<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                                 UNITED STATES
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                   FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934
               FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 25, 1998
                                      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 - 333-56097

                              ___________________

                          HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

                              ___________________

              CALIFORNIA                                 95-1867330
   (State or other jurisdiction of                    (I.R.S. Employer
   incorporation or organization)                    Identification No.)

    27711 DIAZ ROAD, P.O. BOX 9020                          92589
         TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA                            (Zip Code)
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

                                (909) 676-5611
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
                                NOT APPLICABLE
  (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last 
                                   report).

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required 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 such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [_] No [_]  (Not applicable at this time)

               APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
                 PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court.

Yes [_] No [_]

     The number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding (the only
class of common stock of the Company outstanding) was 7,812,500 on October 31,
1998.

================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                 HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       Quarter Ended September 25, 1998

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                                                               Page
                                                                                                               ----               
<S>                                                                                                            <C> 
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

          Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

                    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 1997 and
                    September 25, 1998....................................................................        2

                    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months
                    Ended September 26, 1997 and September 25, 1998 and for the Nine Months
                    Ended September 26, 1997 and September 25, 1998.......................................        4

                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months
                    Ended September 26, 1997 and September 25, 1998.......................................        5

                    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................        7

          Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                    Results of Operations.................................................................       11

          Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks...........................       22

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

          Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.....................................................................       23

          Item 2.   Changes in Securities.................................................................       23

          Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities.......................................................       23

          Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders...................................       23

          Item 5.   Other Information.....................................................................       23

          Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K......................................................       23

SIGNATURE.................................................................................................       24
</TABLE> 


                                       1

<PAGE>
 
                  HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
                  -------------------------------------------
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          --------------------------
                                    ASSETS
                                    ------

                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)


<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             DECEMBER 26,         SEPTEMBER 25,
                                                                                 1997                  1998
                                                                           --------------      ----------------
                                                                                                   (unaudited)
<S>                                                                        <C>                 <C> 
CURRENT ASSETS:                                                            
   Cash and short-term investments......................................       $     470           $    1,306
   Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $258                                           
      and $391, at December 26, 1997 and September 25,  1998,              
      respectively......................................................          21,282               18,963     
   Inventories..........................................................          16,613               17,412
   Other assets.........................................................           1,024                  826
                                                                               ---------           ----------  
      Total current assets..............................................          39,389               38,507
                                                                               ---------           ----------  
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost:                                    
      Land..............................................................           2,044                2,044
      Buildings.........................................................          13,369               14,818
      Leasehold improvements............................................           1,322                1,322
      Machinery and equipment...........................................          61,316               62,642
      Furniture and fixtures............................................           2,128                2,277
      Construction in progress..........................................           1,592                   98
                                                                               ---------           ----------  
                                                                                  81,771               83,201
           Less Accumulated depreciation and amortization...............          48,728               50,046
                                                                               ---------           ----------  
                                                                                  33,043               33,155
                                                                               ---------           ----------  
OTHER ASSETS:                                                              
   Deferred tax asset...................................................             127               78,838
   Deferred financing costs, net........................................             119               12,153
   Intangible assets, net...............................................           4,317                4,457
   Other assets.........................................................             559                  344
                                                                               ---------           ----------  
                                                                                   5,122               95,792
                                                                               ---------           ----------  
                                                                               $  77,554           $  167,454
                                                                               =========           ==========  
</TABLE> 

  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance 
                                    sheets.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                 HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 ---------------------------------------------
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          ---------------------------
                LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                ---------------------------------------------

                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                             DECEMBER 26,      SEPTEMBER 25,       
                                                                                 1997               1998           
                                                                           ----------------   ---------------
                                                                                                (unaudited)
<S>                                                                        <C>                <C>  
CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                      
   Notes payable to bank.................................................      $   4,000         $    1,000
   Accounts payable......................................................          3,842              5,364
   Accrued liabilities...................................................          5,244             10,575
   Management bonus......................................................         20,000                 --
                                                                               ---------         ----------
      Total current liabilities..........................................         33,086             16,939
                                                                               ---------         ----------
                                                                          
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES PAYABLE........................................             --            115,000
                                                                               ---------         ----------
NOTES PAYABLE TO BANK, net of current portion............................         16,250             37,000
                                                                               ---------         ----------
ACCRUED EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN COSTS..................................          5,703                 --
                                                                               ---------         ----------
   Total liabilities.....................................................         55,039            168,939
                                                                               ---------         ----------
                                                                          
MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK, $100 par                                                                   
   value:  Authorized 300,000 shares; issued and outstanding-300,000                                               
   shares at September 25, 1998; liquidation preference:  $30,000........             --             29,000        
   Accrued preferred stock dividend, payable-in-kind.....................             --              1,648
                                                                               ---------         ----------
                                                                                      --             30,648
                                                                               ---------         ----------
                                                                          
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT):                                           
   Common stock, no par value:                                            
   Authorized 15,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 14,468,720                                                 
   and 7,812,500 shares at December 26, 1997 and September 25, 1998 .....          3,789             63,535        
   Cumulative translation adjustment.....................................           (345)              (464)
   Retained earnings.....................................................         19,071            (95,204)
                                                                               ---------         ----------
                                                                                  22,515            (32,133)
                                                                               ---------         ----------
                                                                               $  77,554         $  167,454
                                                                               =========         ==========
</TABLE> 

  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance 
                                    sheets.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                 HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 ---------------------------------------------

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                     -------------------------------------

                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED            NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                      -------------------------     -------------------------
                                                                       SEPT. 26,     SEPT. 25,       SEPT. 26,     SEPT. 25,
                                                                          1997         1998            1997           1998
                                                                      -----------   -----------     -----------   -----------
                                                                              (UNAUDITED)                        (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                   <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
NET SALES..........................................................     $  21,813     $  22,130       $  70,906     $  68,828
COST OF SALES......................................................        11,116        11,548          36,504        36,691
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
Gross Profit.......................................................        10,697        10,582          34,402        32,137
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Selling..........................................................         2,231         2,489           7,020         7,180
  Distribution.....................................................         1,258         1,251           3,805         3,949
  General and administrative.......................................         3,099         2,772           8,598         8,528
  Research and development.........................................           443           475           1,338         1,415
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
                                                                            7,031         6,987          20,761        21,072
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
PROVISION FOR EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN AND BONUSES................         1,212           --            4,866        63,939
PROVISION FOR RETENTION BONUSES....................................           --            --              --          4,754
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
Income (loss) from operations......................................         2,454         3,595           8,775       (57,628)
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
OTHER INCOME AND (EXPENSES):
  Interest expense.................................................           456         3,488           1,406         7,127
  Other, net.......................................................            10           513            (635)          663
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
                                                                              466         4,001             771         7,790
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes..........         1,988          (406)          8,004       (65,419)
PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 5)......................            26          (163)            105       (77,140)
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
Income before extraordinary items..................................         1,962          (243)          7,899        11,721
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM--loss on extinguishment of debt (Note 7)........           --            --              --            104
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
Net income.........................................................         1,962          (243)          7,899        11,618
Preferred stock dividends..........................................           --            872             --          1,648
                                                                        ---------     ---------       ---------     ---------
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders.................     $   1,962     $  (1,115)      $   7,899     $   9,970
                                                                        =========     =========       =========     =========
Pro forma net income (loss) assuming C corporation status for
  income tax purposes  (Note 5)....................................     $   1,167     $  (1,115)      $   4,802     $ (41,000)
                                                                        =========     =========       =========     =========
</TABLE>

