UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
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☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the quarterly period ended: | September 30, 2024 |
OR
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☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
| For the transition period from __________ to __________ |
Commission file number: 1-10026
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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |
Delaware
| | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
216 Airport Drive, Rochester, New Hampshire
| | |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
14-0462060
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(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
03867
603-330-5850
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share | AIN | The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) |
| | |
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 ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer | ☒ | | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| | | Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The registrant had 31.3 million shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of October 15, 2024.
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Net revenues | $ | 298,386 | | | $ | 281,106 | | | $ | 943,710 | | | $ | 824,325 | |
Cost of goods sold | 208,002 | | | 179,271 | | | 632,257 | | | 520,468 | |
| | | | | | | |
Gross profit | 90,384 | | | 101,835 | | | 311,453 | | | 303,857 | |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 52,097 | | | 51,975 | | | 162,447 | | | 147,214 | |
Technical and research expenses | 10,844 | | | 9,708 | | | 35,369 | | | 30,303 | |
Restructuring expenses, net | 2,272 | | | 82 | | | 6,584 | | | 227 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating income | 25,171 | | | 40,070 | | | 107,053 | | | 126,113 | |
Interest expense/(income), net | 2,411 | | | 3,653 | | | 8,680 | | | 10,049 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other (income)/expense, net | 3,257 | | | 56 | | | 5,932 | | | (4,910) | |
| | | | | | | |
Income before income taxes | 19,503 | | | 36,361 | | | 92,441 | | | 120,974 | |
Income tax expense | 1,282 | | | 9,207 | | | 22,131 | | | 39,908 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net income | 18,221 | | | 27,154 | | | 70,310 | | | 81,066 | |
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 192 | | | 45 | | | 366 | | | 396 | |
Net income attributable to the Company | $ | 18,029 | | | $ | 27,109 | | | $ | 69,944 | | | $ | 80,670 | |
| | | | | | | |
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Basic | $ | 0.58 | | | $ | 0.87 | | | $ | 2.24 | | | $ | 2.59 | |
| | | | | | | |
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Diluted | $ | 0.57 | | | $ | 0.87 | | | $ | 2.23 | | | $ | 2.58 | |
| | | | | | | |
Shares of the Company used in computing earnings per share: | | | | | | | |
Basic | 31,251 | | | 31,185 | | | 31,234 | | | 31,163 | |
| | | | | | | |
Diluted | 31,367 | | | 31,283 | | | 31,333 | | | 31,256 | |
| | | | | | | |
Dividends declared per Class A share | $ | 0.26 | | | $ | 0.25 | | | $ | 0.78 | | | $ | 0.75 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2024 | | 2023 | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Net income | $ | 18,221 | | | $ | 27,154 | | | $ | 70,310 | | | $ | 81,066 | |
| | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax: | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation | 16,211 | | | (15,131) | | | (12,757) | | | (4,509) | |
| | | | | | | |
Amortization of pension liability adjustments: | | | | | | | |
Prior service credit | (37) | | | (1,031) | | | (113) | | | (3,092) | |
Net actuarial loss | 176 | | | 349 | | | 530 | | | 1,042 | |
Payments and amortization related to interest rate swaps included in earnings | (2,675) | | | (3,990) | | | (10,893) | | | (10,891) | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | (1,238) | | | 996 | | | 395 | | | 4,533 | |
| | | | | | | |
Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss): | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Amortization of prior service credit | 13 | | | 315 | | | 35 | | | 946 | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | (55) | | | (107) | | | (162) | | | (319) | |
Payments and amortization related to interest rate swaps included in earnings | 658 | | | 1,009 | | | 2,681 | | | 2,755 | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | 305 | | | (252) | | | (97) | | | (1,147) | |
Comprehensive income | 31,579 | | | 9,312 | | | 49,929 | | | 70,384 | |
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | (127) | | | (99) | | | (273) | | | 669 | |
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company | $ | 31,706 | | | $ | 9,411 | | | $ | 50,202 | | | $ | 69,715 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
Assets | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 127,222 | | | $ | 173,420 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 271,975 | | | 287,781 | |
Contract assets, net | 195,782 | | | 182,281 | |
Inventories | 160,617 | | | 169,567 | |
Income taxes prepaid and receivable | 8,316 | | | 11,043 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 40,399 | | | 53,872 | |
Total current assets | 804,311 | | | 877,964 | |
| | | |
Property, plant and equipment, net | 583,455 | | | 601,989 | |
Intangibles, net | 40,996 | | | 44,646 | |
Goodwill | 180,912 | | | 180,181 | |
Deferred income taxes | 26,979 | | | 22,941 | |
Noncurrent receivables, net | — | | | 4,392 | |
Other assets | 116,548 | | | 102,901 | |
Total assets | $ | 1,753,201 | | | $ | 1,835,014 | |
| | | |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | | | |
Accounts payable | $ | 77,873 | | | $ | 87,104 | |
Accrued liabilities | 138,700 | | | 142,988 | |
Current maturities of long-term debt | 555 | | | 4,218 | |
Income taxes payable | 1,593 | | | 14,369 | |
Total current liabilities | 218,721 | | | 248,679 | |
| | | |
Long-term debt | 361,639 | | | 452,667 | |
Other noncurrent liabilities | 154,634 | | | 139,385 | |
Deferred taxes and other liabilities | 21,531 | | | 26,963 | |
Total liabilities | 756,525 | | | 867,694 | |
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Commitments and Contingencies (Note 16) | | | |
| | | |
Shareholders' Equity: | | | |
Preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share; authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued | — | | | — | |
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; 40,916,568 issued in 2024 and 40,856,910 in 2023 | 41 | | | 41 | |
| | | |
Additional paid in capital | 452,656 | | | 448,218 | |
Retained earnings | 1,056,514 | | | 1,010,942 | |
Accumulated items of other comprehensive income: | | | |
Translation adjustments | (137,373) | | | (124,901) | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | (17,341) | | | (17,346) | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | 1,165 | | | 9,079 | |
Treasury stock (Class A), at cost; 9,661,845 shares in 2024 and 2023 | (364,665) | | | (364,665) | |
Total shareholders' equity | 990,997 | | | 961,368 | |
Noncontrolling interest | 5,679 | | | 5,952 | |
Total equity | 996,676 | | | 967,320 | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 1,753,201 | | | $ | 1,835,014 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | | | | 2024 | | 2023 |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Net income | | | | | $ | 70,310 | | | $ | 81,066 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation | | | | | 61,813 | | | 50,164 | |
Amortization | | | | | 5,190 | | | 4,614 | |
Change in deferred taxes and other liabilities | | | | | (7,552) | | | (1,264) | |
Impairment of property, plant and equipment | | | | | 1,425 | | | 577 | |
Non-cash interest expense | | | | | 769 | | | 1,148 | |
| | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock | | | | | 4,438 | | | 5,189 | |
Provision/(recovery) for credit losses from uncollected receivables and contract assets | | | | | 40 | | | 641 | |
Foreign currency remeasurement loss/(gain) on intercompany loans | | | | | 2,263 | | | (4,704) | |
Fair value adjustment on foreign currency contracts | | | | | 1,105 | | | 581 | |
Gain on sale of assets | | | | | (515) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided/(used) cash, net of impact of business acquisition: | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | | | 17,980 | | | (18,172) | |
Contract assets | | | | | (15,194) | | | (16,550) | |
Inventories | | | | | 5,918 | | | (293) | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | | | 2,768 | | | (3,030) | |
Income taxes prepaid and receivable | | | | | 2,602 | | | 1,597 | |
Accounts payable | | | | | 7,316 | | | (6,661) | |
Accrued liabilities | | | | | (8,320) | | | (16,454) | |
Income taxes payable | | | | | (11,995) | | | (5,810) | |
Noncurrent receivables | | | | | (579) | | | 2,276 | |
Other noncurrent liabilities | | | | | (17) | | | (3,602) | |
Other, net | | | | | 220 | | | 2,499 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | | | 139,985 | | | 73,812 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired | | | | | — | | | (133,470) | |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | | | | | (61,985) | | | (48,850) | |
Purchased software | | | | | (101) | | | (276) | |
Proceeds received from sale of assets | | | | | 1,033 | | | — | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | | | (61,053) | | | (182,596) | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from borrowings | | | | | 48,106 | | | 71,249 | |
Principal payments on debt | | | | | (142,691) | | | (51,479) | |
| | | | | | | |
Debt acquisition costs | | | | | — | | | (4,108) | |
| | | | | | | |
Taxes paid in lieu of share issuance | | | | | (2,832) | | | (3,136) | |
| | | | | | | |
Dividends paid | | | | | (24,356) | | | (23,365) | |
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities | | | | | (121,773) | | | (10,839) | |
| | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | | | (3,357) | | | (647) | |
| | | | | | | |
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | (46,198) | | | (120,270) | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | | | 173,420 | | | 291,776 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | | | | $ | 127,222 | | | $ | 171,506 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1. Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial information reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of Albany International Corp.'s ("Albany", the "Registrant", the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented, but does not include all disclosures required by the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, unless otherwise disclosed in this report. Certain amounts in prior year financial statements and notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in the accounting for, among others, revenue recognition, contract profitability, allowances for doubtful accounts, rebates and sales allowances, inventory allowances, financial instruments, including derivatives, pension and other postretirement benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies, income taxes, and other accruals. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which is intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon transition, the segment expense categories and amounts disclosed in the prior periods should be based on the significant segment expense categories identified and disclosed in the period of adoption. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”), which modifies the rules on income tax disclosures to require entities to disclose (1) specific categories in the rate reconciliation, (2) the income or loss from continuing operations before income tax expense or benefit (separated between domestic and foreign) and (3) income tax expense or benefit from continuing operations (separated by federal, state and foreign). ASU 2023-09 also requires entities to disclose their income tax payments to international, federal, state and local jurisdictions, among other changes. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. ASU 2023-09 should be applied on a prospective basis, but retrospective application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2024, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2024-01, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards" (ASU 2024-01), which clarifies how an entity determines whether profits interest or similar awards should be considered within the scope of ASC 718 as a share-based payment arrangement or under ASC 710 or other ASC topics in a manner similar to a cash bonus or profit-sharing arrangement. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods beginning within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. ASU 2024-01 should be applied either (1) retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements or (2) prospectively to profits interest and similar awards granted or modified on or after the date at which the entity first applies the amendments. We are
currently evaluating the potential impact of adopting this new guidance on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In March 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-11275, The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors. This rule would require registrants to disclose certain climate-related information in registration statements and annual reports. In April 2024, the SEC voluntarily stayed the final rule as a result of legal challenges that are pending judicial review. The disclosure requirements would apply to the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, pending resolution of the stay. The Company is currently evaluating the final rule to determine its impact on the Company's disclosures.
