UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
————————————————————— 
FORM 10-K
—————————————————————  
ýANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20152018
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)
Ohio95-2680965
(State or other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
One Invacare Way, P.O. Box 4028, Elyria, Ohio 4403644035
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’sRegistrant's telephone number, including area code: (440) 329-6000
—————————————————————  
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each className of exchange on which registered
Common Shares, without par valueNew 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  ý
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  ý
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  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such short period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’sRegistrant'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 ¨
Accelerated filer ý
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
Smaller reporting company  ¨
Emerging growth company  ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of June 30, 2015,2018, the aggregate market value of the 30,152,07032,281,951 Common Shares of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $652,189,274$600,444,289 and the aggregate market value of the 380,8356,357 Class B Common Shares of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $8,237,461.$118,240. 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, 2015,2018, which was $21.63.$18.60. For purposes of this information, the 1,231,149946,447 Common Shares and 703,9120 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 March 1, 2016, 31,834,4884, 2019, there were 33,247,675 Common Shares and 733,3096,357 Class B Common Shares were outstanding.
Documents Incorporated By Reference
Portions of the Registrant’sRegistrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with its 20162019 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, 20152018.
     




flatlogofinala21.jpg 

INVACARE CORPORATION
20152018 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K CONTENTS
   
Item Page
PART I:
1
1A.
1B.
2
3
4
 
 
PART II:
5
6
7
7A.
8
9
9A.
9B.
 
PART III:
10
11
12
13
14
 
PART IV:
15
16

I-2


PART I

Item 1.        Business.

GENERAL

Invacare Corporation (“Invacare,” the “company,” including its subsidiaries, unless otherwise noted) is a leading manufacturer and distributor in its markets for medical equipment used in non-acute care settings. At its core, the company designs, manufactures and distributes medical devices that help people to move, breathe, rest and withperform essential hygiene. The company provides clinically complex medical device solutions for congenital (e.g., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida), acquired (e.g., stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, post-acute recovery, pressure ulcers) and degenerative (e.g., ALS, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), elderly, bariatric) ailments. The company revises its product linescompany's products are an important component of care for people facing a wide range of medical challenges, from those who are active and involved in work or school each day and may need additional mobility or respiratory support, to meet changing market demands and currently offers numerous product lines.those who receive care in residential care settings or in rehabilitation centers. The company sells its products principally to home medical equipment providers withthrough retail and e-commerce channels, as well as to residential livingcare operators, distributors and government health services in the United States,North America, Europe Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Asia. Invacare’sAsia/Pacific. Invacare's products are sold through its worldwide distribution network by its sales force, telesales associates and independent manufacturers’manufacturers' representatives, and distributors. In most markets, the company does not work directly with patients or receive reimbursement from healthcare payors.

Invacare is committed to design andproviding medical products that deliver the best clinical value in medical products, whichvalue; promote recovery, independence and active lifestyles for people requiring homelifestyles; and other non-acutesupport long-term conditions and palliative care. The company's global tagline - Yes, You Can.® continues to be the company's global tagline as it is indicative of the "can do" attitude of many of the people who use the company's products.products and their care providers. In everything it does, the company strives to leave its stakeholders with its brand promise - Making Life's Experiences Possible®.

The company is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1971. When the company was acquiredfirst established as a stand-alone enterprise in December 1979, by a small group of investors, it had $19.5 million in net sales and a limited product line of lifestylebasic wheelchairs and patient aids. Since then, the company has made approximately fifty acquisitions and, after some recent divestitures to harmonize its portfolio, Invacare's net sales in 20152018 were approximately $1.1 billion thus yielding a 13% compound average annual sales growth rate since 1979.$1.0 billion. Based upon the company’scompany's distribution channels, breadth of product line and net sales, Invacare is a leading company in many of the following major, non-acute, medical equipmentproduct categories: custom power wheelchairs; custom manual wheelchairs; electromotive technology to augment wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs, homecarerecreational products; recreational adaptive sports products; non-acute bed systemssystems; patient transfer and homebathing equipment; and supplementary respiratory therapy.therapy devices.

The company’s executive offices are located at One Invacare Way, Elyria, Ohio, 44035 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.

THE HOMENON-ACUTE DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY

The homenon-acute durable medical equipment (HME) market includes home healtha broad range of equipment and services that enable the care products, physical rehabilitation products and other non-disposable products used for therapy and thelifestyle needs of individuals with a broad range of conditions. With expected long-term care of patients. As pressure onto control healthcare spending continues to escalate around the world,per capita, the company believes the market for equipment and services that increased delivery ofsupport higher acuity care outside acutein lower acuity settings will be a significant part of the healthcare reform. In addition, technological advances have made medical equipment increasingly capable for use outside acute care settings. Current hospital procedures often allow for earlier patient discharge, thereby lengthening recuperation periods outside of the traditional institutional setting. Payorscontinue to grow. Healthcare payors and providers are looking for wayscontinue to reduce spendingseek to optimize therapies which result in the most costly settings,improved outcomes, reduced cost protocols, and reduce patient exposure that can lead to co-morbidities. These incentives are accelerating theultimately, earlier discharge, of patients earlier or to recover in facilities with more cost-effective capabilities. Patients often preferincluding recovery and treatment in less institutionalnon-acute settings. Care in these settings may reduce exposure to concomitant issues and are migrating to out-patient and ambulatory care centers.be preferred by patients.

A report from the United Nations, World Population Ageing 2013, states that the number of people age 60 years and older will more than double from 841 million people in 2013As healthcare costs continue to more than 2 billion in 2050. Despite getting older or having disabilities, people have increasing expectations for levels of activity and community participation throughout their lives. People around the world are increasingly unwilling to retire to a sedentary lifestyle and be left out of the world around them. The company provides solutions that allow people with congenital, acquired or degenerative conditions to engage with the world around them and live more fully.

With the costs of healthcare continuing to increase, the company believes that the interests of patients and healthcare providers are converging. This convergence will result in optimized care being performed inconverging to focus on the most appropriate setting at a lower cost. Invacare believes that patients prefer care in less institutional settings, which can lead to better clinical outcomes and be more cost-effective.cost-effective delivery of the best care. As healthcare payors become more judicious in their spending, on healthcare, the company believes companies that provide better care or demonstrate better clinical outcomes will have an advantage. With its diverse product portfolio, clinical solutions, global scale and focus on the non-acute care setting, the company believes it is well positioned to serve this growing market.

I-3

TableMacro trends are impacting the world's aging population. While institutional care will likely remain an important part of Contentshealthcare systems in the wealthiest economies, the company believes care settings other than traditional hospitals will increasingly provide higher acuity care. With a broad product offering, diversified channels of trade, and infrastructure capable of serving many of the largest healthcare economies, the company believes it is well positioned to benefit from these global demographic trends and changes to the provision of healthcare.


North America Market

North America'sThe population of the United States is growing and significantly aging. As a result, there is a greater prevalence of disability among major U.S. population groups and an increasing need for assistance and care. The U.S. Census Bureau has projected the U.S. population will continue to grow to an estimated 400 million by 2050. Along the way, the bolus of Baby Boomers is expected to continue to raise the average age of the U.S. population. By 2025, 18.1%2030, the government estimates that more than 20% of the U.S. population will beconsist of individuals over the age of 65, and older as noteda 50% increase compared to the population in a February 2011 New York Times article. While institutional care likely will remain an important part2010.



Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

In the North AmericanUnited States, healthcare system, the company believes itprovision is not the best and most cost-effective environment of care for many patients, particularly those with chronic medical conditions. Medicare-aged patients with chronic illnesses are placing unprecedented pressure on the current financial stability and sustainability of the Medicare program. This is resulting in a shift from acute care to lower costs of care settings, including long-term acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities and the home. According to 2013 datasupported by reimbursement from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)(“CMS”), homethe Department of Veterans Affairs, state agencies, private payors and healthcare recipients themselves. In total, CMS estimates U.S. national healthcare expenditures will grow by more than 5% annually between 2017 and 2026. At this rate, healthcare spending has been rising at a 7% compound annualwould exceed GDP growth rate (CAGR) from 2000 through 2013, and CMS projectsby 1%, which will sustain pressure to deploy care in ways that deliver the effects of shifts of care will continue to drive more value through this channel of CAGR of over 6% at least through the next seven years. Initiatives by the United States government, such as Accountable Care Organizations, can align incentivesbest outcomes for healthcare providers to partner closely across all medical specialties and settings and have the potential to significantly alter the trajectory of rising healthcare costs. The company primarily addresses this marketing through four channels: home healthcare providers, rehabilitation providers, long-term care facilities and government agencies.lower cost.

The Canadian health care system is a publicly funded model that provides coverage to all citizens. The provincesProvinces and territories administerare primarily responsible for the administration and deliver mostdelivery of Canada's health care services, butand all provincial and territorial health insurance plans are expected to meet the national principles set out underguidelines established by the Canada Health Act. The objective of the Canada Health Act is to provide consumer-centered support and funding to residents who havewith long-term physical disabilities and to provide access to personalized assistive devices appropriate forthat meet the individual’s basic needs.needs of each patient. Each provincial and territorial health insurance plan differs in terms of thewith respect to reimbursement policies and product specifications and this allows healthspecification standards, allowing healthcare services to be tailored toadjusted based on regional needs. Invacare sells across Canada, taking into consideration the particular needs of their residents.regional differences among the various provinces and territories.

Europe, MarketMiddle East and Africa Markets

While the healthcare equipment market in each country in Europe has distinct characteristics, many of the factors driving demand and reducedaffecting reimbursement in the regions are consistent with those in North America: aging of the population growing number ofaging; more patients with chronic illnesses, a strongillnesses; an increasing preference to deliver healthcare at home, desire tooutside hospitals; and a focus on the use of technology to increase productivity and reduce expensive clinical or nursing laborancillary costs. Each European country has variations in product specifications and service requirements, regulations, distribution needs and reimbursement policies. These differences, as well as technological trends. Variationsdifferences in product specifications, regulatory approval processes, distribution requirements and reimbursement policiesthe competitive landscape, require the company to tailor its approach to eachbased on the local market. Therefore amarket into which the products are being sold. The company's core strategy is to effectively penetrateaddress these distinct markets with global product platforms that are localized with country-specific adjustments as necessary. This is especially the case for power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs, and respiratory products. InCustomers in all European countries, customersmarkets typically make product selections based upon quality, product specificationfeatures, alignment with local reimbursement requirements, ability to reduce total cost of care, and excellent customer care.service.
The company serves various markets in the Middle East and Africa. It approaches these markets with the global portfolio of products developed and manufactured elsewhere. Sales in these markets are made somewhat opportunistically to balance changes in demand and specific product
requirements. Often, sales in the Middle East and Africa represent episodic tenders and do not often represent consistent sustained trade. Most of the company's sales in these markets result from business conducted in Western Europe.

Asia/Pacific Market

The company's Asia/Pacific segment is comprised of revenues from products sold intoin Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Korea, India and South EastSoutheast Asia. Invacare's Asia/Pacific businesses sell through six distribution channels. Mobility and seating products are sold viaprimarily through a dealer network of dealers with almost all sales funded directly government-funded.by governmental payors. Homecare products are sold via a dealer network that sells products to the consumer market. Long-term care products are sold via a dealer network and directly to care facilities. The company operates a rental business in New Zealand supporting the three largest District Health Boards (DHB’s) inproviders on New Zealand’sZealand's North Island, comprising approximately 60%Island. Sales to other parts of the New Zealand population. Asia export sales are sold via distributors and agents based in China, Japan, Korea, India and South EastSoutheast Asia. Invacare China sells almost exclusively homecare products through retail channels via a distributor and dealer network focused in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.     

Reimbursement

In most markets, the company does not sell productsmake significant sales directly to the patient, nor does it receive reimbursement from healthcare payors.end-users. In some cases,markets, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and certain Scandinavian countries, the company sells directly to a government payor. For example, inIn other markets, the United States the company works directlycompany's customers purchase products to have available for use by or re-sale to end-users. These customers then work with the Veterans Administration. In the United Kingdom, the company works directly with the National Health Service (NHS) and similarly in Scandinavian countries. In most cases, the company’s customers work directly with consumersend-users to determine theirwhat equipment may be needed to address the end-user's particular medical needneeds. Products are then provided to the end-user, and then purchase products directly from the company. Thecompany's customer may seek reimbursement from a private or government payor on behalf of the consumer or sell the products, as appropriate. As a result, the company's products are affected by government regulation and reimbursement policies in virtually every country in which it operates. 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 productProduct mix, pricing and payment patterns of the company’s customers who are typically medical equipment providers. In the European market, many products are no longer being reimbursed and are migrating into consumer / retail channels, including

I-4


scooters, walking aids and several hygiene (bathroom) products.terms vary by market. The company believes its strong market position and technical expertise will allow it to respond to ongoing reimbursement changes. However, the issues described above will likely continue to have an adverse impact on the pricing of the company’s products.changes in demand and reimbursement.

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

The company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes products in three key product categories:

Mobility and Seating Products

Power Wheelchairs. The company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes complex power wheelchairs for individuals who require powered mobility. The company's power wheelchair product offerings include products that can be highly customized to meet an individual end-user's needs, as well as products that are inherently versatile and designed to meet a broad range of requirements. Center-wheel drive power wheelchair lines include the
Part I
Power Wheelchairs. Invacare designs, manufactures and distributes 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. Center-wheel drive power wheelchair lines are marketed under the Invacare® TDX® brand name. The TDX line of power wheelchairs offers a combination of power, stability and maneuverability. Power tilt and recline seating systems are offered as well. Both the TDX® and Pronto® series of power wheelchairs with SureStep® stability feature center-wheel drive performance. The company also has front- and rear-wheel drive power wheelchair technology, most notably the Storm Series® rear-wheel drive series. The company has several subsidiaries that specialize in complex rehabilitation technology. For example, Adaptive Switch Labs (ASL) manufactures alternative electronic control systems, such as enabling control via sip/puff or head position inputs for consumers with limited dexterity. Motion Concepts has top-of-the line powered seating and positioning technology. The company continues to lead this market with unique intellectual property in wheelchair suspension, alternative controls and electronics.
Item 1. Business
Table of Contents

Invacare® TDX® (Total Driving eXperience) product line and the ROVI® X3 power base product line, offered through the company's Motion Concepts subsidiary. The TDX line of power wheelchairs offers a combination of power, stability and maneuverability, including the Invacare® SureStep® suspension with Stability Lock and available G-Trac Technology. Seating systems offer elevate, power tilt and recline features. The company also offers rear-wheel drive power wheelchair technology through the Invacare® Storm Series®. Several of the company's subsidiaries specialize in the development and implementation of complementary technology designed to enhance the utility of wheelchairs to meet unique and complex physiological needs. For example, Adaptive Switch Labs has developed alternative electronic control systems and human/machine input devices that enable wheelchair and environmental control via alternative interfaces to joysticks, such as sip/puff, eye-gaze, or head position inputs. Motion Concepts designs and produces custom powered seating and power positioning systems. Alber GmbH sells innovative power add-on devices that enable manual wheelchair users to have optional electric power to augment manual propulsion and enable caretakers to more easily maneuver manual wheelchairs. In addition, Dynamic Controls (DCL) manufactures sophisticated electronic control systems for power wheelchairs that enable users to operate the device and permit wireless programming, remote diagnostics, and touchscreen controls. The company continues to be a leader in this market with unique intellectual property in wheelchair suspension, alternative controls, and electronic components.
Custom Manual Wheelchairs. Invacare designs, manufactures and markets a range of custom manual wheelchairs and recreational products for independent everyday use, outdoor recreation, and casual and competitive sports.sports, such as basketball, racing and tennis. These lightweight devicesproducts are marketed under the Invacare® and Invacare® Top End® brand names. The company’s Motion Concepts subsidiary also has an all-terrain custom manual wheelchair with specialized features to endure more rugged terrain. In Europe, the company hasmarkets a premiere line of lightweight, aesthetically-stylish custom manual wheelchairs designed and manufactured byunder the Küschall brand based in Switzerland. These custom manual wheelchairs 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. The company’s competitive advantage includes custom manual wheelchairs with the ability to collapse to fit in small spaces for ease of transportability, and the use of strong lightweight materials for durability and ease of use by the consumer.

Seating and Positioning Products. Invacare manufactures and markets seat cushions, back supports and accessories under three series. The Invacare® Seating & Positioning series provides simple seating solutions. The Invacare® Matrx® Series offers versatile modular seating. The company's PinDot® series provides seating and positioning cushions based on custom molds of individuals with unique anatomy. This high-level of customization is highly specialized in the market, and is sought by therapists who need solutions for their most complex clinical situations.

Lifestyle Products

Manual Wheelchairs. Invacare designs, manufactures and distributes a complete line of manual wheelchairs. The company's manual wheelchairs are sold for use in the home, institutional settings, public places, and outdoors. Consumers include people who are chronically or temporarily disabled and require basic mobility performance with little or no frame modification. Examples of the company’s manual wheelchair lines, which are marketed under the Invacare® brand name, include the 9000 and Tracer® wheelchairs. These wheelchairs are designed to accommodate the diverse capabilities and unique needs of the individual.

Personal Care. Invacare is principally a distributor of a full line of personal care products, including ambulatory aids such as crutches, canes, rollators, walkers, knee walkers and wheeled walkers. Also available are bathing safety aids such as tub transfer benches, shower chairs and grab bars, as well as patient care products such as commodes and other toileting aids.
Homecare Beds. Invacare manufactures and distributes a wide variety of manual, semi-electric and fully-electric beds for home use under the Invacare® brand name. Homecare bed accessoriesThese custom manual wheelchairs provide a wide range of mobility solutions for everyday activities. The company's competitive advantages include bedside rails, mattresses, overbed tablesa wide range of features and trapeze bars. Also available are bariatric bedsfunctionality and accompanying accessoriesthe ability to serve the special needsbuild purposeful custom wheelchairs, as well as wheelchairs that collapse to fit into very small spaces for ease of bariatric patients. The company’s bed systems introduced the split-spring bed design, which is easier for HME providers to deliver, assemble and clean. Invacare’s beds also feature patented universal bed-ends, where the headboard and footboard may be used interchangeably. This enables customers to more efficiently deploy their inventory.transportability.
Seating and Positioning Products. At the core of care for seated end-users is the need for proper seating and positioning. Invacare designs, manufactures and markets some of the industry's best custom seating and positioning systems, custom molded and modular seat cushions, back supports and accessories to enable care givers to optimize the posture of their patients in
mobility products. The Invacare® Seating and Positioning series provides seating solutions for less complex end-user needs. The Invacare® Matrx® Series offers versatile modular seating components with unique proprietary designs and materials designed to optimize pressure management and to help ensure long-term proper posture. The company's PinDot® series provides custom molded seat modules that can accommodate the most unique anatomic needs, and that can be adapted to fit with a wide range of mobility products. The company's ability to rapidly produce highly-customized products is highly specialized in the market, and is valued by therapists who need timely solutions for their patient's most complex clinical needs.


I-5Lifestyle Products


Pressure Relieving Sleep Surfaces.  Invacare manufactures and distributes a complete line of therapeutic pressure relieving overlays and mattress replacement systems for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.systems. The Invacare® Softformand microAIR® brand names feature a broad range of pressure relieving foam mattresses orand powered mattress replacementsmattresses with alternating pressure, low-air-loss, or rotational mattresses,design features, which redistribute weight and assist with moisture management. These mattresses are designed to provide comfort, support and relief to those patients who are immobile or have limited mobility; who may have fragile skin or be susceptible to skin breakdown; and who spend long periods in bed.

Patient TransportSafe Resident Handling. Invacare manufactures and distributes products needed to assist caregivers in transferring individuals from surface to surface (e.g., bed to chair) or transporting from room to room.. Designed for use in the home or in institutional settings, these products include ceiling and floor lifts, sit-to-stand devices and a comprehensive line of slings.
Beds. Invacare manufactures and distributes a wide variety of Invacare® branded semi-electric and fully-electric bed systems designed for both residential care and home use for a range of patient sizes. The company's offering includes bed accessories, such as bedside rails, overbed tables and trapeze bars. The company's bed systems introduced the split-spring bed design, which is easier for home medical equipment providers to deliver, assemble and clean than other bed designs. Invacare's bed systems also feature patented universal bed-ends, where the headboard and footboard may be used interchangeably. This enables customers to more efficiently deploy their inventory.
Manual Wheelchairs. Invacare designs, manufac-tures and distributes a complete line of manual wheelchairs. The company's manual wheelchairs are sold for use in the home and in institutional care settings. Consumers include people who are
Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

chronically or temporarily-disabled, require basic mobility with little or no frame modification, and may propel themselves or be moved by a caregiver. The company's manual wheelchairs are marketed under the Invacare® brand name. Examples include the 9000 and Tracer® wheelchair product lines.
Personal Care. Invacare distributes a full line of personal care products, including ambulatory aids such as rollators, walkers, and wheeled walkers. The company also distributes bathing safety aids, such as tub transfer benches and shower chairs, as well as patient liftscare products, such as commodes and slings.other toileting aids. In markets where payors value durable long-lasting devices, especially those markets outside of the U.S., personal care products continue to be an important part of the company's lifestyles product business. In certain other markets, and in the U.S. in particular, this product area is focused on residential care.

Respiratory Therapy Products

The company designs and manufactures products that concentrate oxygen for consumers who need supplemental oxygen for breathing. Invacare® oxygen products are designed to meet a wide variety of patient needs, including stationary systems for use while at home and portable systems for mobile use. Historically, oxygen therapy was provided byrequired the delivery of large flaskstanks of liquid oxygen or the routine delivery of tanks of compressed oxygen to patients. Invacare’sIndustry trends continue to displace modes of oxygen therapy that involve delivery, which is costlier to provide and less convenient for patients who need to coordinate the exchange of oxygen containers. Published industry data suggests a large portion of the costs associated with home oxygen therapy are directly associated with delivery-related activities required to meet the ambulatory oxygen therapy needs of patients.  Invacare's newer modalities of oxygen supply replace more costlythese costlier and constraining delivery-based forms of care.

Stationary Oxygen Concentrators. Invacare oxygen concentrators are manufactured under the Perfecto2Platinum®and PlatinumPerfecto2 brand names and are available in five-, nine-, and ten-liter models. All Invacare stationary oxygen concentrators are designed to provide patients with durable equipment that reliably concentrates oxygen either in theat home or in a healthcare setting. Stationary oxygen concentrators are typically used by people needing home or nocturnal oxygen, or thoseby patients who have advanced COPDadvanced-stage lung diseases and are unable to leave their homes.whose lifestyles keep them largely at home.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators. The fastest growing modality of providing supplementary oxygen is the battery-powered portable category. Invacare's Platinum® Mobile Oxygen Concentrator has among the most competitive features in the five-liter equivalent

category, including the industry's first wireless informatics platform in the five-pound category to support the needs of providers and end-users.
Non-Delivery Oxygen TechnologyRefilling Devices. .Industry trends continue to displace modes of oxygen therapy that involve delivery, which is more costly to provide and less convenient for patients who need to coordinate the exchange of oxygen containers. The Invacare® HomeFill® Oxygen System is a solutionan alternative source of ambulatory oxygen that forms the basis for a non-delivery model and allows oxygen patients to fill their own high-pressureconvenient small portable oxygen cylinders from ana stationary oxygen concentrator within theat home. This enables users to access high-flow stationary oxygen while at home and therefore have very convenient portable sourcesprovides an easy-to-use form of supply. Published industry data suggestsmobile oxygen while away. As a large portion of the costs associated with home oxygen therapy are directly associated with delivery-related activities required to meet the ambulatory oxygen therapy needs of patients. Technology, such as the HomeFill system, allows homeresult, medical equipment providers to virtually eliminatecan significantly reduce time-consuming and costly service calls associated with cylinder and/or liquid oxygen deliveries while at the same time enhancing patient care. In addition, patients are free to concentrate oxygen in portable tanks at their convenience.the lifestyle of the patient.

Rounding out Invacare’s non-delivery respiratory offerings are the Invacare® XPO2® portable oxygen concentrator and the Invacare® SOLO2® portable oxygen concentrator available in Europe, both of which have been approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on board commercial flights. The XPO2 portable concentrator has pulse settings from 1-5 to help meet the varying needs of those with respiratory ailments. It features Invacare® Sensi-Pulse Technology that customizes the size of each bolus of oxygen to meet patient demand. The SOLO2 portable concentrator offers continuous flow oxygen up to three liters per minute or pulse dose oxygen delivery and is portable and easy to operate.

GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENTS

Europe

The company’scompany's Europe segment operates as an integrated unit across the European, operations operate as a “common market”Middle Eastern and African markets with sales and operations throughout Europe. The EuropeanEurope segment is integratedcoordinated with North America and other global subsidiariesbusiness units for new product development, supply chain resources and shares additional corporate resources. This segment primarily includes: mobility and seating; lifestyle; and respiratory therapy product lines. The company manufactures power wheelchair products, at Invacare Porta Westfalica, Germany,wheelchair power add-ons and Alber GmbHhygiene products in different facilities in Germany. During 2018, manual wheelchair products that were manufactured in Switzerland, Sweden and France were consolidated in to the France facility by the end of the year. The company produces power add-ons from Alber GmbH in Germany. Manual wheelchair products are manufactured at Kuschall AG in Switzerland, Invacare Rea AB in Sweden, and Invacare Fondettes, France. In addition to manual wheelchairs, Invacare Rea AB in Sweden manufactures institutional beds primarily for the Nordic market. The company's facility in Portugal assembles beds, mainlyand Sweden for the Southern European markets, and patient lifts for the whole of Europe. Personal care products are manufactured at Aquatec GmbH in Germany.various markets. Invacare UK Ltd. manufactures therapeutic support surfaces and seating and positioning products. It also receives importedas well as seating and positioning products from Invacare’s Motion Concepts subsidiary in Canada. Oxygenthe U.K. Respiratory products, such as oxygen concentrators and Invacare® HomeFill® oxygen systems, are imported from Invacarecompany facilities in the U.S. or

I-6


China operations. The EuropeanIn total, the Europe segment comprised 47.0%57.4%, 48.1%55.4% and 43.7%51.1% of the net sales from continuing operations in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

North America

North America includes the following segments incombined for the United States and Canada: North America/Home Medical Equipment (North America/HME) and Institutional Products Group (IPG).

North America/Home Medical Equipment (North America/(NA/HME) - This segment primarily includes: mobility and seating, lifestyle and respiratory therapy product lines as discussed above.lines. Products are sold through rehabilitation providers, home healthcare providers, rehabilitation providers and to government provider agencies, likesuch as the Veterans Administration. This segment comprised 41.5%previously included Garden City Medical Inc. ("GCM"), 40.0%which was sold on September 30, 2016. The NA/HME segment represented 31.5%, 33.2% and 44.2%
Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

38.5% of the net sales from continuing operations in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Institutional Products Group (IPG) - Invacare, operating as Invacare Continuing Care and Invacare Continuing Care Canada,This segment sells and distributes healthcare furnishings including long-term care beds, case goods, safe patient handling equipment, and certain other home medical equipment and accessory productsaccessories for long-term care customers. This segment also provides interior design services for nursing homes and assisted living facilities involved inundertaking renovation projects and new construction. The IPG also included Dynamic Medical System, LLC, and Invacare Outcomes Management, LLC (collectively "the rentals businesses") which were divested on July 2, 2015. This segment comprised 7.6%6.0%, 8.1%6.2% and 8.4%6.1% of net sales from continuing operations in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Asia/Pacific

The company’scompany's Asia/Pacific segment combines sales and services operations, consist of Invacare Australia, Invacare New Zealand and Dynamic Controls. The company distributes a range of home medical equipment including mobility and seating, lifestyle and respiratory therapy products to homecare and long-term care marketssupporting customers principally in Australia and New Zealand.Zealand and, to a lesser extent, other pan-Asian markets. The Asia/Pacific segment also includes Dynamic Controls isLimited (DCL), a manufacturersubsidiary of electronic operating components used in power wheelchairs, scooters,the company that designs and manufactures control systems for Invacare-branded respiratory and other products used in Invacarepowered mobility products, and in products sold bysupplies components for other companies. Thisthird-party devices. The Asia/Pacific segment comprised 3.9%represented 5.1%, 3.8%5.2% and 3.7%4.3% of the net sales from consolidated continuing operations in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

DiscontinuedDivested Operations

InvacareOn September 30, 2016, the company divested GCM which sourced and distributed numerous lines of branded medical supplies for ostomy, incontinence, diabetic, enteral, wound care and urology products, as well as home medical equipment, includingprimarily lifestyle products through Invacare Supply Group, Inc. (ISG), whichunder the ProBasicsby PMI brand name. GCM was divested on January 18, 2013. Invacare manufactured and sold medical recliners for dialysis clinics through its Champion Manufacturing, Inc. (Champion) subsidiary that was divested on August 6, 2013. Invacare also manufactured and sold stationary standing assistive devices for use in patient rehabilitation through its Altimate Medical, Inc., subsidiary that was divested on August 29, 2014. part of the NA/HME segment of the company.

See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Discontinued Operations.

Divested Operations

Invacare divested the rentals businesses on July 2, 2015, which were included in the IPG segment. Prior to the disposition of these rentals businesses, IPG had rented long-term care medical equipment and accessory products through these rentals businesses. The company determined that the sale of the rentals businesses did not meet the criteria for classification as a discontinued operation.

For financial information regarding reportable segments, including revenues from external customers, products, segment profitability, assets and other information by segments, see Business Segments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

WARRANTY

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


I-7


COMPETITION

North America and Asia/Pacific

The homedurable medical equipment market ismarkets are highly competitive, and Invacare products face significant
competition from other well-established manufacturers and distributors.distributors in the industry. Each country into which the company sells and markets its products has a set of unique conditions that impact competition, including healthcare coverage, forms and levels of reimbursement, presence of payor and provider structures and various competitors. Many factors may play a role in the selection of products and success of the company including specific features, aesthetics, quality, availability, service levels and price. Various competitors, from time to time, have instituted price-cutting programs in an effort to gain market share, and they may do so again in the future. In addition, as reimbursement pressures may continue to persist in major markets, such as the U.S. These pressures have and may again significantly alter market somedynamics. Increasingly, customers have access to manufacturers in low cost locations and are beginningable to source certain products directly source select lifestylein lieu of purchasing from Invacare or its traditional competitors, particularly for less complex products to secure a low-cost advantage. where price is the primary selection criterion.

The company believes that successfully increasing its success in increasing market share is dependent on providingits ability to provide value to the customerits customers based on theclinical benefits, quality, performance, durability, and clinical benefitsdurability of the company's products and services. Customers also value the technical and clinical expertise of the company's sales force, the effectiveness of the company's distribution system, the strength of theits dealer and distributor network, and the availability of prompt and reliable service for its products.products, and the ease of doing business with the company. The company's focus on quality is paramount. By embracing quality in all aspects of the company's activities, the company believes that its products will be better aligned with customer needs and, brought to market more quickly, resulting in a better customer experience and economic return.

Europe

As a result of the different reimbursement specifications per country and varied competitive distribution practices across Europe, the principal competition varies from one country to another. In 2015, some consolidation resulted in country-specific or limited regional competitors becoming regional affiliates of global competitors. In the areas of beds, hygiene, walking aids and safe patient handling, country-specific competitors remain strong and more localized.

SALES, MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

North America

In the United States, Invacare products are marketed primarily to HME providers,clinical specialists in rehabilitation equipment providers,centers, long-term care providers andfacilities, government agencies who in turn sell or rent these products directly to consumers.and residential care settings. The company also employs a “pull-through” marketing strategymarkets to these medical professionals, including physical and occupational therapists, who refer their patients to HME providers to obtain specific types of homethe company's medical equipment. The company sells its products to these providers.

In 2015,2018, the North AmericanNA/HME salesforce was primarily organized into three groups of specialized sales force began to shift from a generalist sales force to one moreprofessionals focused on complex rehabilitation, post-acute care and respiratory products. Each team is focused on clinically complex products including complex rehabilitation technology, therapeuticand solutions to support surfaces, safe patient handling, non-delivery oxygen technology and bariatric products.customer needs.

Invacare’s North America/HMEThe IPG post-acute sales and marketing organization consists primarily of a sales force which markets and sells both Invacare® branded products and products from Invacare subsidiaries, such as Motion Concepts, Freedom Designs, and Adaptive Switch Labs, to customers within homecare, long-term care, rehabilitation and government channels. Invacare’s HME outside sales force functions as Territory Business Managers (TBM), who handle clinically complex product and service needs for an account. The TBM also provides clinical training and product in-services to providers. TBMs are supported by the Inside Sales Department that provides support on the company's broad product portfolio and increased sales coverage of smaller accounts. In Canada, products are sold by a sales force and distributed through regional distribution centers to health care providers throughout Canada.

Products from the IPG segment include beds and resident room furnishings, safe patient handling equipment, bathing systems, and therapeutic support surfaces. The IPG sales and marketing organizations consist of outsidecompany sales representatives and independent representative agencies supported by a marketing group that generates awareness and demand at skilled nursing facilities
Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

for Invacare products and services. IPG also provides interior design services and products for nursing homes and assisted living facilities involved withundertaking renovation projects and new construction.

The company contributes extensively to editorial coverage in trade publications concerning the products the company manufactures. Company representatives attend numerous trade shows and conferences on a national and regional basis in which Invacare products are displayed to providers, health care professionals, managed care professionals and consumers. The company also drives brand awareness of its brand through its website, as well as online communities targeted toward theof people who may use its products.

The company raises consumer awareness of its products through its sponsorship of a variety of wheelchair sporting events and its support of various philanthropic causes benefiting the consumers of the company's products. In 2018, the company sponsored Miss Wheelchair USA, a program promoting self-confidence, community service and celebrating the achievements of women with disabilities. The company continued its sponsorshipscompany's sponsorship of several individual wheelchair athletes and teams continued in 2018, including several of the top-ranked male and female racers hand cyclistsand handcyclists and wheelchair tennis players in the world. In 2015, the company fit and provided highly customized sports devices to elite global athletes who were competing to qualify for their respective national teams in anticipation of the 2016 Paralympic Games.basketball teams. In addition, the company continued itsto support of disabled veterans throughwith its 38th year of continuous sponsorship of the 36th National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world. The gamesThese sporting events bring a competitive and recreational sports experience

I-8


to military service veterans who, use wheelchairs for their mobility needs due to spinal cord injury, neurological conditions or amputation.amputation, use various assistive technology devices for their mobility needs.

The company's products are distributed through a network of facilities and directly from some manufacturing sites to optimize cost, inventory and delivery performance.
Europe

The company’scompany's European operations primarily conduct manufacturing, marketing and distribution functions in Western Europe and coordinate export sales activities through local distributors elsewherefor markets 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, Russia, the Middle East and Africa. The company utilizes an employee-sales force and independent distributors. In markets where the company has its own sales force, product sales are typically made through dealers ofto medical equipment dealers and in certain markets, directly to government agencies. In 2015, as in previous years, pricing comparison across borders along with customer consolidationMarketing functions are driving the development of pan European pricing policiesstaffed by central and control.regional teams to optimize coverage and content. The company has centralized some of itsoperates distribution centers in various locations to a European Distribution Center in France, which optimizes logistics costsoptimize cost and increases service levels to customers.

delivery performance.
Asia/Pacific

The company's Asia/Pacific segment is comprised of revenuescomprises revenue from sellingtwo businesses. Invacare Asia/Pacific sells and rents durable medical equipment, principally in Australia and
New Zealand. It uses an employee sales force and service representative to support this revenue. The other business, DCL, uses a global employee sales force to sell electronic controls systems and components to medical equipment OEMsrelated parties in Invacare and to independent customers. Products are distributed throughout Asia from its Dynamic Controls businessglobal sources via a network of distribution nodes designed to optimize cost, inventory and revenue from trade sales and rentals to customers in Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Korea and South East Asia. Invacare Asia/Pacific businesses sell through six distribution channels:delivery performance.

MobilitySales and seating productsmarketing efforts in Asia/Pacific are sold via a dealer network with almost all sales directly government funded;
Homecare products are sold via a dealer network that sells products tomanaged within the consumer market;
Long-term care products are sold via a dealer networkregion and directly to aged care facilities;
Invacare operates a rentals business in New Zealand supporting the three largest District Health Boards (DHB’s) in New Zealand’s North Island, comprising approximately 60%leveraged from other regions of the New Zealand population;
Asia export sales are sold via distributors and agents based in Japan, Korea, India and South East Asia; and
Invacare China sells primarily homecare products to retail channel customers via third-party distribution network focused in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.     

Invacare Australia and New Zealand have invested heavily in marketing efforts to increase demand for Invacare products, with customer relationship management, marketing automation, and sales and marketing database tools being introduced to increase market penetration. These tools are expected to be introduced in China during 2016.

company. Sponsorship efforts are focused around “grassroots” programs aimed at introducingdesigned to introduce people with disabilities to sports as a pathway to inclusion. In 2016,2018, Invacare New Zealand is “a supporting partner of Paralympics New Zealand” andAustralia sponsored the “Preferred Equipment Supplier of Paralympics New Zealand.” Invacare also sponsorsSummer Down Under Series, which culminated in the "OzOz Day 10K"10K classic wheelchair race on Australia Day. In 2018, Invacare isNew Zealand sponsored the Halberg Junior Disability Games and worked with local organizations to improve access for people with disabilities. Invacare supports a sponsornumber of sporting organizations in the region, primarily focused on those that introduce people to sports. In 2018, Invacare (Thailand) Ltd. was established, with a focus on expansion of the Attitude Trust and is a named sponsor for the Disabled Sports Person of the Year award that is held as part of the Attitude Awards on World Disability Day in New Zealand.
Dynamic Controls, Ltd., the company's subsidiary which produces electronic components for use in power wheelchairs, scooters, respiratory and other products, sells to other Invacare subsidiaries and to external customers in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific.southeast Asia network.

PRODUCT LIABILITY COSTS

The company is self-insured in North America for product liability exposures through its captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Company, which currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses up to $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate. Invatection’s policy-year runs from September 1 to August 31. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage, related to all lines of insurance, insuring up to $75,000,000 in aggregate losses per policy-yearpolicy year arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’s per countrycompany's per-country foreign liability limits, as applicable. There can be no assurance that Invacare’sInvacare'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.other indicators. Additional reserves, in excess of the specific individual case reserves, are provided for

I-9


incurred but not reportedunreported claims based upon actuarial valuations at the time such valuations are conducted. Historical claims experience and other assumptions are taken into consideration to estimateby 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 madeEstimated amounts used in the calculation of reserves are
Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

adjusted on a regular basis and can be impacted by actual loss awards and settlements on claims.claim settlements. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company is responsible for the determinationdetermining and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices.practices and applicable accounting principles.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING
In 2015, Invacare introduced select products that improved and renewed its current offerings. The following are somecompany's strategy includes developing a cadence of Invacare's notablemeaningful new products introduced in 2015:

key markets and product areas. As the result of work among the company's development groups in North America, Europe and Asia, Invacare launched a series of new innovations in 2018, including the following:
The ROVI® X3 Power Base with Motion Concepts Ultra Low Maxx Power Positioning was launched in North America and Asia/Pacific available with a full range of Motion Concepts power positioning products. This wheelchair features center-wheel drive with the narrowest wheelbase in the market and a unique chassis configuration for enhanced stability.
The new Freedom Designs® P.R.O. CG Tilt-in-Space Wheelchair features a lightweight design (just 34 lb. in transport configuration), compact size (base frame is only 21.75” long), and simple adjustments for enhanced maneuverability. The Precise Rotational Orientation makes the wheelchair easy to push, tilt, un-tilt, and turn, making it easy to use with a full range of patient sizes and living environments. The product is available globally.
Designed with the highest level of skin protection, positioning and adjustability to match unique user needs, the new Invacare® MatrxTDX® LibraSP2 Power Wheelchair, with LiNX® CushionTechnology, now offers a complete range ofcaptain's seat cushionoption and bolster solutions for balance and stability while optimizing body function. The Libra Cushion is made from high-resilience foam with Ultra-Fresh™ anti-microbial and odor protection, featuringwas further re-designed to support a highly flexible inner liner for an extra layer of moisture protection.higher weight capacity to service the bariatric market.
In Europe, the companycategory of power add-on drives, the company's Alber division launched the InvacareE-Pilot in May 2018. This is the first power handbike with a fully-integrated lithium-ion battery and smartphone connectivity. The all new e-motion® Action® 5 medium-active lightweight foldable wheelchairpower-assist was launched in October 2018 and is equipped with two patents pending. Winner of the prestigious 2015 RED-DOT design award, the Action 5 wheelchair features an innovative horizontal folding systema leading-edge digital motor technology that provides extra power for every propelling movement and a unique stepless adjustable backrest mechanism that allows fine adjustments to be made by the clinician while the consumer remains seated. Its unique folding mechanism allows the wheelchair to be folded using one hand insteadnew generation of two hands, which is typically the case with folding wheelchairs. It is highly configurable, but it still has the stability and ride of a rigid (non-folding) wheelchair. This product will launch in the United States in 2016 as the Invacare® MyOn HC custom manual wheelchair.
The Küschall® Champion wheelchair model is a new foldable wheelchair that sets the standard for the next generation at the highest level by offering thegearless-brushless rear wheel hub motors providing increased driving performance and the stability of a rigid wheelchair with all the advantages of a foldable one. It includes stiffness and rigidity for unrivaled driving performance, millimeter adjustments, and an aesthetically sparse frame design.
The Motion Concepts Ultra Low Maxx power positioning system is designed to bring unparalleled levels of adjustability, comfort and support to power wheelchair consumers with complex needs. Already established in the North American rehabilitation market, the Ultra Low Maxx was introduced in Europe on the Invacare power wheelchair models TDX® SP2, Storm® 4 and Storm® 4 X-plore.efficiency.
In Europe,the Lifestyles product line, the company launched two economy mattresses - the InvacareBirdie Evo in May 2018, a new mobile floor lifter with features such as Smartlock and Slow'R® Essential Care, for improved operation, safety and Invacare® Essential Visco mattresses. Both mattresses offer comfortcomfort. In September 2018, the company launched the Ocean Ergo line of bath lifters, which offers safe, smooth and reduce contact pressureeasy tilting for healthy skin. The Essential Care mattress accomplishes this with a castellated surface. The Visco mattress adds a layer of viscoelastic materialcaregivers and ergonomic seating for further comfort and pressure distribution. Both mattresses serve needs in the residential healthcare environment.patients to support independent, upright seating.
For pushrim racing, Top End launched a new elite level racing chair.  The Top End Eliminator™ NRG racing chair incorporates a carbon-fiber main beam, mated to a customized fully-welded hybrid cage, offering the leading technology to adaptive racers. 

MANUFACTURING AND SUPPLIERS

The company’scompany's objective is to efficiently deploy assetsresources in its supply network to achieve the best quality, service performance and lowest total cost. The company achievesseeks to achieve this withresult through a combination of valueinputs from Invacare facilities, contract manufacturers and key suppliers.

The company continues to emphasize reducing the cost ofquality excellence and efficiency across its global manufacturing and distribution operations. AThe company is expanding its culture
of deploying current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMP”) and Lean Manufacturing principles eliminatesto eliminate waste throughout the network and seeks ongoing improvements.will continue to pursue improvements in its manufacturing processes. At its core, the company’s operational focus accommodatescompany's operations produce and distribute both custom-configured products for use in specialized clinical situations and the efficient distribution of made-to-stockstandard products.


I-10


The company procures raw materials, components and finished goods from a global network.network of internal and external sources. The company utilizes regional and Asian sourcing offices for the identification, developmentto identify, develop and management ofmanage its external supply base. Where appropriate, Invacare utilizes suppliers across multiple regions to ensure flexibility, continuity and responsiveness. The company’scompany's network of engineering design centers, product management groups and manufacturing sites worksources of supply are used to optimize cost and strategic expertise. The company has regional product management groups translating user needs into product requirements, which are then translated into product designs in engineering centers of excellence and produced in locations that optimize quality, cost, delivery performance and working capital.

satisfy customer demand.
North America

The company operates several vertically integrated and complex assembly factories in North America, to manufacture itseach with specific capabilities: custom powered wheelchairs and seating products (Elyria, OH); manual and passive manual wheelchairs and patient aids (Reynosa, MX); beds, institutional case goods and respiratory therapy products (Sanford, FL); manual recreational and wheelchair products (Clearwater,(Pinellas Park, FL), passive manual and pediatric wheelchairs (Simi Valley, CA),; and seating and positioning systems (Toronto, ONT). Products made in North American operations are sold in North America and are shipped as finished goods and as subcomponents to internal and external customers globally. The company is in the process of rationalizing its North American distribution network to optimize delivery performance, inventory and cost.

Asia/Pacific

Invacare manufactures products that serve regional markets through the company’s wholly-owned factories in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. The Suzhou facilities supply finished goods and subcomponents to internal and external customers in the major geographic regions of the world.

Europe

The company has eight manufacturing/seven manufacturing and assembly facilities in Europe, each of which is equipped with individual capabilities to manufacture patient aid, wheelchair,aids, wheelchairs, powered mobility accessories, bath safety products, beds, therapeutic support surfaces, and patient transport products. The Europe segment uses these internal sources and some external sources of finished goods and components to create the portfolio of products it distributes. Products manufactureddistributed in Europe are used by customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa. In some cases finished goods and components are distributed to internal and external customers globally.worldwide.

Asia/Pacific

Invacare Asia/Pacific manufactures control systems and components used primarily in mobility and respiratory devices that serve global markets through the company's factory in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China. The company operates distribution nodes in several countries to supply customer needs while optimizing cost, inventory and service levels.
Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

TRANSFORMATION UPDATE

In 2018, the company faced additional headwinds in North America, such as tariffs and changes in reimbursement as well as national competitive bidding, which have prompted the company to accelerate its actions to drive growth and improve operations. The enhanced transformation and growth plan balances innovative organic growth, product portfolio changes across all regions, and cost improvements in supply chain and administrative functions. The company has engaged third-party experts to help assess, plan and support the execution of improvement opportunities, in an effort to ensure the best plans are adopted across the entire enterprise.

Key elements of the enhanced transformation and growth plan:

Re-evaluate all business segments and product lines for the potential to be profitable and to achieve a leading market position given evolving market dynamics;
In Europe, leverage centralized innovation and supply chain capabilities while reducing the cost and complexity of a legacy infrastructure;
In North America, adjust the portfolio to support consistent profitable growth, drive faster innovation, and redesign business processes to lower cost and improve customers' experience;
In Asia/Pacific, remain focused on sustainable growth and expansion in the southeast Asia region; and
Globally, take actions to reduce working capital and improve free cash flow.

The company believes its strong balance sheet, along with expected operational improvements, will support the company's transformation plans and provide the flexibility needed to address future debt maturities.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

The company is affectedgoverned by regulations that governaffect the manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of its products and regulate healthcare reimbursement.reimbursement that may affect its customers and the company directly. These policies differ among and within every country in which the company operates. Changes in regulations, guidelines, procedural precedents, enforcement and healthcare policy take place frequently and can impact the size, growth potential and profitability of products sold in each market.

In the U.S.,many markets, healthcare costs have increased at ratesbeen consistently increasing in excess of the rate of inflation and as a percentage of GDP for several decades. A number of effortsGDP. Efforts to control the federal deficitpayor's budgets have impacted reimbursement levels for government sponsored healthcare programs. Private insurance companies often adoptmimic changes in federalgovernment programs. Reimbursement guidelines in the home healthcare industry have a substantial impact on the
nature and type of equipment a consumerconsumers can obtain and thus, affect the product mix, pricing and payment patterns of the company’scompany's customers who are typically the medical equipment providers.providers to end-users.

The company has continued its efforts to influence public policies that impact home-based and long-term non-acute healthcare. The company has been actively educating federal and state legislators about the needs of the patient communities it serves and has worked with policy authors to ensure the industry’sindustry's healthcare consumer needs are represented. The company believes its efforts have given the company a competitive advantage. Customers and end-users recognize the company’scompany's advocacy efforts, and the company has the benefit of remaining apprised of emerging policy direction.

FDA

The United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”(“FDA”) regulates the manufacture, distribution and salemarketing of medical devices. Under such regulation, medical devices are classified as Class I, Class II or Class III devices, depending on the level of risk posed to patients, with Class III designating the highest-risk devices. The company’scompany's principal products are designated as Class I or Class II devices.II. In general, Class I devices must comply with general controls, including, but not limited to, requirements related to establishment registration and device listing, labeling, medical device reporting, and record-keeping requirements and are subject to other general controls.the Quality System Regulation (QSR). In addition to general controls, certain Class II devices must comply with product design controls, premarket notification, and manufacturing controls in compliance with the Quality System Regulation (QSR).applicable special controls. Domestic and foreign manufacturers of medical devices distributed

I-11


commerciallysold in the U.S. are subject to periodic inspectionsbeing inspected by the FDA. Furthermore, state, local andIn addition, some foreign governments have adopted regulations relating to the design, manufacture and marketing of health care products.

Other Medical Device Regulators

Outside the U.S., it is customary for foreign governments to have a ministry of health or similar body that regulates and enforces regulations relating to the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of medical devices. In some cases, there are common standards for design and testing. In some cases, there are country-specific requirements. These regulations are not always harmonized with those from other jurisdictions and in some cases, the consequence in costs, time to enter a market or support a product may be significant.

2012 Consent Decree, Taylor Street and Corporate Facilities

In December 2012, the company reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of thebecame subject to a consent decree of injunction filed by FDA with respect to the company's Corporate facility and its Taylor Street wheelchair
Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. A complaint and consent decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and on December 21, 2012, the Court approved the consent decree and it became effective. The consent decree limitsinitially limited the company's (i) manufacture and distribution of power and manual wheelchairs, wheelchair components and wheelchair sub-assemblies at or from its Taylor Street manufacturing facility. The decree also initially limitedfacility, except in verified cases of medical necessity, (ii) design activities related to wheelchairs and power beds that take place at the impacted Elyria Ohio facilities. The company is entitled to continue to produce from the Taylor Street manufacturing facility certain medically necessary wheelchairs provided that documentationfacilities and record-keeping requirements are followed, as well as ongoing(iii) replacement, service and repair of products already in use underfrom the Taylor Street manufacturing facility. Under the terms delineated inof the consent decree. The consent decree, specifies the terms under which the company mayin order to resume full operations, at the impacted facilities. The company musthad to successfully complete independent, third-party expert certification audits at the impacted Elyria facilities, which comprisescomprised of three distinct reports. Thesecertification reports must beseparately submitted to, and accepted by, FDA; submit its own report to the FDA. During 2013,FDA; and successfully complete a reinspection by FDA of the company's Corporate and Taylor Street facilities.

On July 24, 2017, following its June 2017 reinspection of the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities, FDA notified the company completed the first two of the third-party expert certification audits, and the FDA found the results of both to be acceptable. In these reports, the third-party expert certified that the company's equipment and process validation procedures and its design control systems are compliantit was in substantial compliance with the FDA's QSR. As a result of the FDA's acceptance of the first certification report on May 13, 2013, the Taylor Street facility was able to resume supplying partsFederal Food, Drug and components for the further manufacturing of medical devices at other company facilities. The company's receipt of the FDA's acceptance of the second certification report on July 15, 2013, allowed the company to resume design activities at the impacted facilities related to power wheelchairsCosmetic Act (FDA Act), FDA regulations and power beds. In February 2016, the independent expert issued the third certification report, which was submitted to the FDA, indicating substantial compliance to the FDA's QSR at the impacted Elyria facilities.
Per the terms of the consent decree the company must submit its own report to the FDA regarding the actions it has taken to improve its quality systems and its overall compliance status together with its written responses to any observations in the independent expert's certification report and prior FDA inspection observations. Both the independent expert's third certification report as well as the company's own report must be accepted by the FDA before the Agency will reinspect the impacted Elyria facilities. If the FDA finds the company is compliant with the QSR requirements, the FDA will provide written notification that the company iswas permitted to resume full operations at those facilities including the impactedresumption of unrestricted sales of products made in those facilities.

The company cannot predictconsent decree will continue in effect for at least five years from July 24, 2017, during which time the acceptance of these reportscompany's Corporate and Taylor Street facilities must complete two semi-annual audits in the first year and then four annual audits in the next four years performed by a company-retained expert firm. The expert audit firm will determine whether the facilities remain in continuous compliance with the FDA nor any remaining work that may be needed to meetAct, regulations and the FDA's requirements.terms of the consent decree. The FDA has the authority to inspect these facilities and any other FDA registered facility, at any time.
After resumption of full operations,
In 2018, the company must undergo five yearscompleted the first two semi-annual independent expert audits of audits by a third-party expert to determine whetherthe Corporate and Taylor Street facilities, as required under the consent decree, and the facilities arewere found to remain in continuous compliance with the FDA Act, the FDA regulations and the consent decree. The auditor will inspect the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities’ activities every six months during the first year following the resumption of full operations and then annually for the following four years.audit reports have been submitted to FDA.

Under the consent decree, the FDA has the authority to order the company to take a wide variety of actions if the FDA finds that the company is not in compliance with the consent decree, FDA Act or FDA regulations, including requiring the company to cease all operations relating to Taylor Street products. The FDA also can order the company to undertake a partial cessation of operations or a recall, issue a safety alert, public health advisory, or press release, or to take any other corrective action the FDA deems necessary with respect to Taylor Street products.
The
FDA also has authority under the consent decree to assess liquidated damages of $15,000 per violation per day for any violations of the consent decree, FDA regulations or the federal Food, Drug, and CosmeticFDA Act. The FDA also may assess liquidated damages for shipments of adulterated or misbranded devices except as permitted by the consent decree, in the amount of twice the sale price of any such adulterated or misbranded device. The liquidated damages, if assessed, are capped atlimited to a total of $7,000,000 for each calendar year. The authority to assess liquidated damages areis in addition to any other remedies otherwise available to the FDA, including civil money penalties.

For additional information regarding the consent decree, please see the following sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Item 1. Business - Government Regulation; Item 1A. Risk Factors; and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook and - Liquidity and Capital Resources.

I-12


Other FDA Matters

As required, the company's facilities which produce products for sale in the U.S. are registered with FDA. Those facilities are subject to inspections by FDA at any time. Recent inspections of company facilities by or on behalf of FDA are summarized in the following paragraphs.

In December 2010,September 2017, Alber GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company, received a warning letter from the FDA. The warning letter required completion of corrective actions to address Form 483 observations issued following FDA's inspection of Alber's facility in Albstadt, Germany in May 2017. As a consequence of the warning letter, all Alber devices could not be imported into the United States until all findings were corrected to FDA's satisfaction. On January 3, 2018, FDA relatednotified the company that Alber's responses to quality system processesthe warning letter were adequate, and proceduresthat FDA had as of that date, removed the import suspension. FDA conducted its subsequent reinspection of Alber in April 2018, the result of which included no noted observations. On July 27, 2018, FDA notified the company that it addressed the violations contained in the warning letter and that the warning letter at the Albstadt facility was closed.

In November 2017, the FDA inspected the company's facility in Sanford, Florida facility. In October 2014, the FDA conducted an inspection at the Sanford facility and at the conclusion, issued four inspectionits observations on Form 483, three of which related to complaint handling and Corrective And Preventative Actions (CAPA) process and a fourth related to production process controls. The company has filed its response with the FDA and continues to work on addressing the FDA observations. At the time of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, this matter remains pending. See Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In January 2014, the FDA conducted inspections at the company’s manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China and at the company’s electronic components subsidiary in Christchurch, New Zealand, covering quality systems and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) regulations. In August 2014, the FDA inspected Alber GmbH in Albstadt, Germany. The FDA issued its inspection observations on Form 483 to the company after these inspections, and the company submitted its responsesresponse to the agencyFDA in a timely manner.

In December 2015,July 2018, the FDA notified the company that its responses to the Form 483 observations were adequate. The Sanford facility was the subject of a warning letter from the FDA issued a Form 483 with observations following a 2015 inspection of approximately five months duration at the Corporatein December 2010 related to quality systems processes and Taylor Street facilities in Elyria, Ohio which included a review of the company’s compliance with terms of the consent decreeprocedures, and the matters covered by the first and second expert certification reports previously accepted in 2013. The company has filed its response to this Form 483 with the FDA and continues to work on addressing the FDA's observations.citations. On August 21, 2018, FDA notified the company that it addressed the violations contained in the warning letter and that the warning letter at the Sanford facility was closed.

Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

The company expects that substantially all of its facilities will be inspected by FDA or other regulatory agencies from time to time. The frequency, duration, scope, findings and consequences of these inspections cannot be predicted.
From time to time, the company may undertake voluntary recalls or field corrective actions of the company’scompany's products to correct potential product safety issues that may arise. These actions are necessary to ensurearise, in furtherance of the company's products adhere to high standards of quality, safety and safety. The company continues to operate these programs to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and actively keeps abreast of proposed regulations, particularly those which could have a material adverse effect on the company.effectiveness.

Other Quality Accomplishments

In 2018, the company's main facilities in Europe, Asia and North America were certified as meeting ISO 13485-2016 requirements, a stringent international standard for quality management systems, demonstrating its continued commitment to quality excellence.

National Competitive Bidding

With respect to reimbursement inIn the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)CMS is a significant payor and governs healthcare reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid services. On January 1, 2011, CMS began its National Competitive Bidding (NCB)("NCB") program in nine metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) across the country (Round 1) for the purpose of reducing("Round 1") to reduce healthcare spending.spending, pursuant to a 2003 federal law. On July 1, 2013, CMS expanded the program to an additional 91 metropolitan statistical areas (Round 2)MSAs ("Round 2"). These bid programs have resulted in new, lower Medicare payment rates in these 100 areas. CMS rebids these areas at least every three years. In January 2016, CMS began the deployment of NCB rates to the remainder of the Medicare population that had not yet been impacted by the program,program. These were primarily toless densely populated, rural areas. In 2016, CMS has divided the United States into eight regions and is applyingapplied the average reimbursement reduction per NCB product category in each region from Round 1 and Round 2 to the rural providers in those eight regions. Fifty percent

In November 2018, CMS announced that it was suspending the NCB program for approximately two years, from January 1, 2019 through approximately December 31, 2020, and in the interim will implement changes to the NCB program. In future NCB programs, it is expected that the payment rates will be raised to the clearing price rather than the median of the reimbursement reduction became effective in January 2016. The remaining half of the reductioninitial contractors' rates. CMS is also expected to use “lead item pricing”, meaning that bidders will submit a bid for the item in the product category with the highest total national Medicare allowed charges during the previous year. Prices for all other items in that product category will be appliedbased off that lead item, using the relative payment levels in July 2016. the 2015 Medicare fee schedules (used to set prices prior to NCB-based pricing). During the approximate two-year period in which the bid program is suspended, Medicare payment rates are generally expected to remain substantially similar to 2018 rates. In former bid
areas during this two-year window, any Medicare supplier will be able to provide bid items to beneficiaries. CMS' November 2018 rule also modified payment rates for oxygen, based on Medicare's “budget neutrality” mandate. For the oxygen devices the company sells, however, the total Medicare payment rate will remain substantially similar to 2018 payment rates.

The company’scompany's exposure to effects of NCB rate reductions and any similar reductions from private payors or state agencies is primarily related tocan increase the increasedcompany's credit risk of itsassociated with customers whose revenue, is based on reimbursement.reimbursement, may be significantly reduced. As reimbursement rates are reduced, the company’scompany's customers will seemay experience pressure on the profitability and liquidity of their businesses.liquidity. The company therefore remains focused on being judicious in its extension of credit to its customers and is vigilant about collections efforts.

In addition, the consequence of reduced reimbursement has and may continue to compel customers to consider alternative sources of supply, which may be available at lower purchase prices, thereby reducing sales of the company or the price at which customers will transact for certain products.

Although reductions in MedicareCMS payments are not beneficialdisruptive to the homecare industry, the company believes it can still grow and thrive in this environment. No significant cost-of-living adjustments have been made to reimbursement rates by CMS over the last few years that affect the company’s products, and theThe company intendsexpects to continue pursuing productivity initiatives intended to lower the costs to serve customers, in an effort to profitably meet lower customer price targets. The company also produces certain solutions, which can provide lower total cost of business for its own productivity initiatives. As a result of reimbursement reductions, the company’s customers are increasingly interested in cost-effective clinical solutions for their clients. Some of the company’s solutions are particularly effective in providing clinical benefits to patients and cost-effective healthcare provision for the company’s customer-providers.customers. As an example, the company’scompany's respiratory therapy products can help offset reimbursement reductions by reducing or eliminating the need for routine deliveryhome exchange services toof pre-filled oxygen cylinders with end-users. Delivery costs can be a substantial element of cost for its customers. The company's HomeFill oxygen systems andsystem, Platinum Mobile oxygen concentrator, as well as the company’scompany's oxygen concentrators, can provide effective convenient therapy for consumers and cost-effective equipment solutions for providers.providers by eliminating customer's costs associated with home cylinder exchange. Similarly, the informatics capabilities the company launched for power wheelchairs and respiratory devices in 2017 enable customers to more cost effectively provide service and support their end-user customers. The company intends to develop other productscontinue developing solutions that help providers improve profitability.profitability and reduce the overall cost of care for payors.

Part IItem 1. Business
Table of Contents

BACKLOG

The company generally manufactures its products to meet near-term demands by shipping from stock or by building to order based on the specialized 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.


I-13


EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2015,2018, the company had approximately 4,7004,200 employees.

FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND EXPORT SALES

The company also markets its products for export to other foreign countries. In 2015,2018, the company's products were sold in over 100 countries. For information relating to net sales, operating income and identifiable assets of the company’scompany's foreign operations, see Business Segments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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.govhttp://www.sec.gov, which contains all reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed by the company with the SEC.