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                 HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 ---------------------------------------------
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                     -------------------------------------
                         (Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        NINE MONTHS ENDED        
                                                                                -------------------------------- 
                                                                                 SEPTEMBER 26,    SEPTEMBER 25,  
                                                                                      1997            1998       
                                                                                -------------------------------- 
                                                                                            (UNAUDITED)          
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>             
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                                               
 Net income...................................................................        $  7,899        $   9,970
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in)                                              
  operating activities:                                                                                             
   Depreciation and amortization..............................................           3,641            4,869      
   Writeoff of deferred financing fees........................................              --              104      
   Gain on disposal of equipment..............................................              --              (28)     
   Deferred tax asset benefit.................................................              --          (78,762)     
   Provision for equity participation plan (EPP)..............................           4,866           63,939      
   (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable.................................           5,436            2,319      
   (Increase) decrease in inventories.........................................          (3,940)              72      
   Decrease in other current assets...........................................             183              250      
   (Increase) decrease in other assets........................................            (206)             215      
   Increase (decrease) in accounts payable....................................            (729)           1,522      
   Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities.................................            (402)           7,057      
   Payments of EPP liabilities................................................              --          (89,642)     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities.......................          16,748          (78,115)     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
                                                                                                                    
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                                               
 Purchases of property, plant and equipment...................................          (2,116)          (2,730)     
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment..........................              --               --     
 Acquisition of the assets of Gibeck, Inc.....................................              --           (3,352)     
 Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance...........................              (5)              --     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
    Net cash used in investing activities.....................................          (2,121)          (6,082)     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
                                                                                                                    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                                               
 Repayment of notes payable to bank...........................................          (6,146)         (43,250)     
 Proceeds from borrowings on bank credit facility.............................              --           61,000     
 Additions to deferred financing costs........................................             (10)         (12,563)     
 Redemption of stockholder interest...........................................              --         (127,624)     
 Shareholder distributions....................................................          (9,330)              --     
 Proceeds from senior subordinated debt.......................................              --          115,000     
 Sale of common and preferred stock, net of transaction costs.................              --           92,125     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.......................         (15,486)          84,688     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
                                                                                                                    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash.......................................             (26)             345     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
                                                                                                                    
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS....................            (885)             836     
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS, beginning of period..........................           1,419              470     
                                                                                      --------        ---------     
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS, end of period................................        $    534        $   1,306     
                                                                                      ========        =========      

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the quarter for:       
    Interest                                                                          $  1,474        $   2,377 
                                                                                      ========        ========= 
                                                                                                                   
    Income taxes                                                                      $    201        $   1,659 
                                                                                      ========        =========  
</TABLE>

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
                                  statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                 HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                 ---------------------------------------------

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  ------------------------------------------

                              September 25, 1998
                              ------------------
                                  (unaudited)

1.   Financial Statements.  The condensed consolidated financial statements
     --------------------                                                  
included herein have been prepared by the Company, without audit, and include
all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair
presentation of the financial position at September 25, 1998, the results of
operations for the three-month and nine-months periods ended September 26, 1997
and September 25, 1998, and the cash flows for the nine-month periods ended
September 26, 1997 and September 25, 1998 pursuant to the rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All such adjustments are of a
normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
regulations. Although the Company believes that the disclosures in such
financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not
misleading, these consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the Company's 1997 audited financial statements and the notes
thereto included in its Form S-4 filed with the SEC (Registration No. 333-
56097). The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods
ended September 25, 1998 and September 26, 1997 are not necessarily indicative
of the results for a full year.

2.   Recapitalization.  In April 1998, the Company consummated a plan pursuant
     ----------------                                                         
to which a majority of the Company was sold in accordance with an agreement and
plan of merger (the Recapitalization).

     Key components of the Recapitalization include:

     (1) common and preferred equity investments in consideration for (i) an
80.8% ownership in the Company's common stock and (ii) preferred stock with an
initial liquidation preference of $30.0 million;

     (2) issuance of 91/8%senior subordinated notes with a par value of $115.0
million, maturing in 2008 (see Note 8);

     (3) execution of a new term loan facility and revolving loan facility (see
Note 8);

     (4) repayment of existing indebtedness;

     (5) payment of amounts due under the Equity Participation Plan (the Equity
Participation Plan or EPP) (see Note 6);

     (6) payment for common shares acquired from the existing shareholder; this
shareholder retained a 19.2% interest in the common shares outstanding;

     (7) potential contingent payments based on 1998 performance, payable to the
continuing shareholder and former participants in the Equity Participation Plan.

     The Company has terminated the Equity Participation Plan and has adopted a
stock purchase plan. The Company also plans to adopt a stock option plan.
Additionally, Hudson's sole shareholder, who owned the remaining 21 percent of
Industrias Hudson, transferred this interest to the Company in consideration of
one dollar. Because of the commonality of ownership, the 21 percent minority
interest has been included in the financial statements for all periods
presented.

     The Company effected a 245:1 stock split concurrent with the
Recapitalization.  The stock split has been reflected in the stock amounts shown
herein.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     The Recapitalization resulted in no change to the carrying amounts of the
Company's assets and liabilities.

3.   Inventories.  Inventories consisted of the following:
     -----------                                          

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 26,     SEPTEMBER 25, 
                                                            1997              1998       
                                                        --------------    -------------
                                                            (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) 
<S>                                                      <C>                 <C>    
Raw materials..........................................  $ 4,802             $ 4,261                                                

Work-in-process........................................    4,681               4,316                                                

Finished goods.........................................    7,130               8,835                                                

                                                         -------             -------
                                                         $16,613             $17,412     
                                                         =======             =======
</TABLE>

4.   Comprehensive Income. In June 1997, FASB issued Statement of Financial
     --------------------
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This
Statement requires that all items that meet the definition of components of
comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement for the period in
which they are recognized. This Statement is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997 and was adopted by the Company in the quarter
ended March 27, 1998.

     The Company had comprehensive income for the three-month and nine-month
periods ended September 25, 1998 and September 26, 1997 as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED               NINE MONTHS ENDED 
                                                              ------------------------------   ---------------------------- 
                                                                SEPTEMBER 26,  SEPTEMBER 25,   SEPTEMBER 26,  SEPTEMBER 25,
                                                                    1997           1998            1997          1998
                                                              ---------------  -------------   -------------  -------------
                                                                                (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS) 
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>             <C>               <C>     
Net income...............................................       $   1,962       $(1,115)         $  7,899        $ 9,970      
Other comprehensive income:                                                                                               
 Foreign currency translation gain (loss)................             (33)           --               (26)           (21) 
                                                                ---------       -------        ----------        ------- 
Comprehensive income.....................................       $   1,929       $(1,115)         $  7,873        $ 9,949  
                                                                =========       =======        ==========        =======  
</TABLE>


5.   Income Taxes.  The Company became a C corporation upon consummation of the
     ------------                                                              
transaction discussed in Note 2. Accordingly, the Company has presented pro
forma net income (loss) amounts to reflect a provision for income taxes at a
combined effective rate of approximately 40%, after consideration of permanent
differences between financial reporting and income tax amounts. The pro forma
amounts presented do not include the one-time effect of the conversion to C
corporation status reflected in the June 1998 financial statements.

     The actual provision for income taxes for the three-month and nine-month
periods in 1998 reflect that the Company was a C corporation for a portion of
the period presented. The conversion from S corporation to C corporation
resulted in a one-time benefit of $78,526,000 in the quarter ended June 26,
1998.

