% of the company’s sales.

Supplemental Guarantor Information

Effective February 12, 2007, substantially all of the domestic subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) of the company became guarantors of the indebtedness of Invacare Corporation under its 9.75% Senior Notes due 2015 (the “Senior Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $175,000,000 and under its 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027 (the “Debentures”) with an aggregate principal amount of $135,000,000. The majority of the company’s subsidiaries are not guaranteeing the indebtedness of the Senior Notes or Debentures (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). Each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries has fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, to pay principal, premium, and interest related to the Senior Notes and to the Debentures and each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are directly or indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries of the company.

Presented below are the consolidating condensed financial statements of Invacare Corporation (Parent), its combined Guarantor Subsidiaries and combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries with their investments in subsidiaries accounted for using the equity method. The company does not believe that separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are material to investors and accordingly, separate financial statements and other disclosures related to the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not presented.

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Supplemental Guarantor Information—Continued

 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

      The
Company
(Parent)
    Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Total  
     (in thousands)  

Year ended December 31, 2008

           

Net sales

   $ 368,574     $ 683,773     $ 776,405    $ (73,058 )   $ 1,755,694  

Cost of products sold

     274,948       547,193       517,861      (73,200 )     1,266,802  
                                       

Gross Profit

     93,626       136,580       258,544      142       488,892  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     112,554       117,195       157,639      10,866       398,254  

Charge related to restructuring activities

     217       —         2,732      —         2,949  

Income (loss) from equity investee

     83,013       48,405       5,518      (136,936 )     —    

Interest expense—net

     27,479       (1,065 )     9,774      —         36,188  
                                       

Earnings (loss) before Income Taxes

     36,389       68,855       93,917      (147,660 )     51,501  

Income taxes (benefit)

     (2,162 )     194       14,918      —         12,950  
                                       

Net Earnings (loss)

   $ 38,551     $ 68,661     $ 78,999    $ (147,660 )   $ 38,551  
                                       

Year ended December 31, 2007

           

Net sales

   $ 332,668     $ 629,217     $ 701,990    $ (61,638 )   $ 1,602,237  

Cost of products sold

     255,852       503,130       458,616      (61,665 )     1,155,933  
                                       

Gross Profit

     76,816       126,087       243,374      27       446,304  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     105,678       113,828       147,340      —         366,846  

Charge related to restructuring activities

     3,365       7       6,219      —         9,591  

Charges, interest and fees associated with debt refinancing

     13,329       —         79      —         13,408  

Income (loss) from equity investee

     83,802       43,067       5,055      (131,924 )     —    

Interest expense—net

     28,111       707       13,151      —         41,969  
                                       

Earnings (loss) before Income Taxes

     10,135       54,612       81,640      (131,897 )     14,490  

Income taxes

     8,945       471       3,884      —         13,300  
                                       

Net Earnings (loss)

   $ 1,190     $ 54,141     $ 77,756    $ (131,897 )   $ 1,190  
                                       

Year ended December 31, 2006

           

Net sales

   $ 342,614     $ 615,163     $ 613,237    $ (72,979 )   $ 1,498,035  

Cost of products sold

     265,844       486,469       401,584      (72,932 )     1,080,965  
                                       

Gross Profit

     76,770       128,694       211,653      (47 )     417,070  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     103,167       113,922       156,757      —         373,846  

Charge related to restructuring activities

     5,597       637       11,043      —         17,277  

Charges, interest and fees associated with debt refinancing

     3,745       —         —        —         3,745  

Asset write-downs related to goodwill and other intangibles

     300,257       160       —        —         300,417  

Income (loss) from equity investee

     32,382       23,012       3,077      (58,471 )     —    

Interest expense—net

     17,025       10,177       4,107      —         31,309  
                                       

Earnings (loss) before Income Taxes

     (320,639 )     26,810       42,823      (58,518 )     (309,524 )

Income taxes (benefit)

     (2,865 )     1,422       9,693      —         8,250  
                                       

Net Earnings (loss)

   $ (317,774 )   $ 25,388     $ 33,130    $ (58,518 )   $ (317,774 )
                                       

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Supplemental Guarantor Information—Continued

 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

      The
Company
(Parent)
   Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Total
     (in thousands)

December 31, 2008

             

Assets

             

Current Assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 10,920    $ 2,284    $ 34,312    $ —       $ 47,516

Marketable securities

     72      —        —        —         72

Trade receivables, net

     114,961      56,037      101,301      (5,816 )     266,483

Installment receivables, net

     —        1,559      2,708      —         4,267

Inventories, net

     49,243      37,320      93,586      (1,412 )     178,737

Deferred income taxes

     —        —        2,051      —         2,051

Other current assets

     15,210      6,358      30,364      —         51,932
                                   

Total Current Assets

     190,406      103,558      264,322      (7,228 )     551,058

Investment in subsidiaries

     1,350,463      683,148      —        (2,033,611 )     —  

Intercompany advances, net

     191,209      844,433      66,851      (1,102,493 )     —  

Other Assets

     53,793      5,425      1,233      —         60,451

Other Intangibles

     2,778      9,722      72,266      —         84,766

Property and Equipment, net

     52,632      9,753      81,127      —         143,512

Goodwill

     4,975      24,293      445,418      —         474,686
                                   

Total Assets

   $ 1,846,256    $ 1,680,332    $ 931,217    $ (3,143,332 )   $ 1,314,473
                                   

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

             

Current Liabilities

             

Accounts payable

   $ 59,779    $ 12,734    $ 47,120    $ —       $ 119,633

Accrued expenses

     50,034      24,208      75,186      (5,816 )     143,612

Accrued income taxes

     500      —        2,554      —         3,054

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term obligations

     17,793      —        906      —         18,699
                                   

Total Current Liabilities

     128,106      36,942      125,766      (5,816 )     284,998

Long-Term Debt

     450,742      —        9,379      —         460,121

Other Long-Term Obligations

     45,290      2,040      41,496      —         88,826

Intercompany advances, net

     741,590      335,125      25,778      (1,102,493 )     —  

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     480,528      1,306,225      728,798      (2,035,023 )     480,528
                                   

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 1,846,256    $ 1,680,332    $ 931,217    $ (3,143,332 )   $ 1,314,473
                                   

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Supplemental Guarantor Information—Continued

 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     The
Company
(Parent)
   Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   Eliminations     Total
     (in thousands)

December 31, 2007

             

Assets

             

Current Assets

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 27,133    $ 1,773    $ 33,294    $ —       $ 62,200

Marketable securities

     255      —        —        —         255

Trade receivables, net

     93,533      52,996      121,431      (3,817 )     264,143

Installment receivables, net

     —        1,841      2,216      —         4,057

Inventories, net

     69,123      34,115      93,895      (1,529 )     195,604

Deferred income taxes

     —        —        2,478      —         2,478

Other current assets

     20,693      6,489      36,438      (1,272 )     62,348
                                   

Total Current Assets

     210,737      97,214      289,752      (6,618 )     591,085

Investment in subsidiaries

     1,393,220      640,178      —        (2,033,398 )     —  

Intercompany advances, net

     250,765      824,519      43,460      (1,118,744 )     —  

Other Assets

     66,616      23,482      1,564      —         91,662

Other Intangibles

     934      11,315      92,487      —         104,736

Property and Equipment, net

     57,984      10,231      101,161      —         169,376

Goodwill

     —        23,531      519,652      —         543,183
                                   

Total Assets

   $ 1,980,256    $ 1,630,470    $ 1,048,076    $ (3,158,760 )   $ 1,500,042
                                   

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

             

Current Liabilities

             

Accounts payable

   $ 68,786    $ 12,516    $ 68,868    $ —       $ 150,170

Accrued expenses

     48,332      18,284      84,431      (5,089 )     145,958

Accrued income taxes

     500      —        5,473      —         5,973

Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term obligations

     23,500      —        1,010      —         24,510
                                   

Total Current Liabilities

     141,118      30,800      159,782      (5,089 )     326,611

Long-Term Debt

     481,896      7      31,439      —         513,342

Other Long-Term Obligations

     61,370      —        44,676      —         106,046

Intercompany advances, net

     741,829      326,028      50,887      (1,118,744 )     —  

Total Shareholders’ Equity

     554,043      1,273,635      761,292      (2,034,927 )     554,043
                                   

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

   $ 1,980,256    $ 1,630,470    $ 1,048,076    $ (3,158,760 )   $ 1,500,042
                                   

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Supplemental Guarantor Information—Continued

 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

      The
Company
(Parent)
    Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Total  
     (in thousands)  

Year ended December 31, 2008

          

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

   $ 33,365     $ 2,248     $ 51,667     $ (10,866 )   $ 76,414  

Investing Activities

          

Purchases of property and equipment

     (5,377 )     (1,246 )     (13,334 )     —         (19,957 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     —         2       209       —         211  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (6,268 )     (2,152 )     —         —         (8,420 )

Increase in other investments

     (65 )     —         —         —         (65 )

Decrease in other long-term assets

     4,882       —         —         —         4,882  

Other

     (555 )     1,666       (247 )     —         864  
                                        

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

     (7,383 )     (1,730 )     (13,372 )     —         (22,485 )

Financing Activities

          

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     334,680       —         21,581       —         356,261  

Payments on revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     (376,110 )     (7 )     (41,065 )     —         (417,182 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     834       —         —         —         834  

Payment of dividends

     (1,599 )     —         (10,866 )     10,866       (1,599 )
                                        

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

     (42,195 )     (7 )     (30,350 )     10,866       (61,686 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         (6,927 )     —         (6,927 )
                                        

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (16,213 )     511       1,018       —         (14,684 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     27,133       1,773       33,294       —         62,200  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 10,920     $ 2,284     $ 34,312     $ —       $ 47,516  
                                        

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Supplemental Guarantor Information—Continued

 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

      The
Company
(Parent)
    Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Total  
     (in thousands)  

Year ended December 31, 2007

          

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities

   $ (27,319 )   $ 921     $ 99,498     $ 6,000     $ 79,100  

Investing Activities

          

Purchases of property and equipment

     (4,090 )     (1,350 )     (14,628 )     —         (20,068 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     —         —         501       —         501  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (5,496 )     —         —         —         (5,496 )

Decrease in other investments

     155       —         —         —         155  

Decrease in other long-term assets

     1,446       —         —         —         1,446  

Other

     1,404       —         —         —         1,404  
                                        

Net Cash Used for Investing
Activities

     (6,581 )     (1,350 )     (14,127 )     —         (22,058 )

Financing Activities

          

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     648,071       —         50,930       —         699,001  

Payments on revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     (598,412 )     —         (155,590 )     —         (754,002 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     44       —         —         —         44  

Payment of dividends

     (1,596 )     —         —         —         (1,596 )

Payment of financing costs

     (22,992 )     —         —         —         (22,992 )

Capital contributions

     —         —         6,000       (6,000 )     —    
                                        

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

     25,115       —         (98,660 )     (6,000 )     (79,545 )

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         2,500       —         2,500  
                                        

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (8,785 )     (429 )     (10,789 )     —         (20,003 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     35,918       2,202       44,083       —         82,203  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 27,133     $ 1,773     $ 33,294     $ —       $ 62,200  
                                        

 

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Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Supplemental Guarantor Information—Continued

 

CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

      The
Company
(Parent)
    Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    Eliminations     Total  
     (in thousands)  

Year ended December 31, 2006

          

Net Cash Provided (Used) by
Operating Activities

   $ (15,229 )   $ 21,057     $ 73,996     $ (17,370 )   $ 62,454  

Investing Activities

          

Purchases of property and equipment

     (6,974 )     (2,440 )     (12,375 )     —         (21,789 )

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

     —         11       2,287       —         2,298  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     —         —         (15,296 )     —         (15,296 )

(Increase) decrease in other investments

     (7,604 )     (3,000 )     —         10,856       252  

Increase in other long-term assets

     (850 )     —         —         —         (850 )

Other

     673       —         266       —         939  
                                        

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

     (14,755 )     (5,429 )     (25,118 )     10,856       (34,446 )

Financing Activities

          

Proceeds from revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     593,876       —         278,673       —         872,549  

Payments on revolving lines of credit, securitization facility and long-term borrowings

     (536,019 )     (122 )     (309,959 )     —         (846,100 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     2,364       —         —         —         2,364  

Payment of dividends

     (1,589 )     (17,370 )     —         17,370       (1,589 )

Capital contributions

     —         3,020       7,836       (10,856 )     —    
                                        

Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities

     58,632       (14,472 )     (23,450 )     6,514       27,224  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     —         —         1,347       —         1,347  
                                        

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     28,648       1,156       26,775       —         56,579  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     7,270       1,046       17,308       —         25,624  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 35,918     $ 2,202     $ 44,083     $ —       $ 82,203  
                                        

 

FS-46


Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

 

Interim Financial Information (unaudited)

 

     QUARTER ENDED
(In thousands, except per share data)
     March 31,     June 30,    September 30,    December 31,

2008

          

Net sales

   $ 416,278     $ 447,152    $ 461,836    $ 430,428

Gross profit

     113,208       124,173      130,931      120,580

Earnings before income taxes

     5,683       10,007      15,586      20,225

Net earnings

     3,093       6,257      11,661      17,540

Net earnings per share—basic

     .10       .20      .37      .55

Net earnings per share—assuming dilution

     .10       .20      .36      .55
     March 31,     June 30,    September 30,    December 31,

2007

          

Net sales

   $ 374,905     $ 393,267    $ 407,303    $ 426,762

Gross profit

     99,056       109,946      115,451      121,851

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

     (15,104 )     3,179      9,039      17,376

Net earnings (loss)

     (17,504 )     54      11,639      7,001

Net earnings (loss) per share—basic

     (0.55 )     .00      .37      .22

Net earnings (loss) per share—assuming dilution

     (0.55 )     .00      .36      .22

 

FS-47


Table of Contents

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

     COL A.    COL B.    COL C.     COL D.
     Balance
At
Beginning
of Period
   Charged
To Cost
And
Expenses
   Additions
(Deductions)
Describe
    Balance
At End
of Period
          (In thousands)      

Year Ended December 31, 2008

          

Deducted from asset accounts—

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 42,960    $ 14,284    $ (34,154 )(A)   $ 23,090

Inventory obsolescence reserve

     12,501      8,469      (8,551 )(B)     12,419

Tax valuation allowances

     89,722      4,430      2,992 (E)     97,144

Accrued warranty cost

     16,616      12,546      (12,364 )(B)     16,798

Accrued product liability

     21,136      8,083      (5,461 )(C)     23,758

Year Ended December 31, 2007

          

Deducted from asset accounts—

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 37,633    $ 11,927    $ (6,600 )(A)   $ 42,960

Inventory obsolescence reserve

     12,143      5,998      (5,640 )(B)     12,501

Investments and related notes receivable

     8,339      —        (8,339 )(D)     —  

Tax valuation allowances

     50,273      25,537      13,912 (E)     89,722

Accrued warranty cost

     15,165      10,989      (9,538 )(B)     16,616

Accrued product liability

     22,631      8,360      (9,855 )(C)     21,136

Year Ended December 31, 2006

          

Deducted from asset accounts—

          

Allowance for doubtful accounts

   $ 23,094    $ 37,711    $ (23,172 )(A)   $ 37,633

Inventory obsolescence reserve

     8,591      5,325      (1,773 )(B)     12,143

Investments and related notes receivable

     8,339      —        —         8,339

Tax valuation allowances

     7,100      28,785      14,388 (E)     50,273

Accrued warranty cost

     15,583      9,834      (10,252 )(B)     15,165

Accrued product liability

     20,949      6,813      (5,131 )(C)     22,631

 

Note (A)—Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Note (B)—Amounts written off or payments incurred.