Additionally, Invacare’sInvacare's filings with the SEC are available on or through the company’scompany'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’scompany's filings also can be requested, free of charge, by writing to: Shareholder Relations Department, Invacare Corporation, P.O. Box 4028,One Invacare Way, Elyria, OH 44036-2125.44035. The contents of the company's website isare not part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

I-14
Part IItem 1. Business


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,” “could,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “continue,” “believe” and “anticipate,” as well as similar comments, denote forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent uncertainties that are difficult to predict. 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: compliance costs, limitations on the production and/or distributionadverse effects of the company's products,consent decree of injunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including but not limited to, compliance costs, inability to bid on or win certain contracts,rebuild negatively impacted customer relationships, unabsorbed capacity utilization, including fixed costs and overhead, or other adverse effects of the FDA consent decree of injunction;overhead; any circumstances or developments that might delay or adversely impact the FDA's acceptance of the third, most comprehensivethird-party expert certification audit or FDA inspectionauditor's required audits of the company's quality systems at the Elyria, Ohio, facilities impacted by the FDA consent decree, including any possible failure to comply with the consent decree or FDA regulations, requirement to perform additional remediation activities or further resultant delays in receipt of the written notification to resume operations;regulations; regulatory proceedings or 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; adverse effects of regulatory or governmental inspections of company facilities at any time and governmental enforcement actions; including the investigation of pricing practices at one of the company's former rentals businesses; circumstances or developments that may make the company unable to implement or realize the anticipated benefits, or that may increase the costs, of its current business initiatives, including its enhanced transformation and growth plan; possible adverse effects on the company's liquidity that may result from delays in the implementation or realization of benefits of its current business initiatives, or from any requirement to settle repurchase rights or conversions of its outstanding convertible notes in cash; product liability or warranty claims; product recalls, including more extensive warranty or recall experience than expected; the failure or refusal of customers or healthcare professionals to sign verification of medical necessity (VMN) documentation or other certification forms required by the exceptions to the FDA consent decree; possible adverse effects of being leveraged, including interest rate or event of default risks; exchange rate fluctuations, particularly in light of the relative importance of the company's foreign operations to its overall financial performance;performance and including the existing and potential impacts from the Brexit referendum; potential impacts of the United States administration's policies, and any legislation or regulations that may result from those policies, and of new United States tax laws, rules, regulations or policies; legal actions, including adverse judgments or settlements of litigation or claims in excess of available insurance limits; adverse changes in government and other third-party payor reimbursement levels and practices both in the U.S. and in other countries (such as, for example, more extensive pre-payment reviews and post-payment audits by payors, or the continuing roll outimpact of the U.S. Medicare National Competitive Bidding program); impacts of the U.S. Affordable Care Act of 2010 (such as, for example, the impact on the company of the excise tax on certain medical devices, and the company's ability to successfully offset such impact); ineffective cost
reduction and restructuring efforts or inability to realize anticipated cost savings or achieve desired efficiencies from such efforts; delays, disruptions or excessive costs incurred in facility closures or consolidations; interest rate or tax rate fluctuations; additional tax expense or additional tax exposures, which could affect the company's future profitability and cash flow; inability to design, manufacture, distribute and achieve market acceptance of new products with greater functionality or lower costs or new product platforms that deliver the anticipated benefits;benefits at competitive prices; consolidation of health care providers; increasing pricing pressures in the markets for the company's products; lower cost imports; uncollectible accounts receivable; difficulties in implementing/upgrading Enterprise Resource Planning systems; risk of cybersecurity attack, data breach or data loss and/or delays in or inability to recover or restore data and IT systems; risks inherent in managing and operating businesses in many different foreign jurisdictions; decreased availability or increased costs of materials which could increase the company's costs of producing or acquiring the company's products, including the adverse impacts of new tariffs and possible increases in commodity costs or freight costs; heightened vulnerability to a hostile takeover attempt;attempt or other shareholder activism; provisions of Ohio law or in the company's debt agreements, charter documents or other agreements that may prevent or delay a change in control, as well as the risks described from time to time in the company's reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except to the extent required by law, the company does not undertake and specifically declines 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.




I-15

Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

The company’scompany's business, operations and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties. One 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’scompany's other filings with the SEC, before making any investment decision with respect to the company’scompany'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’scompany's business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occur, develop or worsen, the company’scompany's business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects could change substantially.

If the company's business transformation efforts are ineffective, the company's strategic goals, business plans, financial performance or liquidity could be negatively impacted.

The company is implementing a multi-year turnaround strategy intended to substantially transform its business and re-orient its resources to a more clinically complex mix of products and solutions. To date, this strategy has included actions to re-orient the company's North American commercial team, restart the company's innovation pipeline, shift its product mix, develop and expand its talent, and strengthen its balance sheet. As part of these actions, the company has reshaped its sales force in North America, invested in product development, discontinued a significant amount of non-core products, and issued convertible debt to fund the transformation. The company also has taken steps to realign infrastructure and processes that are intended to drive efficiency and reduce costs. Recent additional business headwinds in North America, such as tariff related increases in product and component cost, have prompted the company to accelerate its transformation efforts.

The company may not be successful in achieving the full long-term growth and profitability, operating efficiencies and cost reductions, or other benefits expected from these transformation efforts. The company also may experience business disruptions associated with these activities. Further, the benefits of the strategy, if realized, may be realized later than expected, the costs of implementing the strategy may be greater than anticipated, and the company may lack adequate cash or capital or may not be able to attract and retain the necessary talent, to complete the transformation. If these measures are not successful, the company may undertake additional transformation efforts, which could result in future expenses. If the company's business transformation efforts prove ineffective, the company's ability to achieve its strategic goals and business plans, and the company's financial performance, may be materially adversely affected.
If the the company's transformation efforts are ineffective, the company may not be able to pay its indebtedness when due or refinance its debt, which could have a material, adverse effect upon the company.

If the company's business transformation efforts prove ineffective and it continues to experience negative cash flows and losses, the company may require additional financing. Under these circumstances, such financing may be difficult or expensive to obtain, and the company can make no assurances that it would be available on terms acceptable to the company, if at all.

Increased IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime could pose a risk to the company's systems, networks, products and services.
Increased global IT security threats and more sophisticated and targeted computer crime pose a risk to the security of the company's systems and networks as well as the confidentiality, protection, availability and integrity of the company's data and any personal data on such networks or systems, including regulatory risks under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) risks, among other risks. While the company attempts to mitigate these risks by employing a number of measures, including employing IT security tools and systems, employee training, monitoring of its networks and systems, and maintenance of backup and protective systems, the company's systems, networks, products and services remain potentially vulnerable to advanced persistent threats. Through its sales channels, the company may collect and store personal or confidential information that customers provide to purchase products or services, enroll in promotional programs and register on the company's website, among other reasons. The company may also acquire and retain information about customers, product end users, suppliers and employees in the normal course of business. The company also creates and maintains proprietary information that is critical to its business, such as its product designs and manufacturing processes.
Despite the company's efforts to secure its systems and networks, and any personal or sensitive information stored thereon, the company could experience a significant data security breach. Computer hackers may attempt to penetrate the company's or its vendors' information systems and, if successful, misappropriate confidential customer, supplier, employee or other business or personal information, including company intellectual property. Third parties could also gain control of company systems and use them for criminal purposes. Depending on their nature and scope, such threats could result in the loss of existing customers, difficulty in attracting new customers, exposure to claims from customers, governmental or data privacy or data protection authorities, financial institutions, payment card associations,
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

employees and other persons, imposition of regulatory sanctions or penalties, incurring of additional expenses or lost revenues, or other adverse consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the company's business and results of operations.
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, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, Asia (primarily China) and Europe. There are risks inherent in operating and selling products internationally, including:

different regulatory environments and reimbursement systems;
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;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
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;
potential adverse changes in trade agreements between the United States and foreign countries, including the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) among the United States, Canada and Mexico;
potential adverse changes in economic and political conditions in countries where the company operates or where end-users of the company's products reside, or in their diplomatic relations with the United States;
government control of capital transactions, including the borrowing of funds for operations or the expatriation of cash;
potential adverse tax consequences, including those that may result from new United States tax laws, rules, regulations or policies;
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;
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; and
differing consumer product preferences.
The factors described above also could disrupt the company's product manufacturing and assembling operations or its key suppliers located outside of the United States or increase the cost to the company of conducting those operations or using those suppliers. For example, the company relies on its manufacturing and sourcing operations in Mexico and China to produce its products. Disruptions in, or increased costs related to, the company's foreign operations, particularly those in Mexico or China, may impact the company's revenues and profitability.

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

The company purchases raw materials, fabricated components, some finished goods 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. From time to time, however, the prices, availability, or quality of these materials fluctuate due to global market demands, import duties and tariffs, or economic conditions, 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 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 or change in quality of those materials could impact the company's ability to manufacture its products and could increase the cost of production, which could negatively impact the company's revenues and profitability. For example, the tariffs on steel and aluminum on a wide range of products and components imported from China recently imposed by the U.S. as well as material cost increases imposed by domestic suppliers influenced by the tariffs, have had, and may continue to have, a significant adverse effect on the company's cost of product. While the company is attempting to mitigate the adverse impacts of these tariffs, through identifying long-term alternative supply chain opportunities and other actions, if the company is unsuccessful in doing so, its revenues, profitability and results of operations may continue to be adversely affected.


Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

The company's ability to manage an effective supply chain is a key success factor.

The company needs to manage its supply chain efficiently from sourcing to manufacturing and distribution. Successful supply chain management is based on building strong supplier relationships, built on conforming, quality products delivered on-time and at a fair price and operating efficiency. Cost reduction efforts depend on the company's execution of global and regional product platforms that create leverage in sourcing. If the company's supply chain management or cost reduction optimization efforts are ineffective, the company's revenues and profitability can be negatively impacted.

If the company's products are not included within an adequate number of customer formularies, or if pricing policies otherwise favor other products, the company's market share and gross margin could be negatively affected.

Many of the medical equipment and home health care providers to whom the company sells its products negotiate the price of products and develop formularies which establish pricing and reimbursement levels. Many of these providers also compensate their sales personnel based on the formulary position of the products they sell. Exclusion of a product from a formulary, or unfavorable positioning of a product within a formulary, can lead to its sharply reduced usage in the provider's patient population. If the company's products are not included, or favorably positioned, within an adequate number of formularies, or if the pricing policies of providers otherwise favor other products, the company's sales revenues, market share and gross margin could be negatively affected, which could have a material adverse effect on the company's results of operations and financial condition.

The industry in which the company operates is highly competitive and some of the company's competitors may have greater financial resources, a more effective market strategy or better strategic execution.

The home medical equipment market is highly competitive and the company's products face significant competition from other well-established manufacturers or potential new market entrants. Reduced government reimbursement levels and changes in reimbursement policies, such as the National Competitive Bidding program implemented by CMS, may drive competitors, particularly those that have greater financial resources than the company's, to offer drastically reduced pricing terms in an effort to take market share from the company or secure government acceptance of their products and pricing. New or disruptive products which compete with the company's products may be introduced in the market or may find higher level or customer acceptance than the company's products. 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 effect on the company's results of operations. The company's failure to recognize changing market demands or a failure to develop or execute a strategy to meet such changes could also result in a material adverse effect on the company's 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 caused pricing pressures which 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. In the past, some of the company's competitors, which may include distributors, 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, exclusion of products from or unfavorable position on provider formularies 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, increased collectability risks, or increased competitive pricing pressures. In addition, as reimbursement pressures persist in the U.S. market, some customers directly source their own lifestyle products to secure a low-cost advantage.

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

Competition from lower cost imports sourced from low cost countries, such as countries in Asia, may negatively impact the company's sales volumes. In the past, competition from certain of these products has caused the company to lower its prices, cutting into the company's profit margins and reducing the company's overall profitability.

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
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

products by health care professionals and patients prove to be incorrect or do not materialize. If the company's assumptions regarding 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, including lower reimbursement and pricing.

The company is subject to a consent decree of injunction ("consent decree") with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the effects of which have been, and continue to be, costly to the company and could result in continued adverse consequences to the company's business.

In December 2012, the company became subject to a consent decree of injunction filed by FDA with respect to the company's Corporate facility and its Taylor Street manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. The consent decree which was filed as an exhibit toinitially limited the company's Form 8-K filed on December 20, 2012, became effective December 21, 2012. The injunction limits the company's(i) manufacture and distribution of power and manual wheelchairs, wheelchair components and wheelchair sub-assemblies at or from its Taylor Street manufacturing facility, except in Elyria, Ohio. The decree also temporarily limitedverified cases of medical necessity, (ii) design activities related to wheelchairs and power beds that take place at the impacted Elyria Ohio facilities. However, the company is entitled to continue to produce from the Taylor Street manufacturing facility certain medically necessary wheelchairs provided that documentationfacilities and record-keeping requirements are followed, as well as ongoing(iii) replacement, service and repair of products already in use under terms delineated infrom the consent decree. In addition, the company was able to fulfill purchase orders and quotes that were in the company's order fulfillment system prior to the effective date of the decree.Taylor Street manufacturing facility. Under the terms of the consent decree, in order to resume full operations, the company had to successfully complete independent, third-party expert certification audits at the impacted Elyria facilities, the company must successfully complete a third-party expert certification audit and receive written notification from the FDA. The certification audit is comprised of three distinct reports. The first two of the three certification reports were completedseparately submitted to, and accepted by, FDA; submit its own report to the FDA; and successfully complete a reinspection by FDA during 2013. In February 2016,of the third-party expert issuedcompany's Corporate and Taylor Street facilities.

On July 24, 2017, following its third certification report indicatingreinspection, FDA notified the company that it was in substantial compliance with the FDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR),QSR and the report was submitted to the FDA. UnderFederal Food, Cosmetic & Drug Act (The FDA Act), FDA regulations and the terms of the consent decree that the company must submit its own report related to its compliance status and its responses to any observations by the third-party expert or by the FDA from prior inspections. The company will not be ablewas permitted to resume full operations at those facilities including the resumption of unrestricted sales of products made in those facilities.

The consent decree will continue in effect for a minimum of five years from July 24, 2017, during which time the company's Corporate and Taylor Street facilities untilmust complete two semi-annual audits in the first year and then four annual audits in the next four years performed by a company retained expert firm. The expert audit firm will determine whether the facilities remain in continuous compliance with the FDA issues written notice that it has found the facilities to be in compliance. Within 30 days of receiving the company’s report, according toAct, regulations and the terms of the consent decree, the FDA will begin a comprehensive inspection of the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities.
The company cannot predict the acceptance by the FDA of the third certification report or the company's own report, or any remaining work that may be needed to meet the FDA's requirements, or the timing or potential response of the FDA's inspection and subsequent written notification. Significant delays in the FDA's acceptance of the final third-party expert certification audit, the FDA's inspection or written notification to resume operations, or any need to complete significant additional remediation as a result of the FDA review of the final third-party expert certification audit or the FDA inspection could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
After resumption of full operations, the company must undergo five years of audits by a third-party expert auditor, who will issue reports to the company and the FDA identifying whether the facilities are operated and administered in continuous compliance with FDA regulations and the consent decree. Under the consent decree, theThe FDA has the authority to inspect the Corporatethese
facilities and Taylor Street facilitiesany other FDA registered facility, at any time. The FDA also has the authority to order the company to take a wide variety of remedial actions if the FDA finds that the company is not in compliance with the consent decree or FDA regulations. The FDA also has authority under the consent decree to assess liquidated damages for any violations of the consent decree, FDA regulations or the federal Food, Drug and CosmeticFDA Act. See Item 1. Business -- Government Regulation. Any such failure by the company to comply with the consent decree, the FDA Act or FDA regulations, or any need to complete significant remediation as a result of any such audits or inspections, or actions taken by the FDA as a result of any such failure to comply, could have a material adverse effect on the company’scompany's business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
During
The limitations previously imposed by the pendencyFDA consent decree negatively affected net sales in the NA/HME segment and, to a certain extent, the Asia/Pacific segment beginning in 2012. The limitations led to delays in new product introductions. Further, uncertainty regarding how long the limitations would be in effect limited the company's ability to renegotiate and bid on certain customer contracts and otherwise led to a decline in customer orders.

Although the company has been permitted to resume full operations at the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities, the negative effect of the consent decree negotiations in 2012,on customer orders and during its effectiveness since December 21, 2012, the company has experienced significant pressures on its net sales and operating results. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The company expects to continue to experience pressure on net sales and profitability, particularly in the North America/NA/HME and Asia/Pacific segments until the FDA has accepted the final third-party certification reportbeen considerable, and the company's own report, and the company has successfully completed the previously described FDA inspection and has received written notification from the FDA that the company may resume full operations. Even after the company receives the FDA notification, it is uncertain as to whether, or how quickly, the company will be able to rebuild net sales and profitability to more typical historical levels, irrespective of market conditions. IfAccordingly, when compared to the company is unablecompany's 2010 results, the previous limitations in the consent decree had, and likely may continue to obtain FDA

I-16

Tablehave, a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition and results of Contentsoperations. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


approval to resume full operations,Any failure by the company may be required to restructure its business strategy to rebuild profitability, and there can be no assurance that it would be successful in doing so.
The company’s failure to comply with medical device regulatory requirements or receive regulatory clearance or approval for the company’scompany's products or operations in the United States or abroad could adversely affect the company’scompany's business.

The company’scompany's medical devices are subject to extensive regulation in the United States by 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’sdevice's development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, promotion, distribution and marketing. In addition, the company is required to file reports with the FDA if the company’scompany's products may have caused, or contributed to, a death or serious injury, or if they malfunction and would be likely to cause, or contribute to, a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur. In general, unless an exemption applies, the company’scompany's mobility and respiratory therapy products must receive a pre-market clearance from the FDA
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

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’scompany'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. Export certificates are required for the company to have itscompany's products registered for sale in certain foreign countries. In connection with the FDA warning letter received by the company's Sanford, Florida facility in December 2010, as described below, the FDA has refused to provide new export certificates for company products until the matters covered in the warning letter are resolved. Currently,If the company cannot obtain new certificates of export for Sanford, Florida facility products until the warning letter has been closed and for Taylor Street facility products until the company has exited the injunctive phase of the consent decree. The inabilityis unable to obtain export certificates for its products, produced at its Taylor Street or Sanford facilities has limitedit will limit the company's ability to support new foreign markets with such products.products, which may have an adverse impact on the company's business and results of operations.

Additionally, the company is required to obtain pre-market clearances to market modifications to the company’scompany'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’smanufacturer's decision. The company has applied for, and received, a number of pre-market clearances for modifications to marketed devices. The company may not be successful in receiving clearances in the future or the FDA may not agree with the company’scompany'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’scompany'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-market 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’scompany's devices, or could impact the company’scompany's ability to market a device that was previously cleared. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect the company’scompany's business.

The company’sAny failure by the company 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, consent decrees, product seizure or detention, product recalls and total or partial suspension of production.production, any of which could materially adversely affect the company's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

As part of its regulatory function, the FDA routinely inspects the sitesfacilities of medical device companies and from 2010has continued
to actively inspect the company's facilities, other than through 2015,the processes established under the consent decree. The company expects that the FDA inspected certain ofwill from time to time, inspect substantially all the company's facilities. In December 2012, the companydomestic and the FDA agreed to a consent decree of injunction affecting the company's Corporate facilityforeign FDA-registered operational facilities and its Taylor Street manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. See the previous Risk Factor regarding the FDA consent decree. In December 2015, the FDA issued Form 483 observations following a 2015 inspection of approximately 5 months at the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities in Elyria, Ohio which included a review of the company’s compliance with terms of the consent decree and the matters covered by the first and second expert certification reports previously accepted in 2013.may do so repeatedly. The FDA’s inspection included a review of the company's compliance with terms of the consent decree, and the matters covered by the first and second expert certification reports previously reviewed and accepted in 2013. The company has timely responded to the FDA's inspectional findings and intends to incorporate the FDA’s observations into the company's ongoing quality system improvements. In addition, in December 2010, the company received a warning letter from the FDA related to quality system processes and procedures at the company's Sanford, Florida facility. In October 2014, the FDA conducted an inspection at the Sanford facility and, at the conclusion, issued its Form 483 observations. The company is executing a comprehensive quality systems remediation plan that is intended to address all of the FDA’s concerns regarding the

I-17


Sanford facility in the warning letter and Form 483. In January 2014, the FDA conducted inspections at the company's manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China and at the company's electronic components subsidiary in Christchurch, New Zealand, covering quality systems and current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations. In August 2014, the FDA inspected Alber GmbH in Albstadt, Germany. The FDA issued its inspectional observations on Form 483 to the company after these inspections, and the company submitted its responses to the agency in a timely manner. However, the results of regulatory claims, proceedings or investigations are difficult to predict. An unfavorable resolution or outcome of the FDA warning letter or the Form 483 observations, or any other matter that may arise out of any FDA inspection of the company's sites,facilities, could materially and adversely affect the company's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

In many of the foreign countries in which the company manufactures or markets its products, the company is subject to extensive medical device regulations that are similar to those of the FDA, including those in Europe. The regulation of the company’scompany's products in Europe falls primarily within the European Economic Area, which consists of the 27European Union 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. The company's products will be required to comply with the European Medical Device Regulation ("MDR"), for class 1 products by May 2020, and for class 2 products by 2025. Products that fail to be certified with the MDR may not be marketed or sold in the European Union. In addition, the national health or social security organizations of certain foreign countries, including those outside Europe, require the company’scompany's products to be qualified before they can 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’scompany's business.

Being in the health care industry, the company is subject to extensive government regulation, and if the company fails to comply with applicable health care laws or regulations, the company could suffer severe civil or criminal sanctions or may be required to make significant changes to the company’scompany's operations that could have a material adverse effect on the company’scompany'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’scompany's customers) are reimbursed by third-party payors, including Medicare and Medicaid, for the company products sold to their customers and patients. The U.S. federal government and the governments in the states and other countries in which the company operates regulate many aspects of the company’scompany's business and the business of the company's customers. As a part of the health care industry, the company and its customers are subject to extensive government regulation, including numerous laws directed at preventing fraud and abuse and laws regulating
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

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 administrative, civil and criminal penalties and sanctions, including disqualification from Medicare and other reimbursement programs, which could have a material adverse effect on the company’scompany's business. While the company has established numerous policies and procedures to address compliance with these laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that the company's efforts will be effective to prevent a material adverse effect on the company’scompany's business from noncompliance issues. For example, as discussed in the preceding Risk Factors, the company is subject to a FDA consent decree affecting its Corporate facility and Taylor Street manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio and received a FDA warning letter related to its Sanford, Florida facility.

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, all of which may affect the company and its customers. 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’scompany's business.

The company’s products are subject to recalls, which couldcompany may be costly and harm the company’s reputation and business.adversely affected by legal actions or regulatory proceedings.
The company is subject to ongoing medical device reporting regulations that require the company to report
In addition to the risks associated with the impact of 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. In light of a deficiency, defect in design or manufacturing or defect in labeling,consent decree, the company may voluntarily electbe subject to recallclaims, litigation, governmental or correct the company’s products. In addition, the FDA and similar governmental authorities inregulatory investigations, or other countries could force 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. A government mandated or voluntary recall or field correction by the company could occurliabilities as a result of component failures, manufacturing errorsinjuries caused by allegedly defective products, or design defects, including defectsdisputes arising out of dispositions the company has completed or relating to the company's intellectual property. Any such claims or litigation against the company, regardless of the merits, could result in labeling. Any recall or field correction could divert managerial and financial resourcessubstantial costs and could harm the company’s reputation withcompany's business or its customers, product usersreputation.

The results of legal or regulatory actions or regulatory proceedings are difficult to predict, and the health care professionalscompany cannot provide any assurance that use, prescribe and recommend the company’s products. The company could have product recallsan action or field actions that result

I-18


in significant costs toproceeding will not be commenced against the company, in the future, and these actions could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business. As an example,or that the company recorded incremental warranty expensewill prevail in any such action or proceeding. An unfavorable resolution of $11,493,000any legal action or proceeding could materially and $7,264,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, as a result of three product recalls as well as warranty expense reversals of $2,325,000 in 2015. The company will continue to review the adequacy of its recall accruals as the recalls progress as its warranty reserves are subject to adjustment in future periods as new developments can impact the company's estimate of the cost of these matters.

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 primarily through a network of medical equipment and home health care providers, extended care facilities and other providers. In addition, the company sells directly to various government providers throughout the world. 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 do not decrease to keep pace with decreases 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, in 100 metropolitan areas, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced a National Competitive Bidding program (NCB) which set new, lower payment rates for medical equipment and supplies. Round one of NCB for nine metropolitan areas in the U.S. went into effect in January 2011. The reimbursement rates for nine product categories were reduced by an average of 32 percent in these nine metropolitan areas. Effective July 2013, CMS commenced round two of the NCB program, which was expanded to include an additional 91 metropolitan areas. In January 2016, CMS began expanding NCB to 100% of the Medicare population, with half of the reimbursement cuts effective January 1, 2016 and another cut expected in July 2016. CMS announced that Medicare reimbursement rates were cut an average of 45 percent for those providers participating in the round two of the NCB program. CMS announced that the NCB program has resulted in $202.1 million in savings in its first year of implementation in the nine metropolitan areas with significant savings primarily in oxygen and oxygen supplies, mail-order diabetic supplies and standard power wheelchairs. The CMS Office of the Actuary estimates that this NCB program will save Medicare an estimated $25.8 billion, and beneficiaries an estimated $17.2 billion, over the next ten years.

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 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 become unable to pay their bills as they come due or go out of business. The reimbursement reductions 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 one of the industry’s largest creditors and an increase in bankruptcies or financial weakness 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 home health care products. The ability of hospitals and other providers supported by such systems to purchase the company’s products is dependent, in part, upon public budgetary constraints. Various countries 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.

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


I-19


The adoption of healthcare reform and other legislative developments in the United States may adversely affect the company’scompany's business, results of operations, and/liquidity or financial condition.
The U.S. Affordable Care Act enacted in 2010 includes provisions intended to expand access to health insurance coverage, improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare over time. Specifically, as one means to pay for the costs of the Affordable Care Act, the law imposes a 2.3% sales-based excise tax on U.S. sales by manufacturerscondition or importers of most medical devices. The excise tax is deductible by the manufacturer or importer on its federal income tax return. The company has determined that most of its products are exempt from the tax based on the retail exemption provided in the Affordable Care Act as defined by the regulations. However, certain products that it sells for institutional use are subject to the excise tax. Based on the company's interpretation of the regulations, the impact from the tax was immaterial for the company in 2015, 2014 and 2013. However, the excise tax may increase the company’s cost of doing business, particularly if the exemptions do not ultimately apply as the company expects based on its interpretations of the regulations.

The Affordable Care Act and the programs implemented by the law may reduce reimbursements for the company's products, may impact the demand for the company’s products and may impact the prices at which the company sells its products. In addition, various healthcare programs and regulations may be ultimately implemented at the federal or state level. Such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, results of operations and/or financial condition.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) enacted in 2010, and the rules and regulations enacted thereunder by the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), institute a wide range of reforms, certain of which may impact the company. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act contains significant corporate governance and executive compensation-related provisions that authorize or require the SEC to adopt additional rules and regulations in these areas, such as shareholder “say on pay” voting and proxy access. The Dodd-Frank Act also provides for new statutory and regulatory requirements for derivative transactions, including foreign exchange and interest rate hedging transactions, and new requirements will be implemented over time. The company enters into foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts from time to time to manage its exposure to commodity price risk, foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk. The company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. Unless exempt, certain of these transactions, such as interest rate swaps and foreign exchange swaps, are required to be cleared by a registered derivatives clearing organization and subject to exchange trading requirements. If a derivative is required to be cleared, the company would be subject to cash and securities initial and variation margin posting, increasing the cost to the company of mitigating commercial risk and impacting its strategic hedging activity. The contractual counterparties in hedging arrangements are likewise subject to increased costs as a result of compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and it is anticipated these costs will be passed on to their customers. The company will continue to analyze the suitability of particular hedging arrangements and to invest appropriate resources to comply with both existing and evolving standards.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the sourcing of “conflict minerals” from mines located in the conflict zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its adjoining countries. The term “conflict minerals” currently encompasses tantalum, tin, tungsten (or their ores) and gold. Conflict minerals can be found in a vast array of products. This legislation requires manufacturers, such as the company, to investigate and disclose their use of any conflict minerals originating in the DRC or adjoining countries in an annual filing with the SEC. It also implements guidelines to assist the manufacturer in preventing, by way of performing due diligence in its supply chain, any such sourcing from, or potentially financing or benefiting, armed groups in this area. As standards for the production of the annual conflict minerals report evolve, the company may be required to undertake significant due diligence processes requiring considerable investments of human resources and finances in order to comply with the conflict minerals due diligence and disclosure requirements. If the company's suppliers are unable or unwilling to provide it with requested information and to take other steps to ensure that there is no financing or benefiting of armed groups in the DRC and there are no conflict minerals included in materials or components supplied to the company, it may be forced to disclose in its SEC filings about the use of conflict minerals in its supply chain, which may expose the company to reputational risks, which in turn could materially adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

The company’s revenues and profits are subject to exchange rate and interest 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 predominant currency used by the company’s subsidiaries outside the United States to transact business is the functional currency used for each subsidiary. 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

I-20


are denominated in other currencies, in particular costs and revenues from its European operations, 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. For example, the recent devaluation of the euro has had a negative impact on the translation of company's European segment net income into U.S. dollars.

The company uses foreign exchange forward contracts primarily to help reduce its exposure to transactional exchange rate 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 does not have any similar arrangements that mitigate the company's exposure to foreign exchange translation risk, and does not believe that any meaningful arrangement to do so is available to the company.

The company also is exposed to market risk through various financial instruments, including fixed rate and floating rate debt instruments. The company does at times use interest rate swap contracts to mitigate its exposure to interest rate fluctuations, but those efforts may not adequately protect the company from significant interest rate risks. Interest on much of the company’s debt is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), which is currently historically low. Increases in LIBOR could have a significant impact on the company’s reported interest expense.

If the company’s cost reduction efforts are ineffective, the company’s profitability could be negatively impacted.
In response to reimbursement reductions and competitive pricing pressures, the company continues to initiate numerous cost reduction and organizational efficiency efforts, including globalization of its product lines. 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. 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 may 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.reputation.

If the company's information technology systems fail, or if the company experiences an interruption in the operation of its information technology systems, then the company's business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The company relies upon the capacity, reliability and security of its information technology, or IT, systems across all of its major business functions, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, financial and administrative functions. Since the company is geographically diverse, has various business segments and has grown over the years through various acquisitions, it also has many disparate versions of IT systems across its organization. As a result of these disparate IT systems, some of which may no longer be supported by the hardware or software vendors, the company faces the challenge of supporting these older systems, implementing upgrades or migrating to new platforms when necessary and aggregating data that is timely and accurate. The failure of the company's information technology systems, whether resulting from the disparate or older versions of IT systems across its various segments, business functions or otherwise, its inability to successfully maintain, enhance and/or replace its information technology systems, or any compromise of the integrity or security of the data that is generated from information technology systems, or any shortcomings in the company's disaster recovery platforms, could adversely affect the company's results of operations, disrupt business and make the company unable, or severely limit the company's ability to respond to customer demands. In addition, the company's information technology systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from: earthquake, fire, flood and other natural disasters; employee or other theft; cybersecurity attacks by computer viruses, malware or hackers; power outages; and computer systems, internet, telecommunications or data network failure.

Any interruption of the company's information technology systems could result in decreased revenue, increased expenses, increased capital expenditures, customer dissatisfaction and potential lawsuits, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the company's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition.

Difficulties in implementing or upgrading the company's Enterprise Resource Planning systems may disrupt the company's business.

The industrycompany is in whichthe process of implementing its Enterprise Resource Planning, or “ERP,” system in Europe and may undertake further deployment of systems in other regions or parts of the business. The complexities and business process changes associated with such an ERP implementation can result in various difficulties including problems processing and fulfilling orders, customer disruptions and lost business. While the company operates is highly competitive and somebelieves the potential difficulties associated with implementing the company's primary ERP system in Europe have been addressed or can be mitigated, there can be no assurance that the company will not experience disruptions or inefficiencies in the company's business operations as a result of the company’s competitors mayimplementation which could have greater financial resources than the company does, a more appropriate market strategy or better strategic execution.material adverse effect
The home medical equipment market is highly competitive and the company’s products face significant competition from other well-established manufacturers. Reduced government reimbursement levels and changes in reimbursement policies, such as the National Competitive Bidding program implemented by CMS, may drive competitors, particularly those that have greater financial resources than the company's to offer drastically reduced pricing terms in an effort to take market share from the company or secure government acceptance of their products and pricing. Any increase in competition may cause the company to lose market

I-21
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors


share
on the company's business, financial condition, liquidity or compelresults of operations. Should the company perform ERP or other system upgrades or implementations in other regions, such as North America, the can be no assurance that there would be no disruption to reduce prices to remain competitive,business operations or inefficiencies which could have a material adverse effect on the company’scompany's business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations. The company's failure to recognize changing market demands or a failure to develop or execute a strategy to meet such changes could also result in a material adverse effect on the company’s results of operations.operations

The consolidationcompany's success depends on the company's ability to design, manufacture, distribute and achieve market acceptance of health care customersnew products with higher functionality 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. In the past, some of the company’s competitors, which may include distributors, 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, increased collectability risks, or increased competitive pricing pressures. In addition, as reimbursement pressures persist in the U.S. market, the company is beginning to see some customers directly sourcing select lifestyle products to secure a low-cost advantage.lower costs.

The company maintains cash balances globallysells products to customers primarily in various financial institutions.

While the company monitors its accounts with financial institutions both domesticallymarkets that are characterized by technological change, product innovation and internationally, recovery of funds cannot be assuredevolving industry standards, yet in the event the financial institution would fail. In addition, the company may be limited by foreign governmentswhich product price is increasingly a primary consideration in the amount and timing of funds to be repatriated from foreign financial institutions. As a result, this could adversely impact the company's ability to fund normal operations, capital expenditures, or service debt, which could adversely affect the company's results.customers' purchasing decisions.

The company is subjectmust continue to certain risks inherentdesign and improve innovative products, effectively distribute and achieve market acceptance of those products, and reduce the costs of producing the company's products, in managing and operating businesses in many different foreign jurisdictions.
The company has significant international operations, including operations in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, Asia (primarily China) and Europe. There are risks inherent in operating and selling products internationally, including:

different regulatory environments and reimbursement systems;
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;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
tax rates in certain foreign countries that may exceed those in the United States and foreign earnings that may be subjectorder 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;
government control of capital transactions, including the borrowing of funds for operations or the expatriation of cash;
potential adverse tax consequences;
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;
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; and
differing consumer product preferences.

The factors described above also could disrupt the company’s product manufacturing and assembling operations or its key suppliers located outside of the United States. For example, the company increasingly relies on its manufacturing and sourcing

I-22


operations in China for the production of its products. Disruptions in the company’s foreign operations, particularly those in China or Mexico, may impact the company’s revenues and profitability.

The company may be adversely affected by legal actions or regulatory proceedings.
In addition to the risks associatedcompete successfully with the impact ofcompany's competitors and to differentiate the FDA consent decree,company's brands from its competitors. If competitors' product development capabilities become more effective than the company may be subject to claims, litigation, governmentalcompany's product development capabilities, if competitors' new or regulatory investigations, or other liabilities as a result of injuries causedimproved products are accepted by allegedly defectivethe market before the company's products or disputes arising out of acquisitions or dispositions the company has completed or relating to the company's intellectual property. Any such claims or litigation against the company, regardless of the merits, could result in substantial costsif competitors can produce products at a lower cost and could harmthus offer products for sale at a lower price, the company's business, or its reputation.
Thefinancial condition and results of legal or regulatory actions or regulatory proceedings are difficult to predict and the company cannot provide any assurance that an action or proceeding will notoperation could 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 or its reputation.affected.

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

The manufacture and sale of medical devices and related products exposes the company to a significant risk of product liability claims. From time to time, the company has been, and currently is, subject to a number of product liability claims alleging that the use of the company’scompany'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’scompany's management, result in substantial costs, harm the company’scompany's reputation, adversely affect the sales of all the company’scompany's products and otherwise harm the company’scompany's business. If there is a significant increase in the number of product liability claims, the company’scompany's business could be adversely affected.

The company is self-insured in North America for product liability exposures through its captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Company, which currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses up to $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage, related to all lines of insurance coverage, insuring up to $75,000,000 in aggregate losses per policy year arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’scompany's per country foreign liability limits, as applicable. There can be no assurance that Invacare’sInvacare'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 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 awards and settlements on claims. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company is responsible for the determination and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices. If the company's reserves are not adequate to cover actual claims experience, the company's financial results could be adversely affected.

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

Decreased availability The adoption of healthcare reform and other legislative developments in the U.S. may adversely affect the company's business, results of operations and/or increasedfinancial condition.

The U.S. Affordable Care Act enacted in 2010 includes provisions intended to expand access to health insurance coverage, improve the quality and reduce the costs of raw materials could increasehealthcare over time. Specifically, as one means to pay for the company’s costs of producing its products.the Affordable Care Act, the law imposes a 2.3% sales-based excise tax on U.S. sales by manufacturers or
The company purchases raw materials, fabricated components, some finished goods 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 or economic conditions, which could impair the company’s ability to procure necessary materials, or increase the cost of these materials.

I-23
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors


Inflationary
importers of most medical devices. The excise tax is deductible by the manufacturer or importer on its federal income tax return. The U.S. Congress has twice passed moratoriums suspending the effectiveness of the excise tax, however if Congress does not act to further suspend or repeal the excise tax, it will go into effect on January 1, 2020.

The company believes that most of its products are exempt from the tax based on the retail exemption provided in the Affordable Care Act as defined by the regulations. However, certain products that it sells for institutional use would appear to be subject to the excise tax, if effective. Based on the company's interpretation of the regulations, if the excise tax becomes effective, the company expects that the impact from the tax will be relatively immaterial. However, if the exemptions to the excise tax do not ultimately apply to the company's products as the company expects based on its interpretations of the regulations, the excise tax may materially increase the company's cost of doing business and have an adverse effect on its results of operations.

The Affordable Care Act and the programs implemented by the law may reduce reimbursements for the company's products, may impact the demand for the company's products and may impact the prices at which the company sells its products. In addition, various healthcare programs and regulations may be ultimately implemented at the federal or state level. Such changes could have a material adverse effect on the company's business, results of operations and/or financial condition.

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

The company is subject to ongoing medical device reporting regulations that require the company to report to 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. If a deficiency, defect in design or manufacturing or defect in labeling is discovered, the company may voluntarily elect to recall or correct the company's products. In addition, FDA and similar regulatory authorities in other countries could force 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. A government mandated or voluntary recall or field correction by the company could occur for various reasons, such as component failures, manufacturing errors or design defects, including defects in labeling. Any recall or field correction could 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.

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 increasesintellectual property rights is common in costs of these raw materialsthe company's industry, and other companies within the company's industry have occurredused intellectual property litigation in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage. The company in the past has been, 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 costfuture may become, a party to lawsuits involving patents or other intellectual property. If the company were to receive an adverse judgment in any such proceeding, 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 oilwhich could have an adverse effect on the company's results of operations and gas. A slowdownfinancial condition. The company in the processing of shipments at U.S. ports may also delay deliveries of components and finished goods. 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. Additionally, the company may not be able to increase the prices of its products due to competitive pricing pressure or other factors. As an example, inflation in Chinapast has in the pastbrought, and may in the future increase costs and an appreciationalso bring, actions against third parties for infringement of the Yuancompany'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 an increase in labor ratesits 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 have an unfavorable impact onseriously detract from the cost of key components and some finished goods. Demand in China and other developing countries for raw materials may result in increases intime the cost of key commodities andcompany's management would otherwise devote to running its business. Intellectual property litigation relating to the company's products could have a negative impact on the profitscause its customers or potential customers to defer or limit their purchase or use of the company if these increases cannot be passed ontoaffected products until resolution of the company’s customers.

Lower cost imports could negatively impact the company’s profitability.
Competition from lower cost imports sourced from low cost countries, such as countries in Asia, may negatively impact the company’s sales volumes. In the past, competition from certain of these products has caused the company to lower its prices, cutting into the company’s profit margins and reducing the company’s overall profitability.litigation.

The company’s success depends oninability to attract and retain, or loss of the company’sservices of, the company's key management and personnel could adversely affect its 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, yet in which product price is increasingly a primary consideration in customers’ purchasing decisions. The company historically has been engaged in product development and improvement programs. However, beginning in 2012 as a result of the FDA consent decree, which is described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K,operate the company's engineering resources had been focused primarily on quality remediation and not on the design of new products. The company has received the FDA's approval to resume design activities at the impacted Elyria facilities in 2013 and has refocused certain of its engineering resources on new product development.business.

The company mustcompany'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 designattract and improve innovative products, effectively distributeretain other highly qualified personnel, including personnel experienced in sales and achieve market acceptancemarketing of those products,medical equipment and reducein quality systems and regulatory affairs. If the costscompany is not successful in retaining its current personnel or in hiring or retaining qualified personnel in the future, the company's business may be adversely affected. The company's future success depends, to a significant extent, on the abilities and efforts of producingits
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

executive officers and other members of its management team, such as the company’s products,company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other members of its management team. The company had significant turnover in orderits management team in recent years and cannot be certain it can adequately recruit, hire and retain replacement management personnel or that its executive officers and other key employees will continue in their respective capacities for any period of time, and these employees may be difficult to compete successfully withreplace. If the company’s competitors. If competitors’ product development capabilities become more effective thancompany loses the company’s product development capabilities, if competitors’ new or improved products are accepted byservices of any of its management team, 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’scompany's business financial condition and results of operation couldmay be adversely affected.

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 trendscompany's leverage 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 these factors prove to be incorrect, the company may not be able to successfully implement the company’s business strategy, whichfuture debt service obligations could adversely affect its financial condition, limit its ability to raise additional capital to fund its operations, impact the company’s results of operations. In addition, the perceived benefits of these trends may be offset by competitive orway it operates its business factors, such as the introduction of new products by the company’s competitors or the emergence of other countervailing trends, including lower reimbursement and pricing.prevent it from fulfilling its debt service obligations.
The terms of the company’s debt facilities and financing arrangements may limit the company’s flexibility in operating its business.
The company is ahas significant outstanding indebtedness. As of December 31, 2018, the company had outstanding $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes that mature in February 2021 (the “2021 Notes”) and $120,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes that mature in June 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) and was party to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement that providesproviding for asset-based lending senior secured revolving credit facilities which mature in January 2018. 2021.

The company's indebtedness could have important negative consequences, including:

reduced availability of cash for the company's operations and other business activities after satisfying interest payments and other requirements under the terms of its debt instruments;
less flexibility to plan for or react to competitive challenges, and suffer a competitive disadvantage relative to competitors that do not have as much indebtedness;
difficulty in obtaining additional financing in the future;
inability to comply with covenants in, and potential for default under, the company's debt instruments; and
challenges to refinance any of the company's debt.

The company’s ability to satisfy its debt obligations will depend principally upon its future operating performance. As a result, prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, legal and regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control, may affect its ability to make payments on its debt. If it does not generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy its debt obligations, the company may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring its debt, selling assets, seeking
additional capital or reducing or delaying capital investments. The company’s ability to restructure or refinance its debt will depend on the capital markets and the company’s financial condition at the time. Restructuring or refinancing indebtedness could require the company to issue additional debt, pay additional fees and interest, issue potentially dilutive additional equity, further encumber certain of the company’s assets, agree to covenants that could restrict its future operations and pay related transaction fees and expenses. Any such measures would require agreements with counterparties, including potentially the company’s existing creditors, and may not be successful on attractive terms or otherwise. Whether or not successful, any such measures may have a negative impact on the company’s financial condition and results of operations, including on the market price of the company’s common stock and debt securities.

See Item 7. “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

The company may not be able to repay or refinance the 2021 Notes and 2022 Notes, and the issuance of common shares upon conversion of the 2021 or 2022 Notes could cause dilution to the company's existing shareholders.

As of December 31, 2018, the company had outstanding $150 million and $120 million aggregate principal amount of its 2021 Notes and its 2022 Notes, respectively. Prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding August 15, 2020 (with respect to the 2021 Notes), and prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding December 1, 2021 (with respect to the 2022 Notes), the notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions. Holders may convert their 2021 Notes at their option at any time after August 15, 2020 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately prior to February 15, 2021, and holders may convert their 2022 Notes at their option at any time after December 1, 2021 until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding June 1, 2022.

If the company does not receive shareholder approval to settle the 2021 Notes or 2022 Notes with shares, upon any conversion or maturity of the 2021 Notes or 2022 Notes, the company will be required to make cash payments in respect of the notes being converted or maturing. Any requirement to deliver cash upon conversion or maturity of the notes could adversely affect the company’s liquidity, and the company may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time it is required to pay cash in settlement of notes being converted or maturing. Furthermore, the company may seek to refinance the 2021 Notes and/or the 2022 Notes prior to maturity, and there is no assurance that the company will be able to do so on attractive terms or at all.
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

If the company receives shareholder approval to do so, it may settle conversions of the notes by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, common shares, or a combination of cash and common shares, at the company's election. If any such conversions occur and the company has authority, and so elects, to settle some or all of the converted notes in common shares, the number of shares issued could be significant and such an issuance could cause dilution to the interests of the existing shareholders.

The company's capital expenditures could be higher than anticipated.

Unanticipated maintenance issues, changes in government regulations or significant investments in technology and new product development could result in higher than anticipated capital expenditures, which could impact the company's debt, interest expense and cash flows.

The terms of the company's debt facilities and financing arrangements may limit the company's flexibility in operating its business.

The company's credit agreement provides the company and certain of the company's U.S., Canadian, U.K. and French subsidiaries with the ability to borrow under senior secured revolving credit, letter of credit and swing line loan facilities. The aggregate borrowing availability under the credit facilities is determined based on borrowing base formulas set forth in the credit agreement. The credit facilities are secured by substantially all of the company's domestic and Canadian assets, other than real estate, and by substantially all of the personal property assets of the company's U.K. subsidiaries and all of the receivables of the company's French subsidiaries. The credit agreement contains customary default provisions, with certain grace periods and exceptions, that include, among other things, failure to pay amounts due, breach of covenants,

I-24


representations or warranties, bankruptcy, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, exclusion from any medical reimbursement program, and an interruption of any material manufacturing facilities for more than ten consecutive days.

The restrictive terms of the company's credit agreement may limit the company’scompany's ability to conduct and expand its business and pursue its business strategies. The company’scompany's ability to comply with the provisions of its credit agreements can be affected by events beyond its control, including changes in general economic and business conditions, or by government enforcement actions, such as, for example, adverse impacts from the FDA consent decree of injunction. If the company is unable to comply with the provisions in the credit agreement, it could result in a default which could trigger acceleration of, or the right to accelerate, the related debt. Because of cross-default provisions in its agreements and instruments governing certain of the company's indebtedness, a default under the credit agreement could
result in a default under, and the acceleration of, certain other company indebtedness. In addition, the company's lenders would be entitled to proceed against the collateral securing the indebtedness.

The company's ability to meet its liquidity needs will depend on many factors, including the operating performance of the business, the company's ability to obtain the FDA acceptance of the final third-party expert certification report and the company's own report, to successfully complete the FDA inspection contemplated under the consent decree and to obtain receipt of the written notification from the FDA permitting the company to resume full operations, as well as the company's continued compliance with the covenants under its credit agreement. Notwithstanding the company's expectations, if the company's operating results decline, more than it currently anticipates, or if the company is unable to obtain FDA acceptance of the final third-party expert certification report and the company's own report or to successfully complete the FDA inspection, the company may be unable to comply with the financial covenants, and its lenders could demand repayment of the amounts outstanding under the company's credit facility.

The company also has an agreement with De Lage Landen, Inc. (“DLL”), a third partythird-party financing company, to provide the majority of future lease financing to the company's North AmericaU.S. customers. Either party could terminate this agreement with 180 days' notice or 90 days' notice by DLL upon the occurrence of certain events. Should this agreement be terminated, the company's borrowing needs under the credit agreement could increase.

The company'scompany has long-term capital expendituresleases on its significant facilities located in Elyria and North Ridgeville, Ohio and Sanford, Florida, with the same owner/landlord.

Under the terms of the real estate leases, defaults by the company under any one of such leases, would trigger a cross default under all related leases with the owner/landlord. Should a default by the company occur, there could be higher than anticipated.a material adverse effect on the company's business, operations, financial condition or liquidity.

Unanticipated maintenance issues, changes in government regulations or significant investments in technologyThe company's 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due February 2021 and new product development could result in higher than anticipated capital expenditures,its 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due June 2022 have certain fundamental change and conditional conversion features which, could impactif triggered, may adversely affect the company's debt, interest expense and cash flows.financial condition.

The company’s operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected ifIf a fundamental change occurs under the company becomes involved in litigation regardingcompany's 2021 Notes or its patents or other intellectual property rights.
Litigation involving patents and other intellectual property rights is common in2022 Notes, the company’s industry, and other companies withinholders of the company’s industry have used intellectual property litigation in an attempt to gain a competitive advantage. The company in the past has been, and in the futurenotes may become, a party to lawsuits involving patents or other intellectual property. If the company were to receive an adverse judgment in any such proceeding, 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/purchase for cash any or pay ongoing royaltiesall of the notes. However, there can be no assurance that the company will have sufficient funds at the time of the fundamental change to third parties,purchase all of the notes delivered for purchase, and it may not be able to arrange necessary financing on acceptable terms, if at all. Likewise, if one of the conversion contingencies of the notes is triggered, holders of notes will be entitled to convert the notes at any time during specified periods. If one or more holders elects to convert their notes during such future specified periods, unless the company obtains shareholder approval and elects to deliver solely common shares to settle such conversion, the company would be required to settle any converted notes through the payment of cash, which could adversely affect the company's liquidity. If the company is required to settle any converted notes
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

through the payment of cash, there can be no assurance that it will have sufficient funds to purchase all of the notes delivered for purchase, and the company may not be able to arrange necessary financing on acceptable terms, if at all.

If a fundamental change occurs under the company's 2021 Notes or its 2022 Note, the company may have to settle the open convertible note warrant transactions with the respective counterparties, which may require the company to redesignissue common shares to the counterparty, which would have a dilutive effect on shareholders’ interests, or to make cash payments to the counterparty, and there can be no assurance that the company will have sufficient funds to do so.

In addition, whether following a fundamental change or otherwise, the counterparties to the company’s convertible note hedge and warrant transactions or their respective affiliates may modify their initial hedge positions by entering into or unwinding various derivatives contracts with respect to the company’s common shares and/or purchasing or selling common shares or other securities of the company in secondary market transactions prior to the maturity of the notes. This activity could cause or avoid a significant change in the market price of the company’s common shares.

The company may be unable to make strategic acquisitions without obtaining amendments to its credit agreement.

The company's business plans historically included identifying, analyzing, acquiring, and integrating other strategic businesses. There are various reasons for the company to acquire businesses or product lines, including providing new products or preventnew manufacturing and service capabilities, to add new customers, to increase penetration with existing customers, and to expand into new geographic markets. The provisions of the credit agreement restrict the company from manufacturing, usingundertaking certain acquisitions unless the company is able to negotiate and obtain amendments with regard to those provisions. If the company is unable to obtain the necessary amendments, it may miss opportunities to grow its business through strategic acquisitions.

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

The company's revenues and profits are subject to exchange rate and interest 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 predominant currency used by the company's subsidiaries outside the U.S. to transact business is the functional currency used for each subsidiary. 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, such as those from its European operations, 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. For example, during 2018, the devaluation of the Euro had a negative impact on the translation of company's European segment net income into U.S. dollars, and the foreign currency impact of the Brexit referendum in the U.K. had a negative impact on acquisition of dollar and Euro denominated goods in the U.K. If other countries also exit the European Union, similar negative impacts may result.

The company uses foreign exchange forward contracts primarily to help reduce its exposure to transactional exchange rate 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 does not have any similar arrangements that mitigate the company's exposure to foreign exchange translation risk, and does not believe that any meaningful arrangement to do so is available to the company.

The company also is exposed to market risk through various financial instruments, including fixed rate and floating rate debt instruments. The company does at times use interest rate swap contracts to mitigate its exposure to interest rate fluctuations, but those efforts may not adequately protect the company from significant interest rate risks. Interest on some of the company's debt is based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), which is currently historically low. Increases in LIBOR could have a significant impact on the company's reported interest expense, to the extent that the company has outstanding borrowings subject to LIBOR-based interest rates.

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 primarily through a network of medical equipment and home health care providers, extended care facilities and other providers such as various government-provider agencies throughout the world. Many of these providers (the company's customers) are reimbursed for the products and services provided to their
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

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 reduce their levels of reimbursement, or if the company is unable to reduce its costs of production to keep pace with decreases 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 National Competitive Bidding, or “NCB”, program introduced by CMS beginning in January 2011 has had the effect of substantially reducing reimbursement and payment rates for medical equipment and supplies by Medicare. The reduced reimbursement and payment rates have, in some cases, prompted customers to consider lower-priced alternatives to the company's products and compelled the company to reduce prices on certain products, which has negatively impacted the company's revenues and profitability. In November 2018, CMS announced a suspension of NCB for approximately two years while changes to the program structure are implemented. The changes are expected to result in significant modifications to reimbursement and payment rates. The potential impact of these modifications is uncertain and may further negatively impact the company's revenues and profitability. See “Item 1. Business -Government Regulation-National Competitive Bidding.”

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 whichthe 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 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 become unable to pay their bills as they come due or go out of business. The reimbursement reductions 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 one of the industry's significant creditors and an increase in bankruptcies or financial weakness in the company's customer base could have an adverse effect on the company’scompany's financial results.

Outside the U.S., reimbursement systems vary significantly by country. Many foreign markets have government-managed health care systems that govern reimbursement for home health care products. The ability of hospitals and other providers supported by such systems to purchase the company's products is dependent, in part, upon public budgetary constraints. Various countries have tightened reimbursement rates and other countries may follow. If adequate levels of reimbursement from third-party payors outside of the U.S. are not obtained, international sales of the company's products may decline, which could adversely affect the company's net sales.

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

Additional tax expense or additional tax exposures could affect the company's future profitability and cash flow.

The company is subject to income taxes in the United States and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. The domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the allocation of income among these different jurisdictions. The company's tax expense includes estimates of additional tax which may be incurred for tax exposures and reflects various other estimates and assumptions. In addition, the assumptions include assessments of future earnings of the company that could impact the valuation of its deferred tax assets. The company's future results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in the company's effective tax rate which could result from changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the overall profitability of the company, changes in tax legislation and rates, changes in generally accepted accounting principles, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and continuing assessments of its tax exposures. Corporate tax reform and tax law changes continue to be analyzed in many jurisdictions, including the potential impacts of new United States tax laws, rules, regulations or policies, and any legislation or regulations which may result from those policies.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act significantly revamped U.S. taxation of corporations, including a reduction of the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, a limitation on interest deductibility, and a new tax regime for foreign earnings. The limitation on interest deductibility, the new U.S. taxes on accumulated and future foreign earnings, other adverse
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

changes resulting from the Tax Act, or a change in the mix of domestic and foreign earnings, might offset the benefit from the reduced tax rate, and the company's future effective tax rates and/or cash taxes may increase, even significantly, or not decrease much, compared to recent or historical trends. Many of the provisions of the Tax Act are highly complex and may be subject to further interpretive guidance from the IRS or others. Some of the provisions of the Tax Act may be changed by a future Congress or challenged by the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) or be subject to trade or tax retaliation by other countries. Although the company cannot predict the nature or outcome of such future interpretive guidance, or actions by a future Congress, WTO or other countries, they could adversely impact the company's financial condition, results of operations and financial condition. cash flows.

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 specific 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 payors, changes in industry rates or pace of reimbursement or changes in the financial health of the company's customers. As a result of changes in Medicare reimbursement regulations, the business viability of some the company's customers may be at risk.

The company's reserve for uncollectible receivables has fluctuated in the past has brought, and maywill continue to fluctuate in the future also bring, actions against third partiesfuture. Changes in rates of collection, even if they are small in absolute terms, could require the company to increase its reserve for infringementuncollectible 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. If the business viability of certain of the company’s intellectual property rights.company's customers deteriorates or 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 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 clean up 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 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 litigationincur significant expenses relating to the company’s productsfailure 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 causebe material.

The company maintains cash balances globally in various financial institutions.

While the company monitors its customersaccounts with financial institutions both domestically and internationally, recovery of funds cannot be assured in the event the financial institution would fail. In addition, the company may be limited by foreign governments in the amount and timing of funds to be repatriated from foreign financial institutions. Any financial institution failure or potential customersrepatriation delay could adversely impact the company's ability to deferfund normal operations, capital expenditures, or limit their purchase or use ofservice debt, which could adversely affect the affected products until resolution of the litigation.company's results.

If the company is unable to protect its intellectual property rights or resolve successfully claims of infringement brought against it, the company's product sales and business could be affected adversely.

The company's business depends in part on its ability to establish, protect, safeguard and enforce its intellectual property and contractual rights and to defend against any claims of infringement, both of which involve complex legal, factual and marketplace uncertainties. The company relies on a combination of patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark law and security measures to protect its intellectual property, but effective intellectual property protection may not be available in all places that the company sells its products or services, particularly in certain foreign jurisdictions.jurisdictions, and patents provide protection for finite time periods. In addition, the company uses nondisclosure, confidentiality agreements and invention assignment agreements with many of its employees, and nondisclosure and confidentiality

I-25


agreements with certain third parties, in an effort to help protect its proprietary technology and know-how. If these agreements are breached or the company's intellectual property is otherwise infringed, misappropriated or violated, the company may have to rely on litigation to
Part IItem 1A. Risk Factors
Table of Contents

enforce its intellectual property rights. If any of these measures are unsuccessful in protecting the company's intellectual property, the company's business may be affected adversely.

In addition, the company may face claims of infringement, misappropriation or other violation of third parties' intellectual property that could interfere with its ability to use technology or other intellectual property rights that are material to the company's business operations. In the event that a claim of infringement, misappropriation or other violation against the company is successful, the company may be required to pay royalties or license fees to continue to use technology or other intellectual property rights that the company was using, or the company may be unable to obtain necessary licenses from third parties at a reasonable cost or within a reasonable time. If the company is unable to obtain licenses on reasonable terms, it may be forced to cease selling or using the products that incorporate the challenged intellectual property, or to redesign or, in the case of trademark claims, rename its products to avoid infringing the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may not be possible, or if possible, may be time-consuming. Any litigation of this type, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs to the company and adversely affect the company's business and financial condition.

The company also 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 researchcompany is dependent upon its processes and development and manufacturing processes are subjectprocedures to federal, state, local and foreign environmental requirements.ensure essential operational functions can continue during events that disrupt normal operations.
The company’s research and development and manufacturing processes are subject
A major natural or manmade disaster such as terrorist attack, fire, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or flood could cause damage 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 clean up contaminated sites. Under some of these laws, the company alsoor key supplier facilities, limiting the company's ability to sustain operations. The damage could be held responsible for costs relatingresult in an inability to any contamination atmeet customer demands resulting in the company’s past or present facilitiesloss of associated sales and at third-party waste disposal sites. These could include costs relating to contamination that did not result from any violation of lawprofits, and in some circumstances, contamination thatproperty losses in excess of insurance coverage. While the company did not cause. The company may incur significant expenses relatinghas put in place procedures to ensure essential functions continue in the failureevent of a crisis, there is no guarantee that its procedures will be adequate or sufficient 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.handle a given unforeseen event.

The company may be unable to make strategic acquisitions without obtaining amendments to its credit agreement.
The company’s business plans historically included identifying, analyzing, 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 provisions of the credit agreement restrict the company from undertaking certain acquisitions unless the company is able to negotiate and obtain amendments with regard to those provisions. If the company is unable to obtain the necessary amendments, it may miss opportunities to grow its business through strategic acquisitions.

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.

Additional tax expense or additional tax exposures could affect the company's future profitability and cash flow.
The company is subject to income taxes in the United States and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. The domestic and international tax liabilities are dependent upon the allocation of income among these different jurisdictions. The company's tax expense includes estimates of additional tax which may be incurred for tax exposures and reflects various other estimates and assumptions. In addition, the assumptions include assessments of future earnings of the company that could impact the valuation of its deferred tax assets. The company’s future results of operations could be adversely affected by changes in the company's effective tax rate which could result from changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the overall profitability of the company, changes in tax legislation and rates, changes in generally accepted accounting principles, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and continuing assessments of its tax exposures. The company's future cash flows may be negatively affected by cash payments required to settle tax liabilities, including payments the company expects to make over the next twelve months to settle certain tax liabilities. Corporate tax reform and tax law changes continue to be analyzed in the United States and in many other jurisdictions.

I-26


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 specific 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 payors, changes in industry rates or pace of reimbursement or changes in the financial health of the company’s customers. As a result of past 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 some the company’s customers may be at risk. Further, as National Competitive Bidding is implemented in additional areas, the number of start-up or new providers who have three-year contracted pricing will increase. 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, 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. If the business viability of certain of the company’s customers deteriorates or 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 inability to attract and retain, or 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, including personnel experienced in quality systems and regulatory affairs. If the company is not successful in retaining its current personnel or in hiring or retaining qualified personnel in the future, the company’s business may be adversely affected. 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, such as the company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other members of its management team. The company had significant turnover in its management team during 2014 and 2015 and cannot be certain that its executive officers and other key employees will continue in their respective capacities for any period of time, and these employees may be difficult to replace. If the company loses the services of any of its management team, the company’s business may be adversely affected.

Certain provisions of the company’scompany's debt agreements, its charter documents, and Ohio law could delay or prevent a sale or change in control of the company.

Provisions of the company’scompany's credit agreement, its charter documents, 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.

The holdersCompany May Experience Volatility in the Market Price of the company’s Class Bits Common Shares 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 this filing, the Class B Common Shares represented approximately 17% of the combined voting power of the company’s Common Shares and Class B Common Shares. Substantially all of such Class B Common Shares are beneficially owned by a former executive whose beneficial ownership (including the right to acquire) of approximately 19% of the combined voting power could influence the outcome of a 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. He also will have the power to influence or make more difficult a change in control, and it is possible that his interests may differ from the interests of the other shareholders, and he could take actions with which some shareholders may disagree.

Difficulties in implementing or upgrading the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning systems may disrupt the company’s business.

The company is in the process of upgrading its Enterprise Resource Planning, or “ERP,” system in Europe. The complexities and business process changes associated with such an ERP upgrade can potentially result in various difficulties including problems processing and fulfilling orders, customer disruptions and lost business. While the company believes the potential difficulties associated with upgrading the company’s primary ERP system in Europe have been addressed or can be mitigated, there can be

I-27


no assurance that the company will not experience disruptions or inefficiencies in the company’s business operations as a resultmarket price of the upgrade which could have a material adverse effect oncompany's common shares may be influenced by lower trading volume and concentrated ownership relative to many other publicly-held companies. Because several of the company's business, financial condition, liquidityshareholders own significant amounts of the company's outstanding common shares, the common shares are relatively less liquid and therefore more susceptible to price fluctuations than many other companies' shares. If any one or resultsmore of operations.these shareholders were to sell all or a portion of their holdings of company common shares at once or within short periods of time, or there was an expectation that such a sale was imminent, then the market price of the company's common shares could be negatively affected.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.
None.