     The tax provision (benefit) for the three and nine-month periods ended
September 25, 1998 consists of the following:

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               THREE          NINE
                                                                                              MONTHS         MONTHS
                                                                                          ------------      ------------
                                                                                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                         <C>               <C>
Income taxes at combined statutory rate of 40 percent.....................................   $    (162)         $(26,168)
Effect of earnings during S corporation period and S corporation state income tax.........          --            27,554
 liability arising from Section 338(h)(10) election
Benefit of recordation of deferred tax asset upon conversion to C corporation status......          --           (78,526)
                                                                                             ---------          --------
                                                                                                 $(162)         $(77,140)
                                                                                             =========          ========
</TABLE>

6.   Equity Participation Plan. In March 1998, the Company paid previously-
     -------------------------
accrued bonuses totaling $20 million, plus related payroll taxes. These payments
were funded by additional borrowings under the existing credit facility. The
provision for Equity Participation Plan costs were estimated on an interim basis
for periods prior to the Recapitalization based upon the expected provision for
the year as a percentage of income before the provision for Equity Participation
Plan costs.

     In conjunction with the Recapitalization discussed in Note 2 the Company
paid additional amounts pursuant to the Equity Participation Plan. This plan has
now been terminated.

7.   Extraordinary Item.  In accordance with the Recapitalization, the Company
     ------------------                                                       
recorded an extraordinary loss on the extinguishment of the existing debt
related to the write-off of unamortized deferred finance fees of $104,000.

8.   Long-Term Debt.
     -------------- 

New Credit Facility

     In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company has entered into a new
credit agreement with a bank which provides for borrowings of up to
$100,000,000. This agreement consists of two separate facilities as follows:

     Revolving credit -- maximum borrowings of $60,000,000 with a letter of
     credit sublimit of $7,500,000. This facility must be prepaid upon payment
     in full of the Term Loan facility.

     Term loan -- maximum borrowings of $40,000,000, with quarterly installments
     to be made through maturity.

     Interest on the New Credit Facility is based, at the option of the Company,
upon either a eurodollar rate plus 2.25 percent, or a base rate plus 1.25
percent per annum.  A commitment fee of 0.50 percent per annum will be charged
on the unused portion of the New Credit Facility.  As of September 25, 1998 the
eurodollar and base rates were 5.50% and 8.25%, respectively.

     The agreement provides the bank a first security interest in substantially
all of the properties and assets of the Company and a pledge of 65% of the stock
of Industrias Hudson, the Company's principal subsidiary.  The agreement also
requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios and financial
covenants, as defined in the agreement, the most restrictive of which prohibit
additional indebtedness and limit dividend payments to the Company's
stockholders.

     Total borrowings as of September 25, 1998 were $38,000,000 under the Term
Loan Facility and bear interest at 7.875 percent per annum.  The New Credit
Facility will mature on the sixth anniversary of the closing of the
Recapitalization.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Senior Subordinated Notes

     Also related to the Recapitalization, the Company issued under an Indenture
$115,000,000 of senior subordinated notes (the Notes).  The Notes are fully
transferable and are general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated
in right of payment to all existing and future senior debt, as defined, of the
Company.

     The Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 9 1/8 percent per annum from the
date of issuance of the Notes. Interest is payable semi-annually on April 15 and
October 15 of each year, commencing October 15, 1998. The Notes will mature on
April 15, 2008 and will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or
in part, on or after April 15, 2003.

     9.   Preferred Stock.  Upon consummation of the Recapitalization, the
          ---------------                                                 
Company issued 300,000 shares of Senior Exchangeable Payable-In-Kind (PIK)
Preferred Stock subject to mandatory redemption at a liquidation preference of
$100 per share, plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any, on April 15,
2010.

     Dividends on the preferred stock accrue at the rate per share of 11 1/2
percent per annum.  Amounts due are payable in cash, except that on each
dividend payment date occurring on or prior to April 15, 2003, dividends may be
paid at: the Company's option, by the issuance of additional shares of preferred
stock (including fractional shares). Dividends will be payable semi-annually in
arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year commencing October 15, 1998.
The preferred stock will rank junior in right of payment to all obligations of
the Company and its subsidiaries. The payment made on October 15, 1998 was made
by the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock.

     10.  Acquisitions.  During the third quarter of 1998, the Company acquired
          ------------                                                         
certain assets of Gibeck, Inc. ("Gibeck") for a purchase price of $3,351,500.
Gibeck is engaged primarily in the business of manufacturing, marketing and
selling disposable anesthesia supplies.  The acquisition was accounted for as a
purchase, and the purchase price was allocated as follows based on the relative
fair values of the assets acquired:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                              <C>
          Inventory............................................. $  871,274
          Machinery & Equipment.................................  1,500,000
          Goodwill..............................................    980,226
                                                                 ----------
                                                                 $3,351,500
                                                                 ==========
</TABLE>


     11.  Stockholders' Equity (Deficit). Stockholders' equity (deficit)
          ------------------------------
reflects the following (dollar amounts only in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Common Stock
                                                     ------------------------
                                                                                    Cumulative
                                                       Number of                    Translation      Retained
                                                         Shares        Amount       Adjustment       Earnings       Total
                                                       ----------     -------      ------------     ---------      -------
<S>                                                  <C>              <C>          <C>              <C>            <C>
BALANCE, December 26, 1997...........................  14,468,720    $   3,789          $(345)       $  19,071     $  22,515
Foreign currency translation adjustment..............          --           --           (119)              --          (119)
Stockholder redemption............................... (12,968,720)      (3,379)            --         (124,245)     (127,624)
Recapitalization investment..........................   6,300,000       63,000             --               --        63,000
Issuance of common stock.............................      12,500          125             --               --           125
Net income...........................................          --           --             --            9,970         9,970
                                                      -----------    ---------          -----       ----------     ---------
BALANCE, September 25, 1998..........................   7,812,500    $  63,535          $(464)      $  (95,204)    $ (32,133)
                                                      ===========    =========          =====       ==========     =========
</TABLE>

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
          RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following discussion of Hudson Respiratory Care Inc.'s (the "Company"
or "Hudson RCI")  consolidated historical results of operations and financial
condition should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form
10-Q.  The following discussion and analysis covers periods before completion of
the Recapitalization, as described below.  See "Risk Factors" for a further
discussion relating to the effect that the transactions described herein may
have on the Company.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations contains certain "forward-looking statements" as defined
in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements
relating to future events and financial performance are forward-looking
statements involving risks and uncertainties that are detailed from time to time
in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.  See "Risk Factors"
below.

GENERAL

     The Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of disposable medical
products utilized in the respiratory care and anesthesia segments of the
domestic and international health care markets.  The Company's principal
products include oxygen masks, humidification systems, nebulizers, cannulae and
tubing.  In the United States, the Company markets its products to a variety of
health care providers, including hospitals and alternate site service providers
such as outpatient surgery centers, long-term care facilities, physician offices
and home health care agencies.  Internationally, the Company sells its products
to distributors who market to hospitals and other health care providers.  In
1997, 63.6% of the Company's net sales were generated from the domestic hospital
market, 19.1% from the export market, 14.7% from alternate site provider market
and 2.7% from OEM and other markets.  The Company's products are sold to over
2,500 distributors and alternate site service providers throughout the United
States and in more than 75 countries worldwide.

     The Company developed and introduced disposable products for the anesthesia
market starting in 1995.  Since that time, sales of anesthesia products have
increased and in 1997 contributed $6.5 million in net sales.  Net sales from new
respiratory and anesthesia products introduced since 1992 represented
approximately 18% of the Company's total net sales in fiscal 1997.  During the
third quarter of 1998, the Company acquired certain assets of Gibeck, Inc.
("Gibeck") for approximately $3.35 million.  Prior to the transaction, Gibeck
was engaged primarily in the business of manufacturing, marketing and selling
disposable anesthesia supplies.  In addition to the sale of its self-
manufactured products, Gibeck was the exclusive North American distributor of
its parent company's, Louis Gibeck, AB ("LGAB"), Heat Moisture Exchange ("HME")
product line.  As a result of the transaction, Hudson RCI is now the exclusive
North American distributor for the LGAB HME products.  In fiscal year 1997,
Gibeck reported net sales of approximately $12.3 million.