Note (C)—Loss and loss adjustment.

Note (D)—Elimination of allowance for investments no longer reported in the consolidated balance sheet.

Note (E)—Other activity not affecting federal or foreign tax expense.

 

FS-48

EX-3.(A) 2 dex3a.htm SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

Exhibit 3(a)

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

OF

INVACARE CORPORATION

ARTICLE I

The name of the Corporation shall be Invacare Corporation.

ARTICLE II

The principal office of the Corporation shall be located in Elyria, Lorain County, Ohio.

ARTICLE III

The purposes of the Corporation shall be:

(1) To manufacture, assemble, sell, lease, and distribute wheelchairs, patient aids and other health care products of every kind and nature; and

(2) To enter into, promote or conduct any other kind of business, contract or undertaking permitted to corporations for profit organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Ohio, to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be formed under Sections 1701.01 to 1701.98, inclusive, of the Revised Code of Ohio, and, in connection therewith, to exercise all express and incidental powers normally permitted such corporations.

ARTICLE IV

The authorized number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be One Hundred Twelve Million Three Hundred Thousand (112,300,000), of which One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shall be Common Shares, without par value, Twelve Million (12,000,000) shall be Class B Common Shares, without par value, and Three Hundred Thousand (300,000) shall be Serial Preferred Shares, without par value.

SUBDIVISION A

Provisions Applicable to Serial Preferred Shares

The Serial Preferred Shares may be issued, from time to time, in one or more series, with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series adopted by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, in such resolution or resolutions (a copy of which shall be filed and recorded as required by law), is also expressly authorized to fix:

 

A-1


(a) The distinctive serial designations and the division of such shares into series and the number of shares of a particular series, which may be increased or decreased, but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding, by a certificate made, signed, filed and recorded as required by law;

(b) The annual dividend rate for the particular series, and the date or dates from which dividends on all shares of such series shall be cumulative, if dividends on shares of the particular series shall be cumulative;

(c) The redemption price or prices, if any, for the particular series;

(d) The right, if any, of the holders of a particular series to convert such stock into other classes of shares (except for Class B Common Shares), and the terms and conditions of such conversions; and

(e) The obligation, if any, of the Corporation to purchase and retire and redeem shares of a particular series as a sinking fund or redemption or purchase account, the terms thereof and the redemption price or prices per share for such series redeemed pursuant to the sinking fund or redemption or purchase account.

All shares of any one series of Serial Preferred Shares shall be alike in every particular and all series shall rank equally and be identical in all respects except insofar as they may vary with respect to the matters which the Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized to determine in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of any series of the Serial Preferred Shares.

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, then before any distribution or payment shall have been made to the holders of the Common Shares or the Class B Common Shares, the holders of the Serial Preferred Shares of each series shall be entitled to be paid, or to have set apart in trust for payment, an amount from the net assets of the Corporation equal to that stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors which provide for the issue of such series, respectively. The remaining net assets of the Corporation shall be distributed solely among the holders of the Common Shares and the Class B Common Shares according to their respective shares.

The holders of Serial Preferred Shares shall be entitled to one vote for each Serial Preferred Share upon all matters presented to the shareholders, and, except as otherwise provided by the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation or required by law, the holders of Serial Preferred Shares, the holders of Common Shares and the holders of Class B Common Shares shall vote together as one class on all matters. No adjustment of the voting rights of holders of Serial Preferred Shares shall be made in the event of an increase or decrease in the number of Common Shares or Class B Common Shares authorized or issued or in the event of a stock split or combination of the Common Shares or Class B Common Shares or in the event of a stock dividend on any class of stock payable solely in Common Shares or Class B Common Shares.

 

A-2


The affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the Serial Preferred Shares at the time outstanding, given in person or by proxy at a meeting called for the purpose at which the holders of Serial Preferred Shares shall vote separately as a class, shall be necessary to adopt any amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (but so far as the holders of Serial Preferred Shares are concerned, such amendment may be adopted with such vote) which:

(i) changes issued shares of Serial Preferred Shares of all series then outstanding into a lesser number of shares of the Corporation of the same class and series or into the same or a different number of shares of the Corporation of any other class or series; or

(ii) changes the express terms of the Serial Preferred Shares in any manner substantially prejudicial to the holders of all series thereof then outstanding; or

(iii) authorizes shares of any class, or any security convertible into shares of any class, or authorizes the conversion of any security into shares of any class, ranking prior to the Serial Preferred Shares; or

(iv) changes the express terms of issued shares of any class ranking prior to the Serial Preferred Shares in any manner substantially prejudicial to the holders of all series of Serial Preferred Shares then outstanding;

and the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the shares of each affected series of Serial Preferred Shares at the time outstanding, given in person or by proxy at a meeting called for the purpose at which the holders of each affected series of Serial Preferred Shares shall vote separately as a series, shall be necessary to adopt any amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (but so far as the holders of each such series of Serial Preferred Shares are concerned, such amendment may be adopted with such vote) which:

(i) changes issued shares of Serial Preferred Shares of one or more but not all series then outstanding into a lesser number of shares of the Corporation of the same series or into the same or a different number of shares of the Corporation of any other class or series; or

(ii) changes the express terms of any series of the Serial Preferred Shares in any manner substantially prejudicial to the holders of one or more but not all series thereof then outstanding; or

(iii) changes the express terms of issued shares of any class ranking prior to the Serial Preferred Shares in any manner substantially prejudicial to the holders of one or more but not all series of Serial Preferred Shares then outstanding.

Whenever reference is made herein to shares “ranking prior to the Serial Preferred Shares,” such reference shall mean and include all shares of the Corporation in respect of which the rights of the holders thereof either as to the payment of dividends or as to distributions in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation are given preference over the rights of the holders of Serial Preferred Shares; whenever reference is

 

A-3


made to shares “on a parity with the Serial Preferred Shares,” such reference shall mean and include all shares of the Corporation in respect of which the rights of the holders thereof (i) neither as to the payment of dividends nor as to distributions in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation are given preference over the rights of the holders of Serial Preferred Shares and (ii) either as to the payment of dividends or as to distributions in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation rank on an equality (except as to the amounts fixed therefor) with the rights of the holders of Serial Preferred Shares; and whenever reference is made to shares “ranking junior to the Serial Preferred Shares,” such reference shall mean and include all shares of the Corporation in respect of which the rights of the holders thereof both as to the payment of dividends and as to distributions in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation are junior and subordinate to the rights of the holders of the Serial Preferred Shares.

Series A Participating Serial Preferred Shares

Section 1. Designation and Amount. The shares of such series shall be designated as “Series A Participating Serial Preferred Shares” (the “Series A Preferred Shares”) and the number of shares constituting the Series A Preferred Shares shall be one hundred twelve thousand (112,000). Such number of shares may be increased or decreased by resolution of the Board prior to issuance; provided, that no decrease shall reduce the number of Series A Preferred Shares to a number less than the number of shares then outstanding plus the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding options, rights or warrants or upon the conversion of any outstanding securities issued by the Corporation convertible into Series A Preferred Shares.

Section 2. Dividends and Distributions.

(A) Subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of any series of Serial Preferred Shares (or any similar shares) ranking prior and superior to the Series A Preferred Shares with respect to dividends, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares, in preference to the holders of Common Shares, without par value, of the Corporation and Class B Common Shares, without par value, of the Corporation (collectively, the “Common Shares”), and of any other junior shares, shall be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board out of funds of the Corporation legally available for the payment of dividends, quarterly dividends payable in cash on the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Corporation in each year (each such date being referred to herein as a “Quarterly Dividend Payment Date”), commencing on the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date after the first issuance of a Series A Preferred Share or fraction of a Series A Preferred Share, in an amount per share (rounded to the nearest cent) equal to the greater of (a) $10 or (b) subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, 1,000 times the aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and 1,000 times the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other distributions, other than a dividend payable in Common Shares or a subdivision of the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on the Common Shares, without par value, of the Corporation since the immediately preceding Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or, with respect to the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, since the first issuance of any Series A Preferred Share or fraction of a Series A Preferred Share. In the event the Corporation shall at any time

 

A-4


declare or pay any dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in Common Shares) into a greater or lesser number of Common Shares, then in each such case the amount to which holders of Series A Preferred Shares were entitled immediately prior to such event under clause (b) of the preceding sentence shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of Common Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to such event. In the event the Corporation shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Series A Preferred Shares payable in Series A Preferred Shares, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in Series A Preferred Shares) into a greater or lesser number of Series A Preferred Shares, then in each such case the amount to which holders of Series A Preferred Shares were entitled immediately prior to such event under clause (b) of the first sentence of this Section 2(A) shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Series A Preferred Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to such event and the denominator of which is the number of Series A Preferred Shares outstanding immediately after such event.

(B) The Corporation shall declare a dividend or distribution on the Series A Preferred Shares as provided in paragraph (A) of this Section immediately after it declares a dividend or distribution on the Common Shares (other than a dividend payable in Common Shares) and the Corporation shall pay such dividend or distribution on the Series A Preferred Shares before the dividend or distribution declared on the Common Shares is paid or set apart; provided that, in the event no dividend or distribution shall have been declared on the Common Shares during the period between any Quarterly Dividend Payment Date and the next subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, a dividend of $10 per share on the Series A Preferred Shares shall nevertheless be payable on such subsequent Quarterly Dividend Payment Date.

(C) Dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative on outstanding Series A Preferred Shares from the Quarterly Dividend Payment Date next preceding the date of issue of such shares, unless the date of issue of such shares is prior to the record date for the first Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in which case dividends on such shares shall begin to accrue from the date of issue of such shares, or unless the date of issue is a Quarterly Dividend Payment Date or is a date after the record date for the determination of holders of Series A Preferred Shares entitled to receive a quarterly dividend and before such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date, in either of which events such dividends shall begin to accrue and be cumulative from such Quarterly Dividend Payment Date. Accrued but unpaid dividends shall not bear interest. Dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Shares in an amount less than the total amount of such dividends at the time accrued and payable on such shares shall be allocated pro rata on a share-by-share basis among all such shares at the time outstanding. The Board may fix a record date for the determination of holders of Series A Preferred Shares entitled to receive payment of a dividend or distribution declared thereon, which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to the date fixed for the payment thereof.

Section 3. Voting Rights. The holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall have the following voting rights:

 

A-5


(A) Each Series A Preferred Share shall entitle the holder thereof to one (1) vote on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Corporation. Fractional Series A Preferred Shares shall not entitle the holder thereof to any vote on any matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Corporation.

(B) Except as otherwise provided herein, in the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or Code of Regulations, as amended, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares and the holders of Common Shares and any other capital stock of the Corporation having general voting rights shall vote together as one class on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Corporation.

(C) (i) If at any time dividends on any Series A Preferred Shares shall be in arrears in an amount equal to six quarterly dividends thereon, the holders of the Series A Preferred Shares, voting as a separate series from all other series of Serial Preferred Shares and classes of capital stock, shall be entitled to elect two members of the Board in addition to any Directors elected by any other series, class or classes of securities and the authorized number of Directors will automatically be increased by two. Promptly thereafter, the Board of the Corporation shall, as soon as may be practicable, call a special meeting of holders of Series A Preferred Shares for the purpose of electing such members of the Board. Such special meeting shall in any event be held within 45 days of the occurrence of such arrearage.

(ii) During any period when the holders of Series A Preferred Shares, voting as a separate series, shall be entitled and shall have exercised their right to elect two Directors, then, and during such time as such right continues, (a) the then authorized number of Directors shall be increased by two, and the holders of Series A Preferred Shares, voting as a separate series, shall be entitled to elect the additional Directors so provided for, and (b) each such additional Director shall not be a member of any existing class of the Board, but shall serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders for the election of Directors, or until his successor shall be elected and shall qualify, or until his right to hold such office terminates pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3(C).

(iii) A Director elected pursuant to the terms hereof may be removed with or without cause by the holders, and only by the holders, of Series A Preferred Shares entitled to vote in an election of such Director.

(iv) If, during any interval between annual meetings of shareholders for the election of Directors and while the holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to elect two Directors, there is no such Director in office by reason of resignation, death or removal, then, promptly thereafter, the Board shall call a special meeting of the holders of Series A Preferred Shares for the purpose of filling such vacancy and such vacancy shall be filled at such special meeting. Such special meeting shall in any event be held within 45 days of the occurrence of such vacancy.

(v) At such time as the arrearage is fully cured, and all dividends accumulated and unpaid on any Series A Preferred Shares outstanding are paid, and, in addition thereto, at least one regular dividend has been paid subsequent to curing such arrearage, the term of office of any Director elected pursuant to this Section 3(C), or his successor, shall automatically

 

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terminate, and the authorized number of Directors shall automatically decrease by two, the rights of the holders of Series A Preferred Shares to vote as provided in this Section 3(C) shall cease, subject to renewal from time to time upon the same terms and conditions, and the holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall have only the limited voting rights elsewhere herein set forth.

(D) Except as set forth herein, or as otherwise provided by law, holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall have no special voting rights and their consent shall not be required (except to the extent they are entitled to vote with holders of Common Shares as set forth herein) for taking any corporate action.

Section 4. Certain Restrictions.

(A) Whenever quarterly dividends or other dividends or distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Shares as provided in Section 2 are in arrears, thereafter and until all accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions, whether or not declared, on Series A Preferred Shares outstanding shall have been paid in full, the Corporation shall not:

(i) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, on any shares ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Preferred Shares;

(ii) declare or pay dividends, or make any other distributions, on any shares ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Series A Preferred Shares, except dividends paid ratably on the Series A Preferred Shares and all such parity shares on which dividends are payable or in arrears in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are then entitled;

(iii) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Preferred Shares, provided that the Corporation may at any time redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire any such junior shares in exchange for any shares of the Corporation ranking junior (as to dividends and upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up) to the Series A Preferred Shares; or

(iv) redeem or purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any Series A Preferred Shares, or any shares ranking on a parity with the Series A Preferred Shares, except in accordance with a purchase offer made in writing or by publication (as determined by the Board) to all holders of such shares upon such terms as the Board, after consideration of the respective annual dividend rates and other relative rights and preferences of the respective series and classes, shall determine in good faith will result in fair and equitable treatment among the respective series or classes.