2. Reportable Segments and Revenue Recognition
The Company is organized based on the nature of its products and is composed of two reportable segments, Machine Clothing ("MC") and Albany Engineered Composites ("AEC"), each overseen by a Segment President. These segments are reflective of how the Company's Chief Executive Officer, who is its Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), reviews operating results for the purpose of allocating resources and assessing performance. The Company has not aggregated operating segments for purposes of identifying reportable segments.
Machine Clothing:
The Machine Clothing segment supplies permeable and impermeable belts used in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, tissue and towel products, nonwovens, fiber cement and for several other industrial applications. Paper machine clothing products are customized, consumable products of technologically sophisticated design that utilize polymeric materials in a complex structure. We manufacture belts for each section of the paper machine and for every grade of paper. We sell our MC products directly to customer end-users in countries across the globe. MC's products, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels are substantially the same in each region of the world in which we operate.
On August 31, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Heimbach GmbH (“Heimbach”), a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing and technical textiles. The financial results of the acquired company are included in the Machine Clothing reportable segment.
Albany Engineered Composites:
The Albany Engineered Composites segment provides highly engineered, advanced composite structures to customers in the commercial and defense aerospace industries. The segment includes Albany Safran Composites, LLC (“ASC”), in which our customer, the SAFRAN Group (“SAFRAN”) owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest. AEC, through ASC, is the exclusive supplier to the LEAP program of advanced composite fan blades and fan cases under a long-term supply contract, where revenue is determined by a cost-plus-fee agreement. The LEAP engine is used on the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC 919 aircraft. AEC's largest aerospace customer is the SAFRAN Group and sales to SAFRAN (consisting primarily of fan blades and cases for CFM International's LEAP engine) accounted for approximately 16 percent of the Company's consolidated Net revenues in 2023.
AEC net sales to SAFRAN were $142.2 million and $140.8 million in the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively. The total of Accounts receivable, Contract assets and Noncurrent receivables due from SAFRAN amounted to $89.9 million and $93.8 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Other significant programs for AEC include the Sikorsky CH-53K, F-35, JASSM, and Boeing 787 programs. AEC also supplies vacuum waste tanks for the Boeing commercial programs, and specialty components for the Rolls Royce lift fan on the F-35, as well as the fan case for the GE9X engine. For the year ended December 31, 2023, approximately 39 percent of AEC revenues were related to U.S. government contracts or programs.
The following tables show data by reportable segment, reconciled to consolidated totals included in the financial statements:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Net revenues | | | | |
Machine Clothing | $ | 183,033 | | $ | 166,588 | | $ | 561,828 | | $ | 479,027 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | 115,353 | | 114,518 | | 381,882 | | 345,298 | |
Consolidated revenues | $ | 298,386 | | $ | 281,106 | | $ | 943,710 | | $ | 824,325 | |
Operating income/(loss) | | | | |
Machine Clothing | $ | 51,481 | | $ | 50,710 | | $ | 153,276 | | $ | 153,400 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | (10,293) | | 9,374 | | 8,329 | | 27,460 | |
Corporate expenses | (16,017) | | (20,014) | | (54,552) | | (54,747) | |
Consolidated Operating income | $ | 25,171 | | $ | 40,070 | | $ | 107,053 | | $ | 126,113 | |
Reconciling items: | | | | |
Interest income | (1,019) | | (1,826) | | (3,101) | | (4,770) | |
Interest expense | 3,430 | | 5,479 | | 11,781 | | 14,819 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Other (income)/expense, net | 3,257 | | 56 | | 5,932 | | (4,910) | |
Income before income taxes | $ | 19,503 | | $ | 36,361 | | $ | 92,441 | | $ | 120,974 | |
Results for 2024 include Heimbach, which was acquired August 31, 2023. Heimbach contributed $27.8 million and $105.5 million of net revenues and $(4.3) million and $(6.7) million of operating loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. Heimbach contributed $15.6 million of Net revenues and an operating loss of $(0.5) million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively.
Corporate expenses include global information system costs of $7.8 million and $6.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $24.2 million and $19.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Revenue Recognition:
Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of revenues in the Albany Engineered Composites segment and we account for these contracts over time, primarily using the percentage of completion (actual cost to estimated cost) method. That method requires significant judgment and estimation, which could be considerably different if the underlying circumstances were to change. When adjustments in estimated contract revenues or costs are required, any changes from prior estimates are included in earnings in the period the change occurs. Changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts could be caused by increases or decreases in the contract value, revisions to customer delivery requirements, updated labor or overhead rates, factors affecting the supply chain, changes in the evaluation of contract risks and opportunities, or other factors. The cumulative changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts decreased operating income by $22.4 million for the third quarter of 2024 and decreased operating income by $28.3 million for the first nine months of 2024. The negative change in the estimated profitability in the third quarter of 2024 was driven by a few large complex programs, including approximately $13.3 million for various CH-53K programs, approximately $6.5 million on our Gulfstream program, approximately $2.2 million on our F-35 program, and $0.4 million, net, on all other programs. Adjustments in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased operating incomes by $0.9 million and decreased operating income by $4.1 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2023, respectively.
We disaggregate revenue earned from contracts with customers for each of our business segments and product groups based on the timing of revenue recognition, and groupings used for internal review purposes.
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended September 30, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, 2024 |
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total |
Machine Clothing | $ | 182,050 | | $ | 983 | | $ | 183,033 | |
| | | |
Albany Engineered Composites: | | | |
ASC | — | | 40,115 | | 40,115 | |
Other AEC | 4,142 | | 71,096 | | 75,238 | |
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 4,142 | | 111,211 | | 115,353 | |
| | | |
Total revenues | $ | 186,192 | | $ | 112,194 | | $ | 298,386 | |
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended September 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, 2023 |
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total |
Machine Clothing | $ | 165,643 | | $ | 945 | | $ | 166,588 | |
| | | |
Albany Engineered Composites: | | | |
ASC | — | | 46,654 | | 46,654 | |
Other AEC | 4,955 | | 62,909 | | 67,864 | |
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 4,955 | | 109,563 | | 114,518 | |
| | | |
Total revenues | $ | 170,598 | | $ | 110,508 | | $ | 281,106 | |
| | | |
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended September 30, 2024 |
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total |
Machine Clothing | $ | 558,881 | | $ | 2,947 | | $ | 561,828 | |
| | | |
Albany Engineered Composites: | | | |
ASC | — | | 140,146 | | 140,146 | |
Other AEC | 15,908 | | 225,828 | | 241,736 | |
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 15,908 | | 365,974 | | 381,882 | |
| | | |
Total revenues | $ | 574,789 | | $ | 368,921 | | $ | 943,710 | |
| | | |
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended September 30, 2023 |
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total |
Machine Clothing | $ | 476,194 | | $ | 2,833 | | $ | 479,027 | |
| | | |
Albany Engineered Composites: | | | |
ASC | — | | 138,603 | | 138,603 | |
Other AEC | 14,259 | | 192,436 | | 206,695 | |
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 14,259 | | 331,039 | | 345,298 | |
| | | |
Total revenues | $ | 490,453 | | $ | 333,872 | | $ | 824,325 | |
| | | |
The following table disaggregates MC segment revenue by significant product groupings (paper machine clothing ("PMC") and engineered fabrics); and for PMC, the geographical region to which the paper machine clothing was sold:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Americas PMC | $ | 86,408 | | $ | 84,405 | | $ | 258,442 | | $ | 261,937 | |
Eurasia PMC | 70,083 | | 64,493 | | 224,792 | | 164,771 | |
Engineered Fabrics | 26,542 | | 17,690 | | 78,594 | | 52,319 | |
Total Machine Clothing Net revenues | $ | 183,033 | | $ | 166,588 | | $ | 561,828 | | $ | 479,027 | |
| | | | |
We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less. Contracts in the MC segment are generally for periods of less than a year and certain contracts in the AEC segment are relatively short duration firm-fixed-price orders. Remaining performance obligations on contracts that had an original duration of greater than one year totaled $1.1 billion and $759 million as of September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and related primarily to firm fixed price contracts in the AEC segment. Of the remaining performance obligations as of September 30, 2024, we expect to recognize as revenue approximately $40 million during 2024, $167 million during 2025, $147 million during 2026, and the remainder thereafter.
3. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The Company also provides certain postretirement benefits to retired employees in the U.S. and Canada. The Company accrues the cost of providing these benefits during the active service period of the employees.
The composition of the net periodic benefit cost/(income) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pension plans | Other postretirement benefits |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Components of net periodic benefit cost/(income): | | | | |
Service cost | $ | 1,473 | | $ | 986 | | $ | 35 | | $ | 45 | |
Interest cost | 4,545 | | 3,447 | | 1,063 | | 1,405 | |
Expected return on assets | (4,030) | | (3,063) | | — | | — | |
Amortization of prior service cost/(income) | (20) | | (24) | | (93) | | (3,068) | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 556 | | 421 | | (26) | | 621 | |
Net periodic benefit cost/(credit) | $ | 2,524 | | $ | 1,767 | | $ | 979 | | $ | (997) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
The amount of net benefit cost/(credit) is determined at the beginning of each year and generally only varies from quarter to quarter when a significant event occurs, such as a curtailment or a settlement. There were no material curtailments or settlements during the first nine months of 2024 or 2023.
Service cost for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans are reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of net periodic benefit cost are included in the line item Other (income)/expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
4. Restructuring
At MC, restructuring actions were taken in the second and third quarters of 2024 to cease operations at the Company's MC forming fabric manufacturing facility in Chungju, South Korea, and at the Company's Heimbach engineered fabric manufacturing facility in Rochdale, UK. The principal driver of $3.3 million in Restructuring expenses, net for the first nine months of 2024 related to workforce reductions, fixed asset impairments and related costs, as well as charges of $1.3 million in Costs of goods sold for the write-off of inventory. We expect to incur additional restructuring expenses related to these actions throughout the remainder of the year. Restructuring expenses incurred at MC during 2023 were not significant.
At AEC, restructuring activities were related to reductions in the workforce at various AEC locations, which resulted in restructuring expenses of $3.1 million for the first nine months of 2024. Restructuring expenses incurred at AEC during 2023 were not significant.