     In 1994, the Company established a sales force dedicated to sales of the
Company's products to international markets.  The international sales effort has
focused largely on major and growing markets for the Company's products.  In
fiscal 1997, the Company's products were sold to health care providers and
distributors in more than 75 international markets representing $19.0 million in
net sales.  With the increasing trend toward providing health care outside of
traditional hospital settings and the rapid growth of alternate site health care
providers, the Company established in 1995 an independent sales force dedicated
to this market.  Sales of products to alternate site distributors and/or health
care providers represented approximately $14.6 million in net sales in fiscal
1997.

     The Company's results of operations may fluctuate significantly from
quarter to quarter as a result of a number of factors, including, among others,
the buying patterns of the Company's distributors, general purchasing
organizations ("GPOs") and other purchasers of the Company's products, forecasts
regarding the severity of the annual cold and flu season, announcements of new
product introductions by the Company or its competitors, changes in the
Company's 

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
pricing of its products and the prices offered by the Company's competitors,
rate of overhead absorption due to variability in production levels and
variability in the number of shipping days in a given quarter.

     Results for the second quarter of 1998 were adversely impacted because,
among other things, of the decrease in demand from hospitals affiliated with the
Premier GPO, as the Premier contract for respiratory supplies was awarded to a
competitor of the Company, and the discontinuance of a distribution-related
strategic alliance in Germany with an international health care supplier.  As a
result, the Company was not in compliance with certain covenants under the New
Credit Facility, so certain of the financial covenants in the New Credit
Facility were amended.

THE RECAPITALIZATION

     On April 7, 1998, Hudson RCI consummated its recapitalization pursuant to
an Agreement and Plan of Merger pursuant to which River Acquisition Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of River Holding Corp. ("Holding") merged with and into
Hudson RCI, with Hudson RCI surviving as a majority-owned subsidiary of Holding
(the "Merger").

     Pursuant to the Recapitalization, Holding contributed approximately $93.0
million in equity capital into Hudson RCI (the "Holding Equity Investment") and
a shareholder of Hudson RCI (the "Continuing Shareholder") retained common stock
of Hudson RCI with a value of approximately $15.0 million (the "Rollover
Equity"), based on the valuation of Hudson RCI used in the Recapitalization.  In
the Merger, a portion of the Hudson RCI common stock was converted into the
right to receive approximately $131.1 million in cash, and management received
$88.3 million pursuant to the Company's Equity Participation Plan (the "Equity
Participation Plan" or "EPP").  Following the Holding Equity Investment, Holding
owned 80.8% of the outstanding common stock of Hudson RCI and the Continuing
Shareholder owned 19.2% of the outstanding common stock of Hudson RCI.

     The Holding Equity Investment was comprised of $63.0 million of common
equity (the "Common Stock Investment") and $30.0 million of preferred equity
(the "Preferred Stock Investment").  The Common Stock Investment was funded with
a $55.0 million investment by affiliates of Freeman Spogli & Co. Incorporated
("FS&Co."), and an $8.0 million investment by management of Hudson RCI.  The
Preferred Stock Investment was funded with proceeds from the sale of 11 1/2%
Senior Exchangeable PIK Preferred Stock due 2010 (the "Holding Preferred Stock")
with an aggregate liquidation preference of $30.0 million offered by Holding
(the "Preferred Stock Offering").  Immediately following consummation of the
Recapitalization, FS&Co. beneficially owned approximately 87.3% of the
outstanding common stock of Holding and management owned the remaining 12.7%.

     In connection with the Recapitalization and concurrently with the Preferred
Stock Offering, Hudson RCI offered $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of
9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the "Subordinated Notes")(the
"Subordinated Notes Offering," and together with the Preferred Stock Offering,
the "Offerings").

     On April 7, 1998, Hudson RCI entered into an agreement (the "New Credit
Facility") providing for a $40.0 million secured term loan facility (the "Term
Loan Facility"), which was funded in connection with the consummation of the
Recapitalization, and a $60.0 million revolving loan facility (the "Revolving
Loan Facility") which will be available for Hudson RCI's future capital
requirements and to finance acquisitions.

     The Offerings and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, repayment
of existing Hudson RCI debt payments to the Continuing Shareholder under the
Recapitalization Agreement and to management, the Holding Equity Investment and
the related borrowings under the New Credit Facility are collectively referred
to herein as the "Recapitalization."

     The Company and the shareholders that received distributions in the
Recapitalization made an election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to treat the Recapitalization as an asset
purchase for tax purposes, which will have the effect of significantly
increasing the basis of the Company's assets, thus increasing depreciation and
amortization expenses and other deductions for tax purposes and reducing the
Company's taxable income in 1998 and subsequent years.  The Recapitalization
resulted in no change in the basis of the Company's assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, certain income
and expense items expressed in dollars and as a percentage of the Company's net
sales.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Three Month Period Ended                 Nine Month Period Ended
                                                               (unaudited)                                (unaudited)
                                                          --------------------------           -----------------------------
                                                          Sept. 26,        Sept. 25,            Sept. 26,           Sept. 25,
                                                            1997              1998                 1997               1998
                                                          -----------      ---------           ---------          -----------
                                                           (dollars in thousands)                  (dollars in thousands)
<S>                                                       <C>              <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net sales................................................ $  21,813        $   22,130            $      70,906     $    68,828
Cost of sales............................................    11,116            11,548                   36,504          36,691
                                                          ---------        ----------            -------------     -----------
Gross profit.............................................    10,697            10,582                   34,402          32,137
Selling expenses.........................................     2,231             2,489                    7,020           7,180
Distribution expenses....................................     1,258             1,251                    3,805           3,949
General and administrative expenses......................     3,099             2,772                    8,598           8,528
Research and development expenses........................       443               475                    1,338           1,415
Provision for equity participation plan..................     1,212                --                    4,866          63,939
Provision for retention payments.........................        --                --                       --           4,754
                                                          ---------        ----------            -------------     -----------
Total operating expenses.................................     8,243             6,987                   25,627          89,765
                                                          ---------        ----------            -------------     -----------
Operating income (loss)..................................     2,454             3,595                    8,775         (57,628)
Add back:  Provision for equity participation plan.......     1,212                --                    4,866          63,939
Add back: Provision for retention payments...............        --                --                       --           4,754
                                                          ---------       -----------            -------------     -----------
Operating income before provisions for equity
 participation plan and retention payments............... $   3,666           $ 3,595            $      13,641     $    11,065
                                                          =========       ===========            =============     ===========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Three Month Period Ended                 Nine Month Period Ended
                                                          --------------------------           -----------------------------
                                                          Sept. 26,        Sept. 25,            Sept. 26,           Sept. 25,
                                                            1997              1998                 1997               1998
                                                          -----------     ----------           ---------          -----------
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>                  <C>                <C>
Net sales................................................     100.0%         100.0%             100.0%                100.0%
Cost of sales............................................      51.0           52.2               51.5                  53.3
                                                             ------         ------             ------                ------
Gross profit.............................................      49.0           47.8               48.5                  46.7
Selling expenses.........................................      10.2           11.3                9.9                  10.4
Distribution expenses....................................       5.8            5.7                5.4                   5.7
General and administrative expenses......................      14.2           12.5               12.1                  12.4
Research and development expenses........................       2.0            2.1                1.9                   2.1
Provision for equity participation plan..................       5.6             --                6.9                  92.9
Provision for retention payments.........................        --             --                 --                   6.9
                                                             ------         ------             ------                ------
Total operating expenses.................................      37.8           31.6               36.1                 130.4
                                                             ------         ------             ------                ------
Operating income (loss)..................................      11.3           16.2               12.4                 (83.7)
Add back:  Provision for equity participation
 plan....................................................       5.6             --                6.9                  92.9
Add back: Provision for retention payments...............        --             --                 --                   6.9
                                                             ------         ------             ------                ------
Operating income before provisions for equity
 participation plan and retention payments...............      16.8%          16.2%              19.2%                 16.1%
                                                             ======         ======             ======                ======
</TABLE>