(B) The Corporation shall not permit any subsidiary of the Corporation to purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any shares of the Corporation unless the Corporation could, under paragraph (A) of this Section 4, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares at such time and in such manner.

 

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Section 5. Reacquired Shares. Any Series A Preferred Shares purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation in any manner whatsoever shall be retired and cancelled promptly after the acquisition thereof. All such shares shall upon their cancellation become authorized but unissued Serial Preferred Shares and may be reissued as part of a new series of Serial Preferred Shares subject to the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein, in the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or in any other Certificate of Amendment creating a series of Serial Preferred Shares or any similar shares or as otherwise required by law.

Section 6. Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up.

(A) Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, no distribution shall be made (1) to the holders of shares ranking junior (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) to the Series A Preferred Shares unless, prior thereto, the holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall have received $1,000 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends and distributions thereon, whether or not declared, to the date of such payment, provided that the holders of Series A Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive an aggregate amount per share, subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, equal to 1,000 times the aggregate amount to be distributed per share to holders of Common Shares, or (2) to the holders of shares ranking on a parity (either as to dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up) with the Series A Preferred Shares, except distributions made ratably on the Series A Preferred Shares and all such parity shares in proportion to the total amounts to which the holders of all such shares are entitled upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

(B) Neither the consolidation, merger or other business combination of the Corporation with or into any other corporation nor the sale, lease, exchange or conveyance of all or any part of the property, assets or business of the Corporation shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation for purposes of this Section 6.

(C) In the event the Corporation shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in Common Shares) into a greater or lesser number of Common Shares, then in each such case the aggregate amount to which holders of Series A Preferred Shares were entitled immediately prior to such event under the proviso in clause (1) of paragraph (A) of this Section 6 shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of Common Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to such event. In the event the Corporation shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Series A Preferred Shares payable in Series A Preferred Shares, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in Series A Preferred Shares) into a greater or lesser number of Series A Preferred Shares, then in each such case the aggregate amount to which holders of Series A Preferred Shares were entitled immediately prior to such event under the proviso in clause (1) of paragraph (A) of this Section 6 shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Series A Preferred Shares that

 

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were outstanding immediately prior to such event and the denominator of which is the number of Series A Preferred Shares outstanding immediately after such event.

Section 7. Consolidation, Merger, etc. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in case the Corporation shall enter into any consolidation, merger, combination or other transaction in which the Common Shares are exchanged for or changed into other shares or securities, cash and/or any other property, then in any such case each Series A Preferred Share shall at the same time be similarly exchanged or changed into an amount per share, subject to the provision for adjustment hereinafter set forth, equal to 1,000 times the aggregate amount of shares, securities, cash and/or any other property (payable in kind), as the case may be, into which or for which each Common Share is changed or exchanged. In the event the Corporation shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Common Shares payable in Common Shares, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding Common Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in Common Shares) into a greater or lesser number of Common Shares, then in each such case the amount set forth in the preceding sentence with respect to the exchange or change of Series A Preferred Shares shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Common Shares outstanding immediately after such event and the denominator of which is the number of Common Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to such event. In the event the Corporation shall at any time declare or pay any dividend on the Series A Preferred Shares payable in Series A Preferred Shares, or effect a subdivision, combination or consolidation of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares (by reclassification or otherwise than by payment of a dividend in Series A Preferred Shares) into a greater or lesser number of Series A Preferred Shares, then in each such case the amount set forth in the first sentence of this Section 7 with respect to the exchange or change of Series A Preferred Shares shall be adjusted by multiplying such amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Series A Preferred Shares that were outstanding immediately prior to such event and the denominator of which is the number of Series A Preferred Shares outstanding immediately after such event.

Section 8. No Redemption. The Series A Preferred Shares shall not be redeemable.

Section 9. Rank. The Series A Preferred Shares shall rank, with respect to the payment of dividends and the distribution of assets, junior to all series of any other class of the Serial Preferred Shares issued either before or after the issuance of the Series A Preferred Shares, unless the terms of any such series shall provide otherwise.

Section 10. Amendment. At such time as any Series A Preferred Shares are outstanding, the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended, shall not be amended in any manner which would materially alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of the Series A Preferred Shares so as to affect them adversely without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Shares, voting together as a single class.

Section 11. Fractional Shares. Series A Preferred Shares may be issued in fractions of a share which shall entitle the holder, in proportion to such holder’s fractional shares, to exercise voting rights, receive dividends, participate in distributions and have the benefit of all other rights of holders of Series A Preferred Shares.

 

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SUBDIVISION B

Provisions Applicable to Common Shares and Class B Common Shares

In this Subdivision B of Article IV, any reference to a section or paragraph, without further attribution, within a provision relating to a particular class of shares is intended to refer solely to the specified section or paragraph of the other provisions relating to the same class of shares.

The Common Shares and Class B Common Shares shall be subject to the express terms of the Serial Preferred Shares and of any series thereof and shall have the following voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof:

1. Dividends.

1.1 Whenever the full dividends upon any outstanding Serial Preferred Shares for all past dividend periods shall have been paid and the full dividends thereon for the then current respective dividend periods shall have been paid, or declared and a sum sufficient for the respective payments thereof set apart, the holders of the Common Shares and Class B Common Shares shall be entitled to receive such dividends and distributions, payable in cash or otherwise, as may be declared thereon by the Board of Directors from time to time out of assets or funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, provided that no cash dividend shall be declared and paid on the Class B Common Shares unless, simultaneously therewith, a cash dividend per share of at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the amount per share of the dividend on the Class B Common Shares is declared and paid on the Common Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any dividend shall be declared in Common Shares or Class B Common Shares, such dividend shall be declared at the same rate per share on Common Shares and Class B Common Shares, but the dividend payable on Common Shares shall be payable in Common Shares and the dividend payable on Class B Common Shares shall be payable in Class B Common Shares. If the Corporation shall in any manner split, subdivide or combine the outstanding Common Shares or Class B Common Shares, the outstanding shares of the other such class of shares shall be split, subdivided or combined in the same manner proportionately and on the same basis per share.

2. Issuance of the Class B Common Shares.

2.1 The Board of Directors may authorize by resolution the manner in which Class B Common Shares shall initially be issued (the “Initial Issuance”) and may set such terms and conditions (including the determination of the record date for the Initial Issuance and the “Initial Issuance Date” for all purposes hereunder) as it deems appropriate or advisable with respect thereto, without any vote or other action by the shareholders, except as otherwise required by law.

2.2 Following the Initial Issuance, the Board of Directors may only issue Class B Common Shares in the form of a distribution or distributions pursuant to a stock dividend on or split-up of the Class B Common Shares and only to the then holders of the outstanding Class B

 

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Common Shares in conjunction with and in the same ratio as a stock dividend on or split-up of the Common Shares.

3. Rights on Liquidation.

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after the payment or setting apart for payment to the holders of any outstanding Serial Preferred Shares of the full preferential amounts to which such holders are entitled as herein provided or referred to, all of the remaining assets of the Corporation shall belong to and be distributable in equal amounts per share to the holders of the Common Shares and the holders of Class B Common Shares, as if such classes constituted a single class. For purposes of this paragraph 3, a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with any other corporation, or the sale, transfer or lease of all or substantially all its assets shall not constitute or be deemed a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.

4. Conversion of Class B Common Shares.

4.1 The holders of Class B Common Shares shall have the right, at their option, to convert any or all such shares into Common Shares of the Corporation on the following terms and conditions:

(i) Each Class B Common Share shall be convertible, at any time, at the office of any transfer agent for the Common Shares of the Corporation, and at such other place or places, if any, as the Board of Directors may determine, into one fully paid and nonassessable Common Share of the Corporation upon surrender at such office or other place of the certificate or certificates representing any certificated Class B Common Shares so to be converted or, in the case of non-certificated shares, upon written request in form and substance acceptable to the Corporation or any transfer agent for the shares, accompanied by such assurances as the Corporation or such transfer agent may require. In no event, upon conversion of any Class B Common Shares into Common Shares, shall any allowance or adjustment be made in respect of dividends on the Class B Common Shares or the Common Shares.

(ii) Class B Common Shares shall be deemed to have been converted and the person converting the same shall become a holder of Common Shares for the purpose of receiving dividends and for all other purposes whatsoever as of the date when the Class B Common Shares to be converted are surrendered to the Corporation as provided in paragraph 4.1(v).

(iii) A number of Common Shares sufficient to provide, upon the basis hereinbefore set forth, for the conversion of all Class B Common Shares outstanding shall at all times be reserved by the Corporation for the exercise of the conversion rights of the holders of Class B Common Shares.

(iv) If the Corporation shall, at any time, be consolidated or merged with, or shall sell its property as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to, any other corporation or corporations, or in the event of any recapitalization or reclassification of its shares, proper provisions shall be made as a part of the terms of each such

 

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consolidation, merger, sale, recapitalization or reclassification so that the holder of any of the Class B Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale, recapitalization or reclassification shall thereafter be entitled to and only entitled to conversion rights upon the terms and with respect to such securities of the consolidated, merged or purchasing corporation, or with respect to such securities issued upon such recapitalization or reclassification, as such holder would have been entitled to receive upon such consolidation, merger, sale, recapitalization or reclassification if such holder had exercised the conversion privilege immediately prior thereto. The provisions of this paragraph 4.1(iv) shall similarly apply to successive consolidations, mergers, sales, recapitalizations or reclassifications.

(v) Before any holder of Class B Common Shares shall be entitled to convert the same into Common Shares, he shall give written notice to the Corporation at the office of a transfer agent for the Common Shares, or at such other place or places, if any, as the Board of Directors may determine, that he elects so to convert Class B Common Shares in form and substance acceptable to the Corporation or such transfer agent, accompanied by a duly endorsed stock power and/or such other assurances as the Corporation or such transfer agent may require, including, if appropriate, endorsed certificate(s) (for certificated shares) and duly executed instruments of transfer. Unless the Common Shares are to be issued in the name of the registered owner of the Class B Common Shares so converted, the holder shall state in writing the name or names in which he wishes the Common Shares to be issued, and shall furnish all requisite stock transfer and stock issuance tax stamps, or funds therefor. The Corporation shall as soon as practicable after such deposit of Class B Common Shares, accompanied by the written notice above prescribed, issue and deliver, at the office or place at which such Class B Common Shares were deposited, to the person for whose account Class B Common Shares were so surrendered, or to his assignee or assignees, the number of full Common Shares to which he shall be entitled as aforesaid.

4.2 All outstanding Class B Common Shares shall automatically, without any act or deed on the part of the Corporation or any other person, be converted into Common Shares on a share-for-share basis (i) if at any time the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines that there has been a material adverse change in the liquidity, marketability or market value of the outstanding Common Shares due to an actual or threatened delisting of the Common Shares from a national securities exchange or a national over-the-counter listing or due to requirements under applicable state securities laws in any such case attributable to the existence of the Class B Common Shares; or (ii) if the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, elects to effect a conversion in connection with its approval of any sale or lease of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets or any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation. In the event of any such automatic conversion, each certificated and non-certificated Class B Common Share will thereafter represent a Common Share.

4.3 The provisions of this paragraph 4 shall be in addition to the provisions of paragraphs 6.1(i)(A)(4), 6.1(ii) and 6.1(iv), which require automatic conversion of Class B Common Shares in the circumstances provided therein.

 

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4.4 The Class B Common Shares converted into Common Shares as provided in paragraph 4 or paragraph 6 shall resume the status of authorized but unissued Class B Common Shares. Upon the automatic conversion of Class B Common Shares into Common Shares pursuant to paragraph 4.2, the Class B Common Shares shall no longer be authorized for issuance.

5. Voting.

5.1 Each Common Share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote.

5.2 Each Class B Common Share shall entitle the holder thereof to ten votes. Except as otherwise provided herein or required by law, holders of Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Serial Preferred Shares shall at all times vote on all matters (including the election of directors) together as one class and together with the holders of any other series or class of shares of the Corporation accorded such class voting right.

5.3 The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Shares and of Class B Common Shares, each voting separately as a class, shall be required to:

(i) authorize additional Class B Common Shares;

(ii) modify or eliminate paragraph 2 above; or

(iii) adopt any other amendment hereof that alters or changes the designations or powers or the preferences, qualifications, limitations, restrictions or the relative or special rights of either the Common Shares or the Class B Common Shares so as to affect holders of shares of such class adversely; provided, that an increase in the number of authorized Common Shares shall not be deemed to affect the holders of Common Shares adversely for purposes of this paragraph 5.3(iii).

6. Limitations on Transfer and Issuance of Class B Common Shares.

6.1 (i) Subject to the provisions of paragraph 6.5, no person holding any Class B Common Share may transfer, and the Corporation shall not register the transfer of, such Class B Common Share or any interest therein, whether by sale, assignment, gift, bequest, appointment or otherwise, except to a “Permitted Transferee” of such person. The term “Permitted Transferee” shall mean only,

(A) In the case of a holder of Class B Common Shares (a “Holder”) who is a natural person and the holder of record and beneficial owner of shares subject to a proposed transfer, “Permitted Transferee” means:

(1) The Holder, the spouse of such Holder, any lineal descendant of a grandparent of such Holder, or any spouse of such lineal descendant (herein collectively referred to as “such Holder’s Family Members”);

 

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(2) The trustee of a trust solely for the benefit of such Holder or such Holder’s Family Members, provided that such trust may also grant a general or special power of appointment to one or more of such Holder’s Family Members and may permit trust assets to be used to pay taxes, legacies and other obligations of the trust or of the estates of one or more of such Holder’s Family Members payable by reason of the death of any of such Family Members;

(3) The trustee of a trust which is not solely for the benefit of such Holder or such Holder’s Family Members so long as such Holder and/or one or more of such Holder’s Permitted Transferees (determined under this paragraph 6.1(i)(A)) possess the power to vote or direct the vote of the Class B Common Shares held by such trustee;

(4) A corporation if all of the outstanding capital stock of such corporation is beneficially owned by, or a partnership if all of the partners are and all of the partnership interests are beneficially owned by, the Holder and his Permitted Transferees determined under this paragraph 6.1(1)(A) provided that if by reason of any change in the ownership of such stock or partners or partnership interests, such corporation or partnership would no longer qualify as a Permitted Transferee of such Holder or his Permitted Transferees, all Class B Common Shares then held by such corporation or partnership shall immediately and automatically, without further act or deed on the part of the Corporation or any other person, be converted into Common Shares on a share-for-share basis, and certificated and non-certificated Class B Common Shares shall thereupon and thereafter be deemed to represent the like number of Common Shares;

(5) An organization established by the Holder or such Holder’s Family Members, contributions to which are deductible for federal income, estate or gift tax purposes; or

(6) The executor, administrator or personal representative of the estate of such Holder or the guardian or conservator of such Holder adjudged disabled by a court of competent jurisdiction, acting in his capacity as such.

