Invacare Corporation Announces Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended December 31, 2021

Reported and constant currency net sales growth in 4Q21 driven by mobility & seating products
Sequential improvement in key profitability metrics
Expects profitability improvements in full year 2022

ELYRIA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Invacare Corporation (NYSE: IVC) ("Invacare" or the "company") today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.

Executive Summary

Reflecting on 2021 results, Matt Monaghan, chairman, president and chief executive officer, commented, "We ended the year sustaining strong new order intake and growing customer interest in our leading portfolio of products. We continue to manage this demand and to take actions to mitigate against higher input costs and longer supply lead times. Our 4Q21 results reflect the benefit of a portion of these actions, demonstrated by sequential improvement in gross margin and Adjusted EBITDA. I'd like to thank our team for their work in this fast-evolving environment while keeping the needs of our customers and end-users' front and center.

In 2022, we expect sustained customer demand and persistent supply chain challenges. Given those assumptions, we are taking strategic actions which by the end of the year will position Invacare for durable, long-term success. We began our actions in December by combining the Europe and APAC businesses under one leader. During the course of the year, we expect further actions to optimize our product portfolio, shift where and how products are made and distributed, align staff and how staff are organized, and implement working capital improvements to enhance free cash flow while strengthening the balance sheet. We anticipate these actions will drive sequential quarterly improvements for the final three quarters of the year with the majority of the restructuring benefits occurring in the second half of 2022.

We also expect to see additional value creation as the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system drives cost savings and simplifies how we do business and support our customers. We went live with another phase of our ERP roll out in October and as expected, had lower output during the initial ramp-up of the new functionality. We have since normalized overall throughput, but the impact was a one-time shift of revenues and free cash flow because of early inefficiencies. Importantly, the system is operating as expected, with more customers using online ordering and customer service functions than with the previous system giving us great confidence that we and our customers will benefit from this strategic investment.

Taken together, we believe actions to mitigate increased input costs, elective implementation of pricing actions, narrowing our product offering, and additional restructuring actions will drive favorable product mix, improved profitability and free cash flow in 2022 and build long-term shareholder value."

Key Metrics and Financial Results (4Q21 versus 4Q20*)

• Reported net sales increased 1.0% to $226.2 million, and constant currency net sales^(a) increased 0.9%.
  • Revenue growth was driven by double-digit increases in sales of mobility & seating products largely offset by lower sales in all other product categories.

• Operating income was $9.8 million, an improvement of $8.6 million over 4Q20.
  • The improvement was primarily driven by lower SG&A expense, which benefited from lower employment costs and reduced restructuring expenses. Gross profit margin was unfavorable due to increased input costs for material and freight, partially offset by the benefit of pricing actions.

• Adjusted EBITDA^(b) was $13.1 million compared to $9.5 million, driven by lower SG&A expense and partially offset by reduced gross profit. The negative impact of higher input costs for material and freight was partially offset by the benefit of pricing actions implemented.

• Free cash flow^(c) was $19.2 million, an improvement of $3.6 million, driven primarily by lower working capital. Working capital benefited from higher accounts payable to mitigate slowness in accounts receivable collections in North America given the ERP implementation in 4Q21.

^* Date format is quarter and year in each instance.

⁽¹⁾ Based on 4Q20 FX rates

Key Metrics and Financial Results (Full Year 2021 versus Full Year 2020)

• Reported net sales increased 2.6% to $872.5 million and constant currency net sales decreased 0.8%.
  • Revenue growth in respiratory and mobility & seating products was offset by lower sales of lifestyle products. Net sales and product mix were hindered by continued global supply chain challenges in 2021.

• Operating loss was $24.2 million, a decline of $35.6 million, primarily due to two one-time events, as noted below. Excluding these one-time events, operating income was $4.3 million, an increase of 181.7%.
  • In 2020, the gain on sale of Dynamic Controls of $9.8 million.
  • In 2021, a non-cash impairment of goodwill of $28.6 million in North America, which was the result of changes in the operating structure of the business following the recent IT implementation.