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Three Months Ended September 25, 1998 Compared to Three Months Ended September
26, 1997

          Net sales, reported net of accrued rebates, were $22.1 million in the
third quarter of 1998, an increase of $0.3 million or 1.5% from the same quarter
in 1997. Export sales increased by $0.2 million or 5.6% primarily due to the
availability of common European ("CE") compliant labeled product, which was not
available in the second quarter of 1998. Alternate site sales increased $0.2
million or 5.1% as the Company continued to focus its sales efforts on this
growing market. Canadian sales increased by $0.3 million or 172% as a national
contract for supplying a portion of the Company's product line was awarded to
the Company in the first quarter of 1998. OEM sales, which are primarily sales
to other companies that either resell the product or incorporate it into their
products increased by $0.4 million or 6.9% primarily due to cyclical orders by
certain customers in the third quarter of 1998 that did not occur in the third
quarter of 1997. Partially offsetting these gains was a $0.7 million or 5.1%
decrease in sales to domestic hospitals. This decrease was primarily due to the
decrease in demand by hospitals affiliated with the Premier GPO, as the Premier
contract for respiratory products was awarded to a competitor in February 1997.

          The Company's gross profit for the third quarter of 1998 was $10.6
million, a decline of $0.1 million or 0.9% from the third quarter of 1997. As a
percentage of sales, the Company's gross profit margin was 47.8% as compared to
49.0% in the third quarter of 1997. This decline was primarily due to an
unfavorable product mix variance resulting from the sales of more products with
a lower profit margin.

          Selling expenses, consisting primarily of sales force salaries, were
$2.5 million for the third quarter of 1998, an increase of $0.3 million or 11.6%
from the third quarter of 1997. The primary cause of this increase was increased
compensation paid to the sales force and increases in fees paid to certain GPOs
resulting from higher sales volumes to those GPOs. As a percentage of sales,
selling expenses increased to 11.2% in the third quarter of 1998 as compared to
10.2% for the same quarter in 1997.

          Distribution expenses, consisting primarily of freight charges from
the Company's warehouses to its domestic customers, were $1.3 million in the
third quarter of 1998, the same level as the third quarter of 1997. As a
percentage of sales, distribution expenses were 5.7% for the third quarter of
1998 as compared to 5.8% for the same quarter in 1997.

          General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and
other expenses for corporate management, finance, accounting, regulatory and
human resources. General and administrative expenses for the third quarter of
1998 were $2.8 million, a decrease of $0.4 million or 10.6% from the third
quarter of 1997. This decline was due primarily to the elimination of the
Company aircraft as well as other expenses eliminated as a result of the
Recapitalization. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses
were 12.5% in 1998 compared to 14.2% in 1997.

          Research and development expenses for the third quarter of 1998 were
$0.5 million, an increase of $32,000 over the third quarter of 1997.

          The provision for Equity Participation Plan consists of accrued
expenses and payments made to executives under the Equity Participation Plan. In
the second quarter of 1998, as a result of the Recapitalization, the Equity
Participation Plan was discontinued. Accordingly, no expense was recorded in the
third quarter of 1998 while $1.2 million was recorded in the third quarter of
1997.

          Interest expense was $3.5 million in the third quarter of 1998, an
increase of $3.0 million over the third quarter of 1997. This increase was due
to higher debt levels during the third quarter of 1998 as a result of the
Recapitalization.

          Income tax expense reflects termination of the Company's S corporation
status upon the Recapitalization. The Company now provides for federal and state
income taxes as a C corporation, although actual payments are expected to be
substantially less than provided amounts due to the tax basis in assets provided
by the Section 338(h)(10) election.

                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Nine Months Ended September 25, 1998 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 26,
1997

          Net sales, reported net of accrued rebates were $68.8 million in the
third quarter of 1998, a decrease of $2.1 million or 2.9% from the same period
in 1997. Domestic hospital sales declined by $3.6 million or 8.1%, due primarily
to the decreased demand by hospitals affiliated with the Premier GPO, as the
Premier contract for respiratory supplies was awarded to a competitor in
February 1997. This decline was partially offset by an increase in alternate
site sales of $0.9 million or 8.0% as the Company continued to focus its sales
efforts in this growing market.

          The Company's gross profit for the first nine months of 1998 was $32.1
million, a decline of $2.3 million or 6.6% from the first nine months of 1997.
As a percentage of sales, the Company's gross profit margin was 46.7% for the
first nine months of 1998 as compared to 48.5% for the same period in 1997. This
decline was primarily due to lower sales volumes during the first nine months of
1998 as compared to 1997 and due to the underabsorption of overhead resulting
from the Company's efforts to reduce inventories in combination with a
relatively consistent level of sales volumes. On an interim basis, the Company
allocates actual manufacturing costs between cost of sales and inventory based
on actual production levels. The Company decreased production and reduced
inventories by $0.3 million (exclusive of a large, one-time purchase of finished
goods in the third quarter of 1998) in the first nine months of 1998 as compared
to an increase in inventories of $4.0 million in the first nine months of 1997.
The decline in inventories caused approximately $0.9 million of additional
overhead to be charged to cost of sales in the first nine months of 1998. In
addition, the Company experienced an unfavorable product mix variance in the
third quarter of 1998.

          Selling expenses were $7.2 million for the first nine months of 1998,
an increase of $0.2 million or 2.3% over the first nine months of 1997. As a
percentage of sales, selling expenses increased to 10.4% in 1998 as compared to
9.9% on 1997. This increase is primarily attributable to higher sales volumes in
the first nine months of 1997 as compared to 1998.

          Distribution expenses were $3.9 million for the first nine months of
1998, an increase of $0.1 million over the same time period in 1997. The
increase is primarily the result of increased freight rates from carriers. As a
percentage of sales, distribution expenses increased to 5.7% as compared to 5.4%
in 1997.

          General and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 1998
were $8.5 million as compared to $8.6 million for the first nine months of 1997.
The Company incurred approximately $300,000 in legal fees in 1998 relating to
the successful defense of a patent infringement lawsuit. This increase was more
than offset by the elimination of certain recurring expenses as a result of the
Recapitalization. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses
were 12.4% in 1998 as compared to 12.1% in 1997. This increase is due primarily
to lower sales volumes for the first nine months of 1998 as compared to 1997.

          Research and development expenses for the first nine months of 1998
were $1.4 million, a $76,000 increase over the first nine months of 1997.

          In the first nine months of 1998, the provision for Equity
Participation Plan was $63.9 million, which included approximately $1.3 million
in employer taxes relating to the distribution made under the Equity
Participation Plan.

          The provision for retention payments, including related employer
payroll taxes, was $4.8 million in the first nine months of 1998. These payments
were made to substantially every employee in the Company and were intended to
ensure the continued employment of all employees after the Recapitalization. No
future payments are anticipated.

          Interest expense was $7.1 million for the first nine months of 1998,
an increase of $5.7 million over the first nine months of 1997. The increase was
due to higher debt levels during the first nine months of 1998 as a result of
the Recapitalization.

