Elyria, Ohio Bolstered by solid growth in income and revenue for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 1998, Invacare Corp. officials projected a 13 percent to 16 percent jump in earnings per share for 1999. Revenue for fiscal 1998 rose 22 percent to $797.5 million, compared with $653.4 million for fiscal 1997. Revenue for the fourth quarter was up 23 percent, from $170.7 million in 1997 to $210.3 million in 1998.

Net income for fiscal 1998 increased 13 percent to $45.7 million, or $1.53 per share, compared with income before charges of $40.4 million, or $1.33 per share, in fiscal 1997. Fourth-quarter income rose from $3.4 million, or 11 cents per share, to $14.2 million, or 48 cents per share, for 1998.

"We will invest heavily in new sales, marketing and product development programs in 1999 in order to continue market-share gains in all key strategic product categories," said Mal Mixon, chairman and chief executive officer.