(B) In the case of a Holder holding the shares subject to a proposed transfer as trustee pursuant to a trust (other than a trust described in paragraph 6.1(i)(C) below or a trust for an employee benefit or employee stock ownership plan), “Permitted Transferee” means (1) the person who established such trust and (2) any Permitted Transferee of any such person determined pursuant to paragraph 6.1(i)(A) above.

(C) In the case of a Holder holding shares subject to a proposed transfer as trustee pursuant to a trust which was irrevocable on the Initial Issuance Date, “Permitted Transferee” means (1) any person to whom or for whose benefit

 

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principal may be distributed either during or at the end of the term of such trust whether by power of appointment or otherwise (excluding beneficiaries of any employee benefit plan) and (2) any Permitted Transferee of any such person determined pursuant to paragraph 6.1(i)(A) above.

(D) In the case of a Holder which is a partnership holding shares subject to a proposed transfer, “Permitted Transferee” means (i) any partner owning more than ten percent (10%) of the equity of such partnership as of the Initial Issuance Date and (ii) any Permitted Transferee of such partner.

(E) In the case of a Holder which is a corporation (other than an organization described in subsection 6.1(i)(A)(5) above) holding shares subject to a proposed transfer, “Permitted Transferee” means (1) any stockholder owning more than ten percent (10%) of the equity of such corporation as of the Initial Issuance Date, (2) any Permitted Transferee of such stockholder, (3) the survivor of a merger or consolidation of such corporation or (4) any person who transferred to such corporation the Class B Common Shares that are the subject of the proposed transfer.

(F) In the case of a Holder which is an employee benefit or employee stock ownership plan or a trustee therefor, “Permitted Transferee” shall include any beneficiary of such plan (or the Permitted Transferee of such beneficiary) but only as to shares distributable to such beneficiary pursuant to the plan.

(G) In the case of a Holder who is the executor, administrator or personal representative of the estate of a deceased Holder, guardian or conservator of the estate of a disabled Holder or who is a trustee of the estate of a bankrupt or insolvent Holder, “Permitted Transferee” means a Permitted Transferee of such deceased, disabled, bankrupt or insolvent Holder as determined pursuant to this paragraph 6.1(i).

(ii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any holder of Class B Common Shares may pledge his Class B Common Shares to a pledgee pursuant to a bona fide pledge of such shares as collateral security for indebtedness due to the pledgee, provided that such shares may not be transferred to or registered in the name of the pledgee unless such pledgee is a Permitted Transferee. In the event of foreclosure or other similar action by the pledgee, such pledged Class B Common Shares shall automatically, without any act or deed on the part of the Corporation or any other person, be converted into Common Shares on a share-for-share basis, unless within five business days after such foreclosure or similar event such pledged shares are returned to the pledgor or transferred to a Permitted Transferee of the pledgor.

(iii) For purposes of this paragraph 6.1:

(A) The relationship of any person that is derived by or through legal adoption shall be considered a natural one.

 

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(B) Each joint owner of Class B Common Shares shall be considered a Holder of such shares.

(C) A minor for whom Class B Common Shares are held pursuant to a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or similar law shall be considered a Holder of such shares.

(D) Unless otherwise specified, the term “person” means both natural persons and legal entities.

(E) The giving of a proxy in connection with a solicitation of proxies subject to the provisions of Section 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or any successor provision thereof) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder shall not be deemed to constitute the transfer of an interest in the Class B Common Shares which are the subject of such proxy.

(iv) Any purported transfer of Class B Common Shares other than to a Permitted Transferee shall automatically, without any further act or deed on the part of the Corporation or any other person, result in the conversion of such shares into Common Shares on a share-for-share basis, effective on the date of such purported transfer. The Corporation may, as a condition to transfer or registration of transfer of Class B Common Shares to a purported Permitted Transferee, require that the record holder establish to the satisfaction of the Corporation, by filing with the transfer agent an appropriate affidavit or certificate or such other proof as the Corporation shall deem necessary, that such transferee is a Permitted Transferee.

6.2 Anything in this Article IV to the contrary notwithstanding but subject to the provisions of paragraph 6.5, no Class B Common Share may be held of record but not beneficially by a broker or dealer in securities, a bank or voting trustee or a nominee of any such, or otherwise held of record but not beneficially by a nominee of the beneficial owner of such share other than (i) by an employee benefit or employee stock ownership plan or a trustee therefor or (ii) by a trustee of a trust which would be a Permitted Transferee pursuant to paragraph 6.1(i)(A)(2) or 6.1(i)(A)(3) (any such form of prohibited holding being referred to herein as holding in “street” or nominee name); provided, however, that if any person establishes to the satisfaction of the Corporation in accordance with this paragraph 6.2 that he is the beneficial owner of any such Class B Common Shares, the Corporation shall issue such share in the name of such beneficial owner. Any such beneficial owner who desires to have Class B Common Shares issued in his name in the circumstances described in this paragraph 6.2 shall file an affidavit or certificate with the Secretary of the Corporation setting forth the name and address of such beneficial owner and certifying that he is the beneficial owner of the Class B Common Shares in question.

6.3 The Corporation shall note on certificates representing the Class B Common Shares and on written notices relating to non-certificated Class B Common Shares that there are restrictions on transfer and registration of transfer to the extent imposed by paragraph 6.1.

6.4 (i) For purposes of this paragraph 6, “beneficial ownership” shall mean possession of the power to vote or to direct the vote or to dispose of or to direct the disposition of

 

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the Class B Common Share in question, and a “beneficial owner” of a Class B Common Share shall be the person having beneficial ownership thereof.

(ii) The Board of Directors may, from time to time, establish practices and procedures and promulgate rules and regulations, in addition to those set forth in this Article IV, and amend or revoke any such, regarding the evidence necessary to establish entitlement of any transferee or purported transferee of Class B Common Shares to be registered as a Permitted Transferee. Should the transferee or purported transferee of any share wish to contest any decision of the Corporation on the question whether the transferee or purported transferee has established entitlement to be registered as a Permitted Transferee of Class B Common Shares, then the Board of Directors shall in its sole discretion make the final determination.

6.5 The restrictions on transfer set forth in paragraph 6.1 and the remaining provisions of paragraph 6 (other than this paragraph 6.5) shall automatically, without any act or deed on the part of the Corporation or any other person, be cancelled (as to all but not less than all Class B Common Shares then outstanding or thereafter issued) and of no further force and effect if at any time the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, determines that the restrictions on transfer set forth in paragraph 6.1 have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, marketability or market value of the outstanding Common Shares. Such cancellation shall be effective as of the date of such determination by the Board of Directors or as of such later date as the Board may determine. Written notice of such determination and rescission shall be given to all holders of Class B Common Shares as of such date as shown on the records of the Company or its transfer agent. No such determination by the Board of Directors shall affect the validity of any act or the effect of any provision of this Article IV which occurred prior to the effective date of such cancellation. In the event that a holder of Class B Common Shares transfers such shares after the effective date of such cancellation to a non-Permitted Transferee, such transfer shall presumptively be deemed to be an election by such holder to convert such Class B Common Shares into Common Shares immediately prior to the effectiveness of such transfer unless the transferring holder or his agent shall give written notice to the Company or its transfer agent at the time of delivery of the Class B Common Shares to be transferred that the holder and the transferee of such Class B Common Shares intend to transfer the Class B Common Shares and that no such conversion is intended.

7. Other Matters.

7.1 In case the Corporation shall at any time issue to the holders of its Common Shares as such options or rights to subscribe for Common Shares (including shares held in the Corporation’s treasury) or any other security (whether of the Corporation or otherwise), the Corporation shall issue such options or rights to the holders of the Class B Common Shares in the respective amounts equal to the amounts that such holders would have been entitled to receive had their respective Class B Common Shares been converted into Common Shares on the day prior to the date for the determination of the holders of Common Shares entitled to receive such options or rights.

 

A-17


SUBDIVISION C

Cumulative Voting

Notwithstanding the respective voting rights of the holders of the Common Shares, Class B Common Shares and Serial Preferred Shares, no holder of shares of any class shall have the right to vote cumulatively in the election of Directors.

ARTICLE V

The Corporation may purchase, from time to time, and to the extent permitted by the laws of Ohio, shares of any class of stock issued by it. Such purchases may be made either in the open market or at private or public sale, in such manner and amount, from such holder or holders and at such prices as the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall from time to time determine, and the Board of Directors is hereby empowered to authorize such purchases from time to time without any vote of the holders of any class of shares now or hereafter authorized and outstanding at the time of any such purchase.

ARTICLE VI

Notwithstanding any provisions of the laws of the State of Ohio now or hereafter in force requiring, for any purpose, the vote of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise two-thirds or any other proportion (but less than all) of the voting power of the Corporation or of any class or classes of shares thereof, such action (unless otherwise expressly prohibited by statute) may be taken by a vote of the holders of shares entitling them to exercise a majority of the voting power of the Corporation or of such class or classes.

ARTICLE VII

The preemptive right to purchase additional shares or any other securities of the Corporation is hereby expressly denied to holders of shares of all classes.

ARTICLE VIII

These Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation shall supersede the existing Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation.

 

A-18

EX-10.(L) 3 dex10l.htm FORM OF INDEMNITY AGREEMENT Form of Indemnity Agreement

Exhibit 10(l)

INVACARE CORPORATION

FORM OF INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the      day of         , 20    , by and between INVACARE CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation (the “Corporation”), and                      (“Indemnitee”), a Director and an Officer of the Corporation.

WHEREAS, it is essential to the Corporation to retain and attract as Directors and/or Officers the most capable persons available, such as Indemnitee; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of corporate litigation subjects directors and officers to expensive litigation risks, and it is the policy of the Corporation to indemnify its Directors and/or Officers so as to provide them with the maximum possible protection permitted by law; and

WHEREAS, in addition, because the statutory indemnification provisions of the Ohio Revised Code expressly provide that they are non-exclusive, it is the policy of the Corporation to indemnify Directors and Officers who, on behalf of the Corporation, have entered into settlements of derivative suits or have paid judgments, fines or penalties therefor, provided they have not breached the applicable statutory standard of conduct; and

WHEREAS, Indemnitee does not regard the protection available under the Corporation’s Code of Regulations and insurance, if any, as adequate in the present circumstances, and considers it necessary and desirable to his or her service as a Director and/or Officer to have maximum protection, and the Corporation desires to provide such protection to induce Indemnitee to serve in such capacity; and

WHEREAS, the Ohio Revised Code Section 1701.13(E) and the Corporation’s Code of Regulations Article V(a) provide that indemnification of Directors and Officers of the Corporation may be authorized by agreement, and thereby contemplates that contracts of this nature may be entered into between the Corporation and Indemnitee with respect to indemnification of Indemnitee as a Director or an Officer of the Corporation.

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and adequacy of which is hereby acknowledged, the Corporation and Indemnitee do hereby agree as follows:

1. Agreement to Serve. Indemnitee agrees to serve or continue to serve as a Director and/or Officer of the Corporation for so long as he or she is duly elected or appointed or until such time as he or she tenders his or her resignation in writing or is otherwise terminated or removed from office.

The Corporation expressly confirms and agrees that it has entered into this Agreement and assumed the obligations imposed on the Corporation hereby in order to induce Indemnitee to continue to serve as a Director and/or


Officer of the Corporation, and acknowledges that Indemnitee is relying upon this Agreement in continuing in such capacity.

2. Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

The term “Proceeding” shall include any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether brought by or in the right of the Corporation or otherwise and whether of a civil, criminal, administrative or investigative nature, in which Indemnitee may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise, by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a Director and/or Officer of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation, by reason of any action taken by Indemnitee or of any inaction on his or her part while acting as such a Director and/or Officer, or by reason of the fact that he or she is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, member or manager, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, non-profit or for-profit, a limited liability company or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise; in each case whether or not he or she is acting or serving in any such capacity at the time any liability or expense is incurred for which indemnification or reimbursement can be provided under this Agreement.

The term “Expenses” shall include, without limitation, expenses of investigations, judicial or administrative proceedings or appeals, attorneys’ fees and disbursements and any expenses of establishing a right to indemnification under Paragraph 9 of this Agreement, but shall not include the amount of judgments, fines or penalties against or settlements paid by Indemnitee.

References to “other enterprise” shall include, without limitation, employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include, without limitation, any excise tax assessed with respect to any employee benefit plan; references to “serving at the request of the Corporation” shall include, without limitation, any service as a Director or Officer of the Corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such Director or Officer with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation” as referred to in this Agreement.

3. Indemnity in Third-Party Proceedings. The Corporation shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 3 if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to or otherwise involved in any Proceeding (other than a Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a Director and/or Officer of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, member or manager, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, non-profit or for-profit, a limited liability company or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all Expenses, judgments, settlements, fines and penalties, actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense or settlement of such Proceeding, but only if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of


the Corporation and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any such Proceeding by judgment, order of court, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that Indemnitee did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and with respect to any criminal proceeding, that such person had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.

4. Indemnity for Expenses in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation. The Corporation shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 4 if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a Director and/or Officer of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, member or manager, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, non-profit or for-profit, a limited liability company or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with the defense of such Proceeding, but only if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, except that no indemnification for Expenses shall be made under this Paragraph 4 in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which Indemnitee shall have been adjudged by a court order or judgment, by a court of competent jurisdiction, to be liable to the Corporation, unless and only to the extent that any court in which such Proceeding was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, Indemnitee is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as such court shall deem proper.

5. Indemnity for Amounts Paid in Settlement in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation. The Corporation shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 5 if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a Director and/or Officer of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, member or manager, partner, trustee, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, non-profit or for-profit, a limited liability company or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all amounts actually and reasonably paid in settlement by Indemnitee in connection with any such Proceeding, but only if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.

6. Indemnity for Amounts Paid for in Judgments in Proceedings by or in the Right of the Corporation. The Corporation shall indemnify Indemnitee in accordance with the provisions of this Paragraph 6 if Indemnitee is a party to or threatened to be made a party to any Proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that Indemnitee is or was a Director and/or Officer of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation,


or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, member or manager, partner, trustee, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, domestic or foreign, non-profit or for-profit, a limited liability company or a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against all judgments, fines and penalties actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any such Proceeding, but only if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.

7. Indemnification of Expenses of Successful Party. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Proceeding or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, including dismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against all Expenses incurred in connection therewith.

8. Advances of Expenses. Any Expenses incurred by or on behalf of Indemnitee pursuant to Paragraphs 3 or 4 in any Proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance upon the written request of Indemnitee if Indemnitee shall undertake to (a) repay such amount to the extent that it is ultimately determined by clear and convincing evidence in a court that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification hereunder, and (b) reasonably cooperate with the Corporation concerning the action, suit or proceeding giving rise to the Expenses. Any advances to be made under this Paragraph 8 shall be paid by the Corporation to Indemnitee within twenty (20) days following delivery of a written request therefor by Indemnitee to the Corporation.