The following table summarizes charges reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income under "Restructuring expenses, net":
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Machine Clothing | $ | 2,207 | | $ | 82 | | $ | 3,294 | | $ | 227 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | 34 | | — | | 3,144 | | — | |
Corporate expenses | 31 | | — | | 146 | | — | |
Total | $ | 2,272 | | $ | 82 | | $ | 6,584 | | $ | 227 | |
| | | | |
The following tables summarizes charges by type of expense reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income under "Restructuring expenses, net" and "Cost of goods sold":
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Nine months ended September 30, 2024 | Total restructuring costs incurred | Termination and other costs | Impairment of assets |
(in thousands) | | | |
Machine Clothing | $ | 4,581 | | $ | 3,294 | | $ | 1,287 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | 3,144 | | 3,144 | | — | |
Corporate expenses | 146 | | 146 | | — | |
Total | $ | 7,871 | | $ | 6,584 | | $ | 1,287 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 | Total restructuring costs incurred | Termination and other costs | Impairment of assets |
(in thousands) | | | |
Machine Clothing | $ | 227 | | $ | 227 | | $ | — | |
Albany Engineered Composites | — | | — | | — | |
Corporate expenses | — | | — | | — | |
Total | $ | 227 | | $ | 227 | | $ | — | |
The table below presents the year-to-date changes in restructuring liabilities for 2024 and 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | Restructuring charges accrued | Payments | Currency translation /other | September 30, 2024 |
Total termination and other costs | $ | — | | $ | 6,584 | | $ | (4,064) | | $ | 90 | | $ | 2,610 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 31, 2022 | Restructuring charges accrued | Payments | Currency translation /other | September 30, 2023 |
Total termination and other costs | $ | — | | $ | 227 | | $ | (227) | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
| | | | | |
5. Other (Income)/Expense, net
The components of Other (income)/expense, net are:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Currency transaction (gains)/losses | $ | 1,834 | | $ | 511 | | $ | 692 | | $ | (3,622) | |
Derivative instruments losses/(gains) | (485) | | 704 | | 3,788 | | 581 | |
Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs | 48 | | 49 | | 169 | | 140 | |
Components of net periodic pension and postretirement cost other than service cost | 663 | | (15) | | 1,995 | | (260) | |
Other | 1,197 | | (1,193) | | (712) | | (1,749) | |
Total other (income)/expense, net | $ | 3,257 | | $ | 56 | | $ | 5,932 | | $ | (4,910) | |
Other (income)/expense, net, included foreign currency related transactions which resulted in losses of $1.8 million and $0.7 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to losses of $0.5 million and gains of $3.6 million in the same periods last year. In addition, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments included gains of $0.5 million and losses of $3.8 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to losses of $0.7 million and $0.6 million in the same period last year, driven by currency rate movements, most notably the Brazilian Real and Mexican Peso. Other (income)/expense, net, also included net losses of $0.7 million from the divestiture of assets related to Heimbach during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as well as bank fees, amortization of debt issuance costs, and rental income.
6. Income Taxes
The Company's effective income tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Effective income tax rate | 6.6 | % | 25.3 | % | 23.9 | % | 33.0 | % |
| | | | |
Income tax expense for the quarter was computed in accordance with ASC 740-270, Income Taxes – Interim Reporting. Under this method, loss jurisdictions which cannot recognize a tax benefit with regard to their generated losses are excluded from the annual effective tax rate calculation and their taxes will be recorded discretely in each quarter.
Our 2024 estimated annual effective tax rate primarily reflects the 21% federal tax rate, the impact of state and local taxation, the impact of taxation upon foreign operations, and forecasted permanent differences. Our actual effective tax rates were 6.6% and 25.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Our actual effective tax rates were 23.9% and 33.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2024 included a net discrete tax benefit of $8.5 million. This discrete tax benefit is mostly attributable to the true-up of prior year estimated taxes and the release of a valuation allowance in a non-U.S. jurisdiction due to positive evidence indicating that a full valuation allowance was no longer required. The rate for the third quarter of 2024 was lower than the third quarter of 2023 mainly due to favorable discrete tax adjustments in the current period compared to unfavorable discrete tax adjustments in the prior period, partially offset by an unfavorable change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings compared to the prior period.
The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included a net discrete tax benefit of $11.0 million. This discrete tax benefit is mostly attributable to the true-up for prior year estimated taxes, a net decrease in valuation allowances and a net decrease in uncertain tax positions. The rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was lower than the nine months ended September 30, 2023 mainly due to favorable discrete tax adjustments in the current period compared to unfavorable discrete tax adjustments in the prior period, partially offset by an unfavorable change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings compared to the prior period.
The Company is subject to audit in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. Our open tax years for major jurisdictions generally range from 2013-2024. We believe appropriate provisions for all outstanding tax issues have been made for all jurisdictions and all open years. Audit outcomes and the timing of audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months, unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by up to $1.8 million based on current estimates.
7. Earnings Per Share
The amounts used in computing earnings per share and the weighted average number of shares of potentially dilutive securities are as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except earnings per share) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Net income attributable to the Company | $ | 18,029 | | $ | 27,109 | | $ | 69,944 | | $ | 80,670 | |
| | | | |
Weighted average number of shares: | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic net income per share | 31,251 | | 31,185 | | 31,234 | | 31,163 | |
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans: | | | | |
| | | | |
Restricted stock units and multi-year awards | 116 | | 98 | | 99 | | 93 | |
| | | | |
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted net income per share | 31,367 | | 31,283 | | 31,333 | | 31,256 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Net income attributable to the Company per share: | | | | |
Basic | $ | 0.58 | | $ | 0.87 | | $ | 2.24 | | $ | 2.59 | |
Diluted | $ | 0.57 | | $ | 0.87 | | $ | 2.23 | | $ | 2.58 | |
..
8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")
The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | Translation adjustments | Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | Derivative valuation adjustment | Total Other Comprehensive Income |
December 31, 2023 | $ | (124,901) | | $ | (17,346) | | $ | 9,079 | | $ | (133,168) | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, net of tax | (12,472) | | (285) | | 298 | | (12,459) | |
| | | | |
Interest (expense)/income related to swaps reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | | — | | (8,212) | | (8,212) | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | | 290 | | — | | 290 | |
Net current period other comprehensive income | (12,472) | | 5 | | (7,914) | | (20,381) | |
September 30, 2024 | $ | (137,373) | | $ | (17,341) | | $ | 1,165 | | $ | (153,549) | |
The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period from December 31, 2022 to September 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | Translation adjustments | Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | Derivative valuation adjustment | Total Other Comprehensive Income |
December 31, 2022 | $ | (146,851) | | $ | (15,783) | | $ | 17,707 | | $ | (144,927) | |
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, net of tax | (4,326) | | (183) | | 3,386 | | (1,123) | |
| | | | |
Interest (expense)/income related to swaps reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | | — | | (8,136) | | (8,136) | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | | (1,423) | | — | | (1,423) | |
Net current period other comprehensive income | (4,326) | | (1,606) | | (4,750) | | (10,682) | |
September 30, 2023 | $ | (151,177) | | $ | (17,389) | | $ | 12,957 | | $ | (155,609) | |
The components of AOCI that are reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income relate to our pension and postretirement plans and interest rate swaps.
The table below presents the expense/(income) amounts reclassified from AOCI, and the line items of the Consolidated Statements of Income that were affected for the three and nine ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Pre-tax Derivative valuation reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: | | | | |
Interest expense/(income), net related to interest rate swaps included in Income before taxes | $ | (2,675) | | $ | (3,990) | | $ | (10,893) | | $ | (10,891) | |
Income tax effect | 658 | | 1,009 | | 2,681 | | 2,755 | |
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | $ | (2,017) | | $ | (2,981) | | $ | (8,212) | | $ | (8,136) | |
| | | | |
Pre-tax pension and postretirement liabilities reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: | | | | |
| | | | |
Amortization of prior service credit | $ | (37) | | $ | (1,031) | | $ | (113) | | $ | (3,092) | |
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 176 | | 349 | | 530 | | 1,042 | |
Total pre-tax amount reclassified (a) | 139 | | (682) | | 417 | | (2,050) | |
Income tax effect | (42) | | 208 | | (127) | | 627 | |
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | $ | 97 | | $ | (474) | | $ | 290 | | $ | (1,423) | |
(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 3. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans).
9. Noncontrolling Interests
Effective October 31, 2013, Safran S.A. (Safran) acquired a 10 percent equity interest in Albany Safran Composites, LLC ("ASC").
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Heimbach, a privately held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany. In July 2021, Heimbach acquired 85% of Arcari, SRL (“Arcari”). Arcari is a manufacturer of textile and plastic industrial technical products and conveyor belts. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the net income/(loss) attributable to Arcari’s noncontrolling interest was less than $0.1 million and the noncontrolling interest balance at September 30, 2024 was $0.4 million.
The table below presents a reconciliation of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling equity in the Company’s subsidiaries:
| | | | | | | | |
ASC Noncontrolling Interest | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 |
Net income of Albany Safran Composites (ASC) | $ | 3,754 | | $ | 4,929 | |
Less: Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding | 850 | | 974 | |
Net income of ASC available for common ownership | $ | 2,904 | | $ | 3,955 | |
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder | 10 | % | 10 | % |
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | $ | 290 | | $ | 396 | |
| | |
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year | $ | 5,423 | | $ | 4,494 | |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 290 | | 396 | |
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | (481) | | 317 | |
ASC Noncontrolling interest, end of interim period | $ | 5,232 | | $ | 5,207 | |
| | |
| | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Arcari Noncontrolling interest, end of interim period | $ | 447 | | $ | 1,587 | |
| | |
| | |
Total Noncontrolling interest, end of interim period | $ | 5,679 | | $ | 6,794 | |
| | |
10. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable, net includes Trade and other accounts receivable and Bank promissory notes, net of Allowance for expected credit losses. In connection with certain revenues in Asia, the Company accepts a bank promissory note as customer payment. The notes may be presented for payment at maturity, which is less than one year. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
Trade and other accounts receivable | $ | 254,194 | | $ | 272,351 | |
Bank promissory notes | 21,535 | | 20,690 | |
Allowance for expected credit losses | (3,754) | | (5,260) | |
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 271,975 | | $ | 287,781 | |
The Company had Noncurrent receivables in the AEC segment that represent revenue earned, which had extended payment terms. In 2023, the payment terms were amended and the Noncurrent receivables are now included in Trade and other accounts receivable. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Noncurrent receivables consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
Noncurrent receivables | $ | — | | $ | 4,414 | |
Allowance for expected credit losses | — | | (22) | |
Noncurrent receivables, net | $ | — | | $ | 4,392 | |
11. Contract Assets and Liabilities
Contract assets include unbilled amounts typically resulting from revenues under contracts when the over time method of revenue recognition is utilized, and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. Contract assets are transferred to Accounts receivable, net when the entitlement to pay becomes unconditional and the customer is invoiced. Contract liabilities include advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. Contract liabilities are included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Contract assets and Contract liabilities are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Contract assets and Contract liabilities consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
Contract assets | $ | 196,765 | | $ | 183,189 | |
Allowance for expected credit losses | (983) | | (908) | |
Contract assets, net | $ | 195,782 | | $ | 182,281 | |
| | |
Contract liabilities | $ | 7,122 | | $ | 7,127 | |
Contract assets, net increased $13.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in unbilled revenue, primarily related to commercial and space programs. There were no impairment losses related to our Contract assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.