I-28

Part IItem 2. Properties
Table of Contents

Item 2.        Properties.

The company owns or leases its warehouses, offices and manufacturing facilities, warehouses and offices 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, 20152018 is set forth in Leases and Commitments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the company included in this reportreport. The company's corporate headquarters is in Elyria, Ohio and ina summary of the table below:company's materially important properties by segment is as follows:
 Owned Leased
 Number Square Feet Number Square Feet
Manufacturing Facilities       
Europe3 349,612
 6 513,601
NA/HME1 152,256
 10 481,656
Asia/Pacific1 41,290
 1 30,518
 5 543,158
 17 1,025,775
        
Warehouse and Office Facilities       
Europe3 39,289
 50 429,168
NA/HME 
 10 457,830
IPG 
 1 10,786
Asia/Pacific 
 3 73,941
 3 39,289
 64 971,725
        



Part I
Square
Feet
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
 
Ownership
Or Expiration
Date of Lease
Renewal
Options
Use
North American/HME Operations
Arlington, Texas63,626
May 2018One (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Atlanta, Georgia91,418
April 2019One (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Attleboro, Massachusetts1,200
July 2018NoneOffices
Beijing, China1,399
January 2017NoneOffices
Cranbury, New Jersey111,987
April 2018Two (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Cranbury, New Jersey127,963
April 2018Two (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Elyria, Ohio
—1200 Taylor Street251,000
April 2035Three (10 yr.)Manufacturing and Offices
—899 Cleveland Street100,264
November 2016NoneWarehouse
—One Invacare Way50,000
April 2035Three (10 yr.)Headquarters
—1320 Taylor Street30,000
January 2018One (3 yr.)Offices
—1166 Taylor Street4,800
April 2035Three (10 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
—56 Ternes Avenue12,001
December 2016One (1 yr.)Warehouse
Guangzhou, China895
April 2016NoneOffices
Kirkland, Quebec17,010
November 2018One (5 yr.)Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Lawrenceville, Georgia74,140
July 2019One (5 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Marlboro, New Jersey2,800
June 2017NoneOffices
Mississauga, Ontario61,375
February 2019NoneWarehouse and Offices
North Ridgeville, Ohio152,000
April 2035Three (10 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Ontario, California97,618
May 2018Two (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Ontario, California121,900
May 2018Two (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Pharr, Texas4,375
November 2017NoneWarehouse and Offices
Pinellas Park, Florida11,400
Month to MonthNoneManufacturing and Offices
Pinellas Park, Florida3,200
Month to MonthNoneManufacturing
Pinellas Park, Florida3,200
Month to MonthNoneManufacturing
Pinellas Park, Florida2,430
May 2016NoneWarehouse
Reynosa, Mexico152,256
OwnManufacturing and Offices
Sanford, Florida116,272
April 2035Three (10 yr.)Manufacturing and Offices
Scarborough, Ontario5,428
February 2017NoneManufacturing and Offices
Shanghai, China1,615
May 2017NoneOffices
Shenzheng, China1,054
August 2016None
Offices
Simi Valley, California38,501
February 2019NoneManufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Spicewood, Texas6,500
Month to MonthNoneManufacturing and Offices
Suzhou, China129,824
April 2017NoneManufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Tonawanda, New York7,515
March 2018NoneWarehouse and Offices
Vaughan, Ontario26,637
December 2020NoneManufacturing and Offices

I-29


Square
Feet
Ownership
Or Expiration
Date of Lease
Renewal
Options
Use
Institutional Products Group
Maryland Heights, Missouri10,786
November 2019One (3 yr.)Offices
   
Asia/Pacific Operations
Auckland, New Zealand30,518
September 2017NoneManufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Christchurch, New Zealand72,269
December 2020One (3 yr.)Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Kidderminster, United Kingdom6,200
January 2018NoneWarehouse and Offices
North Olmsted, Ohio2,280
October 2016One (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
North Rocks, NSW, Australia45,714
August 2017Two (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Suzhou, China41,290
November 2016NoneManufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
European Operations
Albstadt, Germany73,894
February 2018Two (5 yr.)Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Albstadt, Germany12,917
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse
Albstadt, Germany19,375
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse and Offices
Albstadt, Germany5,382
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse and Offices
Backemarks, Sweden35,521
December 2016One (6 mos.)Warehouse
Bergen, Norway1,076
May 2016One (6 mos.)Warehouse and Offices
Bodo, Norway2,153
May 2016One (6 mos.)Services and Offices
Brondby, Denmark17,922
Month to MonthOne (1 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Brondby, Denmark3,767
Month to MonthOne (1 yr.)Warehouse
Dihult, Sweden5,382
Month to MonthOne (3 mos.)Warehouse
Dio, Sweden110,524
OwnManufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Dublin, Ireland5,000
May 2024Three (5 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Ede, The Netherlands12,917
November 2021One (75 mos.)Warehouse
Ede, The Netherlands9,257
November 2016One (5 yr.)Offices
Erniss, Sweden17,502
Month to MonthOne (3 mos.)Warehouse
Fondettes, France191,856
OwnManufacturing and Warehouse
Girona, Spain14,639
November 2018One (1 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Gland, Switzerland5,586
September 2016One (1 yr.)Offices
Gland, Switzerland1,184
September 2016One (1 yr.)Offices
Goteborg, Sweden2,691
September 2018One (3 yr.)Warehouse
Isny, Germany47,232
OwnManufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Isny, Germany1,615
OwnWarehouse
Kinross, United Kingdom4,800
September 2016One (6 mos.)Warehouse and Offices
Kristiansand, Norway646
January 2017One (6 mos.)Services and Offices
Landskrona, Sweden5,382
January 2018One (3 yr.)Warehouse
Loppem, Belgium4,036
March 2024NoneWarehouse and Offices
Mondsee, Austria1,508
March 2017NoneWarehouse and Offices
Mondsee, Austria767
December 2016NoneOffices
Mondsee, Austria377
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse
Mondsee, Austria624
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse
Neuville en Ferrain, France1,399
April 2022One (3 yr.)Offices

I-30


Square
Feet
Ownership
Or Expiration
Date of Lease
Renewal
Options
Use
European Operations
Oakdale, Pennsylvania5,543
September 2016One (1 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Oporto, Portugal88,270
November 2016One (1 yr.)Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Oskarshamn, Sweden1,076
December 2016One (1 yr.)Warehouse
Oslo, Norway24,262
April 2016One (6 mos.)Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Pencoed, United Kingdom150,000
December 2019NoneManufacturing and Offices
Porta Westfalica, Germany134,563
November 2021Two (5yr.)Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Porta Westfalica, Germany8,930
Month to MonthOne (1 yr.)Warehouse
Porta Westfalica, Germany13,455
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse and Offices
Sandes, Norway807
July 2016One (6 mos.)Offices
Spanga, Sweden16,146
OwnWarehouse and Offices
Thiene, Italy21,528
OwnWarehouse and Offices
Trondheim, Norway5,027
December 2018One (6 mos.)Services and Offices
Warwick, United Kingdom135,413
May 2017One (3 yr.)Warehouse and Offices
Wien, Austria215
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse
Witterswil, Switzerland40,343
March 2018One (1 yr.)Manufacturing, Warehouse and Offices
Witterswil, Switzerland2,241
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse
Witterswil, Switzerland2,241
Month to MonthNoneWarehouse
Witterswil, Switzerland4,306
Month to MonthOne (3 mos.)Warehouse

Item 3.        Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary course of its business, the company 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 that the company faces in the United States have been referred to the company's captive insurance company and/or excess insurance carriers while all non-U.S. lawsuits have been referred to the company's commercial insurance carriers. All such lawsuits are generally 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.

In December 2012, the company reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of thebecame subject to a consent decree of injunction filed by FDA in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio with respect to the company's Corporate facility and its Taylor Street wheelchair manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. A complaintOn July 24, 2017, following its reinspection of the Corporate and consent decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and on December 21, 2012, the Court approved the consent decree and it became effective. The consent decree limits the company's manufacture and distribution of power and manual wheelchairs, wheelchair components and wheelchair sub-assemblies at or from its Taylor Street manufacturing facility. The decree also initially limited design activities related to wheelchairsfacilities, FDA notified the company that it was in substantial compliance with the FDA Act, FDA regulations and power beds that take place at the impacted Elyria, Ohio facilities. The company is entitled to continue to produce from the Taylor Street manufacturing facility certain medically necessary wheelchairs provided that documentation and record-keeping requirements are followed, as well as ongoing replacement, service and repair of products already in use, under terms delineated in the consent decree. Under the terms of the consent decree in order to resume full operations at the impacted facilities, the company must successfully complete a third-party expert certification audit at the impacted Elyria facilities, which is comprised of three distinct reports that must be submitted to, and accepted by, the FDA. During 2013, the company completed the first two of the third-party expert certification audits, and the FDA found the results of both to be acceptable. In these reports, the third-party expert certified that the company's equipment and process validation procedures and its design control systems are compliant with the FDA's QSR. As a result of the FDA's acceptance of the first certification report on May 13, 2013, the Taylor Street facility was able to resume supplying parts and components for the further manufacturing of medical devices at other company facilities. The company's receipt of the FDA's acceptance of the second certification report on July 15, 2013, resulted in the company being able to resume design activities at the impacted facilities related to power wheelchairs and power beds. In February 2016, the independent expert auditor issued its certification report for the third phase of the consent decree indicating substantial compliance with the FDA's QSR, and the report has been submitted to the FDA.

I-31


Per the terms of the consent decree, the company must submit its own report to the FDA regarding its compliance status together with its written responses to any observations in the independent expert's report. The independent third-party expert auditor's third certification report, as well as the company's own report, both must be accepted by the FDA before the agency reinspects the impacted Elyria facilities. If the FDA is satisfied with the company's compliance, the FDA will provide written notification that the company iswas permitted to resume full operations at those facilities, including the impacted facilities. The company cannot predict the acceptance of these reports by the FDA, nor any remaining work that may be needed to meet the FDA's requirements. The FDA has the authority to inspect any FDA registered facility at any time.
After resumption of full operations, the company must undergounrestricted sales of products made in those facilities.

The consent decree will continue in effect for at least five years offrom July 24, 2017, during which time the company's Corporate and Taylor Street facilities must complete to two semi-annual audits in the first year and then four annual audits in the next four years performed by a third-partycompany-retained expert auditor tofirm. The expert audit firm will determine whether the facilities areremain in continuous compliance with the FDA Act, regulations and the consent decree. The auditor will inspect the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities’ activities every six months during the first year following the resumptionterms of full operations and then once every 12 months for the next four years thereafter.
Under the consent decree, thedecree.

The FDA has the authority to inspect the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities, and any other FDA registered facility, at any time. The FDA also has the authority to order the company to take a wide variety of actions if the FDA finds that the company is not in compliance with the consent decree, FDA Act or FDA regulations, including requiring the company to cease all operations relating to Taylor Street products. The FDA also can order the company to undertake a partial cessation of operations or a recall, issue a safety alert, public health advisory, or press release, or to take any other corrective action the FDA deems necessary with respect to Taylor Street products.
The
FDA also has authority under the consent decree to assess liquidated damages of $15,000 per violation per day for any violations of the consent decree, FDA regulationsAct or the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. TheFDA regulations. FDA also may assess liquidated damages for shipments of adulterated or misbranded devices except as permitted by the consent decree, in the amount of twice the sale price of any such adulterated or misbranded device. The liquidated damages, if assessed, are capped atlimited to a total of $7,000,000 for each calendar year. The authority to assess liquidated damages areis in addition to any other remedies otherwise available to the FDA, including civil money penalties.
For additional
Additional information regarding the consent decree please see the following sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:is included in Item 1. Business - Government Regulation; Item 1A. Risk Factors; and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook and - Liquidity and Capital Resources.
In December 2010, the company received a warning letter from the FDA related to quality system processes and procedures at the company's Sanford, Florida facility. In January 2014, the FDA conducted inspections at the company’s manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China and at the company’s electronic components subsidiary in Christchurch, New Zealand, covering quality systems and current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations. In August 2014, the FDA inspected Alber GmbH in Albstadt, Germany. The FDA issued its inspectional observations on Forms 483 to the company after these inspections, and the company submitted its responses to the agency in a timely manner. In October 2014, the FDA conducted an inspection at the Sanford facility and, at the conclusion, issued its Form 483 inspectional observations. In December 2015, the FDA issued Form 483 observations following a 2015 inspection of approximately 5 months at the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities in Elyria, Ohio which included a review of the company’s compliance with terms of the consent decree and the matters covered by the first and second expert certification reports previously accepted in 2013. The company has timely filed its responses to these Forms 483 with the FDA and continues to work on addressing the FDA's observations. The results of regulatory claims, proceedings, investigations, or litigation are difficult to predict. An unfavorable resolution or outcome of the FDA warning letter or other FDA enforcement related to the Sanford facility or other company facilities could materially and adversely affect the company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. See Item Item 1. Business - Government Regulation - Other FDA Matters and 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
On November 15, 2013, an amended complaint, in a lawsuit originally instituted on May 24, 2013, was filed against Invacare Corporation, former officer and director Gerald B. Blouch and former officer and director A. Malachi Mixon III in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleging that the defendants violated federal securities laws by failing to properly disclose the issues that the company faced with the FDA. The lawsuit sought class certification and unspecified damages and attorneys' fees for purchasers of the company's common shares between February 27, 2009 and December 7, 2011. After mediation, the parties agreed to settle the matter, which agreement was fully and finally approved by the Court on November 19, 2015, and the case was dismissed. The settlement amount was paid entirely by the company’s insurance carriers.

On September 12, 2014, a second amended complaint, in a lawsuit originally instituted on August 26, 2013, was filed against Invacare Corporation, former officer and director Gerald B. Blouch, former officer and director A. Malachi Mixon III, and the company's Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Patricia Stumpp, as well as outside directors Dale C. LaPorte and Michael F. Delaney and former outside director Charles S. Robb, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleging that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties and violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) in the

I-32


administration and maintenance of the company stock fund in the company’s Retirement Savings Plan (401(k) Plan). The lawsuit seeks class certification and unspecified damages and attorneys' fees for participants in the company's stock fund of the 401(k) Plan between July 22, 2010 and the present. On August 28, 2015, the Court limited plaintiff’s claim to the time period between July 22, 2010 and December 8, 2011. This lawsuit has been referred to the company's insurance carriers. The company intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

Additional information regarding the company's commitments and contingencies is included in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsOperations; and in Contingencies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In August 2018, the company received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) related to DOJ's investigation into the rentals pricing practices of one of the company's former rentals businesses, which the company divested in July 2015. The former rentals business and its acquirer also received similar CID's from the DOJ, and in September 2018, the acquirer made a request for indemnification from the company under the divestiture agreement. The CID seeks documents and other information from the company, and the company is cooperating fully with the DOJ investigation. An unfavorable outcome could include the company being required to pay monetary damages, and incur attorneys' fees, penalties and other adverse actions. The company is unable to predict the outcome and is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss, if any, that could result from any unfavorable outcome.

Item 4.        Mine Safety Disclosures.
None.

Part IExecutive Officers of the Registrant
Table of Contents

Executive Officers of the Registrant.*Registrant*

The following table sets forth the names of the executive officers of the company, each of whom serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, as well as certain other information.
NameAgePosition
Matthew E. Monaghan4851Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Robert K. GudbransonKathleen P. Leneghan5255Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dean J. Childers49Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America
Anthony C. LaPlaca5760Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
PatriciaRalf A. StumppLedda54Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Gordon Sutherland5751Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa
Darcie L. Karol52Senior 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.

Matthew E. Monaghan was appointed as the company’scompany's President and Chief Executive Officer effectivein April 1, 2015 and was elected Chairman of the Board in May 2015. Prior to joining Invacare, Mr. Monaghan served as a business unit leader at Zimmer Holdings (now Zimmer Biomet NYSE: ZBH), a major orthopedic implant company, serving first as Vice President and General Manager of the company's Global Hips business (December 2009 to January 2014) and later as Senior Vice President of Hips and Reconstructive Research (January 2014 until joining Invacare). While at Zimmer, Mr. Monaghan was responsible for the Hip division's new product development, engineering, marketing, clinical studies, quality, regulatory affairs and results of the shared sales and supply chain functions. Later, those responsibilities also included directing global research for various areas of material, process and product innovation. Prior to joining Zimmer in 2009, Mr. Monaghan spent eight years as an operating executive for two leading private equity firms, Texas Pacific Group (TPG) and Cerberus Capital Management, where he led acquisitions and operational improvements of portfolio companies.companies in medical device and consumer goods and services industries. For the first 13 years of his career, Mr. Monaghan held various engineering, financial and management positions at General Electric (NYSE:GE). Since November 2016, Mr. Monaghan has served as a director of Syneos Health (NASDAQ: SYNH), a contract research organization serving the needs of pharmaceutical clients.

Robert K. GudbransonKathleen P. Leneghan has been thewas appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2008 andon February 22, 2018, after having served as Interim President and Chief ExecutiveFinancial Officer from August 1, 2014 until April 1, 2015. From October 2005 until his appointment at Invacare, Mr. Gudbransonsince November 2017. She served as Vice President and Corporate Controller of Strategic Planningthe company since 2003. Ms. Leneghan has been employed by the company for 28 years, serving in various financial roles in North America and Acquisitions at Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LECO), a global manufacturer of welding, brazing and soldering products located in Cleveland, Ohio.Europe. 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.Company, Ms. Leneghan was an audit manager with Ernst &Young LLP.

Dean J. Childers joined the company as Senior Vice President - Strategic Initiatives in May 2015 and was appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America in June 2015. Prior to joining Invacare, Mr. Childers served as Vice President, Business Operations at Integra Lifesciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: IART), a life science company focused on regenerative technologies and orthopedics, from September 2014 until May 2015. From 2010 through September 2014, Mr. Childers served as Vice President, Logistics at Zimmer Holdings (now Zimmer Biomet NYSE: ZBH), a major orthopedic implant company. Mr. Childers holds a B.S. Accountancy from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA with concentration in International Business from St. Louis University.



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, Elyria, Ohio, a member of the Knorr-Bremse group, a supplier of commercial vehicle safety systems. 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.

I-33


Patricia A. Stumpp has been the Senior Vice President, Human Resources since September 2009. Mrs. Stumpp joined Invacare in 1991 and was promoted to her current position in 2009. Previously, Mrs. Stumpp served as Director of Compensation & Benefits from January 2001 to August 2006 and as Director of the Human Resources Group from August 2006 until August 2009. She also has prior experience in healthcare, small business and the services industry. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MBA from The University of Toledo.

Gordon SutherlandRalf A. Ledda was appointed as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa in June 2015November 2016. Previously he served for 21 years as Managing Director of Alber GmbH, Albstadt, Germany, Invacare's subsidiary that specializes in innovative electromotive technology and previously served from October 2012 to June 2015 aspower add-on devices used with medical and recreational products.

Darcie L. Karol was appointed Senior Vice President, & General Manager, Europe, Middle East & Africa.Human Resources in June 2018. Prior to joining Invacarethe company, Ms. Karol held various roles at the Valspar Corporation, a global paint and coatings company acquired by Sherwin-Williams in October 2012, Mr. SutherlandJune 2017. Ms. Karol served as Valspar's Vice President of Human Resources - Global Marketing-ChronicCoatings from January 2014 until August 2017, and prior to that was Valspar's Human Resources Director for the Asia Region from July 2011 until September 2013. Prior to Valspar, Ms. Karol held Human Resources roles of increasing responsibility at Gambro Renal Products, now part of Baxter InternationalGeneral Mills, Inc. (NYSE: BAX), where he also previously served in various senior level positions in general management, business strategy and operations. Mr. Sutherland has medical device experience with an international business career including service with Baxter Healthcare, Bristol-Myers Squib (NYSE: BMY), C.R. Bard (NYSE: BCR) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). Mr. Sutherland holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree from Edinburgh Napier University and an MBA, Marketing, from the University of Warwick - Warwick Business School.global consumer packaged goods company.

I-34


PART II

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

Invacare’sInvacare's Common Shares, without par value, trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “IVC.” Ownership of the company’scompany's Class B Common Shares (which are not listed on NYSE)the NYSE or any other established trading market) cannot be transferred, except, in general, to family members without first being converted into Common Shares. 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 March 1, 20164, 2019 was 2,3601,989 and 26,16, respectively. The closing sale price for the Common Shares on March 1, 2016 as reported by NYSE was $12.60. The prices set forth below do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions.

The following table sets forth, for each of the quarterly periods indicated, the high and low intraday sales prices of the company’s common shares and dividends declared on the company’s common shares for the periods indicated.
 2015 2014
 High Low 
Cash Dividends
Declared
 High Low 
Cash Dividends
Declared
Quarter Ended:           
December 31$20.41
 $14.00
 $0.0125
 $17.52
 $11.65
 $0.0125
September 3022.22
 14.24
 0.0125
 19.20
 11.79
 0.0125
June 3023.59
 18.85
 0.0125
 19.82
 15.51
 0.0125
March 3120.35
 14.33
 0.0125
 25.96
 18.35
 0.0125

During 2015 and 2014, the Board of Directors also declared annualized dividends of $0.0455 per Class B Common Share. For information regarding limitations on the payment of dividends in the company's credit facilities and debt 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. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources, regarding covenants in the company's senior credit facilities with respect to the payment of dividends.


I-35


SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the yearly cumulative total return on Invacare’sInvacare's Common Shares against the yearly cumulative total return of the companies listed on the Standard & Poor’sPoor's 500 Stock Index, the Russell 2000 Stock Index and the S&P Healthcare Equipment & Supplies Index*.Index. The S&P Healthcare Equipment & Supplies Index is a capitalization-weighted average index comprised of health care companies in the S&P 500 Index.

chart-ab9cc97d498c5279bf7a01.jpg
12/10 12/11 12/12 12/13 12/14 12/1512/13 12/14 12/15 12/16 12/17 12/18
Invacare Corporation$100.00
 $50.83
 $54.32
 $77.64
 $56.24
 $58.52
$100.00
 $72.43
 $73.57
 $56.79
 $73.53
 $18.82
S&P 500100.00
 102.11
 118.45
 156.82
 178.29
 180.75
100.00
 113.69
 115.26
 129.05
 157.22
 150.33
Russell 2000100.00
 95.82
 111.49
 154.78
 162.35
 155.18
100.00
 104.89
 100.26
 121.63
 139.44
 124.09
S&P Healthcare Equipment & Supplies100.00
 104.48
 123.56
 157.43
 191.76
 207.06
100.00
 120.91
 130.16
 140.44
 184.93
 211.46
Copyright© 2016 S&P,2018 Standard & Poor's, a division of McGraw Hill Financial.S&P Global. All rights reserved.

Copyright© 20162018 Russell Investment Group. 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, 20102013 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, 2015.2018.


I-36
Part II


The following table presents information with respect to repurchases of Common Shares made by the company during the three months ended December 31, 2015.2018.
 
Period  
Total Number of
Shares  Purchased (1)
 
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 (2)
10/1/2015-10/31/15
 $
 
 2,453,978
11/1/2015-11/30/155,811
 18.28
 
 2,453,978
12/1/2015-12/31/15
 
 
 2,453,978
Total  5,811
 $18.28
 
 2,453,978
Period  
Total Number
of Shares  Purchased (1)
 
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 (2)
10/1/2018-10/31/18 $ __  2,453,978
11/1/2018-11/30/183,714 14.46  2,453,978
12/1/2018-12/31/18   2,453,978
Total  3,714 $14.46  2,453,978
________________________ 
(1)All 5,8113,714 shares repurchased between October 1, 20152017 and December 31, 20152018 were surrendered to the company by employees for minimum tax withholding purposes in conjunction with the vesting of restricted shares awarded to the employees or exercise of non-qualified options under the company’scompany's equity compensation plans.

(2)In 2001, the Board of Directors authorized the company to purchase up to 2,000,000 Common Shares, excluding any shares acquired from employees or directors as a result of the exercise of options or vesting of restricted shares pursuant to the company’scompany's performance plans. The Board of Directors reaffirmed its authorization of this repurchase program on November 5, 2010, and on August 17, 2011 authorized an additional 2,046,500 shares for repurchase under the plan. To date, the company has purchased 1,592,522 shares under this program, with authorization remaining to purchase 2,453,978 shares. The company did not purchase anypurchased no shares pursuant to this Board authorized program during 2015.2018.

The company used a portion of the net proceeds of its offering of 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2021in February 2016 to repurchase $5,000,000 of the company's common shares in negotiated transactions with institutional investors in the offering. In February, 2016, the company repurchased a total of 390,320 Common Shares at $12.81 per share, which was the company's closing stock price on the pricing date of the offering.

The equity compensation plan information required under Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K is incorporated by reference to the information under the caption "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the company's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Under the terms of the company's senior credit facilities, repurchases of shares by the company generally are not permitted except in certain limited circumstances in connection with the vesting or exercise of employee equity compensation awards. See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources, regarding covenants of the company's senior credit facilities with respect to share purchases.

Item 6.        Selected Financial Data.

The selected consolidated financial data set forth below with respect to the company’scompany's consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and shareholders’shareholders' equity for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, and the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 are derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K or as adjusted to reflect the impact of discontinued operations.10-K. The consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and shareholders’shareholders' equity data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20122015 and 20112014 and consolidated balance sheet data for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, 20122016, 2015 and 20112014 are derived from the company’scompany's previously filed Consolidated Financial Statements or as adjusted to reflect the impact of discontinued operations.





The data set forth belowin the following table should be read in conjunction with Item 7—“Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the company’scompany's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The Balance Sheet, Other Data and Key Ratios reflect the impact of discontinued operations to the extent included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.


I-37
Part II


2015 * 2014 ** 2013 *** 2012 **** 2011 *****2018 * 2017 ** 2016 *** 2015 **** 2014 *****
(In thousands, except per share and ratio data)(In thousands, except per share and ratio data)
Earnings         
Net Sales from continuing operations$1,142,338
 $1,270,163
 $1,334,505
 $1,415,818
 $1,466,092
Earnings (Loss)         
Net sales from continuing operations$972,347
 $966,497
 $1,047,474
 $1,142,338
 $1,270,163
                  
Net Earnings (loss) from continuing operations(26,450) (68,760) (54,334) (14,083) (26,684)
Net Earnings from discontinued operations260
 12,690
 87,385
 15,910
 22,571
Net Earnings (loss)(26,190) (56,070) 33,051
 1,827
 (4,113)
Loss from continuing operations(43,922) (76,541) (42,856) (26,450) (68,760)
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations
 
 
 260
 12,690
Net Loss(43,922) (76,541) (42,856) (26,190) (56,070)
                  
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Basic:         
Net Earnings (loss) from Continuing Operations(0.82) (2.15) (1.70) (0.45) (0.83)
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations0.01
 0.40
 2.74
 0.50
 0.71
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Basic(0.81) (1.75) 1.04
 0.06
 (0.13)
Net Earnings (Loss) per Share—Basic:         
Net loss from continuing operations(1.33) (2.34) (1.32) (0.82) (2.15)
Net earnings from discontinued operations
 
 
 0.01
 0.40
Net Loss per Share—Basic(1.33) (2.34) (1.32) (0.81) (1.75)
                  
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Assuming Dilution:                  
Net Earnings (loss) from Continuing Operations(0.82) (2.15) (1.70) (0.45) (0.83)
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations0.01
 0.39
 2.73
 0.50
 0.70
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Assuming Dilution(0.81) (1.75) 1.03
 0.06
 (0.13)
Net loss from continuing operations(1.33) (2.34) (1.32) (0.82) (2.15)
Net earnings from discontinued operations
 
 
 0.01
 0.39
Net Loss per Share—Assuming Dilution(1.33) (2.34) (1.32) (0.81) (1.75)
                  
Dividends per Common Share0.05
 0.05
 0.05
 0.05
 0.05
0.05
 0.05
 0.05
 0.05
 0.05
Dividends per Class B Common Share0.04545
 0.04545
 0.04545
 0.04545
 0.04545
0.02273
 0.04545
 0.04545
 0.04545
 0.04545
                  
Balance Sheet                  
Current Assets$362,121
 $405,987
 $419,539
 $567,949
 $528,770
$397,410
 $456,914
 $409,072
 $362,299
 $405,987
Total Assets838,143
 963,731
 1,096,434
 1,262,294
 1,281,054
885,855
 1,066,033
 903,743
 838,143
 963,731
Current Liabilities247,644
 290,232
 276,165
 299,735
 287,939
198,208
 218,064
 220,861
 247,644
 290,232
Working Capital114,477
 115,755
 143,374
 268,214
 240,831
199,202
 238,850
 188,211
 114,655
 115,755
Long-Term Debt45,092
 19,372
 31,184
 229,375
 260,440
253,535
 241,405
 146,088
 45,092
 19,732
Other Long-Term Obligations82,589
 88,805
 118,276
 112,195
 106,150
74,965
 183,270
 114,407
 82,589
 88,805
Shareholders’ Equity462,818
 565,322
 670,809
 620,989
 626,525
Shareholders' Equity359,147
 423,294
 422,387
 462,818
 565,322
                  
Other Data                  
Research and Development Expenditures$18,677
 $23,149
 $24,075
 $23,851
 $27,556
$17,377
 $17,796
 $17,123
 $18,677
 $23,149
Capital Expenditures7,522
 12,327
 14,158
 20,091
 22,160
9,823
 14,569
 10,151
 7,522
 12,327
Depreciation and Amortization19,430
 32,789
 36,789
 38,593
 38,883
15,556
 14,631
 14,635
 18,204
 30,941
                  
Key Ratios                  
Return on Sales % from continuing operations(2.3) (5.4) (4.1) (1.0) (1.8)(4.5) (7.9) (4.1) (2.3) (5.4)
Return on Average Assets %(2.9) (5.4) 2.8
 0.1
 (0.3)(4.5) (7.8) (4.9) (2.9) (5.4)
Return on Beginning Shareholders’ Equity %(4.6) (8.4) 5.3
 0.3
 (0.6)
Return on Beginning Shareholders' Equity %(10.4) (18.1) (9.3) (4.6) (8.4)
Current Ratio1.5:1
 1.4:1
 1.5:1
 1.9:1
 1.8:1
2.0:1
 2.1:1
 1.9:1
 1.5:1
 1.4:1
Debt-to-Equity Ratio0.10:1
 0.04:1
 0.07:1
 0.38:1
 0.42:1
0.71:1
 0.58:1
 0.38:1
 0.10:1
 0.04:1

I-38
Part II


________________________
*Reflects charges related to restructuring from continuing operations of $3,481,000 ($3,249,000 after-tax expense or $0.10 per share assuming dilution), net gains on convertible debt derivatives of $11,994,000 ($11,994,000 after-tax income or $0.36 per share assuming dilution), an intangible asset impairment of $583,000 ($431,000 after-tax expense or $0.01 per share assuming dilution) and a non-cash tax benefit of $2,023,000 ($0.06 per share assuming dilution) related to U.S. tax reform legislation.

**Reflects charges related to restructuring from continuing operations of $12,274,000 ($11,872,000 after-tax expense or $0.36 per share assuming dilution), net loss on convertible debt derivatives of $3,657,000 ($3,657,000 after-tax income or $0.11 per share assuming dilution), an intangible asset impairment of $320,000 ($237,000 after-tax expense or $0.01 per share assuming dilution) and a non-cash tax benefit of $1,580,000 ($0.05 per share assuming dilution) related to the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the new U.S. tax reform legislation.

***Reflects gain on sale of Garden City Medical, Inc. of $7,386,000 ($7,386,000 after-tax income or $0.23 per share assuming dilution), charges related to restructuring from continuing operations of $2,447,000 ($2,447,000 after-tax expense or $0.08 per share assuming dilution), incremental warranty expense of $2,856,000 ($2,856,000 after-tax expense or $0.09 per share assuming dilution related to three product recalls) and net gain on convertible debt derivatives of $1,268,000 ($1,268,000 after-tax income or $0.04 per share assuming dilution).

****Reflects charges related to restructuring from continuing operations of $1,971,000 ($1,843,000 after-tax expense or $0.06 per share assuming dilution), net warranty reversals of $2,325,000 ($2,325,000 after-tax expenseincome or $0.07 per share assuming dilution related to three product recalls) and the positive impact of an intraperiod tax allocation associated with discontinued operations of $140,000 or $0.00 per share assuming dilution.

*****Reflects charges related to restructuring from continuing operations of $11,112,000 ($10,096,000 after-tax expense or $0.32 per share assuming dilution), incremental warranty expense of $11,493,000 ($10,801,000 after-tax expense or $0.34 per share assuming dilution related to three product recalls), intangible asset write-downs to intangible assetsimpairments of $13,041,000 ($13,041,000 after-tax expense or $0.41 per share assuming dilution) and the positive impact of an intraperiod tax allocation associated with discontinued operations of $7,175,000 or $0.22 per share assuming dilution.





Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisOverview
Table of Contents

***Item 7.Reflects charges related to restructuring from continuing operationsManagement's Discussion and Analysis of $9,336,000 ($7,493,000 after-tax expense or $0.23 per share assuming dilution), incremental warranty expenseFinancial Condition and Results of $7,264,000 ($7,170,000 after-tax expense or $0.22 per share assuming dilution related to the power wheelchair joystick recall), asset write-downs to intangible assets of $1,523,000 ($1,322,000 after-tax expense or $0.04 per share assuming dilution) and the positive impact of an intraperiod tax allocation associated with discontinued operations of $3,445,000 or $0.11 per share assuming dilution.

****Reflects charges related to restructuring from continuing operations of $11,395,000 ($11,255,000 after-tax expense or $0.36 per share assuming dilution), a discrete 2012 tax expense related to prior years of $9,336,000 or $0.30 per share assuming dilution which is a non-cash charge in 2012 for a matter that was under audit and contested by the company, early debt extinguishment charges of $312,000 ($312,000 after-tax expense or $0.01 per share assuming dilution), asset write-downs to intangible assets of $773,000 ($698,000 after-tax expense or $0.02 per share assuming dilution) and the positive impact of an intraperiod tax allocation associated with discontinued operations of $7,126,000 or $0.23 per share assuming dilution.

*****Reflects asset write-downs for goodwill and intangibles of $49,480,000 ($48,719,000 after tax or $1.52 per share assuming dilution), loss on debt extinguishment including debt finance charges and associated fees of $24,200,000 ($24,200,000 after tax or $0.76 per share assuming dilution) as a result of the company’s extinguishment of higher interest rate debt, restructuring charge of $10,534,000 ($10,263,000 after tax or $0.32 per share assuming dilution) and a tax benefit in Germany of $4,947,000 ($4,947,000 after tax or $0.15 per share assuming dilution).Operations.



I-39


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

OUTLOOKManagement's discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes that appear elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Invacare is a multi-national company with integrated capabilities to design, manufacture and distribute durable medical devices. The company makes products that help people move, breathe, rest and perform essential hygiene, and with those products the company supports people with congenital, acquired and degenerative conditions. The company's products and solutions are important parts of care for people with a range of challenges, from those who are active and involved in work or school each day and may need additional mobility or respiratory support, to those who are cared for in residential care settings, at home and in rehabilitation centers. The company operates in facilities in North America, Europe and Asia/Pacific, which are the midstresult of dozens of acquisitions made over the company's nearly forty-year history. Some of these acquisitions have been combined into integrated operating units, while others remain relatively independent.

Strategy

The company had a transformationstrategy to be a leading provider of durable medical equipment to providers in a growing market thatglobal markets by providing the broadest portfolio available. This strategy has its own challengesnot kept pace with certain reimbursement changes, competitive dynamics and opportunities. To capitalize on this potential, incompany-specific challenges. Since 2015, the company established two long-term objectives intendedhas made a major shift in its strategy. The company has since been aligning its resources to ensure it becomes sustainably competitiveproduce products and profitable. solutions that assist customers and end-users with their most clinically complex needs. By focusing the company's efforts to provide the best possible assistance and outcomes to the people and caregivers who use its products, the company aims to improve its financial condition for sustainable profit and growth. To execute this transformation, the company is undertaking a substantial three-phase multi-year transformation plan.











Transformation

The company's first objectivecompany is executing a multi-year transformation to excel at designing, producing and distributing products based on a thoroughshift to its new strategy. This is expected to yield better financial results from the application of the principlescompany's resources to products and solutions that provide greater healthcare value in clinically complex rehabilitation and post-acute care. The transformation is divided into the following three phases:

Phase One - Assess and Reorient
Increase commercial effectiveness;
Shift and narrow the product portfolio;
Focus innovation on clinically complex solutions;
Accelerate quality efforts on quality excellence; and
Develop and expand talent.

Phase Two - Build and Align
Leverage commercial improvements;
Optimize the business for cost and efficiency;
Continue to improve quality systems;
Launch new clinical product platforms; and
Expand talent management and culture.

Phase Three - Grow
Lead in quality culture and operations excellence; and
Grow above market.
2018 was a year of quality. Secondly,tremendous progress in the company's transformation, despite some external challenges in North America. In quality milestones, the company closed two warning letters, one relating to its Albstadt, Germany facility (originally issued in 2017) and one relating to its Sanford, FL facility (originally issued in 2010). The company reinvigorated its innovation pipeline with the launch of new products the mobility and seating and lifestyles product categories. The company also made significant investments to begin to resize its infrastructure around its new business model, as reflected in the reduction of SG&A expense.
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisOverview
Table of Contents

In 2018, Europe delivered solid performance, despite strategically reducing sales of less clinically complex products. Asia/Pacific demonstrated continued improvement. In NA/HME, improved sales in mobility and seating products were more than offset by declines in respiratory and lifestyle products. Sales of respiratory and lifestyle products were negatively impacted primarily by two external factors - tariffs and proposed changes in NCB reimbursement. The introduction of U.S. tariffs on imported goods increased cost of goods sold and influenced cost increases of other domestically sourced materials and components; and the company continues to actively implement mitigation efforts. Market uncertainty regarding proposed changes in NCB reimbursement led to delayed customer purchases, which may be resolved during the first half of 2019.
In 2018, two plant transfers in Europe and reduced sales of respiratory products due to uncertainty about NCB reimbursement changes, resulted in higher than expected inventory levels which increased working capital. As a result, the company's cash flow usage for 2018 was higher than 2017 and higher than previously guided. The company expects that inventory levels will applyreturn to more normal levels during the first half of 2019, resulting in additional cash flow.
The company's transformation and growth plan balances innovative organic growth, product portfolio changes across all regions, and cost improvements in supply chain and administrative functions. The company has engaged third-party experts to help assess, plan and support the execution of improvement opportunities, in an effort to ensure the best plans are adopted across the entire enterprise.
Key elements of the enhanced transformation and growth plan:
Re-evaluate all business segments and product lines for the potential to be profitable and to achieve a leading market position given evolving market dynamics;
In Europe, leverage centralized innovation and supply chain capabilities while reducing the cost and complexity of a legacy infrastructure;
In North America, adjust the portfolio to support consistent profitable growth, drive faster innovation, and redesign business processes to lower cost and improve customers' experience;
In Asia/Pacific, remain focused on sustainable growth and expansion in the southeast Asia region; and
Globally, take actions to reduce working capital and improve free cash flow.


The company will continue to make significant investments in its transformation, reduce sales in certain areas, refocus resources on specificaway from less accretive activities, that it believes willand look at its global infrastructure for opportunities to drive greater profitefficiency. For 2019, the company anticipates net sales growth in Europe and cash.NA/HME mobility and seating products, which is anticipated to be offset by year-over-year reduction in respiratory sales in NA/HME impacted by market uncertainty due to recently implemented reimbursement changes. In addition, the company anticipates margin expansion as a result of cost improvement actions. These actions should contribute to improved earnings in 2019.

The focus on quality is paramount. By embracing qualitycompany anticipates an improvement in all aspectsfree cash flow usage for 2019 as compared to 2018 driven by improvements in segment operating loss compared to 2018, and the benefit of converting the higher inventory levels at end of 2018 to cash in 2019. It further assumes that these benefits will be partially offset by increased working capital to support growth, especially in NA/HME mobility and seating products with an extended quote-to-cash cycle, higher capital expenditures, and cash needed to fund restructuring actions. The company has historically generated negative free cash flow during the first half of the company’s activities,year. This pattern is expected to continue due to the timing of annual one-time payments such as customer rebates and employee bonuses earned during the prior year, and higher working capital usage from seasonal inventory increases. The absence of these payments and somewhat seasonally stronger sales in the second half of the year typically result in more favorable free cash flow in the second half of the year. The company expects spending on capital expenditures of approximately $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 in 2019.

Favorable Long-term Demand

Ultimately, demand for the company's products and services is based on the need to provide care for people with certain conditions. The company's medical devices provide solutions for end-users and caregivers. Therefore, the demand for the company's medical equipment is largely driven by population growth and the incidence of certain conditions where treatment may be supplemented by the company's devices. The company also provides solutions to help equipment providers and residential care operators deliver cost-effective and high-quality care. The company believes that its commercial team, customer relationships, products and solutions, supply chain infrastructure, and strong research and development pipeline will be better aligned to customer needs, more quickly brought to market and ultimately will result in a better customer experience and economic return. The company expects its investments in quality to be a competitive advantage.create favorable business potential.

Through a legacy of acquisition and organic growth, the company had expanded its product portfolio to be one of the biggest in the industry. Products range from highly differentiated clinically complex products with proprietary advantages to basic aids for daily living. This has historically been an advantage, as customers have desired to work with companies that have the broadest portfolio to simplify their purchasing and make their own offering more consistent. More recently, two challenges have emerged that make success with this strategy increasingly difficult. As a result of economic pressures, markets have been reshaped with lower healthcare reimbursement to pay the company’s customers for its products; commercial channels have been disintermediated and consolidated; and there are more competitors and customers with easier access to low cost supply alternatives.

As a specific example of reimbursement reductions, the company’s U.S. customers have been exposed to the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) program from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which began in 2011 and will continue with major reimbursement reductions in 2016. These are precedent-setting price reductions, which are expected to influence other non-CMS payors’ reimbursement rates in these same categories. Because the company sells its products to medical equipment providers who in turn seek reimbursement, and because the company does not itself seek direct reimbursement, the company does not know which specific products, local markets or share of sales are affected by any particular payor. However, it is useful to estimate the effect the NCB program may have, because it is potentially of significant influence on the company’s customers.

The company estimates that, for the full year of 2015, approximately $263,000,000 in net sales of its U.S. HME equipment business, the major division within the North America/HME segment, were sales of products sold to homecare providers that were included in NCB product categories. When the company's products are ordered by homecare providers, the company is not informed as to whether the provider is paid for the product through Medicare, Medicaid or private pay reimbursement or through direct cash sales. However, the company estimates historically that approximately 40% of HME providers' revenues on average are from sales paid by Medicare. Additionally, it is estimated that the first 100 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) that implemented NCB account for approximately 50% of Medicare's spending on durable medical equipment. Taking the $263,000,000 of U.S. HME net sales for the full year of 2015 of NCB bid-categorized product and applying the previously mentioned 40% and then the 50% estimates, the company's revenues from products potentially exposed to NCB could be approximately $52,600,000. This estimate does not include other potential pricing pressures that also could impact homecare providers from other payors. The company also continues to closely monitor the 2016 rural roll-out of NCB that expanded to the remaining Medicare population that had not yet been impacted by NCB starting in January. The reimbursement reductions to the rural areas are scheduled to be completed in July 2016. Further reductions may occur if private payors elect to adopt their own reimbursement changes. Regardless, judicious healthcare spending is a continuous pressure in this industry driving the need for ongoing improvement for cost-effective supply of clinically relevant solutions.

At the same time reimbursement pressures persist, the standards of production, record-keeping and product performance have increased the cost of each active product line a company markets. These opposing effects have led the company to examine its vast product portfolio and its many competing priorities. A strategy based on having the broadest product portfolio without regard to clinical utility is no longer a competitive advantage. As a result, the company is beginning to shift its focus to areas that have a greater clinical impact, where the company has an opportunity to create a sustainable competitive advantage with its investment in technology and to excel by applying high standards to product features, performance and production methods. The company will focus on areas where it believes better returns can be made for its resources and will look for more efficient ways to convey lower margin less differentiated products or seek alternatives in those areas. This may result in periods of lower net sales, but with improved contribution from a higher gross margin as a result of a favorable mix of products.


I-40
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisResults of Operations


AsRESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The company has completed various divestitures over the company continues to shift its strategic focus, it expects its financial results will continue to be pressured in 2016past few years as a resultpart of its consent decree with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) affecting operations at the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities in Elyria, Ohio. The consent decree limits production at the Taylor Street manufacturing facility to orders meeting certain documentation requirements. See Item 3, Legal Proceedings. Regarding products manufactured at the Taylor Street facility, which have been impacted byfocus on other lines of business where the company's consent decree with the FDA and sold primarily in the North America/HME segment, net sales were approximately $41,600,000 in 2015 compared to approximately $43,200,000 in 2014. Even if the company receives the FDA notification that it may resume full operations at its Taylor Street facility, itresources can best generate returns. The most recent divested operation is uncertain as to whether, or how quickly the company would be able to rebuild net sales, irrespective of market conditions, to typical historical levels such as when Taylor Street production accounted for approximately $172,000,000 and $147,000,000 in net sales in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The company ultimately expects a positive outcome from the company’s investments in quality improvements, and it is optimistic about its ability to grow its results from the impacted facilities over time. Additionally, the company sees opportunities to develop other complex rehabilitation solutions from its subsidiaries that also operate in this space.explained below.

As part of the company’s strategic priorities of establishing a quality culture and driving greater profit and cash, the company will take steps to deepen the deployment of quality initiatives throughout the company and it will accelerate the transformation and, it anticipates, the growth of its business. The company plans to continue investments in global quality improvements, which it expects will be a competitive advantage. The company also expects to increase the size of its sales force and support it to be more focused on clinically complex products, including complex rehabilitation technology, therapeutic support surfaces and wound prevention, safe patient handling, respiratory therapy technology, and bariatric products. This change will require more training, an expanded clinical staff and more investment in commercial and marketing activities to increase awareness and provide more access to these products. The company expects its accounts receivable balance to increase throughout its transformation, as there is a longer order-to-cash cycle on clinically complex products, which is likely to have a negative impact on cash flow. The company may also explore streamlining its operations and better aligning its infrastructure to efficiently deliver an improved mix of clinically complex products. The company will look for opportunities to invest in clinically differentiating technology and expertise. To finance this transformation, grow related working capital, fund ongoing quality initiatives, and to support the company through historic seasonal performance cycles and continued foreign currency pressure, the company completed the issuance in FebruaryOn September 30, 2016, of $130,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% convertible senior notes, which mature in 2021. See “Subsequent Events” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On balance, the company sees opportunities to grow, continue its transformation and make progress against industry headwinds and strong competition for long-term results. See “Contingencies” in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and “Forward-Looking Statements” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

DISCONTINUED AND DIVESTED OPERATIONS

On December 21, 2012, in order to focus on its core equipment product lines, the company entered into an agreement to sell ISG and determined on that date that the "held for sale" criteria of ASC 360-10-45-9 were met. On January 18, 2013, the company completed the sale of the ISG medical supplies business to AssuraMed,its subsidiary, Garden City Medical Inc. for a purchase price of $150,800,000approximately $13,829,000 in cash which("GCM"), to Compass Health Brands. GCM, doing business as PMI and Pinnacle Medsource, sourced and distributed primarily single-use products under the brand ProBasics by PMI. GCM was subject to final post-closing adjustments. ISG had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as a reportable segmentpart of the company.North America/Home Medical Equipment (NA/HME) segment. The net proceeds from the transaction were $12,729,000, net of expenses. The company recorded a pre-tax gain of $59,402,000 pre-tax$7,386,000 in 2013the third quarter of 2016, which represented the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of ISG, excluding cash.GCM. The sale of this business is dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility in the first quarter of 2013. In 2013, the net sales of the discontinued operation of ISG were $18,498,000 and earnings before income taxes were $402,000.

On August 6, 2013, the company sold Champion, its domestic medical recliner business for dialysis clinics, to Champion Equity Holdings, LLC for $45,000,000 in cash, which was subject to final post-closing adjustments. Champion had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as part of the IPG segment of the company. The company recorded a gain of $22,761,000 pre-tax in the third quarter of 2013, which represented the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of Champion. The sale of this businessGCM was dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility in the third quarter of 2013. The gain recorded by the company reflects the company's estimated final purchase adjustments. See "Discontinued Operations" in the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for the assets and liabilities sold.

In 2013, the net sales of the discontinued operation of Champion were $15,857,000 and earnings before income taxes were $3,156,000. Results for Champion include an interest expense allocation from continuing operations to discontinued operations of $449,000 in 2013, as proceeds from the sale were required to be utilized to pay down debt. The interest allocation was based on the net proceeds assumed to pay down debt applying the company's average interest rates for the periods presented.


I-41


In addition, in accordance with ASC 350, when a portion of a reporting entity that constitutes a business is disposed of, goodwill associated with that business should be included in the carrying amount of the net assets of the business sold in determining the gain or loss on the disposal. As such, the company allocated additional goodwill of $16,205,000 to Champion from the continuing operations of the IPG segment based on the relative fair value of Champion as compared to the remaining IPG reporting unit.

On August 29, 2014, the company sold Altimate Medical, Inc. (Altimate), its manufacturer of stationary standing assistive devices for use in patient rehabilitation, to REP Acquisition Corporation for $23,000,000 in cash, which was subject to final post-closing adjustments. Altimate had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as part of the North America/HME segment of the company. The company recorded a gain of $17,069,000 pre-tax in the third quarter of 2014, which represented the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of Altimate. The sale of this business was dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility in the third quarter of 2014. The gain recorded by the company reflects the company's final purchase adjustments.

The net sales of the Altimate discontinued operations were $11,778,000 and $17,854,000 for 2014 and 2013, respectively, and earnings before income taxes were $2,796,000 and $5,118,000, respectively for the same periods. Results for Altimate include an interest expense allocation from continuing operations to discontinued operations of $202,000 and $323,000 for 2014 and 2013, respectively, as proceeds from the sale were required to be utilized to pay down debt. The interest allocation was based on the net proceeds assumed to pay down debt applying the company's average interest rates for the periods presented. See "Discontinued Operations" in the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for the assets and liabilities sold.

The company recorded total expenses related to the discontinued operations noted above of $8,801,000, of which $8,405,000 were paid as of December 31, 2015.

The company recorded an incremental intra-period tax allocation expense to discontinued operations for 2014 and 2013 representing the cumulative intra-period allocation expense to discontinued operations based on the company's domestic taxable loss related to continuing operations for 2014 and 2013.

The company has classified ISG, Champion and Altimate as a discontinued operations for all periods presented.

On July 2, 2015, the company sold its rentals businesses to Joerns Healthcare Parent, LLC, for approximately $15,500,000 in cash, which was subject to final post-closing adjustments. The rentals businesses had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as part of the IPG segment of the company. The company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $24,000 in the third quarter of 2015, which represents the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of the rentals businesses, as of the date of completion of the disposition. The company recorded expenses related to the sale of the rentals businesses totaling $1,792,000, of which $1,244,000 have been paid as of December 31, 2015. The sale of the rentals businesses was not dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the net proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its credit agreement. The company determined that the sale of the rentals businessesGCM did not meet the criteria for classification as a discontinued operation in accordance with ASU 2014-08. The rentals businesses2014-08 but the "held for sale" criteria of ASC 360-10-45-9 were met and thus GCM was treated as held for sale for purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 until sold on July 2, 2015. As a result, the December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet was restated to reflect this treatment.2015. As such, the results of the rentals businesses are included in the Results from Continuing Operations discussion below.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

2015 Versus 2014




























Net Sales.Reclassifications& Other Changes- During the first quarter of 2017, a subsidiary, formerly included in the Europe segment, was transferred to the NA/HME segment as the subsidiary is managed by the NA/HME segment manager effective January 1, 2017. Segment results for 2016 and 2015 have been changed accordingly. In 2016, the company redefined the measure by which it evaluates segment profit or loss to be segment operating profit (loss). The previous performance measure was earnings before income taxes. All prior periods presented were restated to reflect the new measure.



Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisNet Sales
Table of Contents

NET SALES

2018 Versus 2017

($ in thousands USD) 2018 2017 Reported % Change Foreign Exchange % Impact Constant Currency % Change
Europe 558,518
 535,326
 4.3
 4.5
 (0.2)
NA/HME 306,615
 320,818
 (4.4) 
 (4.4)
IPG 57,975
 59,472
 (2.5) 
 (2.5)
Asia/Pacific 49,239
 50,881
 (3.2) (2.1) (1.1)
Consolidated 972,347
 966,497
 0.6
 2.4
 (1.8)
           

The table above provides net sales change as reported and as adjusted to exclude the impact of foreign exchange translation (constant currency net sales). “Constant currency net sales" is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as net sales excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. The current year's functional currency net sales are translated using the prior year's foreign exchange rates. These amounts are then compared to the prior year's sales to calculate the constant currency net sales change. Management believes that this financial measure provides meaningful information for evaluating the core operating performance of the company.

Consolidated net sales for 2015 decreased 10.1%2018 increased 0.6% for the year, to $1,142,338,000$972,347,000 from $1,270,163,000$966,497,000 in 2014.2017. Foreign currency translation increased net sales by 2.4 percentage points. Constant currency net sales decreased 1.8% compared to 2017. Reported net sales for mobility and seating products increased 10.6% globally and 8.5% for NA/HME. Europe constant currency net sales for the year declined 0.2%, as expected, as the company strategically reduced sales of less profitable products. Constant currency net sales declined in North America due to declines in sales of respiratory and lifestyle products impacted by reimbursement changes.

Europe - European net sales increased 4.3% in 2018 compared to 2017 to $558,518,000 from $535,326,000 as foreign currency translation increased net sales by 4.5 percentage points. Constant currency net sales decreased 0.2% compared to 2017 as the company strategically reduced sales of less profitable products. Changes in exchange rates have had, and may continue to have, a significant impact on sales in this segment.










NA/HME - NA/HME net sales decreased 4.4% in 2018 versus the prior year to $306,615,000 from $320,818,000 with foreign currency translation having no material impact on net sales. Net sales decreased compared to the prior year due to declines in sales of respiratory and lifestyle products impacted by reimbursement changes. These declines were partially offset by constant currency net sales growth of 8.0% in NA/HME mobility and seating products.

IPG - IPG net sales decreased 2.5% in 2018 over the prior year to $57,975,000 from $59,472,000 with foreign currency translation having no material impact. The decrease in constant currency net sales was driven by sales declines in long-term care bed products.

Asia/Pacific - Asia/Pacific net sales decreased 3.2% in 2018 from the prior year to $49,239,000 from $50,881,000. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by 8.72.1 percentage points. Constant currency net sales decreased 1.4%1.1% compared to 2014. Higher constant currency2017 as strong net sales in the Europe and Asia/Pacific segments were offset by lower constant currency net sales in the North America/HME and IPG segments. Constant currency net sales for the company, excluding the impact of the divested rentals businesses in the IPG segment, were flat for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the prior year. Constant currency net sales is a non-GAAP financial measure - see "Business Segment Net Sales" on page I-52.

Europe

European net sales decreased 12.1% in 2015 compared to the prior year to $536,463,000 from $610,555,000 as foreign currency translation decreased net sales by 15.6 percentage points. Constant currency net sales increased 3.5% compared to 2014 principally due to increases in mobility and seating, respiratory and lifestyle products.

I-42


North America/Home Medical Equipment (North America/HME)

North America/HME net sales decreased 6.6% in 2015 versus the prior year to $474,196,000 from $507,867,000 with foreign currency translation decreasing net sales by 1.0 percentage point. Constant currency net sales decreased 5.6% compared to the prior year, as increases in mobility and seating products were more than offset by declines in respiratory and lifestyle products. Net sales in the mobility and seatingall other product category continue to be impacted by the FDA consent decree, which limits production of custom power wheelchairs and seating systems at the Taylor Street manufacturing facility to products having properly completed verification of medical necessity (VMN) documentation. The VMN is a signed document from a clinician, and in some instances a physician, that certifies that the product is deemed medically necessary for a particular patient's condition, which cannot be adequately addressed by another manufacturer's product or which is a replacement of the patient's existing product. In an effort to position the company for improved sales results in the future, during 2015, the company began a transformation of its generalist sales force to one more focused on clinically complex products, which includes the mobility and seating product category. As a result, lifestyle and respiratory product net sales were de-emphasized contributing to lower net sales for these products.

Institutional Products Group (IPG)

IPG net sales decreased 15.2% in 2015 over the prior year to $87,137,000 from $102,796,000 as foreign currency translation decreased sales by 0.8 of a percentage point. Excluding the net sales impact of the divested rentals businesses, constant currency net sales increased 3.7% driven primarily by increases in beds and interior design projects. These increases were partially offset by declines in therapeutic support surfaces.

Asia/Pacific

Asia/Pacific net sales decreased 9.0% in 2015 from the prior year to $44,542,000 from $48,945,000. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by 16.5 percentage points. Constant currency net sales increased 7.5% primarily due to increases at the company's New Zealand and Australian distribution businesses, and at the company's subsidiary that produces microprocessor controllers.categories. Changes in exchange rates, particularly with the euro and U.S. dollar, have had, and may continue to have, a significant impact on sales in this segment.


Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisNet Sales
Table of Contents

The following tables provide net sales at reported rates for the quarters ended December 31, September 30, June 30, and March 31, 2018, respectively, and net sales for the quarters ended December 31, September 30 and June 30, 2018, respectively, as translated at the foreign exchange rates for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 with each then compared to the net sales for the most recent prior period (constant currency sequential net sales) (in thousands).
 Q4 18 at Reported Foreign Exchange Rates Foreign Exchange Translation Impact 
Q4 18 at
Q1 18 Foreign Exchange Rates
 Q3 18 at Q1 18 Foreign Exchange Rates Sequential Growth $ Sequential Growth %
Europe$143,969
 $8,513
 $152,482
 $150,891
 $1,591
 1.1 %
NA/HME73,270
 325
 73,595
 73,954
 (359) (0.5)
IPG14,236
 25
 14,261
 15,187
 (926) (6.1)
Asia Pacific13,101
 1,114
 14,215
 12,278
 1,937
 15.8
Consolidated$244,576
 $9,977
 $254,553
 $252,310
 $2,243
 0.9 %
            
 Q3 18 at Reported Foreign Exchange Rates Foreign Exchange Translation Impact 
Q3 18 at
Q1 18 Foreign Exchange Rates
 Q2 18 at Q1 18 Foreign Exchange Rates Sequential Growth $ Sequential Growth %
Europe$144,339
 $6,552
 $150,891
 $139,093
 $11,798
 8.5 %
NA/HME73,696
 258
 73,954
 80,053
 (6,099) (7.6)
IPG15,148
 39
 15,187
 13,719
 1,468
 10.7
Asia Pacific11,376
 902
 12,278
 14,128
 (1,850) (13.1)
Consolidated$244,559
 $7,751
 $252,310
 $246,993
 $5,317
 2.2 %
            
 Q2 18 at Reported Foreign Exchange Rates Foreign Exchange Translation Impact 
Q2 18 at
Q1 18 Foreign Exchange Rates
 Q1 18 at Reported Foreign Exchange Rates Sequential Growth $ Sequential Growth %
Europe$138,896
 $197
 $139,093
 $131,251
 $7,842
 6.0 %
NA/HME79,867
 186
 80,053
 79,794
 259
 0.3
IPG13,704
 15
 13,719
 14,887
 (1,168) (7.8)
Asia Pacific13,685
 443
 14,128
 11,066
 3,062
 27.7
Consolidated$246,152
 $841
 $246,993
 $236,998
 $9,995
 4.2 %
            


Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisNet Sales
Table of Contents

chart-05441ff8f61057779aaa01.jpg
The net sales amounts in the above table are converted at Q1 2018 foreign exchange rates so that the sequential change in net sales can be shown, excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

In 2018, the company focused on stabilizing net sales sequentially, specifically in its NA/HME segment particularly through new product introduction. While sequential sales for NA/HME mobility and seating products continued to improve in 2018, these improvements were more than offset by sequential declines in other products, particularly respiratory.
Sequentially, net sales for Europe showed improvement throughout 2018 while the segment continued to focus on its most profitable product lines. Sequential sales for both the Asia Pacific and IPG segments showed mixed results as Asia/Pacific institutional sales, particularly of bed products were weak, and IPG worked through a bed supply issue in the second quarter and typical seasonality fluctuations in demand for its interior design products.
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisNet Sales
Table of Contents

chart-69e585f802d95941a05.jpg
The company realized a favorable impact from sales mix in 2018 attributable to mobility and seating products, which comprise most of the company's clinically complex product portfolio. This favorable net sales mix shift is the result of the company's continued transformation and focus on shifting and narrowing the product portfolio and alignment of resources to focus on clinically complex solutions. Declines in lifestyle products were partially expected as the company continues to shift to more complex products.
However, both lifestyle products, and particularly respiratory product sales were negatively impacted by the uncertainty regarding the impending reimbursement changes in the U.S. that were effective January 1, 2019 as the company believes providers have been cautious about investing in inventory before the final determination on national competitive bidding is issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisNet Sales
Table of Contents

2017 Versus 2016
($ in thousands USD) 2017 2016 Reported % Change Foreign Exchange % Impact Constant Currency % Change
Europe 535,326
 534,801
 0.1
 (0.5) 0.6
NA/HME 320,818
 402,914
 (20.4) 0.1
 (20.5)
IPG 59,472
 64,413
 (7.7) 
 (7.7)
Asia/Pacific 50,881
 45,346
 12.2
 1.8
 10.4
Consolidated 966,497
 1,047,474
 (7.7) (0.1) (7.6)
           
NA/HME less divested GCM 320,818
 376,306
 (14.7) 0.2
 (14.9)
Consolidated less all divested 966,497
 1,020,866
 (5.3) (0.1) (5.2)

Consolidated net sales for 2017 decreased 7.7% for the year, to $966,497,000 from $1,047,474,000 in 2016. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by 0.1 percentage points. Constant currency net sales decreased 7.6% compared to 2016. Higher constant currency net sales in the Europe and Asia/Pacific segments were offset by lower constant currency net sales in the North America / Home Medical Equipment (NA/HME) and Institutional Products (IPG) segments. Constant currency net sales for the company, excluding the impact of all the divested Garden City Medical (GCM) businesses, decreased 5.2% compared to 2016.

