Posts from — August 2006

Here is an update of investors voting with their pockets in the homecare industry and is a follow up to (Why) Would you invest in the homecare industry? The chart speaks for itself.

I have selected three companies - all leaders in their respective areas.

1. Invacare - Leading homecare manufacturer
2. Apria - Leading Provider
3. Respironics - Leading respiratory products manufacturer

Interesting interview published in the September issue of Health Executive provides insight into Sunrise’s performance, strategies and plans in a tough industry environment.

Hammes goes on to talk about the role of technology, the Delphi partnership and the importance of associate training.

Mike Hammes talks to Michelle Rivera about how his company is setting a whole new standard in the homecare and extended care products industry.

The medical products industry is struggling, but according to CEO of Sunrise Medical, Mike Hammes, his company has managed to surpass its competitors with its 3% to 5% annual growth rate.

“Our level of profitability is not as good as we want it to be, but it is stable,” said Hammes. “We’re constantly working on innovative products to capture marketshare, such as power chairs, manual rehabilitation chairs, and respiratory products, all of which have been well accepted by both end users and customers.”

Source: www.healthexecutive.com

In addition to all this, as an observation from my perspective - Sunrise Medical has one of the most global oriented and talented multinational management teams in the industry.

I am confused. Is the fact that 4000 items of homecare products from Invacare, Pride and Sunrise are being auctioned by NJ an indication of an efficient or inefficient DME supply system?

Source: State of New Jersey Holds Mega Durable Medical Equipment Auction on Bid4Assets: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

If you are in the homecare industry you will know that these two trade shows are “must attends”.

If you would like to know more about the worldwide home healthcare industry there is no better place than:

Medtrade (Atlanta USA - September 19 - 21 2006)
Rehacare (Düsseldorf Germany - October 18 - 21 2006)

See you there.

Invacare is adding to its sleep line to better compete with market leaders Resmed and Respironics.

Invacare Corporation Expands Its Sleep Division Through Distribution Agreement With AEIOMed, Inc.
“Invacare is rapidly adding to its sleep product line and is on its way to becoming the third major player in the sleep industry,” said Ann MacGregor, vice president and category manager, Invacare Sleep Division…. Combining our current sleep lineup with AEIOMed’s experienced sleep team…”

Despite the tough homecare and respiratory environment sleep product companies like Resmed and Respironics both had credible Q2 results.

Umm - IVC is normally 1 or 2 in its product lines - is this a sign of things to come?