• Adjusted EBITDA was $38.1 million, an improvement of $6.3 million, attributable to the benefit of CARES Act loan forgiveness and lower SG&A expenses partially offset by lower gross profit. Excluding the CARES Act benefit, Adjusted EBITDA was $28.0 million.

• Free cash flow was a usage of $32.0 million compared to break-even cash flow in 2020 primarily due to higher working capital including investments in inventory to mitigate supply chain challenges and increased costs of materials, partially offset by increased payables. In addition, capital expenditures were lower given the ERP implementation in 4Q21.

⁽¹⁾ Based on FY2020 FX rates
⁽²⁾ Adjusted EBITDA for 2021 includes $10.1 million related to the CARES Act benefit which was not considered in the company's full year 2021 guidance

Commenting on the company’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2021, Kathy Leneghan, senior vice president and chief financial officer, stated, “Actions implemented in prior periods to offset higher material and freight costs had a positive impact on the quarter and the year and are beginning to pay off with gross profit as a percentage of net sales improving 110 basis points compared to 3Q21. In 4Q21, free cash flow improved both sequentially and year-over-year driven by lower working capital despite slower cash collections in North America given temporarily lower revenues impacted by the ERP implementation. For the full year, free cash flow usage was higher than anticipated as a result of carrying higher levels of inventory driven by higher material costs, but we expect this to ultimately convert into sales and improved free cash flow."

Segment Results (4Q21 versus 4Q20)

Globally, reported net sales grew year-over-year driven by strong new order intake and continued elevated backlog despite ongoing limited labor availability and supply chain challenges, including parts shortages. Each region incurred varying levels of supply chain challenges which impacted the availability and timely receipt of inventory, limited the conversion of orders to shipments, and resulted in unfavorable costs. The company has implemented various actions to reduce the impact on the business.

Europe - Reported net sales and constant currency net sales increased 7.1% primarily driven by increases in mobility & seating of 15.8% and lifestyle products of 7.2% which benefited from improved access to healthcare and easing public health restrictions. This growth was partially offset by a decrease in respiratory products, which were impacted by supply chain challenges. Gross profit increased $4.5 million, or 100 basis points as a percentage of net sales, as a result of higher sales, favorable product mix and operational variances which, were partially offset by higher material and freight costs. Operating income increased $9.3 million driven by gross profit improvement and reduced SG&A, primarily employee related costs. Operating profit increased significantly sequentially as compared to 3Q21 driven by net sales growth, favorable product mix and lower SG&A spending partially offset by higher freight costs.

North America - Reported net sales decreased 6.9% and constant currency net sales decreased 7.1%, with an increase in mobility & seating products of 4.3% more than offset by decreases in lifestyle and respiratory products primarily impacted by the early inefficiencies of the ERP implementation, which required additional labor and overtime costs in manufacturing, distribution centers, and customer service during the quarter. Gross profit decreased $6.6 million, or 440 basis points as a percentage of net sales, due to lower sales and increased material and freight. This was partially offset by favorable pricing actions. Operating income declined $3.3 million primarily due to lower gross profit on lower sales and higher input costs related to material and freight. This was partially offset by reduced SG&A expense, primarily related to lower employee costs and lower product liability expense. Operating profit increased sequentially driven by pricing actions to offset increased costs and from lower SG&A expense partially offset by lower revenues and higher costs related to the ERP implementation.

All Other - Reported net sales in the Asia Pacific region decreased 11.5% and constant currency net sales decreased 11.6% with growth in respiratory products more than offset by declines in mobility & seating and lifestyle products largely due to inbound finished goods freight delays. Operating loss increased by $0.1 million. Profitability in the Asia Pacific region was impacted by softer sales and higher material costs and was almost fully offset by lower corporate expenses attributable to lower employment costs, including stock compensation expense.