Gross Profit.Europe - European net sales increased 0.1% in 2017 compared to 2016 to $535,326,000 from $534,801,000 as foreign currency translation decreased net sales by 0.5 of a percentage point. Constant currency net sales increased 0.6% compared to 2016. The improvements in constant currency net sales were driven primarily by increased sales of mobility and seating products partially offset by respiratory and lifestyle products.

NA/HME - NA/HME net sales decreased 20.4% in 2017 versus the prior year to $320,818,000 from $402,914,000 with foreign currency translation increasing net sales by 0.1 of a percentage point. Constant currency net sales decreased 20.5% compared to the prior year. Excluding
the net sales impact of the divested GCM business, reported net sales decreased by 14.7% in 2017 and by 14.9% on a constant currency basis. The decreases in constant currency net sales were primarily driven by reduced sales of lifestyle and respiratory products and to a lesser extent mobility and seatingas well as reduced net sales into China as result of the closure of one of the company's Suzhou, China facilities. Excluding consumer product discontinued in the fourth quarter of 2016, mobility and seating net sales were flat year-over-year.

IPG - IPG net sales decreased 7.7% in 2017 over the prior year to $59,472,000 from $64,413,000 with foreign currency translation having no material impact. The decrease in constant currency net sales was driven by sales declines in the major product categories.

Asia/Pacific - Asia/Pacific net sales increased 12.2% in 2017 from the prior year to $50,881,000 from $45,346,000. Foreign currency translation increased net sales by 1.8 percentage points. Constant currency net sales increased 10.4% compared to 2016 due to net sales increases in mobility and seating products.



Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisGross Profit
Table of Contents

GROSS PROFIT

2018 Versus 2017
chart-7b8a267c22995dfab57.jpg
Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27.4%27.5% in 20152018 as compared to 27.3%27.9% in 2014. The 2015 gross margin reflects a warranty expense reversal related to recalls of $2,325,000 or 0.2 of a percentage point, recorded in the North America/HME segment. The company's warranty reserve is subject to adjustment as new developments change the company's estimates. The 2014 gross margin reflected an incremental warranty expense for three previously disclosed recalls of $11,493,000 or 0.9 of a percentage point. The incremental warranty expense was recorded in the North America/HME, Europe and Asia/Pacific reporting segments. Excluding the impact of the warranty expense amounts noted previously, the gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 27.2% in 2015 as compared to 28.2% in 2014. The margin decrease was principally related to unfavorable sales mix, foreign exchange and the result of the divested rentals businesses. The rentals businesses had a higher than average gross margin as a percentage of net sales compared to the overall company.2017. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for 2018 decreased by 0.4 of a percentage point as compared to 2017. The gross margin decline was principally a result of rising material costs associated with U.S. tariffs, higher freight costs incurred in NA/HME and Europe, and unfavorable operational variances in Europe associated with production transfers. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased for Asia/Pacific and IPG but declined for NA/HME and slightly for Europe. Gross profit dollars increased significantly for the North America/HMEEurope and Asia/Pacific segments was favorable as comparedbut declined materially in NA/HME and slightly in IPG principally due to the prior year with the Europe and IPG segments unfavorable compared to the prior year.lower net sales.

Europe - Gross profit in Europe as a percentage of net sales decreased 1.80.1 of a percentage pointspoint in 20152018 from the prior year.year and gross margin dollars increased by $6,466,000. The decreaseincrease in margin dollars was principally due to favorable foreign currency partially offset by unfavorable foreign exchangefreight, R&D and negativemanufacturing costs.

NA/HME - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales mix,decreased by 2.6 percentage points in 2018 from the prior year while gross margin dollars decreased by $11,660,000. The decrease in gross profit dollars was primarily due to net sales volume declines, unfavorable material costs and higher freight costs, partially offset by reduced warranty expense.and R&D expenses as well as favorable operational variances. The 2014unfavorable material and freight costs were impacted by tariffs, which had a combined negative impact of approximately $2,100,000.




IPG - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 0.2 percentage points in 2018 from the prior year and gross margin reflected an incrementaldollars decreased $697,000. The decrease in gross profit dollars was driven by lower net sales partially offset by reduced warranty expense of $3,395,000 or 0.6 ofexpense.

Asia/Pacific - Gross profit as a percentage point forof net sales increased 4.6 percentage points in 2018 from the prior year and gross margin dollars increased $3,278,000. The increase was primarily attributable to reduced research and development expenses and favorable manufacturing variances.
chart-13600dbc77425c358aba01.jpg
Sequential gross margin as a previously disclosed recall.
North America/HMEpercentage of net sales and gross margin dollars declined during most of 2018 but rebounded strongly in the fourth quarter of 2018. Sequential gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 4.0 percentage pointsfor Europe and IPG but decreased for NA/HME and Asia/Pacific.
chart-6acb3ff9eec25a1e90da01.jpg
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisGross Profit
Table of Contents

The gross profit increase from Q1 to Q2 18 was offset by a significant decline in 2015 fromQ3 18 as the prior year. The increasequarter was negatively impacted by higher material costs influenced by tariffs and a decline in marginsNA/HME respiratory product sales. However, sequential gross profit rebounded strongly in Q4 18 as the higher material costs were partially mitigated and warranty expense was principally due to favorable warranty, sales mix and manufacturing costs. The 2015lower. Sequential gross margin reflects a warranty recall expense reversaldollars generally increased during 2018 for the Europe and IPG segments. Asia/Pacific gross margin dollars increased in the first half of $2,325,000 or 0.52018 but declined significantly in Q3 18, but finished the year materially up compared to Q4 17. NA/HME gross margin dollars increased each quarter after Q2 18 and finished the year materially higher than Q4 17.

Research and Development

The company continued to invest in research and development activities in 2018. The company dedicated 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, decreased to $17,377,000 in 2018 from $17,796,000 in 2017. The expenditures, as a percentage point for three recalls compared to incremental warranty recall expense of $6,833,000 or 1.3 of a percentage pointnet sales, were 1.8% and 1.8% in 2014.2018 and 2017, respectively.

IPG2017 Versus 2016
chart-7f6063a07ac557f494ea01.jpg
Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 9.9 percentage pointswas 27.9% in 2015 from2017 as compared to 27.1% in 2016. Excluding the prior year. The decrease in margin is primarily attributable to the saleimpact of the rentals businesses (5.6divested GCM business, gross profit as a percentage points)of net sales for 2017 increased by 0.5 of a percentage point as compared to 2016. The gross margin improvement was principally a result of the strategic shift toward mobility and seating products and reduced freight costs partially offset by increased freight costs.

manufacturing costs, including unfavorable impact from foreign exchange. Gross profit in Asia/Pacific as a percentage of net sales increased 5.4for all segments. Gross profit dollars increased for the Europe and Asia/Pacific segments but declined in NA/HME and IPG principally due to lower net sales.
Europe - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 0.4 of a percentage point in 2017 from the prior year and gross margin dollars increased by $2,547,000. The increase in margin dollars was principally due to favorable net sales mix and reduced warranty expense partially offset by unfavorable manufacturing variances, including negative impact from foreign exchange, and R&D expenses.

NA/HME - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.8 of a percentage point in 2017 from the prior year while gross margin dollars decreased by $16,293,000. Excluding the impact of the divested GCM business, gross margin as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.5 of a percentage point, while gross profit dollars decreased by $10,796,000. The decrease in gross profit dollars was primarily due to net sales volume declines and partially offset by reduced freight, warranty and R&D expenses as well as favorable net sales mix.

IPG - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 1.3 percentage points in 20152017 from the prior year.year and gross margin dollars decreased $681,000. The decrease in gross profit dollars was driven by volume declines partially offset by favorable sales mix and reduced freight expense.

Asia/Pacific - Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 0.9 of a percentage point in 2017 from the prior year and gross margin dollars increased $950,000. The increase was primarily as a result ofattributable to volume increases, favorable net sales mix and reduced research and development expense partially offset by unfavorable manufacturing variances and increased warranty expense and a favorable manufacturing costs. The 2014 gross margin included an incremental warranty expense for the power wheelchair joystick recall of $1,265,000, or 2.6 percentage points.expense.


I-43


See “Current Liabilities”“Accrued Expenses” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this reportAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the total warranty provision amounts and a reconciliation of the changes in the warranty accrual.

Selling, GeneralResearch and Administrative.Development

Research and development expenditures, which are included in costs of products sold, increased to $17,796,000 in 2017 from $17,123,000 in 2016. The expenditures, as a percentage of net sales, were 1.8% and 1.6% in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisSG&A
Table of Contents

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

2018 Versus 2017 Consolidated
($ in thousands USD)20182017Reported ChangeForeign Exchange ImpactConstant Currency Change
SG&A Expenses - $281,906
296,816
(14,910)5,014
(19,924)
SG&A Expenses - % change  (5.0)1.7
(6.7)
% to net sales29.0
30.7
   

The table above provides selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense change as reported and as adjusted to exclude the impact of foreign exchange translation (constant currency SG&A). “Constant currency SG&A" is a non-GAAP financial measure, which is defined as SG&A expenses excluding the impact of foreign currency translation. The current year's functional currency SG&A expenses are translated using the prior year's foreign exchange rates. These amounts are then compared to the prior year's SG&A expenses to calculate the constant currency SG&A expense change. Management believes that this financial measure provides meaningful information for evaluating the core operating performance of the company.

Consolidated SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 28.0%29.0% in 20152018 and 30.2%30.7% in 2014.2017. The overall dollar decrease was $64,066,000,$14,910,000, or 16.7%5.0%, with foreign currency translation decreasingincreasing expense by $23,891,000 or 6.2% percentage points.$5,014,000. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses decreased $40,175,000,$19,924,000, or 10.5%. This decrease is6.7%, primarily attributable to the sale of the rentals businesses in the third quarter of 2015 which lowered SG&A expenses by $15,626,000 anddriven by reduced consulting expense (including regulatory and compliance costs related to quality system improvements), employment costs and product liability expense. These were partially offset by a $4,031,000 write-offnegative impact of costs associated with a canceled legacy software program based on a change in the North America/HME IT strategy.foreign currency transactions and higher consulting costs.

Europe - European SG&A expenses decreasedincreased by 15.9%5.6%, or $22,254,000,$6,951,000, in 20152018 compared to 2014.2017. Foreign currency translation decreasedincreased expense by approximately $18,709,000$5,181,000 or 13.4 percentage points.4.2%. Excluding the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses decreasedincreased by $3,545,000,$1,770,000, or 2.5%1.4%, primarily in depreciation and amortization expenseattributable to unfavorable foreign currency transactions partially offset by increasedlower employment costs.















NA/HME - SG&A expenses for North America/NA/HME decreased 9.8%12.6%, or $15,296,000,$15,699,000, in 20152018 compared to 20142017 with foreign currency translation decreasingincreasing expense by $2,313,000$132,000 or 1.5 percentage points.0.1%. Excluding the foreign currency translation, SG&A expense decreased $12,983,000,$15,831,000, or 8.3%12.7%, due principally to reduceddriven primarily by decreased employment costs, product liability expense and consulting expense, including lower regulatory and compliance costs related to quality systems improvements. These were partially offset by a $4,031,000 write-off of costs associated with a canceled legacy software program based on a change in the North America/HME IT strategy. In addition, 2014 included an incremental expense of $958,000 related to the retirement of an executive officer of the company.costs.

IPG - SG&A expenses for IPG decreased by 43.2%10.6%, or $17,898,000,$1,141,000, in 20152018 compared to 2014 with foreign currency translation having an immaterial impact.2017. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses decreased by $17,905,000,$1,143,000, or 43.2%10.6%, primarily duerelated to the sale of the rentals businesses which reduced SG&A expenses by $15,626,000 as well as reducedlower employment costs.

Asia/Pacific - Asia/Pacific SG&A expenses decreased 21.5%5.3%, or $4,580,000,$801,000, in 20152018 compared to 2014.2017. Foreign currency translation decreased expense by $2,876,000$301,000 or 13.5 percentage points.2.0%. Excluding the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses decreased $1,704,000,$500,000, or 8.0%3.3%, principally as a result of reducedrelated to lower employment costs and depreciation expense.partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency transactions.

Other - SG&A expenses related to the Other Segment decreased by 16.3%19.0% or $4,038,000$4,220,000 in 20152018 as compared to 2014. 2017 primarily related to increased employment costs.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisSG&A
Table of Contents

2017 Versus 2016
($ in thousands USD)20172016Reported ChangeForeign Exchange ImpactConstant Currency Change
SG&A Expenses - $296,816
303,781
(6,965)72
(7,037)
SG&A Expenses - % change  (2.3)
(2.3)
% to net sales30.7
29.0
   
Consolidated less divested - $296,816
300,252
(3,436)72
(3,508)
Consolidated less divested - % change  (1.1)0.1
(1.2)
% to net sales30.7
29.4
   

The table above further adjusts SG&A expense to exclude the impact of the sale of GCM, which was sold in September 2016 and not deemed a discontinued operation from an external reporting perspective.

Consolidated SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales were 30.7% in 2017 and 29.0% in 2016. The overall dollar decrease iswas $6,965,000, or 2.3%, with foreign currency translation increasing expense by $72,000. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses decreased $7,037,000, or 2.3%. Excluding the impact of the divested GCM business and foreign currency translation, SG&A expense decreased $3,508,000, or 1.2%, compared to 2016, primarily driven by reduced product liability and legal costs partially offset by negative impact of foreign currency transactions and higher bad debt expense.

Europe - European SG&A expenses increased by 2.9%, or $3,510,000, in 2017 compared to 2016. Foreign currency translation decreased expense by approximately $409,000 or 0.4%. Excluding the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses increased by $3,919,000, or 3.3%, primarily attributable to increased employment and information technology expense.

NA/HME - SG&A expenses for NA/HME decreased 8.4%, or $11,341,000, in 2017 compared to 2016 with foreign currency translation increasing expense by $186,000 or 0.1%. Excluding the foreign currency translation, SG&A expense decreased $11,527,000, or 8.5%, Excluding the impact of the divested GCM business and foreign currency translation, SG&A expense decreased $7,998,000, or 6.0%, compared to 2016 driven primarily by decreased employment, legal and product liability costs partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency transactions.










IPG - SG&A expenses for IPG decreased by 7.1%, or $826,000, in 2017 compared to 2016. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses decreased by $835,000, or 7.2%, primarily related to lower employment costs.

Asia/Pacific - Asia/Pacific SG&A expenses decreased 2.9%, or $459,000, in 2017 compared to 2016. Foreign currency translation increased expense by $286,000 or 1.8%. Excluding the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses decreased $745,000, or 4.7%, principally related to lower employment costs and favorable foreign currency transactions.

Other - SG&A expenses related to the Other Segment increased by 10.7% or $2,151,000 in 2017 as compared to 2016 primarily related to increased employment costs.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisOperating Income
Table of Contents

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

    2018 vs. 20172017 vs. 2016
($ in thousands USD)201820172016$ Change% Change$ Change% Change
Europe32,673
33,160
34,122
(487)(1.5)(962)(2.8)
NA/HME(38,788)(42,831)(37,876)4,043
9.4
(4,955)(13.1)
IPG6,282
5,839
5,693
443
7.6
146
2.6
Asia/Pacific4,051
(27)(1,436)4,078
15,103.7
1,409
98.1
All Other(18,448)(23,706)(20,657)5,258
22.2
(3,049)(14.8)
Gains on sale of businesses

7,386


(7,386)(100)
Charges related to restructuring(3,481)(12,274)(2,447)8,793
71.6
(9,827)(401.6)
Impairment of an intangible asset(583)(320)
(263)(100.0)(320)
Consolidated Operating Income (Loss)(18,294)(40,159)(15,215)21,865
54.4
(24,944)(163.9)
        
2018 Versus 2017

Consolidated operating loss decreased by $21,865,000 to a loss of $18,294,000 in 2018 from a loss of $40,159,000 in 2017 primarily due to a $14,910,000 decrease in SG&A expenses, principally attributable to lower legalemployment costs, and professionala decrease in restructuring costs of $8,793,000.

Europe - Operating income decreased slightly in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily related to increased freight costs driven by product transfers associated with facility consolidation, higher R&D expense and unfavorable manufacturing variances, partially offset by lower employment costs.

NA/HME - Operating loss decreased in 2018 compared to 2017 primarily due to reduced employment costs, warranty and R&D expense, as well as favorable operational variances, partially offset by the negative impact of net sales volume declines, unfavorable material costs and higher freight costs.

IPG - Operating income increased in 2018 compared to 2017 principally due to reduced warranty expense and employment costs partially offset by a decrease in sales.

Asia/Pacific - Operating income increased in 2018 compared to 2017 due to reduced R&D expense, lower manufacturing and employment costs partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency transactions.

All Other - Operating loss decreased in 2018 compared to 2017 due to decreased employment costs.

Charge Related to Restructuring Activities

The company's restructuring charges were primarily originally necessitated by continued declines in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement by the U.S. government, as well as similar healthcare reimbursement pressures abroad, which

negatively affect the company's customers (e.g. home health care providers) and continued pricing pressures faced by the company due principally to the outsourcing by competitors to lower cost locations. Restructuring decisions were also the result of reduced profitability in the NA/HME and Asia/Pacific segments. In addition, 2014 included an incremental expenseas a result of $1,800,000the company's transformation strategy, additional restructuring actions were incurred began in 2016 and continued through 2018. The company expects reduced salary and benefit costs principally impacting Selling, General and Administrative expenses, and to a lesser extent, Costs of Products Sold.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled $3,481,000 which were related to NA/HME segment ($1,359,000), Europe ($1,773,000) and the retirement of an executive officer ofAsia/Pacific segment ($349,000). The 2018 charges relate to plant transfers and general reduction in force. In NA/HME, costs were incurred related to severance ($1,471,000) and lease termination costs reversals ($112,000). The European charges and Asia/Pacific were severance related. Payments for the company.year ended December 31, 2018 were $5,804,000 and the cash payments were funded with company's cash on hand.

Asset write-downsCharges for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $12,274,000 which were related to intangible assets. NA/HME segment ($8,889,000), Europe ($1,975,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($1,410,000). The 2017 charges relate to plant closures/transfers and general reduction in force. In NA/HME, costs were incurred related to severance ($8,162,000) and lease termination costs ($727,000). The European charges were incurred related to severance ($1,753,000) and lease termination costs ($222,000). The Asia/Pacific charges were for severance costs. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $10,438,000 and the cash payments were funded with company's cash on hand.

To date, the company's liquidity has not been materially impacted; however, the company's disclosure below in Liquidity and Capital Resources highlights risks that could
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisOperating Income
Table of Contents

negatively impact the company's liquidity. See also "Charges Related to Restructuring Activities" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Impairment of Intangible Asset

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, the company reviews intangibles for impairment. As a result of the company's 20152018 intangible review, the company did not recognize anyrecognized an intangible write-down charges.impairment charge in the IPG segment of $583,000 ($431,000 after-tax) related to a trademark with an indefinite life. The fair value of the trademark was calculated using a relief from royalty payment methodology which requires applying an estimated market royalty rate to forecasted net sales and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value.

2017 Versus 2016

Consolidated operating loss increased by $24,944,000 to a loss of $40,159,000 in 2017 from a loss of $15,215,000 in 2016. Excluding a $7,386,000 gain on sale of the GCM business in 2016, the loss increased by $17,558,000 compared to 2016 primarily due to increased restructuring costs of $9,827,000 and lower net sales.

Europe - Operating income decreased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily related to unfavorable manufacturing costs, including unfavorable foreign exchange, and increased information technology, R&D and employment costs, partially offset by increased constant currency net sales, favorable net sales mix and reduced warranty expense.

NA/HME - Operating loss increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily related to net sales declines partially offset by favorable sales mix and reduced freight, employment, product liability, warranty, legal and R&D expenses. In addition, 2016 included $1,969,000 in operating income for GCM.

IPG - Operating income increased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily related to reduced SG&A, related to employment costs, and favorable product mix principally offset by net sales declines.

Asia/Pacific - Operating loss decreased in 2017 compared to 2016 primarily related to increased constant currency net sales, favorable sales mix, reduced R&D expense, and favorable foreign exchange.

All Other - Operating loss increased in 2017 compared to 2016 due to increased employment costs.

Gain on Sale of Business

As a result of the company's reviewsale of intangible assets for 2014,GCM on September 30, 2016, the company recognized intangible write-down chargesrecorded a gain in 2016 of $7,386,000 on the IPG segment of $13,041,000 comprised of a customer list impairment of $12,826,000 and a non-compete agreement of $215,000 assale, which represents the actual and remaining cash flows associated with the intangibles were less than the cash flows originally used to value the intangibles, primarily driven by reduced net sales. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for eachexcess of the above impairments.net sales price over the book value of the net assets of GCM.

Charge Related to Restructuring Activities.Activities

The company's restructuring charges were primarily originally necessitated primarily by continued declines in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement by the U.S. government, as well as similar healthcare reimbursement pressures abroad, which negatively affect the company's customers (e.g. home health care providers) and continued pricing pressures faced by the company as a result ofdue to the outsourcing by competitors to lower cost locations. In addition, restructuringRestructuring decisions were also the result of reduced profitability in the North America/NA/HME and Asia/Pacific segments impacted by the FDA consent decree. While the company's restructuring efforts have been executed on a timely basis resulting in operating cost savings, the savings have been more than offset by continued margin decline, principallysegments. In addition, as a result of product mix, reduced volumesthe company's transformation strategy, additional restructuring actions were incurred in 2016 and regulatory and compliance costs related to quality system improvements which are unrelated to the restructuring actions.continued in 2017. The company expects any near-term cost savings from restructuring will be offset by other costs as a resultbecause of pressures on the business.


I-44


Charges for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $1,971,000 including charges for severance ($1,678,000) and charges principally related to a building lease termination primarily in the North America/HME segment ($293,000). Severance charges were incurred in the North America/HME segment ($1,069,000), Europe segment ($510,000), IPG segment ($73,000) and Asia/Pacific segment ($26,000) related to the elimination of certain positions as a result of general restructuring efforts. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $3,723,000 and were funded with operating cash flows and cash on hand. The majority of the 2015 charges are expected to be paid out within the next 12 months.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 20142017 totaled $11,112,000 including charges for severance ($9,841,000), other charges in IPG and Europe ($1,286,000) principally$12,274,000 which were related to building write-downsNA/HME segment ($8,889,000), Europe ($1,975,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($1,410,000). The 2017 charges relate to plant closures/transfers and general reduction in force. In NA/HME, costs were incurred related to severance ($8,162,000) and lease termination cost reversalscosts ($15,000)727,000). SeveranceThe European charges were incurred in the North America/HME segmentrelated to severance ($4,404,000), Other1,753,000) and lease termination costs ($2,978,000), IPG segment ($1,163,000),222,000). The Asia/Pacific segment ($769,000) and Europe segment ($527,000). The North America/HME segment severance charges were principally related to additional positions eliminated due to lost sales volumes resulting from the impact of the FDA consent decree. The Otherfor severance charges related to the elimination of two senior corporate executive positions. IPG segment severance charges related principally to the closure of the London, Ontario facility. Europe and Asia/Pacific severance charges related to the elimination of certain positions as a result of general restructuring efforts. The costs related to the building write-downs related to two plant closures. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company.costs. Payments for the year ended December 31, 20142017 were $11,131,000$10,438,000 and the cash payments were funded with operatingcompany's cash flowson hand.
Charges for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $2,447,000 which were related to NA/HME segment ($2,347,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($100,000). In NA/HME, costs were incurred related to severance ($1,862,000) and lease termination costs ($485,000). The Asia/Pacific charges were for severance costs. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2016 were $2,992,000 and the cash payments were funded with company's revolving credit facility.cash on hand. The majority of the 20142016 charges have been paid out asout.

Impairment of December 31, 2015 except forIntangible Asset

As a majorityresult of the chargescompany's 2017 intangible review, the company recognized an intangible impairment charge in the IPG segment of $320,000 ($237,000 after-tax) related to a trademark with an indefinite life. The fair value of the trademark was calculated using a relief from royalty payment methodology which requires applying an estimated market royalty rate to forecasted net sales and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value.
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisOther Items
Table of Contents

OTHER ITEMS

2018 Versus 2017

Net Gain (Loss) on Convertible Debt Derivatives
($ in thousands USD)Change in Fair Value - Gain (Loss)
 20182017
Convertible Note Hedge Assets(90,505)43,344
Convertible Debt Conversion Liabilities102,499
(47,001)
Net gain (loss) on convertible debt derivatives11,994
(3,657)
   

The company recognized a net gain of $11,994,000 in 2018 compared to a net loss of $3,657,000 in 2017 related to the eliminationfair value of two senior corporate executive positions.

To date, the company's liquidity has not been materially impacted; however, the company's disclosure in Liquidity and Capital Resources highlights risks that could negatively impact the company's liquidity.convertible debt derivatives. See also "Charges Related to Restructuring Activities""Long-Term Debt" in the Notesnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.report for more detail.

Interest.Interest Interest expense decreased to $2,911,000 in 2015 from $3,039,000 in 2014, representing a 4.2% decrease. This decrease was attributable primarily to lower average borrowings in 2015 versus 2014, despite an increase in interest expense related to capital leases. Interest income in 2015 was $165,000 as compared to $507,000 in 2014, primarily due to interest income earned in Europe on a VAT receivable in 2014 that did not occur in 2015.
($ in thousands USD)20182017$ Change% Change
Interest Expense28,336
22,907
5,429
23.7
Interest Income(534)(473)(61)(12.9)

Interest expense increased due to the full year impact of the convertible debt issuance in the second quarter of 2017.

Income Taxes.Taxes

The company had an effective tax rate charge of 125.3%28.8% and 15.5% on losses before taxes in 20152018 and 2017, respectively, compared to an expected benefit at the U.S. statutory rate of 35% on the continuing operations pre-tax loss21.0% and 8.8% in 2014 compared to an expected benefit of 35%35.0% on the pre-tax loss from continuing operations.losses for each period, respectively. The company's effective tax rate in 20152018 and 2017 was unfavorable compared to the expected U.S. federal statutory rate expected benefit, principally due to the negative impact of the company not being ablecompany's inability to record tax benefits related to the significant losses in countries which had tax valuation allowances. The 2018 effective tax rate was increased by certain taxes outside the United States, excluding countries with tax valuation allowances, for the year, morethat were at an effective rate higher than offsetting the benefit of foreign income taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory rate. The 2018 effective rate was also benefited by 5.9% as a result of the effect of indefinite intangibles and a related 2018 indefinite loss carryforward created in 2018 due to U.S. tax reform. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the company's effective tax rate in 2014 was unfavorable to the expected U.S. federal statutory rate benefitalso provisionally benefited by 2.4% due to the negative impact of the company not being able to recordU.S. federal tax benefits related to losses in countries which had tax valuation allowances for the year, except in the U.S. where a benefit of $7,175,000 was recognized as an intra-period allocation with discontinued operations against a portion of the domestic taxable loss from continuing operations, more than offsetting the benefit of foreign income taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory rate.legislation rate reduction. See “Income Taxes” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail.
 
Research and Development. The company continues to invest in research and development activities. 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, decreased to $18,677,000 in 2015 from $23,149,000 in 2014. The expenditures, as a percentage of net sales, were 1.6% and 1.8% in 2015 and 2014, respectively.
2017 Versus 2016


Net Gain (Loss) on Convertible Debt Derivatives
2014 Versus 2013
($ in thousands USD)Change in Fair Value - Gain (Loss)
 20172016
Convertible Note Hedge Assets43,344
(2,504)
Convertible Debt Conversion Liabilities(47,001)3,772
Net gain (loss) on convertible debt derivatives(3,657)1,268
   

Net Sales. ConsolidatedThe company recognized a net sales for 2014 decreased 4.8% for the year, to $1,270,163,000 from $1,334,505,000loss of $3,657,000 in 2013. Foreign currency translation increased net sales by 0.2 of a percentage point. Constant currency net sales decreased 5.0% as a result of declines in the North America/HME, IPG and Asia/Pacific segments being offset by increases in the European segment.


I-45


Europe

European net sales increased 4.7% in 20142017 compared to the prior year to $610,555,000 from $583,143,000 as foreign currency translation increaseda net sales by 1.1 percentage points. Constant currency net sales increased 3.6% principally due to increasesgain of $1,268,000 in lifestyle and mobility and seating products, which were partially offset by declines in respiratory products.
North America/Home Medical Equipment (North America/HME)

North America/HME net sales decreased 13.8% in 2014 versus the prior year to $507,867,000 from $589,240,000 with foreign currency translation decreasing net sales by 0.5 of a percentage point. The constant currency net sales decrease of 13.3% was driven by declines in all product categories. The net sales decline in respiratory products was primarily attributable to a significant shipment of Invacare® HomeFill® oxygen systems to a large national account in 2013 that did not repeat in 2014. The net sales decline in lifestyle products was primarily impacted by a shift toward lower cost products for certain lifestyle products that are subject to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' National Competitive Bidding program and pre- and post-payment audits. The net sales decline in mobility and seating products was primarily driven by reduced net sales of scooter products, which the company decided to exit domestically. In addition, the mobility and seating product category continued to be impacted by the FDA consent decree, which limits production of custom power wheelchairs and seating systems at the Taylor Street manufacturing facility to products having properly completed verification of medical necessity (VMN) documentation. The VMN is a signed document from a clinician, and in some instances a physician, that certifies that the product is deemed medically necessary for a particular patient's condition, which cannot be adequately addressed by another manufacturer's product or which is a replacement of the patient's existing product.

Institutional Products Group (IPG)

IPG net sales decreased 8.5% in 2014 over the prior year to $102,796,000 from $112,290,000 with foreign currency translation decreasing sales by 0.3 of a percentage point. The constant currency net sales decrease of 8.2% was driven primarily by declines in all product categories except therapeutic support surfaces and patient transport products.

Asia/Pacific

Asia/Pacific net sales decreased 1.8% in 2014 from the prior year to $48,945,000 from $49,832,000. Foreign currency translation decreased net sales by 1.4 percentage points. Constant currency net sales decreased 0.4% largely due to declines at the company's subsidiary that produces microprocessor controllers primarily related to its decision to exit the contract manufacturing business for customers outside of the healthcare industry. This was partially offset by growth in the company's Australian distribution business. Changes in exchange rates, particularly with the euro and U.S. dollar had a significant impact on sales in this segment.

Gross Profit. Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 27.3% in 2014 as compared to 27.5% in 2013. The margin decline was principally related to reduced volumes, sales mix favoring lower margin product lines and lower margin customers and an incremental warranty expense related to three recalls. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for the Europe, IPG and Asia/Pacific segments was favorable as compared to the prior year with the North America/HME segment unfavorable compared to the prior year. The 2014 gross margin reflected an incremental warranty expense for three previously disclosed recalls of $11,493,000 or 0.9 of a percentage point. The incremental warranty expense was recorded in the North America/HME, Europe and Asia/Pacific reporting segments. The company's warranty reserve is subject to adjustment as new developments change the company's estimates. The 2013 gross margin reflected an incremental warranty expense for a power wheelchair joystick recall of $7,264,000 or 0.5 of a percentage point. The incremental warranty expense was recorded in the North America/HME and Asia/Pacific reporting segments. In addition, the 2013 gross margin benefited by $1,389,000 or 0.1 of a percentage point, related to an amended value added tax (VAT) filing recognized in the European segment.

Gross profit in Europe as a percentage of net sales increased 1.0 percentage point in 2014 from the prior year. The increase in margin was principally due to favorable customer and product mix and lower product costs partially offset by increased warranty and freight expense. The 2014 gross margin reflected an incremental warranty expense of $3,395,000 pre-tax or 0.6 of a percentage point for a previously disclosed recall. Gross margin in 2013 benefited by $1,389,000 or 0.2 of a percentage point, related to an amended VAT filing recognized in the fourth quarter of 2013.
North America/HME gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 2.5 percentage points in 2014 from the prior year. The decline in margins was principally due to an unfavorable sales mix favoring lower margin products, increased warranty expense and asset write-offs attributable to canceled product launches. The 2014 gross margin reflected an incremental recall expense of $6,833,000 or 1.3 of a percentage point for three recalls compared to $2,625,000 or 0.4 of a percentage point for the joystick recall initiated in 2013.

I-46


IPG gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 0.9 of a percentage point in 2014 from the prior year. The increase in margin was primarily attributable to lower R&D and warranty expense.

Gross profit in Asia/Pacific as a percentage of net sales increased 2.4 percentage points in 2014 from the prior year. The increase was primarily as a result of reduced warranty expense and a favorable product mix2016 related to the company's decision to exit the contract manufacturing business for customers outsidefair value of the healthcare industry partially offset by unfavorable absorption of fixed costs at the company's subsidiary which produces microprocessor controllers. The 2014 gross margin reflected an incremental warranty expense for the power wheelchair joystick recall of $1,265,000 pre-tax, or 2.6 percentage points compared an incremental warranty expense for the power wheelchair joystick recall of $4,639,000 pre-tax, or 9.3 percentage points, recorded in 2013.

convertible debt derivatives. See “Current Liabilities”"Long-Term Debt" in the Notesnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail.
Interest
($ in thousands USD)20172016$ Change% Change
Interest Expense22,907
15,875
7,032
44.3
Interest Income(473)(265)(208)(78.5)

Interest expense increased due to the total provision amounts and a reconciliation of the changesconvertible debt issuance in the warranty accrual.second quarter of 2017.

Selling, General and Administrative. Consolidated selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses as a percentage of net sales were 30.2% in 2014 and 29.8% in 2013. The overall dollar decrease was $13,419,000, or 3.4%, with foreign currency translation increasing expense by $85,000. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses decreased $13,504,000, or 3.4%. This decrease was primarily attributable to reduced employment, bad debt and consulting expense, including lower regulatory and compliance costs related to quality systems improvements.Income Taxes

European SG&A expenses increased by 5.2%, or $6,917,000, in 2014 compared to 2013. Foreign currency translation increased expense by approximately $1,569,000 or 1.2 percentage points. Excluding the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses increased by $5,348,000, or 4.0%, primarily due to higher employment costs.

SG&A expenses for North America/HME decreased 11.2%, or $19,626,000, in 2014 compared to 2013 with foreign currency translation decreasing expense by $1,009,000 or 0.6 of a percentage point. Excluding the foreign currency translation, SG&A expense decreased $18,617,000, or 10.6%, due principally to reduced employment, bad debt and consulting expense, including lower regulatory and compliance costs related to quality systems improvements.

SG&A expenses for IPG decreased by 6.5%, or $2,862,000, in 2014 compared to 2013 with foreign currency translation decreasing expense by $144,000, or 0.3 of a percentage point. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses decreased by $2,718,000, or 6.2%, primarily due to reduced employment costs. 

Asia/Pacific SG&A expenses decreased 4.7%, or $1,059,000, in 2014 compared to 2013. Foreign currency translation decreased expense by $331,000 or 1.5 percentage points. Excluding the foreign currency translation impact, SG&A expenses decreased $728,000, or 3.2%, principally as a result of reduced associate costs and depreciation expense.

SG&A expenses related to the Other Segment increased by 14.9% or $3,211,000 in 2014 as compared to 2013. The increase is attributable to increased employment costs including $1,800,000 related to the retirement of an executive officer of the company.

Asset write-downs to intangible assets. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, the company reviews intangibles for impairment. As a result of the company's 2014 intangible review, the company recognized intangible write-down charges in the IPG segment of $13,041,000 comprised of a customer list impairment of $12,826,000 and a non-compete agreement of $215,000 as the actual and remaining cash flows associated with the intangibles were less than the cash flows originally used to value the intangibles, primarily driven by reduced net sales. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for each of the above impairments.

As a result of the company's 2013 intangible impairment review, the company recognized intangible write-down charges of $1,523,000 comprised of trademarks with indefinite lives impairment of $568,000, a trademark with a definite life impairment of $123,000, customer list impairment of $442,000 and developed technology impairment of $223,000 all recorded in the IPG segment and a customer list impairment of $167,000 recorded in the North America/HME segment. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for each of the above impairments except for the indefinite-lived trademark impairments in the IPG segment, which were $496,000 after-tax.

Charge Related to Restructuring Activities. The company's restructuring charges were necessitated primarily by continued declines in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement by the U.S. government, as well as similar healthcare reimbursement pressures abroad, which negatively affect the company's customers (e.g. home health care providers) and continued pricing pressures faced by the company as a result of outsourcing by competitors to lower cost locations. In addition, restructuring decisions were also the result of reduced profitability in the North America/HME segment impacted by the FDA consent decree. While the company's

I-47


restructuring efforts have been executed on a timely basis resulting in operating cost savings, the savings have been more than offset by continued margin decline, principally as a result of product mix, reduced volumes and regulatory and compliance costs related to quality system improvements which are unrelated to the restructuring actions. The company expects any near-term cost savings from restructuring will be offset by other costs as a result of pressures on the business.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $11,112,000 including charges for severance ($9,841,000), other charges in IPG and Europe ($1,286,000) principally related to building write-downs and lease termination cost reversals ($15,000). Severance charges were incurred in the North America/HME segment ($4,404,000), Other ($2,978,000), IPG segment ($1,163,000), Asia/Pacific segment ($769,000) and Europe segment ($527,000). The North America/HME segment severance was principally related to additional positions eliminated due to lost sales volumes resulting from the impact of the FDA consent decree. The Other severance related to the elimination of two senior corporate executive positions. IPG segment severance related principally to the closure of the London, Ontario facility. Europe and Asia/Pacific severance related to the elimination of certain positions as a result of general restructuring efforts. The costs related to the building write-downs related to two plant closures. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $11,131,000 and were funded with operating cash flows and the company's revolving credit facility. The majority of the 2014 charges are expected to be paid out within the next 12 months.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled $9,336,000, including charges for severance ($8,282,000), lease termination costs ($698,000) and other miscellaneous charges ($356,000). Severance charges were primarily incurred in the North America/HME segment ($5,405,000), Europe segment ($1,640,000) and Asia/Pacific segment ($970,000). The charges were incurred as a result of the elimination of various positions as part of the company's globalization initiatives. North America/HME segment severance was principally related to positions eliminated due to lost sales volumes resulting from the impact of the FDA consent decree. In Europe, severance was incurred for elimination of certain sales and supply chain positions. In Asia/Pacific, severance was principally incurred at the company's subsidiary, which produces microprocessor controllers, as a result of the company's decision in 2012 to cease the contract manufacturing business for companies outside of the healthcare industry. The lease termination costs were principally related to Australia as a result of the restructuring announced in 2012. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2013 totaled were $11,844,000 and were funded with operating cash flows and the company's revolving credit facility. The 2013 charges have been paid out.

Interest. Interest expense decreased to $3,039,000 in 2014 from $3,078,000 in 2013, representing a 1.3% decrease. This decrease was attributable primarily to debt reduction during the year as proceeds from the sale of a business were utilized to reduce debt, which was principally offset by higher borrowing rates and reduced supplier cash discounts. Interest income in 2014 was $507,000 as compared to $384,000 in 2013, primarily due to interest income earned in Europe on a VAT receivable.

Income Taxes.The company had an effective tax rate charge of 8.8%15.5% and 45.0% on losses before taxes in 20142017 and 2016, respectively, compared to an expected benefit at the U.S. statutory rate of 35% on the continuing operations pre-tax loss and 25.0% in 2013 compared to an expected benefit of 35%35.0% on the pre-tax loss from continuing operations.losses for each period. The company's effective tax rate in 20142017 and 2016 was unfavorable compared to the expected U.S. federal statutory rate expected benefit, principally due to the negative impact of the company not being ablecompany's inability to record tax benefits related to the significant losses in countries which had tax valuation allowances forallowances. During the year, except infourth quarter of 2017, the company's effective tax rate also provisionally benefited by 2.4% due to the U.S. where a benefit of $7,175,000federal tax legislation rate reduction. The effective tax rate was recognized asreduced by certain taxes outside the United States, excluding countries with tax valuation allowances, that were at an intra-period allocation with discontinued operations against a portion of the domestic taxable loss from continuing operations, moreeffective rate lower than offsetting the benefit of foreign income taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory rate. The company's effectiveDuring 2016, installment payments were made related to a previously disclosed liability for uncertain tax rate in 2013 was unfavorable topositions including accelerating the expected U.S. federal statutory rate benefit due to the negative impactbalance of the company not being ableinstallment obligation, in order to record tax benefits related to losses in countries which had tax valuation allowances for the year, except in the U.S. where a benefit of $3,445,000 was recognized as an intra-period allocation with discontinued operations, more than offsetting the benefit of foreign income taxed at rates below the U.S. statutory rate. In 2013, the company's losses without benefit and valuation allowances existed in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, and for 2014 also existed for one company in Switzerland. During 2013 a Danish valuation allowance of $390,000 was reversed due to a pattern of profitability.reduce interest costs. See “Income Taxes” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail.
Research and Development. Research and development expenditures, which are included in costs of products sold, increased to $23,149,000 in 2014 from $24,075,000 in 2013. The expenditures, as a percentage of net sales, were 1.8% and 1.8% in 2014 and 2013, respectively.


I-48
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisLiquidity and Capital Resources


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.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


The company continues to maintain an adequate liquidity position through its cash balances and unused bank lines of credit (see Long-Term Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report), the net proceeds of the company's issuance in February 2016 of $130,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% convertible senior notes due in 2021 (see Subsequent Events in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report) and working capital management.as described below.

The company's total debt outstanding, inclusive ofKey balances on the debt discount included in equity in accordance with FSB APB 14-1, increased by $25,993,000 to $48,323,000 at December 31, 2015 from $22,330,000 as of December 31, 2014. The company's balance sheet reflects the impact of ASC 470-20, which reduced debt and increased equity by $1,203,000 and $1,999,000 as of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The debt discount decreased $796,000 during 2015, as a result of amortization of the convertible debt discount. The debt increase during the year was principally the result of the recording of $32,339,000 in capital lease liabilities as a result of the company's real estate sale and leaseback transaction completed in the second quarter of 2015. related metrics:
($ in thousands USD)December 31, 2018December 31, 2017$ Change% Change
Cash and cash equivalents116,907
176,528
(59,621)(33.8)
Working capital (1)
199,202
238,850
(39,648)(16.6)
Total debt (2)
299,912
301,415
(1,503)(0.5)
Long-term debt (2)
297,802
299,375
(1,573)(0.5)
Total shareholders' equity359,147
423,294
(64,147)(15.2)
Credit agreement borrowing availability (3)
33,362
39,949
(6,587)(16.5)
(1)
Current assets less current liabilities.
(2)
Long-term debt and Total debt include debt issuance costs recognized as a deduction from the carrying amount of debt liability and debt discounts classified as debt or equity.
(3)
Reflects the combined availability of the company's North American and European asset-based revolving credit facilities. The change is borrowing availability is due to changes in the calculated borrowing base.

The company's cash and cash equivalents were $60,055,000$116,907,000 and $176,528,000 at December 31, 2015 compared to $38,931,0002018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The decrease in cash balances at December 31, 2014. At2018 compared to December 31, 2015,2017 was primarily the company had no borrowings outstanding on its revolving credit facility compared to $4,000,000 asresult of December 31, 2014.

The company's borrowing capacity and cash balances were utilized for normal operations during the period ended December 31, 2015. in 2018.

Debt repayments, acquisitions, divestitures, the timing of vendor payments, the timing of customer rebate payments, the granting of extended payment terms to significant national accounts and other activity can have a significant impact on the company's cash flow and borrowings outstanding such that the debtcash reported at the end of a given period may be materially different than debtcash levels during a given period. During 2015, the outstanding borrowings on the company's revolving credit facility varied from a low of zero to a high of $35,000,000. While the company has cash balances in various jurisdictions around the world, there are no material restrictions regarding the use of such cash for dividends within the company, loans or other purposes, except in China where the cash balance as of December 31, 20152018 was approximately $5,500,000.$496,000.

On January 16, 2015,The company's total debt outstanding, inclusive of the debt discount related to the debentures included in equity in accordance with FSB APB 14-1 as well as the debt discount and fees associated with the company's Convertible Senior
Notes due 2021 and 2022 ("the Notes"), decreased by $1,503,000 to $299,912,000 at December 31, 2018 from $301,415,000 as of December 31, 2017.

The debt discount and fees associated with the 2021 and 2022 Notes reduced the company's reported debt balance by $44,267,000 and $57,970,000 as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the company entered intohad zero borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility.

The company has an asset-based lending Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the “Prior Credit“Credit Agreement”), which was amended on April 22, 2015 and amended and restated on September 30, 2015 to provideprovides for a new revolving line of credit, letter of credit and swing line facility for Europeanthe company's U.S. and Canadian borrowers (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”). The initial borrowings under the Prior Credit Agreement were used to repay approximately $17,000,000 in an aggregate principal amount of borrowingsup to $100,000,000 (the "U.S. and terminate the company's previous credit agreement,Canadian Credit Facility") and a similar facility for European borrowers in an aggregate principal amount of up to $30,000,000 (the "European Credit Facility") each of which was scheduledis subject to mature in October 2015. variable rates and availability based on a borrowing base formula.

As determined pursuant to the borrowing base formula for the U.S. and Canadian borrowers, the company’scompany's borrowing base including the period ending December 31, 20152018 under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was approximately $64,655,000,$41,469,000, with aggregate borrowing availability of approximately $38,230,000,$21,274,000, taking into account the then-applicable $10,000,000$5,000,000 minimum availability reserve, then-outstanding letters of credit, other reserves and the $11,250,000 dominion trigger amount noted below. As determined pursuant to the borrowing base formula for the European borrowers, the company’scompany's borrowing base including the period ending December 31, 20152018 under the European Credit Facility of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was approximately $21,528,000,$18,463,000, with aggregate borrowing availability of approximately $15,153,000, taking into account$12,088,000, considering the $3,000,000 minimum availability reserve then-outstanding letters of credit, other reserves and the $3,375,000 dominion trigger amount noted below. As of See Long-Term Debt inDecember 31, 2018, the Notes tocombined aggregate borrowing availability under the Consolidated Financial Statements for more details regardingU.S. and Canadian Credit Facility and the Amended and RestatedEuropean Credit Agreement.Facility of the Credit Agreement was $33,362,000.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisLiquidity and Capital Resources
Table of Contents

As a result of entering into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the company incurred $1,954,000 in fees which were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense through January 2018. In addition,16, 2021 of which $797,000 are yet to be amortized as a result of terminating the previous credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature in October 2015, the company wrote-off $668,000 in previously capitalized fees in the first quarter of 2015, which is reflected in the expense of the North America / HME segment.December 31, 2018.
As of December 31, 2015,2018, the company was in compliance with all covenant requirements.requirements under the Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants including dominion triggers requiring the company to maintain borrowing capacity of not less than $11,250,000 on anany given business day or $12,500,000 for five consecutive days related to the U.S. and Canadian borrowers, and $3,375,000 on anany given business day or 12.5% of the maximum amount that may be drawn under the European Credit Facility for five consecutive days related to European borrowers, in order to avoid triggering

I-49


full control by an agent for the lenders of the company's cash receipts for application to the company's obligations under the agreement.

If the company is unable to comply with the provisions in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, it could result in a default, which could trigger acceleration of, or the right to accelerate, the related debt. Because of cross-default provisions in its agreements and instruments governing certain of the company's indebtedness, a default under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement could result in a default under, and the acceleration of, certain other company indebtedness. In addition, the company's lenders would be entitled to proceed against the collateral securing the indebtedness.

Based on the company's current expectations, the company believes that its cash balances cash generated by operations and available borrowing capacity under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement should be sufficient to meet working capital needs, capital requirements, and commitments for at least the next twelve months, including payments of $9,379,000 to settle tax liabilities during the next twelve months. Notwithstanding the company's expectations, if the company's operating results decline as the result of pressures on the business due to, for example, currency fluctuations or regulatory issues or the company's failure to execute its business plans, the company may be unable to comply with its obligations under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and its lenders could demand repayment of theany amounts outstanding under the company's credit facilities.

On February 23,In the first quarter of 2016, the company issued $130,000,000$150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2021 Notes in a private offering. The notesoffering which bear interest at a rate of 5.00% per year payable semi-annually and will mature in February 2021, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to August 15, 2020, the notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2021 Notes were
$144,034,000, after deducting fees and offering expenses payable by the company. Approximately $5,000,000 of the net proceeds from the offering was used to repurchase the company's common shares, and $15,600,000 of the net proceeds was used to pay the net cost of the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions. The company incurred fees which were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense through February 2021 of which $2,547,000 have yet to be amortized as of December 31, 2018.

In the second quarter of 2017, the company issued $120,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes in a private offering which bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually and will mature in June 2022, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to December 1, 2021, the 2022 notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The net proceeds from the offering of the 2022 notes were approximately $115,289,000, after deducting fees and offering expenses of $4,711,000. These debt issuance costs were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense through June 2022 of which $3,051,000 have yet to be amortized as of December 31, 2018. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering were used to pay the cost of the convertible note hedge transactions (after such cost is partially offset by the proceeds to the company from the warrant transactions), which net cost was $10,680,000.

Unless and until the company obtains shareholder approval of the issuance of the company's common shares upon conversion of the Notes under applicable New York Stock Exchange rules, the notesNotes will be convertible, subject to certain conditions, into cash. If the company obtains such shareholder approval, the notesNotes may be settled in cash, the company’scompany's common shares or a combination of cash and the company’scompany's common shares, at the company’scompany's election. The company is considering whether to seek such shareholder approval at its 2019 annual meeting of shareholders.

In connection with the offering of the notes,Notes offerings, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with twocertain financial institutions (the “option counterparties”). These transactions cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of the company’scompany's common shares that will initially underlie the notes,Notes, and are expected generally to reduce the potential equity dilution, and/or offset any cash payments in excess of the principal amount due, as the case may be, upon conversion of the notes.Notes. The company entered into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the option counterparties at a higher strike price relating to the same number of the company’scompany's common shares, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, pursuant to which the company will sellsold warrants to the option counterparties. The
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisLiquidity and Capital Resources
Table of Contents

warrants could have a dilutive effect on the company’scompany's outstanding common shares and the company’scompany's earnings per share to the extent that the price of the company’scompany's common shares exceeds the strike price of those warrants.

The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $124,800,000, after deducting feescompany has used, and estimated offering expenses payable by the company. Approximately $5,000,000 of the net proceeds from the offering was usedintends to repurchase the company’s common shares, and $13,520,000 of the net proceeds was used to pay the net cost of the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions. The company intendscontinue to use the remaining net proceeds from the offeringNotes offerings for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include funding portions of the company’scompany's ongoing turnaround and addressing potential risks and contingencies described in the “Risk Factors” contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.contingencies. The net proceeds will allowhave allowed the company to invest in new products, people, marketing initiatives and working capital to transform the business and pursue growth.

See Subsequent Events in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2021 and the related convertible note hedge and warrant transactions.

The company also has an agreement with De Lage Landen, Inc. (“DLL”), a third partythird-party financing company, to provide the majority of future lease financing to the company's North AmericaU.S. customers. Either party could terminate this agreement with 180 days' notice or 90 days' notice by DLL upon the occurrence of certain events. Should this agreement be terminated, the company's borrowing needs under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement could increase.

While there is general concern in the company about the potential for rising interest rates, the company believes that its exposure to interest rate fluctuations is manageable as the company has the ability to utilize swaps to exchange variable rate debt for fixed rate debt, if needed, and the company expects that it will be able to absorb any modest rate increases in the months ahead without any material impact on its liquidity or capital resources. For 20152018 and 2014,2017, the weighted average interest rate on all borrowings, excluding capital leases, was 3.83%4.78% and 2.87%4.84%, respectively.

See Long-Term Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more details regarding the company's credit facilities.

I-50























CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

There arewere no individually material capital expenditure commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2015.2018. The company estimates that capital investments for 20162019 will be between $18,000,000 and $25,000,000approximately $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 compared to actual capital expenditures of $7,522,000$9,823,000 in 2015.2018. The anticipated increase considersrelates primarily to the company's investments to transform the company. The company believes that its balances of cash and cash equivalents and existing borrowing facilities will be sufficient to meet its operating cash requirements and fund required capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.(see "Liquidity and Capital Resources"). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as amended in February 2016, limits the company's annual capital expenditures to $35,000,000.

CASH FLOWS

Cash flows used by operating activities were $5,378,000 in 2015, compared to cash flows provided by operating activities of $8,892,000 in the previous year. The 2015 operating cash flows were impacted by a decline in accrued expenses, accounts payable and other long-term obligations, which was partially offset by the positive cash flow impact of a lower net loss and a reduction in inventory and accounts receivable. The current year decline in accrued expenses was largely driven by benefit payments of $24,651,000 related to the 2014 retirements of executive officers of the company.

Cash flows provided by investing activities were $44,376,000 in 2015, compared to $33,582,000 in 2014. Cash flows provided by investing activities in 2015 included the receipt of $23,000,000 in proceeds from the company's real estate sale leaseback transaction as well as the surrender of corporate-owned life insurance of $11,902,000 to fund payments in 2015 related to the retirement of certain executive officers of the company in 2014. In addition, the company received net proceeds of $13,700,000 from the sale of its rental businesses in July 2015. By comparison, cash flows provided by investing activities in 2014 were driven by the proceeds from the sale of a business of $21,870,000 and the sale of corporate-owned life insurance assets of $21,338,000.

Cash flows used by financing activities in 2015 were $14,346,000 compared to $32,158,000 in 2014. The decrease in cash used was principally the result of lower net repayments of debt. Cash used for financing in 2015 also included payment of financing costs related to the company's refinancing of debt in 2015.

During 2015, the company generated free cash flow of $13,940,000 compared to free cash flow of $8,412,000 in 2014. The increase was most significantly affected by the positive impact of $23,000,000 in proceeds related to the company's real estate sale leaseback transaction and the negative impact of benefit payments of $24,651,000 related to the 2014 retirements of executive officers of the company. 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,
 2015 2014
Net cash provided by operating activities$(5,378) $8,892
Plus: Net cash impact related to restructuring activities3,723
 9,326
Sales of property and equipment23,117
 2,521
Less: Purchases of property and equipment—net(7,522) (12,327)
Free Cash Flow$13,940
 $8,412


I-51


BUSINESS SEGMENT NET SALES

The following tables provide net sales change for continuing operations as reported and as adjusted to exclude the impact of foreign exchange translation (constant currency net sales) as well as net sales further adjusted to exclude the impact of the sale of the rentals businesses, which were sold in July 2015 and not deemed discontinued operations for financial reporting purposes.

Twelve months ended December 31, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014:
 Reported Foreign Currency Translation Impact Constant Currency
North America / HME(6.6)% (1.0)% (5.6)%
Institutional Products Group(15.2)% (0.8)% (14.4)%
Europe(12.1)% (15.6)% 3.5 %
Asia/Pacific(9.0)% (16.5)% 7.5 %
Consolidated(10.1)% (8.7)% (1.4)%
      
 Reported Impact of Rentals Businesses Reported excluding Rentals Businesses
Institutional Products Group(15.2)% (17.7)% 2.5 %
Consolidated(10.1)% (1.2)% (8.9)%
      
 Constant Currency Impact of Rentals Businesses Constant Currency excluding Rentals Businesses
Institutional Products Group(14.4)% (18.1)% 3.7 %
Consolidated(1.4)% (1.4)%  %

Twelve months ended December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013:
 Reported Foreign Currency Translation Impact Constant Currency
North America / HME(13.8)% (0.5)% (13.3)%
Institutional Products Group(8.5)% (0.3)% (8.2)%
Europe4.7 % 1.1 % 3.6 %
Asia/Pacific(1.8)% (1.4)% (0.4)%
Consolidated(4.8)% 0.2 % (5.0)%

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):
 Payments due by period
 Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
More than
5 years
4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027$19,476
 $551
 $1,101
 $1,101
 $16,723
Operating lease obligations32,623
 15,067
 13,809
 3,479
 268
Capital lease obligations47,812
 3,375
 6,223
 5,342
 32,872
Purchase obligations (primarily computer systems contracts)20,754
 8,622
 11,364
 768
 
Product liability17,709
 3,127
 6,935
 3,206
 4,441
Tax liability10,857
 9,379
 1,478
 
 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan6,209
 1,279
 782
 782
 3,366
Other, principally deferred compensation4,321
 155
 310
 141
 3,715
Total$159,761
 $41,555
 $42,002
 $14,819
 $61,385

I-52


The table does not include any payments related to liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions as the company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate as to the timing of any other payments. See Income Taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

DIVIDEND POLICY

It is the company’scompany'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 atFor 2018, annualized dividends of $0.05 per Common Share and $0.045$0.023 per Class B Common Share.Share were declared and paid. It is not anticipated that this annual dividend rate for Common Shares will change materially as the company believes that capital should be kept available for use ininvestments and growth opportunities through internal development and acquisitions. For 2015, annualized dividendsas a result of $0.05 per Common Share and $0.045 perits multi-year turnaround strategy. The Board of Directors has suspended the company's regular quarterly dividend on the Class B Common Shares starting in Q3 2018. Less than 7,000 Class B Common Shares remain outstanding and suspending the regular Class B dividend allows the company to save on the administrative costs and compliance expenses associated with that dividend. Holders of Class B Common Shares are entitled to convert their shares into Common Shares at any time on a share-for-share basis and would be eligible for any Common Share weredividends declared and paid.following any such conversion.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisCash Flows
Table of Contents

CASH FLOWS

chart-d11af8bc1b7354178caa01.jpg
Cash flows used by operating activities were $46,423,000 in 2018, compared to cash flow used of $25,774,000 in the previous year. The 2018 operating cash flows benefited from a significantly lower operating loss which was more than offset by increased inventory and a decrease in accrued expenses. The increase inventory levels were primarily driven by inventory related to facility consolidation production transfers in Europe and reduced respiratory sales in NA/HME. In 2017, operating cash flows were negatively impacted by a net loss and declines in accrued expenses and accounts payable.
chart-86c1f86118cc5a5585ca01.jpg
Cash flows used by investing activities were $6,363,000 in 2018, compared to cash flows used by investing activities of $14,648,000 in 2017. The decrease in cash flows used for investing was driven by lower purchases of property, plant and equipment as well as an advance payment of $3,524,000 related to the sale of the company's Isny, Germany facility for which control is not expected

to transfer until April 2020. Cash flow used by investing activities in 2017 included an increase of approximately $5,250,000 in demonstration equipment classified as purchases of property and equipment. The company determined the 2017 investment in certain demonstration equipment should be recorded as fixed assets and depreciated over their estimated useful life considering their estimated recoverable values. This determination was based on the company deciding to place the equipment in provider locations for longer periods of time versus historically, selling the units.
chart-e7ac04238d8653818eca01.jpg
Cash flows used by financing activities in 2018 were $2,924,000 compared to cash flow provided of $88,097,000 in 2017. Cash flows provided in 2017 reflect net proceeds received as a result of the issuance of the 2022 Notes, including the net proceeds used for the related convertible note hedge transactions and payment of financing costs. These proceeds were partially offset by the repayment of $13,350,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2027 Debentures.

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure and is reconciled to the corresponding GAAP measure as follows:
($ in thousands USD)
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 2018 2017
Net cash used by operating activities$(46,423) $(25,774)
Plus: Sales of property and equipment40
 369
Plus: Advance payment from sale of property3,524
 
Less: Purchases of property and equipment(9,823) (14,569)
Free Cash Flow$(52,682) $(39,974)
    

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisCash Flows
Table of Contents

Free cash flow was negative $52,682,000 in 2018 compared to $39,974,000 in 2017. Free cash flow was impacted in both years by the same items affecting cash flows used by operating activities. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure comprised of net cash used by operating activities less purchases of property and equipment plus 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.).
chart-65eee886684c518d902a01.jpg
Free cash flow for 2018 improved sequentially each quarter of 2018 as the company historically realizes stronger cash flow in the second half of the year versus the first half of the year and the company anticipates this cash flow seasonality will be similar in 2019. While each of the first three quarters were also an improvement over the same periods of 2017, Q4 18 free cash flow was $19,459,000 lower than Q4 17 as a result of increased accounts receivable balances and an expected temporary increase in inventory related to reduced net sales of respiratory products in NA/HME and facility consolidation production transfers in Europe.

The company has historically generated negative free cash flow during the first half of the year. This pattern is expected to continue due to the timing of annual one-time payments such as customer rebates and employee bonuses earned during the prior year, and higher working capital usage from seasonal inventory increases. The absence of these payments and somewhat seasonally stronger sales in the second half of the year typically result in more favorable free cash flow in the second half of the year.
The company's approximate cash conversion days at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows:
chart-39818cba6cf15289942a01.jpg
The decrease in days in receivables from 2017 to 2018 was driven primarily by lower receivables at the end of 2018 compared to 2017.

Days in receivables are equal to current quarter net current receivables divided by trailing four quarters of net sales multiplied by 365 days. Days in inventory and accounts payable are equal to current quarter net inventory and accounts payable, respectively, divided by trailing four quarters of cost of sales multiplied by 365 days. Total cash
conversion days are equal to days in receivables plus days in inventory less days in accounts payable.

The company provides a summary of days of cash conversion for the components of working capital, so investors may see the rate at which cash is disbursed, collected and how quickly inventory is converted and sold.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisAccounting Estimates and Pronouncements
Table of Contents

ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND PRONOUNCEMENTS

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATESPOLICIES

The Consolidated Financial Statements included in the report include accounts of the company and all majority-owned subsidiaries. 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 the company’scompany's consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Invacare’sThe company recognizes revenues are recognized when products are shippedcontrol of the product or services providedservice is transferred to unaffiliated customers. Revenue RecognitionRevenues from Contracts with Customers, ASC 605,606, provides guidance on the application of generally accepted accounting principles to selected revenue recognition issues. The company has concluded that its revenue recognition policy is appropriate and in accordance with GAAP under ASC 606.

All of the company's product-related contracts, and ASC 605. Shippinga portion related to services, have a single performance obligation, which is the promise to transfer an individual good or service, with revenue recognized at a point in time. Certain service-related contracts contain multiple performance obligations that require the company to allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation. For such contracts, the company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price at inception of the contract. The company determined the standalone selling price based on the expected cost-plus margin methodology. Revenue related to the service contracts with multiple performance obligations is recognized over time. To the extent performance obligations are satisfied over time, the company defers revenue recognition until the performance obligations are satisfied.