Contract liabilities are essentially flat for the period ended September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023, primarily due to revenue recognized from satisfied performance obligations were essentially offset by customer advance payments for commercial and defense programs. Revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 that was included in the Contract liability balance at the beginning of the year was $3.7 million and $14.4 million, respectively.
12. Inventories
Costs included in inventories are raw materials, labor, supplies and allocable depreciation and overhead. Raw material inventories are valued on an average cost basis. Other inventory cost elements are valued at cost, using the first-in, first-out method. The Company writes down the inventories for estimated obsolescence and to lower of cost or net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the Company, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Once established, the original cost of the inventory less the related write-down represents the new cost basis of such inventories.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, Inventories consisted of the following:
| | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
Raw materials | $ | 84,257 | | $ | 79,611 | |
Work in process | 54,772 | | 67,743 | |
Finished goods | 21,588 | | 22,213 | |
Total inventories | $ | 160,617 | | $ | 169,567 | |
13. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The following table sets forth the gross carrying value, accumulated amortization and net values of intangible assets and goodwill as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2024 |
(in thousands) | Amortization life in years | Gross carrying amount | Accumulated amortization | Net carrying amount |
| | | | |
Finite-lived assets: | | | | |
AEC Trademarks and trade names | 6-15 | $ | 208 | | $ | (194) | | $ | 14 | |
AEC Technology | 10-15 | 6,226 | | (3,201) | | 3,025 | |
AEC Intellectual property | 15 | 1,250 | | (402) | | 848 | |
AEC Customer relationships | 8-15 | 69,395 | | (46,500) | | 22,895 | |
Heimbach Developed technology | 9 | 9,166 | | (1,090) | | 8,076 | |
Total Finite-lived intangible assets | | $ | 86,245 | | $ | (51,387) | | $ | 34,858 | |
| | | | |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | | | | |
Heimbach Trade name | | $ | 6,138 | | $ | — | | $ | 6,138 | |
MC Goodwill | | 67,407 | | — | | 67,407 | |
AEC Goodwill | | 113,505 | | — | | 113,505 | |
Total Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | | $ | 187,050 | | $ | — | | $ | 187,050 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| December 31, 2023 |
(in thousands) | Amortization life in years | Gross carrying amount | Accumulated amortization | Net carrying amount |
| | | | |
Finite-lived assets: | | | | |
AEC Trademarks and trade names | 6-15 | $ | 208 | | $ | (186) | | $ | 22 | |
AEC Technology | 10-15 | 6,161 | | (2,735) | | 3,426 | |
AEC Intellectual property | 15 | 1,250 | | (339) | | 911 | |
AEC Customer relationships | 8-15 | 69,360 | | (43,875) | | 25,485 | |
Heimbach Developed technology | 9 | 9,042 | | (310) | | 8,732 | |
Total Finite-lived assets | | $ | 86,021 | | $ | (47,445) | | $ | 38,576 | |
| | | | |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | | | | |
Heimbach Trade name | | $ | 6,070 | | $ | — | | $ | 6,070 | |
MC Goodwill | | 66,873 | | — | | 66,873 | |
AEC Goodwill | | 113,308 | | — | | 113,308 | |
Total Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | | $ | 186,251 | | $ | — | | $ | 186,251 | |
The changes in intangible assets, net and goodwill from December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024, were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | Other Changes | Amortization | Currency Translation | September 30, 2024 |
Finite-lived intangible assets: | | | | | |
AEC Trademarks and trade names | $ | 22 | | $ | — | | $ | (8) | | $ | — | | $ | 14 | |
AEC Technology | 3,426 | | — | | (428) | | 27 | | 3,025 | |
AEC Intellectual property | 911 | | — | | (63) | | — | | 848 | |
AEC Customer relationships | 25,485 | | — | | (2,611) | | 21 | | 22,895 | |
Heimbach Developed technology | 8,732 | | — | | (767) | | 111 | | 8,076 | |
Total Finite-lived intangible assets | $ | 38,576 | | $ | — | | $ | (3,877) | | $ | 159 | | $ | 34,858 | |
| | | | | |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets: | | | | | |
Heimbach Trade name | $ | 6,070 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 68 | | $ | 6,138 | |
MC Goodwill | 66,873 | | — | | — | | 534 | | 67,407 | |
AEC Goodwill | 113,308 | | — | | — | | 197 | | 113,505 | |
Total Indefinite-lived assets: | $ | 186,251 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 799 | | $ | 187,050 | |
In the second quarter of 2024, management performed the quantitative assessment approach in conducting its annual evaluation of goodwill and indefinite-lived trademark intangibles and concluded that no impairment provision was required. Our goodwill has been allocated to and is tested for impairment at a level referred to as the reporting unit, which management determined to be the business segment level. As part of the quantitative assessment, management used the income and market approach to determine fair value by considering projected cash flows and market multiples for the Machine Clothing reporting unit and the AEC reporting unit. Management performed the quantitative assessments and concluded that each reporting unit’s fair value continued to significantly exceed its carrying value. In addition, there were no amounts at risk due to the estimated spread between the fair and carrying values. Accordingly, no impairment charges were recorded.
In the third quarter, the Company revised its estimates and assumptions used in certain program estimates at completion of its AEC reporting unit. As a result, on October 3, 2024, the Company reported a preliminary update to its full year outlook to reflect revised revenue and profitability expectations for the AEC segment. As a result of the change in estimates of certain program revenues and profits, we performed a qualitative assessment of the AEC reporting unit’s goodwill for impairment and concluded that goodwill was not impaired. The excess of the fair value of the AEC reporting unit over its carrying value reduced approximately 26% from previous quarters; and fair value continues to exceed the carrying value by more than 20%.
14. Financial Instruments
Debt principally consists of a revolving credit agreement and foreign bank debt assumed in the 2023 acquisition of Heimbach. The following table represents the Company's outstanding debt:
| | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands, except interest rates) | September 30, 2024 | December 31, 2023 |
| Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (1) | $ | 360,000 | | $ | 446,000 | |
| Foreign bank debt | 2,194 | | 10,885 | |
| Total bank debt | 362,194 | | 456,885 | |
| Less: Current maturities of long-term debt | 555 | | 4,218 | |
| Long-term debt | $ | 361,639 | | $ | 452,667 | |
| (1) the credit facility matures in August 2028. At the end of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the interest rate in effect was 2.50% and 3.49%, respectively, including the effect of interest rate hedging transactions, as described below. |
Amended Credit Agreement
On August 16, 2023, we entered into a $800 million unsecured committed Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), which matures in August of 2028. The applicable interest rate for borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement is based on Term SOFR plus a spread, which is based on our leverage ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) at the time of a borrowing as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Leverage Ratio | Commitment Fee | ABR Spread | Term Benchmark/ Daily Simple SOFR Spread |
<1.00:1.00 | 0.275% | 0.500% | 1.500% |
≥ 1.00:1.00 and < 2.00:1.00 | 0.300% | 0.625% | 1.625% |
≥ 2.00:1.00 and < 3.00:1.00 | 0.325% | 0.750% | 1.750% |
≥ 3.00:1.00 | 0.350% | 1.000% | 2.000% |
As of September 30, 2024, the applicable interest rate for borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement was based on one-month term SOFR plus the spread, which was 1.50%.
As of September 30, 2024, there was $360 million of borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement and we had borrowings available of $440 million, based on our maximum leverage ratio and our Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement).
Under the Amended Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not greater than 3.75 to 1.00, or 4.25 to 1.00 after a significant acquisition. We are also required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of greater than 3.00 to 1.00. If our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00, we will be restricted in paying dividends to a maximum amount of $40 million in a calendar year.
As of September 30, 2024, our leverage ratio was 0.99 to 1.00 and our interest coverage ratio was 15.39 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2024, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants. We anticipate continued compliance in each of the next four quarters while continuing to monitor future compliance based on current and future economic conditions.
The borrowings are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, including all significant U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions), as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. Our ability to borrow additional amounts under the Amended Credit Agreement is conditional upon the absence of any defaults, as well as the absence of any material adverse change (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement).
Interest Rate Swaps
From time to time, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to manage the interest rate risk associated with its outstanding variable-interest rate borrowings. Such contracts are intended to economically hedge the reference rate component of future interest payments associated with outstanding borrowings under the Company’s Amended Credit Agreement. In 2021, we entered into interest rate swap agreements for the period of October 17, 2022 through October 27, 2024, to hedge $350 million of variable-interest rate indebtedness. The interest rate swaps are accounted for as a hedge of future cash flows, as further described in Note 15, Fair-Value Measurements. No cash collateral was received or pledged in relation to the swap agreements.
As of September 30, 2024, the all-in rate on the $350 million of debt was 2.38%. Upon the expiration of the interest rate swap on October 28, 2024, our interest cost will increase significantly. Beginning in October 2024, our interest cost will be calculated using a floating rate based on the one-month term SOFR.
15. Fair-Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
•Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
•Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
We had no Level 3 financial assets or liabilities at September 30, 2024 or at December 31, 2023, other than certain pension assets as indicated in our December 31, 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table presents the fair-value hierarchy for our Level 1 and Level 2 financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2024 | | December 31, 2023 |
| Quoted prices in active markets | | Significant other observable inputs | | Quoted prices in active markets | | Significant other observable inputs |
(in thousands) | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) |
Fair Value | | | | | | | |
Assets: | | | | | | | |
Cash equivalents | $ | 13,401 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 27,157 | | | $ | — | |
Foreign currency option contracts | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,725 | |
Foreign currency forward contracts | — | | | — | | | — | | | 199 | |
Other Assets: | | | | | | | |
Common stock of unaffiliated foreign public company (a) | 693 | | | — | | | 682 | | | — | |
Interest rate swaps | — | | | 1,722 | | | — | | | 12,214 | |
Liabilities | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency forward contracts | — | | | (1,105) | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
(a)Original cost basis $0.5 million.
Cash equivalents include short-term securities that are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradable. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities.