Segment Results (Full Year 2021 versus Full Year 2020)

Europe - Reported net sales increased 6.6% while constant currency net sales increased 0.8% driven by growth in lifestyle and mobility & seating products. Mobility & seating products benefited from the restoration of patient access to healthcare and easing of public health restrictions starting in the second half of 2021. Softer respiratory product sales were impacted by component shortages as a result of labor availability and global supply chain challenges. Gross profit increased $9.3 million driven by increased net sales and favorable product mix, partially offset by higher freight costs. Gross profit as a percentage of sales declined 0.1%. Operating income increased $11.1 million, primarily driven by higher gross profit and reduced SG&A expenses, primarily employee expenses.

North America - Reported net sales decreased 2.1% and constant currency net sales decreased 2.6%, with strong growth in respiratory products more than offset by a decrease in lifestyle products. The decline in lifestyle product revenues was influenced by the fourth quarter ERP implementation. Mobility & seating sales were flat and continued to be impacted by restrictions affecting patient access to healthcare and the lingering impacts of supply chain disruptions. Gross profit decreased 170 basis points and was negatively impacted by unfavorable material and freight costs. Operating income (loss) declined $11.4 million primarily due to decreased gross profit, partially offset by reduced SG&A expense. Actions to mitigate higher material and freight costs were implemented during 4Q21 and only a portion of the fourth quarter benefited from those actions.

All Other - Reported net sales in the Asia Pacific region decreased 5.8% and constant currency net sales decreased 5.0% principally due to significant restrictions of inbound transportation and the resulting lack of the timely arrival of inventory in major markets. Operating loss increased $1.7 million primarily due to lower operating profit in the Asia Pacific business as a result of reduced sales, partially offset by lower corporate SG&A expense related to employee costs including stock compensation.

Financial Condition

The company's cash and cash equivalents balances were $83.7 million, $73.7 million, and $105.3 million at December 31, 2021, September 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, respectively. The sequential increase in cash in the quarter was primarily the result of cash generated through sales and from reductions in working capital.

In 4Q21, the company generated $19.2 million of free cash flow compared to $15.6 million in 4Q20. The improvement in free cash flow was attributable to improved working capital and lower capital expenditures. Free cash flow for the quarter was negatively impacted by lower revenues and related cash collections partially due to delayed sales during the first month of the ERP implementation in North America.

For the full year, the company's free cash flow was a use of $32.0 million as compared to break-even in 2020. 2021 was impacted by lower profitability, increased inventory levels and lower accrued expenses, partially offset by higher accounts payable. This included higher value-added and tax payments deferred from 2020 of $6.4 million and $7.6 million of severance payments, including severance related to the manufacturing facility consolidation in Germany.

2021 Highlights

In 2021, the company made progress in its plan to improve long-term financial performance and strengthen its overall business profile by implementing strategic actions such as:

• Introduced a new modern ERP, including e-commerce capabilities, in North America for non-configured products which is anticipated to improve the customer experience and deliver long-term cost savings;
• Launched innovative new products designed to drive incremental sales growth and expand margins;
• Shifted product mix and adjusted price to offset higher material, freight and labor costs; and,
• Increased balance sheet flexibility with the issuance of new convertible notes which allowed the company to retire nearly all of its 2022 convertible notes and extend the overall debt maturity profile to 2026.

Full Year 2022 Outlook

In 2022, the company is taking strategic actions which by the end of the year will position it for durable, long-term success. These cost mitigation actions are expected to include organizational and supply chain changes and a narrowing of the product portfolio for those items which no longer meet customer or business needs, driving improved profitability.

As a result, the company anticipates:

• Full year 2022 Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to improve compared to the prior year; and,
• 1Q22 Adjusted EBITDA to be negative, with sequential quarterly improvements for the balance of the year as the expected profit improvement actions take effect.