9. Procedure. Any indemnification and advances provided for in Paragraph 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 shall be made no later than twenty (20) days after receipt of the written request of Indemnitee. If a claim under this Agreement, under any statute, or under any provision of the Corporation’s Code of Regulations or Articles of Incorporation providing for indemnification, is not paid in full by the Corporation within twenty (20) days after a written request for payment thereof has been first received by the Corporation, Indemnitee may, but need not, at any time thereafter bring an action against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, Indemnitee also shall be entitled to be paid for the Expenses of bringing such action. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for Expenses incurred in connection with any action, suit or proceeding in advance of its final disposition) that Indemnitee has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under applicable law for the Corporation to indemnify Indemnitee for the amount claimed, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Corporation and Indemnitee shall be entitled to receive advance payments of expenses pursuant to Paragraph 8 hereof unless and until such defense may be finally adjudicated by court order or judgment from which no further right of appeal exists. It is the parties’ intention that if the Corporation contests Indemnitee’s right to indemnification, the question of Indemnitee’s right to indemnification shall be for the court to decide. There shall exist in such action a rebuttable presumption that Indemnitee has met the applicable standard(s) of conduct and is therefore entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, any committee or subgroup of the Board of Directors,


independent legal counsel or its shareholders) to have made a determination that indemnification of Indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because Indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct as may be required by applicable law, nor any actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, any committee or subgroup of the Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its shareholders) that Indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall (a) constitute a defense to such action, (b) create a presumption that Indemnitee has or has not met the applicable standard of conduct, or (c) otherwise alter the presumption in favor of Indemnitee referred to in the preceding sentence.

10. Allowance for Compliance with SEC Requirements. Indemnitee acknowledges that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has expressed the opinion that indemnification of directors and officers from liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. Indemnitee hereby acknowledges and agrees that it will not be a breach of this Agreement for the Corporation to undertake with the SEC in connection with the registration for sale of any capital stock or other securities of the Corporation from time to time that, in the event a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Corporation of expenses incurred or paid by a director or officer of the Corporation in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted in connection with such capital stock or other securities being registered, the Corporation will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of competent jurisdiction on the question of whether or not such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. Indemnitee further agrees that such submission to a court of competent jurisdiction shall not be a breach of this Agreement.

11. Indemnification Hereunder Not Exclusive. The indemnification provided by this Agreement shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Indemnitee may be entitled under the Articles of Incorporation or the Code of Regulations of the Corporation, any agreement, any vote of shareholders or disinterested directors, the Ohio General Corporation Laws, or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

The indemnification under this Agreement for any action taken or not taken while serving in an indemnified capacity shall continue as to Indemnitee even though he or she may have ceased to be a Director and/or Officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and personal representatives of Indemnitee.

12. Partial Indemnification. If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Corporation for some claims, issues or matters, but not as to other claims, issues or matters, or for some or a portion of the Expenses, judgments, fines or penalties actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee or amounts actually and reasonably paid in settlement by Indemnitee in the investigation, defense, appeal or settlement of any Proceeding, but not for the total amount thereof, the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify


Indemnitee for the portion of such claims, issues or matters or Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement to which Indemnitee is entitled.

13. No Rights of Continued Employment. Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to create in Indemnitee any right to continued employment with the Corporation.

14. Reimbursement to Corporation by Indemnitee; Limitation on Amounts Paid by Corporation. To the extent Indemnitee has been indemnified by the Corporation hereunder and later receives payments from any insurance carrier covering the same Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties or amounts paid in settlement so indemnified by the Corporation hereunder, Indemnitee shall immediately reimburse the Corporation hereunder for all such amounts received from the insurer.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, Indemnitee shall not be entitled to recover amounts under this Agreement which, when added to the amount of indemnification payments made to, or on behalf of, Indemnitee, under the Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Corporation, in the aggregate exceed the Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by Indemnitee (“Excess Amounts”). To the extent the Corporation has paid Excess Amounts to Indemnitee, Indemnitee shall be obligated to immediately reimburse the Corporation for such Excess Amounts.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Corporation shall not be obligated under the terms of this Agreement to indemnify Indemnitee:

(a) or advance expenses to Indemnitee with respect to proceedings or claims initiated or brought voluntarily by Indemnitee and not by way of defense, except with respect to Proceedings brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification under this Agreement or any other statute or law or otherwise, but such indemnification or advancement of expenses may be provided by the Corporation in specific cases if the Board of Directors finds it appropriate;

(b) if it is proved by final judgment in a court of law or other final adjudication to have been based upon or attributable to the Indemnitee’s in fact having gained any personal profit or advantage to which he or she was not legally entitled;

(c) for any expenses incurred by Indemnitee with respect to any proceeding instituted by Indemnitee to enforce or interpret this Agreement, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that each of the material assertions made by Indemnitee in such proceeding was not made in good faith or was frivolous;

(d) for a disgorgement of profits made from the purchase and sale by Indemnitee of securities pursuant to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or similar provisions of any state statutory law or common law; or

(e) for any Expenses, judgment, fine or penalty which the Corporation is prohibited by applicable law from paying as indemnity or for any other reason.


15. Scope. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except Paragraph 14 hereof, the Corporation hereby agrees to indemnify the Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, notwithstanding that such indemnification is not specifically authorized by the other provisions of this Agreement, the Corporation’s Code of Regulations or Articles of Incorporation, or by statute. In the event of any change, after the date of this Agreement, in any applicable law, statute or rule which expands the right of an Ohio corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, such change shall be deemed to be within the purview of the Indemnitee’s rights and the Corporation’s obligations under this Agreement. In the event of any change in any applicable law, statute or rule which narrows the right of an Ohio corporation to indemnify a member of its board of directors or an officer, such change, to the extent not otherwise required by such law, statute or rule to be applied to this Agreement, shall have no effect on this Agreement or the parties’ rights and obligations hereunder.

16. Notice to Insurers. If, at the time of the receipt of a written request of Indemnitee pursuant to Paragraph 9 hereof, the Corporation has director and officer liability insurance in effect, the Corporation shall give prompt notice of the commencement of such proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the respective policies. The Corporation shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action, using commercially reasonable efforts, to cause such insurers to pay, on behalf of the Indemnitee, all amounts payable as a result of such proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

17. Continuation of Rights and Obligations. All rights and obligations of the Corporation and Indemnitee hereunder shall continue in full force and effect despite the subsequent amendment or modification of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations, as such are in effect on the date hereof, and such rights and obligations shall not be affected by any such amendment or modification, any resolution of directors or shareholders of the Corporation, or by any other corporate action which conflicts with or purports to amend, modify, limit or eliminate any of the rights or obligations of the Corporation and/or Indemnitee hereunder.

18. Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or supplemented by the written agreement of the Corporation and Indemnitee.

19. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assigned by the Corporation or Indemnitee without the prior written consent of the other party thereto, except that the Corporation may freely assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any subsidiary for whom Indemnitee is serving as a director and/or officer thereof; provided, however, that no permitted assignment shall release the assignor from its obligations hereunder. Subject to the foregoing, this Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, including, without limitation, any successor to the Corporation by way of merger, consolidation and/or sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the capital stock of the Corporation.


20. Saving Clause. If this Agreement or any portion thereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee as to Expenses, judgments, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement with respect to any Proceeding to the full extent permitted by any applicable portion of this Agreement that shall not have been invalidated or by any other applicable law.

21. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more fully or partially executed counterparts each of which shall be deemed an original binding the signer thereof against the other signing parties, but all counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Executed signature pages may be removed from counterpart agreements and attached to one or more fully executed copies of this Agreement. The parties may execute and deliver this Agreement by facsimile signature, which shall have the same binding effect as an original ink signature.

22. Notice. Indemnitee shall, as a condition precedent to his or her right to be indemnified under this Agreement, give to the Corporation notice in writing as soon as practicable of any claim made against him or her for which indemnity will or could be sought under this Agreement. Notice to the Corporation shall be directed to the Corporation at its headquarters located at One Invacare Way, Elyria, Ohio 44035, Attention: Chairman (or such other address as the Corporation shall designate in writing to Indemnitee). Notice shall be deemed received three days after the date postmarked if sent by prepaid mail, properly addressed. In addition, Indemnitee shall give the Corporation such information and cooperation as it may reasonably require within Indemnitee’s power.

23. Applicable Law. All matters with respect to this Agreement, including, without limitation, matters of validity, construction, effect and performance, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio applicable to contracts made and to be performed therein between the residents thereof (regardless of the laws that might otherwise be applicable under principles of conflict of law).

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereby have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and signed as of the day and year first above written.

 

INVACARE CORPORATION

THE “CORPORATION”

By

 

 

Its:

 

“INDEMNITEE”


Schedule of Indemnity Agreements with Current Directors and Executive Officers

 

Name

  

Position

  

Date of Agreement

A. Malachi Mixon, III

  

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer

   May 24, 2001

Gerald B. Blouch

  

President, Chief Operating Officer and Director

   May 24, 2001

Robert K. Gudbranson

  

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

   April 1, 2008

Anthony C. LaPlaca

  

Senior Vice President and General Counsel

   December 29, 2008

Joseph B. Richey, II

  

President - Invacare Technologies, Senior Vice President - Electronics and Design Engineering and Director

   May 24, 2001

Louis F.J. Slangen

  

Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing

   May 24, 2001

Joseph S. Usaj

  

Senior Vice President - Human Resources

   May 17, 2004

James C. Boland

  

Director

   May 24, 2001

Michael F. Delaney

  

Director

   May 24, 2001

Dr. C. Martin Harris

  

Director

   January 24, 2003

Dr. Bernadine P.Healy

  

Director

   May 24, 2001

John R. Kasich

  

Director

   May 24, 2001

Dan T. Moore, III

  

Director

   May 24, 2001

William M. Weber

  

Director

   May 24, 2001

Dale C. LaPorte

  

Director

   February 12, 2009

 

S-1

EX-10.(X) 4 dex10x.htm DIRECTOR COMPENSATION SCHEDULE Director Compensation Schedule

Exhibit 10(x)

INVACARE CORPORATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPENSATION

 

Retainer Fee

   $40,000

Additional Retainer Fees

  

Lead Director:

   $10,000

Audit Chair:

   $5,000

Compensation Chair:

   $2,500

Governance Chair:

   $2,500

Regular Meeting Fees

   $2,000

Committee Meeting Fees

  

Member:

   $1,500

Chair:

   $2,000

Telephonic Meetings

  

50% for interim conference calls that are conducted between scheduled meetings

Stock Components

  

Option grant value of $68,500

  

For new directors - option grant to purchase $150,000 in shares based on market price on date elected

Non-Employee Director Elective Stock Option Program

  

Non-employee directors may elect to defer all or a portion of their director fees into discounted stock options

EX-10.(AC) 5 dex10ac.htm FORM OF RULE 10B5-1 SALES PLAN Form of Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plan

Exhibit 10(ac)

Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plan

I,                             , have, as of the date set forth below, established this Sales Plan (the “Plan”) in order to sell to Invacare Corporation (the “Issuer”) common shares, no par value per share, of the Issuer (the “Stock”), pursuant to the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

1. I elect to surrender shares of Stock to the Issuer in order to satisfy the minimum tax withholding obligation required by federal, state and local governmental authorities (including such amount, if any, as may be required under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004) with respect to the shares of Stock I will receive on the respective maturity dates of the restricted stock grants currently outstanding and issued to me, and any restricted stock grants that are issued to me in the future by the Issuer, as indicated on Attachment A to the Plan.

2. On each respective maturity date set forth or described on Attachment A hereto, the Issuer agrees to withhold such portion of the restricted stock maturing on such date as is necessary to satisfy such minimum tax withholding obligation required by federal, state and local governmental authorities based on the rates in effect on the applicable maturity date at a price per share equal to the closing price of the Stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the applicable maturity date.

3. The Plan will terminate on the earliest of:

a. the completion of the maturity or the termination of the restricted stock grants currently outstanding and issued to me and any restricted stock grants that are issued to me in the future by the Issuer, as referenced in Section 1 of the Plan;

b. the Issuer’s receipt of notice of my death or mental incapacity;

c. the Issuer’s reasonable determination that: (i) the Plan does not comply with Rule 10b5-1 or other applicable securities laws; or (ii) I have not complied with the Plan, Rule 10b5-1 or other applicable securities laws;

d. the Issuer’s receipt of written notice of termination from me by overnight service and facsimile certifying that I desire to terminate the Plan and have consulted with my legal advisors about the termination of the Plan;

e. the Issuer’s receipt of notice from me by telephone or facsimile specifying that a legal, contractual or regulatory restriction applicable to me or my affiliates would prohibit any sale pursuant to the Plan or result in material adverse consequences to me as a result of any such sale, or

f. the public announcement of a public offering or other distribution of securities by the Issuer or of a merger, acquisition, tender or exchange offer, or other business combination resulting in the exchange or conversion of the Stock of the Issuer into shares of a company other than the Issuer.

4. In the event of a stock split, reverse stock split or stock dividend relating to the Stock, the dollar amount at which shares of Stock are to be surrendered to the Issuer and the number of shares to be surrendered will be automatically adjusted proportionately.


5. In the event of a reincorporation or other corporate reorganization resulting in an automatic share-for-share exchange of new shares for the type of shares of Stock subject to the Plan, then the new shares will automatically replace the type of shares of Stock originally specified in the Plan.

6. The Plan may be modified or amended only upon the written agreement of myself and the Issuer.

7. The Plan may be signed in counterparts, each of which will be an original. I will not assign my rights or obligations under the Plan without the Issuer’s consent.

8. The Plan, and the attached Representation Letter, dated the date hereof, constitutes the entire agreement and Plan between me and the Issuer and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings regarding the Plan. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of the Plan will not affect the validity or enforceablity of any other provision.

9. All notices given by the parties under this Plan will be made in the manner specified in this Plan by telephone, facsimile or recognized overnight service as follows:

 

  a.

If to the Issuer:

Invacare Corporation

Attn: Joseph S. Usaj

One Invacare Way

Elyria, OH 44036

Tel: 440-329-6111

Fax: 440-366-9008

 

  b.

If to me:

________________

________________

________________

Tel:                         

Fax:                         .

10. This Plan will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to the conflict of law principles of that State.

The undersigned have signed this Sales Plan as of               200    .

 

 

     

Invacare Corporation (the Issuer)

Name:

     
     

By:

 

 

     

Name:

 
     

Title:

 

 

2


Rule 10b5-1 Representation Letter

Invacare Corporation

Attn: Joseph S. Usaj

One Invacare Way

Elyria, OH 44036

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In consideration of Invacare Corporation (“Invacare”) agreeing to accept the surrender of Invacare common shares from the restricted stock maturing in order to satisfy my minimum tax withholding obligation for federal, state and local taxes under a written plan (the “Plan”) that I,                             , have established to meet the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and other good and valuable consideration I make the following representations, warranties and covenants:

1. A true and accurate copy of the Plan is attached.

2. I am entering into the Plan in good faith, in compliance with the requirements of Rule 10b5-1, and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5-1 or other federal securities laws. As of the date hereof, I am not aware of any material nonpublic information about Invacare or its securities.