The interest rate swaps are accounted for as hedges of future cash flows. The fair value of our interest rate swaps is derived from a discounted cash flow analysis based on the terms of the contract and the interest rate curve, and is included in Other assets and/or Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts determined to be due within one year are reclassified to Other current assets and/or Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on the interest rate swaps flow through the caption Derivative valuation adjustment in the Shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts accumulated in Other comprehensive income are reclassified as interest expense/(income), net when the related interest payments (that is, the hedged forecasted transactions), affect earnings. Interest expense/(income) related to payments under the active swap agreements totaled $(10.9) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and $(10.9) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
We operate our business in many regions of the world, and currency rate movements can have a significant effect on operating results. Foreign currency instruments are entered into periodically and consist of foreign currency option contracts and forward contracts that are valued using quoted prices in active markets obtained from independent pricing sources. These instruments are measured using market foreign exchange prices and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other current assets and Accrued liabilities, as applicable. Changes in fair value of these instruments are recorded as gains or losses within Other (income)/expense, net.
When exercised, the foreign currency instruments are net-settled with the same financial institution that bought or sold them. For all positions, whether options or forward contracts, there is a risk from the possible inability of the financial institution to meet the terms of the contracts and the risk of unfavorable changes in interest and currency rates, which may reduce the value of the instruments. We seek to mitigate risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of counterparties and by monitoring the currency exchange and interest rate markets while reviewing the hedging risks and contracts to ensure compliance with our internal guidelines and policies.
(Gains)/losses related to changes in fair value of derivative instruments that were recognized in Other (income)/expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | | | | |
Foreign currency options (gains)/losses | $ | (485) | | $ | 704 | | $ | 3,788 | | $ | 581 | |
16. Commitments and Contingencies
Asbestos Litigation
Albany International Corp. is a defendant in suits brought in various courts in the United States by plaintiffs who allege that they have suffered personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing paper machine clothing synthetic dryer fabrics marketed during the period from 1967 to 1976 and used in certain paper mills. We were defending 3,642 claims as of September 30, 2024.
The following table sets forth the number of claims filed, the number of claims settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved, and the aggregate settlement amount during the periods presented:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands, except number of claims) | Opening Number of Claims | Claims Dismissed, Settled, or Resolved | New Claims | Closing Number of Claims | Amounts Paid to Settle or Resolve |
For the period ended December 31, 2023 | 3,598 | | 19 | | 27 | | 3,606 | | $ | 74 | |
For the period ended September 30, 2024 | 3,606 | | 9 | | 45 | | 3,642 | | $ | 13 | |
We anticipate that additional claims will be filed against the Company and related companies in the future but are unable to predict the number and timing of such future claims. Due to the fact that information sufficient to meaningfully estimate a range of possible loss of a particular claim is typically not available until late in the discovery process, we do not believe a meaningful estimate can be made regarding the range of possible loss with respect to pending or future claims and therefore are unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of amounts already accrued for pending or future claims.
While we believe we have meritorious defenses to these claims, we have settled certain claims for amounts we consider reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each case. Our insurance carrier has defended each case and funded settlements under a standard reservation of rights. As of September 30, 2024, we had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 38,050 claims at a total cost of $10.7 million. Of this amount, almost 100% was paid by our insurance carrier, who has confirmed that we have approximately $140 million of remaining coverage under primary and excess policies that should be available with respect to current and future asbestos claims.
The Company’s subsidiary, Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. (“Brandon”), is also a separate defendant in many of the asbestos cases in which Albany is named as a defendant, despite never having manufactured any fabrics containing asbestos. While Brandon was defending against 7,676 claims as of September 30, 2024, only twelve claims have been filed against Brandon since January 1, 2012, and only $15,000 in settlement costs have been incurred since 2001. Brandon was acquired by the Company in 1999 and has its own insurance policies covering periods prior to 1999. Since 2004, Brandon’s insurance carriers have covered 100% of indemnification and defense costs, subject to policy limits and a standard reservation of rights.
In some of these asbestos cases, the Company is named both as a direct defendant and as the “successor in interest” to Mount Vernon Mills (“Mount Vernon”). We acquired certain assets from Mount Vernon in 1993. Certain plaintiffs allege injury caused by asbestos-containing products alleged to have been sold by Mount Vernon many years prior to this acquisition. Mount Vernon is contractually obligated to indemnify the Company against any liability arising out of such products. We deny any liability for products sold by Mount Vernon prior to the acquisition of the Mount Vernon assets. Pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations, Mount Vernon has assumed the defense of these claims. On this basis, we have successfully moved for dismissal in a number of actions.
We currently do not anticipate, based on currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of the aforementioned proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash
flows of the Company. Although we cannot predict the number and timing of future claims, based on the foregoing factors, the trends in claims filed against us, and available insurance, we also do not currently anticipate that potential future claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
17. Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
The following table summarizes changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the period December 31, 2023 to September 30, 2024:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class A Common Stock | | Additional paid-in capital | Retained earnings | Accumulated items of other comprehensive income | Class A Treasury Stock | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Shareholders' Equity |
| Shares | Amount | | | Shares | Amount |
December 31, 2023 | 40,856 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 448,218 | | $ | 1,010,942 | | $ | (133,168) | | 9,662 | | $ | (364,665) | | $ | 5,952 | | $ | 967,320 | |
Net income | — | | — | | | | — | | 27,291 | | — | | — | | — | | 78 | | 27,369 | |
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 42 | | — | | | | 810 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 810 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.26 per share | — | | — | | | | — | | (8,122) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (8,122) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (12,116) | | — | | — | | 46 | | (12,070) | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 382 | | — | | — | | — | | 382 | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (2,124) | | — | | — | | — | | (2,124) | |
March 31, 2024 | 40,898 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 449,028 | | $ | 1,030,111 | | $ | (147,026) | | 9,662 | | $ | (364,665) | | $ | 6,076 | | $ | 973,565 | |
Net income | — | | — | | | | — | | 24,624 | | — | | — | | — | | 96 | | 24,720 | |
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | — | | — | | | | 2,530 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 2,530 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued to Directors' | 10 | | — | | | 903 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 903 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.26 per share | — | | — | | | | — | | (8,123) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (8,123) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (17,287) | | — | | — | | (366) | | (17,653) | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 246 | | — | | — | | — | | 246 | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (2,840) | | — | | — | | — | | (2,840) | |
June 30, 2024 | 40,908 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 452,461 | | $ | 1,046,612 | | $ | (166,907) | | 9,662 | | $ | (364,665) | | $ | 5,806 | | $ | 973,348 | |
Net income | — | | — | | | | — | | 18,029 | | — | | — | | — | | 192 | | 18,221 | |
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 9 | | — | | | | 195 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 195 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.26 per share | — | | — | | | | — | | (8,127) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (8,127) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (166) | | (166) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 16,931 | | — | | — | | (153) | | 16,778 | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (623) | | — | | — | | — | | (623) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (2,950) | | — | | — | | — | | (2,950) | |
September 30, 2024 | 40,917 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 452,656 | | $ | 1,056,514 | | $ | (153,549) | | 9,662 | | $ | (364,665) | | $ | 5,679 | | $ | 996,676 | |
The following table summarizes changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the period December 31, 2022 to September 30, 2023:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Class A Common Stock | | Additional paid-in capital | Retained earnings | Accumulated items of other comprehensive income | Class A Treasury Stock | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Shareholders' Equity |
(in thousands) | Shares | Amount | | | Shares | Amount |
December 31, 2022 | 40,785 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 441,540 | | $ | 931,318 | | $ | (144,927) | | 9,675 | | $ | (364,923) | | $ | 4,494 | | $ | 867,543 | |
Net income | — | | — | | | | — | | 26,889 | | — | | — | | — | | 197 | | 27,086 | |
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 58 | | — | | | | 378 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 378 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.25 per share | — | | — | | | | — | | (7,792) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (7,792) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 13,881 | | — | | — | | 238 | | 14,119 | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (916) | | — | | — | | — | | (916) | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (2,902) | | — | | — | | — | | (2,902) | |
March 31, 2023 | 40,842 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 441,917 | | $ | 950,415 | | $ | (134,864) | | 9,675 | | $ | (364,923) | | $ | 4,929 | | $ | 897,515 | |
Net income | — | | — | | | | — | | 26,672 | | — | | — | | — | | 154 | | 26,826 | |
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | — | | — | | | | 811 | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 811 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Shares issued to Directors' | — | | — | | | | 828 | | — | | — | | (12) | | 258 | | — | | 1,086 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.25 per share | — | | — | | | | — | | (7,795) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (7,795) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (2,568) | | — | | — | | 179 | | (2,389) | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (724) | | — | | — | | — | | (724) | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 389 | | — | | — | | — | | 389 | |
June 30, 2023 | 40,842 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 443,556 | | $ | 969,292 | | $ | (137,767) | | 9,663 | | $ | (364,665) | | $ | 5,262 | | $ | 915,719 | |
Net income | — | | — | | | | — | | 27,109 | | — | | — | | — | | 45 | | 27,154 | |
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 15 | | — | | | | 2,914 | | — | | — | | (1) | | — | | — | | 2,914 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.25 per share | — | | — | | | | — | | (7,799) | | — | | — | | — | | — | | (7,799) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Initial equity related to Noncontrolling interest in Arcari | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | — | | — | | — | | 1,632 | | 1,632 | |
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (15,639) | | — | | — | | (145) | | (15,784) | |
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | 34 | | — | | — | | — | | 34 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | | — | | | | — | | — | | (2,237) | | — | | — | | — | | (2,237) | |
September 30, 2023 | 40,857 | | $ | 41 | | | | $ | 446,470 | | $ | 988,602 | | $ | (155,609) | | 9,662 | | $ | (364,665) | | $ | 6,794 | | $ | 921,633 | |
18. Business Combination
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired all the outstanding shares of Heimbach, a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, there were no material adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As of September 30, 2024, management’s review of the purchase price allocation has been completed.
19. Subsequent Events
We evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of these financial statements in Form 10-Q. No material subsequent events were identified that require disclosure.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes.