Consistent with historical patterns, the company anticipates 1Q22 revenues to be sequentially lower. The company experienced Omicron-related impacts during 1Q22 across its employee, production and supplier bases, causing temporary inefficiencies in operations, which have since subsided. In addition, similar to recent quarters, the company anticipates 1Q22 results will be challenged by inflation, supply chain disruptions and component availability. As a result, gross margins are expected to be temporarily impacted. While the company has taken steps to mitigate higher input costs from freight and materials, the benefit of these actions is expected to lag the impact of cost changes.

SG&A expense is expected to be higher in the first half of the year based on the timing of restructuring actions. The company also anticipates unfavorable foreign exchange headwinds due to changes in foreign currency rates compared to 2021.

The company has historically had negative free cash flow during the first half of the year as a result of annual customer rebates, higher working capital usage from seasonal inventory increases, and decreases in accounts payable. The absence of these factors, coupled with seasonally stronger sales and the benefits from anticipated restructuring and cost mitigation actions, are expected to drive favorable free cash flow performance in the second half of the year. The company will continue to manage working capital and the balance sheet to support normal operating needs and to fund restructuring actions.

Conference Call and Webcast

As previously announced, the company will provide a conference call and webcast for investors and other interested parties to review its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results on Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 8:30 AM ET. Those wishing to participate via webcast can access the event at https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3574337/835FCA6656EA74DB499A539BE41A1193. Those wishing to participate via telephone can dial 844-200-6205, or for international callers 929-526-1599, and enter Conference ID 938637. A copy of the webcast slide deck will be posted to https://global.invacare.com/investor-relations prior to the webcast. A recording of the conference call can be accessed by dialing 929-458-6194 and entering the Conference ID Code 938637, through March 23, 2022.

Upcoming Investor Events

• March 15, 2022 - Oppenheimer Healthcare Conference (virtual)
• March 22, 2022 - KeyBanc Life Sciences & Medtech Investor Forum (virtual)

About Invacare Corporation

Invacare Corporation (NYSE: IVC) ("Invacare" or the "company") 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 perform 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's products are important parts of care for people with a wide 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 sells its products principally to home medical equipment providers with retail and e-commerce channels, residential care operators, distributors and government health services in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about the company and its products, visit the Invacare's website at www.invacare.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are those that describe future outcomes or expectations that are usually identified by words such as “will,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” “intend,” “expect,” “continue,” “forecast,” “believe,” and “anticipate” and include, for example, statements related to the expected effects on the company’s business of the COVID-19 pandemic; sales and free cash flow trends; the impact of contingency plans and cost containment actions; the company’s liquidity and working capital expectations; the company’s future financial results; and similar statements. Actual results may differ materially as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including the duration and scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resumption of access to healthcare, including clinics and elective care, and loosening of public health restrictions, or any reimposed restrictions on access to health care or tightening of public health restrictions and impact on the demand for the company’s products; the ability of the company to obtain needed raw materials and components from its suppliers; actions that governments, businesses and individuals take in response to the pandemic, including mandatory business closures and restrictions on onsite commercial interactions; the impact of the pandemic, or political or geopolitical crises such as Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, and actions taken in response on global and regional economies and economic activity; the pace of recovery when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the effects of steps the company takes to reduce operating costs; the inability of the company to sustain profitable sales growth, achieve anticipated improvements in segment operating performance, convert high inventory or accounts receivable levels to cash or reduce its costs to maintain competitive prices for its products; lack of market acceptance of the company's new product innovations; 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 and planned business initiatives, such as its new product introductions, commercialization plans, additional investments in sales force and demonstration equipment, product distribution strategy in Europe, supply chain actions and global information technology outsourcing and ERP implementation activities; possible adverse effects on the company's liquidity, including the company's ability to address future debt maturities, that may result from delays in the implementation of, any failure to realize benefits from, its current and planned business initiatives; adverse changes in government and third-party payor reimbursement levels and practices in the U.

Lois Lee
loislee@invacare.com
440-329-6435