3. I have consulted with my own advisors as to the legal, tax, business, and financial aspects of, and have not relied on Invacare in connection with, my adoption and implementation of the Plan and I have confirmed that the Plan meets the criteria set forth in Rule 10b5-1. I acknowledge that Invacare is not acting as a fiduciary or an advisor for me.

4. I have been or will be granted all restricted shares that are subject to the Plan free and clear of liens, encumbrances, options or other limitations on disposition of any kind.

5. While the Plan is in effect, I agree that:

a. I will not enter into or alter any corresponding or hedging transaction or position with respect to the securities covered by the Plan (including, without limitation, with respect to any securities convertible or exchangeable into those securities) and I will not alter or deviate from the terms of the Plan; and

b. I will notify Invacare in advance of any sales or purchases of, or derivative transactions on, any of the Invacare securities that I propose to make.

6. Except as provided under the terms of the Plan, I further agree that I will not exercise any subsequent influence over how, when or whether transactions are effected under the plan.

7. I agree to make or cause to be made in a timely manner all necessary filings applicable to me, including Rule 144 filings, filings pursuant to Sections 13 and 16 of the Exchange Act, and any other filings necessary pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the Exchange Act.


8. The execution and delivery of the Plan by me and the transactions contemplated by the Plan will not contravene any provision of applicable law or any agreement or other instrument binding on me or any of my affiliates or any judgment, order or decree of any governmental body having jurisdiction over me or my affiliates.

9. I agree to give Invacare notice as soon as possible of (a) any subsequent legal, contractual or regulatory restrictions imposed on me due to changes in the securities (or other) laws, contractual restrictions, or anticipated or changed events, that would prevent Invacare or me from complying with the Plan and (b) the occurrence of any event that could cause the Plan to terminate or be suspended under Section 2 or Section 3 of the Plan.

 

Very truly yours,

Name:

 

 

Date:

 

Schedule of Agreements with Current Officers

 

Name

  

Position

    

Date of Agreement

A. Malachi Mixon, III

  

Chief Executive Officer

     August 7, 2007

Gerald B. Blouch

  

President and Chief Operating Officer

     August 6, 2007

Robert K. Gudbranson

  

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

     February 2, 2009

Brian Ellacott

  

Group Vice President

     August 7, 2007

Doug Harper

  

Vice President & General Manager - Invacare Supply Group

     August 8, 2007

Joseph B. Richey, II

  

President - Invacare Technologies, Senior Vice President - Electronics and Design Engineering

     August 13, 2007

Louis F. J. Slangen

  

Senior Vice President - Global Market Development

     August 6, 2007

Joseph S. Usaj

  

Senior Vice President - Human Resources

     August 6, 2007

Carl Will

  

Group Vice President

     August 7, 2007

Chris Yessayan

  

Vice President & General Manager - Service Business Group

     August 13, 2007

 

2

EX-10.(AH) 6 dex10ah.htm FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT First Amendment to Credit Agreement

Exhibit 10(ah)

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of June 21, 2007, is by and among INVACARE CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), the certain Subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party hereto as foreign borrowers (and together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), certain Subsidiaries of the Company from time to time party hereto as guarantors (collectively, the “Guarantors”), the lenders from time to time party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders”), NATIONAL CITY BANK, as Multicurrency Administrative Agent, Multicurrency Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer, NATIONAL CITY BANK, Canada Branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Collateral Agent, and BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES ASIA LIMITED, as Australian Administrative Agent and Australian Collateral Agent.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Borrowers, the Guarantors, the Lenders, the Administrative Agents and the Collateral Agents are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of February 12, 2007 (as amended, modified, extended, restated, replaced, or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”);

WHEREAS, Invacare Florida Holding LLC made two (2) dividend payments to 1207273 Alberta ULC in an aggregate amount of CAN $2,599,814 (the “Dividend Payment Event”); and

WHEREAS, the Loan Parties have requested the Required Lenders (a) waive the Dividend Payment Event and (b) amend the Credit Agreement to permit future dividends to 1207273 Alberta ULC; and

WHEREAS, the Required Lenders are willing to (a) waive the Dividend Payment Event and (b) make such amendment to the Credit Agreement, in each case subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:


ARTICLE I

WAIVER

1.1 Waiver of Event of Default. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Credit Agreement to the contrary, the Required Lenders hereby waive, on a one-time basis, the Dividend Payment Event.

1.2 Effectiveness of Waiver. This Amendment shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth herein and shall not (a) be construed as a waiver of any other action by the Borrowers nor as a waiver of any breach or default of which the Lenders have not been informed by the Borrowers, (b) affect the right of the Lenders to demand compliance by the Borrowers with all terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, except as specifically modified or waived by this Amendment, (c) be deemed a waiver of any transaction or future action on the part of the Borrowers requiring the Lenders’ or the Required Lenders’ consent or approval under the Credit Agreement, or (d) except as waived hereby, be deemed or construed to be a waiver or release of, or a limitation upon, any Administrative Agent’s, Collateral Agent’s or the Lenders’ exercise of any rights or remedies under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, whether arising as a consequence of any Event of Default which may now exist or otherwise, all such rights and remedies hereby being expressly reserved.

ARTICLE II

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

2.1 Amendment to Section 7.06. Section 7.06 is hereby amended by adding the following clause (f) to the end of such Section and making the appropriate punctuation and grammatical changes thereto:

(f) so long as (i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom and (ii) the Company and its Subsidiaries shall realize a tax benefit as a result thereof, any Domestic Subsidiary may declare and make dividend payments or other distributions payable to 1207273 Alberta ULC in an aggregate amount not to exceed CAN $17,000,000 per fiscal year.

ARTICLE III

CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS

3.1 Closing Conditions. This Amendment shall become effective as of February 28, 2007 (the “Amendment Effective Date”) upon satisfaction of the following conditions (in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Multicurrency Administrative Agent):

(a) Executed Amendment. The Multicurrency Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of this Amendment duly executed by each of the Loan Parties, the Required Lenders and acknowledged by the Multicurrency Administrative Agent.

 

2


(b) Fees and Expenses. The Borrower shall have paid in full all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Multicurrency Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment, including without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of Moore & Van Allen PLLC.

(c) Miscellaneous. All other documents and legal matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Multicurrency Administrative Agent and its counsel.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

4.1 Amended Terms. On and after the Amendment Effective Date, all references to the Credit Agreement in each of the Loan Documents shall hereafter mean the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Except as specifically amended hereby or otherwise agreed, the Credit Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms.

4.2 Representations and Warranties of Loan Parties. Each of the Loan Parties represents and warrants as follows:

(a) It has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment.

(b) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by such Person and constitutes such Person’s legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any court or governmental authority or third party is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by such Person of this Amendment.

(d) The representations and warranties set forth in Article V of the Credit Agreement are true and correct as of the date hereof (except for those which expressly relate to an earlier date).

(e) After giving effect to this Amendment, no event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default.

 

3


(f) The Security Documents continue to create a valid security interest in, and Lien upon, the Collateral, in favor of the applicable Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, which security interests and Liens are perfected in accordance with the terms of the Security Documents and prior to all Liens other than Permitted Liens.

(g) Except as specifically provided in this Amendment, the Obligations are not reduced or modified by this Amendment and are not subject to any offsets, defenses or counterclaims.

4.3 Reaffirmation of Obligations. Each Loan Party hereby ratifies the Credit Agreement and acknowledges and reaffirms (a) that it is bound by all terms of the Credit Agreement applicable to it and (b) that it is responsible for the observance and full performance of its respective Obligations.

4.4 Loan Document. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document under the terms of the Credit Agreement.

4.5 Expenses. The Borrower agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses of the Multicurrency Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment, including without limitation the reasonable fees and expenses of the Multicurrency Administrative Agent’s legal counsel.

4.6 Further Assurances. The Loan Parties agree to promptly take such action, upon the request of the Multicurrency Administrative Agent, as is necessary to carry out the intent of this Amendment.

4.7 Entirety. This Amendment and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, if any, relating to the subject matter hereof.

4.8 Counterparts; Telecopy. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart to this Amendment by telecopy or other electronic means shall be effective as an original and shall constitute a representation that an original will be delivered.

4.9 No Actions, Claims, Etc. As of the date hereof, each of the Loan Parties hereby acknowledges and confirms that it has no knowledge of any actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages and liabilities of whatever kind or nature, in law or in equity, against any Administrative Agent, the Lenders, or any Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ respective officers, employees, representatives, agents, counsel or directors arising from any action by such Persons, or failure of such Persons to act under this Credit Agreement on or prior to the date hereof.

 

4


4.10 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

4.11 Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

4.12 General Release. In consideration of the Required Lenders, entering into this Amendment, each Loan Party hereby releases each Administrative Agent, the Lenders, and each Administrative Agent’s and the Lenders’ respective officers, employees, representatives, agents, counsel and directors from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages and liabilities of whatever kind or nature, in law or in equity, now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected to the extent that any of the foregoing arises from any action or failure to act under the Credit Agreement on or prior to the date hereof, except, with respect to any such person being released hereby, any actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages and liabilities arising out of such person’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

4.13 Consent to Jurisdiction; Service of Process; Waiver of Jury Trial. The jurisdiction, services of process and waiver of jury trial provisions set forth in Sections 11.14 and 11.15 of the Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference, mutatis mutandis.

 

5


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed on the date first above written.

 

BORROWERS:

   

INVACARE CORPORATION,

   

an Ohio corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Chief Financial Officer

   

CARROLL HEALTHCARE INC.,

   

an Ontario corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Chief Financial Officer

   

INVACARE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD,

   

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

McGregor Grant

   

Title:

 

Secretary

   

INVACARE HOLDINGS C.V.,

   

a Dutch limited partnership

   

By:

 

Invacare Holdings LLC, a general partnership

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Treasurer

   

INVACARE INTERNATIONAL SARL,

   

a Swiss corporation

   

By:

 

 

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director, Europe

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

INVACARE LIMITED,

a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales

By:

 

/s/ Mark Prosser

Name:

 

Mark Prosser

Title:

 

CEO

SCANDINAVIAN MOBILITY INTERNATIONAL APS,

a Danish private limited company

By:

 

/s/ Leif Christensen

Name:

 

Leif Christensen

Title:

 

Director and Manager

DOMESTIC GUARANTORS:

ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.,

a Texas corporation

INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION,

a Delaware corporation

INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION,

an Ohio corporation

THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.,

an Ohio corporation

CHAMPION MANUFACTURING INC.,

a Delaware corporation

HEALTHTECH PRODUCTS, INC.,

a Missouri corporation

INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION,

an Ohio corporation

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

KUSCHALL, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.,

a Minnesota corporation

INVACARE SUPPLY GROUP, INC.,

a Massachusetts corporation

INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC,

an Ohio limited liability company

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

Title:

 

Treasurer


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.,

a California corporation

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.,

a Delaware corporation

MEDBLOC, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

Title:

 

Treasurer and Secretary

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

CANADIAN GUARANTORS:

   

1207273 ALBERTA ULC,

   

an Alberta corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

   

2083806 ONTARIO INC.,

   

an Ontario corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

   

6123449 CANADA INC.,

   

a Canada corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

   

INVACARE CANADA L.P.,

   

an Ontario limited partnership

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

   

INVACARE CANADA GENERAL PARTNER INC.,

   

a Canada corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

   

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

   

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.,

an Ontario limited partnership

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

PERPETUAL MOTION ENTERPRISES LIMITED,

an Ontario corporation

By:

 

/s/ Gregory C. Thompson

Name:

 

Gregory C. Thompson

Title:

 

Vice President and Treasurer

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

AUSTRALIAN GUARANTORS:

   

ADELAIDE SCOOTERS & WHEELCHAIRS PTY LTD,

   

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor Grant

   

Title:

 

Secretary

   

AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT PTY LTD,

   

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor Grant

   

Title:

 

Secretary

   

HOME HEALTH EQUIPMENT PTY LTD,

   

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor Grant

   

Title:

 

Secretary

   

MORRIS SURGICAL PTY LTD,

   

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor Grant

   

Title:

 

Secretary

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

FOREIGN GUARANTORS:

   

INVACARE A/S,

   

a Danish limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director, Europe

   

INVACARE B.V.,

   

a Dutch private limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director, Europe

       

INVACARE EC-HØNG A/S,

   

a Danish limited company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director, Europe

       

INVACARE HOLDINGS TWO B.V.,

   

a Dutch private limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Marco Koole

   

Name:

 

Marco Koole

   

Title:

 

Comptroller

       

INVACARE UK OPERATIONS LTD.,

   

a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales

   

By:

 

/s/ Mark Prosser

   

Name:

 

Mark Prosser

   

Title:

 

CEO

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

KÜSCHALL AG,

a Swiss corporation

By:

 

/s/ Jean-Francois Gsell

Name:

 

Jean-Francois Gsell

Title:

 

Comptroller


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Acknowledged and Agreed:

NATIONAL CITY BANK, as

Multicurrency Administrative Agent

By:

 

/s/ Robert S. Coleman

Name:

 

Robert S. Coleman

Title:

 

Senior Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

NATIONAL CITY BANK, as Lender, L/C

Issuer and Swing Line Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robert S. Coleman

Name:

 

Robert S. Coleman

Title:

 

Senior Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

By:

 

/s/ Jill J. Hogan

Name:

 

Jill J. Hogan

Title:

 

Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:

 

/s/ J.T. taylor

Name:

 

J.T. taylor

Title:

 

Senior Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES ASIA LIMITED, as a Lender and Australian Administrative Agent

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

[OTHER LENDERS]

 

Carlyle Capital Investment Limited

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

Carlyle High Yield Partners VII, Ltd

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

Carlyle Credit Partners

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

Carlyle Loan Investment, Ltd.

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

Carlyle High Yield Partners IV, Ltd.

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

Carlyle High Yield Partners VI, Ltd.

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

Carlyle High Yield Partners X, Ltd.

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Carlyle High Yield Partners VIII, Ltd.

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

Carlyle High Yield Partners IX, Ltd.

By:

 

/s/ Linda Pace

Name:

 

Linda Pace

Title:

 

Managing Director

General Electric Capital Corporation

By:

 

/s/ Dionne Miller

Name:

 

Dionne Miller

Title:

 

Its Duly Authorized Signatory

Grand Central Asset Trust, LAC Series

By:

 

/s/ Jeff Parkinson

Name:

 

Jeff Parkinson

Title:

 

Attorney-in-fact

Harch CLO III, Limited

By:

 

/s/ Michael E. Lewitt

Name:

 

Michael E. Lewitt

Title:

 

Authorized Signatory

Hartford Institutional Trust,

On behalf of its Floating Rate Bank Loan Series

By: Hartford Investment management Company, Its Investment Manager

By:

 

/s/ James Serhant

Name:

 

James Serhant

Title:

 

Senior Vice President

Keybank National Association

By:

 

/s/ J.T. Taylor

Name:

 

J.T. Taylor

Title:

 

Senior Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

L.A. Funding LLC

By:

 

/s/ Tara E. Kenny

Name:

 

Tara E. Kenny

Title:

 

Assistant Vice President

Navigare Funding I CLO Ltd

By Navigare Partners LLC

Its collateral manager

By:

 

/s/ Joel G. Serebransky

Name:

 

Joel G. Serebransky

Title:

 

Managing Director

Navigare Funding II CLO Ltd

By Navigare Partners LLC

Its collateral manager

By:

 

/s/ Joel G. Serebransky

Name:

 

Joel G. Serebransky

Title:

 

Managing Director

Stedman CBNA Loan Funding LLC, for itself or as agent for Stedman CEPI Loand Funding LLC.