The determination of when and handling costshow much revenue to recognize can require the use of significant judgment. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of the company's products and services to the customer.
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring the product or providing services. The amount of consideration received and recognized as revenue by the company can vary as a result of variable consideration terms included in costthe contracts such as customer rebates, cash discounts and return policies. Customer rebates and cash discounts are estimated based on the most likely amount principle and these estimates are based on historical experience and anticipated performance. Customers have the right to return product within the company's normal terms policy, and as such, the company estimates the expected returns based on an analysis of goods sold.historical experience. The company adjusts its estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration the company expects to receive changes or when the consideration becomes fixed. The company generally does not expect that there will be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration (see Receivables in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements include elsewhere in this report).

Depending on the terms of the contract, the company may defer recognizing a portion of the revenue at the end of a given period as the result of title transfer terms that are based upon delivery and or acceptance which align with transfer of control of the company's products to its customers.

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.

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 ship any goods on consignment.

Distributed products sold by the company are accounted for in accordance with the revenue recognition guidance in ASC 605-45-05. 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. The company's payment terms are for relatively short periods and thus do not contain any element of financing. Additionally, no contract costs are incurred that would require capitalization and amortization.

Product salesSales, value-added, and other taxes the company collects concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items that give riseare immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of products sold.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisAccounting Estimates and Pronouncements
Table of Contents

The majority of the company's warranties are considered assurance-type warranties and continue to installment receivablesbe recognized as expense when the products are sold (see Current Liabilities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements include elsewhere in this report). These warranties cover 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. In addition, the company has sold extended warranties that, while immaterial, require the company to defer the revenue associated with those warranties until earned. A provision for estimated warranty cost is recorded at the time of sale whenbased upon actual experience. The company continuously assesses the risksadequacy of its product warranty accruals and rewards of ownershipmakes adjustments as needed. Historical analysis is primarily used to determine the company's warranty reserves. Claims history is reviewed and provisions are transferred. Interest income is recognized on installment agreementsadjusted as needed. However, the company does consider other events, such as a product recall, which could require additional warranty reserve provisions. See Accrued Expenses in accordance with the termsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the agreements. Installment accounts are monitored and if a customer defaults on payments, interest income is no longer recognized. All installment accounts are accounted for usingchanges in the same methodology, regardless of duration ofwarranty accrual. In addition, the installment agreements.company has sold extended warranties that, while immaterial, require the company to defer the revenue associated with those warranties until earned. The company has established procedures to appropriately defer such revenue.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable

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 partythird-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 and establishing reserves for specific customers as needed.

I-53


The company continues to closely monitor the credit-worthiness of its customers and adhere to tight credit policies. In 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced new Medicare prices which became effective in July 2013 for the second round of the NCB program, which was expanded to include 91 additional MSAs. In January 2016, CMS began expanding NCB to rural areas which would expandexpanded the program to 100% of the Medicare population. The NCB program contract pricing continued through the end of 2018. The company believes the changes could have a significant impact on the collectability of accounts receivable for those customers which are in the rural locations impacted and which have a portion of their revenues tied to Medicare reimbursement. In addition, there is a risk that these precedent-setting price reductions could influence other non-CMS payors' reimbursement rates for the same product categories. As a result, this is an additional risk factor
which the company considers when assessing the collectability of accounts receivable.

The company has an agreement with DLL, a third partythird-party financing company, to provide the majority of future lease financing to Invacare's North AmericaU.S. 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.

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 potential 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 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, ASC 350, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are subject to annual impairment tests. The company's measurement date for its annual goodwill impairment test is October 1 and the analysis is completed in the fourth quarter. 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 majorityMost of the company's goodwill and intangible assets relate to the company's Europe and IPG segments which arewere profitable in 2015.2018.

To review goodwill for impairment in accordance with ASC 350, the company first estimates the fair value of each reporting unit and compares the calculated fair value to the carrying value of the each reporting unit. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below. The company has determined that its reporting units are the same as its operating segments. The company completes its annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year. To estimate the fair values of the reporting units, the company utilizes a discounted cash flow (DCF) method 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 freerisk-free rate, a market risk premium, the industry average beta and a small cap stock adjustment. The discount rates used have a significant impact upon the discounted cash flow methodology utilized in the company's annual impairment testing as higher discount rates decrease the fair value estimates. The assumptions used are based on a market participant's point of view and yielded a discount rate of 9.41%12.41% in 20152018 for the company's annual impairment analysis for the reporting units with goodwill compared to 9.89%9.07% in 20142017 and 10.00%8.67% in 2013.2016.

Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisAccounting Estimates and Pronouncements
Table of Contents

The company also utilizes an Enterprise Value (EV) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) Method to compute the fair value of its reporting units which considers potential acquirers and their EV to EBITDA multiples adjusted by an estimated premium. While more weight is given to the discounted cash flow method, the EV to EBITDA method does provide corroborative evidence of the reasonableness of the discounted cash flow method results.

As part of the company's review of goodwill for impairment, the company also considers the potential for impairment of any other assets. In 2015, 2014 and 2013,2018, the company performed a review for potential impairments of any other assets includingand recognized an intangible impairment charge in the company's Taylor Street facility which is subjectIPG segment of $583,000 ($431,000 after-tax) compared to the FDA consent decree that limits the company's manufacture and distribution of custom power and manual wheelchairs, wheelchair components and wheelchair subassemblies at the Taylor Street facility. The

I-54


company determined there was no$320,000 ($237,000 after-tax) in 2017 related to a trademark with an indefinite life. No impairment of the property, plant and equipmentany asset was recognized in 2016. The fair value of the Taylor Street facility based ontrademark was calculated using a comparison ofrelief from royalty payment methodology which requires applying an estimated market royalty rate to forecasted net sales and discounting the forecasted undiscountedresulting cash flows to the carrying value of the net assets in accordance with ASC 360. In addition, the company determined there was no impairment of inventory associated with the facility.determine fair value.

While there was no indication of impairment in 20152018 related to goodwill for the Europe or IPG segments, a future potential impairment is possible for any of the company's segments 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. In consideration of this potential, the company reviewed the results if the discount rate used were 100 basis points higher for the 20152018 impairment analysis and determined that there still would not be any indicator of potential impairment for the segments with goodwill which are Europe and IPG.or IPG segments.

The company's intangible assets consist of intangible assets with defined lives as well as intangible assets with indefinite lives. Defined-lived intangible assets consist principally of customer lists and developed technology, license agreements, patents and other miscellaneous intangibles such as non-compete agreements.technology. The company's indefinite lived intangible assets consist entirely of trademarks.

The company evaluates the carrying value of definite-lived assets whenever events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. Definite-lived assets are determined to be impaired if the future un-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset are less than the carrying value. Actual impairment amounts for definite-lived assets are then calculated using a discounted cash flow calculation. The company reviews indefinite-lived assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. Any
impairment amounts for indefinite-lived assets are calculated as the difference between the future discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset less than the carrying value for the asset.
During 2014, the company recognized intangible write-down charges in the IPG segment of $13,041,000 comprised of a customer list impairment of $12,826,000 and a non-compete agreement of $215,000 as the actual and remaining cash flows associated with the intangibles were less than the cash flows originally used to value the intangibles, primarily driven by reduced net sales. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for each of the above impairments.
During 2013, the company recognized intangible write-down charges of $1,523,000 comprised of: trademarks with indefinite lives impairment of $568,000, a trademark with a definite life impairment of $123,000, customer list impairment of $442,000 and developed technology impairment of $223,000 all recorded in the IPG segment and a customer list impairment of $167,000 recorded in the North America/HME segment. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for each of the above impairments except for the indefinite-lived trademark impairments in the IPG segment, which were $496,000 after-tax.
The fair values of the customer lists were calculated using an excess earnings method, using a discounted cash flow model. Estimated cash flow returns to the customer relationship were reduced by the cash flows required to satisfy the return requirements of each of the assets employed with the residual cash flow then discounted to value the customer list. The fair values of the trademarks and developed technology were calculated using a relief from royalty payment methodology which requires applying an estimated market royalty rate to forecasted net sales and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. The patent was impaired as the related product was discontinued.

Product Liability

The company is self-insured in North America for product liability exposures through its captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Company, which currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses up to $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage, related to all lines of insurance coverage, insuring up to $75,000,000 in aggregate losses per policy year arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’scompany's per country foreign liability limits, as applicable. There can be no assurance that Invacare’sInvacare'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 other indicators. 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 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

I-55


impacted by actual loss awards and settlements on claims. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company is responsible for the determination and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices.

Warranty

Generally, the company’scompany's products are covered by assurance-type 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. In addition, the company has sold extended warranties that, while immaterial, require the company to defer the revenue associated with those warranties until earned. A provision for estimated warranty cost is recorded at the time of sale based upon actual experience. The company continuously assesses the
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisAccounting Estimates and Pronouncements
Table of Contents

adequacy of its product warranty accrual and makes adjustments as needed. Historical analysis is primarily used to determine the company’scompany'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. See Current LiabilitiesAccrued Expenses in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 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 Compensation—Stock Compensation, ASC 718. The company has not made any modifications to the terms of any previously granted optionsawards and no changes have been made regarding the valuation methodologies or assumptions used to determine the fair value of optionsawards granted and the company continues to use a Black-Scholes valuation model.model to value options granted. As of December 31, 2015,2018, there was $10,535,000$16,849,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost from stock-based compensation arrangements, which is related to non-vested options and shares, and includes $9,476,000$7,469,000 related to restricted stock awards, $7,441,000 related to performance awards and $1,059,000$1,939,000 related to non-qualified stock options. 

The substantial 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. Performance awards granted are expensed based on estimated achievement of the performance objectives over the relevant performance award 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’scompany's current tax liability, including assessing uncertainties related to tax return filing positions, 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 whether it will more likely than not realize its deferred tax assets and whether a valuation allowance should be established. Substantially all of the company’s U.S., Australia and New ZealandThe company's deferred tax assets are offset by a valuation allowance.allowance in the U.S., Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand. In the event that actual results differ from its estimates, the company’scompany's provision for income taxes could be materially impacted. The company does not believe that there is a substantial likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported related to its critical accounting policies.

On December 22, 2017 the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent; (2) requiring companies to pay a one-time transition tax on certain unrepatriated earnings, if any, of foreign subsidiaries; (3) generally eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; (4) requiring a current inclusion in U.S. federal taxable income of certain earnings of controlled foreign corporations; (5) eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) and changing how existing AMT credits can be realized; (6) creating a base erosion anti-abuse tax (BEAT), a new minimum tax, (7) creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense; and (8) changing rules related to uses and limitations of net operating loss carryforwards created in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.

The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act.  SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year form the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company's accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act.

Accounting for Convertible Debt and Related Derivatives

In 2016 and 2017, the company issued $150,000,000 and $120,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2021 and 2022 Notes (the "Notes"), respectively. In connection with the offering of the Notes, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with certain counterparties. These transactions cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of the company's common shares that will initially underlie the Notes, and are expected generally to reduce the potential equity dilution, and/or offset any cash payments in excess of the principal amount due, as the case may be, upon conversion of the Notes.

The company entered into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the option counterparties at a higher strike price relating to the same number of the company's common shares, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, pursuant to which the company sold warrants to the option counterparties. The
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisAccounting Estimates and Pronouncements
Table of Contents

warrants could have a dilutive effect on the company's outstanding common shares and the company's earnings per share to the extent that the price of the company's common shares exceeds the strike price of those warrants. The initial strike price of the warrants is $22.4175 and $21.4375 per share on the 2021 and 2022 Notes, respectively, and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the warrant transactions.

The convertible debt conversion liabilities and the convertible note hedges are accounted for as derivatives that are fair valued quarterly while the warrants are included as equity. The fair value of the convertible debt conversion liabilities and the convertible note hedges are estimated using a lattice model incorporating the terms and conditions of the notes and considering, for example, changes in the prices of the company's common shares, company stock price volatility, risk-free rates and changes in market rates. The valuations are, among other things, subject to changes in both the company's credit worthiness and the counter-parties to the instruments as well as change in general market conditions. While the change in fair value of the convertible debt conversion liabilities and the convertible note hedges are generally expected to move in opposite directions, the net change in any given period may be material.

















RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

For the company’scompany's disclosure regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Part IIManagement Discussion & AnalysisContractual Obligations
Table of Contents

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018 are as follows (in thousands):
 Payments due by period
 Total 
Less than
1 year
 1-3 years 3-5 years 
More than
5 years
5.00% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2021$165,938
 $7,500
 $158,438
 $
 $
4.500% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2022138,450
 5,400
 10,800
 122,250
 
Future lease obligations (1)70,129
 
 5,844
 7,013
 57,272
Capital lease obligations41,307
 3,407
 6,107
 4,798
 26,995
Operating lease obligations28,537
 10,346
 11,688
 4,432
 2,071
Purchase obligations (primarily computer systems contracts)13,779
 7,740
 5,738
 301
 
Product liability16,593
 2,728
 6,660
 3,162
 4,043
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan5,641
 391
 782
 782
 3,686
Other, principally deferred compensation5,712
 135
 43
 
 5,534
Total$486,086
 $37,647
 $206,100
 $142,738
 $99,601
________________________
(1) In December 2018, the company entered into a lease agreement in Germany. The lease is not expected to commence until April 2020.

The table does not include any payments related to liabilities recorded for uncertain tax positions as the company cannot make a reasonably reliable estimate as to the timing of any other payments. See Income Taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.
Part IIItems 7 - 9
Table of Contents


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

The company is at times exposed to market risk through various financial instruments, including fixed rate and floating rate debt instruments. The company does at times use interest swap agreements to mitigate its exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Based on December 31, 20152018 debt levels, a 1% change in interest rates would have no impact on annual on interest expense as the company did not have any variable rate debt outstanding. Additionally, the company operates internationally and, as a result, is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations. Specifically, the exposure results from intercompany loans, intercompany sales or payments and third partythird-party sales or payments. In an attempt to reduce this exposure, foreign currency forward contracts are utilized to hedge intercompany purchases and sales as well as third partythird-party purchases and sales. The company does not believe that any potential loss related to these financial instruments would have a material adverse effect on the company’scompany's financial condition or results of operations.

The company is party to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which was originally entered into on January 16, 2015 and matures in January 2018.2021, as extended by an amendment to the Credit Agreement which became effective on November 30, 2016. Accordingly, while the company is exposed to increases in interest rates, its exposure to the volatility of the current market environment is currently limited asuntil the company recently entered into its Amended and Restated Credit

I-56


Agreement. Agreement expires. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary default provisions, with certain grace periods and exceptions, which provide that events of default that include, among other things, failure to pay amounts due, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, bankruptcy, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, exclusion from any medical reimbursement program, and an interruption of any material manufacturing facilities for more than ten consecutive days. Should the company fail to comply with these requirements, the company would potentially have to attempt to obtain alternative financing and thus likely be required to pay much higher interest rates.

As of December 31, 2015,2018, the company had no borrowings outstanding under its Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility for U.S. and Canadian borrowers of up to $100,000,000 at variable rates, subject to availability based on a borrowing base formula, and in addition provides for a revolving credit, letter of credit and swing line loan facility for European borrowers allowing borrowing up to an aggregate principal amount of $30,000,000 at variable rates, also subject to availability based on a borrowing base formula. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the company had $13,350,000 outstanding$150,000,000 and $120,000,000 in principal onamount outstanding of its 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due in February 2027, of which $1,203,000 is included in equity.fixed rate 2021 Notes and 2022 Notes, respectively.

On February 23, 2016, the company issued $130,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2021 in a private offering. The notes bear interest at a rate of 5.00% per year payable semi-annually and will mature in February 2021, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. See Subsequent Events in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2021 and the related convertible note hedge and warrant transactions.

Item 8.        Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
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 Comprehensive Income (Loss),Loss, Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’Shareholders' Equity, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule, which appear on pages FS-173 to FS-61129 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

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, 20152018, an evaluation was performed, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’scompany's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’scompany's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the company’scompany's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the company’scompany's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 20152018, 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’sCommission's rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to the company’scompany's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’sManagement's Annual 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 the company’scompany'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
Part IIItems 7 - 9
Table of Contents

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’sManagement's assessment of the effectiveness of the company’scompany'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 (2013 framework).

I-57



In management’smanagement's opinion, internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 20152018.

(c) Attestation Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The company’scompany's independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, audited the company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting and, based on that audit, issued an attestationits report regarding the company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K on page FS-2.74.

(d) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in the company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting during the company’scompany's last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’scompany's internal control over financial reporting.



























Item 9B.    Other Information.

None.Effective as of March 5, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), the Company's Board of Directors adopted and approved, and the company's Compensation and Management Development Committee previously adopted and approved, and the Company and certain of its employees entered into, an Omnibus Amendment (the “Omnibus Amendment”) to certain of the Company's compensation plans and certain agreements between the Company and the employees named in the Omnibus Amendment, including the Company's current executive officers.

Under the Omnibus Amendment, to the extent that any (1) Company equity compensation plan or Company executive retirement, benefit and/or incentive bonus plan existing on the Effective Date and (2) agreement between the Company and each of the employees named in the Omnibus Amendment existing on the Effective Date contains a definition of Company change of control, or any other provision, with a clause that excludes an event involving the Company's former chairman, A. Malachi Mixon, or any affiliate of Mr. Mixon, that exclusion was deleted and no longer applies to such plans and agreements, as of the Effective Date.

The Omnibus Amendment applies to the Company's plans filed as Exhibits 10(c), 10(e), 10(j), 10(r) and 10(ac), and the agreements filed as Exhibits 10(ai) and 10(aj), to this Annual Report on Form 10-K
I-58The foregoing summary of the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Amendment is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Omnibus Amendment, which is attached as Exhibit 10(bx) to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated by reference into this Item 9B.

Part IIIItems 10 - 14
Table of Contents

PART III

Item 10.        Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

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 experts, the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Board of Directors, compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, code of ethics 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 Reporting Compliance” in the company’scompany's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 11.        Executive Compensation.

The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Corporate Governance”, “Executive Compensation” and “Corporate Governance”“CEO Pay Ratio” in the company’scompany's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

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

Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters.

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Share“Security Ownership of PrincipalCertain Beneficial Holders and Management” in the company’scompany's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Information regarding the securities authorized for issuance under the company’scompany's equity compensation plans is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the captions “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the company’scompany's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 13.        Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.












Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

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’scompany's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Item 14.        Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the information set forth under the caption “Independent Auditors”Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and “Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures”Services” in the company’scompany's definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 20162019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.


I-59

Part IVItems 15 - 16
Table of Contents

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 Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Loss—years ended December 31, 20152018, 20142017 and 20132016
Consolidated Balance Sheet—December 31, 20152018 and 20142017
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows—years ended December 31, 20152018, 20142017 and 20132016
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’Shareholders' Equity—years ended December 31, 20152018, 20142017 and 20132016
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-6266 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 16.        Form 10-K Summary.

None.




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 March 3, 2016.7, 2019.
 
 INVACARE CORPORATION
   
 By:/s/    MATTHEW E. MONAGHAN
  Matthew E. Monaghan
  Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer


I-60


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 March 3, 2016.
Exhibit Index 
SignatureTitle
/s/    MATTHEW E. MONAGHANChairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Matthew E. Monaghan 
   
/s/    ROBERT K. GUDBRANSONSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Finance and Accounting Officer)
Robert K. Gudbranson
/s/    MICHAEL F. DELANEY        Director
Michael F. Delaney
/s/    MARC M. GIBELEYDirector
Marc M. Gibeley
/s/    C. MARTIN HARRIS, M.D.       Director
C. Martin Harris, M.D.
/s/    JAMES L. JONES        Director
James L. Jones
/s/    DALE C. LAPORTE        Director
Dale C. LaPorte
/s/    MICHAEL J. MERRIMANDirector
Michael J. Merriman
/s/    CLIFFORD D. NASTAS       Director
Clifford D. Nastas
/s/ BAIJU R. SHAHDirector
Baiju R. Shah



I-61


INVACARE CORPORATION
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.2018.
Exhibit Index

Official
Exhibit No.
Description 
Sequential
Page No.
1.1Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2016, by and among Invacare Corporation and the several Initial Purchasers named in Schedule 1 thereto for whom J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as Representative.(A)
Share Purchase Agreement among AssuraMed, Inc., Invacare Corporation and Invacare Supply Group, Inc., dated December 21, 2012. (Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the registrant hereby agrees to supplementally furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request any omitted schedule or exhibit to the agreement.)(B)
2.2Share Purchase Agreement among Champion Equity Holdings, LLC, Invacare Corporation and Champion Manufacturing Inc., dated August 7, 2013. (Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the registrant hereby agrees to supplementally furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request any omitted schedule or exhibit to the agreement.)(C)
2.3Share Purchase Agreement among REP Acquisition Corporation, Invacare Corporation and Altimate Medical, Inc., dated August 29, 2014. (Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the registrant hereby agrees to supplementally furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request any omitted schedule or exhibit to the agreement.)(D)
2.4Membership Interest Purchase Agreement among Invacare Continuing Care, Inc., Invacare Corporation and Joerns Healthcare Parent, LLC, dated July 2, 2015. (Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the registrant hereby agrees to supplementally furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request any omitted schedule or exhibit to the agreement.) (E)(A)
Share Purchase Agreement among Invacare Corporation, Garden City Medical Inc. and Compass Health Brands Corp., dated September 30, 2016. (Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the registrant hereby agrees to supplementally furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request any omitted schedule or exhibit to the agreement.)(B)
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (F)(C)
Second Amended and Restated Code of Regulations, of the company, as amended on February 13, 2014 (G)(D)
Specimen Share Certificate for Common Shares (H)(E)
Specimen Share Certificate for Class B Common Shares (H)(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 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debenture due 2027 and related Guarantee attached as Exhibit A)(I)
4(d)Indenture, dated as of February 23, 2016, by and between Invacare Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (including the form of the 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021). (A)(F)
Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2017, by and between Invacare Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (including the form of the 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022).(DD)
Invacare Retirement Savings Plan, effective January 1, 2001, as amended (J)(G)*
Invacare Corporation 401(K) Plus Benefit Equalization Plan, effective January 1, 2003, as amended and restated (J)(G)*
Invacare Corporation Amended and Restated 2003 Performance Plan(K)*
10(d)**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 certain executive officers*
10(e)**Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by and between the company and its directors and certain of its executive officers and schedule of all such agreements with directors and executive officers*
10(f)Invacare Corporation Deferred Compensation Plus Plan, effective January 1, 2005, as amended August 19, 2009 and on November 23, 2010 (L)(H)*
10(g)Amendment No. 3 to Invacare Corporation Deferred Compensation Plus Plan, effective January 1, 2005(I)*
Invacare Corporation Death Benefit Only Plan, effective January 1, 2005, as amended (J)(G)*
10(h)Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective February 1, 2000 (M)*
10(i)Form of Director Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(J)*
10(j)Form of Director Deferred Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(L)*

I-62


Official
Exhibit No.
Description
Sequential
Page No.
10(k)Form of Restricted Stock Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(N)
10(l)Form of Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(J)*
10(m)Form of Executive Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(J)*
10(n)Form of Switzerland Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(J)*
10(o)Form of Switzerland Executive Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(J)*
10(p)**Director Compensation Schedule*
10(q)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(L)
10(r)Retirement Agreement and Release, dated as of November 14, 2014, by and between Invacare Corporation and A. Malachi Mixon, III.(O)*
10(s)Cash Balance Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, as amended and restated, effective December 31, 2008 (P)(K)*
10(t)Amendment No. 1 to the Cash Balance Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective August 19, 2009(N)**
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 (M)*
10(u)RetirementInvacare Corporation Amended and Restated 2003 Performance Plan(N)*
Form of Director Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(G)*
Form of Director Deferred Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(H)*
Form of Restricted Stock Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(I)
Form of Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(G)*
Form of Executive Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(G)*
Form of Switzerland Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(G)*
Form of Switzerland Executive Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2003 Performance Plan(G)*
Exhibit Index
Table of Contents

Official
Exhibit No.
Description
Sequential
Page No.
Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(O)
Amendment No. 1 to the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(P)*
Form of Executive Stock Option Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(Q)
Form of Stock Option Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(Q)
Form of Executive Stock Option Award for Swiss Employees under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(Q)
Form of Stock Option Award for Swiss Employees under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(Q)
Form of Director Restricted Stock Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(Q)
Form of Restricted Stock Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(Q)
Form of Performance Share Award Agreement under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(R)
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Employees under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(S)
Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(FF)
Invacare Corporation Executive Incentive Bonus Plan, as amended and Release,restated(P)*
Employment Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014,January 21, 2015, by and between the company and Matthew E. Monaghan.(T)*
Letter Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2018, by and between Invacare Corporation and Gerald B. BlouchKathleen P. Leneghan. (Q)(U)*
10(v)Amendment No. 1 toLetter agreement, dated as of July 31, 2008, by and between the Cash Balance Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective August 19, 2009company and Anthony C. LaPlaca. (R)(M)*
10(w)Employment Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2016, by and between the company and Ralf Ledda.(FF)
Change of Control Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2008, by and between the company and Anthony C. LaPlaca(HH)
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 certain executive officers *
10(x)Technical Information & Non-Competition Agreement, dated April 1, 2015, entered into by and between the company and Matthew E. Monaghan(M)*
Technical Information & Non-Competition Agreement, dated April 6, 2008, entered into by and between the company and Robert K. Gudbranson(M)*
Technical Information & Non-Competition Agreement entered into by and between the company and certain of its executive officers and schedule of all such agreements with executive officers(M)*
Indemnity Agreement, dated April 1, 2015, entered into by and between the company and Matthew E. Monaghan.(M)*
Form of Indemnity Agreement entered into by and between the company and its directors and certain of its executive officers and schedule of all such agreements with directors and executive officers*
Form of Rule 10b5-1 Sales Plan entered into between the company and certain of its former Executive Vice Presidentexecutive officers and General Manager, North Americaother employees and Global Product Developmenta schedule of all such agreements with executive officers and other employees (S)*(H)
10(y)2012 Non-employee Directors DeferredDirector Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2012Schedule (N)*
10(z)Amendment No. 3 to Invacare Corporation Deferred Compensation Plus Plan, effective January 1, 2005
Exhibit Index (N)*
10(aa)Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(T)
10(ab)Form of Executive Stock Option Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(U)
10(ac)Form of Stock Option Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(U)
10(ad)Form of Executive Stock Option Award for Swiss Employees under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(U)
10(ae)Form of Stock Option Award for Swiss Employees under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(U)
10(af)Form of Director Restricted Stock Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(U)
10(ag)Form of Restricted Stock Award under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(U)
10(ah)Form of Performance Share Award Agreement under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(V)
10(ai)Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Employees under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(W)
10(aj)Retirement Agreement and Release by and between Invacare Corporation and Louis F.J. Slangen executed February 26, 2014.(X)*
10(ak)Employment Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2014, by and between Invacare Corporation and Robert K. Gudbranson.(Q)*
   

I-63


Official
Exhibit No.
Description 
Sequential
Page No.
10(al)2012 Non-employee Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2012, Amended and Restated as of November 17, 2016(FF)
Retirement Agreement and Release, dated as of November 14, 2014, by and between Invacare Corporation and Joseph B. Richey, II.A. Malachi Mixon, III. (O)(V)*
10(am)Employment Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2015, by and between the company and Matthew E. Monaghan.(Y)*
10(an)Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of February 24, 2015, by and between the company and Industrial Realty Group, LLC. (Z)(W)
10(ao)Form of Lease Agreement by and among the company and the affiliates of
Industrial Realty Group, LLC named therein.
 (Z)(W)
10(ap)Invacare Corporation Executive Incentive Bonus Plan, as amended and restated(AA)*
10(aq)Amendment No. 1 to the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan(AA)*
10(ar)Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2015, by and among the company, the other Borrowers party thereto, the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European agent. (AB)(X)
10(as)**Indemnity Agreement, dated April 1, 2015, entered into by and between the company and Matthew E. Monaghan.*
10(at)First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of February 16, 2016, by and among the company, the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European agent. (AC)(Y)
10(au)**EmploymentSecond Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of January 4, 2012,May 3, 2016 by and betweenamong the company, the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Gordon Sutherland.J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European agent. *(FF)
10(av)**Technical Information & Non-CompetitionThird Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated April 6, 2008, entered into by and between the company and Robert K. Gudbranson*
10(aw)**Technical Information & Non-Competition Agreement, dated April 1, 2015, entered into by and between the company and Matthew E. Monaghan*
10(ax)**Technical Information & Non-Competition Agreement entered into by and between the company and certain of its executive officers and schedule of all such agreements with executive officers*
10(ay)**Letter agreement, dated as of July 31, 2008,September 30, 2016, by and betweenamong the company, the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Anthony C. LaPlaca.J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European agent. *(FF)
Letter agreement,Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2015,November 30, 2016, by and betweenamong the company, the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as agent for the lenders, and Dean J. Childers.J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European agent for the lenders. *(Z)
Call optionOption Transaction Confirmation entered into between JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch and Invacare Corporation as of February 17, 2016 (A)(F)
Call optionOption Transaction Confirmation entered into between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Invacare Corporation as of February 17, 2016 (A)(F)
Warrants Confirmation between Invacare Corporation to JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch as of February 17, 2016 (A)(F)
Warrants Confirmation between Invacare Corporation to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as of February 17, 2016 (A)(F)
Additional Call Option Transaction Confirmation, dated March 4, 2016, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch and Invacare Corporation.(AA)
Additional Call Option Transaction Confirmation, dated March 4, 2016, between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Invacare Corporation.(AA)
Additional Warrants Confirmation, dated March 4, 2016, between JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, London Branch and Invacare Corporation.(AA)
Additional Warrants Confirmation, dated March 4, 2016, between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Invacare Corporation.(AA)
Form of Performance-Based Stock Option Award under Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan.(BB)
Waiver and Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2016, by and among the company, the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as agent for the lenders, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as European agent for the lenders.10(CC)
Base Call Option Transaction Confirmation, dated June 8, 2017, between Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Invacare Corporation.10(DD)
Exhibit Index
Table of Contents

Official
Exhibit No.
Description
Sequential
Page No.
Base Warrants Confirmation, dated June 8, 2017, between Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Invacare Corporation.10(DD)
Additional Call Option Transaction Confirmation, dated June 9, 2017, between Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Invacare Corporation.10(DD)
Additional Warrants Confirmation, dated June 9, 2017, between Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Invacare Corporation.10(DD)
Separation Agreement and Release by and between Invacare Corporation and Patricia A. Stumpp.10(EE)*
Invacare Corporation 2018 Equity Compensation Plan10(II)
Form of Restricted Stock Award under Invacare Corporation 2018 Equity Compensation Plan10(JJ)
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award under Invacare Corporation 2018 Equity Compensation Plan10(JJ)
Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award under Invacare Corporation 2018 Equity Compensation Plan10(JJ)
Form of Performance Award under Invacare Corporation 2018 Equity Compensation Plan10(JJ)
Form of Performance Unit Award under Invacare Corporation 2018 Equity Compensation Plan10(JJ)
Letter agreement, dated as of May 9, 2018, by and between the company and Darcie L. Karol10(JJ)*
Separation Agreement and Release by and between Invacare Corporation and Dean J. Childers10(KK)*
Omnibus Amendment
Subsidiaries of the company  
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002  
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  
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  
Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction, as filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on December 20, 2012. (AD)(GG)
101.INS**XBRL instance document  

I-64


Official
Exhibit No.
DescriptionSequential
Page No.
101.SCH**XBRL taxonomy extension schema  
101.CAL**XBRL taxonomy extension calculation linkbase  
101.DEF**XBRL taxonomy extension definition linkbase  
101.LAB**XBRL taxonomy extension label linkbase  
101.PRE**XBRL taxonomy extension presentation linkbase  
________________________
*Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement
**Filed herewith





Exhibit Index
Table of Contents

(A)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 23, 2016, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(B)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated December 21, 2012, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(C)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated August 7, 2013, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(D)Reference is made to Exhibit 2.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated August 29, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(E)Reference is made to Exhibit 2.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated July 2, 2015, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(F)(B)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated October 3, 2016, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(C)Reference is made to Exhibit 3(a) of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(G)(D)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 13, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(E)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.
(F)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 23, 2016, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(G)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.
(H)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005,2010, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(I)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit 4.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 12, 2007,10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(J)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007,2004, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(K)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated May 21, 2009,December 31, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(L)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit 10.2 of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010,10-Q, dated September 30, 2009, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(M)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004,2015, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(N)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011,8-K, dated May 21, 2009, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(O)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated November 14, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(P)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated December 31, 2008, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(Q)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated July 23, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(R)Reference is made to the Exhibit 10.2 of the company report on Form 10-Q, dated September 30, 2009, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(S)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(T)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated May 16, 2013, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(U)(P)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated May 14, 2015, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(Q)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2013, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(V)(R)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated March 7, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.

I-65


(W)(S)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.2 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated March 7, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(X)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 26, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(Y)(T)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated January 21, 2015, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(Z)(U)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 22, 2018, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(V)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated November 14, 2014, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(W)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated April 23, 2015, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(AA)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated May 14, 2015, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(AB)(X)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated September 30, 2015, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(AC)(Y)Reference is made to Exhibit 10.1 of the company report on Form 8-K, dated February 16, 2016, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(AD)(Z)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated November 30, 2016, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(AA)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated March 7, 2016, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(BB)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2017, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
Exhibit Index
Table of Contents

(CC)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated June 7, 2017, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(DD)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated June 8, 2017, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(EE)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated December 14, 2017, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(FF)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(GG)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated December 20, 2012, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(HH)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(II)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated May 18, 2018, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(JJ)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 10-Q, for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2018, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
(KK)Reference is made to the appropriate Exhibit of the company report on Form 8-K, dated October 10, 2018, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.


I-66


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated as of March 7, 2019.
SignatureTitle
/s/    MATTHEW E. MONAGHANChairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Matthew E. Monaghan
/s/    KATHLEEN P. LENEGHANSenior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Kathleen P. Leneghan
/s/    SUSAN H. ALEXANDER       Director
Susan H. Alexander
/s/    PETRA DANIELSOHN-WEIL, PhDDirector
Petra Danielsohn-Weil, PhD
/s/    DIANA S. FERGUSONDirector
Diana S. Ferguson
/s/    MARC M. GIBELEYDirector
Marc M. Gibeley
/s/    C. MARTIN HARRIS, M.D.       Director
C. Martin Harris, M.D.
/s/    CLIFFORD D. NASTAS       Director
Clifford D. Nastas
/s/ BAIJU R. SHAHDirector
Baiju R. Shah


Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

TheTo the Shareholders and Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Invacare Corporation and Subsidiaries

Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Invacare Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014, and2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss),loss, shareholders' equity and cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2), (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework),and our report dated March 7, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’sCompany's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe Company's financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. 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 includesmisstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An auditOur audits also includes assessingincluded evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,Company's auditor since 1984.

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2019



Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the consolidated financial positionShareholders and Board of Directors of Invacare Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, 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.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have also audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Invacare Corporation’sCorporation and subsidiaries' internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 3, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 3, 2016



FS-1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Invacare Corporation and Subsidiaries

We have audited Invacare Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015,2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Control- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Invacare Corporation’sCorporation and subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Companyas of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) and our report dated March 7, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion
The Company'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“Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” which is included in Item 9A.. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’sCompany's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. 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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’scompany'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’scompany'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;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 Companycompany are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company;company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’scompany'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.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
In our opinion, Invacare Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the COSO criteria.March 7, 2019

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, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and shareholders’ equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 of Invacare Corporation and our report dated March 3, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/  Ernst & Young LLP
Cleveland, OhioFinancial Statements 
March 3, 2016 



FS-2


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss
 
 Years Ended December 31,
 2015 2014 2013
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales$1,142,338
 $1,270,163
 $1,334,505
Cost of products sold829,514
 922,775
 967,079
Gross Profit312,824
 347,388
 367,426
Selling, general and administrative expenses319,847
 383,913
 397,332
Charges related to restructuring activities1,971
 11,112
 9,336
Asset write-downs to intangible assets
 13,041
 1,523
Interest expense2,911
 3,039
 3,078
Interest income(165) (507) (384)
Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes(11,740) (63,210) (43,459)
Income taxes14,710
 5,550
 10,875
Net Loss from Continuing Operations(26,450)
(68,760) (54,334)
Net earnings from discontinued operations (net of tax of $0; $1,200 and $2,235)
 1,596
 6,442
Gain on sale (net of tax of $140; $5,975 and $1,220)260
 11,094
 80,943
Total Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations260
 12,690
 87,385
Net Earnings (loss)$(26,190) $(56,070) $33,051
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Basic:     
Net loss from continuing operations$(0.82) $(2.15) $(1.70)
Net earnings from discontinued operations$0.01
 $0.40
 $2.74
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Basic$(0.81) $(1.75) $1.04
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding—Basic32,171
 32,009
 31,915
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Assuming Dilution:     
Net loss from continuing operations$(0.82) $(2.15) $(1.70)
Net earnings from discontinued operations$0.01
 $0.39
 $2.73
Net Earnings (loss) per Share—Assuming Dilution$(0.81) $(1.75) $1.03
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding—Assuming Dilution32,683
 32,197
 32,043
      
Net Earnings (loss)$(26,190) $(56,070) $33,051
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
Foreign currency translation adjustments(81,404) (51,508) 10,969
Defined benefit plans:     
Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized gains (losses)(1,375) (2,178) 1,771
Amounts arising during the year, primarily addition of new participants(784) 
 (320)
Deferred tax adjustment resulting from defined benefit plan activity(44) 213
 (355)
Valuation reserve (reversal) associated with defined benefit plan activity47
 (222) 275
Current period gain (loss) on cash flow hedges2,731
 244
 83
Deferred tax benefit (loss) related to gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(177) (86) (10)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(81,006) (53,537) 12,413
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$(107,196) $(109,607) $45,464
 Years Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales$972,347
 $966,497
 $1,047,474
Cost of products sold704,671
 697,246
 763,847
Gross Profit267,676
 269,251
 283,627
Selling, general and administrative expenses281,906
 296,816
 303,781
Gains on sale of businesses
 
 (7,386)
Charges related to restructuring activities3,481
 12,274
 2,447
Impairment of an intangible asset583
 320
 
Operating Loss(18,294) (40,159) (15,215)
Net loss (gain) on convertible debt derivatives(11,994) 3,657
 (1,268)
Interest expense28,336
 22,907
 15,875
Interest income(534) (473) (265)
Loss Before Income Taxes(34,102) (66,250) (29,557)
Income taxes9,820
 10,291
 13,299
Net Loss$(43,922) $(76,541) $(42,856)
Net Loss per Share—Basic$(1.33) $(2.34) $(1.32)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding—Basic33,124
 32,752
 32,471
Net Loss per Share—Assuming Dilution$(1.33) $(2.34) $(1.32)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding—Assuming Dilution33,543
 33,216
 32,590
      
Net Loss$(43,922) $(76,541) $(42,856)
Other comprehensive income (loss):     
Foreign currency translation adjustments(30,858) 54,591
 (7,194)
Defined benefit plans:     
Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses4,949
 3,596
 (1,580)
Deferred tax adjustment resulting from defined benefit plan activity(51) (67) (134)
Valuation reserve associated with defined benefit plan activity51
 67
 223
Current period gain (loss) on cash flow hedges1,894
 (2,088) (1,407)
Deferred tax benefit (loss) related to gain (loss) on cash flow hedges(62) 106
 144
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(24,077) 56,205
 (9,948)
Comprehensive Loss$(67,999) $(20,336) $(52,804)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

FS-3

Financial Statements
Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
December 31,
2015
 December 31,
2014
December 31,
2018
 December 31,
2017
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Assets      
Current Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents$60,055
 $38,931
$116,907
 $176,528
Trade receivables, net133,655
 154,207
119,743
 125,615
Installment receivables, net1,145
 1,054
1,574
 1,334
Inventories, net132,807
 155,561
128,123
 121,933
Deferred income taxes
 2,048
Other current assets34,459
 36,798
31,063
 31,504
Assets held for sale
 17,388
Total Current Assets362,121
 405,987
397,410
 456,914
Other Assets4,659
 19,053
6,360
 97,576
Intangibles31,000
 38,013
26,506
 30,244
Property and Equipment, net78,683
 79,659
74,306
 80,016
Goodwill361,680
 421,019
381,273
 401,283
Total Assets$838,143
 $963,731
$885,855
 $1,066,033
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity   
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity   
Current Liabilities      
Accounts payable$105,608
 $119,927
$92,469
 $90,566
Accrued expenses122,420
 155,699
99,867
 118,697
Current taxes, payable and deferred17,588
 12,634
Current taxes payable3,762
 6,761
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term obligations2,028
 959
2,110
 2,040
Liabilities held for sale
 1,013
Total Current Liabilities247,644
 290,232
198,208
 218,064
Long-Term Debt45,092
 19,372
253,535
 241,405
Other Long-Term Obligations82,589
 88,805
74,965
 183,270
Shareholders’ Equity   
Shareholders' Equity   
Preferred Shares (Authorized 300 shares; none outstanding)
 

 
Common Shares (Authorized 100,000 shares; 35,024 and 34,219 issued in 2015 and 2014, respectively)—no par8,815
 8,591
Class B Common Shares (Authorized 12,000 shares; 734 and 1,085 issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014)—no par184
 272
Common Shares (Authorized 100,000 shares; 37,010 and 36,532 issued and outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively)—no par9,419
 9,304
Class B Common Shares (Authorized 12,000 shares; 6 issued and outstanding in 2018 and 2017)—no par2
 2
Additional paid-in-capital247,022
 240,743
297,919
 290,125
Retained earnings310,583
 338,362
142,447
 187,999
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings(9,387) 71,619
Treasury shares (3,194 and 3,187 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively)(94,399) (94,265)
Total Shareholders’ Equity462,818
 565,322
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$838,143
 $963,731
Accumulated other comprehensive income12,793
 36,870
Treasury shares (3,841 and 3,701 shares in 2018 and 2017, respectively)(103,433) (101,006)
Total Shareholders' Equity359,147
 423,294
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$885,855
 $1,066,033

See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

FS-4

Financial Statements
Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
Operating Activities(In thousands)(In thousands)
Net earnings (loss)$(26,190) $(56,070) $33,051
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:     
Gain on sale of business (pre-tax)(424) (17,069) (82,163)
Net loss$(43,922) $(76,541) $(42,856)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash used by operating activities:     
Gains on sale of businesses (pre-tax)
 
 (7,386)
Depreciation and amortization19,430
 32,789
 36,789
15,556
 14,631
 14,635
Provision for losses on trade and installment receivables754
 1,775
 3,689
2,029
 2,042
 1,059
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes3,588
 (2,387) 2,017
(2,800) (4,370) 901
Provision (benefit) for other deferred liabilities266
 1,393
 (146)(121) 589
 996
Provision for stock-based compensation4,013
 5,626
 5,957
5,283
 7,347
 6,894
Loss on disposals of property and equipment5,135
 1,074
 666
Asset write-downs to intangible assets
 13,041
 1,523
Asset write-downs related to restructuring activities
 1,163
 
Loss (gain) on disposals of property and equipment928
 (87) 51
Impairment of an intangible asset583
 320
 
Amortization of convertible debt discount796
 710
 633
11,608
 8,811
 5,454
Amortization of debt fees2,489
 2,220
 1,991
Loss (gain) on convertible debt derivatives(11,994) 3,657
 (1,268)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
Trade receivables9,164
 17,211
 9,706
(666) 2,395
 10,210
Installment sales contracts, net283
 15
 (3,773)(603) (930) (1,236)
Inventories11,610
 (9,527) 23,797
(11,497) 22,263
 (9,944)
Other current assets5,283
 1,950
 (2,070)(873) 1,925
 84
Accounts payable(7,240) 8,329
 (19,013)4,505
 (2,168) (13,648)
Accrued expenses(22,003) 34,113
 1,396
(17,158) (5,711) (18,491)
Other long-term liabilities(9,843) (25,244) (2,005)230
 (2,167) (4,059)
Net Cash (Used) Provided by Operating Activities(5,378) 8,892
 10,054
Net Cash Used by Operating Activities(46,423) (25,774) (56,613)
Investing Activities          
Purchases of property and equipment(7,522) (12,327) (14,158)(9,823) (14,569) (10,151)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment23,117
 2,521
 885
40
 369
 42
Advance Payment from Sale of Property3,524
 
 
Proceeds from sale of businesses13,700
 21,870
 187,552

 
 13,829
Decrease in other long-term assets15,003
 20,949
 1,001
(116) (361) (167)
Other78
 569
 65
12
 (87) 96
Net Cash Provided for Investing Activities44,376
 33,582
 175,345
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities(6,363) (14,648) 3,649
Financing Activities          
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings219,603
 255,658
 352,455

 95,220
 122,025
Payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings(232,808) (286,712) (545,874)(1,493) (16,308) (2,830)
Proceeds from exercise of equity awards2,402
 480
 512
2,626
 2,676
 17
Payment of financing costs(1,954) 
 

 (4,711) (6,125)
Payment of dividends(1,589) (1,584) (1,581)(1,630) (1,604) (1,583)
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities(14,346) (32,158) (194,488)
Issuance of warrants
 14,100
 12,376
Purchases of treasury shares(2,427) (1,276) (5,331)
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities(2,924) 88,097
 118,549
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(3,528) (1,170) 83
(3,911) 4,619
 (1,406)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents21,124
 9,146
 (9,006)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents(59,621) 52,294
 64,179
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year38,931
 29,785
 38,791
176,528
 124,234
 60,055
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$60,055
 $38,931
 $29,785
$116,907
 $176,528
 $124,234

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

FS-5

Financial Statements
Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity
Common
Stock
 
Class B
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated  Other
Comprehensive
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 Total
(In thousands)
January 1, 2013 Balance$8,503
 $272
 $228,187
 $364,546
 $112,743
 $(93,262) $620,989
(In thousands)
Common
Stock
 
Class B
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in-
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 Total
January 1, 2016 Balance$8,815
 $184
 $247,022
 $310,583
 $(9,387) $(94,399) $462,818
Deferred equity compensation69
 
 (69) 
 
 
 
Exercise of stock options7
 
 505
 
 
 
 512

 
 17
 
 
 
 17
Non-qualified stock option expense
 
 3,925
 
 
 
 3,925
Performance awards
 
 1,110
 
 
 
 1,110
Non-qualified stock options
 
 745
 
 
 
 745
Restricted stock awards29
 
 2,003
 
 
 (532) 1,500
89
 
 4,950
 
 
 (331) 4,708
Net earnings
 
 
 33,051
 
 
 33,051
Conversion from Class B to Common Stock1
 (1) 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
 (42,856) 
 
 (42,856)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 10,969
 
 10,969

 
 
 
 (7,194) 
 (7,194)
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 73
 
 73
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 (1,263) 
 (1,263)
Defined benefit plans:                          
Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses and credits
 
 
 
 1,691
 
 1,691

 
 
 
 (1,491) 
 (1,491)
Additions - new participants
 
 
 
 (320) 
 (320)
Total comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 45,464
Total comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 (52,804)
Issuance of warrants
 
 12,376
 
 
 
 12,376
Dividends
 
 
 (1,581) 
 
 (1,581)
 
 
 (1,583) 
 
 (1,583)
December 31, 2013 Balance$8,539
 $272
 $234,620
 $396,016
 $125,156
 $(93,794) $670,809
Deferred equity compensation
 
 69
 
 
 
 69
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 
 
 
 (5,000) (5,000)
December 31, 2016 Balance8,974
 183
 266,151
 266,144
 (19,335) (99,730) 422,387
Exercise of stock options8
 
 472
 
 
 
 480
48
 
 2,628
 
 
 (65) 2,611
Non-qualified stock option expense
 
 3,356
 
 
 
 3,356
Performance awards
 
 1,834
 
 
 
 1,834
Non-qualified stock options
 
 865
 
 
 
 865
Restricted stock awards44
 
 2,226
 
 
 (471) 1,799
101
 
 4,547
 
 
 (1,211) 3,437
Net earnings
 
 
 (56,070) 
 
 (56,070)
Conversion from Class B to Common Stock181
 (181) 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
 (76,541) 
 
 (76,541)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 (51,508) 
 (51,508)
 
 
 
 54,591
 
 54,591
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 158
 
 158
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 (1,982) 
 (1,982)
Defined benefit plans:             
Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses and credits
 
 
 
 3,596
 
 3,596
Total comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 (20,336)
Issuance of warrants
 
 14,100
 
 
 
 14,100
Dividends
 
 
 (1,604) 
 
 (1,604)
December 31, 2017 Balance9,304
 2
 290,125
 187,999
 36,870
 (101,006) 423,294
Exercise of stock options46
 
 2,580
 
 
 (919) 1,707
Performance awards
 
 777
 
 
 
 777
Non-qualified stock options
 
 201
 
 
 
 201
Restricted stock awards69
 
 4,236
 
 
 (1,508) 2,797
Net loss
 
 
 (43,922) 
 
 (43,922)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 (30,858) 
 (30,858)
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 1,832
 
 1,832
Defined benefit plans:                          
Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses and credits
 
 
 
 (2,187) 
 (2,187)
 
 
 
 4,949
 
 4,949
Total comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 (109,607)
 
 
 
 
 
 (67,999)
Dividends
 
 
 (1,584) 
 
 (1,584)
 
 
 (1,630) 
 
 (1,630)
December 31, 2014 Balance$8,591
 $272
 $240,743
 $338,362
 $71,619
 $(94,265) $565,322
Exercise of stock options43
 
 2,359
 
 
 
 2,402
Non-qualified stock option expense
 
 1,228
 
 
 
 1,228
Restricted stock awards93
 
 2,692
 
 
 (134) 2,651
Conversion from Class B Stock to Common Stock88
 (88)         
Net loss
 
 
 (26,190) 
 
 (26,190)
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 
 
 (81,404) 
 (81,404)
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 2,554
 
 2,554
Defined benefit plans:             
Amortization of prior service costs and unrecognized losses and credits
 
 
 
 (1,372) 
 (1,372)
Additions - new participants
 
 
 
 (784) 
 (784)
Total comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 (107,196)
Dividends
 
 
 (1,589) 
 
 (1,589)
December 31, 2015 Balance$8,815
 $184
 $247,022
 $310,583
 $(9,387) $(94,399) $462,818
December 31, 2018 Balance$9,419
 $2
 $297,919
 $142,447
 $12,793
 $(103,433) $359,147
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

FS-6

Notes to Financial StatementsAccounting Policies
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Accounting Policies


Nature of Operations: Invacare Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of medical equipment used in the home based upon the company’scompany's 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 continuing care markets.

Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and include all adjustments, which were of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of the company as of December 31, 20152018 and the results of its operations and changes in its cash flow for the years ended December 31, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. 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’scompany'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.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The company's policy is to treat investments that are readily convertible to cash and with maturities so near that there is little risk of changes in value due to changes in interest rates as cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Accounts Receivable: The company records accounts receivable when control of the product ships or services are providedservice transfers to its unaffiliated customers, risk of loss is passed and title is transferred. The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts is based primarily on management's evaluation of the financial condition of specific customers. The company records accounts receivable reserves for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. The company writes off accounts receivable when it becomes apparent, based upon customer circumstances, that such amounts will not be collected and legal remedies are exhausted.


Reserves for customer bonus and cash discounts are recorded as a reduction in revenue and netted against gross accounts receivable. Customer rebates in excess of a given customer's accounts receivable balance are classified in Accrued Expenses. Customer rebates and cash discounts are estimated based on the most likely amount principal as well as historical experience and anticipated performance. In addition, customers have the right to return product within the company's normal terms policy, and as such the company estimates the expected returns based on an analysis of historical experience and adjusts revenue accordingly.
Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or marketnet realizable value with cost determined by the first-in, first-out method. Market values are based onNet realizable value is the lowerestimated selling prices in the ordinary course of replacement cost or estimated net realizable value.business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Finished goods and work in process inventories include material, labor and manufacturing overhead costs. Inventories have been reduced by an allowance for excess and obsolete inventories. The estimated allowance is based on management’smanagement's review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are stated based 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 5 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. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. In 2017, the company determined that certain demonstration equipment should be recorded as fixed assets and depreciated to their estimated recoverable values over their estimated useful lives. This determination was based on the company deciding to place the equipment in provider locations for longer periods of time versus selling the units. Accordingly, approximately $5,250,000 in demonstration equipment was reclassed from inventory to property and equipment as of December 31, 2017.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An 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.

Notes to Financial StatementsAccounting Policies
Table of Contents

Goodwill and Other Intangibles: In accordance with Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, ASC 350, goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles are subject to annual impairment testing. For purposes of the goodwill impairment test, the fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using an income approach by forecasting cash flows and discounting those cash flows using appropriate discount rates.rates as well as considering market and cost approaches as appropriate. The fair values are then compared to the carrying value of the net assets of each reporting unit. Intangibles assets are also reviewed for impairment by estimating forecasted cash flows and discounting those cash flows as needed to calculate impairment amounts.

During 2014,2018 and 2017, the company recognized an intangible write-down chargesimpairment charge of $13,041,000 comprised of a customer list impairment of $12,826,000$583,000 and a non-compete agreement impairment of $215,000 each$320,000 respectively, related to an indefinite-lived trademark recorded in the IPG segment.

During 2013, the company recognized intangible write-down charges of $1,523,000 comprised of: trademarks with indefinite lives impairment of $568,000, a trademark with a definite life impairment of $123,000, customer list impairment of $442,000 and a developed technology impairment of $223,000 each recorded in the IPG segment and a customer list impairment of $167,000 recorded in the North America/HME segment.


FS-7

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Accrued Warranty Cost: Generally, the company’scompany's products are covered by assurance-type 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. In addition, the company has sold extended warranties that, while immaterial, require the company to defer the revenue associated with those warranties until earned. 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’scompany'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 warrantnecessitate additional warranty reserve provision.provisions. See Current LiabilitiesAccrued Expenses in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the changes in the warranty accrual.
 
Product Liability Cost: The company is self-insured in North America for product liability exposures through its captive insurance company, Invatection Insurance Company, which currently has a policy year that runs from September 1 to August 31 and insures annual policy losses up to $10,000,000 per occurrence and $13,000,000 in the aggregate. The company also has additional layers of external insurance coverage, related to all lines of insurance coverage, insuring up to $75,000,000 in aggregate losses per policy year arising from individual claims anywhere in the world that exceed the captive insurance company policy limits or the limits of the company’scompany's per country foreign liability limits, as applicable. There can be no assurance that Invacare’sInvacare'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 other indicators. 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 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 awards and settlements on claims. While actuarial analysis is used to help determine adequate reserves, the company is responsible for the determination and recording of adequate reserves in accordance with accepted loss reserving standards and practices.

Revenue Recognition: Invacare’sThe company recognizes revenues are recognized when products are shippedcontrol of the product or service providedis transferred to unaffiliated customers, risk of loss is passed and title is transferred.customers. Revenue RecognitionRevenues from Contracts with Customers, ASC 605,606, provides guidance on the application of generally accepted accounting principles to selected revenue recognition issues. ShippingThe company has concluded that its revenue recognition policy is appropriate and handling costsin accordance with GAAP under ASC 606.

All of the company's product-related contracts, and a portion related to services, have a single performance obligation, which is the promise to transfer an individual good or service, with revenue recognized at a point in time. Certain service-related contracts contain multiple performance obligations that require the company to allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation. For such contracts, the company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price at inception of the contract. The company determined the standalone selling price based on the expected cost-plus margin methodology. Revenue related to the service contracts with multiple performance obligations is recognized over time. To the extent performance obligations are satisfied over time, the company defers revenue recognition until the performance obligations are satisfied.

The determination of when and how much revenue to recognize can require the use of significant judgment. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of the company's products and services to the customer.

Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring the product or providing services. The amount of consideration received and recognized as revenue by the company can vary as a result of variable consideration terms included in costthe contracts such as customer rebates, cash discounts and return
Notes to Financial StatementsAccounting Policies
Table of goods sold.Contents

policies. Customer rebates and cash discounts are estimated based on the most likely amount principle and these estimates are based on historical experience and anticipated performance. Customers have the right to return product within the company's normal terms policy, and as such, the company estimates the expected returns based on an analysis of historical experience. The company adjusts its estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration the company expects to receive changes or when the consideration becomes fixed. The company generally does not expect that there will be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration (see Receivables in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements include elsewhere in this report).

Depending on the terms of the contract, the company may defer recognizing a portion of the revenue at the end of a given period as the result of title transfer terms that are based upon delivery and or acceptance which align with transfer of control of the company's products to its customers.

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.

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 the revenue recognition guidance in ASC 605-45-05. 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. The company's payment terms are for relatively short periods and thus do not contain any element of financing. Additionally, no contract costs are incurred that would require capitalization and amortization.

Product salesSales, value-added, and other taxes the company collects concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from revenue. Incidental items that give riseare immaterial in the context of the contract are recognized as expense. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of products sold.

The majority of the company's warranties are considered assurance-type warranties and continue to installment receivablesbe recognized as expense when the products are sold (see Current Liabilities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements include elsewhere in this report). These warranties cover 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. In addition, the company has sold
extended warranties that, while immaterial, require the company to defer the revenue associated with those warranties until earned. A provision for estimated warranty cost is recorded at the time of sale whenbased upon actual experience. The company continuously assesses the risksadequacy of its product warranty accruals and rewards of ownershipmakes adjustments as needed. Historical analysis is primarily used to determine the company's warranty reserves. Claims history is reviewed and provisions are transferred. Asadjusted as needed. However, the company does consider other events, such interest income is recognized based onas a product recall, which could require additional warranty reserve provisions. See Accrued Expenses in the termsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation 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 usingchanges in the same methodology, regardless of duration ofwarranty accrual. In addition, the installment agreements.company has sold extended warranties that, while immaterial, require the company to defer the revenue associated with those warranties until earned. The company has entered into an agreement with De Lage Landen, Inc. (“DLL”), a third party financing company,established procedures to provide the majority of future lease financing to Invacare customers.appropriately defer such revenue.


FS-8

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Research and Development: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and included in cost of products sold. The company’scompany's annual expenditures for product development and engineering were approximately $18,677,000, $23,149,000$17,377,000, $17,796,000 and $24,075,000$17,123,000 for 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Advertising: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Advertising expenses amounted to $9,203,000, $13,463,000$10,109,000, $10,463,000 and $15,026,000$13,593,000 for 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively, the majority of which is incurred for advertising in the United States and Europe.

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. With the exception of two subsidiaries, foreign subsidiaries with undistributed earnings are considered to have such earnings indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly with the exception of the two subsidiaries, no deferred tax liability has been provided for future repatriation of $24,100,000 of unremitted earnings of these 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. The company has recorded the deferred tax impact of the unremitted earnings of the two subsidiaries for which the earnings are not permanently reinvested.

Value Added Taxes: The company operates internationally and is required to comply with value added tax (VAT) or goods and service tax (GST) regulations, particularly in Europe and Asia/Pacific. VAT and GST are taxes on consumption in which the company pays tax on its purchases of goods and services and charges customers on the sale of product. The difference between billings to customers and payments on purchases is then remitted or received from the government as filings are due. The company records tax assets and liabilities related to these taxes and the balances in these accounts can vary significantly from period to period based on the timing of the underlying transactions.

Derivative Instruments: Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, requires companies to recognize all derivative
Notes to Financial StatementsAccounting Policies
Table of Contents

instruments in the consolidated balance sheet as either assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative is dependent upon whether or not the derivative has been designated and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment and the type of hedging relationship. For derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments, the company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

The company recognizes its derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet measured at fair value. A majority of the company’scompany'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.

In 2016, the company issued $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 and, in the second quarter of 2017, issued $120,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the “notes”). In connection with the offering of the notes, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with certain financial institutions (the “option counterparties”). The convertible debt conversion liabilities and the convertible note hedges are accounted for as derivatives that are fair valued quarterly. The fair value of the convertible debt conversion liabilities and the convertible note hedge assets are estimated using a lattice model incorporating the terms and conditions of the notes and considering, for example, changes in the prices of the company's common stock, company stock price volatility, risk-free rates and changes in market rates. The valuations are, among other things, subject to changes in both the company's credit worthiness and the counter-parties to the instruments as well as change in general market conditions. The change in the fair value of the convertible note hedges and convertible debt conversion liabilities are recognized in net income (loss) for the respective period. While the change in fair value of the convertible debt conversion liabilities and the convertible note hedge assets are generally expected to move in opposite directions, the net change in any given period may be material.

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

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 issued in 2007 should the conditions be met to make the notes convertible or if average market price of company stock for the period exceeds the conversion price of $24.79. For periods in which there was a net loss, loss per share assuming dilution utilized weighted average shares-basic.

Defined Benefit Plans: The company’scompany's benefit plans are accounted for in accordance with Compensation-Retirement Benefits, ASC 715 which 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.


FS-9

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Reclassifications: During the first quarter of 2017, a subsidiary, formerly included in the Europe segment, was transferred to the NA/HME segment as the subsidiary is managed by the NA/HME segment manager effective January 1, 2017. Segment results for 2016 have been changed accordingly. In May 2015,2016, the company's board of directors authorizedcompany redefined the sale ofmeasure by which it evaluates segment profit or loss to be segment operating profit (loss). The previous performance measure was earnings before income taxes. All periods presented reflect the company's former rentals businesses. Accordingly, the rentals businesses were treated as held for sale. The company's December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet was restated to reflect this treatment.new measure. See Operations Held for SaleBusiness Segments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the impact onchange.