Forward-looking Statements
This quarterly report and the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this quarterly report contain statements concerning our future results and performance and other matters that are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” "forecast," ”look for,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “guide” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Because forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, (including, without limitation, those set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or prior Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
There are a number of risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:
•Conditions in the industries in which our Machine Clothing and Albany Engineered Composites segments compete, along with the general risks associated with macroeconomic conditions, including higher interest rates, inflationary pressures, or the effects of another pandemic, for an extended period of time;
•Across the entire Company, increasing labor, raw material, energy, or logistics costs due to supply chain constraints and inflationary pressures. These challenges have only increased as a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East;
•Across both segments, potential ports strikes could cause additional disruptions to our supply chain;
•Harm caused by changes in our relationships or contracts with suppliers and customers;
•In the Machine Clothing segment, greater than anticipated declines in the demand for publication grades of paper, or lower than anticipated growth in other paper grades;
•In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, longer-than-expected timeframe for the aerospace industry to utilize existing inventories, unanticipated reductions in demand, delays, technical difficulties, and cancellations in aerospace programs that are expected to generate revenue and drive long-term growth;
•Inability of our Machine Clothing or Albany Engineered Composite segments to create additional production capacity in a timely manner or the occurrence of other manufacturing or supply difficulties (including as a result of geopolitical crises, natural disaster, public health crises and epidemics/pandemics, regulatory or otherwise);
•Changes in geopolitical conditions impacting countries where the Company does or intends to do business;
•Failure to achieve or maintain anticipated profitable growth;
•Failure to achieve our strategic initiatives and other goals, including, but not limited to, our sustainability goals;
•In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, the estimates and expectations based on aircraft production rates provided by Airbus, Boeing and others;
•In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, risks and uncertainties associated with the successful implementation and ramp up of significant new programs, including the ability to manufacture the products to the detailed specifications required and recover start-up costs and other investments in the programs;
•In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, risks associated with changes in estimates and assumptions that could result in a decline in program gross margins or turn a profitable program into a loss program;
•Adverse impacts from inflation, an economic slowdown or recession and by disruption in capital and credit markets that might impede our access to credit, increase our borrowing costs and impair the financial soundness of our customers and suppliers;
•Expectations regarding our ability to attract, motivate, and retain the workforce necessary to execute our business strategy and other goals;
•Adverse impacts from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
•Harm caused by large customer purchase reductions, payment defaults or contract non-renewal;
•In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, future funding and compliance risks associated with our contracts with government entities, OEM customers or prime contractors on contracts with government entities;
•Costly and disruptive legal disputes and settlements;
•Future levels of indebtedness and capital expenditures;
•Adverse impacts from changes in tax legislation or challenges to our tax positions;
•Cybersecurity incidents or significant computer system compromises or data breaches;
•Significant problems with information systems or networks;
•Failure to adequately integrate the Heimbach Group companies into our business systems and processes within the expected timeframe or, failure to or delayed realization of anticipated benefits of the acquisition could adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations; and
•Other risks and uncertainties detailed in this report and other periodic reports.
Further information concerning important factors that could cause actual events or results to be materially different from the forward-looking statements can be found in the “Business Environment Overview and Trends” sections of this quarterly report, as well as in the Item 1A-“Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our other forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it is not possible to foresee or identify all factors that could have a material and negative impact on our future performance. The forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this report are made on the basis of our assumptions and analyses, as of the time the statements are made, in light of our experience and perception of historical conditions, expected future developments, and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances.
Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligations or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference in this report to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Business Environment Overview and Trends
Machine Clothing Segment
During the third quarter of 2024, the Company announced that Merle Stein was appointed President of the Machine Clothing (“MC”) segment, after serving as the Segment’s Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Stein has considerable experience in the paper and pulp industries, significant knowledge of the MC business, and a strategic understanding of the markets it serves. Mr. Stein joined the Company in 2011.
The MC segment global backlog is stable and profitability continues to improve despite challenges in Europe, and, to a lesser degree, softness in China. North America is stable. The integration of Heimbach is on track with our internal plans. We transitioned Heimbach’s Paper Machine Clothing (“PMC”) businesses onto our SAP platform in July, an integral step to integrate Heimbach into the MC business.
Albany Engineered Composites Segment
In the third quarter, the Company announced the appointment of Christopher Stone as President of the Albany Engineered Composites segment. Mr. Stone brings a deep knowledge of the Aerospace and Defense industry, and considerable operational experiences to his new role. He has held a wide range of leadership positions at public companies, with a focus in manufacturing and supply chain management, business operations, production control, logistics and organizational transformation.
The AEC segment continues to ramp-up production levels on commercial, defense, and space programs. In the third quarter of 2024, the Company updated its labor, material input and scrap assumptions and estimates of certain long-term programs that resulted in a negative cumulative change in estimated profitability in the amount of $22.4
million. The negative cumulative change in profitability was primarily driven by a few large complex programs, including $13.3 million for various CH-53K programs, $6.5 million on our Gulfstream program, $2.2 million on our F-35 program, and $0.4 million, net on all other programs.
Boeing and Airbus SE had earlier announced increases in build rates in 2024 compared to 2023. During the year, both OEMs announced slower production rates than initially projected. We are seeing lower production rates on our Boeing 787 program causing AEC to slow its production on its content for this program for the remainder of 2024. Furthermore, although we have not yet experienced an adverse impact as a result of the Boeing Machinist strike, we are monitoring the strike and its potential impact on our future production rates.
Airbus SE has indicated that their expected ramp on the A320 will be pushed out beyond previous expectations. We have decreased our LEAP production forecast for the remainder of 2024; and we are working with our customer, Safran, to determine the appropriate production volumes for our LEAP production into 2025.
Also, please refer to the Business Environment Overview and Trends in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and in our Forms 10-Q previously filed with the SEC in 2024. The Annual Report on Form 10-K, along with the Company's other filings, can be found on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website, www.sec.gov, as well as on the Company's website: www.albint.com.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net Revenues
The following table summarizes our Net revenues by business segment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | % Change | 2024 | 2023 | % Change |
Machine Clothing | $ | 183,033 | | $ | 166,588 | | 9.9 | % | $ | 561,828 | | $ | 479,027 | | 17.3 | % |
Albany Engineered Composites | 115,353 | | 114,518 | | 0.7 | % | 381,882 | | 345,298 | | 10.6 | % |
Total | $ | 298,386 | | $ | 281,106 | | 6.1 | % | $ | 943,710 | | $ | 824,325 | | 14.5 | % |
The following tables provide a comparison of 2024 Net revenues, excluding currency translation effects, to 2023 Net revenues:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands, except percentages) | Net revenues as reported, Q3 2024 | (Decrease)/ increase due to changes in currency translation rates | Q3 2024 revenues on same basis as Q3 2023 currency translation rates | Net revenues as reported, Q3 2023 | % Change compared to Q3 2023, excluding currency rate effects |
Machine Clothing | $ | 183,033 | | $ | 727 | | $ | 182,306 | | $ | 166,588 | | 9.4 | % |
Albany Engineered Composites | 115,353 | | 159 | | 115,194 | | 114,518 | | 0.6 | % |
Total | $ | 298,386 | | $ | 886 | | $ | 297,500 | | $ | 281,106 | | 5.8 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(in thousands, except percentages) | Net revenues as reported, YTD 2024 | (Decrease)/ increase due to changes in currency translation rates | YTD 2024 revenues on same basis as 2023 currency translation rates | Net revenues as reported, YTD 2023 | % Change compared to 2023, excluding currency rate effects |
Machine Clothing | $ | 561,828 | | $ | (999) | | $ | 562,827 | | $ | 479,027 | | 17.5 | % |
Albany Engineered Composites | 381,882 | | 161 | | 381,721 | | 345,298 | | 10.5 | % |
Total | $ | 943,710 | | $ | (838) | | $ | 944,548 | | $ | 824,325 | | 14.6 | % |
| | | | | |
Three month comparison
Net revenues increased 6.1% compared to the same period in 2023, driven by an increase in Net revenues from the Heimbach acquisition and stable Net revenues in AEC in line with the prior year, partially offset by lower organic Net revenues at MC.
MC's Net revenues increased 9.9% compared to the third quarter of 2023 driven by an increase in Heimbach Net revenues of $17.4 million. This was partially offset by $1.7 million of lower Net Revenues in the rest of the segment, due to lower revenues in packaging and publication grades. In addition, changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing Net revenues $0.7 million.
AEC's Net revenues were largely in line with the prior year, increasing $0.8 million or 0.7%, primarily driven by growth on certain commercial and space programs, which was partially offset by lower revenues on CH-53K and other defense programs. Changes in currency translation rates had an insignificant effect on Net revenues.
Nine month comparison
Net revenues increased 14.5% compared to the same period in 2023, driven by an increase of Net revenues from the Heimbach acquisition and higher Net revenues in AEC, partially offset by lower organic Net revenues at MC.
MC's Net revenues increased 17.3% compared to the same period in 2023 driven by an increase in Heimbach Net revenues of $95.0 million. This was partially offset by $11.2 million of lower Net revenues in the rest of the segment, driven primarily by weakness in publication globally, and in most grades in Europe, as well as decreased sales in packaging grades. Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of decreasing Net revenues $1.0 million.
AEC's Net revenues increased 10.6%, primarily driven by growth on certain commercial and space programs, which was partially offset by lower revenues on the F-35 program. Changes in currency translation rates had an insignificant effect on Net revenues.
Gross Profit
The following table summarizes Gross profit by business segment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Machine Clothing | $ | 88,921 | | $ | 79,257 | | $ | 262,449 | | $ | 238,031 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | 1,463 | | 22,578 | | 49,004 | | 65,826 | |
Total | $ | 90,384 | | $ | 101,835 | | $ | 311,453 | | $ | 303,857 | |
% of Net revenues | 30.3 | % | 36.2 | % | 33.0 | % | 36.9 | % |
Three month comparison
The decrease in 2024 Gross profit, as compared to the same period last year, was driven by increased cost assumptions that adjusted the expected profitability of certain long-term contracts in the AEC segment. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues was as follows:
•MC's gross profit margin increased from 47.6% in 2023 to 48.6% in 2024, primarily attributable to reduced input costs.
•AEC's gross profit margin decreased from 19.7% in 2023 to 1.3% in 2024, driven primarily by cumulative changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts, which decreased gross profit by $22.4 million in 2024, as compared to a increase of $0.9 million during the same period last year.
Nine month comparison
The decrease in Gross profit during the first nine months of 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023, was driven by increased cost assumptions that adjusted the expected profitability of certain long-term contracts in the AEC segment. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues was as follows:
•MC's gross profit margin decreased from 49.7% in 2023 to 46.7% in 2024. This margin decrease was primarily attributable to lower gross margin at Heimbach.
•AEC's gross profit margin decreased from 19.1% in 2023 to 12.8% in 2024, driven primarily by cumulative changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts, which decreased gross profit by $28.3 million in
2024, as compared to a decrease of $4.1 million during the same period last year, partially offset by a favorable shift in revenue mix to commercial and space programs.
Selling, General, and Administrative ("SG&A")
The following table summarizes SG&A expenses by business segment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Machine Clothing | $ | 28,191 | | $ | 22,442 | | $ | 83,813 | | $ | 66,197 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | 7,920 | | 9,519 | | 24,228 | | 26,270 | |
Corporate expenses | 15,986 | | 20,014 | | 54,406 | | 54,747 | |
Total | $ | 52,097 | | $ | 51,975 | | $ | 162,447 | | $ | 147,214 | |
% of Net revenues | 17.5 | % | 18.5 | % | 17.2 | % | 17.9 | % |
Three month comparison
Consolidated SG&A expenses increased 0.2% as compared to 2023, however, as a percentage of Net revenues, SG&A expenses decreased from 18.5% in 2023 to 17.5% in 2024.