By:

 

/s/ Jeff Parkinson

Name:

 

Jeff Parkinson

Title:

 

Attorney-in-fact

Stoney Land Fuding, I Ltd.

By: HillMark Capital Management, L.P.,

As Collateral Manager

By:

 

/s/ Kevin Cuskley

Name:

 

Kevin Cuskley

Title:

 

Senior Portfolio Manager


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Venture III CDO Limited

By its investment advisor,

MJX Asset Management LLC

By:

 

/s/ John P. Calaba

Name:

 

John P. Calaba

Title:

 

Vice President

Venture IV CDO Limited

By its investment advisor,

MJX Asset Management LLC

By:

 

/s/ John P. Calaba

Name:

 

John P. Calaba

Title:

 

Vice President

Venture VII CDO Limited

By its investment advisor,

MJX Asset Management LLC

By:

 

/s/ John P. Calaba

Name:

 

John P. Calaba

Title:

 

Vice President

Venture VIII CDO Limited

By its investment advisor,

MJX Asset Management LLC

By:

 

/s/ John P. Calaba

Name:

 

John P. Calaba

Title:

 

Vice President

Merchants Bank, National Association

By:

 

/s/ Timothy Klinkner

Name:

 

Timothy Klinkner

Title:

 

Vice President

UBS AG, Stamford Branch

By:

 

/s/ Janice L. Randolph

Name:

 

Janice L. Randolph

Title:

 

Associate Director

 

Banking Products Services, US


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

By:

 

/s/ Margaret Sang

Name:

 

Margaret Sang

Title:

 

Associate Director

 

Banking Products Services, US

LaSalle Commercial Lending,

A Division of ABN AMRO Bank N.V.

By:

 

/s/ Nazmin Adatia

Name:

 

Nazmin Adatia

Title:

 

Vice President

By:

 

/s/ H. Bayu Budiatmanto

Name:

 

H. Bayu Budiatmanto

Title:

 

Vice President

BMO Capital Markets Financing Inc.

By:

 

/s/ Michael D. Pincus

Name:

 

Michael D. Pincus

Title:

 

Managing Director

LaSalle Bank National Association

By:

 

/s/ Brian H. Gallagher

Name:

 

Brian H. Gallagher

Title:

 

Vice President

Nordea Bank Finland, PLC.

By:

 

/s/ Henrik M. Steffensen

Name:

 

Henrik M. Steffensen

Title:

 

Senior Vice President

By:

 

/s/ Gerald E. Chelius

Name:

 

Gerald E. Chelius

Title:

 

SVP Credit

PNC Bank, N.A.

By:

 

/s/ Patrick Flaherty

Name:

 

Patrick Flaherty

Title:

 

Credit Officer


INVACARE CORPORATION

FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

SunTrust Bank

By:

 

/s/ William D. Priester

Name:

 

William D. Priester

Title:

 

Managing Director

AMMC CLO III, LIMITED

By: American Money Management Corp.,

As Collateral Manager

By:

 

/s/ David P. Meyer

Name:

 

David P. Meyer

Title:

 

Senior Vice President

AMMC CLO IV, LIMITED

By: American Money Management Corp.,

As Collateral Manager

By:

 

/s/ David P. Meyer

Name:

 

David P. Meyer

Title:

 

Senior Vice President

Atlas Loan Funding (Hartford), LLC

By Atlas Capital Funding, Ltd.

By: Structured Asset Investors, LLC

Its Investment Manager

By:

 

/s/ Diana M. Himes

Name:

 

Diana M. Himes

Title:

 

Vice President

Beecher CBNA Loan Funding LLC

By:

 

/s/ Jeff Parkinson

Name:

 

Jeff Parkinson

Title:

 

Attorney-in-fact

EX-10.(AI) 7 dex10ai.htm SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT Second Amendment to Credit Agreement

Exhibit 10(ai)

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”), dated as of February 25, 2009 is by and among INVACARE CORPORATION, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), certain Subsidiaries of the Company party hereto as foreign borrowers (each a “Foreign Borrower” and together with the Company, the “Borrowers”), certain Subsidiaries of the Company party hereto as guarantors (collectively, the “Guarantors” and together with the Borrowers, the “Loan Parties”), the Lenders party hereto, NATIONAL CITY BANK, as Multicurrency Administrative Agent, Multicurrency Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and an L/C Issuer, NATIONAL CITY BANK, Canada Branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Collateral Agent, and BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES ASIA LIMITED, as Australian Administrative Agent and Australian Collateral Agent.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Loan Parties, the Lenders, the Administrative Agents and the Collateral Agents are parties to that certain Credit Agreement dated as of February 12, 2007 (as previously amended or modified and as further amended, modified, extended, restated, replaced, or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”);

WHEREAS, the Loan Parties have requested that the Required Lenders amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Required Lenders are willing to make such amendments to the Credit Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

AMENDMENTS TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

1.1 Amendment to Section 7.02(g) – Intercompany Indebtedness. Section 7.02(g) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

(g)(i) Indebtedness owed by any Domestic Loan Party to the Company and its Subsidiaries, (ii) Indebtedness owed by Foreign Loan Parties to other Foreign Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, (iii) intercompany Indebtedness among Foreign Subsidiaries incurred for cash management pooling purposes in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past

 

1


practices, (iv) Indebtedness owed by Subsidiaries of the Company that are not Loan Parties to other Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, (v) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or would result from such Indebtedness, Indebtedness owed by wholly-owned Subsidiaries (other than the Insurance Subsidiary and the Receivables Subsidiary) to Loan Parties in an aggregate amount not to exceed, when combined with Investments made pursuant to Section 7.03(c)(vi), $20,000,000 and (vi) Indebtedness owed by the Company to any of its Subsidiaries so long as the proceeds of such Indebtedness are applied by the Company to repay Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(a) of the Credit Agreement; provided that any intercompany Indebtedness permitted pursuant to this clause (g) shall be unsecured;

1.2 Amendment to Section 7.03(c) – Intercompany Investments. Section 7.03(c) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following subsection (vii) thereto and making the appropriate punctuation and grammatical changes thereto:

(vii) Investments by any Subsidiary of the Company in the Company so long as the proceeds of such Investment are applied by the Company to repay Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(a) of the Credit Agreement;

1.3 Amendment to Section 7.06(a) – Restricted Payments. Section 7.06(a) of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

(a)(i) each Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Company and, in order to do so, may make Restricted Payments to any other Subsidiary of the Company so long as such Restricted Payments being made are ultimately made to the Company; provided that the proceeds of such Restricted Payments are applied by the Company to repay Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(a) of the Credit Agreement; (ii) each Domestic Guarantor may make Restricted Payments to other Domestic Guarantors; (iii) each Foreign Guarantor may make Restricted Payments to Foreign Borrowers or other Foreign Guarantors; and (iv) each Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may make Restricted Payments to other Subsidiaries, in each case ratably according to their respective holdings of the type of Equity Interest in respect of which such Restricted Payment is being made;

ARTICLE II

CONDITIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS

2.1 Closing Conditions. This Amendment shall become effective upon satisfaction of the following conditions (in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Multicurrency Administrative Agent) (the “Amendment Effective Date”):

(a) Executed Amendment. The Multicurrency Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of this Amendment duly executed by each of the Loan Parties, the Required Lenders and acknowledged by the Multicurrency Administrative Agent.

 

2


(b) Fees and Expenses. The Borrowers shall have paid in full all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses of the Administrative Agents in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment, including without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of Moore & Van Allen PLLC.

(c) Miscellaneous. All other documents and legal matters in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agents and their counsel.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

3.1 Amended Terms. On and after the Amendment Effective Date, all references to the Credit Agreement in each of the Loan Documents shall hereafter mean the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment. Except as specifically amended hereby or otherwise agreed, the Credit Agreement is hereby ratified and confirmed and shall remain in full force and effect according to its terms.

3.2 Representations and Warranties of Loan Parties. Each of the Loan Parties represents and warrants as follows:

(a) It has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment.

(b) This Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by such Person and constitutes such Person’s legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be subject to (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance or transfer, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and (ii) general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

(c) No consent, approval, authorization or order of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any court or governmental authority or third party is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by such Person of this Amendment.

(d) The representations and warranties set forth in Article V of the Credit Agreement are true and correct as of the date hereof (except for those which expressly relate to an earlier date).

(e) After giving effect to this Amendment, no event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes a Default or an Event of Default.

 

3


(f) The Collateral Documents continue to create a valid security interest in, and Lien upon, the Collateral, in favor of the applicable Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the applicable Secured Parties, which security interests and Liens are perfected in accordance with the terms of the Collateral Documents and prior to all Liens other than Permitted Liens.

(g) Except as specifically provided in this Amendment, the Obligations are not reduced or modified by this Amendment and are not subject to any offsets, defenses or counterclaims.

(h) The Organizational Documents of each of the Loan Parties have not been rescinded, amended or otherwise modified since the Closing Date.

3.3 Reaffirmation of Obligations. Each Loan Party hereby ratifies the Credit Agreement and acknowledges and reaffirms (a) that it is bound by all terms of the Credit Agreement applicable to it and (b) that it is responsible for the observance and full performance of its respective Obligations.

3.4 Loan Document. This Amendment shall constitute a Loan Document under the terms of the Credit Agreement.

3.5 Expenses. The Borrowers agree to pay all reasonable costs and expenses of the Administrative Agents and Collateral Agents in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Amendment, including without limitation the reasonable fees and expenses of the Administrative Agents’ and Collateral Agents’ legal counsel.

3.6 Further Assurances. The Loan Parties agree to promptly take such action, upon the request of the Multicurrency Administrative Agent, as is necessary to carry out the intent of this Amendment.

3.7 Entirety. This Amendment and the other Loan Documents embody the entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, oral or written, if any, relating to the subject matter hereof.

3.8 Counterparts; Telecopy. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart to this Amendment by telecopy or other electronic means shall be effective as an original and shall constitute a representation that an original will be delivered.

3.9 No Actions, Claims, Etc. As of the date hereof, each of the Loan Parties hereby acknowledges and confirms that it has no knowledge of any actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages and liabilities of whatever kind or nature, in law or in equity, against any Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, L/C Issuer or Lender, or any such Person’s respective

 

4


officers, employees, representatives, agents, counsel or directors arising from any action by any such Person, or failure of any such Person to act under this Credit Agreement on or prior to the date hereof.

3.10 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

3.11 Successors and Assigns. This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

3.12 General Release. In consideration of the Required Lenders entering into this Amendment, each Loan Party hereby releases each Administrative Agent, each Collateral Agent, each L/C Issuer, the Lenders, and each such Person’s respective officers, employees, representatives, agents, counsel and directors from any and all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages and liabilities of whatever kind or nature, in law or in equity, now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected to the extent that any of the foregoing arises from any action or failure to act under the Credit Agreement on or prior to the date hereof, except, with respect to any such person being released hereby, any actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages and liabilities arising out of such person’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.

3.13 Consent to Jurisdiction; Service of Process; Waiver of Jury Trial. The jurisdiction, services of process and waiver of jury trial provisions set forth in Sections 11.14 and 11.15 of the Credit Agreement are hereby incorporated by reference, mutatis mutandis.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank. Signature Pages Follow]

 

5


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed on the date first above written.

 

BORROWERS:

   

INVACARE CORPORATION,

   

an Ohio corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

President and CFO

   

CARROLL HEALTHCARE INC.,

   

an Ontario corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

Vice President

   

INVACARE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD,

   

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor O. Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor O. Grant

   

Title:

 

Attorney

   

INVACARE HOLDINGS C.V.,

   

a Dutch limited partnership

   

By:

 

/s/ Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Name:

 

Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Title:

 

Secretary of Invacare Holdings, LLC,

   

General Partner of Invacare Holdings C.V.

   

INVACARE INTERNATIONAL SARL,

   

a Swiss corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director Europe


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

   

INVACARE LIMITED,

    a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales
   

By:

 

/s/ Mark Prosser

   

Name:

 

Mark Prosser

   

Title:

 

Managing Director


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

   

SCANDINAVIAN MOBILITY

INTERNATIONAL APS,

   

a Danish private limited company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director Europe


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

DOMESTIC GUARANTORS:

    ADAPTIVE SWITCH LABORATORIES, INC.,
   

a Texas corporation

    INVACARE FLORIDA CORPORATION,
   

a Delaware corporation

    INVACARE CREDIT CORPORATION,
   

an Ohio corporation

    THE AFTERMARKET GROUP, INC.,
   

a Delaware corporation

    THE HELIXX GROUP, INC.,
   

an Ohio corporation

    CHAMPION MANUFACTURING INC.,
   

a Delaware corporation

   

HEALTHTECH PRODUCTS, INC.,

   

a Missouri corporation

    INVACARE CANADIAN HOLDINGS, INC.,
   

a Delaware corporation

    INVACARE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION,
   

an Ohio corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

President

    KUSCHALL, INC.,
   

a Delaware corporation

    ALTIMATE MEDICAL, INC.,
   

a Minnesota corporation

    INVACARE SUPPLY GROUP, INC.,
   

a Massachusetts corporation

    INVACARE HOLDINGS, LLC,
   

an Ohio limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

President

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

    FREEDOM DESIGNS, INC.,
   

a California corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

President

   

GARDEN CITY MEDICAL INC.,

a Delaware corporation

   

MEDBLOC, INC.,

a Delaware corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Name:

 

Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Title:

 

Secretary

   

INVACARE FLORIDA HOLDINGS, LLC,

a Delaware limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

President


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

CANADIAN GUARANTORS:     1207273 ALBERTA ULC,
   

an Alberta corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

President

    2083806 ONTARIO INC.,
   

an Ontario corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

Vice President

    6123449 CANADA INC.,
   

a Canada corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Name:

 

Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Title:

 

Secretary

    INVACARE CANADA L.P.,
   

an Ontario limited partnership

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

Vice President

    INVACARE CANADA GENERAL PARTNER INC.,
   

a Canada corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Gerald B. Blouch

   

Name:

 

Gerald B. Blouch

   

Title:

 

Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

    MOTION CONCEPTS L.P.,
   

an Ontario limited partnership

   

By:

 

/s/ Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Name:

 

Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Title:

 

Secretary

    PERPETUAL MOTION ENTERPRISES LIMITED,
   

an Ontario corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Name:

 

Anthony C. LaPlaca

   

Title:

 

Secretary


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

AUSTRALIAN GUARANTORS:

 

    AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT PTY LTD,
   

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor O. Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor O. Grant

   

Title:

 

Attorney

   

HOME HEALTH EQUIPMENT PTY LTD,

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor O. Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor O. Grant

   

Title:

 

Attorney

   

MORRIS SURGICAL PTY LTD,

an Australian corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ McGregor O. Grant

   

Name:

 

McGregor O. Grant

   

Title:

 

Attorney


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

FOREIGN GUARANTORS:     INVACARE A/S,
   

a Danish limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director Europe

   

INVACARE B.V.,

a Dutch private limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director Europe

   

INVACARE EC-HØNG A/S,

a Danish limited company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director Europe

   

INVACARE HOLDINGS TWO B.V.,

a Dutch private limited liability company

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director Europe

   

INVACARE UK OPERATIONS LTD.,

a private limited company organized under the laws of England and Wales

   

By:

 

/s/ Mark Prosser

   

Name:

 

Mark Prosser

   

Title:

 

Managing Director


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

   

KÜSCHALL AG,

   

a Swiss corporation

   

By:

 

/s/ Theo Vassiloudis

   

Name:

 

Theo Vassiloudis

   

Title:

 

Finance Director Europe


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

LENDERS:

   

NATIONAL CITY BANK, as

   

Multicurrency Administrative Agent

   

By:

 

/s/ Robert S. Coleman

   

Name:

 

Robert S. Coleman

   

Title:

 

Senior Vice President

 


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

NATIONAL CITY BANK, as Lender,

Multicurrency Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer

By:

 

/s/ Robert S. Coleman

Name:

 

Robert S. Coleman

Title:

 

Senior Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

NATIONAL CITY BANK, Canada Branch,

as Canadian Administrative Agent and Canadian Collateral Agent

By:

 

/s/ C. Steole

Name:

 

C. Steole

Title:

 

Senior Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

BANC OF AMERICA SECURITIES ASIA LIMITED, as Australian Administrative Agent and Australian Collateral Agent

By:

 

/s/ Susana Yen

Name:

 

Susana Yen

Title:

 

Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.