Certain other minor reclassifications also made in the consolidated balance sheet.Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements to conform to current year presentation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:Pronouncements (Already Adopted):
In April 2014,March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08 changing2016-09, "Compensation – Stock Compensation: Topic 718: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." ASU 2016-09 is intended to simplify several aspects of the presentationaccounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of discontinued operationsawards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statementsstatement of incomecash flows. The company has historically withheld shares for tax-withholding purposes and other requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Underreflected the new standard,taxes paid as a disposal of a component or a group of components of an entityfinancing activity, which is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results when the component meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale or is disposed. The amendments in this update also require additional disclosures about discontinued operations and disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations. This standard must be prospectively applied to all reporting periods presented in financial reports issued after the effective date. Early adoption was permitted for disposals that were not reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The new accounting guidance was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. This standard can impact the presentation of the company's financial statements but does not affect the calculation of net income, comprehensive income or earnings per share.consistent with ASU 2016-09. The company adopted ASU 2014-082016-09, effective January 1, 2017, which did not have a material impact on the company's financial statements.
Notes to Financial StatementsAccounting Policies
Table of Contents

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory,” to simplify the subsequent measurement of inventory. With effectiveness of this update, entities are required to subsequently measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value rather than at the lower of cost or market. The company adopted ASU 2015-11, effective January 1, 2017, which impacteddid not have a material impact on the company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss), Balance Sheets and Statement of Cash Flows. Specifically, the disposal of the United States Rentals businesses, in the third quarter of 2015, was not deemed to be a discontinued operation.company's financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2014-09 requires a company to recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The guidance requires five steps to be applied: 1) identify the contract(s) with customers, 2) identify the performance obligations in the contract, 3) determine the transaction price, 4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The guidance also requires both quantitative and qualitative disclosures, which are more comprehensive than existing revenue standards. The disclosures are intended to enable financial statement users to understand the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and the related cash flow. An entity can apply

Effective January 1, 2018, the company adopted the new revenueaccounting standard, retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented orand all the related amendments, on a modified retrospective basis, with theno cumulative effect of initially applyingadjustment to equity needed. Upon adoption, the standard recognized at the date of initial application in retained earnings. The new accounting guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, due to an approved one-year deferral, and early adoption is not permitted. The company is currently reviewing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on the company's financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, which is similar presentation of debt discounts or premiums. Debt issuance costs are currently reported on the balance sheet as assets and amortized as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 does not change the recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs and requires retrospective application to all periods presented upon adoption. The new accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. The company has determined the adoption of ASU 2015-03 willdid not have a material impact on the company's financial statements.
In July 2015,results of operations or cash flows nor does the FASB issuedcompany expect it to have a material impact on future periods. Pursuant to ASU 2015-11, “Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying2014-09, revenues are recognized as control transfers to the Measurement of Inventory,” to simplifycustomers, which is consistent with the subsequent measurement of inventory. Entities are now required to subsequently measure inventory atprior revenue recognition model and the lower of cost or net realizable value rather than atprior accounting for the lower of cost or market. This update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual periods, and early adoption is permitted. The company is currently reviewing the impactvast majority of the adoptioncompany's contracts. While the company does have a minor amount of ASU 2015-11 onservice business for which revenue is recognized over time as compared to a point in time, the company's financial statements.process to estimate the amount of revenue to be recognized did not change as a result of the implementation of the new standard.

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes." ASU 2015-17 requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent amounts on the balance sheet. The new accounting guidance is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The company adopted ASU 2015-17, on a prospective basis, effective October 1, 2015 and thus the company's deferred tax assets and liabilities have been classified as long-term in its Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted.Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Not Yet Adopted):

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheet while recognizing expense in a manner similar to existing accounting. The new accounting guidance iswas effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption was permitted. The company adopted ASU 2016-02, effective on January 1, 2019, using the optional transitional method in which periods prior to 2019 will not be restated. The company elected to apply the package of practical expedients in which lease identification,
classification and treatment of initial direct costs is permitted.retained, and will recognize right of use lease assets and liabilities for all leases regardless of lease term. The company has completed an assessment of its systems, data and processes related to implementing this standard and has substantially completed its information system design and solution development as well as the development of related internal controls. As a result of adoption of this standard, the company expects to record between $23 million and $27 million in operating lease right of use assets offset by an equivalent amount of lease liabilities on the company's consolidated balance sheets. The standard did not have a material impact on the company's results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Statements." ASU 2016-13 requires a new credit loss standard for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For example, entities will be required to use an "expected loss" model that will generally require earlier recognition of allowances for losses for trade receivables. The standard also requires additional disclosures, including disclosures regarding how an entity tracks credit quality. The amendments in the pronouncement are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities may early adopt the amendments as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The company is currently reviewing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-022016-13 on the company's financial statements.

FS-10In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment". The guidance in ASU 2017-04 eliminates the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under the amendments in the new ASU, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. The new standard is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for annual or interim goodwill impairment testing performed after January 1, 2017. The company is currently reviewing the impact of the adoption of ASU 2017-04 but does not expect the adoption to impact the company's financial statements.

Notes to Financial StatementsDivested Businesses
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Divested Businesses


Operations Held for Sale

On May 14, 2015, the company's board of directors authorizedPrior to 2018, the company and Invacare Continuing Care, Inc., a Missouri Corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the company ("ICC") to enter into an agreement to sell all the issued and outstanding membership interests of Dynamic Medical Systems, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company, and Invacare Outcomes Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICC (“collectively the rentals businesses”). The company determined on that date that the "held for sale" criteria of ASC 360-10-45-9 were met, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the rentals businesses (long-lived asset disposal group) were shown at their carrying amounts, which approximate their fair values. The rentals businesses had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as part of the Institutional Products Group (IPG) segment of the company.

On July 2, 2015, ICC completed the sale (the "Transaction") of all the issued and outstanding membership interests in the rentals businesses, pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) among the company, ICC and Joerns Healthcare Parent, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. The price paid to ICC for the rentals businesses was approximately $15,500,000 in cash, which was subject to certain post-closing adjustments required by the Purchase Agreement. Net proceeds from the Transaction were approximately $13,700,000, net of taxes and expenses. The company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $24,000 in the third quarter of 2015, which represents the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of the rentals businesses, as of the date of completion of the disposition. The company recorded expenses related to the sale of the rentals businesses totaling $1,792,000,operations held for sale of $2,892,000 of which $1,244,000 have$2,366,000 has been paid out as of December 31, 2015. The sale of the rentals businesses was not dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the net proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its credit agreement. The company determined that the sale of the rentals businesses did not meet the criteria for classification as a discontinued operation in accordance with ASU 2014-08. The rentals businesses were treated as held for sale as of June 30, 2015 until sold on July 2, 2015. As a result, the December 31, 2014 Balance Sheet was restated to reflect this treatment.2018.

The assets and liabilities of the rentals businesses that were sold and shown as held for sale in the company's Consolidated Balance Sheets were comprised of the following (in thousands):
 July 2,
2015
 December 31,
2014
Trade receivables, net$5,834
 $6,207
Inventories, net412
 315
Other current assets212
 221
Property and equipment, net4,126
 5,896
Goodwill4,518
 4,692
Intangibles40
 57
Assets sold$15,142
 $17,388
    
Accounts payable$410
 $225
Accrued expenses and other short-term obligations1,056
 788
Liabilities sold$1,466
 $1,013



























Discontinued Operations

On December 21,From 2012 in order to focus on its core equipment product lines, the company entered into an agreement to sell ISG and determined on that date that the "held for sale" criteria of ASC 360-10-45-9 were met. On January 18, 2013, the company completed the sale of the ISG medical supplies business to AssuraMed, Inc. for a purchase price of $150,800,000 in cash. ISG had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as a reportable segment of the company. The company recorded a gain of $59,402,000 pre-tax in 2013 which represented the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of ISG, excluding cash. The sale of this business is dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility in the first quarter of 2013. In 2013, the net sales of the discontinued operation of ISG were $18,498,000 and earnings before income taxes were $402,000,


FS-11

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

On August 6, 2013, the company sold Champion, its domestic medical recliner business for dialysis clinics, to Champion Equity Holdings, LLC for $45,000,000 in cash, which was subject to final post-closing adjustments. Champion had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as part of the IPG segment of the company. The company recorded a gain of $22,761,000 pre-tax in the third quarter of 2013, which represented the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of Champion. The sale of this business was dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility in the third quarter of 2013. The gain recorded by the company reflects the company's estimated final purchase adjustments.

In 2013, the net sales of the discontinued operation of Champion were $15,857,000 and earnings before income taxes were $3,156,000. Results for Champion include an interest expense allocation from continuing operations to discontinued operations of $449,000 in 2013, as proceeds from the sale were required to be utilized to pay down debt. The interest allocation was based on the net proceeds assumed to pay down debt applying the company's average interest rates for the periods presented.

In addition, in accordance with ASC 350, when a portion of a reporting entity that constitutes a business is disposed of, goodwill associated with that business should be included in the carrying amount of the net assets of the business sold in determining the gain or loss on the disposal. As such, the company allocated additional goodwill of $16,205,000 to Champion from the continuing operations of the IPG segment based on the relative fair value of Champion as compared to the remaining IPG reporting unit.

On August 29,through 2014, the company sold Altimate Medical, Inc. (Altimate), its manufacturer of stationary standing assistive devices for use in patient rehabilitation,three businesses which were classified as discontinued operations. Prior to REP Acquisition Corporation for $23,000,000 in cash, which was subject to final post-closing adjustments. Altimate had been operated on a stand-alone basis and reported as part of the North America/HME segment of the company. The company recorded a gain of $17,069,000 pre-tax in the third quarter of 2014, which represented the excess of the net sales price over the book value of the assets and liabilities of Altimate. The sale of this business was dilutive to the company's results. The company utilized the proceeds from the sale to reduce debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility in the third quarter of 2014. The gain recorded by2018, the company reflects the company's estimated final purchase adjustments. The assets and liabilities of Altimate were the following as of the date of the sale, August 29, 2014, and as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
  August 29,
2014
Trade receivables, net $2,019
Inventories, net 1,954
Other current assets 246
Property and equipment, net 176
Other Intangibles 1,047
Assets sold $5,442
   
Accounts payable $425
Accrued expenses 316
Liabilities sold $741

The net sales of the Altimate discontinued operations were $11,778,000 and $17,854,000 for 2014 and 2013, respectively, and earnings before income taxes were $2,796,000 and $5,118,000, respectively for the same periods. Results for Altimate include an interest expense allocation from continuing operations to discontinued operations of $202,000 and $323,000 for 2014 and 2013, respectively, as proceeds from the sale were required to be utilized to pay down debt. The interest allocation was based on the net proceeds assumed to pay down debt applying the company's average interest rates for the periods presented.

The companyhad recorded totalcumulative expenses related to the sale of discontinued operations noted above oftotaling $8,801,000, of which $8,405,000 were paid as of December 31, 2015.

The company recorded an incremental intra-period tax allocation expense to discontinued operations for 2015, 2014 and 2013 representing the cumulative intra-period allocation expense to discontinued operations based on the company's domestic taxable loss related to continuing operations for 2015, 2014 and 2013.

The company has classified ISG, Champion and Altimate as a discontinued operations for all periods presented.

FS-122018.

Notes to Financial StatementsCurrent Assets
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Current Assets

Receivables

Receivables as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consist of the following (in thousands):

Receivables
 2018 2017
Accounts receivable, gross$146,482
 $154,966
Customer rebate reserve(15,452) (18,747)
Allowance for doubtful accounts(5,268) (5,113)
Cash discount reserves(4,777) (4,252)
Other, principally returns and allowances reserves(1,242) (1,239)
Accounts receivable, net$119,743
 $125,615
Reserves for customer bonus rebates and cash discounts are recorded as a reduction in revenue and netted against gross accounts receivable. Customer rebates in excess of a given customer's accounts receivable balance are classified in Accrued Expenses. Customer rebates and cash discounts are estimated based on the most likely amount principal as well as historical experience and anticipated performance. In addition, customers have the right to return product within the company's normal terms policy, and as such the company estimates the expected returns based on an analysis of historical experience and adjusts revenue accordingly.

Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. Substantially all of the company’scompany's receivables are due from health care, medical equipment providers and long termlong-term care facilities located throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, China and Europe. A significant portion of products sold to providers, both foreign and domestic, are ultimately funded through government reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid in the U.S. As a consequence, changes in these programs can have an adverse impact on dealer liquidity and profitability.

The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts ($10,487,000 in 2015 and $11,970,000 in 2014) is based primarily on management’smanagement's evaluation of the financial condition of specific customers. In addition, as a result of the company's financing arrangement with DLL, a third partythird-party financing company which the company has worked with since 2000, management monitors the collection status of these contracts in accordance with the company’scompany's limited recourse obligations and provides amounts necessary for estimated losses in the allowance for doubtful accounts and establishingestablishes reserves for specific customers as needed. The company chargeswrites off uncollectible trade accounts receivable after such receivables are moved to collection status and legal remedies are exhausted. 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.

The company’scompany's U.S. customers electing to finance their purchases can do so using DLL. In addition, the company often provides financing directly for its Canadian customers for which DLL is not an option, as DLL typically provides financing to Canadian customers only on a limited basis. The installment receivables recorded on the books of the company represent a single portfolio segment of finance receivables to the independent provider channel and long-term care customers. The portfolio segment is comprised of two classes of receivables distinguished by geography and credit quality. The U.S. installment receivables are the first class and represent installment receivables re-purchased from DLL because the customers were in default. Default with DLL is defined as a customer being delinquent by 3three payments. The Canadian installment receivables represent the second class of installment receivables which were originally financed by the company because third party financing was not available to the HME providers. The Canadian installment receivables are typically financed for twelve months and historically have had a very low risk of default.

The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts and evaluation for impairment for both classes of installment receivables is based on the company’scompany's quarterly review of the financial condition of each individual customer with the allowance for doubtful accounts adjusted accordingly. Installments are individually and not collectively reviewed for impairment. The company assesses the bad debt reserve levels based upon the status of the customer’scustomer's adherence to a legally negotiated payment schedule and the company’scompany's ability to enforce judgments, liens, etc.

For purposes of granting or extending credit, the company utilizes a scoring model to generate a composite score that considers each customer’scustomer's consumer credit score and and/or D&B credit rating, payment history, security collateral and time in business. Additional analysis is performed for most customers desiring credit greater than $250,000, which generally includes a detailed review of the customer’scustomer's financials as well as consideration of other factors such as exposure to changing reimbursement laws.

Interest income is recognized on installment receivables based on the terms of the installment agreements. Installment accounts are monitored and if a customer defaults on payments and is moved to collection, interest income is no longer recognized. Subsequent payments received once an account is put on non-accrual status are generally first applied to the principal balance and then to the interest. Accruing of interest on collection accounts would only be restarted if the account became current again.
Notes to Financial StatementsCurrent Assets
Table of Contents

All installment accounts are accounted for using the same methodology regardless of the duration of the installment agreements. When an account is placed in collection status, the company goes through a legal process for pursuing collection of outstanding amounts, the length of
which typically approximates eighteen months. Any write-offs are made after the legal process has been completed. The company has not made any changes to either its accounting policies or methodology to estimate allowances for doubtful accounts in the last twelve months.


FS-13

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Installment receivables as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 consist of the following (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Current 
Long-
Term
 Total Current 
Long-
Term
 TotalCurrent 
Long-
Term
 Total Current 
Long-
Term
 Total
Installment receivables$2,309
 $2,318
 $4,627
 $2,692
 $5,117
 $7,809
$1,986
 $1,374
 $3,360
 $2,415
 $2,076
 $4,491
Less:           
Unearned interest(42) 
 (42) (46) 
 (46)
Less: Unearned interest(22) 
 (22) (38) 
 (38)
2,267
 2,318
 4,585
 2,646
 5,117
 7,763
1,964
 1,374
 3,338
 2,377
 2,076
 4,453
Allowance for doubtful accounts(1,122) (1,670) (2,792) (1,592) (4,260) (5,852)(390) (1,152) (1,542) (1,043) (1,601) (2,644)
$1,145
 $648
 $1,793
 $1,054
 $857
 $1,911
$1,574
 $222
 $1,796
 $1,334
 $475
 $1,809

Installment receivables purchased from DLL during the twelve months ended December 31, 20152018 increased the gross installment receivables balance by $936,000$1,295,000 during the year compared to $2,123,000$2,362,000 in 2014.2017. No sales of installment receivables were made by the company during the year.

The movement in the installment receivables allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Balance as of January 1$5,852
 $6,039
$2,644
 $2,838
Current period (benefit) provision(332) 796
Current period provision550
 1,001
Direct write-offs charged against the allowance(2,728) (983)(1,652) (1,195)
Balance as of December 31$2,792
 $5,852
$1,542
 $2,644
 
Installment receivables by class as of December 31, 20152018 consist of the following (in thousands):
Total
Installment
Receivables
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
for
Doubtful
Accounts
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Total
Installment
Receivables
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance for
Doubtful
Accounts
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
U.S.              
Impaired installment receivables with a related allowance recorded$3,618
 $3,618
 $2,729
 $
$2,669
 $2,669
 $1,540
 $
Canada              
Non-Impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded946
 904
 
 52
Non-impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded689
 667
 
 127
Impaired installment receivables with a related allowance recorded63
 63
 63
 
2
 2
 2
 
Total Canadian installment receivables$1,009
 $967
 $63
 $52
691
 669
 2
 127
Total              
Non-Impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded946
 904
 
 52
Non-impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded689
 667
 
 127
Impaired installment receivables with a related allowance recorded3,681
 3,681
 2,792
 
2,671
 2,671
 1,542
 
Total installment receivables$4,627
 $4,585
 $2,792
 $52
$3,360
 $3,338
 $1,542
 $127


FS-14
Notes to Financial StatementsCurrent Assets

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Installment receivables by class as of December 31, 20142017 consist of the following (in thousands):
Total
Installment
Receivables
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
for
Doubtful
Accounts
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
Total
Installment
Receivables
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance for
Doubtful
Accounts
 
Interest
Income
Recognized
U.S.              
Impaired installment receivables with a related allowance recorded$6,735
 $6,735
 $5,786
 $
$3,566
 $3,566
 $2,642
 $
Canada              
Non-Impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded1,008
 962
 
 82
Non-impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded923
 885
 
 74
Impaired installment receivables with a related allowance recorded66
 66
 66
 
2
 2
 2
 
Total Canadian installment receivables$1,074
 $1,028
 $66
 $82
925
 887
 2
 74
Total              
Non-Impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded1,008
 962
 
 82
Non-impaired installment receivables with no related allowance recorded923
 885
 
 74
Impaired installment receivables with a related allowance recorded6,801
 6,801
 5,852
 
3,568
 3,568
 2,644
 
Total installment receivables$7,809
 $7,763
 $5,852
 $82
$4,491
 $4,453
 $2,644
 $74

Installment receivables with a related allowance recorded as noted in the table above represent those installment receivables on a non-accrual basis in accordance with ASU 2010-20. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the company had no U.S. installment receivables past due of 90 days or more for which the company is still accruing interest. Individually, all U.S. installment receivables are assigned a specific allowance for doubtful accounts based on management’s
management's review when the company does not expect to receive both the contractual principal and interest payments as specified in the loan agreement. In Canada, the company had an immaterial amount of installment receivables which were past due of 90 days or more as of December 31, 20152018 and December 31, 20142017 for which the company is still accruing interest.


The aging of the company’scompany's installment receivables was as follows as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 (in thousands):
December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Total U.S. Canada Total U.S. CanadaTotal U.S. Canada Total U.S. Canada
Current$908
 $
 $908
 $976
 $
 $976
$663
 $
 $663
 $916
 $
 $916
0-30 days past due16
 
 16
 15
 
 15
11
 
 11
 6
 
 6
31-60 days past due12
 
 12
 2
 
 2
10
 
 10
 
 
 
61-90 days past due1
 
 1
 
 
 
6
 
 6
 
 
 
90+ days past due3,690
 3,618
 72
 6,816
 6,735
 81
2,670
 2,669
 1
 3,569
 3,566
 3
$4,627
 $3,618
 $1,009
 $7,809
 $6,735
 $1,074
$3,360
 $2,669
 $691
 $4,491
 $3,566
 $925

Notes to Financial StatementsCurrent Assets
Table of Contents

Inventories

Inventories, net of reserves, as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 consist of the following (in thousands):
 
2015 20142018 2017
Finished goods$67,207
 $85,828
$62,766
 $52,773
Raw materials54,005
 57,509
55,120
 59,497
Work in process11,595
 12,224
10,237
 9,663
$132,807
 $155,561
$128,123
 $121,933


FS-15

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Other Current Assets

Other current assets as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014 consist of the following (in thousands):
 2015 2014
Value added tax receivables$18,031
 $21,273
Recoverable income taxes367
 261
Derivatives (foreign currency forward contracts)4,143
 520
Prepaid insurance2,538
 2,713
Prepaid and other current assets9,380
 12,031
 $34,459
 $36,798

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets as of December 31, 2015 and 20142017 consist of the following (in thousands):
 2015 2014
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies$1,674
 $15,765
Deferred financing fees1,088
 408
Investments160
 249
Long-term installment receivables648
 857
Long-term deferred taxes908
 613
Other181
 1,161
 $4,659
 $19,053

The company sold life insurance policies of $11,902,000 and $21,338,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively, to fund payments as the result of the retirement of certain executive officers of the company.
 2018 2017
Value added tax receivables$16,372
 $16,174
Prepaid insurance2,626
 2,647
Service contracts2,201
 2,812
Derivatives (foreign currency forward contracts)1,020
 730
Recoverable income taxes787
 341
Prepaid inventory521
 711
Prepaid debt fees395
 397
Prepaid and other current assets7,141
 7,692
 $31,063
 $31,504

Property and Equipment
Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Assets
Table of Contents

Property and equipmentLong-Term Assets

Other Long-Term Assets


Other long-term assets as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 consist of the following (in thousands):
 2015 2014
Machinery and equipment$299,721
 $318,286
Land, buildings and improvements73,830
 81,219
Furniture and fixtures10,031
 11,738
Leasehold improvements11,966
 14,517
 395,548
 425,760
Less allowance for depreciation(316,865) (346,101)
 $78,683
 $79,659
 2018 2017
Convertible 2021 note hedge asset$1,028
 $46,915
Convertible 2022 note hedge asset2,062
 46,680
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies1,948
 1,991
Deferred financing fees402
 787
Investments90
 103
Long-term installment receivables222
 475
Long-term deferred taxes352
 518
Other256
 107
 $6,360
 $97,576

As part of issuing debt, the company entered into related convertible note hedge derivatives which are included in Other Long-Term Assets, the value of which will be adjusted quarterly to reflect fair value.


See "Long-Term Debt" in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail regarding the company's issuance of convertible debt and the related convertible note hedge derivatives.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consist of the following (in thousands):

 2018 2017
Machinery and equipment$301,040
 $307,244
Land, buildings and improvements76,899
 78,522
Furniture and fixtures9,898
 10,264
Leasehold improvements8,847
 9,947
 396,684
 405,977
Less allowance for depreciation(322,378) (325,961)
 $74,306
 $80,016

Machinery and equipment includes demonstration units placed in provider locations which are depreciated to their estimated recoverable values over their estimated useful lives.

In the fourththird quarter of 2015,2018, the company wrote off $4,031,000 of costs previously capitalized associatedagreed to sell its Isny, Germany location with a canceled legacy software program based on a changenet book value at the signing of the agreement of approximately $2,900,000, which is included in Land, buildings and improvements in the North America/HME IT strategy.table above. In accordance with the agreement, control will not transfer to the buyer until April 2020; however, the company received an advance payment of $3,524,000 representing a majority of the proceeds to be received, which is reflected in the investing section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash


FS-16
Flows and classified in Other Long-Term Obligation in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The company will continue to depreciate the building and expects to record a gain on the transaction when completed in 2020.



Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Assets
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Goodwill

The carrying amount of goodwill by operating segment is as follows (in thousands):
 
Institutional
Products
Group
 Europe Consolidated
Balance at January 1, 2014$31,615
 $425,919
 $457,534
Foreign currency translation adjustments(1,696) (34,819) (36,515)
Balance at December 31, 201429,919
 391,100
 421,019
Foreign currency translation adjustments(2,763) (56,576) (59,339)
Balance at December 31, 2015$27,156
 $334,524
 $361,680
 
Institutional
Products
Group
 Europe Consolidated
Balance at December 1, 2017$27,606
 $332,996
 $360,602
Foreign currency translation adjustments1,124
 39,557
 40,681
Balance at December 31, 201728,730
 372,553
 401,283
Foreign currency translation adjustments(1,353) (18,657) (20,010)
Balance at December 31, 2018$27,377
 $353,896
 $381,273

In accordance with Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, ASC 350, goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment. The company first estimates the fair value of each reporting unit and compares the calculated fair value to the carrying value of each reporting unit. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below. The company has determined that its reporting units are the same as its operating segments.

The company completes its annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To estimate the fair values of the reporting units, the company utilizes a discounted cash flow method model 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 potential acquirer companies of similar credit risk and the cost of equity is based upon the 20-year treasury rate for the risk freerisk-free rate, a market risk premium, the industry average beta and a small cap stock adjustment. The discount rates used have a significant impact upon the discounted cash flow methodology utilized in the company's annual impairment testing as higher discount rates decrease the fair value estimates. The assumptions used are based on a market participant's point of view and yielded a discount rate of 9.41%12.41% in 20152018 for the company's initialannual impairment analysis for the reporting units with goodwill compared to 9.89%9.07% in 20142017 and 10.00%8.67% in 2013.2016.







The company also utilizes an Enterprise Value (EV) to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) Method to compute the fair value of its reporting units which considers potential acquirers and their EV to EBITDA multiples adjusted by an estimated premium. While more weight is given to the discounted cash flow method, the EV to EBITDA Method does provide corroborative evidence of the reasonableness of the discounted cash flow method results.

While there was no indication of impairment in 20152018 related to goodwill for the Europe or IPG segments, a future potential impairment is possible for these segments 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. In consideration of this potential, the company reviewed the results if the discount rate used were 100 basis points higher for the 20152018 impairment analysis and determined that there still would not be an indicator of potential impairment for the Europe or IPG segments.reporting units.
As part of the company's review of goodwill for impairment, the company also considers the potential for impairment of any other assets. In 2015, 2014 and 2013,See Intangibles in the company performedNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a review for potential impairmentsdescription of any other assets, including the company's Taylor Street facility which is subject to the FDA consent decree that limits the company's manufacture and distribution of custom power and manual wheelchairs, wheelchair components and wheelchair subassemblies at the Taylor Street facility. The company determined there was no impairment of the property, plant and equipment of the Taylor Street facility based on a comparison of the forecasted undiscounted cash flows to the carrying value of the net assets in accordance with ASC 360. In addition, the company determined there was no impairment of net inventory associated with the facility.


FS-17intangible impairments.

Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Assets
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Intangibles

All of the company’scompany's other intangible assets have been assigned definite lives and continue to be amortized over their useful lives, except for $24,524,000 related to trademarks shown below, which have indefinite lives.
The changes in intangible balances reflected on the balance sheet from December 31, 20142017 to December 31, 20152018 were the result of foreign currency translation and amortization.amortization except for an intangible impairment noted below.

The company’scompany's intangibles consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Historical
Cost
 
Accumulated
Amortization
Customer lists$49,858
 $45,019
 $78,693
 $71,343
$51,828
 $50,768
 $54,516
 $51,957
Trademarks24,524
 
 28,314
 
24,385
 
 26,372
 
License agreements1,098
 1,098
 1,290
 1,290
733
 733
 1,187
 1,187
Developed technology7,405
 5,921
 8,297
 6,340
7,608
 6,563
 7,925
 6,636
Patents5,959
 5,843
 6,102
 5,804
5,500
 5,497
 5,566
 5,559
Other1,161
 1,124
 2,548
 2,454
1,162
 1,149
 1,162
 1,145
$90,005
 $59,005
 $125,244
 $87,231
$91,216
 $64,710
 $96,728
 $66,484

Amortization expense related to other intangibles was $1,907,000, $20,358,000$2,218,000, $1,881,000 and $10,567,000$1,629,000 for 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to be $1,626,000$1,247,000 for 2016, $1,549,0002019, $186,000 in 2017, $1,530,0002020, $186,000 in 2018, $992,0002021, $186,000 in 20192022 and $184,000$186,000 in 2020.2023. Amortized intangibles are being amortized on a straight-line basis over remaining lives from 1 to 10 years with the majority of the intangibles being amortized over an average remaining life of approximately 53 years.

In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, the company reviews intangibles for impairment. The company's intangible assets consist of intangible assets with defined lives as well as intangible assets with indefinite lives. Defined-lived intangible assets consist principally of customer lists and developed technology, license agreements, patents and other miscellaneous intangibles such as non-compete agreements.technology. The company's indefinite lived intangible assets consist entirely of trademarks.










The company evaluates the carrying value of definite-lived assets whenever events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. Definite-lived assets are determined to be impaired if the future un-discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset are less than the carrying value.value of the asset group. Actual impairment amounts for definite-lived assets are then calculated using a discounted cash flow calculation. The company reviews indefinite-lived assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. Any impairment amounts for indefinite-lived assets are calculated as the difference between the future discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset less than the carrying value for the asset.
During 2014,2018 and 2017, the company recognized an intangible write-down chargesimpairment charge in the IPG segment of $13,041,000 comprised of a customer list impairment of $12,826,000$583,000 ($431,000 after-tax) and a non-compete agreement of $215,000 as the actual and remaining cash flows associated with the intangibles were less than the cash flows originally used$320,000 ($237,000 after-tax) respectively, related to value the intangibles, primarily driven by reduced net sales. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for each of the above impairments.
During 2013, the company recognized intangible write-down charges of $1,523,000 comprised of: trademarks with indefinite lives impairment of $568,000, a trademark with a definite life impairment of $123,000, customer list impairment of $442,000 and developed technology impairment of $223,000 all recorded in the IPG segment and a customer list impairment of $167,000 recorded in the North America/HME segment.an indefinite life. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for eachfair value of the above impairments except for the indefinite-lived trademark impairment in the IPG segment, which was $496,000 after-tax.
The fair values of the customer lists were calculated using an excess earnings method, using a discounted cash flow model. Estimated cash flow returns to the customer relationship were reduced by the cash flows required to satisfy the return requirements of each of the assets employed with the residual cash flow then discounted to value the customer list. The fair values of the trademarks and developed technology were calculated using a relief from royalty payment methodology which requires applying an estimated market royalty rate to forecasted net sales and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. The patent was impaired as the related product was discontinued.

FS-18

Notes to Financial StatementsCurrent Liabilities
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Current Liabilities


Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 consisted of accruals for the following (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Salaries and wages$41,305
 $40,850
$23,289
 $33,390
Taxes other than income taxes, primarily Value Added Taxes21,424
 24,743
23,197
 22,627
Warranty cost22,820
 30,738
16,353
 22,468
Rebates7,966
 5,831
Professional5,888
 5,203
Interest3,992
 3,919
Freight3,363
 4,002
Product liability, current portion2,728
 2,905
Deferred revenue2,416
 2,770
Severance1,657
 3,704
Insurance738
 645
Rent483
 808
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP)1,279
 21,517
391
 391
Freight6,153
 6,202
Professional5,774
 6,613
Product liability, current portion3,127
 4,334
Rebates1,791
 1,722
Insurance695
 1,266
Interest872
 1,068
Derivatives (foreign currency forward exchange contracts)2,014
 2,526
219
 2,120
Severance2,477
 4,209
Other items, principally trade accruals12,689
 9,911
7,187
 7,914
$122,420
 $155,699
$99,867
 $118,697

As a result
Depending on the terms of the retirementcontract, the company may defer the recognition of certain executivesa portion of the revenue at the end of a reporting period to align with the transfer of control of the company's products to the customer. In addition, to the extent performance obligations are satisfied over time, the company during 2015, Supplemental Executive Retirement Program (SERP) and deferred compensation payments of $21,126,000 and $3,525,000, respectively, were made in 2015.defers revenue recognition until the performance obligations are satisfied.

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 ASC 605-50, Customer Payments and Incentives. Rebates are netted against gross accounts receivables unless in excess of such receivables and then classified as accrued expenses.




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 sales 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. In addition, the company has sold extended warranties that, while immaterial, require the company to defer the revenue associated with those warranties until earned. The company has established procedures to appropriate defer such revenue.

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 field action and recalls, which could warrant additional warranty reserve provision.

Notes to Financial StatementsCurrent Liabilities

Changes in accrued warranty costs were as follows (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Balance as of January 1$30,738
 $27,393
$22,468
 $23,302
Warranties provided during the period11,561
 21,472
7,106
 10,176
Settlements made during the period(17,817) (22,752)(13,731) (11,917)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the period, including expirations(1,662) 4,625
510
 907
Balance as of December 31$22,820
 $30,738
$16,353
 $22,468

The company's warranty expense for 20152016 includes reversals of $2,325,000$2,856,000 principally driven by a $2,000,000 reversal as a result of changes in the company's estimate of costs related to a recall for a component in a stationary oxygen concentrator that was manufactured in the company’s facility in Suzhou, China, and sold globally, which is no longer used in production.

The company's warranty expense for 2014 includes $11,493,000 for threetwo specific product issues. First, an expense of $6,559,000$1,366,000 for a product recall which was related to a component inon a stationary oxygen concentrator that was manufacturedlifestyle product, recorded in the company’s facility in Suzhou, China, and sold globally,NA/HME segment. Secondly, an additional warranty expense of $1,490,000 for a component of a lifestyles product which is no longer used in production. This expense was recorded in the European segment ($3,395,000) and North America/HME segment ($3,164,000). Second, an expense of $2,057,000 for the recall of a sieve bed component used within stationary oxygen concentrators manufactured during August 2014, which was recorded in the North

FS-19

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

America/HME segment. Third, an incremental expense of $2,877,000 related to the company's joystick recall as a result of higher than previously anticipated response rates from larger customers in the U.S. and Canada and a shift in the product mix toward higher cost joysticks, which was recorded in the North America/HME segment ($1,612,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($1,265,000).

These warranty




































Warranty reserves are subject to adjustment in future periods as new developments change the company's estimate of the total cost of these matters.cost.

Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Debt
Table of Contents

Long-Term Debt


Debt as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 consisted of the following (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Senior secured revolving credit facility, due in October 2015$
 $4,000
Convertible senior subordinated debentures at 4.125%, due in February 202712,147
 11,351
Convertible senior notes at 5.00%, due in February 2021$130,260
 $122,355
Convertible senior notes at 4.50%, due in June 202295,473
 89,675
Other notes and lease obligations34,973
 4,980
29,912
 31,415
47,120
 20,331
255,645
 243,445
Less current maturities of long-term debt(2,028) (959)(2,110) (2,040)
$45,092
 $19,372
$253,535
 $241,405

The company had outstanding letters of credit of $3,230,000$3,123,000 and $7,063,000$2,945,000 as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. There were no borrowings denominated in foreign currencies, excluding a portion of the company's capital leases, as of December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. For 2018 and 2017, the weighted average interest rate on all borrowings, excluding capital leases, was 4.78% and 4.84%, respectively.

On September 30, 2015, the company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), amending and restating the company’s existing Revolving Credit and Security Agreement which was originally entered into on January 16, 2015 andsubsequently amended on April 22, 2015 (the “Prior Credit Agreement”"Credit Agreement") and which matures inon January 2018.16, 2021. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement was entered into by and among the company, certain of the company’scompany's direct and indirect U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries and certain of the company’scompany's European subsidiaries (together with the company, the “Borrowers”), certain other of the company’scompany's direct and indirect U.S., Canadian and European subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), and PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”), JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, KeyBank National Association, and Citizens Bank, National Association (the “Lenders”). PNC is the administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited is the European agent (the “European Agent”) under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants. Exceptions to the operating covenants in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provide the company with flexibility to, among other things, enter into or undertake certain sale and leaseback transactions, dispositions of assets, additional credit facilities, sales of receivables, additional indebtedness and intercompany indebtedness, all subject to limitations set forth in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also contains a covenant requiring the company to maintain minimum availability under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility of not less than the greater of (i) 11.25% of the maximum amount that may be drawn under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility for five (5) consecutive business days, or (ii) $10,000,000 on any business day (which amount was reduced to $5,000,000 pursuant to an amendment in February 2016 -- see “Subsequent Events”). The company also is subject to dominion triggers under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility (as defined below) requiring the company to maintain borrowing capacity of not less than $11,250,000 on any business day or $12,500,000 for five consecutive days in order to avoid triggering full control by an agent for the lenders of the company's cash receipts for application to the company’s obligations under the agreement.

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary default provisions, with certain grace periods and exceptions, which provide that events of default that include, among other things, failure to pay amounts due, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, bankruptcy, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, exclusion from any medical reimbursement program, and an interruption of any material manufacturing facilities for more than 10 consecutive days. The initial borrowings under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility were used to repay and terminate the company’s previous credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature in October 2015.

The Prior Credit Agreement was amended on April 22, 2015 to provide for certain technical amendments, including: (1) revising various provisions of the Prior Credit Agreement to allow the company to issue letters of credit denominated in foreign currencies other than those originally contemplated under the Prior Credit Agreement; and (2) amending certain covenants in the

FS-20

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Prior Credit Agreement to permit the company (i) to make a single acquisition of assets of a third-party for cash consideration not to exceed $500,000 on or before September 30, 2015 and (ii) to accept surrenders of company shares by employees to facilitate the payment of tax withholding obligations in connection with employee equity compensation.

In connection with entering into the Prior Credit Agreement and subsequent Amended and Restatedcompany's Credit Agreement, the company incurred $1,954,000 in fees which were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense. As of December 31, 2018, debt fees yet to be amortized through January 2018. In addition, as a result of terminating the previous credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature in October 2015, the company wrote-off $668,000 in previously capitalized fees in the first quarter of 2015, which is reflected in the expense of the North America / HME segment. In comparison, the company wrote-off $1,070,000 in fees previously capitalized in the first quarter of 2014 as a result of a reduction in the borrowing capacity under the company's previous credit agreement, which was scheduled to mature in October 2015.2021 totaled $797,000.

U.S. and Canadian Borrowers Credit Facility

For the company's U.S. and Canadian Borrowers, the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for an asset-based-lending senior secured revolving credit facility which is secured by substantially all of the company’scompany's U.S. and Canadian assets, other than real estate. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides the company and the other Borrowers with a credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000,000, subject to availability based on a borrowing base formula, under a senior secured revolving credit, letter of credit and swing line
loan facility (the “U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility”). Up to $25,000,000 of the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility will be available for issuance of letters of credit. The aggregate principal amount of the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility may be increased by up to $25,000,000 to the extent requested by the company and agreed to by any Lender or new financial institution approved by the Administrative Agent.

The aggregate borrowing availability under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility is determined based on a borrowing base formula set forth in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and summarized below.

Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, theformula. The aggregate usage under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility may not exceed an amount equal to the sum of (a) 85% of eligible U.S. accounts receivable plus (b) the lesser of (i) 70% of eligible U.S. inventory and eligible foreign in-transit inventory and (ii) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible U.S. inventory and eligible foreign in-transit inventory (not to exceed $4,000,000), plus (c) the lesser of (i) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of U.S. eligible machinery and equipment and (ii) $2,485,000$731,000 as of December 31, 2018 (subject to reduction as provided in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), plus (d) 85% of eligible Canadian accounts receivable, plus (e) the lesser of (i) 70% of eligible Canadian inventory and (ii) 85% of the net orderly liquidation value of eligible Canadian inventory, less (f) swing loans outstanding under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility, less (g) letters of credit issued and undrawn under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility, less (h) a $10,000,000$5,000,000 minimum availability reserve, less (i) other reserves required by the Administrative Agent, and in each case subject to the definitions and limitations in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the company was in compliance with all covenant requirements and had borrowing capacity on the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement of $38,230,000, taking into account$21,274,000, considering the $10,000,000 minimum availability reserve, (which amount was reduced to $5,000,000 pursuant to an amendment in February 2016 - see "Subsequent Events"), then-outstanding letters of credit, other reserves and the $11,250,000 dominion trigger amount noted above.described below. Borrowings under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility are secured by substantially all the company's U.S. and Canadian assets, other than real estate.

Interest will accrue on outstanding indebtedness under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement at the LIBOR rate, plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 2.75%, or at the alternate base rate,
Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Debt
Table of Contents

plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 1.75%, as selected by the company. Borrowings under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility are subject to commitment fees of 0.25% or 0.375% per year, depending on utilization.

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants. Exceptions to the operating covenants in the Credit Agreement provide the company with flexibility to, among other things, enter into or undertake certain sale and leaseback transactions, dispositions of assets, additional credit facilities, sales of receivables, additional indebtedness and intercompany indebtedness, all subject to limitations set forth in the Credit Agreement, as amended. The Credit Agreement also contains a covenant requiring the company to maintain minimum availability under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility of not less than the greater of (i) 11.25% of the maximum amount that may be drawn under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility for five (5) consecutive business days, or (ii) $5,000,000 on any business day. The company also is subject to dominion triggers under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility requiring the company to maintain borrowing capacity of not less than $11,250,000 on any business day or $12,500,000 for five consecutive days in order to avoid triggering full control by an agent for the lenders of the company's cash receipts for application to the company's obligations under the agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary default provisions, with certain grace periods and exceptions, which provide that events of default that include, among other things, failure to pay amounts due, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, bankruptcy, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, exclusion from any medical reimbursement program, and an interruption of any material manufacturing facilities for more than 10 consecutive days. There were no borrowings under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility at December 31, 2018.

European Credit Facility

The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement retains the existing asset-based lending senior secured revolving credit facility provided for the company and the U.S. and Canadian Borrowers under the Prior Credit Agreement (the “Existing Credit Facility”) andalso provides for a new revolving credit, letter of credit and swing line loan facility which gives the company and European Borrowers the ability to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $30,000,000, with a $5,000,000 sublimit for letters of credit and a $2,000,000 sublimit for swing line loans (the “European Credit Facility”). Up to $15,000,000 of the European Credit Facility will be available to each of Invacare Limited (the “UK Borrower”) and Invacare Poirier SAS (the “French Borrower” and, together with the UK Borrower, the “European Borrowers”). The European Credit Facility matures in January 2018,2021, together with the ExistingU.S. and Canadian Credit Facility.

The aggregate borrowing availability for each European Borrower under the European Credit Facility is
determined based on a borrowing base formula set forth in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and summarized below. Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, theformula. The aggregate borrowings of each of the European Borrowers under the European Credit Facility

FS-21

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

may not exceed an amount equal to (a) 85% of the European Borrower’sBorrower's eligible accounts receivable, less (b) the European Borrower’sBorrower's borrowings and swing line loans outstanding under the European Credit Facility, less (c) the European Borrower’sBorrower's letters of credit issued and undrawn under the European Credit Facility, less (d) a $3,000,000 minimum availability reserve, less (e) other reserves required by the European Agent, and in each case subject to the definitions and limitations in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2015, as determined pursuant to the borrowing base formula,2018, the aggregate borrowing base availableavailability to the European Borrowers under the European Credit Facility was approximately $21,528,000, with aggregate borrowing availability of approximately $15,153,000, taking into account$12,088,000, considering the $3,000,000 minimum availability reserve and a $3,375,000 dominion trigger amount described below.

The aggregate principal amount of the European Credit Facility may be increased by up to $10,000,000 to the extent requested by the company and agreed to by any Lender or Lenders that wish to increase their lending participation or, if not agreed to by any Lender, a new financial institution that agrees to join the European Credit Facility and that is approved by the Administrative Agent and the European Agent.

Interest will accrue on outstanding indebtedness under the European Credit Facility at an adjusted LIBOR rate, plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.00%, or for swing line loans, at the overnight LIBOR rate, plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.00%., as selected by the company. The margin will be adjusted quarterly based on utilization. Borrowings under the European Credit Facility are subject to commitment fees of between 0.25% and 0.375% per year, depending on utilization.

The European Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the personal property assets of the UK Borrower and its in-country subsidiaries, and all of the receivables of the French Borrower and its in-country subsidiaries. The UK and French facilities (which comprise the European Credit Facility) are cross collateralized, and the USU.S. personal property assets previously pledged under the ExistingU.S. and Canadian Credit Facility also serve as collateral for the European Credit Facility.

The European Credit Facility is subject to customary representations, warranties and covenants generally consistent with those applicable to the ExistingU.S. and Canadian Credit Facility. Exceptions to the operating covenants in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provide the company with flexibility to, among other things, enter into or undertake certain sale/leaseback transactions, dispositions of assets, additional credit facilities, sales of receivables, additional indebtedness and intercompany indebtedness, all subject to limitations set forth in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also contains a covenant requiring the European Borrowers to
Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Debt
Table of Contents

maintain undrawn availability under the European Credit Facility of not less than the greater of (i) 11.25% of the maximum amount that may be drawn under the European Credit Facility for five (5) consecutive business days, or (ii) $3,000,000 on any business day. The European Borrowers also are subject to cash dominion triggers under the European Credit Facility requiring the European Borrower to maintain borrowing capacity of not less than $3,375,000 on any business day or 12.50% of the maximum amount that may be drawn under the European Credit Facility for five (5) consecutive business days in order to avoid triggering full control by an agent for the Lenders of the European Borrower’sBorrower's cash receipts for application to its obligations under the European Credit Facility.

The European Credit Facility is subject to customary default provisions, with certain grace periods and exceptions, consistent with those applicable to the ExistingU.S. and Canadian Credit Facility, which provide that events of default include, among other things, failure to pay amounts due, breach of covenants, representations or warranties, cross-default, bankruptcy, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, exclusion from any medical reimbursement program, and an interruption in the operations of any material manufacturing facility for more than 10 consecutive days.

The proceeds of the European Credit Facility will be used to finance the working capital and other business needs of the company. There were no borrowings outstanding under the European Credit Facility at December 31, 2018.

Convertible senior subordinated debentures due in 2027

In 2007, the company issued $135,000,000 principal amount of 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027. The debentures are unsecured senior subordinated obligations2027 (the "debentures"), of which $0 principal amount remained outstanding at December 31, 2018 as the company guaranteed by substantially all of the company’s domestic subsidiaries (which guarantees were released effective February 16, 2016, see "Subsequent Events"), 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 debentures allow the company to satisfy the conversion using any combination of cash or stock, and at the company’s discretion. In the event of such a conversion, the company intends to satisfy the accreted valueholders 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. As of

FS-22

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

December 31, 2015, the principal amount of the company’s Convertible Notes exceeded the if-converted value of those notes by $3,379,000.

The company includes the dilutive effect of shares necessary to settle the conversion spread in the Net Earnings per Share- Assuming Dilution calculation unless such amounts are anti-dilutive as was the case in 2015, 2014 and 2013. 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 thirty consecutive trading days preceding the date on which the notice of conversion is given. At a conversion price of $32.23 (30% premium over $24.79), the full conversion of the convertible debt equates to 539,000 shares. 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. The company may redeem some or all of the debentures for cash on or after February 1, 2017. Holders have theexercised their right to require the company to repurchase all or some of theirthe debentures upon the occurrence of certain circumstances on February 1, 2017 and 2022. The company evaluated the termsat a price equal to 100% of the call, redemption and conversion features under the applicable accounting literature, including Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, and determined that the features did not require separate accounting as derivatives. The notes, debentures and common shares issuable upon conversionprincipal amount. As a result of the debentures have been registered underrepurchase, the Securities Act.company wrote-off unamortized debt fees of $207,000 and recognized amortization expense of $311,000 in the first quarter of 2017.
The components of the company’s convertible debtunamortized discount as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist2016 was fully amortized in the first quarter 2017 due to the repurchase of all the following (in thousands):debentures on February 1, 2017.
 2015 2014
Carrying amount of equity component$25,381
 $25,381
    
Principal amount of liability component$13,350
 $13,350
Unamortized discount(1,203) (1,999)
Net carrying amount of liability component$12,147
 $11,351

The unamortized discount of $1,203,000 is to be amortized through February 2017. The effective interest rate on the liability component was 11.5% for 2007 through 2014.. Non-cash interest expense of $796,000, $710,000$311,000 and $633,000$892,000 was recognized in 2015, 20142017 and 2013,2016, respectively, in comparison to actual interest expense paid of $551,000, $551,000$275,000 and $551,000 based on the stated coupon rate of 4.125%, for each of the same periods.

Convertible senior notes due 2021
In the first quarter of 2016, the company issued $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 (the “2021 notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The notes bear interest at a rate of 5.00% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning August 15, 2016. The notes will mature on February 15, 2021, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to August 15, 2020, the 2021 notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Unless and until the company obtains shareholder approval under applicable New York Stock Exchange rules, the 2021 notes will be convertible, subject to certain conditions, into cash. If the company obtains such shareholder approval, the 2021 notes may be settled in cash, the company's common shares or a combination of cash and the company's common shares, at the company's election.
Holders of the 2021 notes will have the right to require the company to repurchase all or some of their 2021 notes at 100% of their principal, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes. The initial conversion rate is 60.0492 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of 2021 notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $16.65 per common share). The company evaluated the terms of the conversion features under the applicable accounting literature, including Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, and determined that the features did require separate accounting as a derivative. This derivative was capitalized on the balance sheet as a long-term liability and will be adjusted to reflect fair value each quarter. The fair value of the convertible debt conversion liability related to the notes at issuance was $34,480,000. The fair value of the convertible debt conversion liability at December 31, 2018 was $1,458,000 compared to $53,154,000 as of December 31, 2017. The company recognized a gain of $51,696,000 in 2018 compared to a loss of $22,446,000 in 2017 related to the convertible debt conversion liability.
In connection with the offering of the 2021 notes, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with two financial institutions (the “option counterparties”). These transactions cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of the company's common shares that will initially underlie the 2021 notes, and are expected generally to reduce the potential equity dilution, and/or offset any cash payments in excess of the principal amount due, as the case may be, upon conversion of the 2021 notes. The company evaluated the note hedges under the applicable accounting literature, including
Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Debt
Table of Contents

Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, and determined that the note hedges should be accounted for as derivatives. These derivatives were capitalized on the balance sheet as long-term assets and will be adjusted to reflect fair value each quarter. The fair value of the convertible note hedge assets at issuance was $27,975,000. The fair value of the convertible note hedge asset at December 31, 2018 was $1,028,000 compared to $46,915,000 as of December 31, 2017. The company recognized a loss of $45,887,000 in 2018 compared to a gain of $21,444,000 in 2017 related to the convertible note hedge asset.

The company entered into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the option counterparties at a higher strike price relating to the same number of the company's common shares, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, pursuant to which the company sold warrants to the option counterparties. The warrants could have a dilutive effect on the company's outstanding common shares and the company's earnings per share to the extent that the price of the company's common shares exceeds the strike price of those warrants. The initial strike price of the warrants is $22.4175 per share and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the warrant transactions. The company evaluated the warrants under the applicable accounting literature, including Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, and determined that the warrants meet the definition of a derivative, are indexed to the company's own stock and should be classified in shareholder's equity. The amount paid for the warrants and capitalized in shareholder's equity was $14,100,000.

The net proceeds from the offering of the notes were approximately $144,034,000, after deducting fees and offering expenses of $5,966,000, which were paid in 2016. These debt issuance costs were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense through February 2021. In accordance with ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, these debt issuance costs are presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. Approximately $5,000,000 of the net proceeds from the offering were used to repurchase the company's common shares from purchasers of 2021 notes in the offering in privately negotiated transactions. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering were used to pay the cost of the convertible note hedge transactions (after such cost is partially offset by the proceeds to the company from the warrant transactions), which net cost was $15,600,000.







The liability components of the 2021 notes consist of the following (in thousands):
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 
Principal amount of liability component$150,000
 $150,000
 
Unamortized discount(17,193) (23,900) 
Debt fees(2,547) (3,745) 
Net carrying amount of liability component$130,260
 $122,355
 

The unamortized discount of $17,193,000 is to be amortized through February 2021. The effective interest rate on the liability component was 11.1%. Non-cash interest expense of $6,706,000 and $6,019,000 was recognized in 2018 and 2017, respectively, in comparison to actual interest expense accrued of $7,500,000 and $7,500,000 in 2018 and 2017, respectively, based on the stated coupon rate of 5.0%. The 2021 notes were not convertible as of December 31, 20152018 nor was the applicable conversion threshold met.

Convertible senior notes due 2022

In the second quarter of 2017, the company issued $120,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The 2022 notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning December 1, 2017. The 2022 notes will mature on June 1, 2022, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to December 1, 2021, the 2022 notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Unless and until the company obtains shareholder approval of the issuance of the company's common shares upon conversion of the 2022 notes under applicable New York Stock Exchange rules, the 2022 notes will be convertible, subject to certain conditions, into cash. If the company obtains such shareholder approval, the 2022 notes may be settled in cash, the company's common shares or a combination of cash and the company's common shares, at the company's election.

Holders of the 2022 notes will have the right to require the company to repurchase all or some of their 2022 notes at 100% of their principal, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes. The initial conversion rate is 61.6095 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of 2022 notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $16.23 per common share). The company evaluated the terms of the conversion features under the applicable accounting literature, including Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, and determined that the
Notes to Financial StatementsLong-Term Debt
Table of Contents

features did require separate accounting as a derivative. This derivative was capitalized on the balance sheet as a long-term liability and will be adjusted to reflect fair value each quarter. The fair value of the convertible debt conversion price thresholdliability at issuance was $28,859,000. The fair value of $32.23 met during 2015.the convertible debt conversion liability at December 31, 2018 was $2,611,000 compared to $53,414,000 at December 31, 2017. The company recognized a gain of $50,803,000 in 2018 compared to a loss of $24,555,000 in 2017 related to the convertible debt conversion liability.

ThereIn connection with the offering of the 2022 notes, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with one financial institution (the “option counterparty”). These transactions cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of the company's common shares that will initially underlie the 2022 notes, and are expected generally to reduce the potential equity dilution, and/or offset any cash payments in excess of the principal amount due, as the case may be, upon conversion of the 2022 notes. The company evaluated the note hedges under the applicable accounting literature, including Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, and determined that the note hedges should be accounted for as derivatives. These derivatives were no borrowings denominatedcapitalized on the balance sheet as long-term assets and will be adjusted to reflect fair value each quarter. The fair value of the convertible note hedge assets at issuance was $24,780,000. The fair value of the convertible note hedge assets at December 31, 2018 was $2,062,000 compared to $46,680,000 at December 31, 2017. The company recognized a loss of $44,618,000 in foreign currencies2018 compared to a gain of $21,900,000 in 2017 related to the convertible note hedge asset.

The company entered into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the option counterparty at a higher strike price relating to the same number of the company's common shares, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, pursuant to which the company sold warrants to the option counterparties. The warrants could have a dilutive effect on the company's outstanding common shares and the company's earnings per share to the extent that the price of the company's common shares exceeds the strike price of those warrants. The initial strike price of the warrants is $21.4375 per share and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the warrant transactions. The company evaluated the warrants under the applicable accounting literature, including Derivatives and Hedging, ASC 815, and determined that the warrants meet the definition of a derivative, are indexed to the company's own stock and should be classified in shareholder's equity. The amount paid for the warrants and capitalized in shareholder's equity was $14,100,000.



The net proceeds from the offering of the 2022 notes were approximately $115,289,000, after deducting fees and offering expenses of $4,711,000, which were paid in 2017. These debt issuance costs were capitalized and are being amortized as interest expense through June 2022. As of December 31, 2018, all the debt issuance costs were paid. In accordance with ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, these debt issuance costs are presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering were used to pay the cost of the convertible note hedge transactions (after such cost is partially offset by the proceeds to the company from the warrant transactions), which net cost was $10,680,000.

The liability components of the 2022 notes consist of the following (in thousands):
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Principal amount of liability component$120,000
 $120,000
Unamortized discount(21,476) (26,378)
Debt fees(3,051) (3,947)
Net carrying amount of liability component$95,473
 $89,675

The unamortized discount of $21,476,000 is to be amortized through June 2022. The effective interest rate on the liability component was 10.9%. Non-cash interest expense of $4,902,000 and $2,481,000 was recognized in 2018 and 2017, respectively, in comparison to actual interest expense accrued of $5,400,000 and $2,955,000 for the same periods, based on the stated coupon rate of 4.5%. The 2022 notes were not convertible as of December 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. For 2015 and 2014,2018 nor was the weighted average interest rate on all borrowings, excluding capital leases, was 3.83% and 2.87%, respectively.applicable conversion threshold met.

The aggregate minimum maturities of long-term debt for each of the next five years are as follows: $2,028,000 in 2016, $2,169,000 in 2017, $1,784,000 in 2018, $1,632,000$2,192,000 in 2019, $4,363,000 in 2020, $155,139,000 in 2021, $124,466,000 in 2022, and $1,703,000$4,314,000 in 2020.2023. Interest paid on all borrowings was $2,753,000, $3,302,000$14,526,000, $11,995,000 and $4,046,000$5,955,000 in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.
Notes to Financial StatementsOther Long-Term Obligations
Table of Contents

Other Long-Term Obligations


Other long-term obligations as of December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 consist of the following (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan liability$4,930
 $6,067
Deferred income taxes$24,681
 $28,890
Product liability14,582
 18,860
13,865
 13,575
Deferred income taxes32,115
 30,423
Pension6,670
 10,340
Deferred gain on sale leaseback6,978
 
6,124
 6,419
Deferred compensation4,167
 5,667
5,577
 5,592
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan liability5,250
 5,636
Advance payment on sale of land & buildings3,524
 
Convertible 2022 debt conversion liability2,611
 53,414
Uncertain tax obligation including interest4,467
 15,160
2,140
 2,738
Convertible 2021 debt conversion liability1,458
 53,154
Other15,350
 12,628
3,065
 3,512
Total long-term obligations$82,589
 $88,805
$74,965
 $183,270


FS-23

TableThe convertible debt conversion liability amounts included in the above table represent the fair values of Contentsthe conversion liabilities as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The year-to-date changes in the fair values were significantly impacted by the change in the company's stock price. See "Long-Term Debt" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail.
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

On April 23, 2015, the company entered into a real estate sales leaseback transaction which resulted in the recording of an initial deferred gain of $7,414,000, the majority of which is included in Other Long-Term Obligations and will be recognized over the 20-year life of the leases. The gain realized in 2015 was $171,000.$284,000 and $275,000 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.




















In the third quarter of 2018, the company agreed to sell its Isny, Germany location with a net book value at the signing of the agreement of approximately $2,900,000. In accordance with the agreement, control will not transfer to the buyer until April 2020; however, the company received an advance payment for a portion of the proceeds, as disclosed above. The decreaseadvance payment is reflected in the uncertain tax obligation was driven primarily byinvesting section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The company will continue to depreciate the building and expects to record a reclassification from long term obligations to current taxes payable basedgain on the amount expected be paidtransaction when completed in the next twelve months.2020.

Notes to Financial StatementsLeases and Commitments
Table of Contents

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 iswas required to pay taxes and normal expenses of operating the facilities and equipment. As of December 31, 2015,2018, 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 2024.2035. Lease expenses were approximately $20,360,000$13,527,000 in 2015, $23,568,0002018, $18,102,000 in 20142017 and $24,726,000$18,805,000 in 2013.2016.
On April 23, 2015, the company sold and leased back, under four separate lease agreements, four properties located in Ohio and one property in Florida for net proceeds of $23,000,000, which were used to reduce debt under the U.S. and Canadian Credit Facility. The initial total annual rent for the properties will bewas $2,275,000 for the first year, whichand can increase annually over the 20 year20-year term of the leases based on the applicable geographical consumer price index (CPI). Each of the four lease agreements contains three 10-year renewals with the rent for each option term based on the greater of the then-current fair market rent for each property or the then- current rate and increasing annually by the applicable CPI. Under the terms of the lease agreements, the company is responsible for all taxes, insurance and utilities. The company is permitted to sublet the properties; however, the properties are currently being utilized exclusively by the company and there is no current subletting. The company is required to adequately maintain each of the properties and any leasehold improvements will be amortized over the lesser of the lives of the improvements or the remaining lease lives.lives, consistent with any other company leases.
In connection with the transaction, the requirements for sale lease-back accounting were met. Accordingly, the company recorded the sale of the properties, removed the related property and equipment from the company's balance sheet, recognized an initial deferred gain of $7,414,000 and an immediate loss of $257,000 related to one property and recorded new lease liabilities. Specifically, the company recorded four capital leases totaling $32,339,000 and one operating lease related to leased land, which was not a material component of the transaction. The gains on the sales of the properties arewere required to be deferred and recognized over the life of the leases as the property sold is being leased back. The deferred gain is classified under Other Long-Term Obligations on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.







The amount of buildings and equipment capitalized in connection with capital leases was $42,640,000$39,293,000 and $12,123,000$44,629,000 at December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively. At December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, accumulated amortization was $7,667,000$10,971,000 and $7,143,000,$13,215,000, respectively, which is included in depreciation expense.

Future minimum operating and capital lease commitments, as of December 31, 2015,2018, are as follows (in thousands):
Capital Leases Operating Leases
Capital 
Leases
 Operating Leases
2016$3,375
 $15,067
20173,375
 8,804
20182,848
 5,005
20192,671
 2,378
$3,407
 $10,346
20202,671
 1,101
3,187
 6,635
20212,920
 5,053
20222,399
 3,239
20232,399
 1,193
Thereafter32,872
 268
26,995
 2,071
Total future minimum lease payments47,812
 $32,623
41,307
 $28,537
Amounts representing interest(12,839)  (11,395)  
Present value of minimum lease payments$34,973
  $29,912
  


FS-24In December 2018, the company entered into a 20-year lease agreement in Germany. The lease is not expected to commence until April 2020. See "Contractual Obligations" for estimated future payments.

Notes to Financial StatementsRetirement and Benefit Plans
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

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’employees' contributions up to 3% of compensation. The company also makes quarterly contributions to this Plan equal to a percentage of qualified wages. In 2015,2018, quarterly contributions were made at 1% of qualified wages. The company may make discretionary contributions to the domestic plans based on an annual resolution of the Board of Directors. Contribution expense for the Invacare Retirement Savings Plan in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 was $2,573,000, $2,698,000$1,786,000, $2,131,000 and $3,126,000,$2,335,000, respectively.

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’scompany's principal retirement plans if it were not for limitations imposed by income tax regulations.

The company sponsors a non-qualified defined benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for certain key executives. 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 the non-retired participants and thus, future payments by the company will be madesince December 31, 2008 have been based upon a cash balance formula with interest credited at a rate determined annually by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors. In 20152018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, interest was credited at 0% for active participants in the SERP in accordance with a July 1, 2011 resolution of the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors.SERP. The plan continues to be unfunded with individual hypothetical accounts maintained for each participant.