•MC SG&A expenses increased $5.7 million as compared to 2023, with a $3.9 million increase related to Heimbach, a $1.2 million increase due to changes in currency translation rates, and a $0.6 million increase in professional, consulting, and personnel-related costs.
•In AEC, SG&A expenses decreased $1.6 million, primarily driven by lower incentive compensation and personnel-related costs.
•Corporate SG&A expenses decreased $4.0 million, principally due to lower incentive compensation and personnel-related costs.
Nine month comparison
Consolidated SG&A expenses increased 10.3% as compared to 2023, however, as a percentage of Net revenues, SG&A expenses decreased from 17.9% in 2023 to 17.2% in 2024.
The overall increase in SG&A expenses in the first nine months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, was due to the net effect of the following:
•MC SG&A expenses increased $17.6 million as compared to 2023, with a $20.4 million increase related to Heimbach and a $0.9 million increase related to personnel-related and travel costs, partially offset by a $3.7 million decrease due to changes in currency translation rates.
•In AEC, SG&A expenses decreased $2.0 million, driven by a $0.8 million decrease in personnel-related costs, a $0.8 million decrease in marketing costs, and a $0.4 million decrease in professional and consulting fees.
•Corporate SG&A expenses remained largely in line with the prior year, decreasing $0.3 million.
Technical and Research
The following table summarizes technical and research expenses by business segment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Machine Clothing | $ | 7,042 | | $ | 6,023 | | $ | 22,066 | | $ | 18,207 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | 3,802 | | 3,685 | | 13,303 | | 12,096 | |
| | | | |
Total | $ | 10,844 | | $ | 9,708 | | $ | 35,369 | | $ | 30,303 | |
% of Net revenues | 3.6 | % | 3.5 | % | 3.7 | % | 3.7 | % |
Three month comparison
Consolidated Technical and research expenses increased 11.7% as compared to 2023 and as a percentage of Net revenues increased from 3.5% in 2023 to 3.6% in 2024.
•MC Technical and research expenses increased $1.0 million as compared to 2023 due to the addition of Heimbach.
•AEC Technical and research expenses increased $0.1 million as compared to 2023, due to increases in research material and labor costs.
Nine month comparison
Consolidated Technical and research expenses increased 16.7% as compared to 2023, but as a percentage of Net revenues remained unchanged at 3.7% in both 2023 and 2024.
•MC Technical and research expenses increased $3.9 million as compared to 2023, with a $4.3 million increase related to Heimbach, which was partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in personnel-related costs.
•AEC Technical and research expenses increased $1.2 million as compared to 2023 due to increases in research material and labor costs.
Restructuring Expense, net
In addition to the items discussed above affecting Gross profit, SG&A and Technical and research expenses, Operating income was affected by Restructuring expense, net, of $2.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $0.1 million in in the same period of 2023; and $6.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $0.2 million in the same period in 2023.
The following table summarizes Restructuring expenses, net by business segment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Machine Clothing | $ | 2,207 | | $ | 82 | | $ | 3,294 | | $ | 227 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | 34 | | — | | 3,144 | | — | |
Corporate expenses | 31 | | — | | 146 | | — | |
Consolidated total | $ | 2,272 | | $ | 82 | | $ | 6,584 | | $ | 227 | |
| | | | |
At MC, restructuring actions were taken in the second and third quarters of 2024 to cease operations at the Company's MC forming fabric manufacturing facility in Chungju, South Korea, and at the Company's Heimbach engineered fabric manufacturing facility in Rochdale, UK. This was the principal driver of $3.3 million in Restructuring expenses, net for the first nine months of 2024 related to workforce reductions, fixed asset impairments and related costs, as well as charges of $1.3 million in Costs of goods sold for the write-off of inventory. We expect to incur additional restructuring expenses related to these actions throughout the remainder of the year.
At AEC, restructuring activities were related to reductions in the workforce at various AEC locations, which resulted in restructuring expenses of $3.1 million for the first nine months of 2024.
Restructuring expenses incurred at MC and AEC during 2023 were not significant.
Operating Income
The following table summarizes operating income/(loss) by business segment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Machine Clothing | $ | 51,481 | | $ | 50,710 | | $ | 153,276 | | $ | 153,400 | |
Albany Engineered Composites | (10,293) | | 9,374 | | 8,329 | | 27,460 | |
Corporate expenses | (16,017) | | (20,014) | | (54,552) | | (54,747) | |
Total | $ | 25,171 | | $ | 40,070 | | $ | 107,053 | | $ | 126,113 | |
% of Net revenues | 8.4 | % | 14.3 | % | 11.3 | % | 15.3 | % |
Changes in operating income were primarily attributable to the drivers noted above.
Other Earnings Items
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Interest expense, net | $ | 2,411 | | $ | 3,653 | | $ | 8,680 | | $ | 10,049 | |
| | | | |
Other (income)/expense, net | 3,257 | | 56 | | 5,932 | | (4,910) | |
Income tax expense | 1,282 | | 9,207 | | 22,131 | | 39,908 | |
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 192 | | 45 | | 366 | | 396 | |
Interest Expense/(Income), net
Interest expense/(income), net, decreased over the prior year primarily due to lower average debt balances, in part offset by less interest income earned on cash equivalents during the current year. See Note 14. Financial Instruments in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of borrowings and interest rates.
Other (Income)/Expense, net
Other (income)/expense, net, included foreign currency related transactions, which resulted in losses of $1.8 million and $0.7 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to losses of $0.5 million and gains of $3.6 million in the same periods last year. In addition, changes in the fair value of derivative instruments included gains of $0.5 million and losses of $3.8 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, as compared to losses of $0.7 million and $0.6 million in the same period last year, driven by currency rate movements, most notably the Brazilian Real and Mexican Peso. Net periodic pension and postretirement costs, other than service costs, were $0.7 million and $2.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to benefits of $0.1 million and $0.3 million in the same period last year. Other (income)/expense, net, also included net losses of $0.7 million from the divestiture of assets related to Heimbach during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as well as bank fees, amortization of debt issuance costs, and rental income.
Effective Income Tax Rate
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Effective income tax rate | 6.6 | % | 25.3 | % | 23.9 | % | 33.0 | % |
The Company has operations that constitute a taxable presence in 22 countries outside of the United States. The majority of these countries had income tax rates that were above the United States federal tax rate of 21 percent during the periods reported. The jurisdictional location of earnings is a significant component of our effective tax rate each year. The rate impact of this component is influenced by the specific location of non-U.S. earnings and the level of our total earnings. From period to period, the jurisdictional mix of earnings can vary as a result of operating fluctuations in the normal course of business, as well as the extent and location of other income and expense items, such as pension settlement and restructuring charges.
The tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as the income tax rate in the U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions and the mix of pre-tax income earned in those jurisdictions. The tax rate is also affected by U.S. tax costs on foreign pre-tax earnings, and by discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year. The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2024 was 6.6%, lower compared to 25.3% for the same period in 2023, mainly due to favorable discrete tax adjustments in the current period exceeding favorable discrete tax adjustments in the prior period. The favorable discrete benefits in the third quarter of 2024 were partially offset by an unfavorable change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings compared to the prior period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company's effective tax rate was 23.9%, lower compared to 33.0% for the same period in 2023, mainly due to favorable discrete tax adjustments in the current period compared to unfavorable discrete tax adjustments in the prior period, partially offset by an unfavorable change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings compared to the prior period. For more information, see Note 6, Income Taxes, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has issued Pillar Two model rules introducing a new global minimum tax of 15 percent intended to be effective on January 1, 2024. While the U.S. has not yet adopted the Pillar Two rules, various other governments around the world are enacting legislation. As currently designed, Pillar Two will ultimately apply to our worldwide operations. Although we do not expect these rules to materially increase our global tax costs in 2024, there remains uncertainty as to the final Pillar Two model rules. We will continue to monitor U.S. and global legislative action related to Pillar Two for potential impacts.
Segment Results of Operations
Machine Clothing Segment
The MC segment accounted for 61% and 60% of our consolidated revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. A summary of selected financial results for MC is as follows:
Review of Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Net revenues | $ | 183,033 | | $ | 166,588 | | $ | 561,828 | | $ | 479,027 | |
Gross profit | 88,921 | | 79,257 | | 262,449 | | 238,031 | |
% of Net revenues | 48.6 | % | 47.6 | % | 46.7 | % | 49.7 | % |
SG&A expenses | 28,191 | | 22,442 | | 83,813 | | 66,197 | |
Technical and research expenses | 7,042 | | 6,023 | | 22,066 | | 18,207 | |
Operating income | 51,481 | | 50,710 | | 153,276 | | 153,400 | |
Net Revenues
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Net revenues increased by 9.9% as compared to the prior year, driven by an increase in Heimbach Net revenues of $17.4 million. This was partially offset by $1.7 million of lower organic Net Revenues in the rest of the segment, due to decreased sales in packaging and publication grades. In addition, changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing Net revenues $0.7 million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Net revenues increased by 17.3% as compared to the prior year, driven by an increase in Heimbach Net revenues of $95.0 million. This was partially offset by $11.2 million of lower organic Net revenues in the rest of the segment, driven primarily by weakness in publication globally, and in most grades in Europe, as well as decreased sales in packaging grades. Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of decreasing Net revenues $1.0 million.
Gross Profit
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Gross profit increased by $9.7 million and the gross profit margin increased from 47.6% in 2023 to 48.6% in 2024. This margin increase was primarily attributable to reduced input costs.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Gross profit increased by $24.4 million as compared to the same period in the prior year, driven by the higher sales noted above; however, gross profit margin decreased from 49.7% in 2023 to 46.7% in 2024. This margin decrease was primarily driven by lower gross margins at Heimbach.
Operating Income
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Operating income was largely in line with the prior year, increasing $0.8 million or 1.5%. The strong Gross profit performance was largely offset by increased SG&A and Technical and Research expenses, primarily at Heimbach locations. SG&A expenses increased $5.7 million as compared to 2023, with a $3.9 million increase related to Heimbach, a $1.2 million increase due to changes in currency translation rates, and a $0.6 million increase in professional, consulting, and personnel-related costs. Technical and research expenses increased $1.0 million as compared to 2023 due to the addition of Heimbach. In addition, Restructuring expenses increased $2.2 million related to recent announcements to cease operations at multiple manufacturing facilities, further reducing Operating income.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Operating income was also largely in line with the prior year, decreasing $0.1 million or 0.1%.The strong Gross profit performance was largely offset by increased SG&A and Technical and Research expenses, primarily at Heimbach locations. SG&A expenses increased $17.6 million as compared to 2023, with a $20.4 million increase related to Heimbach and a $0.9 million increase related to personnel-related and travel costs, partially offset by a $3.7 million decrease due to changes in currency translation rates. Technical and research expenses increased $3.9 million as compared to 2023, with a $4.3 million increase related to Heimbach, which was offset by a $0.4 million decrease in personnel-related costs. In addition, Restructuring expenses increased $3.3 million related to recent announcements to cease operations at multiple manufacturing facilities, further reducing Operating income.