          Income tax expense reflects the effects of the termination of the
Company's S corporation status upon the Recapitalization. The Company now
provides for federal and state income taxes as a C corporation, although actual

                                      14
<PAGE>
 
payments are expected to be substantially less than provided amounts due to the
tax basis in assets provided by the Section 338(h)(10) election.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

          The Company's primary sources of liquidity are cash flow from
operations and borrowing under its working capital facility. Cash provided by
operations before EPP payments totaled $16.7 million in the nine months ended
September 26, 1997 and $11.6 million in the nine months ended September 25,
1998. The Company had operating working capital, excluding cash and short-term
debt, of $23.9 million at September 25, 1998. Inventories were $16.6 million and
$17.4 million at December 26, 1997 and September 25, 1998, respectively. In
order to meet the needs of its customers, the Company must maintain inventories
sufficient to permit same-day or next-day filling of most orders. Over time, the
Company expects its level of inventories to increase as the Company's sales in
the international market increase. Accounts receivable, net of allowances, were
$21.3 million and $19.0 million at December 26, 1997 and September 25, 1998,
respectively. The Company offers 30 day credit terms to its U.S. hospital
distributors. Alternate site and international customers typically receive 60 to
90 day terms and, as a result, as the Company's alternate site and international
sales have increased, the amount and aging of its accounts receivable have
increased. The Company anticipates that the amount and aging of its accounts
receivable will continue to increase. The Company is exploring the utilization
in 1999 of a distribution warehouse outside of the United States. While this
will have the effect of increasing the Company's investment in inventories, it
may also result in improved service to international customers as well as in
lower international accounts receivable than would otherwise be the case because
customers will receive products, and consequently pay for them, more quickly.

          In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company made cash
payments under the Equity Participation Plan of $88.3 million in the nine months
ended September 25, 1998, which it funded with the proceeds of the debt and
equity transactions that were part of the Recapitalization.

          During the nine months ended September 26, 1997, net cash used in
investing activities was $2.1 million, reflecting purchases of property. During
the nine months ended September 25, 1998, net cash used in investing activities
was $6.1 million, primarily for capital expenditures and the acquisition of the
assets of Gibeck. The Company currently estimates that capital expenditures will
be approximately $6.0 million in each of 1998 and 1999, consisting primarily of
additional and replacement manufacturing equipment and new heater placements.

          During the nine months ended September 26, 1997, net cash used in
financing activities was $15.5 million, consisting primarily of repayment of
debt and shareholder distributions. During the nine months ended September 25,
1998, net cash provided by financing was $84.7 million reflecting net borrowing
by the Company.

          The Company has outstanding $153.0 million of indebtedness, consisting
of $115.0 million of Subordinated Notes issued in connection with the
Recapitalization and borrowings of $38.0 million under the New Credit Facility
entered into in connection with the Recapitalization. The New Credit Facility
consists of a $40.0 million Term Loan Facility (all of which was funded in
connection with the Recapitalization) and a $60.0 million Revolving Loan
Facility. The Subordinated Notes bear interest at the rate of 9 1/8%, payable
semiannually, and will require no principal repayments until maturity. The Term
Loan Facility matures on the sixth anniversary of the initial borrowing and
requires principal repayments of between $3.0 million and $11.5 million each
year until maturity, commencing on June 30, 1999. The Revolving Loan Facility
matures on the sixth anniversary of the initial borrowing and bears interest
based on a spread over either a eurodollar or base rate.

          In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company issued to Holding
300,000 shares of its 11 1/2% Senior PIK Preferred Stock due 2010 with an
aggregate liquidation preference of $30.0 million, which has terms and
provisions materially similar to those of the Holding Preferred Stock. At the
election of the Company, dividends may be paid in kind until April 15, 2003 and
thereafter must be paid in cash.

          The Company believes that after giving effect to the Recapitalization
and the incurrence of indebtedness related thereto, based on current levels of
operations and anticipated growth, its cash from operations, together with other
available sources of liquidity, including borrowings available under the
Revolving Loan Facility, will be sufficient over

                                      15
<PAGE>
 
the next several years to fund anticipated capital expenditures and acquisitions
and to make required payments of principal and interest on its debt, including
payments due on the Subordinated Notes and obligations under the New Credit
Facility. The Company intends to selectively pursue strategic acquisitions, both
domestically and internationally, to expand its product line, improve its market
share positions and increase cash flows. Financing for such acquisitions is
available, subject to limitations, under the New Credit Facility. Any
significant acquisition activity by the Company in excess of such amounts would
require additional capital, which could be provided through capital
contributions or debt financing. The Company has no commitments for such
acquisition financing and to the extent financing is unavailable, acquisitions
may be delayed or not completed.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

          A significant percentage of software that runs on most computers
relies on two-digit date codes to perform computations and decision-making
functions. Commencing on January 1, 2000, these computer programs may fail from
an inability to interpret date codes properly, misinterpreting "00" as the year
1900 rather than 2000. The Company has completed the identification of all
necessary internal software changes to ensure that it does not experience any
loss of critical business functionality due to the Year 2000 issue. The Company
has already completed an assessment of all internal software, hardware and
operating systems. The Company does not believe that its systems will encounter
any material "Year 2000" problems. Since the internal Year 2000 issues
identified by the Company do not require any significant changes to hardware or
software, the Company does not believe that the cost to correct them will be
material. The Company plans to make all required enhancements to its software
during the second quarter of 1999. The Company's products are not subject to
Year 2000 problems.

          The Company also relies, directly and indirectly, on the external
systems of various independent business enterprises, such as its customers,
suppliers, creditors, financial organizations, and of governments, for the
accurate exchange of data and related information. The Company could be affected
as a result of any disruption in the operation of the various third-party
enterprises with which the Company interacts. The Company is in the process of
implementing a program to assess and monitor the progress of these third parties
in resolving Year 2000 issues, and to determine whether any Year 2000 issues
encountered by a third party would pose a business risk to the Company. Towards
this goal, the Company is developing a survey to be sent to its key trading
partners to assess its Year 2000 risk based upon the Year 2000 issues of its
partners. The Company expects these that the surveys will be mailed by December
31, 1999 and the assessment completed by mid-year 1999. The Company does not
expect the cost of this program to be material. The Company has begun to develop
contingency plans in the event a business interruption caused by Year 2000
problems should occur, including investigating back-up suppliers. The Company
cannot provide any assurance that Year 2000 related systems issues of third
parties will be corrected in a timely manner or that the failure of these third
parties to correct these issues would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.

          The total costs of the Year 2000 program are anticipated to be less
than $100,000, none of which has been expended to date. The costs and time
estimates of the Year 2000 project are based on the Company's best estimates.
There can be no assurance that these estimates will be achieved and that planned
results will be achieved. Risk factors include, but are not limited to, the
retention of internal resources dedicated to the project and the successful
completion of key business partners' Year 2000 projects.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

          Statement of Financial Accountings Standards ("SFAS") No. 129
Disclosure of Information about Capital Structure was issued in February 1997
and was adopted by the Company as of December 26, 1997. SFAS No. 130 Reporting
Comprehensive Income and SFAS No. 131 Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information were issued in June 1997. SFAS No. 130 was
adopted by the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 1998. SFAS No. 131 will
initially be adopted in the Company's 1998 year-end financial statements. SFAS
No. 133 Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities was issued
in June 1998. Because the Company has no derivative instruments and does not
engage in hedging activities, SFAS No. 133 will not impact the Company.