The SERP projected benefit obligation related to this unfunded plan was $6,209,000$5,641,000 and $27,548,000$6,027,000 at December 31, 20152018 and 2014,December 31, 2017, respectively, and the accumulated benefit obligation was $6,209,000$5,641,000 and $27,548,000$6,027,000 at December 31, 20152018 and 2014,December 31, 2017, respectively. The projected benefit obligations were calculated using an assumed future salary increase of 4%3.25% at both December 31, 20152018 and 2014.2017, respectively. The assumed discount rate, relevant for three participants unaffected by the plan conversion was 4.34%4.22% and 3.95%3.6% for 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively, based upon the discount rate on high-quality fixed-income investments without adjustment. The retirement age was 67 for 20152018 and 672017, respectively. The mortality assumptions used for 2014. 2018 and 2017 were based upon the RP-2014 White Collar Fully Generational Mortality Table using Scale MP-2018 and MP-2017, respectively.


Expense for the planSERP in 20152018 was $142,000$5,000 compared to expense of $539,000$414,000 and $1,073,000 in 20142017 and income of $14,000 in 2013.2016, respectively. The expense was comprised of interest income of $42,000$193,000 in 2015,2018 and interest expense of $377,000$246,000 and $908,000 in 20142017 and income of $236,000 in 20132016, respectively, with the remaining portionnon-interest expense related to service costs, prior service costs and other gains/losses. Benefit payments in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 were $21,517,000, $394,000$391,000, $391,000 and $398,000,$1,279,000, respectively.

The company also sponsors a Death Benefit Only Plan (DBO) for certain key executives that provides a benefit equal to three times the participant’sparticipant's final target earnings should the participant’sparticipant's death occur while an employee and a benefit equal to one timestime the participant’sparticipant's final earnings upon the participant’sparticipant's death after normal retirement or if a participant dies after his or her employment with the company is terminated following a change in control of the company. ExpenseIncome for the plan in 20152018 was $103,000$151,000 compared to expense of $808,000$150,000 in 2017 and income of $259,000$121,000 in 20142016. The 2018 and 2013, respectively. The expense was comprised of2016 amounts contained service and accrual adjustment income of $253,000 and $216,000, respectively, compared to expense of $28,000$69,000 in 2015, expense of $692,000 in 2014 and income of $364,000 in 20132017, with the remaining portionactivity in each year related to interest costs in each year, respectively.costs. There were no benefit payments in 2015, 20142018 or 2013.

2017 compared to benefit payments of $761,000 in 2016. In conjunction with these non-qualified and unfunded U.S. defined benefit plans,the company's DBO, the company has invested in life insurance policies related to certain employees to help satisfy these obligations of which $11,902,000 and $21,338,000 in life insurance policies were sold during 2015 and 2014, respectively, to fund payments related to the retirement of certain executive officers of the company.DBO obligations.

In Europe, the company maintains two defined benefit plans in Switzerland. In Switzerland, aThe statutory pension plan isplans are maintained with a private insurance company and, in accordance with Swiss law, the plan functionsplans function as a defined contribution planplans whereby employee and employer contributions are defined as a percentage of individual salary depending on the age of the employee and a guaranteed interest rate, which is annually defined by the Swiss Pension Fund. Under U.S. GAAP, the plans are treated as a defined benefit plans. During 2014,Expense for the company terminated its plan in the Netherlands which contained benefits and provisions for an Old Age Pension benefit that started at age 65 and were payable until death and a Survivors Pension that started immediately after the death of the insured and is payable until the death of the surviving spouse. Under U.S. GAAP the plan was treated as a defined benefit plan. Income for both the Switzerland and NetherlandsEuropean plans was $19,000, $220,000$1,079,000, $436,000 and $205,000$1,004,000 in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively.

Accumulated other comprehensive income associated with the SERP, DBO, Swiss and Netherlands pension plans combined was $9,757,000 and $7,601,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively for a net change of $2,156,000 with $226,000 in net periodic benefit income recognized during the year.

FS-25

Notes to Financial StatementsRevenue
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Revenue

The company has two revenue streams: product and services. Services include repair, refurbishment, preventive maintenance and rental of product. Services for the NA/HME and IPG segments include maintenance and repair of product. Services for the Europe segment include repair, refurbishment and preventive maintenance services. Services for the Asia Pacific segment include rental and repair of product. The following tables disaggregate the company's revenues by major source and by reportable segment for the year ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands):

  2018
  Product Service Total
Europe $544,517
 $14,001
 $558,518
NA/HME 305,912
 703
 306,615
IPG 56,519
 1,456
 57,975
Asia/Pacific 44,393
 4,846
 49,239
Total $951,341
 $21,006
 $972,347
% Split 98% 2% 100%

  2017
  Product Service Total
Europe $522,121
 $13,205
 $535,326
NA/HME 319,225
 1,593
 320,818
IPG 58,710
 762
 59,472
Asia/Pacific 46,047
 4,834
 50,881
Total $946,103
 $20,394
 $966,497
% Split 98% 2% 100%

The company's revenues are principally related to the sale of products, approximately 98%, with the remaining 2% related to services including repair, refurbishment, preventive maintenance and rental of product. While the company has a significant amount of contract types, the sales split by contract type is estimated as follows: general terms and conditions (33%), large national customers (27%), governments, principally pursuant to tender contracts (19%) and other customers including buying groups and independent customers (21%).

All product and substantially all service revenues are recognized at a point in time. The remaining service revenue, recognized over time, are reflected in the Europe segment and include multiple performance obligations. For such contracts, the company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The company generally determines the standalone selling price based on the expected cost-plus margin methodology.    
Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of the company's products and services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring product or providing services. The amount of consideration received and revenue recognized by the company can vary as a result of variable consideration terms included in the contracts related to customer rebates, cash discounts and return policies. Customer rebates and cash discounts are estimated based on the most likely amount principle and these estimates are based on historical experience and anticipated performance. In addition, customers have the right to return product within the company's normal terms policy, and as such the company estimates the expected returns based on an analysis of historical experience. The company adjusts its estimate of revenue at the earlier of when the most likely amount of consideration it expects to receive changes or when the consideration becomes fixed. The company generally does not expect that there will be significant changes to its estimates of variable consideration (see “Receivables” and "Accrued Expenses" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements include elsewhere in this report for more detail).

Depending on the terms of the contract, the company may defer the recognition of a portion of the revenue at the end of a reporting period to align with transfer of control of the company's products to the customer. In addition, to the extent performance obligations are satisfied over time, the company defers revenue recognition until the performance obligations are satisfied. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the company had deferred revenue of $2,416,000 and $2,770,000, respectively, related to outstanding performance obligations.

Notes to Financial StatementsEquity Compensation
Table of Contents

Equity Compensation


The company’scompany'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.members or for estate planning purposes. Holders of Class B Common Shares are entitled to convert their shares into Common Shares at any time on a share-for-share basis. When Class B Common Shares are transferred out of a familial relationship, they automatically convert to Common Shares. The Board of Directors suspended further dividends on the Class B Common Shares.

As of December 31, 2018, 6,357 Class B Common Shares remained outstanding. Conversion of Class B Common Shares have substantially diminished the significance of the company's dual class voting structure. As of December 31, 2018, the holders of the Common Shares represent approximately 99.9% of the Company's total outstanding voting power.

Equity Compensation Plan

On May 16, 201317, 2018, the shareholders of the company approved the Invacare Corporation 2018 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2018 Plan”), which was adopted on March 27, 2018 by the company's Board of Directors (the “Board”). The company's Board adopted the 2018 Plan in order to authorize additional Common Shares for grant as equity compensation, and to reflect changes to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) resulting from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Following shareholder approval of the 2018 Plan, all of the Common Shares then-remaining available for issuance under the Invacare Corporation 2013 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which was adopted on March 27, 2013 by and all of the company's BoardCommon Shares that were forfeited or remained unpurchased or undistributed upon termination or expiration of Directors (the “Board”). The Board adoptedawards under the 2013 Plan to replace the company's prior equity plan,and under the Invacare Corporation Amended and Restated 2003 Performance Plan (the “2003 Plan”), which expired on May 21, 2013. Due to its expiration, no new awards may be grantedbecome available for issuance under the 2018 Plan. Awards granted previously under the 2013 Plan and 2003 Plan; however, awards granted prior to its expirationPlan will remain in effect under their original terms.
The 20132018 Plan uses a fungible share-counting method, under which each common shareCommon Share underlying an award of stock options or stock appreciation rights ("SAR") will count against the number of total shares available under the 20132018 Plan as one share; and each common shareCommon Share underlying any award other than a stock option or a SAR will count against the number of total shares available under the 20132018 Plan as two shares. Shares underlying awards made under the 2003 Plan or 2013 Plan that are forfeited or remain unpurchased or undistributed upon termination or expiration of the awards
will become available under the 2018 Plan for use in future awards. Any common sharesCommon Shares that are added back to the 20132018 Plan as the result of the cancellationforfeiture, termination or forfeitureexpiration of an award granted under the 2018 Plan or the 2013 Plan will be added back in the same manner such shares were originally counted against the total number of shares available under the 2018 Plan or 2013 Plan.Plan, as applicable. Each common shareCommon Share that is added back to the 20132018 Plan due to a cancellationforfeiture, termination or forfeitureexpiration of an award granted under the 2003 Plan will be added back as one common share.Common Share.
The Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”), in its discretion, may grant an award under the 20132018 Plan to any director or employee of the company or an affiliate. The 2013As of December 31, 2018, 3,994,255 Common Shares were available for future issuance under the 2018 Plan initially allows the Compensation Committee to grant up to 4,460,337 common shares in connection with the following types of awards with respect to shares of the company's common shares:Common Shares: incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, SARs, restricted stock, restricted stock units, unrestricted stock and performance shares. The Compensation Committee also may grant performance units that are payable in cash. The Compensation Committee has the authority to determine which participants will receive awards, the amount of the awards and the other terms and conditions of the awards. 

At December 31, 2018, an aggregate of 410,408 Common Shares underlie awards which forfeited or expired unexercised under the 2003 and 2013 Plans and thus are available to be transferred under the 2018 Plan.
The 20132018 Plan provides that shares granted come from the company’scompany's authorized but unissued common sharesCommon Shares or treasury shares. In addition, the company’scompany's stock-based compensation plans allow employee participants to exchange mature shares for minimum withholding taxes, which results in the company acquiring treasury shares. Under these provisions, the company acquired approximately 7,000140,000 treasury shares for $134,000$2,427,000 in 2015, 29,0002018, 85,000 shares for $471,000$1,276,000 in 20142017 and 23,00032,000 shares for $532,000$331,000 in 2013.2016.













Notes to Financial StatementsEquity Compensation
Table of Contents

The amounts of equity-based compensation expense recognized as part of selling, general and administrative expenses in All Other in business segment reporting were as follows (in thousands):
2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
Non-Qualified stock options$1,228
 $3,356
 $3,926
Non-qualified stock options$201
 $865
 $745
Restricted stock and restricted stock units2,785
 2,270
 2,031
4,305
 4,648
 5,039
Performance shares and performance share units
 
 
777
 1,834
 1,110
Total stock-based compensation expense$4,013
 $5,626
 $5,957
$5,283
 $7,347
 $6,894

As of December 31, 2015,2018, unrecognized compensation expense related to equity-based compensation arrangements granted under the company's 2013 Plan and previous plans, which is related to non-vested options and shares, was as follows (in thousands):
 2018 2017 2016
Non-qualified stock options$1,939
 $2,502
 $175
Restricted stock and restricted stock units7,469
 7,005
 8,740
Performance shares and performance share units7,441
 5,523
 3,134
Total stock-based compensation expense$16,849
 $15,030
 $12,049
 2015 2014 2013
Non-Qualified stock options$1,059
 $2,600
 $8,270
Restricted stock and restricted stock units9,476
 4,461
 3,705
Performance shares and performance share units
 
 
Total stock-based compensation expense$10,535
 $7,061
 $11,975


FS-26

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in actual and estimated forfeitures and for updated vesting assumptions for the performance share awards (see "Performance Options" and "Performance Shares and Performance Share Units" below). No tax benefit for share-based compensation was realized during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013 as a result of2016 due to a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. In accordance with ASC 718, any tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized is classified as a component of financing cash flows.

Stock Options

Generally, non-qualified stock option awards typically have a term of ten years and arewere granted atwith an exercise price per share equal to the fair market value of the company’s common sharescompany's Common Shares on the date of grant. Stock option awards granted in 2017 were performance-based awards which will only become exercisable if the performance goals established by the Compensation Committee are achieved over a 3-year period ending in 2019 and subject to the Compensation Committee's exercise of negative discretion to reduce the number of options vested based on the progress towards the company's transformation. The company expects the compensation expense to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2two years.



The following table summarizes information about stock option activity for the three years ended 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013:2016:  
2015 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 2014 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 2013 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
2018 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 2017 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 2016 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Options outstanding at January 13,600,132
 $22.74
 4,533,782
 $23.86
 4,664,634
 $26.21
2,631,569
 $19.44
 2,542,732
 $21.19
 2,942,783
 $21.22
Granted
 0.00
 8,977
 16.71
 756,700
 14.47

 
 756,420
 12.15
 
 
Exercised(172,218) 13.95
 (33,810) 14.16
 (30,166) 16.94
(184,549) 14.28
 (193,263) 13.51
 (1,250) 13.82
Canceled(485,131) 34.98
 (908,817) 28.57
 (857,386) 28.63
(561,658) 23.34
 (474,320) 19.45
 (398,801) 21.47
Options outstanding at December 312,942,783
 $21.22
 3,600,132
 $22.74
 4,533,782
 $23.86
1,885,362
 $18.78
 2,631,569
 $19.44
 2,542,732
 $21.19
Options exercise price range at December 31$ 13.37 to
   $ 13.37 to
   $ 13.35 to
  $ 12.15 to
   $ 12.15 to

   $ 13.37 to
  
$33.36
   $47.80
   $47.80
  $33.36
   $33.36
   $33.36
  
Options exercisable at December 312,656,983
   2,954,082
   2,985,175
  1,354,202
   2,029,773
   2,513,614
  
Shares available for grant at December 31*2,659,562
   3,654,426
   4,460,337
  3,994,255
   2,131,355
   3,891,121
  
 ________________________
 *Shares available for grant as of December 31, 20152018 reduced by net restricted stock /and restricted stock unit and performance share /and performance share unit award activity of 1,110,7402,358,070 shares and 681,0581,823,432 shares, respectively.

Notes to Financial StatementsEquity Compensation
Table of Contents

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:2018:
Options Outstanding Options ExercisableOptions Outstanding Options Exercisable
Exercise Prices
Number
Outstanding
At 12/31/15
 
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life Years
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Number
Exercisable
At 12/31/15
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Number
Outstanding
At 12/31/18
 
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life Years
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Number
Exercisable
At 12/31/18
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
$ 13.37 – $20.00778,159
 6.7 $14.12
 493,671
 $14.11
$ 12.15 – $20.00809,592
 6.7 $12.84
 278,432
 $14.14
$ 20.01 – $25.001,353,578
 3.3 22.59
 1,353,578
 22.59
726,751
 1.5 22.20
 726,751
 22.20
$ 25.01 – $30.00783,738
 3.7 25.55
 783,738
 25.55
344,523
 1.6 25.33
 344,523
 25.33
$ 30.01 – $33.3627,308
 1.0 31.74
 25,996
 31.73
4,496
 2.4 33.36
 4,496
 33.36
Total2,942,783
 4.3 $21.22
 2,656,983
 $21.98
1,885,362
 3.8 $18.78
 1,354,202
 $21.38

Pursuant to the Plans, the Committee has established that grants may not be exercised within one year from the date granted
The 2018 Plan provides for a one-year minimum vesting period for stock options and, generally, options must be exercised within ten years from the date granted. Accordingly, forNo stock options were issued in 2018 and those issued in 2017 were performance-based and may vest after the conclusion of the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2019 based on achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee and subject to the Compensation Committee's exercise of negative discretion to reduce the number of options vested based on the progress towards the company's transformation. All other outstanding stock options were issued in 2014 or prior years and were not performance-based.

For the stock options issued in 2014 and 2013,prior, 25% of such options vested in theone year following issuance. The stock options awarded during such yearsthe issuance and provided a four-year vesting period whereby options vest equally in 25% installments in each year. Options granted with graded vesting arewere accounted for as single options. The 2015, 2014 and 2013 expense has been adjusted for estimated forfeitures of awards that will not vest because service or employment requirements have not been met.

FS-27

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

The fair value of each option grantoptions granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model withmodel. The calculated fair value of the 2017 performance option awards was $5.38 based on the following weighted-average assumptions for awards granted in 2014 and 2013 as no options were granted in 2015:assumptions:
Expected dividend yield0.4%
Expected stock price volatility39.1%
Risk-free interest rate2.31%
Expected life in years7.8
Forfeiture percentage5.0%
 2014 2013
Expected dividend yield0.3% 0.4%
Expected stock price volatility36.8% 38.2%
Risk-free interest rate1.76% 0.82%
Expected life in years6.1
 6.1
Forfeiture percentage13.0% 9.2%

Expected dividend yields arewas based on historical dividends as the company has no current intention of changing its dividend policy.dividends. Expected stock price volatility percentages arepercentage was 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 assumed expected liveslife and forfeiture percentages arepercentage were based on the company's historical analysis of option history.

The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 2014 and 2013in 2017 was $6.23 and $5.33, respectively.$5.38. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at December 31, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 was 4.3, 5.03.8, 3.9 and 5.83.5 years, respectively. The weighted-average contractual life of options exercisable at December 31, 20152018 was 4.02.0 years. The total intrinsic value of stock awards exercised in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 was $1,107,000, $101,000$755,000, $350,000 and $158,000,$0, respectively. As of December 31, 2015,2018, the intrinsic value of all options outstanding and of all options exercisable was $2,562,000$0 and $1,636,000,$0, respectively.

The exercise of stock awards in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 resulted in cash received by the company totaling $2,413,000, $480,000$2,626,000, $2,676,000 and $512,000$17,000 for each period, respectively with no tax benefits for any period. The total fair value of awards vested during 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 was $1,867,000, $3,436,000$1,000, $363,000 and $3,778,000,$953,000, respectively.












Notes to Financial StatementsEquity Compensation
Table of Contents

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes information about restricted shares and restricted share units (for(primarily for non-U.S. recipients):
2015Weighted Average Fair Value 2014Weighted Average Fair Value 2013Weighted Average Fair Value2018Weighted Average Fair Value 2017Weighted Average Fair Value 2016Weighted Average Fair Value
Stock / Units unvested at January 1312,423
$17.91
 264,878
$16.69
 260,548
$19.15
776,520
$13.75
 878,356
$15.87
 641,505
$18.89
Granted480,839
19.09
 218,276
19.36
 114,700
14.49
377,299
17.48
 523,412
12.37
 486,711
12.62
Vested(56,976)16.47
 (93,140)17.62
 (97,445)20.33
(386,275)15.05
 (369,128)16.63
 (139,298)17.86
Canceled(94,781)18.11
 (77,591)17.58
 (12,925)19.23
(129,881)14.43
 (256,120)14.02
 (110,562)16.60
Stock / Units unvested at December 31641,505
$18.89
 312,423
$17.91
 264,878
$16.69
637,663
$15.04
 776,520
$13.75
 878,356
$15.87
                

The restricted stock awards generally vest ratably over the three years after the award date, except for those awards granted in 2014, which vest after a three-year period.date. Unearned restricted stock compensation, 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.


FS-28

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Performance Shares and Performance Share Units

The following table summarizes information about performance shares and performance share units (for(primarily for non-U.S. recipients):
2015 Weighted Average Fair Value 2014 Weighted Average Fair Value2018 Weighted Average Fair Value 2017 Weighted Average Fair Value 2016 Weighted Average Fair Value
Shares / Units unvested at January 1121,644
 $20.05
 
 $
457,879
 $12.33
 309,468
 $14.58
 198,401
 $19.50
Granted114,257
 18.95
 152,800
 20.05
205,164
 17.48
 336,694
 12.02
 234,402
 12.82
Vested
 
 
 
(155,766) 12.82
 
 
 
 
Canceled(37,500) 19.62
 (31,156) 20.05
(58,983) 13.43
 (188,283) 15.48
 (123,335) 19.14
Shares / Units unvested at December 31198,401
 $19.50
 121,644
 $20.05
448,294
 $14.37
 457,879
 $12.33
 309,468
 $14.58
                  

During 20152018, 2017 and 2014,2016, the performance shares and performance share units (for non-U.S. recipients) were granted as performance awards with a 3 year3-year performance period with payouts based on achievement of certain performance goals. The awards are classified as equity awards as they will be settled in common shares upon vesting. The number of shares earned will be determined at the end of the performance period based on achievement of performance criteria for January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016the periods established by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant. Recipients will be entitled to receive a number of common shares equal to the number of performance shares that vest based upon the levels of achievement which may range between 0% and 150% of the target number of shares with the target being 100% of the initial grant.

The fair value of the performance awards is based on the stock price on the date of grant discounted for the estimated value of dividends foregone as the awards are not eligible for dividends except to the extent vested. The company assesses the probability that the performance targets
will be met with expense recognized whenever it is probable that at least the minimum performance criteria will be achieved. Depending upon the company's assessment of the probability of achievement of the goals, the company may not recognize any expense associated with performance awards in a given period, may reverse prior expense recorded or record additional expense to make up for expense not recorded in a prior period. Performance award compensation expense is generally expected to be recognized over 3three years. However,No performance award expense was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2015 awards as the performance goals for these performance awards were not met and December 31, 2014,thus those awards were forfeited without any shares earned in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Expense was recognized at 75% of target for the 2016 awards. The company concluded thatcontinues to recognize expense related to the awards as it was notis considered probable that the performance goals as defined in the agreements, wouldfor those awards will be achieved and thus no performance award expense was recognized in 2015 or 2014.met.

Rights Agreement

Effective July 8, 2005, the company adopted a 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 entitled 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 were not exercisable until after a person (an “Acquiring ”) has acquired, or obtained the right 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. If the Rights became exercisable, under certain circumstances, the Rights may have been 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 expired on July 18, 2015 and were not redeemed or exchanged by the company. The company could have redeemed and terminated 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. The company's Board of Directors did not renew the Rights Agreement which expired on July 18, 2015.


FS-29

Notes to Financial StatementsAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component


Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI") during the year ended December 31, 20152018 were as follows (in thousands):
 Foreign Currency Long-Term Notes Defined Benefit Plans Derivatives Total Foreign Currency Long-Term Notes Defined Benefit Plans Derivatives Total
December 31, 2014 $86,236
 $(6,465) $(7,601) $(551) $71,619
December 31, 2017 $50,376
 $(4,612) $(7,652) $(1,242) $36,870
OCI before reclassifications (91,980) 10,576
 (2,292) 3,545
 (80,151) (38,132) 7,274
 5,100
 2,098
 (23,660)
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI 
 
 136
 (991) (855) 
 
 (151) (266) (417)
Net current-period OCI (91,980) 10,576
 (2,156) 2,554
 (81,006) (38,132) 7,274
 4,949
 1,832
 (24,077)
December 31, 2015 $(5,744) $4,111
 $(9,757) $2,003
 $(9,387)
December 31, 2018 $12,244
 $2,662
 $(2,703) $590
 $12,793

Changes in OCI during the year ended December 31, 20142017 were as follows (in thousands):
 Foreign Currency Long-Term Notes Defined Benefit Plans Derivatives Total Foreign Currency Long-Term Notes Defined Benefit Plans Derivatives Total
December 31, 2013 $143,845
 $(12,566) $(5,414) $(709) $125,156
December 31, 2016 $(26,199) $17,372
 $(11,248) $740
 $(19,335)
          
OCI before reclassifications (57,609) 6,101
 (3,223) 562
 (54,169) 76,575
 (21,984) 3,446
 (2,737) 55,300
Amount reclassified from accumulated OCI 
 
 1,036
 (404) 632
 
 
 150
 755
 905
Net current-period OCI (57,609) 6,101
 (2,187) 158
 (53,537) 76,575
 (21,984) 3,596
 (1,982) 56,205
December 31, 2014 $86,236
 $(6,465) $(7,601) $(551) $71,619
          
December 31, 2017 $50,376
 $(4,612) $(7,652) $(1,242) $36,870

OCI activity related to Long-Term Notes represents currency translation on notes that are long-term in nature and not intended to be settled.

Reclassifications out of accumulated OCI for the year ended December 31, 20152018 and December 31, 20142017 were as follows (in thousands):
 Amount reclassified from OCI Affected Statement of Comprehensive (Income) Loss line Amount reclassified from OCI Affected Statement of Comprehensive (Income) Loss line
 2015 2014  2018 2017 
Defined Benefit Plans      
Defined Benefit Plans:      
Service and interest costs $133
 $1,045
 Selling, General and Administrative $(151) $150
 Selling, General and Administrative
Tax 3
 (9) Income Taxes 
 
 Income Taxes
Total after tax $136
 $1,036
  $(151) $150
 
          
Derivatives     
Derivatives:     
Foreign currency forward contracts hedging sales $2,778
 $657
 Net Sales $1,352
 $(517) Net Sales
Foreign currency forward contracts hedging purchases (3,890) (995) Cost of Products Sold (1,591) 1,357
 Cost of Products Sold
Interest rate swaps 
 12
 Interest Expense
Total before tax (1,112) (326)  (239) 840
 
Tax 121
 (78) Income Taxes (27) (85) Income Taxes
Total after tax $(991) $(404)  $(266) $755
 


FS-30

Notes to Financial StatementsCapital Stock
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Capital Stock


Capital stock activity for 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 consisted of the following (in thousands of shares):
Common Stock
Shares
 
Class B
Shares
 
Treasury
Shares
Common Stock
Shares
 
Class B
Shares
 
Treasury
Shares
January 1, 2013 Balance33,952
 1,085
 (3,135)
Exercise of stock options30
 
 
Restricted stock awards102
 
 (23)
December 31, 2013 Balance34,084
 1,085
 (3,158)
Exercise of stock options34
 
 
Restricted stock awards101
 
 (29)
December 31, 2014 Balance34,219
 1,085
 (3,187)
January 1, 2016 Balance35,024
 734
 (3,194)
Conversion of Class B to Common351
 (351) 
5
 (5) 
Exercise of stock options172
 
 
1
 
 
Restricted stock awards282
 
 (7)288
 
 (32)
December 31, 2015 Balance35,024
 734
 (3,194)
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 (390)
December 31, 2016 Balance35,318
 729
 (3,616)
Conversion of Class B to Common723
 (723) 
Exercise of stock options193
 
 (4)
Restricted stock awards298
 
 (81)
December 31, 2017 Balance36,532
 6
 (3,701)
Exercise of stock options185
 
 (50)
Restricted stock awards293
 
 (90)
December 31, 201837,010
 6
 (3,841)

Stock awards for 94,781, 77,591129,881, 256,120 and 12,925110,562 shares were canceled in 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. In 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, dividends of $0.05 per Common Share were declared and paid. In 2018, dividends of $0.023 and $0.034 were declared and paid, respectively, per Class B Common Share as the Board of Directors suspended further dividends on the Class B Common Shares. In 2017 and 2016 dividend of $0.045 per Class B Common Share were declared and paid, respectively.


Notes to Financial StatementsCharges Related to Restructuring
Table of Contents

Charges Related to Restructuring Activities


The company's restructuring charges recorded since 2011 were primarily originally necessitated primarily by continued declines in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement by the U.S. government, as well as similar healthcare reimbursement pressures abroad, which negatively affect the company's customers (e.g. home health care providers) and continued pricing pressures faced by the company as a result ofdue to the outsourcing by competitors to lower cost locations. In addition, restructuringRestructuring decisions were also the result of reduced profitability in the North America/NA/HME and Asia/Pacific segments. While the company's restructuring efforts have been executed on a timely basis resulting in operating cost savings, the savings have been more than offset by continued margin decline, principally as a result of product mix, reduced volumes and regulatory and compliance costs related to quality system improvements which are unrelated to the restructuring actions. The company expects any near-term cost savings from restructuring will be offset by other costs as a result of pressures on the business.

The company's restructuring commenced in the second quarter of 2011 with the company's decision to close the Hong, Denmark assembly facility as part of the company's ongoing globalization initiative to reduce complexity in the company's supply chain which is intended to reduce expenses to help offset pricing pressures. In the third quarter of 2011, the company continued to execute on the closure of the Hong, Denmark assembly facility and initiated the closure of a smaller facility in the U.S. Charges for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 were primarily incurred at the company's corporate headquarters for severance, with additional costs incurredaddition, as a result of the closure of the Hong, Denmark facility. The facility closures were completedcompany's transformation strategy, additional restructuring actions began in 2012 in addition to the elimination of various positions principally in the North America/Home Medical Equipment (HME)2016 and Asia/Pacific segments.continued through 2018.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 20112016 totaled $10,534,000 including$2,447,000 which were related to NA/HME segment ($2,347,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($100,000). In NA/HME, costs were incurred related to severance ($1,862,000) and lease termination costs ($485,000). The Asia/Pacific charges were for severance ($8,352,000), contract exit costs primarily related tocosts. Payments for the closure ofyear ended December 31, 2016 were $2,992,000 and the Hong, Denmark assembly facility ($1,788,000) and inventory write-offs ($277,000), recorded in cost of products sold, and miscellaneous costs ($117,000). The majority of the 2011 North America/HME charges were incurred for severance, primarily at the corporate headquarters as the result of the elimination of various positions principally in sales and administration in Elyria, Ohio. These eliminations were permanent reductions in workforce which primarily resulted in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses. In Europe, the charges were the result of the closure of the company's Hong, Denmark facility. The assembly activities were transferred to other company facilities or outsourced to third parties. This closure enabled the company to reduce fixed operating costs related to the facility and reduce headcount with the transfer of a portion of the production to other company facilities. The 2011 charges have now been paid out andcash payments were funded with operatingcompany's cash flows.on hand. The 2016 charges have been paid out.


FS-31

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Charges for the year ended December 31, 20122017 totaled $11,395,000 including charges for$12,274,000 which were related to NA/HME segment ($8,889,000), Europe ($1,975,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($1,410,000). In NA/HME, costs were incurred related to severance ($6,775,000),8,162,000) and lease termination costs ($1,725,000), building and asset write-downs, primarily related to the closure of the Hong, Denmark assembly facility, and other miscellaneous charges in Europe and Asia/Pacific ($2,404,000) and inventory write-offs ($491,000) in Asia/Pacific recorded in cost of products sold. Severance727,000). The European charges were primarily incurred in the North America/HME segmentrelated to
severance ($4,242,000),1,753,000) and lease termination costs ($222,000). The Asia/Pacific segment ($1,681,000) and Europe segment ($817,000). In addition, a portion of the North America/HME segmentcharges were for severance was related to positions eliminated, principally in sales and marketing as well as manufacturing, at the company's Taylor Street facility as a result of the FDA consent decree. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company. In Europe, positions were eliminated as a result of finalizing the exit from the manufacturing facility in Denmark and an elimination of a senior management position in Switzerland. In Asia/Pacific, at the end of October 2012, the company's management approved a plan to restructure the company's operations in this segment. In Australia, the company consolidated offices / warehouses, decreased staffing and exited various activities while returning to a focus on distribution. At the company's subsidiary, which produces microprocessor controllers, the company decided to cease the contract manufacturing business for companies outside of the healthcare industry.costs. Payments for the year ended December 31, 20122017 were $9,381,000$10,438,000 and the cash payments were funded with operatingcompany's cash flows.on hand. The 20122017 charges have been paid out.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 20132018 totaled $9,336,000 including charges for severance ($8,282,000), lease termination costs ($698,000) and other miscellaneous charges principally in North America/HME ($356,000). Severance charges$3,481,000 which were primarily incurred in the North America/related to NA/HME segment ($5,405,000)1,359,000), Europe segment ($1,640,000)1,773,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($970,000)349,000). In NA/HME, costs were incurred related to severance ($1,471,000) and lease termination reversals were recognized ($112,000). The European and Asia/Pacific charges were incurred as a result of the elimination of various positions as part of the company's globalization initiatives. North America/HME segment severance was principally related to positions eliminated due to lost sales volumes resulting from the impact of the FDA consent decree. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company. In Europe, severance incurred for elimination of certain sales and supply chain positions. In Asia/Pacific, severance principally incurred at the company's subsidiary, which produces microprocessor controllers, as a result of the company's decision in 2012 to cease the contract manufacturing business for companies outside of the healthcare industry. The lease termination costs were principally related to Australia as a result of the restructuring announced in 2012. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $11,844,000 and were funded with operating cash flows and cash on hand. The 2013 charges have been paid out.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $11,112,000 including charges for severance ($9,841,000), other charges in IPG and Europe ($1,286,000) principally related to building write-downs and lease termination cost reversals ($15,000). Severance charges were incurred in the North America/HME segment ($4,404,000), Other ($2,978,000), IPG segment ($1,163,000), Asia/Pacific segment ($769,000) and Europe segment ($527,000). The North America/HME segment severance was principally related to additional positions eliminated due to lost sales volumes resulting from the continued impact of the FDA consent decree. The Other severance related to the elimination of two senior corporate executive positions. IPG segment severance related principally to the closure of the London, Canada facility. Europe and Asia/Pacific severance related to the elimination of certain positions as a result of general restructuring efforts. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $11,131,000 and were funded with operating cash flows and cash on hand.costs. The majority of the 2014 charges have been paid out other than certain executive charge payments which will be paid out over next few years.

Charges for the year ended December 31, 2015 totaled $1,971,000 including charges for severance ($1,678,000) and charges primarily in the North America/HME segment ($293,000) principally related to a building lease termination. Severance charges were incurred in the North America/HME segment ($1,069,000), Europe segment ($510,000), IPG segment ($73,000) and Asia/Pacific segment ($26,000) related to the elimination of certain positions as a result of general restructuring efforts. The savings from these charges will be reflected primarily in reduced selling, general and administrative expenses and manufacturing expenses for the company. Payments for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $3,723,000 and were funded with operating cash flows and cash on hand. The majority of the 20152018 charges are expected to be paid out within the next 12twelve months. To date, the company's liquidity has not been materially impacted.

There have been no material changes in accrued balances related to the charges, either as a result of revisions in the plans or changes in estimates. In addition, the savings anticipated as a result of the company's restructuring plans have been or are expected to be achieved, primarily resulting in reduced salary and benefit costs principally impacting Selling, General and Administrative expenses, and to a lesser extent, Costs of Products Sold. However, these savings haveTo date, the company's liquidity has not been more than offset by continued margin decline, principally as a result of product mix, and higher regulatory and compliance costs related to quality system improvements as well as reduced net sales volumes.materially impacted.


FS-32

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

A progression by reporting segment of the accruals recorded as a result of the restructuring is as follows (in thousands):
Severance Inventory Lease Terminations Other TotalSeverance Lease Terminations Total
December 31, 2010 Balance$
 $
 $
 $
 $
December 31, 2015 Balance     
NA/HME$662
 $237
 $899
Europe312
 
 312
Other1,503
 
 1,503
Total2,477
 237
 2,714
Charges              
North America/HME4,755
 
 
 4
 4,759
IPG123
 
 
 
 123
Europe3,288
 277
 1,788
 113
 5,466
NA/HME1,862
 485
 2,347
Asia/Pacific186
 
 
 
 186
100
 
 100
Total8,352
 277
 1,788
 117
 10,534
1,962
 485
 2,447
Payments              
North America/HME(1,663) 
 
 (4) (1,667)
IPG(52) 
 
 
 (52)
NA/HME(1,741) (602) (2,343)
Europe(1,546) (277) (1,714) (113) (3,650)(312) 
 (312)
Asia/Pacific(186) 
 
 
 (186)(100) 
 (100)
Total(3,447) (277) (1,714) (117) (5,555)
December 31, 2011 Balance         
North America/HME3,092
 
 
 
 3,092
IPG71
 
 
 
 71
Europe1,742
 
 74
 
 1,816
Asia/Pacific
 
 
 
 
Total4,905
 
 74
 
 4,979
Charges         
North America/HME4,242
 
 5
 
 4,247
IPG35
 
 
 
 35
Europe817
 
 53
 1,223
 2,093
Asia/Pacific1,681
 491
 1,667
 1,181
 5,020
Total6,775
 491
 1,725
 2,404
 11,395
Payments         
North America/HME(3,587) 
 (5) 
 (3,592)
IPG(106) 
 
 
 (106)
Europe(1,964) 
 (127) (1,223) (3,314)
Asia/Pacific(812) (340) (42) (1,175) (2,369)
Total(6,469) (340) (174) (2,398) (9,381)
December 31, 2012 Balance         
North America/HME3,747
 
 
 
 3,747
Europe595
 
 
 
 595
Asia/Pacific869
 151
 1,625
 6
 2,651
Total5,211
 151
 1,625
 6
 6,993
Charges         
North America/HME5,405
 
 164
 353
 5,922
IPG267
 
 
 
 267
Europe1,640
 
 
 
 1,640
Asia/Pacific970
 
 534
 3
 1,507
Total8,282
 
 698
 356
 9,336
Payments         
North America/HME(6,347) 
 (164) (353) (6,864)
IPG(175) 
 
 
 (175)
Europe(1,146) 
 
 
 (1,146)
Asia/Pacific(1,839) (151) (1,660) (9) (3,659)
Other(237) 
 (237)
Total$(9,507) $(151) $(1,824) $(362) $(11,844)$(2,390) $(602) $(2,992)
              
     

FS-33
Notes to Financial StatementsCharges Related to Restructuring

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Severance Inventory Lease Terminations Other TotalSeverance Lease Terminations Total
December 31, 2013 Balance         
North America/HME$2,805
 $
 $
 $
 $2,805
IPG92
 
 
 
 92
December 31, 2016 Balance     
NA/HME$783
 $120
 $903
Other1,266
 
 1,266
Total2,049
 120
 2,169
Charges     
NA/HME8,162
 727
 8,889
Europe1,089
 
 
 
 1,089
1,753
 222
 1,975
Asia/Pacific
 
 499
 
 499
1,410
 
 1,410
Total3,986
 
 499
 
 4,485
11,325
 949
 12,274
Charges         
North America/HME4,404
 
 
 
 4,404
IPG1,163
 
 
 761
 1,924
Payments     
NA/HME(6,506) (680) (7,186)
Europe527
 
 
 525
 1,052
(1,504) (88) (1,592)
Asia/Pacific769
 
 (15) 
 754
(1,410) 
 (1,410)
Other2,978
 
 
 
 2,978
(250) 
 (250)
Total9,841
 
 (15) 1,286
 11,112
(9,670) (768) (10,438)
Payments         
North America/HME(6,547) 
 
 
 (6,547)
IPG(1,107) 
 
 (761) (1,868)
December 31, 2017 Balance     
NA/HME2,439
 167
 2,606
Europe249
 134
 383
Other1,016
 
 1,016
Total3,704
 301
 4,005
Charges     
NA/HME1,471
 (112) 1,359
Europe(1,195) 
 
 (525) (1,720)1,773
 
 1,773
Asia/Pacific(769) 
 (227) 
 (996)349
 
 349
Total(9,618) 
 (227) (1,286) (11,131)3,593
 (112) 3,481
December 31, 2014 Balance         
North America/HME662
 
 
 
 662
IPG148
 
 
 
 148
Payments     
NA/HME(3,254) (30) (3,284)
Europe421
 
 
 
 421
(1,841) (134) (1,975)
Asia/Pacific
 
 257
 
 257
(285) 
 (285)
Other2,978
 
 
 
 2,978
(260) 
 (260)
Total4,209
 
 257
 
 4,466
(5,640) (164) (5,804)
Charges         
North America/HME1,069
 
 292
 
 1,361
IPG73
 
 
 
 73
Europe510
 
 
 
 510
Asia/Pacific26
 
 1
 
 27
Total1,678
 
 293
 
 1,971
Payments         
North America/HME(1,069) 
 (55) 
 (1,124)
IPG(221) 
 
 
 (221)
December 31, 2018 Balance     
NA/HME656
 25
 681
Europe(619) 
 
 
 (619)181
 
 181
Asia/Pacific(26) 
 (258) 
 (284)64
 
 64
Other(1,475) 
 
 
 (1,475)756
 
 756
Total(3,410) 
 (313) 
 (3,723)$1,657
 $25
 $1,682
December 31, 2015 Balance         
North America/HME662
 
 237
 
 899
Europe312
 
 
 
 312
Other1,503
 
 
 
 1,503
Total$2,477
 $
 $237
 $
 $2,714
     

FS-34

Notes to Financial StatementsIncome Taxes
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Income Taxes


Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):
2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
Domestic$(54,812) $(104,776) $(73,529)$(72,703) $(96,343) $(68,949)
Foreign43,072
 41,566
 30,070
38,601
 30,093
 39,392
$(11,740) $(63,210) $(43,459)$(34,102) $(66,250) $(29,557)

The company has provided for income taxes (benefits) from continuing operations as follows (in thousands):
2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
Current:          
Federal$(167) $(7,105) $(2,485)$(202) $(125) $(360)
State(150) (63) 300
147
 (437) (115)
Foreign11,439
 15,105
 11,043
12,675
 15,223
 12,873
11,122
 7,937
 8,858
12,620
 14,661
 12,398
Deferred:          
Federal3,222
 100
 3,011
(2,073) (2,164) 
State318
 
 

 
 
Foreign48
 (2,487) (994)(727) (2,206) 901
3,588
 (2,387) 2,017
(2,800) (4,370) 901
Income Taxes$14,710
 $5,550
 $10,875
$9,820
 $10,291
 $13,299

Included in the 2015, 2014 and 20132018 Federal current tax benefitdeferred taxes is a benefit of $140,000, $7,175,000 and $3,455,000, respectively,$680,000 related to an intra-period allocation to continuing operations. A charge in an equal amount is in discontinued operations. other comprehensive income. In addition, included in deferred federal taxes is a benefit of $2,023,000 which resulted from the effective of indefinite intangibles and a related 2018 indefinite loss carryforward created, due to the U.S. tax reform legislation, resulting in a deferred tax benefit.

The US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("Tax Act") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act subjects a US shareholder to current tax on global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740 No. 5, Accounting for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred. The company has elected to recognize the tax on GILTI as a period expense in the period the tax is incurred.

The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Tax Act for which the
accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company's accounting for certain income tax effects off the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements.

Reduction of U.S. federal corporate tax rate: The US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduces the corporate rate to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. Consequently, the company has provisionally recorded a decrease related to deferred tax assets and liabilities of $64,440,000 and $20,034,000, respectively, and has recorded a decrease to the valuation allowance of $45,986,000 with a corresponding net adjustment to deferred tax benefit of $1,580,000 for the year-ended December 31, 2017.

Deemed Repatriation Transition Tax: The Deemed Repatriation Transition tax (Transition Tax) is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profit (E&P) of certain of our foreign subsidiaries. To determine the amount of Transition Tax, a company must determine, in addition to other factors, the amount of post-1986 E&P of the relevant subsidiaries as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. The company believed it has an overall foreign E&P deficit and accordingly did not record any provisional Transition Tax obligation as of December 31, 2017. During 2018, the Company concluded it did not have a transitional tax liability.

Notes to Financial StatementsIncome Taxes
Table of Contents

We determined at December 31, 2017 the provisional calculations would be finalized after the underlying timing differences and foreign earnings and profits were finalized with our 2017 federal tax return filing. The provision calculations were finalized in 2018 with our federal tax return.

We have historically considered the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested, and, accordingly, no taxes have been provided on such earnings (other than earnings of our Chinese subsidiary). We continue to evaluate our plans for reinvestment or repatriation of unremitted foreign earnings and have not changed our previous indefinite reinvestment determination following the enactment of the Tax Act. As a result of U.S. tax reform legislation, distributions of profits from non-U.S.
subsidiaries are not expected to cause a significant incremental U.S. tax impact in the future. However, these distributions may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes if profits are distributed from certain jurisdictions. Undistributed profits of non-U.S. subsidiaries of approximately $26.3 million are considered indefinitely reinvested. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to indefinitely reinvested profits is not practicable.

We regularly review our cash positions and our determination of permanent reinvestment of foreign earnings. If we determine all or a portion of such foreign earnings are no longer indefinitely reinvested, we may be subject to additional foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes.

A reconciliation to the effective income tax rate from the federal statutory rate is as follows:
2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
Statutory federal income tax rate(35.0)% (35.0)% (35.0)%
Statutory federal income tax rate (benefit)(21.0)% (35.0)% (35.0)%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit0.9
 (0.1) 0.5
0.3
 (0.4) (0.3)
Tax credits(61.8) (5.1) (22.8)
 (0.2) (1.7)
Foreign taxes at less than the federal statutory rate (including tax holidays)(46.1) (10.7) (10.6)
Foreign taxes at other than the federal statutory rate (including tax holidays)12.9
 (1.3) (7.1)
Federal and foreign valuation allowance168.0
 52.5
 35.8
39.6
 48.3
 83.0
Withholding taxes3.0
 0.6
 0.7
0.2
 0.1
 1.1
Compensation0.6
 0.1
 0.5
Unremitted earnings
 (1.1) 5.8
Dividends100.1
 12.3
 54.6

 5.7
 3.0
Life insurance(2.7) 4.1
 (1.5)(0.1) (0.1) (0.2)
Foreign branch activity(8.1) (1.8) (1.8)0.1
 (1.2) (3.1)
Uncertain tax positions6.7
 1.2
 1.3
(1.9) 0.1
 (2.0)
Effects of US Tax Reform
 (2.4) 
Intraperiod allocations to OCI(2.0) 
 
Other, net(0.3) (9.3) 3.3
0.7
 3.0
 1.5
125.3 % 8.8 % 25.0 %
Effective federal income tax rate28.8 % 15.5 % 45.0 %
 
Effective October 1, 2015, the company adopted ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", on a prospective basis, and thus the company's deferred tax assets and liabilities have been classified as long-term in its Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted.

At December 31, 2015,2018, total deferred tax assets were $154,401,000,$178,301,000, total deferred tax liabilities were $33,636,000$27,971,000 and the tax valuation allowance total was $151,972,000$174,659,000 for a net deferred income tax liability of $31,207,000$24,329,000 compared to total deferred tax assets of $137,511,000,$168,706,000, total deferred tax liabilities of $33,778,000$29,875,000 and a tax valuation allowance total of $133,912,000$167,203,000 for a

FS-35

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

net deferred income tax liability of $30,179,000$28,372,000 at December 31, 2014. Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
 2015 2014
Current deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net:   
Bad debt$
 $5,364
Warranty
 7,092
State and local taxes
 2,240
Other accrued expenses and reserves
 1,852
Inventory
 3,096
Compensation and benefits
 2,209
Product liability
 594
Valuation allowance
 (22,084)
Other, net
 (732)
 $
 $(369)
Long-term deferred income tax assets (liabilities), net:   
Bad Debt$3,670
 $
Warranty5,357
 
Other accrued expenses and reserves4,355
 
Inventory2,395
 
Goodwill and intangibles(25,008) (21,915)
Convertible debt(421) (700)
Fixed assets(8,207) (10,431)
Compensation and benefits7,136
 14,630
Loss and credit carryforwards102,194
 65,123
Product liability4,107
 4,919
State and local taxes19,932
 17,745
Valuation allowance(151,972) (111,828)
Other, net5,255
 12,647
 $(31,207) $(29,810)
    
Net Deferred Income Taxes$(31,207) $(30,179)

2017. The company recorded a valuation allowance for its U.S. and certain foreign country net deferred tax assets where it is or is projected to be in a three yearthree-year cumulative loss.









Notes to Financial StatementsIncome Taxes
Table of Contents

Significant components of long-term deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows (in thousands):
 2018 2017
Bad Debt$954
 $1,237
Warranty2,134
 2,949
Other accrued expenses and reserves511
 1,419
Inventory2,878
 3,096
Goodwill and intangibles(23,589) (24,939)
Convertible debt(1,225) 916
Fixed assets(3,107) (4,158)
Compensation and benefits6,268
 9,206
Loss and credit carryforwards131,896
 118,374
Product liability2,315
 2,375
State and local taxes31,345
 29,134
Valuation allowance(174,659) (167,203)
Other, net(50) (778)
Net Deferred Income Taxes$(24,329) $(28,372)

The company made net payments for income taxes of $7,966,000, $6,384,000,$15,820,000, $15,377,000, and $6,349,000$26,663,000 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, respectively. 2016 net tax payments included a foreign tax payment for a settled item.

At December 31, 2015,2018, the company had foreign tax loss carryforwards of approximately $61,330,000$74,602,000 of which $7,357,000 expire by 2024 and the remaining are non-expiring all of which $61,330,000 are offset by valuation allowances. At December 31, 2015,2018, the company also had $563,000,000$706,551,000 of domestic state and local tax loss carryforwards, of which $206,000,000$210,123,000 expire between 20162019 and 2019, $191,000,0002022, $235,409,000 expire between 20202023 and 20292032 and $166,000,000$247,130,000 expire after 2029.2032 and $13,889,000 have an unlimited carryover. The company has a federal domestic net operating loss carryforward of $131,130,000$353,671,000 of which $287,386,000 expires inbetween 2034 and 20352037 and the remaining are non-expiring; federal tax credit carryforwards of $38,520,000$33,263,000 of which $4,169,000 expire between 2016 and 2018 and $32,522,000$22,362,000 expire between 2019 and 2025, $1,582,0002021 and $9,292,000 expire between 2022 and 2027, $1,609,000 expire between 2031 and 2035,2037 and $247,000 are indefinite.domestic interest carryforward of $22,477,000 which is non-expiring.

As of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, the company had a liability for uncertain tax positions, excluding interest and penalties of $8,366,000$1,623,000 and $10,030,000,$1,896,000, respectively. The company expects payments over the next twelve months of $9,100,000 pursuant to a payment plan entered in a foreign country for an item being contested in the courts and an anticipated settlement of an audit. The total liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rates were $8,366,000$1,623,000 and $10,030,000$1,896,000 at December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.

FS-36

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balance of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Balance at beginning of year$11,019
 $10,833
$2,865
 $3,468
Additions to:      
Positions taken during the current year227
 348
58
 40
Positions taken during a prior year270
 418
163
 49
Exchange rate impact
 19
Deductions due to:      
Exchange rate impact(1,197) (362)(22) 
Positions taken during a prior year(527) 
(546) (176)
Lapse of statute of limitations(239) (218)(163) (535)
Balance at end of year$9,553
 $11,019
$2,355
 $2,865

The company recognizes interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. During 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 the (expense) benefitexpense for interest and penalties was $(315,000), $(500,000)$322,000, $30,000 and $(676,000),$288,000, respectively. The company had approximately $5,440,000$517,000 and $5,130,000$842,000 of accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, 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 20122015 to 2015,2018 with limited exceptions, and is subject to various U.S. state income tax examinations for 20112014 to 2015.2018. With regards to foreign income tax jurisdictions, the company is generally subject to examinations for the periods 20092012 to 2015.2018.

Notes to Financial StatementsNet Loss per Common Share
Table of Contents

Net Earnings (Loss)Loss Per Common Share


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share.
 2015 2014 2013
 (In thousands except per share data)
Basic     
Average common shares outstanding32,171
 32,009
 31,915
      
Net loss from continuing operations$(26,450) $(68,760) $(54,334)
Net earnings from discontinued operations$260
 $12,690
 $87,385
Net earnings (loss)$(26,190) $(56,070) $33,051
      
Net loss per common share from continuing operations$(0.82) $(2.15) $(1.70)
Net earnings per common share from discontinued operations$0.01
 $0.40
 $2.74
Net earnings (loss) per common share$(0.81) $(1.75) $1.04
      
Diluted     
Average common shares outstanding32,171
 32,009
 31,915
Stock options and awards512
 188
 128
Average common shares assuming dilution32,683
 32,197
 32,043
      
Net loss from continuing operations$(26,450) $(68,760) $(54,334)
Net earnings from discontinued operations$260
 $12,690
 $87,385
Net earnings (loss)$(26,190) $(56,070) $33,051
      
Net loss per common share from continuing operations *$(0.82) $(2.15) $(1.70)
Net earnings per common share from discontinued operations$0.01
 $0.39
 $2.73
Net earnings (loss) per common share *$(0.81) $(1.75) $1.03
 2018 2017 2016
 (In thousands, except per share data)
Basic     
Average common shares outstanding33,124
 32,752
 32,471
      
Net loss$(43,922) $(76,541) $(42,856)
      
Net loss per common share$(1.33) $(2.34) $(1.32)
      
Diluted     
Average common shares outstanding33,124
 32,752
 32,471
Stock options and awards419
 464
 119
Average common shares assuming dilution33,543
 33,216
 32,590
      
Net loss$(43,922) $(76,541) $(42,856)
      
Net loss per common share *$(1.33) $(2.34) $(1.32)

* Net earnings (loss) per share assuming dilution calculated utilizing weighted average shares outstanding - basic in periods in which there is a net loss.

FS-37


INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

At December 31, 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 2013,2016, shares associated with stock options of 1,479,912, 2,857,590333,899, 801,992 and 4,307,458,1,730,707, respectively, were excluded from the average common shares assuming dilution, as they were anti-dilutive. At December 31, 2015,2018, the majority of the anti-dilutive shares were granted at an exercise price of $18.51,$25.24, which was lowerhigher than the average fair market value price of $15.27 for 2018. In 2017, 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 $13.93 for 2017. In 2016, the majority of the anti-dilutive shares were granted at an exercise price of $25.24, which was higher than the average fair market value price of $12.36 for 2015.2016. For the 2015, 20142018, 2017 and 20132016 net loss per share from continuing operations calculation, all of the shares associated with stock options were anti-dilutive because of the company's loss. In 2014, the majority of the anti-dilutive

















For 2018, 2017 and 2016, no shares were granted at an exercise price of $41.87, which was higher than the average fair market value price of $16.95 for 2014. In 2013, the majority of the anti-dilutive shares were granted at an exercise price of $41.87, which was higher than the average fair market value price of $16.48 for 2013. Shares necessary to settle a conversion spread on the convertible notes issued in 2007 were not included in the common shares assuming dilution related to the company's issued warrants as the average market price of the company stock in 2015, 2014 and 2013for these periods did not exceed the conversion price.strike price of the warrants.

Notes to Financial StatementsConcentration of Credit Risk
Table of Contents

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’customers' financial condition. The company utilizes De Lage Landen, Inc. (“DLL”), a third partythird-party financing company, to provide the majority of future lease financing to Invacare’s North AmericaInvacare's U.S. customers. The DLL agreement provides for direct leasing between DLL and the Invacare customer. The company retains a recourse obligation of $6,089,000$1,399,000 at December 31, 20152018 to DLL for events of default under the contracts, which total $39,510,000$12,625,000 at December 31, 2015.2018. Guarantees, ASC 460, 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 $109,000$26,000 for this guarantee obligation within accrued expenses. The company's recourse is re-evaluated by DLL biannually, considers activity between the biannual dates and excludes any receivables purchased by the company from DLL. 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 Receivables, ASC 310-10-05-4. Credit losses are provided for in the financial statements.































Substantially all of the company’scompany's receivables are due from health care, medical equipment providers and long termlong-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. 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’scompany's customers.

The company’scompany's top 10 customers accounted for approximately 16.4%18.8% of 20152018 net sales. The loss of business of one or more of these customers may have a significant impact on the company, although no single customer accounted for more than 3.3%4.6% of the company’s 2015company's 2018 net sales. Providers who are part of a buying group generally make individual purchasing decisions and are invoiced directly by the company.

Notes to Financial StatementsDerivatives

Derivatives


ASC 815 requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheet as either assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative is dependent upon whether or not the derivative has been designated and qualifies for hedge accounting treatment and the type of hedging relationship. For derivatives designated and qualifying as hedging instruments, the company must designate the hedging instrument, based upon the exposure being hedged, as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge, or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

Cash Flow Hedging Strategy

The company uses derivative instruments in an attempt to manage its exposure to transactional foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk. Foreign forward exchange contracts are used to manage the price risk associated with forecasted sales denominated in foreign currencies and the price risk associated with forecasted purchases of inventory over the next twelve months. Interest rate swaps are, at times, utilized to manage interest rate risk associated with the company’s fixed and floating-rate borrowings.


FS-38

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

The company recognizes its derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet measured at fair value. A majority of the company’scompany'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.

During a portion of 2014 and all of 2013, the company was a party to interest rate swap agreements that qualified as cash flow hedges and effectively converted floating-rate debt to fixed-rate debt, so the company could avoid the risk of changes in market interest rates. The gains or losses on interest rate swaps are reflected in interest expense on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).


















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 gains and losses are included in cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).loss. If it is later determined that a hedged forecasted transaction is unlikely to occur, any prospective gains or losses on the forward contracts would be recognized in earnings. The company does not expect any material amount of hedge ineffectiveness related to forward contract cash flow hedges during the next twelve months.

The company has historically not recognized any material amount of ineffectiveness related to forward contract cash flow hedges because the company generally limits its hedges to between 50% and 90% of total forecasted transactions for a given entity’sentity's exposure to currency rate changes and the transactions hedged are recurring in nature. Furthermore, the majority of the hedged transactions are related to intercompany sales and purchases for which settlement occurs on a specific day each month. Forward contracts with a total notional amount in USD of $136,818,000$165,200,000 and $157,121,000$171,770,000 matured during the twelve months ended December 31, 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively.


FS-39
Notes to Financial StatementsDerivatives

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Foreign exchange forward contracts qualifying and designated for hedge accounting treatment were as follows (in thousands USD):
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
 
Notional
Amount
 
Unrealized
Net Gain
(Loss)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Unrealized
Net Gain
(Loss)
USD / AUD$2,910
 $(83) $1,250
 $65
USD / CAD3,893
 181
 3,570
 (63)
USD / CHF
 
 111
 
USD / CNY16,786
 (282) 
 
USD / EUR72,758
 2,681
 25,524
 
USD / GBP3,862
 22
 1,199
 3
USD / NZD4,893
 37
 7,018
 (55)
USD / SEK5,128
 39
 594
 1
USD / MXP8,494
 (284) 10,297
 (657)
EUR / AUD669
 (10) 452
 5
EUR / CAD1,283
 (17) 580
 (1)
EUR / CHF1,944
 (17) 505
 (2)
EUR / DKK
 
 643
 (3)
EUR / GBP36,567
 (424) 11,906
 23
EUR / NOK3,375
 (55) 1,490
 43
EUR / SEK2,464
 (42) 2,917
 (9)
EUR / NZD3,609
 476
 7,074
 60
GBP / AUD830
 (46) 656
 22
GBP / CHF463
 (7) 331
 (1)
GBP / SEK2,067
 (1) 1,035
 (2)
AUD / CAD
 
 1,538
 30
AUD / CHF
 
 93
 1
AUD / NZD352
 8
 537
 19
AUD / SEK
 
 61
 (1)
CAD / SEK
 
 182
 (1)
CHF / DKK
 
 269
 (2)
DKK / SEK37,293
 46
 2,497
 (44)
NOK / CHF
 
 66
 2
NOK / SEK3,524
 (39) 1,547
 19
 $213,164
 $2,183
 $83,942
 $(548)
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 
Notional
Amount
 
Unrealized
Net Gain
(Loss)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Unrealized
Net Gain
(Loss)
USD / AUD$6,390
 $146
 $3,960
 $44
USD / CAD12,221
 (101) 33,344
 115
USD / CNY4,460
 32
 4,027
 61
USD / EUR70,748
 173
 72,259
 (558)
USD / GBP1,233
 
 4,640
 (124)
USD / NZD10,359
 149
 9,300
 11
USD / SEK603
 
 
 
USD / MXP7,801
 37
 6,461
 (158)
EUR / GBP41,087
 174
 32,248
 (682)
EUR / NOK977
 
 4,521
 68
EUR / SEK15,106
 (92) 7,732
 39
EUR / NZD2,042
 64
 2,855
 (8)
DKK / SEK1,561
 
 6,453
 (120)
 $174,588
 $582
 $187,800
 $(1,312)


FS-40

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Derivatives Not Qualifying or Designated for Hedge Accounting Treatment

The company utilizes foreign currency forward contracts that are not designated as hedges in accordance with ASC 815. These contracts are entered into to eliminate the risk associated with the settlement of short-term intercompany trading receivables and payables between Invacare Corporation and its foreign subsidiaries. The currency forward contracts are entered into at the same time as the intercompany receivables or payables are created so that upon settlement, the gain/loss on the settlement is offset by the gain/loss on the foreign currency forward contract. No material net gain or loss was realized by the company in 20152018 or 20142017 related to these contracts and the associated short-term intercompany trading receivables and payables.

Notes to Financial StatementsDerivatives

Foreign exchange forward contracts not qualifying or designated for hedge accounting treatment entered into in 20152018 and 2014,2017, respectively, and outstanding were as follows (in thousands USD):
 December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
 
Notional
Amount
 
Gain
(Loss)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Gain
(Loss)
AUD / USD$8,051
 $337
 $7,300
 $117
CAD / USD5,762
 (4) 6,016
 $(6)
CNY / USD9,943
 (441) 3,200
 (14)
EUR / USD2,118
 53
 53,365
 (1,585)
DKK / USD7,927
 125
 
 
GBP / USD4,526
 (106) 5,592
 18
NZD / USD
 
 4,500
 12
NOK / USD1,838
 (18) 
 
 $40,165
 $(54) $79,973
 $(1,458)
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 
Notional
Amount
 
Gain
(Loss)
 
Notional
Amount
 
Gain
(Loss)
AUD / USD$11,500
 $167
 $2,750
 $(77)
NZD / USD3,000
 30
 3,300
 (53)
EUR / AUD
 
 4,000
 43
NOK / EUR18
 
 
 
NZD / AUD10,800
 22
 3,600
 9
 $25,318
 $219
 $13,650
 $(78)

The fair values of the company’scompany's derivative instruments were as follows (in thousands):
December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Assets Liabilities Assets LiabilitiesAssets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815              
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts$3,626
 $1,443
 $373
 $921
$792
 $210
 $678
 $1,990
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815              
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts517
 571
 147
 1,605
228
 9
 52
 130
Total derivatives$4,143
 $2,014
 $520
 $2,526
$1,020
 $219
 $730
 $2,120

The fair values of the company’scompany's foreign currency forward assets and liabilities are included in Other Current Assets and Accrued Expenses, respectively in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 


FS-41

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations and Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) was as follows, net of tax (in thousands):
Derivatives in ASC 815 cash flow hedge
relationships
Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized in
OCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of Loss
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives  (Ineffective Portion
and Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
Year ended December 31, 2015     
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts$3,545
 $991
 $(11)
      
Year ended December 31, 2014     
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts$562
 $416
 $(11)
Interest rate swap contracts
 (12) 
 $562
 $404
 $(11)
      
Derivatives not designated as hedging
instruments under ASC 815
    
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
Year ended December 31, 2015     
Foreign currency forward contracts    $(54)
Year ended December 31, 2014     
Foreign currency forward contracts    $(1,458)
Derivatives (foreign currency forward exchange contracts) in ASC 815 cash flow hedge relationships
Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective
Portion)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion
and Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
Year ended December 31, 2018$2,098
 $266
 $
Year ended December 31, 2017$(2,737) $(755) $(94)
      
Derivatives (foreign currency forward exchange contracts) not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815
Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on
Derivatives
    
Year ended December 31, 2018$219
    
Year ended December 31, 2017$(78)    

Notes to Financial StatementsDerivatives

The gains or losses recognized as the result of the settlement of cash flow hedge foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in net sales for hedges of inventory sales or cost of product sold for hedges of inventory purchases. In 2015,2018, net sales were decreased by $2,778,000$1,352,000 and cost of product sold was decreased by $3,890,000$1,591,000 for a net realized gain of $1,112,000.$239,000. In 2014,2017, net sales were decreasedincreased by $657,000$517,000 and cost of product sold was decreasedincreased by $995,000$1,357,000 for a net realized loss of $840,000. In 2016, net sales were increased by $4,453,000 and cost of product sold was increased by $1,880,000 for a net realized gain of $338,000 compared to$2,573,000.