By:

 

/s/ Jill J. Hogan

Name:

 

Jill J. Hogan

Title:

 

Vice President


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

By:

 

/s/ Sukanya V. Raj

Name:

 

Sukanya V. Raj

Title:

 

Vice President & Portfolio Manager


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Ameriprise Certificate Company,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Assistant Vice President

BMO Capital Markets Financing Inc,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael D. Pincus

Name:

 

Michael D. Pincus

Title:

 

Managing Director

Cent CDO 10, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations

Cent CDO 12, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations

Cent CDO 14, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations

Cent CDO XI, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations

Centurion CDO 9, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations

Centurion CDO VI, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations

Centurion CDO VII, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations

Centurion CDO 8, Ltd.

By RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

ColumbusNova CLO Ltd. 2007-I,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Paul L. Cal

Name:

 

Paul L. Cal

Title:

 

Associate Director

ColumbusNova CLO IV Ltd. 2007-II,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Paul L. Cal

Name:

 

Paul L. Cal

Title:

 

Associate Director

Eagle Loan Trust

By Stanfield Capital Partners, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Eaton Vance CDO IX Ltd.

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance CDO VII PLC

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance CDO VIII PLC

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance CDO X PLC

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance Floating Rate Income Trust

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance Institutional Senior Loan Fund

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance Senior Income Trust

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance Short Duration Diversified Income Fund

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Eaton Vance VT Floating-Rate Income Fund

By Eaton Vance Management

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Grand Hord CLO Ltd

By: Seix Investment Advisors LLC

As Collateral Manager

Mountain View CLO III Ltd.

By: Seix Investment Advisors LLC

As Collateral Manager

Ridgeworth Funds-Seix Floating Rate High Income Fund

By: Seix Investment Advisors LLC


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

As Subadvisor

 

as Lenders

By:

 

/s/ George Goudelias

Name:

 

George Goudelias

Title:

 

Managing Director

Harch CLO III Limited,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael E. Lewitt

Name:

 

Michael E. Lewitt

Title:

 

Authorized Signatory

LaSalle Bank National Association,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Jill J. Hogan

Name:

 

Jill J. Hogan

Title:

 

Vice President

Navigare Funding I CLO Ltd

By Navigare Partners LLC

Its Collateral manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Joel G. Serebransky

Name:

 

Joel G. Serebransky

Title:

 

Managing Director

Navigare Funding II CLO Ltd

By Navigare Partners LLC

Its Collateral manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Joel G. Serebransky

Name:

 

Joel G. Serebransky

Title:

 

Managing Director


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Navigare Funding III CLO Ltd

By Navigare Partners LLC

Its Collateral manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Joel G. Serebransky

Name:

 

Joel G. Serebransky

Title:

 

Managing Director

PNC Bank, National Association,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Joseph G. Moran

Name:

 

Joseph G. Moran

Title:

 

Senior Vice President

RiverSource Bond Series, Inc.

RiverSource Floating Rate Fund,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Assistant Vice President

Senior Debt Portfolio

By: Boston Management and Research

As Investment Advisor,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Michael B. Botthof

Name:

 

Michael B. Botthof

Title:

 

Vice President

Sequils-Centurion V, Ltd.

By: RiverSource Investments,

LLC as Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Robin C. Stancil

Name:

 

Robin C. Stancil

Title:

 

Director of Operations


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Stanfield Arnage CLO Ltd.

By: Stanfield Capital Parnters, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Stanfield AZURE CLO, Ltd.

By: Stanfield Capital Parnters, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Stanfield Bristol CLO, Ltd.

By: Stanfield Capital Parnters, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Stanfield Carrera CLO, Ltd.

By: Stanfield Capital Parnters, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Stanfield McLaren CLO, Ltd.

By: Stanfield Capital Parnters, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Stanfield Modena CLO, Ltd.

By: Stanfield Capital Parnters, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Stanfield Vantage CLO, Ltd.

By: Stanfield Capital Parnters, LLC

As its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

SunTrust Bank,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Thomas P. Hackett

Name:

 

Thomas P. Hackett

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Tralee CDO I, Ltd.,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Edward Labrenz

Name:

 

Edward Labrenz

Title:

 

Authorized Signatory

UBS AG, Stamford Branch.,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Janice L. Randolph

Name:

 

Janice L. Randolph

Title:

 

Director Banking Products Services, US

XL Re Europe Limited

By: Stanfield Capital Partners, LLC

Signed as: its Collateral Manager,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Christopher E. Jansen


INVACARE CORPORATION

AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

Name:

 

Christopher E. Jansen

Title:

 

Managing Partner

Nordea Bank Finland PLC

Acting through its New York and Cayman Islands Branches,

as a Lender

By:

 

/s/ Henrik M. Steffensen

Name:

 

Henrik M. Steffensen

Title:

 

Senior Vice President

By:

 

/s/ Gerald E. Chelius, Jr.

Name:

 

Gerald E. Chelius, Jr.

Title:

 

SVP Credit

 

EX-21 8 dex21.htm SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY Subsidiaries of the company

Exhibit 21

Invacare Corporation Subsidiaries

 

1.

  

1207273 Alberta ULC, an Alberta, Canada corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

2.

  

2083806 Ontario Inc., an Ontario corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

3.

  

6123449 Canada, Inc., a Canadian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

4.

  

Adaptive Switch Laboratories, Inc., a Texas corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

5.

  

Alber GmbH, a Swiss corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

6.

  

Altimate Medical, Inc., a Minnesota corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

7.

  

Aquatec Operations GmbH, a German limited liability company.

8.

  

Australian Healthcare Equipment Pty Ltd., an Australian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

9.

  

Carroll Healthcare, Inc., an Ontario corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

10.

  

Champion Manufacturing Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

11.

  

Dolomite AB, a Swedish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

12.

  

Dolomite Holding AB, a Swedish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

13.

  

Dynamic Connect (Suzhou) Hi-Tech Electronics Co., Ltd., a Chinese company and wholly owned subsidiary.

14.

  

Dynamic Controls, a New Zealand corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

15.

  

Dynamic Europe Ltd., a UK corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

16.

  

Freedom Designs, Inc., a California corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

17.

  

Garden City Medical Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

18.

  

Healthtech Products, Inc., a Missouri corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

19.

  

HealthcareEquipment WA Pty Ltd, an Australian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

20.

  

Home Health Equipment Pty Ltd, an Australian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

21.

  

Invacare AB, a Swedish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

22.

  

Invacare Aquatec GmbH, Isny, a German limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary.

23.

  

Invacare A/S, a Danish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

24.

  

Invacare AS, a Norwegian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.


25.

  

Invacare Asia Ltd., a Hong Kong company and wholly owned subsidiary.

26.

  

Invacare Australia Pty Limited, an Australian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

27.

  

Invacare BV, a Netherlands corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

28.

  

Invacare Canada General Partner Inc., a Canadian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

29.

  

Invacare Canada LP, an Ontario, Canada partnership and wholly owned subsidiary.

30.

  

Invacare Canadian Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

31.

  

Invacare Credit Corporation, an Ohio corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

32.

  

Invacare Dolomite AB, a Swedish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

33.

  

Invacare (Deutschland) GmbH, a German corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

34.

  

Invacare EC-Hong A/S, a Danish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

35.

  

Invacare GmbH, a German corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

36.

  

Invacare Florida Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

37.

  

Invacare Florida Holdings, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary.

38.

  

Invacare France Operations SAS, A French corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

39.

  

Invacare Germany Holding GmbH, a German corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

40.

  

Invacare Holdings AB, a Swedish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

41.

  

Invacare Holdings Two AB, a Swedish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

42.

  

Invacare Holdings AS, a Norwegian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

43.

  

Invacare Holdings CV, a Netherlands wholly owned partnership subsidiary.

44.

  

Invacare Holdings LLC, an Ohio limited liability corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

45.

  

Invacare Holdings New Zealand, a New Zealand corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

46.

  

Invacare Holdings Two BV, a Netherlands corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

47.

  

Invacare International Corporation, an Ohio corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

48.

  

Invacare International SARL, a Swiss corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

49.

  

Invacare Limited, a UK corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.


50.

  

Invacare Mauritius Holdings, a Republic of Mauritius company and wholly owned subsidiary.

51.

  

Invacare MeccSan SarL, an Italian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

52.

  

Invacare Medical Equipment (Kunshan) Company, Ltd., a Chinese company and wholly owned subsidiary.

53.

  

Invacare Medical Equipment (Suzhou) Company, Ltd., a Chinese company and wholly owned subsidiary.

54.

  

Invacare New Zealand, a New Zealand corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

55.

  

Invacare NV, a Belgium corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

56.

  

Invacare Operations SAS, a French corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

57.

  

Invacare Poirier SAS, a French corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

58.

  

Invacare (Portugual) — Sociedade Industrial e Comercial de Ortopedia., Lda., a Portugal company and wholly owned subsidiary.

59.

  

Invacare (Portugual) II — Material Ortopudico, Lda., a Portugal company and wholly owned subsidiary.

60.

  

Invacare Rea AB, a Swedish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

61.

  

Invacare, S.A., a Spanish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

62.

  

Invamex S.A. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

63.

  

Invacare Supply Group, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

64.

  

Invacare Trading Company, Inc., a United States Territory of the Virgin Islands corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

65.

  

Invacare UK Operations Ltd., a UK corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

66.

  

Invacare Verwaltungs GmbH, a German corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

67.

  

Invatection Insurance Company, a Vermont corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

68.

  

Kuschall AG, a Switzerland corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

69.

  

Medbloc, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

70.

  

Mobitec Mobilitatshilfen GmbH, an Austrian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

71.

  

Mobitec Rehab AG, a Swiss corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

73.

  

Morris Surgical Pty Ltd, an Australian corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

74.

  

Motion Concepts, L.P., an Ontario wholly owned limited partnership.

75.

  

Perpetual Motion Enterprises Limited, an Ontario corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.


76.

  

RoadRunner Mobility, Inc., a Texas corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

77.

  

Scandinavian Mobility GmbH, a German corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

78.

  

Scandinavian Mobility International ApS, a Danish corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

79.

  

SCI Des Hautes Roches, a French partnership and wholly owned subsidiary.

80.

  

The Aftermarket Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

81.

  

The Helixx Group, Inc., an Ohio corporation and wholly owned subsidiary.

82.

  

Ulrich Alber GmbH, Albstadt, a German limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary.

Note, “Wholly owned subsidiary” refers to indirect, as well as direct, wholly owned subsidiaries.

EX-23 9 dex23.htm CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

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

 

  (1)

Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 33-87052) dated December 5, 1994 pertaining to the Invacare Corporation stock option plans,

 

  (2)

Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-57978) dated March 30, 2001 pertaining to the Invacare Corporation stock option plans,

 

  (3)

Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-109794) dated October 17, 2003 pertaining to the Invacare Corporation stock option plans,

 

  (4)

Registration Statement (Form S-8, No. 333-136391) dated August 8, 2006 pertaining to the Invacare Corporation stock option plans,

 

  (5)

Registration Statement (Form S-3/A, No. 333-142311) of Invacare Corporation dated May 24, 2007, and

 

  (6)

Registration Statement (Form S-4/A, No. 333-142306) of Invacare Corporation dated May 24, 2007;

of our reports dated February 26, 2009, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Invacare Corporation and subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Invacare Corporation, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2008.

/s/    ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

February 26, 2009

EX-31.1 10 dex311.htm SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CEO Certification

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, A. Malachi Mixon, III, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Invacare Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

INVACARE CORPORATION

/s/    A. MALACHI MIXON, III        

A. Malachi Mixon, III

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 27, 2009

EX-31.2 11 dex312.htm SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION Section 302 CFO Certification

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Robert K. Gudbranson, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Invacare Corporation;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

  a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

  b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

  c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

  d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

  b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

INVACARE CORPORATION

/s/    ROBERT K. GUDBRANSON        

Robert K. Gudbranson

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

Date: February 27, 2009

EX-32.1 12 dex321.htm SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CEO Certification

Exhibit 32.1

Certification

Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as adopted pursuant to Section 906

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Invacare Corporation (the “company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, A. Malachi Mixon, III, Chief Executive Officer of the company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.

 

/s/    A. MALACHI MIXON, III        

A. Malachi Mixon, III
Chief Executive Officer

Date: February 27, 2009

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Invacare Corporation and will be retained by Invacare Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

EX-32.2 13 dex322.htm SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION Section 906 CFO Certification

Exhibit 32.2

Certification

Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

as adopted pursuant to Section 906

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Invacare Corporation (the “company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Robert K. Gudbranson, Chief Financial Officer of the company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the company.

 

/s/    ROBERT K. GUDBRANSON        

Robert K. Gudbranson
Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 27, 2009

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Invacare Corporation and will be retained by Invacare Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

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-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----