                                      16
<PAGE>
 
                                 RISK FACTORS

SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE; SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT

          As of September 25, 1998, the Company had $153.0 million of
outstanding indebtedness and a shareholders' deficit of approximately $32.1
million. This level of indebtedness is substantially higher than the Company's
historical debt levels and may reduce the flexibility of the Company to respond
to changing business and economic conditions. In addition, subject to the
restrictions in the New Credit Facility and the indenture governing the
Subordinated Notes (the "Indenture"), the Company may incur additional senior or
other indebtedness from time to time to finance acquisitions or capital
expenditures or for other general corporate purposes. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Liquidity and Capital Resources." The New Credit Facility and the Indenture
restrict, but do not prohibit, the payment of dividends by the Company to
Holding to finance the payment of dividends on the Holding Preferred Stock.

          The Company's high degree of leverage may have significant
consequences for the Company, including: (i) the ability of the Company to
obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions or other purposes, if necessary, may be impaired; (ii) a
substantial portion of the Company's cash flow will be dedicated to the payment
of interest and principal on its indebtedness and will not be available to the
Company for its operations and future business opportunities; (iii) the
covenants contained in the indenture and the New Credit Facility will limit the
Company's ability to, among other things, borrow additional funds, dispose of
assets or make investments and may affect the Company's flexibility in planning
for, and reacting to, changes in business conditions; (iv) indebtedness under
the New Credit Facility will be at variable rates of interest, which will cause
the Company to be vulnerable to increases in interest rates; and (v) the
Company's high degree of leverage may make it more vulnerable to a downturn in
its business or the economy generally or limit its ability to withstand
competitive pressures. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow
from operations in the future to service its indebtedness, it may be required to
refinance all or a portion of its existing debt or to obtain additional
financing. There can be no assurance that any such actions could be effected on
a timely basis or on satisfactory terms or that these actions would enable the
Company to continue to satisfy its capital requirements. The Company's ability
to meet its debt service obligations and to reduce its total indebtedness will
be dependent upon the Company's future performance, which will be subject to
general economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors
affecting the operations of the Company, many of which are beyond its control.
The terms of the Company's indebtedness, including the New Credit Facility and
the Indenture, also may prohibit the Company from taking such actions.

MEDICAL COST CONTAINMENT

          In recent years, widespread efforts have been made in both the public
and private sectors to control health care costs, including the prices of
products such as those sold by the Company, in the United States and abroad.
Cost containment measures have resulted in increased customer purchasing power,
particularly through the increased presence of GPOs in the marketplace and
increased consolidation of distributors. Health care organizations are
evaluating ways in which costs can be reduced by decreasing the frequency with
which a treatment, device or product is used. Cost containment has also caused a
shift in the decision-making function with respect to supply acquisition from
the clinician to the administrator, resulting in a greater emphasis being placed
on price, as opposed to features and clinical benefits. The Company has
encountered significant pricing pressure from customers and believes that it is
likely that efforts by governmental and private payors to contain costs through
managed care and other efforts and to reform health systems will continue and
that such efforts may have an adverse effect on the pricing and demand for the
Company's products. There can be no assurance that current or future reform
initiatives will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial conditions or results of operations.

          The Company's products are sold principally to a variety of health
care providers, including hospitals and alternate site providers, that receive
reimbursement for the products and services they provide from various public and
private third party payors, including Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance
programs. As a result, while the Company does not receive payments directly from
such third party payors, the demand for the Company's products in any specific
care setting is dependent in part on the reimbursement policies of the various
payors in that setting. In order to be reimbursed, the products generally must
be found to be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of medical

                                      17
<PAGE>
 
conditions and must otherwise fall within the payor's list of covered services.
In light of increased controls on Medicare spending, there can be no assurance
on the outcome of future coverage or payment decisions for any of the Company's
products by governmental or private payors. If providers, suppliers and other
users of the Company's products are unable to obtain sufficient reimbursement, a
material adverse impact on the Company's business, financial condition or
operations may result.

          The Company expects that the trend toward cost containment that has
impacted the domestic market will also be experienced in international health
care markets, impacting the Company's growth in foreign countries, particularly
where health care is socialized.

INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION; CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION

          Cost containment has resulted in significant consolidation within the
health care industry. A substantial number of the Company's customers, including
group purchasing organizations, hospitals, national nursing home companies and
national home health care agencies, have been affected by this consolidation.
The acquisition of any of the Company's significant customers could result in
the loss of such customers by the Company, thereby negatively impacting its
business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, in 1996,
three GPOs that accounted for aggregate sales of approximately $11.0 million
combined and, as a result of a decision of the combined entity to enter into a
sole distributorship arrangement in 1997 with one of the Company's competitors,
the Company has experienced some decrease in sales and may experience additional
sales decreases in the future. In addition, the consolidation of health care
providers often results in the renegotiation of terms and in the granting of
price concessions. The Company's customer relationships, including exclusive or
preferential provider relationships, are terminable at will by either party
without advance notice or penalty. Because larger purchasers or groups of
purchasers tend to have more leverage in negotiating prices, this trend has
caused the Company to reduce prices and could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. As GPOs
and integrated health care systems increase in size, each relationship
represents a greater concentration of market share and the adverse consequences
of losing a particular relationship increases considerably. For fiscal 1997, the
Company's ten largest group purchasing arrangements accounted for approximately
34% of the Company's total net sales. Distributors have also consolidated in
response to cost containment. For fiscal 1997, approximately 30% of the
Company's net sales were to a single distributor, Owens & Minor Inc. The loss of
the Company's relationship with this distributor would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

          The Company and its customers and suppliers are subject to extensive
federal and state regulation in the United States, as well as regulation by
foreign governments. Most of the Company's products are subject to government
regulation in the United States and other countries. In the United States, the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended (the "FDC Act"), and other
statutes and regulations govern or influence the testing, manufacture, safety,
labeling, storage, record keeping, marketing, advertising and promotion of such
products. Failure to comply with applicable requirements can result in fines,
recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production,
withdrawal of existing product approvals or clearances, refusal to approve or
clear new applications or notices and criminal prosecution. Under the FDC Act
and similar foreign laws, the Company, as a marketer, distributor and
manufacturer of health care products, is required to obtain the approval of
federal and foreign governmental agencies, including the Food and Drug
Administration ("FDA"), prior to marketing, distributing and manufacturing
certain of those products, which can be time consuming and expensive. The
Company may also need to obtain FDA clearance before modifying marketed products
or making new promotional claims. Delays in receipt of or failure to receive
required approvals or clearances, the loss of previously received approvals or
clearances, or failures to comply with existing or future regulatory
requirements in the United States or in foreign countries could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business. Foreign sales are subject to similar
requirements.

          The Company is required to comply with the FDA's "Quality System
Regulations for Medical Devices," implementing "Good Manufacturing Practices"
("GMP/QSR Regulations"), which set forth requirements for, among other things,
the Company's manufacturing process, design control and associated record
keeping, including testing and sterility. Further, the Company's plants and
operations are subject to review and inspection by local, state, federal and

                                      18
<PAGE>
 
foreign governmental entities. The distribution of the Company's products may
also be subject to state regulation. The impact of FDA regulation on the Company
has increased in recent years as the Company has increased its manufacturing
operations. The Company's suppliers, including sterilizer facilities, are also
subject to similar governmental requirements. There can be no assurance that
changes to current regulations or additional regulations imposed by the FDA will
not have an adverse impact on the Company's business and financial condition in
the future. If the FDA believes that a company is not in compliance with
applicable regulations, it can institute proceedings to detain or seize
products, issue a recall, impose operating restrictions, enjoin future
violations and assess civil and criminal penalties against the company, its
officers or its employees and can recommend criminal prosecution to the
Department of Justice. Other regulatory agencies may have similar powers. In
addition, product approvals could be withdrawn due to the failure to comply with
regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial
marketing. The FDA also has the authority to issue special controls for devices
manufactured by the Company, which it has not done to date. In the event that
such special controls were issued, the Company's products would be required to
conform, which could result in significant additional expenditures for the
Company.

          The Company is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and
regulations relating to such matters as safe working conditions, manufacturing
practices, fire hazard control and the handling and disposal of hazardous or
infectious materials or substances and emissions of air pollutants. The Company
owns and leases properties which are subject to environmental laws and
regulations. There can be no assurance that the Company will not be required to
incur significant costs to comply with such laws and regulations in the future
or that such laws or regulations will not have a material adverse effect upon
the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. In
addition, the Company cannot predict the extent to which future legislative and
regulatory developments concerning its practices and products for the health
care industry may affect the Company.

RISKS RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL SALES; FOREIGN OPERATIONS

          Sales made outside the United States represented approximately 19.1%
of the Company's 1997 net sales and the Company intends to increase
international sales as a percentage of total net sales. Foreign operations are
subject to special risks that can materially affect the sales, profits, cash
flows and financial position of the Company, including increased regulation,
extended payment periods, competition from firms with more local experience,
currency exchange rate fluctuations and import and export controls. Sales of the
Company's products are denominated in U.S. dollars. The destabilization of the
economies of several Asian countries in 1997 caused a decrease in demand for the
Company's products throughout Southeast Asia, and future sales in that region
are uncertain. In addition, adverse economic conditions in Asia could result in
"dumping" of products similar to those produced by the Company by other
manufacturers, both in Asian and other markets.

          The Company also maintains a manufacturing and assembly facility in
Ensenada, Mexico and, as a result, is subject to operational risks such as
changing labor trends and civil unrest in that country. In the event the Company
were required to transfer its Ensenada operations to the United States or were
otherwise unable to benefit from its lower cost Mexican operation, its business,
financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

PRODUCT LIABILITY

          The manufacturing and marketing of medical products entails an
inherent risk of product liability claims. Although the Company has not
experienced any significant losses due to product liability claims and currently
maintains umbrella liability insurance coverage, there can be no assurance that
the amount or scope of the coverage maintained by the Company will be adequate
to protect it in the event a significant product liability claim is successfully
asserted against the Company. In addition, the Company cannot predict the extent
to which future legislative and regulatory developments concerning its practices
and products for the health care industry may affect the Company.

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL; MANAGEMENT OF EXPANDING OPERATIONS

          The Company's success will, to a large extent, depend upon the
continued services of its executive officers. The loss of services of any of
these executive officers could materially and adversely affect the Company.
While the

                                      19
<PAGE>
 
Company has employment agreements with it senior management team, these
agreements may be terminated by either party, with or without cause.

          The Company's plans to expand its business may place a significant
strain on the Company's operational and financial resources and systems. To
manage its expanding operations, the Company may be required to, among other
things, improve its operational, financial and management information systems.
The Company may also be required to attract, train and retain additional highly
qualified management, technical, sales and marketing and customer support
personnel. The process of locating such personnel with the combination of skills
and attributes required to implement the Company's strategy is often lengthy.
The inability to attract and retain additional qualified personnel could
materially and adversely affect the Company.

COMPETITION

          The medical supply industry is characterized by intense competition.
Certain of the Company's competitors have greater financial and other resources
than the Company and may succeed in utilizing these resources to obtain an
advantage over the Company. The general trend toward cost containment in the
health care industry has had the effect of increasing competition among
manufacturers, as health care providers and distributors consolidate and as GPOs
increase in size and importance. The Company competes on the basis of brand
name, product quality, breadth of product line, service and price.

RISKS GENERALLY ASSOCIATED WITH ACQUISITIONS

          An element of the Company's business strategy is to pursue strategic
acquisitions that either expand or complement the Company's business.
Acquisitions involve a number of special risks, including the diversion of
management's attention to the assimilation of the operations and the
assimilation and retention of the personnel of the acquired companies, and
potential adverse effects on the Company's operating results. The Company may
require additional debt or equity financing for future acquisitions, which may
not be available on terms favorable to the Company, if at all. In addition, the
New Credit Facility and the Indenture contain certain restrictions regarding
acquisitions. The Indenture restricts acquisitions to those companies in the
same line of business as the Company, and requires that all such acquired
companies be designated Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined therein). The New
Credit Facility restricts all acquisitions with the exception of Permitted
Acquisitions (as defined therein), and limits, among other things, (i) the sum
that may be paid in connection with any single acquisition to $30.0 million,
(ii) the total amount outstanding of revolving credit indebtedness that can be
incurred for acquisition purposes to $40.0 million, and (iii) the line of
business of the acquired entity or assets. The inability of the Company to
successfully finance, complete and integrate strategic acquisitions in a timely
manner could have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to effect a portion
of its growth strategy.

PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

          The Company has historically relied primarily on its technological and
engineering abilities and on its design and production capabilities to gain
competitive business advantages, rather than on patents or other intellectual
property rights. However, the Company does file patent applications on concepts
and processes developed by the Company's personnel. The Company has 18 patents
in the U.S. and two patents pending. Many of the U.S. patents have corresponding
patents issued in Canada, Europe and various Asian countries. The Company is
currently preparing several patent applications covering intellectual property
associated with the closed suction catheter product and advanced humidification
devices. The Company's success will depend in part on its ability to maintain
its patents, add to them where appropriate, and to develop new products and
applications without infringing the patent and other proprietary rights of third
parties and without breaching or otherwise losing rights in technology licenses
obtained by the Company for other products. There can be no assurance that any
patent owned by the Company will not be circumvented or challenged, that the
rights granted thereunder will provide competitive advantages to the Company or
that any of the Company's pending or future patent applications will be issued
with claims of the scope sought by the Company, if at all. If challenged, there
can be no assurance that the Company's patents (or patents under which it
licenses technology) will be held valid or enforceable. In addition, there can
be no assurance that the Company's products or proprietary rights do not
infringe the rights of third parties. If such infringement were established, the

                                      20
<PAGE>
 
Company could be required to pay damages, enter into royalty or licensing
agreements on onerous terms and/or be enjoined from making, using or selling the
infringing product.  Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect
upon the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations.

S CORPORATION STATUS

          The Company elected to be treated as an S corporation for federal and
state income tax purposes for its taxable years beginning on or after January 1,
1987. Unlike a C corporation, an S corporation is generally not subject to
income tax at the corporate level; instead, the S corporation's income is taxed
on the personal income tax returns of its shareholders. The Company's status as
an S corporation terminated upon consummation of the Recapitalization. If S
corporation status were denied for any periods prior to such termination by
reason of a failure to satisfy the S corporation election or eligibility
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, the Company would
be subject to tax on its income as if it were a C corporation for these periods.
Such an occurrence would have a material adverse effect on the Company's
results.

ITEM 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

     Not applicable.

                                      21
<PAGE>
 
                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     None.

ITEM 2.   CHANGES IN SECURITIES

     On June 27, 1998, the Company sold 12,500 shares of its common stock to
River Holding Corp. for a total cash consideration to the Company of $125,000.

     The Company believes that the transaction set forth above was exempt from
the registration and prospectus delivery requirements set forth in the
Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2) thereof, because all of the sales
were made in transactions not involving a public offering.

ITEM 3.   DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

     Not applicable.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     None.

ITEM 5.   OTHER INFORMATION

     None.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a)  Exhibits

          27.1 Financial Data Schedule

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

          None.

                                      22
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.


                                   HUDSON RESPIRATORY CARE INC.,
                                   a California corporation


November 9, 1998                   By:  /s/ Jay R. Ogram
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Jay R. Ogram
                                        Chief Financial Officer
                                        (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal
                                        Financial Officer)

                                      23