A gain of $150,000 in 2018, a net loss of $271,000$78,000 in 2013.

The company recognized incremental expense of $12,000 and $337,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to interest rate swap agreements which are reflected in interest expense on the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss).

Losses of $54,000 and $1,458,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively,2017 and a gain $370,000of $195,000 in 20132016 were recognized in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses on ineffective foreign currency forward contracts as well as foreign currencyrelated to forward contracts not designated as hedging instruments that arewere entered into to offset gains/losses that were also recorded in SG&A expenses on intercompany trade receivables or payables. The gains/losses on the non-designated hedging instruments were substantially offset by gains/losses also recorded in SG&A expenses on intercompany trade receivables or payables.

The company has entered into foreign currency forward exchange contracts and, at times, interest rate swap contracts (the “agreements”) with various bank counterparties, each of which are subject to provisions which are similar to a master netting agreement. The agreements provide for a net settlement payment in a single currency upon a default by the company. Furthermore, thecompany's derivative agreements provide the counterpartycounterparties with a right of set off in the event of a default that would enable the counterparty to offset any net payment due by the counterparty to the company under the applicable agreement by any amount due by the company to the counterparty under any other agreement. For example, the terms of the agreement would permit a counterparty to a derivative contract that is also a lender under the company's Amended and Restated Credit Agreement to reduce any derivative settlement amounts owed to the company under the derivative contract by any amounts owed to the counterparty by the company under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. In addition, the agreements contain cross-default provisions that could trigger a default by the company under the agreement in the event of a default by the company under another agreement with the same
counterparty. The company does not present any derivatives on a net basis in its financial statements, other than the conversion and bond hedge derivatives which are presented net on the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Loss, and all derivative balances presented are subject to provisions that are similar to master netting agreements.

During the first quarter of 2016, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedges and related warrants in connection with its sale of $150,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the company's 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021. The 2021 warrants, which increased paid in capital by $12,376,000, are clearly and closely related to the convertible notes and thus classified as equity. The convertible note hedge asset and convertible debt conversion liability were recorded, based on initial fair values, as an asset of $27,975,000 and a liability of $34,480,000, respectively, and these fair values are updated quarterly with the offset to the income statement. See "Long-Term Debt" in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail.

During the second quarter of 2017, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible 2022 note hedges and warrants in connection with its sale of $120,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the company's 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022. The 2022 warrants, which increased paid in capital by $14,100,000, are clearly and closely related to the convertible 2022 notes and thus classified as equity. The 2022 note hedge assets and 2022 convertible debt conversion liability were recorded, based on initial fair values, as an asset of $24,780,000 and a liability of $28,859,000, respectively, and these fair values are updated quarterly with the offset to the income statement. See "Long-Term Debt" in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail.


The fair values of the outstanding convertible note derivatives as of December 31, 2018 and their effect on the Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) were as follows (in thousands):
FS-42

   Gain (Loss)
 Fair Value Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Convertible 2021 debt conversion long-term liability$(1,458) $51,696
 $(22,446)
Convertible 2022 debt conversion long-term liability(2,611) 50,803
 (24,555)
Convertible 2021 note hedge long-term asset1,028
 (45,887) 21,444
Convertible 2022 note hedge long-term asset2,062
 (44,618) 21,900
Net fair value and net gains (losses) on convertible debt derivatives$(979) $11,994
 $(3,657)
The 2021 and 2022 convertible debt conversion liability amounts and the 2021 and 2022 note hedge asset amounts are included in Other Long-Term Obligations and Other Long-Term Assets, respectively, in the company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Notes to Financial StatementsFair Values
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Fair Values of Financial Instruments


Pursuant to ASC 820, 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’scompany's assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis (in thousands).:
   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
Total Level I Level II Level III
December 31, 2015:
       
Forward Exchange Contracts—net$2,129
 
 $2,129
 
December 31, 2014:
       
Forward Exchange Contracts—net$(2,006) 
 $(2,006) 

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, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, MXP, 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.
  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
December 31, 2018      
Forward Exchange Contracts—net 
 $801
 
Convertible 2021 debt conversion liability 
 (1,458) 
Convertible 2021 note hedge asset 
 1,028
 
Convertible 2022 debt conversion liability 
 (2,611) 
Convertible 2022 note hedge asset 
 2,062
 
December 31, 2017      
Forward Exchange Contracts—net 
 $(1,390) 
Convertible 2021 debt conversion liability 
 (53,154) 
Convertible 2021 note hedge asset 
 46,915
 
Convertible 2022 debt conversion liability 
 (53,414) 
Convertible 2022 note hedge asset 
 46,680
 

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 gain of $1,112,000 in 2015, a net gain of $338,000 in 2014 and a net loss of $271,000 in 2013 related to ASC 815 designated derivatives. 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, sales for hedges of forecasted sales 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 carrying amounts and fair values of the company’scompany's financial instruments at December 31, 20152018 and 20142017 are as follows (in thousands):
2015 20142018 2017
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents$60,055
 $60,055
 $38,931
 $38,931
$116,907
 $116,907
 $176,528
 $176,528
Other investments160
 160
 249
 249
90
 90
 103
 103
Installment receivables, net of reserves1,793
 1,793
 1,911
 1,911
1,796
 1,796
 1,809
 1,809
Long-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt)(47,120) (47,369) (20,331) (20,248)
Long-term debt (including current maturities of long-term debt) *(255,645) (181,928) (243,445) (294,173)
Convertible 2021 debt conversion liability in Other Long-Term Obligations(1,458) (1,458) (53,154) (53,154)
Convertible 2021 note hedge in Other Long-Term Assets1,028
 1,028
 46,915
 46,915
Convertible 2022 debt conversion liability in Other Long-Term Obligations(2,611) (2,611) (53,414) (53,414)
Convertible 2022 note hedge in Other Long-Term Assets2,062
 2,062
 46,681
 46,681
Forward contracts in other current assets4,143
 4,143
 520
 520
1,020
 1,020
 730
 730
Forward contracts in accrued expenses(2,014) (2,014) (2,526) (2,526)(219) (219) (2,120) (2,120)

________

* The company's long-term debt is shown net of discount and fees associated with the Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 and 2022 on the company's consolidated balance sheet. Accordingly, the fair values of the Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 and 2022 are included in the long-term debt presented in this table is also shown net of the discount and fees.
FS-43
Notes to Financial StatementsFair Values

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

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

Cash, cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the balance sheet for cash, cash equivalents equals its fair value.
 
Other investments: The company has made other investmentsan investment in a limited partnerships and non-marketable equity securities,partnership, which areis accounted for using the cost method, adjusted for any estimated declines in value. These investments wereThe investment was acquired in a private placementsplacement and there areis no quoted market pricesprice or stated ratesrate of return. The company does not have the ability to easily sell these investments.the investment. The company completes an evaluation of the residual value related to thesesuch investments in the fourth quarter of each year. No impairment was recognized in 2015, 20142018, 2017 or 2013.2016.

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 value for the company’scompany's convertible debt is based on quoted market-based estimates as of the end of the year, while the revolving credit facility fair values arevalue is based upon the company’san estimate of the market for similar borrowing arrangements. TheseThe fair values are deemed to be categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Convertible debt derivatives: The fair values for the convertible debt conversion liability and note hedge asset derivatives are based on valuation models in which all the significant inputs are observable in active markets.
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, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, MXP, 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 company's forward contracts are included in Other Current Assets or Accrued Expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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 gain of $239,000
in 2018 compared to a loss of $840,000 and a gain of $2,573,000 in 2017 and 2016, respectively, related to ASC 815 designated derivatives. 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, sales for hedges of forecasted sales or selling, general and administrative expenses for other hedged transactions.

Intangibles and Goodwill: Under Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, ASC 350, 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. To review goodwill for impairment in accordance with ASC 350, the company first estimates the fair value of each reporting unit and compares the calculated fair value to the carrying value of the each reporting unit. A reporting unit is defined as an operating segment or one level below. The company has determined that its reporting units are the same as its operating segments.

The company completes its annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each year. To estimate the fair values of the reporting units, the company utilizes a discounted cash flow method model 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 freerisk-free rate, a market risk premium, the industry average beta, and a small cap stock adjustment.adjustment and reporting unit specific risk premiums as deemed appropriate. The discount rates used have a significant impact upon the discounted cash flow methodology utilized in the company's annual impairment testing as higher discount rates decrease the fair value estimates. The assumptions used are based on a market participant view and yielded a discount rate of 9.41%12.41% in 20152018 for the company's annual impairment analysis for the reporting units with goodwill compared to 9.89%9.07% in 20142017 and 10.00%8.67% in 2013.2016.
The company also utilizes an Enterprise Value (EV) to EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) Method to compute the fair value of its reporting units which considers potential acquirers and their EV to EBITDA multiples adjusted by an estimated premium. While more weight is given to the discounted cash flow method, the EV to EBITDA Method does provide corroborative evidence of the reasonableness of the discounted cash flow method results.


Notes to Financial StatementsFair Values

While there was no indication of impairment in 20152018 related to goodwill for the Europe or IPG segments, a future potential impairment is possible for any of the company's segments 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. In consideration of this potential, the company reviewed the results if the discount rate used were 100 basis points higher for the 20152018 impairment analysis and determined that there still would not be any indicator of potential impairment for the segmentsreporting units with goodwill, which are Europe and IPG.
During 2014, the






















The company recognized an intangible write-down chargesimpairment charge in the IPG segment of $13,041,000 comprised of a customer list impairment of $12,826,000$583,000 ($431,000 after-tax) in 2018 and a non-compete agreement of $215,000 all recorded$320,000 ($237,000 after-tax) in the IPG segment as the actual and remaining cash flows associated with the intangibles were less than the cash flow originally used2017 related to value the intangibles, primarily driven by reduced net sales. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for each of the above impairments.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, the company recognized intangible write-down charges of $1,523,000 comprised of: trademarks with indefinite lives of $568,000, a trademark with a definite life of $123,000, a customer lists impairment of $442,000 and a developed technology of $223,000 all recorded in the IPG segment and a customer list intangible write-down charge of $167,000 recorded in the North America/HME segment.an indefinite life. The after-tax and pre-tax impairment amounts were the same for eachfair value of the above impairments except for the indefinite-lived trademark impairments in the IPG segment, which were $496,000 after-tax. The fair

FS-44

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

values of the trademarks and developed technology werewas calculated using a relief from royalty payment methodology which requires applying an estimated market royalty rate to forecasted net sales and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine fair value. The fair value of the customer lists were calculated using an excess earnings method, using a discounted cash flow model. Estimated cash flow returns to the customer relationship were reduced by the cash flows required to satisfy the return requirements of each of the assets employed with the residual cash flow then discounted to value the customer relationship. The write-down charges were the result of decisions to exit certain businesses as well as lower than anticipated sales.
The fair values of the company's intangible assets were calculated using inputs that are not observable in the market and included management’smanagement's own estimates regarding the assumptions that market participants would use and thus these inputs are deemed Level III inputs in regardsregard to the fair value hierarchy.
Notes to Financial StatementsBusiness Segments

Business Segments


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

The North America/NA/HME segment sells each of the three primary product lines, which includes: lifestyle, mobility and seating, and respiratory therapy products. IPG sells, and rented prior to the disposition of the rentalsrental businesses, long-term care medical equipment, health care furnishings and accessory products. Europe and Asia/Pacific sell product lines similar to North America/NA/HME and IPG.

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’scompany's consolidated financial statements. Intersegment sales and transfers are based on the costs to manufacture plus a reasonable profit element. Therefore, intercompany

Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, with the primary profit or loss onmeasure being segment operating profit (loss).
Segment operating profit (loss) represents net sales less cost of products sold less selling general and administrative expenses. Segment operating profit (loss) excludes unallocated corporate general and administrative expenses not allocated to the segments and intersegment sales and transfersprofit eliminations, which are included in All Other. In addition, segment operating profit (loss) further excludes charges related to restructuring activities, asset impairments and gain on sale of business (as applicable).

This performance measure, segment operating income (loss), is not considered in evaluatingused by the Chief Operating Decision Maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to a segment and assessing its performance. In addition, this metric is reviewed by the company's Board of Directors regarding segment performance except for Asia/Pacific due to its significant intercompany sales volume relative toand is a key metric in the segment.performance management assessment of the company's employees.

The information by segment is as follows (in thousands): 
2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
Revenues from external customers          
North America/HME$474,196
 $507,867
 $589,240
Europe (1)$558,518
 $535,326
 $534,801
NA/HME (1)306,615
 320,818
 402,914
Institutional Products Group87,137
 102,796
 112,290
57,975
 59,472
 64,413
Europe536,463
 610,555
 583,143
Asia/Pacific44,542
 48,945
 49,832
49,239
 50,881
 45,346
Consolidated$1,142,338
 $1,270,163
 $1,334,505
$972,347
 $966,497
 $1,047,474
Intersegment revenues          
North America/HME$111,321
 $84,247
 $77,553
Europe$15,784
 $13,815
 $14,182
NA/HME90,440
 82,716
 96,750
Institutional Products Group997
 6,711
 5,304
504
 2,083
 2,885
Europe9,958
 8,938
 8,272
Asia/Pacific20,661
 26,173
 24,941
17,737
 15,312
 19,366
Consolidated$142,937
 $126,069
 $116,070
$124,465
 $113,926
 $133,183
Depreciation and amortization          
North America/HME$8,775
 $10,925
 $12,149
Europe$8,125
 $7,446
 $7,038
NA/HME (2)6,136
 5,452
 5,956
Institutional Products Group1,980
 7,656
 8,310
92
 293
 254
Europe7,183
 11,111
 12,123
Asia/Pacific1,463
 2,406
 3,073
1,189
 1,420
 1,349
All Other (1)(3)29
 173
 275
14
 20
 38
Discontinued Operations
 518
 859
Consolidated (2)$15,556
 $14,631
 $14,635
Net interest expense (income)     
Europe$225
 $229
 $197
NA/HME27,068
 21,729
 15,119
Institutional Products Group287
 277
 191
Asia/Pacific222
 199
 103
Consolidated$19,430
 $32,789
 $36,789
$27,802
 $22,434
 $15,610
          

FS-45
Notes to Financial StatementsBusiness Segments

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
Net interest expense (income)     
North America/HME$2,080
 $348
 $(1,869)
Operating income (loss)     
Europe (1)$32,673
 $33,160
 $34,122
NA/HME (1)(38,788) (42,831) (37,876)
Institutional Products Group1,028
 2,244
 3,656
6,282
 5,839
 5,693
Asia/Pacific4,051
 (27) (1,436)
All Other (2)(18,448) (23,706) (20,657)
Charge related to restructuring activities(3,481) (12,274) (2,447)
Gains on sale of businesses
 
 7,386
Asset write-off(583) (320) 
Consolidated operating loss(18,294) (40,159) (15,215)
Net gain (loss) on convertible derivatives11,994
 (3,657) 1,268
Net Interest expense(27,802) (22,434) (15,610)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes$(34,102) $(66,250) $(29,557)
Assets     
Europe(444) (209) (53)$611,230
 $646,085
 $572,427
NA/HME (3)204,941
 349,137
 265,092
Institutional Products Group37,400
 38,884
 38,657
Asia/Pacific30,336
 29,922
 25,703
All Other1,948
 2,005
 1,864
Consolidated$885,855
 $1,066,033
 $903,743
Long-lived assets     
Europe$407,021
 $430,998
 $388,692
NA/HME (3)47,880
 142,238
 70,585
Institutional Products Group29,129
 31,340
 30,603
Asia/Pacific2,467
 2,538
 2,927
All Other1,948
 2,005
 1,864
Consolidated$488,445
 $609,119
 $494,671
Expenditures for assets     
Europe$5,348
 $5,819
 $5,552
NA/HME3,648
 7,702
 3,426
Institutional Products Group
 53
 58
Asia/Pacific82
 149
 960
827
 995
 1,115
Consolidated$2,746
 $2,532
 $2,694
$9,823
 $14,569
 $10,151
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from continuing operations     
North America/HME$(32,866) $(63,601) $(50,506)
Institutional Products Group6,757
 (10,961) 1,418
Europe38,644
 48,088
 40,468
Asia/Pacific(3,521) (9,485) (13,258)
All Other (1)(20,754) (27,251) (21,581)
Consolidated$(11,740) $(63,210) $(43,459)
Assets     
North America/HME (2)$215,500
 $218,877
 $250,239
Institutional Products Group (3)38,730
 42,692
 45,933
Europe557,740
 638,896
 693,790
Asia/Pacific24,421
 30,231
 31,034
All Other (1)1,752
 15,647
 37,142
Assets Held for Sale (4)
 17,388
 38,296
Consolidated$838,143
 $963,731
 $1,096,434
Long-lived assets     
North America/HME (2)$49,319
 $44,727
 $60,309
Institutional Products Group (3)30,278
 33,487
 38,342
Europe391,533
 459,957
 506,329
Asia/Pacific3,140
 4,046
 5,238
All Other (1)1,752
 15,527
 36,830
Consolidated$476,022
 $557,744
 $647,048
Expenditures for assets     
North America/HME$1,232
 $2,960
 $5,017
Institutional Products Group212
 1,232
 3,308
Europe5,058
 6,708
 4,809
Asia/Pacific969
 1,417
 830
All Other (1)51
 
 50
Discontinued Operations
 10
 144
Consolidated$7,522
 $12,327
 $14,158
   ________________________
(1)During the first quarter of 2017, a subsidiary, formerly included in the Europe segment, was transferred to the NA/HME segment as the subsidiary is managed by the NA/HME segment manager effective January 1, 2017. This revision increased revenues from external customers by $5,212,000 and $1,091,000 and increased operating loss by $128,000 and $75,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, for NA/HME with an offsetting impact on Europe. Other items were also revised by immaterial amounts in 2017 for 2016 to conform with current presentation.
(2)Consists of un-allocated corporate SG&A costs and intercompany profits, which do not meet the quantitative criteria for determining reportable segments.
(2)(3)The 2013 North America/HMETotal assets and long-lived assets include a decreasematerially impacted by change in the fair value of $167,000 due to an intangible asset impairment write-off.the company's convertible note hedge assets.


(3)Notes to Financial StatementsRestated 2014 and 2013 for rentals businesses sold in July 2015 and classified as assets held for sale.
Business Segments
(4)Assets held for sale includes decreases of $13,041,000 and $1,356,000 in 2014 and 2013, respectively, due to intangible asset impairment write-offs.


FS-46

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

Net sales by product, are as follows (in thousands):
2015 2014 20132018 2017 2016
North America/HME     
Lifestyle Products$222,944
 $239,625
 $267,934
Europe     
Lifestyle$263,340
 $266,290
 $274,684
Mobility and Seating252,997
 225,909
 209,501
Respiratory Therapy23,736
 26,261
 35,030
Other(1)18,445
 16,866
 15,586

$558,518
 $535,326
 $534,801
NA/HME     
Lifestyle$122,080
 $126,717
 $173,301
Mobility and Seating117,232
 115,776
 134,995
122,013
 112,448
 121,934
Respiratory Therapy130,349
 149,063
 178,065
61,579
 79,896
 104,631
Other(1)3,671
 3,403
 8,246
943
 1,757
 3,048

$474,196
 $507,867
 $589,240
$306,615
 $320,818
 $402,914
Institutional Products Group          
Continuing Care$87,137
 $102,796
 $112,290
$57,975
 $59,472
 $64,413
          
Europe     
Lifestyle Products$275,932
 $322,370
 $303,225
Mobility and Seating208,730
 228,163
 216,152
Respiratory Therapy36,373
 40,661
 40,885
Other(1)15,428
 19,361
 22,881

$536,463
 $610,555
 $583,143
Asia/Pacific          
Mobility and Seating$25,655
 $28,174
 $26,737
$31,286
 $29,096
 $25,254
Lifestyle Products10,277
 11,772
 12,023
Lifestyle9,762
 10,402
 10,161
Continuing Care3,115
 3,956
 2,785
1,068
 3,601
 3,521
Respiratory Therapy807
 1,286
 1,290
1,330
 1,640
 1,244
Other(1)4,688
 3,757
 6,997
5,793
 6,142
 5,166
$44,542
 $48,945
 $49,832
$49,239
 $50,881
 $45,346
          
Total Consolidated$1,142,338
 $1,270,163
 $1,334,505
$972,347
 $966,497
 $1,047,474
   ________________________
(1)Includes various services, including repair services, equipment rentals and external contracting.
 
No single customer accounted for more than 3.3%4.6% of the company’scompany's sales.

Notes to Financial StatementsContingencies

Contingencies

General
In the ordinary course of its business, the company 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 that the company faces in the United States have been referred to the company's captive insurance company and/or excess insurance carriers while all non-U.S. lawsuits have been referred to the company's commercial insurance carriers. All such lawsuits are generally 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. The amount recorded for identified contingent liabilities is based on estimates. Amounts recorded are reviewed periodically and adjusted to reflect additional technical and legal information that becomes available. Actual costs to be incurred in future periods may vary from the estimates, given the inherent uncertainties in evaluating certain exposures.

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, developing, testing, manufacturing, labeling, promoting, distributing and other practices of health care suppliers and medical device manufacturers are all subject to government scrutiny. Most of the company's facilities are subject to inspection at any time by the FDA or similar medical device regulatory agencies in other jurisdictions. Violations of law or regulations can result in administrative, civil and criminal penalties and sanctions, which could have a material adverse effect on the company's business.


FS-47

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

On November 15, 2013, an amended complaint, inIn August 2018, the company received a lawsuit originally instituted on May 24, 2013, was filed against Invacare Corporation, former officer and director Gerald B. Blouch and former officer and director A. Malachi Mixon III inCivil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the U.S. District Court forDepartment of Justice (“DOJ”) related to DOJ's investigation into the Northern Districtrentals pricing practices of Ohio, alleging that the defendants violated federal securities laws by failing to properly disclose the issues that the company has faced with the FDA. The lawsuit sought class certification and unspecified damages and attorneys' fees for purchasersone of the company's common shares between February 27, 2009former rentals businesses, which the company divested in July 2015. The former rentals business and December 7, 2011. After mediation,its acquirer also received similar CID's from the parties agreed to settleDOJ, and in September 2018, the matter, which agreement was fullyacquirer made a request for indemnification from the company under the divestiture agreement. The CID seeks documents and finally approved byother information from the Court on November 19, 2015,company, and the case was dismissed.company is cooperating fully with the DOJ investigation. An unfavorable outcome could include the company being required to pay monetary damages, and incur attorneys' fees, penalties and other adverse actions. The settlement was paid entirely bycompany is unable to predict the company’s insurance carriers.

On September 12, 2014,outcome and is unable to make a second amended complaint, in a lawsuit originally instituted on August 26, 2013, was filed against Invacare Corporation, former officer and director Gerald B. Blouch, former officer and director A. Malachi Mixon III and the Company's senior Vice President, Human Resources, Patricia Stumpp, as well as outside directors Dale C. LaPorte and Michael F. Delaney and former outside director Charles S. Robb, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleging that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties and violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) in the administration and maintenancemeaningful estimate of the company stock fund in the company’s Retirement Savings Plan (401(k) Plan). The lawsuit seeks class certification and unspecified damages and attorneys' fees for participants in the company's stock fundamount or range of the 401(k) Plan between July 22, 2010 and the present. On August 28, 2015, the Court limited plaintiff’s claim to the time period between July 22, 2010 and December 8, 2011. This lawsuit has been referred to the company's insurance carriers. The company intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.loss, if any, that could result from any unfavorable outcome.

Medical Device Regulatory Matters

The FDA in the United States and comparable medical device regulatory authorities in other jurisdictions regulate virtually all aspects of the marketing, invoicing, documenting, development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, promotion, distribution and other practices regarding medical devices. The company and its products are subject to the laws and regulations of the FDA and other regulatory bodies in the various jurisdictions where the company's products are manufactured or sold. The company's failure to comply with the regulatory requirements of the FDA and other applicable medical device regulatory requirements can subject the company to administrative or judicially imposed sanctions or enforcement actions. These sanctions include injunctions, consent decrees, warning letters, civil penalties, criminal penalties, product seizure or detention, product recalls and total or partial suspension of production.
In December 2012, the company reached agreement with the FDA on the terms of thebecame subject to a consent decree of injunction filed by FDA with respect to the company's Corporate facility and its Taylor Street wheelchair manufacturing facility in Elyria, Ohio. A complaint and consent decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and on December 21, 2012, the Court approved the consent decree and it became effective. The consent decree limitsinitially limited the company's (i) manufacture and distribution of power and manual wheelchairs, wheelchair components and wheelchair sub-assemblies at or from its Taylor Street manufacturing facility. The decree also initially limitedfacility, except in verified cases of medical necessity, (ii) design activities related to wheelchairs and power beds that take place at the impacted Elyria Ohio facilities. The company is entitled to continue to produce from the Taylor Street manufacturing facility certain medically necessary wheelchairs provided that documentationfacilities and record-keeping requirements are followed, as well as ongoing(iii) replacement, service and repair of products already in use under terms delineated infrom the consent decree.Taylor Street manufacturing facility. Under the terms of the consent decree, in order to resume full operations, at the impacted facilities, the company musthad to successfully complete aindependent, third-party expert certification auditaudits at the impacted Elyria facilities, which is comprised of three distinct certification reports that must beseparately submitted to, and acceptedsubject to acceptance by, FDA; submit its own report to the FDA. During 2013,FDA; and successfully complete a reinspection by FDA of the company's Corporate and Taylor Street facilities.
On July 24, 2017, following its June 2017 reinspection of the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities, FDA notified the company completed the first two of the third-party expert certification audits, andthat it is in substantial compliance with the FDA found the results of both to be acceptable. In these reports, the third-party expert certified that the company's equipmentAct, FDA regulations and process validation procedures and its design control systems are compliant with the FDA's QSR. As a result of the FDA's acceptance of the first certification report on May 13, 2013, the Taylor Street facility was able to resume supplying parts and components for the further manufacturing of medical devices at other company facilities. The company's receipt of the FDA's acceptance of the second certification report on July 15, 2013, resulted in the company being able to resume design activities at the impacted facilities related to power wheelchairs and power beds. In February, 2016, the independent expert auditor issued its certification report for the third phase of the consent decree indicating substantial compliance to the FDA's QSR, and the report has been submitted to the FDA.
Per the terms of the consent decree the company must submit its own report to the FDA regarding its compliance status together with its written responses to any observations in the independent expert's report. Both the independent expert auditor's third certification report as well as the company's own report must be accepted by the FDA before the agency reinspects the impacted Elyria facilities. If the FDA is satisfied with the company's compliance, the FDA will provide written notificationand, that the company iswas permitted to resume full operations at those facilities including the impactedresumption of unrestricted sales of products made in those facilities.

The company cannot predictconsent decree will continue in effect for at least five years from July 24, 2017, during which time the acceptancecompany's Corporate and Taylor Street facilities must complete to two semi-annual audits in the first year and then four annual audits in the next four years performed by a company-retained expert firm. The expert audit firm will
Notes to Financial StatementsContingencies

determine whether the facilities remain in continuous compliance with the FDA nor any remaining work that may be needed to meetAct, FDA regulations and the FDA's requirements.terms of the consent decree. The FDA has the authority to inspect these facilities and any other FDA registered facility, at any time.

FS-48

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

After resumption of full operations,The FDA has continued to actively inspect the company must undergo five years of audits by a third-party expert auditor to determine whethercompany's facilities, other than through the facilities are in continuous compliance with FDA's QSR andprocesses established under the consent decree. The auditorcompany expects that the FDA will, from time to time, inspect the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities’ activities every six months during the first year following the resumption of full operations and then every 12 months for the next four years thereafter.
As described above, because the limitations on production are not expected to be permanent in nature, and partial production is allowed, the company does not anticipate any major repair, replacement or scrapping of its fixed assets at the Taylor Street manufacturing facility. Based onsubstantially all the company's expectations at the timedomestic and foreign FDA-registered facilities.
The results of filingregulatory claims, proceedings, investigations, or litigation are difficult to predict. An unfavorable resolution or outcome of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with respect to the utilization of such raw material and with respect to expected future cash flows from production at the Taylor Street manufacturing facility, the company concluded that there is no impairment in the value of the fixed assetsany FDA warning letters or inspectional observations, or other FDA enforcement related to company facilities, could materially and adversely affect the Taylor Street manufacturing facility at December 31, 2015.company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The majority of the production from the Taylor Street facility is "made to order" custom wheelchairs for customers and, as a result, there was not a significant amount of finished goods inventory on hand at December 31, 2015, and the inventory is expected to be fully utilized. Accordingly, the company concluded that there was not an impairment of the work in process and finished goods at the Taylor Street facility at December 31, 2015. Further, based on its analysis of the raw material inventory at the Taylor Street facility and the company's expectations at the time of filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K with respect to the time frame for FDA's acceptance of the third-party expert certification audit and FDA inspection, the company concluded that the value of the inventory was not excessive nor impaired at December 31, 2015. However, if the company's expectations regarding the impacts of the limitations in the consent decree or the time frame for acceptance of the third-party expert certification audit and FDA inspection were to change, the company may, in future periods, conclude that an impairment exists with respect to its fixed assets or inventory at the Taylor Street facility.
Although the North America/HME segment is the segment primarily impactedpreviously imposed by the limitations in the FDA consent decree the Asia/Pacific segment also is negatively affected as a result of the consent decree due to the lower sales volume of microprocessor controllers. During 2012, before the effective date of the consent decree, the company started to experience decreases in net sales in the North America/NA/HME segment and, to a certain extent, the Asia/Pacific segments.segment beginning in 2012. The company believes that those decreases, which continued beyond 2012, were driven in large part by the consent decree whichlimitations led to delays in new product introductions and tointroductions. Further, uncertainty regarding how long the timing of exiting the consent decree, whichlimitations would be in effect limited the company's ability to renegotiate and bid on certain customer contracts and otherwise led to a decline in customer orders. Separately, net sales in
Although the North America/HME segment were likely impacted by uncertainty oncompany has been permitted to resume full operations at the part ofCorporate and Taylor Street facilities, the company's customers as they coped with prepayment reviews and post-payment audits by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") and contemplated their participation in the National Competitive Bidding ("NCB") process. The negative effect of the consent decree on customer orders and net sales in thesethe NA/HME and Asia/Pacific segments has been considerable, and the company expects to continue to experience low levels of net sales in the North America/HME and Asia/Pacific segments at least until it has successfully completed the previously-described FDA re-inspection and has received written notification from the FDA that the company may resume full operations at the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities. Even after the company is permitted to resume full operations at the affected facilities, it is uncertain as to whether, or how quickly, the company will be able to rebuild net sales to more typical historical levels, irrespective of market conditions. Accordingly, when compared to the company's 2010 results, the previous limitations in the consent decree had, and likely willmay continue to have, a material adverse effect on the company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Separately, net sales in the NA/HME segment have likely been impacted by uncertainty on the part of the company's customers as they coped with prepayment reviews and post-payment audits by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") and the impact of the National Competitive Bidding ("NCB") process. In addition, net sales in the NA/HME segment have and may continue to decline as a result of the company's strategic focus away from lower margin, less differentiated products as the company becomes more focused on its clinically complex products.

For additional information regarding the consent decree, please see the following sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Item 1. Business - Government Regulation and Item 1A. Risk Factors; Item 3. Legal Proceedings; and Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Outlook and - Liquidity and Capital Resources.

Warranty Matters
The company's warranty reserves are subject to adjustment in future periods based on historical analysis of warranty claims and as new developments occur that may change the company's estimate of the total cost of these matters. In 2015, the company's warranty expense includes reversals of $2,325,000 comprised of $2,000,000 related the company's stationary oxygen concentrator recall, $250,000estimates related to the recall of a sieve bed component and $75,000 related to the company's joystick recall, all of which impacted the North America/HME segment.

The company' recorded incremental warranty expense in 2014 totaling $11,493,000 for three specific product recalls. First, an expense of $6,559,000 for a recall related to a component in a stationary oxygen concentrator that was manufactured in the company’s facility in Suzhou, China, and sold globally. This expense was recorded in the European segment ($3,395,000) and North America/HME segment ($3,164,000). Second, an expense of $2,057,000 for the recall of a sieve bed component used within stationary oxygen concentrators manufactured in the company's Sanford, Florida facility during August 2014, which was recorded in the North America/HME segment. Third, an incremental expense of $2,877,000 related to the company's joystick recall as a result of higher than previously anticipated response rates from large customers in the U.S. and Canada and a product mix toward

FS-49

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

higher cost joysticks, which was recorded in the North America/HME segment ($1,612,000) and the Asia/Pacific segment ($1,265,000).

In 2013, the company recorded an incremental warranty reserve of $7,264,000, which primarily impacted the Asia/Pacific ($4,639,000) and the North America/HME ($2,625,000) segments. The warranty accrual related to the power wheelchair joystick recall which was increased during the fourth quarter of 2013 principally as a result of the commencement of the recall in the quarter and the realization that the number of replacement units required was trending higher than the company's original estimates, which were based on historical experience related to previous recalls. See Current Liabilities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the total provision amounts and a reconciliation of the changes in the warranty accrual.

In December 2010, the company received a warning letter from the FDA related to quality system processes and procedures at the company's Sanford, Florida facility. In January 2014, the FDA conducted inspections at the company’s manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China and at the company’s electronic components subsidiary in Christchurch, New Zealand, covering quality systems and current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations. In August 2014, the FDA inspected Alber GmbH in Albstadt, Germany. The FDA issued its inspectional observations on Forms 483 to the company after these inspections, and the company submitted its responses to the agency in a timely manner. In October 2014, the FDA conducted an inspection at the Sanford facility and, at the conclusion, issued its Form 483 observations. In December 2015, the FDA issued Form 483 observations following a 2015 inspection of approximately 5 months at the Corporate and Taylor Street facilities in Elyria, Ohio which included a review of the company’s compliance with terms of the consent decree and the matters covered by the first and second expert certification reports previously accepted in 2013. The company has timely filed its responses to these Form 483 with the FDA and continues to work on addressing the FDA's observations. The results of regulatory claims, proceedings, investigations, or litigation are difficult to predict. An unfavorable resolution or outcome of the FDA warning letter or other FDA enforcement related to the Sanford or other company facilities could materially and adversely affect the company's business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Any of the above contingencies could have an adverse impact on the company's financial condition or results of operations.
Subsequent Event

On February 16, 2016, in connection with the commencement of the company's offering of 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2021 described below, the company entered into a First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement Amendment”), which amended the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), dated as of September 30, 2015, by and among the company, certain of the company’s direct and indirect domestic, Canadian and European subsidiaries, the lenders party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as the European agent. The Credit Agreement Amendment provides for, among other things:

the amendment of the negative covenant regarding indebtedness to permit the issuance of new convertible notes ;
the amendment of various negative covenants to permit convertible bond hedge and warrant transactions to be entered into by the company in connection with the issuance of new convertible notes;
the amendment of the mandatory prepayment provision to eliminate the prepayment requirement that would otherwise be required upon the receipt of proceeds from the issuance of the convertible notes and the sale of the warrants and the negative covenant regarding dividends to permit the issuance of certain equity interests, payment of interest on the notes and certain payments to be made upon conversion of the convertible notes, as well as upon the exercise, settlement or termination of the convertible bond hedge and warrant transactions, so long as the company is not, and would not after giving pro-forma effect to any such transaction be, in default under the Credit Agreement and has had undrawn availability equal to at least 20% of the maximum revolving advance amount under its North American-based credit facility (which maximum amount is currently $100,000,000) for the 30 consecutive days ending delivered by the company under the Credit Agreement;
the amendment of the negative covenant to permit the repurchase by the company of up to $5,000,000 of its common shares, including any such shares that may be repurchased in connection with the issuance of the convertible notes so long as the company is not, and would not after giving pro-forma effect to any such repurchase be, in default under the Credit Agreement and has had undrawn availability equal to at least 20% of the maximum revolving advance amount under its North American-based credit facility (which maximum amount is currently $100,000,000) for the 30 consecutive days ending as of the date of the most recent North American borrowing base certificate delivered by the company under the Credit Agreement;

FS-50
Notes to Financial StatementsInterim Financial Information

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

the amendment of the negative covenant regarding capital expenditures to increase the aggregate amount of permitted expenditures from $20,000,000 to $35,000,000;
the amendment of the negative covenant regarding investments to permit certain qualifying acquisitions for total aggregate consideration of up to $30,000,000;
the amendment of the negative covenant regarding sales of assets to increase the aggregate amount of permitted dispositions from $20,000,000 to $25,000,000 (calculated as of the date of the Credit Agreement Amendment), so long as the company is not, and would not after giving pro-forma effect to any such disposition be, in default under the Credit Agreement and has had undrawn availability equal to at least 20% of the maximum revolving advance amount under its North American-based credit facility (which maximum amount is currently $100,000,000) for the 30 consecutive days ending as of the date of the most recent North American borrowing base certificate delivered by the company under the Credit Agreement; and
the amendment of the availability block (which affects the company’s borrowing base) by reducing the block from $10,000,000 to $5,000,000, the effect of which is to increase borrowing capacity.

Also on February 16, 2016, the company executed a release, acknowledged by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee, effecting the release as guarantors of all of the company’s subsidiaries that were guarantors of the company’s 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027, issued pursuant to the terms of the indenture, dated as of February 12, 2007, between the company and the trustee. See “Supplemental Guarantor Information”.
On February 23, 2016, the company issued $130,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2021 (the “notes”) in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. In connection with the offering, the company granted the initial purchasers an option to purchase (solely to cover over-allotments, if any) up to an additional $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount of notes, for which notice of exercise shall be delivered to the company within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date the Company first issues the notes.

The notes bear interest at a rate of 5.00% per year payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning August 15, 2016. The notes will mature on February 15, 2021, unless repurchased or converted in accordance with their terms prior to such date. Prior to August 15, 2020, the notes will be convertible only upon satisfaction of certain conditions and during certain periods, and thereafter, at any time until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. Unless and until the company obtains shareholder approval under applicable New York Stock Exchange rules, the notes will be convertible, subject to certain conditions, into cash. If the company obtains such shareholder approval, the notes may be settled in cash, the company’s common shares or a combination of cash and the company’s common shares, at the company’s election. Holders of the notes will have the right to require the company to repurchase all or some of their notes at 100% of their principal, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, upon the occurrence of certain fundamental changes. The conversion rate will initially be 60.0492 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $16.65 per common share).

In connection with the offering of the notes, the company entered into privately negotiated convertible note hedge transactions with two financial institutions (the “option counterparties”). These transactions cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, the number of the company’s common shares that will initially underlie the notes, and are expected generally to reduce the potential equity dilution, and/or offset any cash payments in excess of the principal amount due, as the case may be, upon conversion of the notes. The company entered into separate, privately negotiated warrant transactions with the option counterparties at a higher strike price relating to the same number of the company’s common shares, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, pursuant to which the company will sell warrants to the option counterparties. The warrants could have a dilutive effect on the company’s outstanding common shares and the company’s earnings per share to the extent that the price of the company’s common shares exceeds the strike price of those warrants. The strike price of the warrants will initially be $22.4175 per share and is subject to certain adjustments under the terms of the warrant transactions.

The net proceeds from the offering were approximately $124,800,000, after deducting fees and estimated offering expenses payable by the company and excluding the option by the purchasers to purchase an additional $20,000,000 aggregate principal amount of notes. Approximately $5,000,000 of the net proceeds from the offering were used to repurchase the company’s common shares from purchases of notes in the offering in privately negotiated transactions. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering were used to pay the cost of the convertible note hedge transactions (after such cost is partially offset by the proceeds to the company from the sale of the warrant transactions), which net cost was $13,520,000. The company intends to use the remaining net proceeds from the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include funding portions of the

FS-51

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

company’s ongoing turnaround and addressing potential risks and contingencies described in the company’s Risk Factors as included in this Form 10-K.

Supplemental GuarantorInterim Financial 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 4.125% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures due 2027 (the “Debentures”) with an original aggregate principal amount of $135,000,000. The majority of the company’s subsidiaries are not guaranteeing the indebtedness of the 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 Debentures and each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are directly or indirectly100%-owned subsidiaries of the company. Specifically, the Debentures are guaranteed on an unsecured senior subordinated basis by all of the company's existing domestic subsidiaries (other than the company's captive insurance subsidiary and any receivables subsidiaries) and certain future direct and indirect 100% owned domestic subsidiaries. All of the guarantors are released and relieved of any liability under such guarantees upon the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture governing the debentures and the payment in full of the debentures. Additionally, in the event any subsidiary guarantor no longer guarantees any of the company's existing or future senior debt incurred in a public or private U.S. capital markets transaction, such guarantor shall be released and relieved of any liability which it has under the indenture governing the debentures. On February 16, 2016, all of the company’s subsidiaries were released as guarantors of the Debentures, pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2007, between the company and the trustee named therein. See "Subsequent Events".

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.
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 The
company
(Parent)
 
Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Total
 (in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2015         
Net sales$211,178
 $402,108
 $649,966
 $(120,914) $1,142,338
Cost of products sold187,272
 305,592
 457,634
 (120,984) 829,514
Gross Profit23,906
 96,516
 192,332
 70
 312,824
Selling, general and administrative expenses111,814
 63,068
 144,965
 
 319,847
Charge related to restructuring activities1,339
 
 632
 
 1,971
Income (loss) from equity investee69,636
 29,353
 703
 (99,692) 
Interest expense (income)—net3,011
 428
 (693) 
 2,746
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes(22,622) 62,373
 48,131
 (99,622) (11,740)
Income taxes3,568
 
 11,142
 
 14,710
Net Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations(26,190) 62,373
 36,989
 (99,622) (26,450)
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations
 260
 
 
 260
Net Earnings (Loss)(26,190) 62,633
 36,989
 (99,622) (26,190)
          
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of Tax(81,006) (15,037) (67,842) 82,879
 (81,006)
          
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$(107,196) $47,596
 $(30,853) $(16,743) $(107,196)
          

FS-52

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

          
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 The
company
(Parent)
 
Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Total
 (in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2014         
Net sales$213,072
 $413,067
 $740,669
 $(96,645) $1,270,163
Cost of products sold192,566
 314,562
 512,521
 (96,874) 922,775
Gross Profit20,506
 98,505
 228,148
 229
 347,388
Selling, general and administrative expenses119,904
 81,676
 182,416
 (83) 383,913
Charge related to restructuring activities9,672
 (1,326) 2,766
 
 11,112
Asset write-downs to intangibles
 13,041
 
 
 13,041
Income (loss) from equity investee53,536
 35,208
 280
 (89,024) 
Interest expense—net175
 2,114
 243
 
 2,532
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes(55,709) 38,208
 43,003
 (88,712) (63,210)
Income taxes361
 
 5,189
 
 5,550
Net Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations(56,070) 38,208
 37,814
 (88,712) (68,760)
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations
 12,690
 
 
 12,690
Net Earnings (Loss)(56,070) 50,898
 37,814
 (88,712) (56,070)
          
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of Tax(53,537) (5,057) (50,058) 55,115
 (53,537)
          
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$(109,607) $45,841
 $(12,244) $(33,597) $(109,607)
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          

FS-53

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

          
CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
          
 The
company
(Parent)
 
Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Total
 (in thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2013         
Net sales$241,871
 $460,960
 $720,978
 $(89,304) $1,334,505
Cost of products sold211,896
 338,650
 506,308
 (89,775) 967,079
Gross Profit29,975
 122,310
 214,670
 471
 367,426
Selling, general and administrative expenses123,377
 93,731
 177,530
 2,694
 397,332
Charge related to restructuring activities6,356
 79
 2,901
 
 9,336
Asset write-downs to intangibles and goodwill

1,250

273



1,523
Income (loss) from equity investee133,350
 29,644
 286
 (163,280) 
Interest (income) expense—net(1,661) 3,353
 1,002
 
 2,694
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes35,253
 53,541
 33,250
 (165,503) (43,459)
Income taxes (benefit)2,202
 (1,785) 10,458
 
 10,875
Net Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations33,051
 55,326
 22,792
 (165,503) (54,334)
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations
 87,385
 
 
 87,385
Net Earnings (Loss)33,051
 142,711
 22,792
 (165,503) 33,051
          
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of Tax12,413
 (2,309) 17,797
 (15,488) 12,413
          
Comprehensive Income (Loss)$45,464
 $140,402
 $40,589
 $(180,991) $45,464

FS-54

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data - unaudited)QUARTER ENDED
2018March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
Net sales$237,060
 $246,152
 $244,559
 $244,576
Gross profit66,517
 67,346
 65,589
 68,224
Loss before income taxes(11,758) (13,568) (8,226) (550)
Net loss(14,108) (16,543) (12,026) (1,245)
Net loss per share—basic(0.43) (0.5) (0.36) (0.04)
Net loss per share—assuming dilution *(0.43) (0.5) (0.36) (0.04)
        
2017March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
Net sales$231,723
 $233,517
 $250,906
 $250,351
Gross profit65,145
 65,022
 70,740
 68,344
Loss from before income taxes(14,180) (21,333) (15,141) (15,596)
Net loss(16,780) (23,508) (18,591) (17,662)
Net loss per share—basic(0.52) (0.72) (0.57) (0.54)
Net loss per share—assuming dilution *(0.52) (0.72) (0.57) (0.54)
________________________
 The
company
(Parent)
 
Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Total
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2015         
Assets         
Current Assets         
Cash and cash equivalents$14,047
 $314
 $45,694
 $
 $60,055
Trade receivables, net43,534
 20,020
 70,101
 
 133,655
Installment receivables, net
 361
 784
 
 1,145
Inventories, net6,300
 25,418
 103,173
 (2,084) 132,807
Intercompany advances, net8,392
 109
 49,022
 (57,523)

Other current assets6,380
 186
 32,384
 (4,491) 34,459
Total Current Assets78,653
 46,408
 301,158
 (64,098) 362,121
Investment in Subsidiaries1,430,070
 467,352
 
 (1,897,422) 
Intercompany Advances, net1,115,121
 1,881,567
 185,389
 (3,182,077) 
Other Assets3,095
 727
 837
 
 4,659
Intangibles123
 388
 30,489
 
 31,000
Property and Equipment, net32,382
 10,170
 36,131
 
 78,683
Goodwill
 12,142
 349,538
 
 361,680
Total Assets$2,659,444
 $2,418,754
 $903,542
 $(5,143,597) $838,143
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity         
Current Liabilities         
Accounts payable$38,395
 $8,699
 $58,514
 $
 $105,608
Accrued expenses31,061
 20,940
 74,910
 (4,491) 122,420
Current taxes, payable and deferred1,336
 
 16,252
 
 17,588
Intercompany advances, net43,972
 2,412
 11,140
 (57,524) 
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term obligations880
 275
 873
 
 2,028
Total Current Liabilities115,644
 32,326
 161,689
 (62,015) 247,644
Long-Term Debt35,326
 7,257
 2,509
 
 45,092
Other Long-Term Obligations31,821
 1,752
 49,016
 
 82,589
Intercompany Advances, net2,013,835
 1,116,834
 51,407
 (3,182,076) 
Total Shareholders’ Equity462,818
 1,260,585
 638,921
 (1,899,506) 462,818
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$2,659,444
 $2,418,754
 $903,542
 $(5,143,597) $838,143


FS-55

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)


CONSOLIDATING CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 The
company
(Parent)
 
Combined
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Combined
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations Total
 (in thousands)
December 31, 2014         
Assets         
Current Assets         
Cash and cash equivalents$7,340
 $355
 $31,236
 $
 $38,931
Trade receivables, net47,030
 21,979
 85,198
 
 154,207
Installment receivables, net
 292
 762
 
 1,054
Inventories, net25,021
 25,784
 107,139
 (2,383) 155,561
Deferred income taxes
 
 2,048
 
 2,048
Intercompany advances, net10,007
 976
 84,816
 (95,799) 
Other current assets8,082
 228
 33,123
 (4,635) 36,798
Assets held for sale - current3,982
 13,406
 
 
 17,388
Total Current Assets101,462
 63,020
 344,322
 (102,817) 405,987
Investment in Subsidiaries1,409,482
 491,541
 
 (1,901,023) 
Intercompany Advances, net1,049,235
 1,685,366
 184,652
 (2,919,253) 
Other Assets16,955
 657
 1,441
 
 19,053
Intangibles286
 393
 37,334
 
 38,013
Property and Equipment, net29,632
 7,209
 42,818
 
 79,659
Goodwill
 11,968
 409,051
 
 421,019
Total Assets$2,607,052
 $2,260,154
 $1,019,618
 $(4,923,093) $963,731
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity         
Current Liabilities         
Accounts payable$48,815
 $6,363
 $64,749
 $
 $119,927
Accrued expenses51,613
 20,533
 88,188
 (4,635) 155,699
Current taxes, payable and deferred1,632
 
 11,002
 
 12,634
Intercompany advances, net81,141
 1,738
 12,921
 (95,800) 
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term obligations
 
 959
 
 959
Liabilities held for sale - current632
 381
 
 
 1,013
Total Current Liabilities183,833
 29,015
 177,819
 (100,435) 290,232
Long-Term Debt15,351
 
 4,021
 
 19,372
Other Long-Term Obligations28,551
 
 60,254
 
 88,805
Intercompany Advances, net1,813,995
 1,051,170
 54,088
 (2,919,253) 
Total Shareholders’ Equity565,322
 1,179,969
 723,436
 (1,903,405) 565,322
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity$2,607,052
 $2,260,154
 $1,019,618
 $(4,923,093) $963,731

FS-56

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(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, 2015         
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities$(26,382) $2,125
 $18,774
 $105
 $(5,378)
Investing Activities         
Purchases of property and equipment(464) (704) (6,354) 
 (7,522)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment23,040
 52
 25
 
 23,117
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 13,700
 
 
 13,700
Decrease in other long-term assets14,488
 
 515
 
 15,003
Other
 5
 178
 (105) 78
Net Cash Provided (Used) for Investing Activities37,064
 13,053
 (5,636) (105) 44,376
Financing Activities         
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings214,755
 
 4,848
 
 219,603
Payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings(217,589) (15,219) 
 
 (232,808)
Proceeds from exercise of equity awards2,402
 
 
 
 2,402
Payment of financing costs(1,954) 
 
 
 (1,954)
Payment of dividends(1,589) 
 
 
 (1,589)
Net Cash Used (Provided) by Financing Activities(3,975) (15,219) 4,848
 
 (14,346)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
 (3,528) 
 (3,528)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents6,707
 (41) 14,458
 
 21,124
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year7,340
 355
 31,236
 
 38,931
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$14,047
 $314
 $45,694
 $
 $60,055

FS-57

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(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, 2014         
Net Cash (Used) Provided by Operating Activities$(34,135) $(511) $14,105
 $29,433
 $8,892
Investing Activities         
Purchases of property and equipment(2,256) (1,811) (8,260) 
 (12,327)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
 
 2,521
 
 2,521
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 21,870
 
 
 21,870
Decrease in other long-term assets20,926
 
 23
 
 20,949
Other44,420
 (14,393) (25) (29,433) 569
Net Cash Provided (Used) for Investing Activities63,090
 5,666
 (5,741) (29,433) 33,582
Financing Activities         
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings255,658
 
 
 
 255,658
Payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings(277,570) (5,113) (4,029) 
 (286,712)
Proceeds from exercise of equity awards480
 
 
 
 480
Payment of dividends(1,584) 
 
 
 (1,584)
Net Used by Financing Activities(23,016) (5,113) (4,029) 
 (32,158)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
 (1,170) 
 (1,170)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents5,939

42

3,165


 9,146
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year1,401
 313
 28,071
 
 29,785
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$7,340
 $355
 $31,236
 $
 $38,931

FS-58

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(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, 2013         
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities$11,566
 $(68,792) $1,891
 $65,389
 $10,054
Investing Activities         
Purchases of property and equipment(3,601) (4,020) (6,537) 
 (14,158)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment4
 13
 868
 
 885
Proceeds from sale of businesses
 187,552
 
 
 187,552
Decrease in other long-term assets833
 
 168
 
 1,001
Other181,195
 (113,067) 20
 (68,083) 65
Net Cash Provided (Used) for Investing Activities178,431
 70,478
 (5,481) (68,083) 175,345
Financing Activities         
Proceeds from revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings323,187
 
 29,268
 
 352,455
Payments on revolving lines of credit and long-term borrowings(516,488) (2,391) (26,995) 
 (545,874)
Proceeds from exercise of equity awards512
 
 
 
 512
Payment of dividends(1,581) 
 (2,694) 2,694
 (1,581)
Net Cash (Used) Provided by Financing Activities(194,370) (2,391) (421) 2,694
 (194,488)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
 83
 
 83
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(4,373)
(705)
(3,928)

 (9,006)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year5,774
 1,018
 31,999
 
 38,791
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$1,401
 $313
 $28,071
 $
 $29,785

FS-59

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
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,
2015       
Net sales$289,024
 $286,273
 $283,776
 $283,265
Gross profit77,095
 77,287
 77,639
 80,803
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(5,039) (6,492) (790) 581
Net loss from continuing operations(7,514) (8,217) (7,790) (2,929)
Net earnings from discontinued operations260
 
 
 
Net loss(7,254) (8,217) (7,790) (2,929)
Net loss per share from continuing operations—basic(0.23) (0.26) (0.24) (0.09)
Net earnings per share from discontinued operations—basic0.01
 
 
 
Net loss per share—basic(0.23) (0.26) (0.24) (0.09)
Loss per share from continuing operations—assuming dilution *(0.23) (0.26) (0.24) (0.09)
Net earnings per share from discontinued operations—assuming dilution0.01
 
 
 
Net loss per share—assuming dilution *(0.23) (0.26) (0.24) (0.09)
        
 March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
2014       
Net sales$304,501
 $326,943
 $320,520
 $318,199
Gross profit82,793
 91,578
 84,647
 88,370
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes(16,870) (11,580) (26,375) (8,385)
Net loss from continuing operations(18,895) (14,455) (28,725) (6,685)
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations919
 842
 13,629
 (2,700)
Net loss(17,976) (13,613) (15,096) (9,385)
Net loss per share from continuing operations—basic(0.59) (0.45) (0.90) (0.21)
Net earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations—basic0.03
 0.03
 0.43
 (0.08)
Net loss per share—basic(0.56) (0.43) (0.47) (0.29)
Net loss per share from continuing operations—assuming dilution *(0.59) (0.45) (0.90) (0.21)
Net earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations—assuming dilution0.03
 0.03
 0.42
 (0.08)
Net loss per share—assuming dilution *(0.56) (0.43) (0.47) (0.29)

* Net earnings (loss) per share assuming dilution calculated utilizing weighted average shares outstanding - basic in periods in which there is a net loss.

 

FS-60

INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIAIRIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)

The description of significant items affecting continuing operations for each quarter presented are detailed below. The company has classified Altimate as a discontinued operation for all periods presented.

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended March 31, 20152018 reflects restructuring charges of $240,000$401,000 ($240,000340,000 after tax or $0.01 per share assuming dilution) and increased amortization expense related to the write-offnet gain on convertible debt derivatives of debt fees related to a debt amendment of $668,000$103,000 ($668,000103,000 after tax or $0.02$0.00 per share assuming dilution).

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended June 30, 20152018 reflects restructuring charges of $689,000$344,000 ($635,000330,000 after tax or $0.02$0.01 per share assuming dilution) and net gain on convertible debt derivatives of $21,000 ($21,000 after tax or $0.00 per share assuming dilution).

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended September 30, 20152018 reflects arestructuring charges of $920,000 ($885,000 after tax expense impact as a resultor $0.03 per share assuming dilution) and net gain on convertible debt derivatives of goodwill deducted for$4,080,000 ($4,080,000 after tax purposes from the sale of the rentals business of $3,400,000 ($0.11or $0.12 per share assuming dilution).

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended December 31, 20152018 reflects recall warranty expense reversalrestructuring charges of $2,325,000$1,816,000 pre-tax ($2,325,0001,694,000 after tax or $0.07$0.05 per share assuming dilution), net gain on convertible debt derivatives of $7,790,000 ($7,790,000 after tax or $0.23 per share assuming dilution), an intangible asset impairment of $583,000 ($431,000 after-tax expense or $0.01 per share assuming dilution) and restructuring chargesa non-cash tax benefit of $1,031,000 pre-tax ($957,000 after tax or $0.03$2,023,000



($0.06 per share assuming dilution). related to U.S. tax reform legislation.

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended March 31, 20142017 reflects restructuring charges of $2,240,000$3,283,000 ($1,811,0003,166,000 after tax or $0.06 per share assuming dilution), incremental recall warranty expense of $2,237,000 ($2,100,000 after tax or $0.07$0.10 per share assuming dilution) and increased amortization expense related to the write-offnet gain on convertible debt derivatives of debt fees related to a debt amendment of $1,070,000$901,000 ($1,070,000901,000 after tax or $0.03 per share assuming dilution).

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended June 30, 20142017 reflects restructuring charges of $2,090,000$4,987,000 ($1,711,0004,939,000 after tax or $0.05$0.15 per share assuming dilution) and net loss on convertible debt derivatives of $1,051,000 ($1,051,000 after tax or $0.03 per share assuming dilution).

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended September 30, 20142017 reflects restructuring chargecharges of $4,077,000$703,000 ($3,842,000604,000 after tax or $0.12$0.02 per share assuming dilution), incremental recall warranty expense and net loss on convertible debt derivatives of $9,256,000$2,550,000 ($8,701,0002,550,000 after tax or $0.27 per share assuming dilution), intangible asset write-downs of $8,253,000 ($8,253,000 after tax or $0.26 per share assuming dilution)and a positive impact of an intraperiod tax allocation associated with discontinued operations of $1,550,000 ($0.05$0.08 per share assuming dilution).

Loss and loss per share for the quarter ended December 31, 20142017 reflects restructuring charges of $2,705,000$3,301,000 pre-tax ($2,732,0003,163,000 after tax or $0.09$0.10 per share assuming dilution), asset write-downs for intangiblesnet loss on convertible debt derivatives of $4,788,000$957,000 ($4,788,000957,000 after tax or $0.15$0.03 per share assuming dilution), an intangible asset impairment of 320,000 ($237,000 after-tax expense or $0.01 per share assuming dilution) and the positive impacta non-cash tax benefit of an intraperiod tax allocation associated with discontinued operations $2,700,000$1,580,000 ($0.080.05 per share assuming dilution).

FS-61 related to the revaluation of net deferred tax liabilities as a result of the new U.S. tax reform legislation.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Table of Contents
INVACARE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS



COL A. COL B. COL C. COL D.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
Balance
At
Beginning
of Period
 
Charged
To Cost
And
Expenses
 
Additions
(Deductions)
Describe
 
Balance
At End
of Period
  (In thousands)    (In thousands)  
Year Ended December 31, 2015       
Year Ended December 31, 2018       
Deducted from asset accounts—              
Allowance for doubtful accounts$17,822
 $754
 $(5,297)(A) $13,279
$7,757
 $2,029
 $(2,976)(A) $6,810
Inventory obsolescence reserve17,617
 5,054
 (5,983)(B) 16,688
19,003
 3,673
 (4,334)(B) 18,342
Tax valuation allowances133,912
 19,717
 (1,657)(D) 151,972
167,203
 13,517
 (6,061)(C) 174,659
Accrued warranty cost30,738
 9,899
 (17,817)(B) 22,820
22,468
 7,616
 (13,731)(B) 16,353
Accrued product liability23,194
 5,250
 (10,735)(C) 17,709
16,480
 5,586
 (5,473)(D) 16,593
Year Ended December 31, 2014       
Year Ended December 31, 2017       
Deducted from asset accounts—              
Allowance for doubtful accounts$23,144
 $1,765
 $(7,087)(A) $17,822
$9,754
 $2,042
 $(4,039)(A) $7,757
Inventory obsolescence reserve15,135
 5,993
 (3,511)(B) 17,617
17,795
 4,922
 (3,714)(B) 19,003
Tax valuation allowances117,790
 33,195
 (17,073)(D) 133,912
173,981
 (9,203) 2,425
(C) 167,203
Accrued warranty cost27,393
 26,097
 (22,752)(B) 30,738
23,302
 11,083
 (11,917)(B) 22,468
Accrued product liability20,368
 5,910
 (3,084)(C) 23,194
20,611
 5,062
 (9,193)(D) 16,480
Year Ended December 31, 2013       
Year Ended December 31, 2016       
Deducted from asset accounts—              
Allowance for doubtful accounts$25,232
 $3,684
 $(5,772)(A) $23,144
$12,518
 $1,059
 $(3,823)(A) $9,754
Inventory obsolescence reserve13,085
 5,310
 (3,260)(B) 15,135
16,664
 4,631
 (3,500)(B) 17,795
Tax valuation allowances97,406
 1,078
 19,306
(D) 117,790
151,972
 23,478
 (1,469)(C) 173,981
Accrued warranty cost21,451
 19,394
 (13,452)(B) 27,393
22,820
 15,943
 (15,461)(B) 23,302
Accrued product liability20,334
 7,039
 (7,005)(C) 20,368
17,709
 9,169
 (6,267)(D) 20,611
________________________
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)—Other activity not affecting federal or foreign tax expense.
Note (D)—Loss and loss adjustment.



FS-62129