Albany Engineered Composites ("AEC") Segment
The AEC segment accounted for 39% and 40% of our consolidated revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively. A summary of selected financial results for AEC is as follows:
Review of Operations
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Net revenues | $ | 115,353 | | $ | 114,518 | | $ | 381,882 | | $ | 345,298 | |
Gross profit | 1,463 | | 22,578 | | 49,004 | | 65,826 | |
% of Net revenues | 1.3 | % | 19.7 | % | 12.8 | % | 19.1 | % |
SG&A expenses | 7,920 | | 9,519 | | 24,228 | | 26,270 | |
Technical and research expenses | 3,802 | | 3,685 | | 13,303 | | 12,096 | |
Operating income | (10,293) | | 9,374 | | 8,329 | | 27,460 | |
Net Revenues
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Net revenues increased 0.7% as compared to the prior year, primarily driven by growth on certain commercial and space programs, which was partially offset by lower revenues on CH-53K and other defense programs. Changes in currency translation rates had an insignificant effect on Net revenues.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Net revenues increased 10.6%, primarily driven by growth on certain commercial and space programs, which was partially offset by lower revenues on the F-35 program. Changes in currency translation rates had an insignificant effect on Net revenues.
AEC has contracts with certain customers, including its contract for the LEAP program, where revenue is determined by a cost-plus-fee agreement. Revenue earned under these arrangements accounted for approximately 40 percent of segment revenue for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023.
In addition, AEC has long-term contracts in which the selling price is fixed. In accounting for those contracts, we estimate the profit margin expected at the completion of the contract and recognize a pro-rata share of that profit during the course of the contract using a cost-to-cost approach. Changes in estimated contract profitability will affect revenue and gross profit when the change occurs, which could have a significant favorable or unfavorable effect on revenue and gross profit in any reporting period. For contracts with anticipated losses, a provision for the entire amount of the estimated remaining loss is charged against income in the period in which the loss becomes known. Contract losses are determined considering all direct and indirect contract costs, exclusive of any selling, general or administrative cost allocations, which are treated as period expenses. Expected losses on projects include losses on contract options that are probable of exercise, excluding profitable options that often follow.
Gross Profit
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Gross profit decreased $21.1 million as compared to the same period last year, and as a percentage of revenues decreased from 19.7% in 2023 to 1.3% in 2024. This decrease in Gross profit was driven primarily by changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts, which decreased gross profit by $22.4 million in 2024 due to increased cost assumptions as well as the impact of suspended production at a key customer. For the 2023 year, adjustments in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased Gross profit $0.9 million.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Gross profit decreased $16.8 million as compared to the same period last year, and gross profit margin decreased from 19.1% in 2023 to 12.8% in 2024. This decrease in Gross profit was driven primarily by changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts, which decreased gross profit by $28.3 million in 2024 due to increased cost assumptions as well as the impact of suspended production at a key customer, partially offset by a favorable shift in revenue mix to commercial and space programs. For the 2023 year, adjustments in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts decreased Gross profit $4.1 million.
Operating Income
For the three months ended September 30, 2024, Operating income decreased $19.7 million, principally due to reduced Gross profit as noted above. This was partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses of $1.6 million, primarily driven by decreased incentive compensation and personnel-related costs. Technical and research expenses and Restructuring expenses remained largely in line with the prior year.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, Operating income decreased $19.1 million, principally due to reduced Gross profit as noted above. This was partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses of $2.0 million, driven by a $0.8 million decrease in personnel-related costs, a $0.8 million decrease in marketing costs, and a $0.4 million decrease in professional and consulting fees. Technical and research expenses increased $1.2 million as compared to 2023 due to increases in research material and labor costs. Restructuring activities related to reductions in the workforce at various AEC locations resulted in restructuring expenses of $3.1 million, further reducing Operating income.
Working Capital, Liquidity and Capital Structure
Cash Flow Summary
| | | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended September 30, |
(in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 |
Net income | $ | 70,310 | | $ | 81,066 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 67,003 | | 54,778 | |
Changes in working capital (a) | 7,700 | | (58,130) | |
Changes in other noncurrent liabilities and deferred taxes | (7,569) | | (4,866) | |
Other operating items | 2,541 | | 964 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 139,985 | | 73,812 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (61,053) | | (182,596) | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (121,773) | | (10,839) | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (3,357) | | (647) | |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (46,198) | | (120,270) | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 173,420 | | 291,776 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 127,222 | | $ | 171,506 | |
(a)Includes Accounts receivable, Contract assets, Inventories, Accounts payable, and Accrued liabilities.
Net cash provided by operating activities during the first nine months of 2024 was $140.0 million, compared to $73.8 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily driven by improved levels of working capital at both segments, but was most pronounced at AEC, which invested a much more significant amount in working capital during 2023 related to the expanded CH-53K scope of work and the build-up of inventory in the LEAP program as compared to 2024.
Net cash used in investing activities included capital expenditures totaling $62.1 million and $49.1 million for the first nine months of 2024 and 2023, respectively, including investments in new aerospace programs and to improve productivity in our MC segment. In addition, investing activities during the prior year included the acquisition of Heimbach, headquartered in Düren, Germany, for net cash of $133.5 million, funded using cash on hand.
Net cash used in financing activities was $121.8 million for the first nine months of 2024 as compared to $10.8 million for the first nine months of 2023. The significant increase in net cash used during 2024 was due to increased principal payments on debt and increased dividends paid to shareholders.
Liquidity and Capital Structure
We finance our business activities principally with cash generated from operations and borrowings, largely through our revolving credit agreement as discussed below. Our subsidiaries outside of the United States may also maintain working capital lines with local banks.
Under our $800 million unsecured committed Amended Credit Agreement, $360.0 million of borrowings were outstanding as of September 30, 2024. In addition, we have borrowings outstanding at our Heimbach subsidiary of $2.2 million, of which $0.6 million was considered current.
As of September 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $127.2 million and available borrowings under our Amended Credit Agreement of $440.0 million, for a total liquidity of approximately $567.2 million. We believe cash flows from operations and the availability of funds under our Amended Credit Agreement will be adequate to fund our operations and business needs over the next twelve months. For more information on credit agreements, see Note 14. Financial Instruments in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of September 30, 2024, $106.5 million of our total cash and cash equivalents were held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. The accumulated undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations not targeted for repatriation to the U.S. were in excess of $120.0 million, as of September 30, 2024 and are intended to remain indefinitely invested in foreign operations. Our cash planning strategy includes repatriating current earnings in excess of working capital requirements from certain countries in which our subsidiaries operate. While we have been successful in such endeavor to date, there can be no assurance that we will be able to cost effectively repatriate funds in the future. Repatriating such cash from certain jurisdictions, which is currently considered to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations, may also result in additional taxes.
We have also returned cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. During the first nine months of 2024, we paid $24.4 million in dividends and had no share repurchases.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company is party to certain off-balance sheet arrangements, including certain guarantees. The Company provides financial assurance, such as payment guarantee and letters of credit and surety bonds, primarily to support workers’ compensation programs and customs clearance, of less than $12 million. There were no material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements during 2024.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We have market risk with respect to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in these rates as discussed below.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We have manufacturing plants and sales transactions worldwide and, therefore, are subject to foreign currency risk. This risk is composed of both potential losses from the translation of foreign currency financial statements and the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions. To manage this risk, we periodically enter into forward exchange contracts either to hedge the net assets of a foreign investment or to provide an economic hedge against future cash flows. The total net assets of non-U.S. operations and long-term intercompany loans denominated in nonfunctional currencies subject to potential loss amount to approximately $693.3 million. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates amounts to $69.3 million. Furthermore, related to foreign currency transactions, we have exposure to various nonfunctional currency balances totaling $146.4 million. This amount includes, on an absolute basis, exposures to assets and liabilities held in currencies other than our local entities’ functional currencies. On a net basis, we had $52.4 million of foreign currency assets as of September 30, 2024. As currency rates change, these nonfunctional currency balances are revalued, and the corresponding adjustment is recorded in the income statement. A hypothetical change of 10% in currency rates could result in an adjustment to the income statement of approximately $5.2 million. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations with respect to our variable rate debt, depending on general economic conditions.
On September 30, 2024, we had $10.1 million in variable rate debt:
Assuming borrowings were outstanding for an entire year, an increase of one percentage point in weighted average interest rates would increase interest expense by $0.1 million. To manage interest rate risk, we may periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rates on variable debt to a specific rate for a period of time. Our current interest rate swap agreements expire in October 2024, which will result in a significant increase in our interest cost, which will be calculated using a floating rate based on the one-month term SOFR at that time, which was 5.06% at the time of our last borrowing, which was September 19, 2024. See Note 14. Financial Instruments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
a) Disclosure controls and procedures.
The principal executive officer and principal financial officer, based on their evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective for ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in filed or submitted reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.
In July of 2024, we implemented the Company’s version of SAP at certain Heimbach facilities, which in turn, resulted in changes to our internal controls over financial reporting. While we expect SAP to strengthen our internal controls at Heimbach by automating certain manual process and standardizing business processes and reporting, we will continue to monitor our internal controls in each of the affected facilities.
Other than discussed above, there were no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during
the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information set forth above under Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies in Item 1, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We made no share purchases during the third quarter of 2024.
On October 25, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase shares of up to $200 million through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and to determine the prices, times and amounts. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be suspended or terminated at any time at the Company's discretion. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date. The timing and amount of any share repurchases will be based on the Company’s liquidity, general business and market conditions, debt covenant restrictions and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities and capital structure. In total, the Company has repurchased 1,308,003 shares for a total cost of $109.4M, of which 1,022,717 shares were repurchased in 2022 for $85.1 million and 285,286 shares were repurchased in 2021 for $24.3 million. We currently remain authorized to repurchase shares of up to $90.6 million.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Albany International Corp. securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.”
Item 6. Exhibits
| | | | | |
Exhibit No. | Description |
3.1 | |
10(u)(ix) | |
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 | |
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document- the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. |
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. |
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. |
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. |
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
104 | Cover page formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | | | | |
| | ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. |
| | (Registrant) |
| | |
Date: October 30, 2024 | By | /s/ Robert D. Starr |
| | Robert D. Starr Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |