UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(√) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended:September 30, 2017

OR

(  ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number: 1-10026

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Delaware    14-0462060
 (State or other jurisdiction of    (IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)     
     
 216 Airport Drive, Rochester, New Hampshire    03867
 (Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code518-445-2200

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post 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.

       
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 29.0 million shares of Class A Common Stock and 3.2 million shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding as of October 24, 2017.

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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Page No.
     
Part I Financial information
     
  Item 1. Financial Statements 3
  Consolidated statements of income – three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 3
  Consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) – three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 4
  Consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 5
  Consolidated statements of cash flows – three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 6
  Notes to consolidated financial statements 7
  Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 29
 

Forward-looking statements

29
 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

49
  Item 4. Controls and Procedures 49
     
Part II Other Information
     
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings 50
  Item 1A. Risk Factors 50
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 50
  Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 51
  Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures 51
  Item 5. Other Information 51
  Item 6. Exhibits 51

 

 

 

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ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 

Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
September 30,   September 30,
             
2017   2016   2017   2016
             
$222,141   $191,272 Net sales $636,989   $566,793
142,706   118,852 Cost of goods sold 418,595   343,557
             
79,435   72,420 Gross profit 218,394   223,236
41,076   38,042    Selling, general, and administrative expenses 123,799   120,997
10,553   9,232    Technical and research expenses 30,788   29,640
5,503   326    Restructuring expenses, net 10,220   7,653
             
22,303   24,820 Operating income 53,587   64,946
4,429   3,681    Interest expense, net 13,042   9,610
         (1,155)               242    Other expense/(income), net                   980            (2,103)
             
19,029   20,897 Income before income taxes 39,565   57,439
3,809   7,488    Income tax expense 12,138   20,613
             
        15,220           13,409  Net income              27,427           36,826
             (49)               340 Net income/(loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest                   202              (111)
$15,269   $13,069  Net income attributable to the Company $27,225   $36,937
             
$0.47   $0.41 Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Basic $0.85   $1.15
             
$0.47   $0.41 Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Diluted $0.85   $1.15
             
      Shares of the Company used in computing earnings per share:      
32,187   32,104   Basic 32,160   32,079
             
32,214   32,141   Diluted 32,193   32,118
             
$0.17   $0.17 Dividends declared per share, Class A and Class B $0.51   $0.51
             
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
             

 

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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
             
             
Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
September 30,   September 30,
             
2017   2016   2017   2016
             
$15,220   $13,409 Net income $27,427   $36,826
             
      Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax:      
        11,974                 36 Foreign currency translation adjustments         39,348             2,651
                 -                    - Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement                  -              (170)
      Amortization of pension liability adjustments:      
         (1,113)            (1,113)    Prior service credit          (3,339)            (3,338)
          1,350             1,296    Net actuarial loss           4,050             3,870
            295             1,100 Expense related to interest rate swaps included in earnings           1,238             1,686
             (96)               497 Derivative valuation adjustment          (1,094)            (6,936)
             
      Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss):      
                 -                    - Pension/postretirement plan remeasurement                  -                 65
             (71)                (55) Amortization of pension liability adjustment            (213)              (160)
           (112)              (418) Expense related to interest rate swaps included in earnings            (470)              (641)
              36              (189) Derivative valuation adjustment             415             2,636
        27,483           14,563 Comprehensive income         67,362           36,489
             (43)               340 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest             221              (112)
$27,526   $14,223 Comprehensive income attributable to the Company $67,141   $36,601
             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

 

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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share data)
(unaudited)
       
       

 

  September 30,   December 31,
  2017   2016
ASSETS      
  Cash and cash equivalents $153,465   $181,742
  Accounts receivable, net         199,938           171,193
  Inventories         157,143           133,906
  Income taxes prepaid and receivable            8,133              5,213
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets           12,690              9,251
      Total current assets 531,369   501,305
       
  Property, plant and equipment, net         451,966           422,564
  Intangibles, net           56,997             66,454
  Goodwill         166,010           160,375
  Income taxes receivable and deferred           81,244             68,865
  Contract receivables           29,688             14,045
  Other assets           32,343             29,825
      Total assets $1,349,617   $1,263,433
       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
  Notes and loans payable $186   $312
  Accounts payable           45,121             43,305
  Accrued liabilities         103,498             95,195
  Current maturities of long-term debt           51,765             51,666
  Income taxes payable           12,493              9,531
      Total current liabilities 213,063   200,009
       
  Long-term debt         453,578           432,918
  Other noncurrent liabilities         105,318           106,827
  Deferred taxes and other liabilities           13,002             12,389
      Total liabilities 784,961   752,143
       
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
  Preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share;      
    authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued                   -                     -
  Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share;      
    authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 37,392,353 in 2017      
    and 37,319,266 in 2016                 37                   37
  Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share;      
    authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and      
    outstanding 3,233,998 in 2017 and 2016                   3                     3
  Additional paid in capital         428,088           425,953
  Retained earnings         533,670           522,855
  Accumulated items of other comprehensive income:      
    Translation adjustments          (92,523)          (133,298)
    Pension and postretirement liability adjustments          (52,648)            (51,719)
    Derivative valuation adjustment               917                 828
  Treasury stock (Class A), at cost 8,431,335 shares in 2017        
   and 8,443,444 shares in 2016        (256,876)          (257,136)
      Total Company shareholders' equity         560,668           507,523
  Noncontrolling interest            3,988              3,767
 Total equity 564,656   511,290
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $1,349,617   $1,263,433
       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

 

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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Three Months Ended           Nine Months ended
September 30,           September 30,
                     
2017   2016           2017   2016
      OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
$15,220   $13,409 Net income $27,427   $36,826
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
        15,522           16,470 Depreciation         45,367           44,736
          2,608             1,975 Amortization           7,889             6,488
           (168)              (275) Change in other noncurrent liabilities            (2,522)            (5,010)
         (3,263)            (1,712) Change in deferred taxes and other liabilities        (10,620)              (640)
          1,086               333 Provision for write-off of property, plant and equipment           1,916             1,409
            211                    - Non-cash interest expense             634                    -
            195               350

 

Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock

          1,865             1,882
          4,149                    - Write-off of intangible assets in a discontinued product line           4,149                    -
      Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided/(used) cash, net of impact of business acquisition:      
         (4,645)             4,794 Accounts receivable            (19,781)            (6,492)
         (3,944)            (5,511) Inventories              (17,210)          (12,886)
           (599)              (481) Prepaid expenses and other current assets          (3,167)            (3,302)
                 -              (100) Income taxes prepaid and receivable          (2,817)             1,737
         (4,769)            (4,443) Accounts payable          (2,704)            (1,544)
          5,425             4,418 Accrued liabilities           4,525            (3,736)
          3,472             4,932 Income taxes payable           2,964             3,999
         (8,107)                    - Contract receivables        (15,643)                    -
         (4,495)            (4,974) Other, net            (557)          (10,252)
17,898   29,185 Net cash provided by operating activities 21,715   53,215
                     
      INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
                 -                    - Purchase of business, net of cash acquired                  -   (187,000)
       (15,319)          (21,924) Purchases of property, plant and equipment        (61,724)          (50,029)
           (147)              (591) Purchased software            (538)            (1,262)
                 -             4,686 Proceeds from sale or involuntary conversion of assets                  -             6,422
(15,466)   (17,829) Net cash used in investing activities (62,262)   (231,869)
                     
      FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
        13,076           13,265 Proceeds from borrowings         45,335         232,795
         (3,569)              (871) Principal payments on debt        (24,711)          (23,695)
                 -                    - Debt acquisition costs                  -            (1,771)
                 -                    - Swap termination payment                  -            (5,175)
                 -                    - Taxes paid in lieu of share issuance          (1,364)            (1,272)
            356                 64 Proceeds from options exercised             531               454
         (5,470)            (5,457) Dividends paid        (16,396)          (16,354)
4,393   7,001 Net cash provided by financing activities 3,395   184,982
                     
          7,848             1,788 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents           8,875             4,729
                     
        14,673           20,145 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents          (28,277)         11,057
      138,792         176,025 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period       181,742         185,113
$153,465   $196,170 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $153,465   $196,170
                     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements

 

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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of results for such periods. Albany International Corp. (“Albany”) consolidates the financial results of its subsidiaries for all periods presented. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in Albany International Corp.’s Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with “Risk Factors,” “Legal Proceedings,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Items 1A, 3, 7, 7A and 8, respectively, of the Albany International Corp. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

2.Business Acquisition

 

On April 8, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for cash of $187 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The Company funded the cash payable at closing by utilizing proceeds from a $550 million, unsecured credit facility agreement that was completed April 8, 2016. The acquired entity is located in Salt Lake City, Utah (“SLC”) and is part of the Albany Engineered Composites (“AEC”) segment.

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The Consolidated Statement of Income for 2016 includes operational activity of the acquired business for only the period subsequent to the closing, which affects comparability of year to date results. The following table shows total Company pro forma results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015.

(in thousands, except per share amounts) 

Unaudited - Pro forma
Nine months ended

September 30, 2016

  
Combined Net sales  $588,978 
     
Combined Income before income taxes  $59,812 
     
Pro forma increase/(decrease) to income before income taxes:    
Acquisition expenses  5,367 
Interest expense related to purchase price  (1,133)
     
Acquisition accounting adjustments:    
Depreciation and amortization on property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets  (1,696)
Valuation of contract inventories  2,036 
Interest expense on capital lease obligation  323 
Interest expense on other obligations  (143)
Pro forma Income before income taxes  $64,566 
Pro forma Net Income  $41,286 

 

 

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3. Reportable Segments

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) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales            
Machine Clothing $150,694  $143,248  $440,093  $437,445 
Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) 71,447  48,024  196,896  129,348 
Consolidated total $222,141  $191,272  $636,989  $566,793 
Operating income/(loss)            
Machine Clothing 42,674  40,039  119,352  112,583 
Albany Engineered Composites (9,301) (4,529) (32,242) (14,083)
Corporate expenses (11,070) (10,690) (33,523) (33,554)
Operating income $22,303  $24,820  $53,587  $64,946 
Reconciling items:            
Interest income (355) (675) (801) (1,347)
Interest expense 4,784  4,356  13,843  10,957 
Other expense/(income), net (1,155) 242  980  (2,103)
Income before income taxes $19,029  $20,897  $39,565  $57,439 

 

There were no material changes in the total assets of the reportable segments in the first nine months of 2017.

In the third quarter of 2017, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which was part of the Harris aerostructures business acquired by AEC in 2016. This decision resulted in a non-cash restructuring charge of $4.5 million for the write-off of intangible assets and equipment, and a $3.2 million charge to Cost of goods sold for the write-off of inventory. 

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge to Cost of goods sold of approximately $15.8 million associated with revisions in the estimated profitability of two AEC contracts. The charge was principally due to second-quarter 2017 downward revisions of estimated customer demand for the components manufactured by AEC related to the BR 725 and A380 programs. The charge included a $4.0 million write-off of program inventory costs, and a reserve for future losses of $11.8 million, which is included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Total reserves for future contract losses were $11.1 million as of September 30, 2017, and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2016.

The Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment, including Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC), in which our customer SAFRAN Group (Safran) owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest, provides highly engineered, advanced composite structures to customers in the aerospace and defense industries. AEC’s largest program relates to CFM International’s LEAP engine. Under this program, AEC through ASC, is the exclusive supplier of advanced composite fan blades and cases under a long-term supply contract. The manufacturing spaces used for the production of parts under the long-term supply agreement are owned by Safran, and leased to the Company at a minimal cost.  All lease expense is reimbursable by Safran to the Company due to the cost-plus nature of the supply agreement. AEC net sales to Safran in 2017 were $25.6 million in the first quarter, $30.1 million in the second quarter, and $28.3 million in the third quarter. AEC net sales to Safran in 2016 were $17.1 million in the first quarter, $18.5 million in the second quarter, and $17.4 million in the third quarter. The

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total of invoiced receivables, unbilled receivables and contract receivables due from Safran amounted to $57.0 million and $37.1 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

The table below presents restructuring costs by reportable segment (also see Note 5):

  Three months ended
September 30,

Nine months ended

September 30,

(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Restructuring expenses, net            
Machine Clothing $96  ($212) $1,012  $5,921 
Albany Engineered Composites 5,407  640  9,208  1,787 
Corporate expenses -  (102) -  (55)
Consolidated total $5,503  $326  $10,220  $7,653 

 

 

4. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans

Pension Plans

The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plan has been closed to new participants since October 1998 and, as of February 2009, benefits accrued under this plan were frozen. As a result of the freeze, employees covered by the pension plan will receive, at retirement, benefits already accrued through February 2009 but no new benefits accrue after that date. Benefit accruals under the U.S. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") were similarly frozen. The eligibility, benefit formulas, and contribution requirements for plans outside of the U.S. vary by location.

Other Postretirement Benefits

The Company also provides certain postretirement benefits to retired employees in the U.S. and Canada. The Company accrues the cost of providing postretirement benefits during the active service period of the employees. The Company currently funds the plan as claims are paid.

 

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The composition of the net periodic benefit plan cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:

  Pension plans Other postretirement benefits
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost $1,960  $1,991  $183  $190 
Interest cost 5,507  6,110  1,660  1,832 
Expected return on assets (6,004) (6,763) -  - 
Curtailment gain -  (130) -  - 
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit) 27  28  (3,366) (3,366)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,943  1,756  2,107  2,114 
Net periodic benefit cost $3,433  $2,992  $584  $770 

 

 

5. Restructuring

Machine Clothing restructuring costs for the first nine months of 2017 were principally related to additional costs for restructuring actions taken in 2016. Machine Clothing restructuring costs in 2016 were principally related to plant closure costs in Göppingen, Germany and the cessation of research and development activities at the production facility in Sélestat, France.

In October 2017, the Company announced the initiation of discussions with the local works council regarding a proposal to discontinue operations at its Machine Clothing production facility in Sélestat, France. The consultations are subject to applicable law and are ongoing. At this time, the Company has not recorded any restructuring charge related to this proposal.

AEC incurred restructuring charges of $9.2 million in the first nine months of 2017. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which led to non-cash restructuring charges totaling $4.5 million relating to the impairment of long-lived assets. Other restructuring charges in 2017 principally related to work force reductions in Salt Lake City, Utah and Rochester, New Hampshire.

AEC restructuring expenses in 2016 were principally related to the consolidation of legacy programs into Boerne, Texas.

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) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Machine Clothing $96  ($212) $1,012  $5,921 
Albany Engineered Composites 5,407  640  9,208  1,787 
Corporate Expenses -  (102) -  (55)
 Total $5,503  $326  $10,220  $7,653 

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Total restructuring costs incurred    Termination and other costs   Impairment of plant and equipment Impairment of intangible asset
(in thousands)
Machine Clothing $1,012  $1,012  $-  $- 
Albany Engineered Composites 9,208  4,173  886  4,149 
Corporate Expenses -  -  -  - 
Total $10,220  $5,185  $886  $4,149 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Total restructuring costs incurred    Termination and other costs   Impairment of plant and equipment Benefit plan curtailment/
settlement
(in thousands)
Machine Clothing $5,921  $5,751  $300  ($130)
Albany Engineered Composites 1,787  1,498  289  - 
Corporate Expenses (55) (55) -  - 
Total $7,653  $7,194  $589  ($130)

 

We expect that approximately $4.0 million of Accrued liabilities for restructuring at September 30, 2017 will be paid within one year and approximately $0.4 million will be paid in the following year. The table below presents the year-to-date changes in restructuring liabilities for 2017 and 2016, all of which related to termination costs:

  December 31, Restructuring   Currency September 30,
(in thousands) 2016 charges accrued Payments translation /other 2017
           
Total termination and other costs $5,559 $5,185 ($6,370) $24  $4,398

 

  December 31, Restructuring   Currency September 30,
(in thousands) 2015 charges accrued Payments translation /other 2016
           
Total termination and other costs $10,177 $7,194 ($9,862) $2 $7,511

 

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6. Other Expense/(Income), net

 

The components of other expense/(income), net are:

  Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)   2017 2016 2017 2016
Currency transaction losses/(gains) $261  ($312) $2,310  ($2,361)
Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs 116  106  375  652 
Gain on insurance recovery (2,000) -  (2,000) - 
Other 468  448  295  (394)
Total ($1,155) $242  $980  ($2,103)

 

In the third quarter of 2017, the Company recorded an insurance recovery gain of $2.0 million related to the theft in Japan that was reported in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

7. Income Taxes

The following table presents components of income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Income tax based on income from continuing operations, at estimated tax rates of 36.4% and 37.5%, respectively $6,935  $7,838  $14,420  $21,545 
Provision for change in estimated tax rates 741  (424) -  - 
Income tax before discrete items 7,676  7,414  14,420  21,545 
             
Discrete tax expense:            
Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net -  -  961  (825)
Adjustments to prior period tax liabilities (73) (11) 606  (254)
Other discrete tax adjustments, net (7) 85  (62) 113 
Provision for/adjustment to beginning of year valuation allowance (3,787) -  (3,787) - 
Enacted tax legislation -  -     34 
Total income tax expense $3,809  $7,488  $12,138  $20,613 

 

The third quarter estimated effective tax rate on continuing operations was 36.4 percent in 2017, compared to 37.5 percent for the same period in 2016.

The Company records the residual U.S. and foreign taxes on certain amounts of foreign earnings that have been targeted for repatriation to the U.S. These amounts are not considered to be permanently reinvested, and the Company accrued for the tax cost on these earnings to the extent they cannot be repatriated in a tax-free manner. At September 30, 2017 the Company calculated a deferred tax liability of $3.7 million on $62.8 million of non-U.S. earnings that have been targeted for future repatriation to the U.S.

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business the Company is subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including major jurisdictions such as the United States, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, and Switzerland. The open tax years in these jurisdictions range from 2007 to 2016. The Company is currently under audit in non-U.S. tax jurisdictions, including but not limited to Canada and Italy.

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It is reasonably possible that over the next twelve months the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may decrease up to $0.2 million, from the reevaluation of uncertain tax positions arising in examinations, in appeals, or in the courts, or from the closure of tax statutes of limitations.

As of each reporting date, management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could affect its view of the future realization of deferred tax assets. As of September 2017, primarily as the Company achieved three years of cumulative pretax income in Canada and Japan, management determined that there was sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that additional deferred tax assets of $3.4 million in Canada and $0.4 million in Japan are realizable. Therefore, in the third quarter of 2017, we reversed previously recorded valuation allowances which resulted in a discrete tax benefit of $3.8 million.

In March 2016, an accounting update was issued which simplifies several aspects related to accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences. The income tax consequences which relate to accounting for excess tax benefits have been adopted prospectively, resulting in recognition of excess tax benefits against income tax expense, rather than additional paid-in capital, of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. No adjustment was necessary related to the deferred tax balances. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2017.

 

 

8. 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 market price and earnings per share) 2017 2016 2017 2016
 
Net income attributable to the Company $15,269  $13,069  $27,225  $36,937 
             
Weighted average number of shares:            
Weighted average number of shares used in            
calculating basic net income per share 32,187  32,104  32,160  32,079 
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans:            
Stock options 27  37  33  39 
             
Weighted average number of shares used in            
calculating diluted net income per share 32,214  32,141  32,193  32,118 
             
Average market price of common stock used            
for calculation of dilutive shares $53.49  $42.03  $49.49  $38.97 
             
Net income per share:            
Basic $0.47  $0.41  $0.85  $1.15 
Diluted $0.47  $0.41  $0.85  $1.15 

 

 

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9. Noncontrolling Interest

The table below presents a reconciliation of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling equity:

  Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016
Net income/(loss) of Albany Safran Composites, LLC ("ASC") $2,805  ($374)
Less: Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding 782  732 
Net income/(loss) of ASC available for common ownership $2,023  ($1,106)
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder 10% 10%
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest $202  ($111)
       
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year $3,767  $3,690 
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 202  (111)
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest 19  (1)
Noncontrolling interest $3,988  $3,578 

 

 

10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI)

The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017:

(in thousands) Translation adjustments Pension and postretirement liability adjustments Derivative valuation adjustment Total Other Comprehensive Income
December 31, 2016 ($133,298) ($51,719) $828  ($184,189)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 40,775  (1,427) (679) 38,669 
Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Income, net of tax -  -  768  768 
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statement of Income, net of tax -  498  -  498 
Net current period other comprehensive income 40,775  (929) 89  39,935 
September 30, 2017 ($92,523) ($52,648) $917  ($144,254)

 

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The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016:

(in thousands) Translation adjustments Pension and postretirement liability adjustments Derivative valuation adjustment Total Other Comprehensive Income
December 31, 2015 ($108,655) ($48,725) ($1,464) ($158,844)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 2,216  330  (4,300) (1,754)
Interest expense related to swaps reclassified to the Statement of Income, net of tax -  -  1,045  1,045 
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Statement of Income, net of tax -  372  -  372 
Net current period other comprehensive income 2,216  702  (3,255) (337)
September 30, 2016 ($106,439) ($48,023) ($4,719) ($159,181)

 

The table below presents the expense/(income) amounts reclassified, and the line items of the Statements of Income that were affected for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

  Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Pretax Derivative valuation reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:      
Expense related to interest rate swaps included in Income
before taxes(a)
$295  $1,100  $1,238  $1,686 
Income tax effect (112) (418) (470) (641)
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $183  $682  $768  $1,045 
             
Pretax pension and postretirement liabilities reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:   
Amortization of prior service credit ($1,113) ($1,113) ($3,339) ($3,338)
Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,350  1,296  4,050  3,870 
Total pretax amount reclassified (b) 237  183  711  532 
Income tax effect (71) (55) (213) (160)
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income $166  $128  $498  $372 

 

(a)Included in Interest expense are payments related to the interest rate swap agreements and amortization of swap buyouts (see Note 15).
(b)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 4).

 

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11. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes trade receivables and revenue in excess of progress billings on long-term contracts in the Albany Engineered Composites segment. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The Company determines the allowance based on historical write-off experience, customer-specific facts and economic conditions. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

 

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Accounts receivable consisted of the following:

(in thousands)  

September 30,

2017

December 31,

2016

Trade and other accounts receivable $157,171  $146,460 
Bank promissory notes 19,525  15,759 
Revenue in excess of progress billings 30,957  15,926 
Allowance for doubtful accounts (7,715) (6,952)
Total accounts receivable $199,938  $171,193 

 

In connection with certain sales 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.

The Company also has Contract receivables in the AEC segment that represent revenue earned which has extended payment terms. The Contract receivables will be invoiced to the customer, with 2% interest, over a 10-year period starting in 2020.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Contract receivables consisted of the following:

     
(in thousands)  

September 30,

2017

December 31,

2016

Contract receivable $29,688 $14,045

 

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. The AEC segment has long-term contracts under which we incur engineering and development costs that are allocable to parts that will be delivered over multiple years. These costs are included in Work in process in the table below.

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As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, inventories consisted of the following:

(in thousands)   September 30,  
2017
December 31,
2016
Raw materials $45,142 $37,691
Work in process                  83,129                  58,715
Finished goods                  28,872                  37,500
Total inventories $157,143 $133,906

 

 

13. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination.

 

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including revenue growth rates, operating margins, discount rates, and future market conditions, among others. Goodwill and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events, such as significant changes in the business climate, plant closures, changes in product offerings, or other circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

 

To determine fair value, we utilize two market-based approaches and an income approach. Under the market-based approaches, we utilize information regarding the Company as well as publicly available industry information to determine earnings multiples and sales multiples. Under the income approach, we determine fair value based on estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.

 

In the second quarter of 2017, the Company applied the qualitative assessment approach in performing its annual evaluation of goodwill and concluded that no impairment provision was required. There were no amounts at risk due to the large spread between the fair, and carrying value, of each reporting unit.

 

In the third quarter, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which was part of the Harris aerostructures business acquired by AEC in 2016. This decision resulted in a non-cash write-off of intangibles for $4.1 million to restructuring expense, which is presented as other changes in the table below for intangible assets and goodwill as of September 30, 2017. The write-off represents the full carrying value of intangible assets associated with the Bear Claw® product line as, based upon anticipated cash flows and the Company’s plan to exit the business, we determined the product line to have no fair value as of September 30, 2017. Due to the decision to exit this product line, management performed an interim assessment of goodwill and concluded that no goodwill was allocable to the Bear Claw® product line, and no impairment provision was required.

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We are continuing to amortize certain patents, trade names, customer relationships, customer contracts and technology assets that have finite lives. The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization and net values of intangible assets and goodwill as of December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017, were as follows:

 

As of September 30, 2017

(in thousands)

 Weighted average amortization life in years Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount
           
Amortized intangible assets:          
AEC trade names 15 $43 $27   $16
AEC technology 15 228 142   86
Customer relationships 15            48,528 4,956   43,572
Customer contracts 6               18,211 5,114   13,097
Other intangibles 5                   742 516   226
Total amortized intangible assets   $67,752 $10,755   $56,997
                             
Unamortized intangible assets:          
MC Goodwill   $70,280  $-   $70,280
AEC Goodwill              95,730                                        -                      95,730
Total unamortized intangible assets:   $166,010  $-   $166,010

 

As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
Weighted average amortization life in years Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount
           
Amortized intangible assets:          
AEC trade names 15 $43 $23   $20
AEC technology 15 228 124   104
Customer relationships 15            49,490 2,481                      47,009
Customer contracts 6            20,420 2,561                       17,859
Other intangibles 5                1,720 258                          1,462
Total amortized intangible assets   $71,901 $5,447   $66,454
                             
Unamortized intangible assets:          
MC Goodwill   $64,645  $-   $64,645
AEC Goodwill              95,730                                         -                      95,730
Total unamortized intangible assets:   $160,375  $-   $160,375


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The changes in intangible assets and goodwill from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017, were as follows:

 

(in thousands) December 31,
2016
Amortization Other
Changes
Currency Translation September 30,
2017
                
Amortized intangible assets:               
AEC trade names $20  $(4) $-  $-  $16 
AEC technology 104  (18) 0  -  86 
Customer relationships 47,009  (2,475) (962) -  43,572 
Customer contracts 17,859  (2,553) (2,209) -  13,097 
Other intangibles 1,462  (258) (978) -  226 
Total amortized intangible assets $66,454  ($5,308) ($4,149) $-  $56,997 
                
Unamortized intangible assets:               
MC Goodwill $64,645  $-     $5,635  $70,280 
AEC Goodwill 95,730  -     -  95,730 
Total unamortized intangible assets: $160,375  $-  $-  $5,635  $166,010 

 

 

Estimated amortization expense of intangibles for the years ending December 31, 2017 through 2021, is as follows:

  Annual amortization
Year (in thousands)
2017  $6,865
2018                              6,232
2019                              6,232
2020                              6,232
2021                              6,162

 

 

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14. Financial Instruments

Long-term debt, principally to banks and bondholders, consists of:

(in thousands, except interest rates) September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
       
Private placement with a fixed interest rate of 6.84%, final payment was made October 25, 2017 $50,000  $50,000 
Revolving credit agreement with borrowings outstanding at an end of period interest rate of 2.74% in 2017 and 2.58% in 2016 (including the effect of interest rate hedging transactions, as described below), due in 2021 440,000  418,000 
       
Obligation under capital lease, matures 2022 15,343  16,584 
       
Long-term debt 505,343  484,584 
       
Less: current portion (51,765) (51,666)
       
Long-term debt, net of current portion $453,578  $432,918 

 

A note agreement and guaranty (“Prudential Agreement”) was originally entered into in October 2005 with the Prudential Insurance Company of America, and certain other purchasers, with interest at 6.84%. The final principal payment under the Prudential Agreement of $50.0 million was made on October 25, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the fair value of this debt was $50.9 million.

 

On April 8, 2016, we entered into a $550 million unsecured Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) which amended and restated the prior $400 million Agreement, entered into on June 18, 2015 (the “Prior Agreement”). Under the Credit Agreement, $440 million of borrowings were outstanding as of September 30, 2017. The applicable interest rate for borrowings was LIBOR plus a spread, based on our leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. At the time of the last borrowing on September 25, 2017, the spread was 1.500%. The spread was based on a pricing grid, which ranged from 1.250% to 1.750%, based on our leverage ratio. Based on our maximum leverage ratio and our Consolidated EBITDA, and without modification to any other credit agreements, as of September 30, 2017, we would have been able to borrow an additional $110 million under the Agreement.

The Credit Agreement contains customary terms, as well as affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default comparable to those in the Prior Agreement. The Borrowings are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries.

Our ability to borrow additional amounts under the Credit Agreement is conditional upon the absence of any defaults, as well as the absence of any material adverse change (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

The Company has a long-term capital lease obligation for real property in Salt Lake City, Utah. The lease has an implied interest rate of 5.0% and matures in 2022.

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The following schedule presents future minimum annual lease payments under the capital lease obligation and the present value of the minimum lease payments, as of September 30, 2017.

 

Years ending December 31, (in thousands)
2017 $606 
2018 2,473 
2019 2,473 
2020 2,520 
2021 2,520 
Thereafter 7,373 
Total minimum lease payments 17,965 
Less:  Amount representing interest (2,622)
    
Present value of minimum lease payments $15,343 

 

On May 6, 2016, we terminated our interest rate swap agreements that had effectively fixed the interest rate on up to $120 million of revolving credit borrowings, in order to enter into a new interest rate swap with a greater notional amount, and the same maturity as the Credit Agreement. We paid $5.2 million to terminate the swap agreements and that cost will be amortized into interest expense through June 2020.

On May 9, 2016, we entered into interest rate hedges for the period May 16, 2016 through March 16, 2021. These transactions have the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $300 million of indebtedness drawn under the Credit Agreement at the rate of 1.245% during the period. Under the terms of these transactions, we pay the fixed rate of 1.245% and the counterparties pay a floating rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate at each monthly calculation date, which on September 18, 2017 was 1.245%, plus the applicable spread, during the swap period. On September 18, 2017, the all-in-rate on the $300 million of debt was 2.745%.

These interest rate swaps are accounted for as a hedge of future cash flows, as further described in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. No cash collateral was received or pledged in relation to the swap agreements.

Under the Credit Agreement and Prudential Agreement, we are currently required to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the agreements) of not greater than 3.50 to 1.00 and minimum interest coverage (as defined) of 3.00 to 1.00.

As of September 30, 2017, our leverage ratio was 2.55 to 1.00 and our interest coverage ratio was 9.38 to 1.00. We may purchase our Common Stock or pay dividends to the extent our leverage ratio remains at or below 3.50 to 1.00, and may make acquisitions with cash provided our leverage ratio would not exceed 3.50 to 1.00 after giving pro forma effect to any such acquisition.

 

Indebtedness under each of the Prudential Agreement and the Credit Agreement is ranked equally in right of payment to all unsecured senior debt.

 

We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2017.

 

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. Accounting principles establish a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable

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inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Level 3 inputs are unobservable data points for the asset or liability, and include situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. We had no Level 3 financial assets or liabilities at December 31, 2016 or September 30, 2017.

The following table presents the fair-value hierarchy for our Level 1 and Level 2 financial assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
  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 $18,246  $-  $8,468  $- 
   Other Assets:            
      Common stock of unaffiliated foreign public company 880(a) -  762(a) - 
      Interest rate swaps -  5,293(b) -  5,784(c)
             

(a)Original cost basis $0.5 million
(b)Net of $18.2 million receivable floating leg and $12.9 million liability fixed leg
(c)Net of $21.4 million receivable floating leg and $15.6 million liability fixed leg

 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 common stock of the unaffiliated foreign public company is traded in an active market exchange. The shares are measured at fair value using closing stock prices and are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other assets. The securities are classified as available for sale, and as a result any unrealized gain or loss is recorded in the Shareholders’ Equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets rather than in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When the security is sold or impaired, gains and losses are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is judged to be other than temporary.

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 Accounts payable, as applicable. Changes in fair value of these instruments are recorded as gains or losses within Other expense/(income) 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 risk from the possible inability of the financial institution to meet the terms of the contracts and the risk of

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unfavorable changes in interest and currency rates, which may reduce the value of the instruments. We seek to control 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.

Changes in exchange rates can result in revaluation gains and losses that are recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expenses or Other expense/(income), net. Revaluation gains and losses occur when our business units have cash, intercompany (recorded in Other expense/(income), net) or third-party trade (recorded in Selling, General and Administrative expenses) receivable or payable balances in a currency other than their local reporting (or functional) currency.

Operating results can also be affected by the translation of sales and costs, for each non-U.S. subsidiary, from the local functional currency to the U.S. dollar. The translation effect on the Consolidated Statements of Income is dependent on our net income or expense position in each non-U.S. currency in which we do business. A net income position exists when sales realized in a particular currency exceed expenses paid in that currency; a net expense position exists if the opposite is true.

The interest rate swaps are accounted for as hedges of future cash flows. The fair value of our interest rate swaps are 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. Unrealized gains and losses on the swaps flow through the caption Derivative valuation adjustment in the Shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets, to the extent that the hedges are highly effective. As of September 30, 2017, these interest rate swaps were determined to be highly effective hedges of interest rate cash flow risk. Any gains and losses related to the ineffective portion of the hedges will be recognized in the current period in earnings. Amounts accumulated in Other comprehensive income are reclassified as Interest expense, net when the related interest payments (that is, the hedged forecasted transactions), and amortization related to the swap buyouts, affect earnings. Interest expense related to the current swaps totaled $0.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 and $1.2 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016. Additionally, interest expense related to the swap buyouts totaled $0.6 million for the nine month period ended September 30, 2017 and $0.5 million of the nine month period ended September 30, 2016.

Gains and losses related to changes in fair value of derivative instruments that were recognized in Other expense/(income), net in the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
         
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments      
Foreign currency options (losses)/gains ($2) ($218) ($131) $237

 

16. 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

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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 3,727 claims as of September 30, 2017.

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:

Year ended December 31, Opening Number of Claims Claims Dismissed,Settled, or Resolved New Claims Closing Number of Claims Amounts Paid (thousands) to Settle or Resolve
2012           4,446              90              107           4,463  $530
2013           4,463             230               66           4,299               78
2014           4,299             625              147           3,821              437
2015           3,821             116               86           3,791              164
2016           3,791             148              102           3,745              758
2017 (as of September 30)           3,745              75               57           3,727  $10

 

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.

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, 2017 we had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 37,564 claims. The total cost of resolving all claims was $10.2 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 7,706 claims as of September 30, 2017, only eight claims have been filed against Brandon since January 1, 2012, and no 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.

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17. Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

The following table summarizes changes in Shareholders’ Equity:

 

(in thousands)

Common Stock Class A and B

Additional paid in capital Retained earnings Accumulated items of other comprehensive income/(loss) Treasury stock Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity
December 31, 2016 $40  $425,953  $522,855  ($184,189) ($257,136) $3,767  $511,290 
Net income -  -  27,225  -  -  202  27,427 
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares -  1,604  -  -  260  -  1,864 
Options exercised -  531  -  -  -  -  531 
Dividends declared -  -  (16,410) -  -  -  (16,410)
Cumulative translation adjustments -  -  -  40,775  -  19  40,794 
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments -  -  -  (929) -  -  (929)
Derivative valuation adjustment -  -  -  89  -  -  89 
September 30, 2017 $40  $428,088  $533,670  ($144,254) ($256,876) $3,988  $564,656 

 

 

18. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, an accounting update was issued that replaces the existing revenue recognition framework regarding contracts with customers. We will adopt the standard on January 1, 2018 using the cumulative effect method for transitioning to the new standard. In our Machine Clothing segment, we currently record revenue for the sale of a product when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has been transferred, the selling price is fixed, and collectability is reasonably assured. In this segment, we often have contracts with customers whereby the Company satisfies its performance obligation related to the manufacture and delivery of a product before title has transferred to the customer. Under the new accounting standard, this will result in earlier recognition of revenue associated with these contracts. The selling price of products may include a performance obligation to provide certain support services for no additional cost. When we adopt the new standard, it is probable that, for some of these arrangements, we will need to allocate a portion of the associated revenue to such services. We currently estimate less than 5% of revenue will be allocated to such services. While we currently expect that the timing of revenue recognition and the line-item description of Machine Clothing revenue will be affected by the new standard, we do not expect a significant effect in total annual Machine Clothing revenue. We are continuing to assess the effect that the new revenue recognition will have on the Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment. One change that we anticipate is that we currently use the units-of-delivery method for some long-term contracts, which is considered an output method. Under the new standard, we expect that revenue for these contracts will be recognized over time using an input method as the measure of progress, which is expected to result in earlier recognition of revenue. We are currently unable to determine the full effect that the new standard will have on our financial statements. We are also currently unable to quantify the cumulative effect of adopting the new standard. The new standard will also require some additional footnote disclosures, including footnote disclosure of 2018 results under the current standard.

In January 2016, an accounting update was issued which requires entities to present separately in Other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. This accounting

26

 

 

update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have not determined the impact of this update on our financial statements.

In February 2016, an accounting update was issued which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. The update may significantly increase reported assets and liabilities. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We have not determined the impact of this update on our financial statements.

In March 2016, an accounting update was issued which simplifies several aspects related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification of excess tax benefits and cash paid to a tax authority in lieu of share issuances to employees on the statements of cash flows. The update also affects presentation in the Statements of Cash Flows of income tax effects of shares withheld for incentive compensation, and the exercise of stock options. We adopted this accounting update on January 1, 2017 and it had an insignificant effect on income tax expense. The updates affecting the Statements of Cash Flows have been applied retrospectively as follows:

-As a result of the change affecting cash payments of taxes in lieu of share issuance, operating cash flows for the nine month period ending September 30, 2016 were increased $1.3 million and financing cash flows were decreased by the same amount.
-As a result of the change affecting classification of excess tax benefits, operating cash flows for the nine month period ending September 30, 2016 cash flows were increased $0.1 million and financing cash flows were decreased by the same amount.

In October 2016, an accounting update was issued which modifies the recognition of income tax effects on intracompany transfers of assets, other than inventory. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We have not determined the effect of this update on our financial statements.

 

In November 2016, an accounting update was issued which provides clarification of how changes in restricted cash should be reported in the statement of cash flows. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect this update to have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

In January 2017, an accounting update was issued which provides the definition of a business for the purposes of business combination accounting. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied prospectively. Accordingly, there will be no effect on prior business combinations. We have not determined the impact of the update due to the absence of transactions that would be impacted.

 

In January 2017, an accounting update was issued which simplifies the process for determining the amount of goodwill impairment. We adopted this standard as of January 1, 2017 and it did not have any effect on the conclusions reached in our periodic goodwill impairment assessment.

 

In March 2017, an accounting update was issued which requires that service cost for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans be reported in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Additionally, the other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We expect that the principal effect of adopting this standard will be to reclassify a portion of our pension and postretirement costs to Other expense/(income).

 

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In May 2017, an accounting update was issued to provide clarity as to when a company must account for changes to stock-based compensation programs as award modifications. Award modifications require an update to the value of the award, resulting in an adjustment to compensation expense. We have not made changes to awards in recent years that would be affected by this update, but such changes are possible in future periods. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this update. The update is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017.

 

In August 2017, an accounting update was issued which simplifies the application of hedge accounting to better align the financial reporting of hedging relationships with a company’s risk management activities. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of this update, which must be adopted by January 1, 2019, but may be adopted early.

 

 

 

 

 

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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,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” ”may,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “should” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended, but are not the exclusive means, to identify forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements are subject to 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 the 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;
·In the Machine Clothing segment, declines in demand for paper in certain regions and market segments that continues at a rate that is greater than anticipated, and growth in demand in other segments or regions that is lower or slower than anticipated;
·In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, unanticipated reductions in demand, delays, technical difficulties or cancellations in aerospace programs that are expected to drive growth;
·Failure to achieve or maintain anticipated profitable growth in our Albany Engineered Composites segment;
·Other risks and conditions in the industries in which our Machine Clothing and Albany Engineered Composites segments compete, along with general risks associated with macroeconomic conditions; and
·Other risks and uncertainties detailed in this report.

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 “Business Environment Overview and Trends” sections of this quarterly report, as well as in the “Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Statements expressing our assessments of the growth potential of the Albany Engineered Composites segment are not intended as forecasts of actual future growth, and should not be relied on as such. While we believe such assessments to have a reasonable basis, such assessments are, by their nature, inherently uncertain. This report sets forth a number of assumptions regarding these assessments, including projected timing and volume of demand for

29

 

 

aircraft and for LEAP aircraft engines. Such assumptions could prove incorrect. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our 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

 

Our reportable segments, Machine Clothing (MC) and Albany Engineered Composites (AEC), draw on the same advanced textiles and materials processing capabilities, and compete on the basis of proprietary, product-based advantage that is grounded in those core capabilities.

 

The MC segment is the Company’s long-established core business and primary generator of cash. While the paper and paperboard industry in our traditional geographic markets has suffered from well-documented declines in publication grades, the industry is still expected to grow slightly on a global basis, driven by demand for packaging and tissue grades, as well as the expansion of paper consumption and production in Asia and South America. We feel we are now well-positioned in these markets, with high-quality, low-cost production in growth markets, substantially lower fixed costs in mature markets, and continued strength in new product development, field services, and manufacturing technology. Because of pricing pressures and industry overcapacity, the machine clothing and paper industries will continue to face top line pressure. Nonetheless the business has potential to generate consistent earnings and cash flow in the future. The business has been a significant generator of cash, and we seek to maintain the cash-generating potential of this business by maintaining the low costs that we achieved through restructuring, and competing vigorously by using our differentiated products and services to reduce our customers’ total cost of operation and improve their paper quality.

 

The AEC segment provides significant growth potential for our Company both near and long term. Our strategy is to grow by focusing our proprietary 3D-woven technology, as well as our conventional non-3D technology, on high-value aerospace and defense applications, while at the same time performing successfully on our portfolio of growth programs. AEC (including Albany Safran Composites, LLC (“ASC”), in which our customer SAFRAN Group owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest) supplies a number of customers in the aerospace industry. AEC’s largest aerospace customer is the SAFRAN Group and sales to SAFRAN accounted for approximately 11% of the Company’s consolidated net sales in 2016. Through ASC, AEC develops and sells 3D-woven composite aerospace components to SAFRAN, with the most significant program at present being the production of fan blades and other components for the LEAP engine. AEC (through ASC) also supplies 3D-woven composite fan cases for the GE9X engine. AEC’s current portfolio of non-3D-woven programs includes components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, fuselage components for the Boeing 787, components for the CH-53K helicopter, vacuum waste tanks for Boeing 7-Series aircraft, and missile bodies for Lockheed Martin’s JASSM air-to-surface missiles. AEC is actively engaged in research to develop new applications in the aircraft engine, airframes, and automotive markets.

 

 

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Consolidated Results of Operations

On April 8, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for cash of $187 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The acquired entity is part of the AEC segment.

 

Since the acquisition occurred early in the second quarter of 2016, the Statement of Income for first nine months of 2016 does not include any operational results of the acquired entity for the first quarter of 2016. In order to assist with comparison of year to date results, the following table presents operational results of the acquired business for the first quarter of 2017:

 

 

(in thousands)

Three months ended

March 31, 2017

Net sales $20,200 
Gross profit 2,245 
Selling, technical, general and research expenses 3,172 
Restructuring expense 1,699 
Operating loss (2,626)
Interest expense, net (332)
Loss before income taxes (2,958)

 

 

Net sales

 

The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment:

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change
Machine Clothing $150,694 $143,248 5.2% $440,093 $437,445 0.6%
Albany Engineered Composites          71,447        48,024 48.8%     196,896       129,348 52.2%
Total $222,141 $191,272 16.1% $636,989 $566,793 12.4%

 

 

Three month comparison

 

·Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing net sales by $2.3 million during the third quarter of 2017 as compared to 2016.
·Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates:
·Net sales increased 15.0% compared to the same period in 2016.
·Net sales in MC increased 4.0%.
·Net sales in AEC increased 47.8%.

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·The increase in MC net sales was principally due to strong performance in the tissue, packaging and pulp grades, which more than offset continuing declines in the publication grades.
·AEC sales increased $23.4 million, principally due to growth in the LEAP, 787 fuselage frames and CH-53K programs.

 

Nine month comparison

 

·Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of decreasing net sales by $1.6 million during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to 2016.
·Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates:
·Net sales increased 12.7% compared to the same period in 2016.
·Net sales in MC increased 0.9%.
·Net sales in AEC increased 52.4%.
·MC net sales grew in the tissue, packaging and pulp grades, which more than offset continuing declines in the publication grades.
·AEC sales increased $67.5 million, principally due to the inclusion of nine months of results of the SLC business, and growth in the LEAP, 787 fuselage frames and CH-53K programs.

 

 

 

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) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Machine Clothing $73,028  $68,104  $213,081  $208,628 
Albany Engineered Composites 6,638  4,556  5,872  15,329 
Corporate expenses (231) (240) (559) (721)
Total $79,435  $72,420  $218,394  $223,236 
% of Net sales 35.8% 37.9% 34.3% 39.4%

 

 

Three month comparison

 

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracking components used in the oil and gas industry, which was part of the Harris aerostructures business acquired by AEC in 2016. This decision resulted in a $3.2 million charge to Cost of goods sold for the write-off of inventory.

 

The overall increase in 2017 gross profit, as compared to the same period in 2016, was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

 

·An increase in MC gross profit, principally due to higher sales and strong productivity.

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·AEC gross profit increased $2.1 million due to the net effect of the following:
·The 2017 write-off of Bear Claw® inventory which reduced gross profit by $3.2 million.
·An increase in net sales, as described above, and higher productivity.

 

Nine month comparison

 

 

The decrease in 2017 gross profit, as compared to the same period in 2016, was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

 

·A $4.5 million increase in MC gross profit, principally due to higher sales and strong productivity.
·AEC gross profit decreased $9.5 million due to the net effect of the following:
·In the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge to Cost of goods sold of $15.8 million associated with revisions in the estimated profitability of two AEC contracts. The charge was principally due to second-quarter 2017 downward revisions of estimated customer demand for the components manufactured by AEC related to the two contracts.
·The write-off of Bear Claw® inventory in the third quarter of 2017 for $3.2 million.
·Inclusion of nine months of results for the acquired SLC business (compared to six months for 2016), which generated $2.2 million of gross profit in the first quarter of 2017.
·An increase in net sales, as described above, and higher productivity.

 

Selling, Technical, General, and Research (STG&R)

 

The following table summarizes STG&R expenses by business segment:

 

 
  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Machine Clothing $30,258  $28,276  $92,716  $90,125 
Albany Engineered Composites 10,532  8,445  28,907  27,624 
Corporate expenses 10,839  10,553  32,964  32,888 
Total $51,629  $47,274  $154,587  $150,637 
% of Net sales 23.2% 24.7% 24.3% 26.6%

 

 

Three month comparison

 

The increase in STG&R expenses in 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

 

·In MC, revaluation of nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities resulted in third-quarter losses of $1.1 million in 2017, and $0.1 million in 2016.
·Changes in currency translation rates increased 2017 MC STG&R expenses by approximately $0.7 million.
·Research and development expenses in AEC increased third quarter 2017 STG&R expenses by $1.2 million.
·Adjustments to the SLC acquisition accounting that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2016 resulted in an increase in 2017 STG&R expenses of $0.5 million.

 

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Nine month comparison

 

The increase in STG&R expenses in 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, was principally due to the net effect of the following individually significant items:

 

·In MC, revaluation of nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities resulted in losses of $4.4 million in 2017, and $1.6 million in 2016.
·STG&R expenses of the SLC business were $3.2 million in the first quarter of 2017. There were no STG&R expenses in the comparable period of 2016 due to the timing of the acquisition.
·AEC research and development expenses increased $1.4 million in 2017.
·2016 acquisition expenses were $5.4 million.

 

 

Research and Development

 

The following table is a subset of the STG&R expenses table above and summarizes expenses associated with internally funded research and development by business segment:

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Machine Clothing $4,229 $3,937 $13,273 $12,695
Albany Engineered Composites         3,828         2,656         9,683           8,247
Total $8,057 $6,593 $22,956 $20,942

 

 

 

Restructuring Expense

 

The following table summarizes restructuring expenses by business segment:

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Machine Clothing $96  ($212) $1,012  $5,921 
Albany Engineered Composites 5,407  640  9,208  1,787 
Corporate expenses -  (102) -  (55)
Total $5,503  $326  $10,220  $7,653 

 

 

AEC incurred restructuring charges of $9.2 million in the first nine months of 2017. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company decided to discontinue the Bear Claw® line of hydraulic fracturing components used in the oil and gas industry, which led to non-cash restructuring charges totaling $4.5

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million relating to the impairment of long-lived assets. Other restructuring charges in 2017 principally related to work force reductions in Salt Lake City, Utah and Rochester, New Hampshire.

AEC restructuring expenses in 2016 were principally related to the consolidation of legacy programs into Boerne, Texas.

Machine Clothing restructuring costs for the first nine months of 2017 were principally related to additional costs for restructuring actions taken in 2016. Machine Clothing restructuring costs in 2016 were principally related to plant closure costs in Göppingen, Germany and the cessation of research and development activities at the production facility in Sélestat, France.

In October 2017, the Company announced the initiation of discussions with the local works council regarding a proposal to discontinue operations at its Machine Clothing production facility in Sélestat, France. The consultations are subject to applicable law and are ongoing. At this time, the Company has not recorded any restructuring charge related to this proposal.

For more information on our restructuring charges, see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Operating Income

The following table summarizes operating income/(loss) by business segment:

 
 

Three months ended

September 30,

Nine months ended

September 30,

(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Machine Clothing $42,674  $40,039  $119,352  $112,583 
Albany Engineered Composites (9,301) (4,529) (32,242) (14,083)
Corporate expenses (11,070) (10,690) (33,523) (33,554)
Total $22,303  $24,820  $53,587  $64,946 

 

Other Earnings Items

 

  Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Interest expense, net $4,429  $3,681  $13,042  $9,610 
Other expense/(income), net (1,155) 242  980  (2,103)
Income tax expense 3,809  7,488  12,138  20,613 
Net income/(loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest (49) 340  202  (111)

 

 

Interest Expense, net

 

Interest expense, net, increased $3.4 million in the first nine months of 2017 principally due to borrowings to fund the 2016 acquisition, and the interest associated with the capital lease obligation assumed in the acquisition. See the Capital Resources section for further discussion of borrowings and interest rates.

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Other Expense/Income, net

 

The change in Other expense/(income), net included the following individually significant items:

 

Three month comparison

 

·For the third quarter of each year, foreign currency revaluations of cash and intercompany balances resulted in losses of $0.3 million in 2017, and gains of $0.3 million in 2016.
·In the third quarter of 2017, the Company recorded an insurance recovery gain of $2.0 million related to the theft in Japan that was reported in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

 

Nine month comparison

 

·For the first nine months of each year, foreign currency revaluations of cash and intercompany balances resulted in losses of $2.3 million in 2017, and gains of $2.4 million in 2016.
·In the third quarter of 2017, the Company recorded an insurance recovery gain of $2.0 million related to the theft in Japan that was reported in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

 

 

Income Tax

 

The Company has operations which constitute a taxable presence in 18 countries outside of the United States. All of these countries had income tax rates that were below the United States’ federal tax rate of 35% 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.

 

Three month comparison

 

The Company’s effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2017 and 2016 were 20.0% and 35.8%, respectively. The tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as the income tax rate in the U.S. and in non-U.S. jurisdictions and the mix of income earned in those jurisdictions. The tax rate is also affected by U.S. tax costs on foreign earnings that have been or will be repatriated to the U.S., and by discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year.

Significant items that impacted the tax rate in the third quarter of 2017 included the following (percentages reflect the effect of each item as a percentage of Income before income taxes):

·The income tax rate on continuing operations, excluding discrete items, was 36.4%.
·A $0.1 million [-0.4%] tax benefit due to changes of uncertain tax positions.
·A $3.8 million [-19.9%] tax benefit related to the release of valuation allowances.
·A $0.8 million [3.9%] net tax expense related to a change in the estimated tax rate for the year.

 

Significant items that impacted the tax rate in the third quarter of 2016 included the following:

 

·The income tax rate on continuing operations, excluding discrete items, was 37.5%.

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·A $0.4 million [-2.0%] net tax benefit related to a change in the estimated tax rate for the year.
·A $0.1 million [0.3%] net tax expense related to other discrete items.

Nine month comparison

The Company’s effective tax rates for the first nine-month periods of 2017 and 2016 were 30.7% and 35.9% respectively. The tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as the income tax rate in the U.S. and in non-U.S. jurisdictions and the mix of income earned in those jurisdictions. The tax rate is also affected by U.S. tax costs on foreign earnings that have been or will be repatriated to the U.S., and discrete items that may occur in any year but are not consistent from year to year.

Significant items that impacted the 2017 tax rate included the following (percentages reflect the effect of each item as a percentage of income before income taxes):

·The income tax rate on continuing operations, excluding discrete items, was 36.4%.
·A $0.4 million [1.1%] tax expense due to changes of uncertain tax positions.
·A $0.2 million [0.5%] tax expense related to the true-up of prior years’ estimated taxes.
·A $1.0 million [2.4%] tax expense related to provisions for and settlements of income tax audits.
·A $3.8 million [-9.5%] tax benefit related to the release of valuation allowances.
·A $0.1 million [-0.2%] tax benefit related to the exercise of stock options.

Significant items that impacted the 2016 tax rate included the following (percentages reflect the effect of each item as a percentage of income excluding the building insurance gain and before income taxes):

·The income tax rate on continuing operations, excluding discrete items, was 37.5%.
·A $0.8 million [-1.4%] discrete income tax benefit related to provisions for and settlements of income tax audits.
·A $0.3 million [-0.4%] net tax benefit due to changes in/establishment of uncertain tax positions.
·A $0.1 million [0.2%] net tax expense related to other discrete items.

 

 

Segment Results of Operations

 

Machine Clothing Segment

Business Environment and Trends

 

MC is our primary business segment and accounted for 77% of our consolidated revenues during the first nine months of 2017. MC products are purchased primarily by manufacturers of paper and paperboard.

 

According to RISI, Inc., global production of paper and paperboard is expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 2% over the next five years, driven primarily by secular demand increases in Asia and South America, with stabilization in the mature markets of Europe and North America.

 

Shifting demand for paper, across different paper grades as well as across geographical regions, continues to drive the elimination of papermaking capacity in areas with significant established capacity, primarily in publication grades in the mature markets of Europe and North America. At the same time, the newest, most efficient machines are being installed in areas of growing demand,

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including Asia and South America generally, as well as tissue and towel paper grades in all regions. Recent technological advances in paper machine clothing, while contributing to the papermaking efficiency of customers, have lengthened the useful life of many of our products and had an adverse impact on overall paper machine clothing demand.

 

The Company’s manufacturing and product platforms position us well to meet these shifting demands across product grades and geographic regions. Our strategy for meeting these challenges continues to be to grow share in all markets, with new products and technology, and to maintain our manufacturing footprint to align with global demand, while we offset the effects of inflation through continuous productivity improvement.

 

We have incurred significant restructuring charges in recent periods as we reduced MC manufacturing capacity in the United States, Germany, France, Canada, and Sweden.

 

 

MC Review of Operations

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales $150,694  $143,248  $440,093  437,445 
Gross profit 73,028  68,104  213,081  208,628 
% of net sales 48.5% 47.5% 48.4% 47.7%
STG&R expenses 30,258  28,276  92,716  90,125 
Operating income 42,674  40,039  119,352  112,583 

 

 

Net Sales

 

Three month comparison

·Net sales increased by 5.2%.
·Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing 2017 sales by $1.8 million. Excluding that effect, net sales increased 4.0%.
·The increase in MC net sales was principally due to strong performance in the tissue, packaging and pulp grades, which more than offset continuing declines in the publication grades.

 

 

Nine month comparison

·Net sales increased by 0.6%.
·Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of decreasing 2017 sales by $1.3 million. Excluding that effect, net sales increased 0.9%.
·The increase in MC net sales was principally due to strong performance in the tissue, packaging and pulp grades, which more than offset continuing declines in the publication grades.

 

 

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Gross Profit

 

Three month comparison

 

·The increase in MC gross profit was principally due to higher sales and strong productivity.

 

Nine month comparison

 

·The increase in MC gross profit was principally due to higher sales and strong productivity.

 

 

Operating Income

 

Three month comparison

 

·The increase in operating income was principally due to higher gross profit, as described above.

 

Nine month comparison

 

·The increase in operating income was principally due to higher gross profit in 2017, and a $4.9 million reduction in restructuring expenses in 2017.

 

 

Albany Engineered Composites Segment

Business Environment and Trends

 

The Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment, including Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC), in which our customer SAFRAN Group owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest, provides highly engineered advanced composite structures to customers primarily in the aerospace and defense industries. AEC’s largest program relates to CFM International’s LEAP engine. AEC, through ASC, is the exclusive supplier of advanced composite fan blades and cases for this program under a long-term supply contract. Other significant AEC programs include components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, fuselage frame components for the Boeing 787, and the fan case for the GE9X engine. The AEC segment also includes the Company’s April 2016 acquisition of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for cash of $187 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities.

 

AEC Review of Operations

 

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
(in thousands, except percentages) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net sales $71,447  $48,024  $196,896  $129,348 
Gross profit/(loss) 6,638  4,556  5,872  15,329 
% of net sales 9.3% 9.5% 3.0% 11.9%
STG&R expenses 10,532  8,445  28,907  27,624 
Operating loss (9,301) (4,529) (32,242) (14,083)

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Net Sales

 

Three month comparison

 

·AEC sales increased $23.4 million, principally due to growth in the LEAP, 787 fuselage frames and CH-53K programs.

 

Nine month comparison

 

Net sales increased $67.5 million in 2017, principally due to the effect of the following individually significant items:

 

·The acquired business in Salt Lake City had sales of $20.2 million in the first quarter of 2017.
·The remainder of the increase was principally due to growth in the LEAP, 787 fuselage frames and CH-53K programs.

 

 

Gross Profit

 

Three month comparison

 

·AEC gross profit increased $2.1 million due to the net effect of the following:
·The 2017 write-off of Bear Claw® inventory which reduced gross profit by $3.2 million.
·An increase in net sales, as described above, and higher productivity.

 

Nine month comparison

 

·AEC gross profit decreased $9.5 million due to the net effect of the following:
·In the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge to Cost of goods sold of $15.8 million associated with revisions in the estimated profitability of two AEC contracts. The charge was principally due to second-quarter 2017 downward revisions of estimated customer demand for the components manufactured by AEC related to the two contracts.
·The write-off of Bear Claw ® inventory in the third quarter of 2017 for $3.2 million.
·Inclusion of nine months of results for the acquired SLC business (compared to six months for 2016), which generated $2.2 million of gross profit in the first quarter of 2017.
·An increase in net sales, as described above, and higher productivity.

 

 

Long-term contracts

AEC has contracts with certain customers, including its contract for the LEAP program, where revenue is determined by cost, plus a defined profit margin. Revenue earned under these arrangements accounted for approximately 43 and 41 percent of segment revenue for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

In addition, AEC has long-term contracts in which the total contract 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 or units of delivery 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.

 

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In the second quarter of 2017, the Company recorded a charge of approximately $15.8 million associated with revisions in the estimated profitability of two AEC contracts. The charge was principally due to second-quarter 2017 downward revisions of estimated customer demand for the components manufactured by AEC related to the two contracts.

 

AEC has a contract for the manufacture of composite components for the Rolls-Royce BR 725 engine, which powers Gulfstream’s G-650 business jet. The contract obligates AEC to supply these components for the life of the BR 725 program. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company revised its estimate of the profitability of this contract and determined that a charge of $10.2 million should be recorded as a provision for anticipated losses through the end of the program. The charge is driven primarily by a reduction in the estimated future demand for these components. The Company previously recorded a charge of $14 million in the second quarter of 2015 for this program, including $11 million for the write-off of development costs for nonrecurring engineering and tooling, and $3 million for anticipated future losses.

 

AEC’s subsidiary, Albany Aerospace Composites LLC, has a contract for the manufacture of composite struts for the Airbus A380, under which it is obligated to supply composite wing box struts through 2020 and floor beam struts through 2023. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company revised its estimate of the profitability of this contract and determined that a charge of $5.6 million should be recorded as a provision for anticipated losses through contract completion. The revision is driven by a decrease in estimated demand for these components during the contract term, as well as by program inefficiencies.

 

Other than the charges noted above, changes in contract estimates increased gross profit by $0.3 million in the first nine months of 2017, and decreased gross profit by $1.2 million for the same period of 2016.

 

The value of fixed price contracts increased significantly due to the acquisition. The table below provides a summary of long-term fixed price contracts that were in process at the end of each period.

 

     
(in thousands)

September 30,

2017

 

December 31,

2016

Revenue earned year-to-date on incomplete long-term contracts $76,671 $77,190
     
Contracts in process as of period end:    
Total value of contracts                            562,487                        351,779
Revenue recognized to date                            131,707                          55,091
Revenue to be recognized in future periods                            430,780                        296,688

 

Operating Loss

 

Three month comparison

·The operating loss increased by $4.8 million, compared to the third quarter of 2016, principally due to a $4.8 million increase in restructuring charges, and the Bear Claw® inventory write-off of $3.2 million.

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·The effect of those charges was partially offset by higher sales and strong productivity, as described above.

 

Nine month comparison

·The operating loss increased by $18.2 million, compared to the first nine months of 2016, principally due to the net effect of the following:
·The $67.5 million increase in net sales in 2017.
·The $15.8 million charge associated with the revision of contract estimates.
·An increase of $7.4 million in restructuring charges.
·The inventory write-off of $3.2 million for Bear Claw®.
·Operating expenses in 2016 included $5.4 million of acquisition expenses.

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash Flow Summary

 

 

Nine months ended

September 30,

(in thousands) 2017 2016
Net income $27,427  $36,826 
Depreciation and amortization 53,256  51,224 
Changes in working capital (54,390) (32,476)
Changes in other noncurrent liabilities and deferred taxes (13,142) (5,650)
Other operating items 8,564  3,291 
Net cash provided by operating activities 21,715  53,215 
Net cash used in investing activities (62,262) (231,869)
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,395  184,982 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 8,875  4,729 
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents (28,277) 11,057 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 181,742  185,113 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $153,465  $196,170 

 

 

Operating activities

 

Cash flow from operating activities was $21.7 million for the first nine months of 2017, compared to $53.2 million of cash provided by operating activities for the same period of 2016. The decrease in 2017 was principally due to higher levels of Accounts receivable and Inventories in the AEC segment, reflecting growth in key programs. Cash paid for income taxes was $21.7 million and $18.2 million for the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

At September 30, 2017, we had $153.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, of which $140.8 million was held by subsidiaries outside of the United States. The Company records the residual U.S. and foreign taxes on certain amounts of foreign earnings that have been targeted for repatriation to the U.S. These amounts are not considered to be permanently reinvested, and the Company accrued for the tax cost on these earnings to the extent they cannot be repatriated in a tax-free manner. At September 30, 2017, the Company calculated a deferred tax liability of $3.7 million on $62.8 million of non-U.S. earnings that have been targeted for future repatriation to the U.S. Our current plans do not anticipate that we will need funds generated from foreign operations to fund our domestic operations or satisfy debt obligations in the United States. In the event that such funds were to be needed to fund

42

 

 

operations in the U.S., and if associated accruals for U.S. tax have not already been provided, we would be required to accrue and pay additional U.S. taxes to repatriate these funds.

 

Investing and Financing Activities

 

Capital expenditures for the first nine months were $62.3 million in 2017 and $51.3 million in 2016. The increase in 2017 was primarily related to the ramp in AEC programs.

 

On April 8, 2016, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures business for cash of $187 million, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The Company funded the cash payable at closing by utilizing proceeds from a $550 million, unsecured credit facility agreement that was completed April 8, 2016.

 

Dividends have been declared each quarter since the fourth quarter of 2001. Decisions with respect to whether a dividend will be paid, and the amount of the dividend, are made by the Board of Directors each quarter. To the extent the Board declares cash dividends in the future, we expect to pay such dividends out of operating cash flows. Future cash dividends will also depend on debt covenants and on the Board’s assessment of our ability to generate sufficient cash flows.

 

Capital Resources

 

We finance our business activities primarily 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, but borrowings under such local facilities tend not to be significant. Substantially all of our cash balance at September 30, 2017 was held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. Based on cash on hand and credit facilities, we anticipate that the Company has sufficient capital resources to operate for the foreseeable future. We were in compliance with all debt covenants as of September 30, 2017.

On April 8, 2016, we entered into a $550 million unsecured Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) which amended and restated the Prior $400 million Agreement, entered into on June 18, 2015 (the “Prior Agreement”). Under the Credit Agreement, $440 million of borrowings were outstanding as of September 30, 2017. The applicable interest rate for borrowings was LIBOR plus a spread, based on our leverage ratio at the time of borrowing. At the time of the last borrowing on September 25, 2017, the spread was 1.500%. The spread was based on a pricing grid, which ranged from 1.250% to 1.750%, based on our leverage ratio. Based on our maximum leverage ratio and our Consolidated EBITDA, and without modification to any other credit agreements, as of September 30, 2017, we would have been able to borrow an additional $110 million under the Agreement.

On May 6, 2016, we terminated our interest rate swap agreements that had effectively fixed the interest rate on up to $120 million of revolving credit borrowings, in order to enter into a new interest rate swap with a greater notional amount, and the same maturity as the Credit Agreement. We paid $5.2 million to terminate the swap agreements and that cost will be amortized into interest expense through June 2020.

On May 9, 2016, we entered into interest rate hedges for the period May 16, 2016 through March 16, 2021. These transactions have the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $300 million of indebtedness drawn under the Credit Agreement at the rate of 1.245% during the period. Under the terms of these transactions, we pay the fixed rate of 1.245% and the counterparties pay a floating rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate at each monthly

43

 

calculation date, which on September 18, 2017 was 1.245%, plus the applicable spread, during the swap period. On September 18, 2017, the all-in-rate on the $300 million of debt was 2.745%.

As of September 30, 2017, our leverage ratio was 2.55 to 1.00 and our interest coverage ratio was 9.38 to 1.00. We may purchase our Common Stock or pay dividends to the extent our leverage ratio remains at or below 3.50 to 1.00, and may make acquisitions with cash provided our leverage ratio would not exceed 3.50 to 1.00 after giving pro forma effect to any such acquisition.

 

For more information, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2017, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

The information set forth under Note 18 contained in Item 1, “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 
 

 

Non-GAAP Measures

 

This Form 10-Q contains certain non-GAAP metrics, including: percent change in net sales excluding currency rate effects (for each segment and the Company as a whole); EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (for each segment and the Company as a whole); net debt; and net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments. Such items are provided because management believes that, when reconciled from the GAAP items to which they relate, they provide additional useful information to investors regarding the Company’s operational performance.

 

Presenting increases or decreases in sales, after currency effects are excluded, can give management and investors insight into underlying sales trends. EBITDA, or net income with interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization added back, is a common indicator of financial performance used, among other things, to analyze and compare core profitability between companies and industries because it eliminates effects due to differences in financing, asset bases and taxes. An understanding of the impact in a particular quarter of specific restructuring costs, acquisition expenses, currency revaluation, or other gains and losses, on net income (absolute as well as on a per-share basis), operating income or EBITDA can give management and investors additional insight into core financial performance, especially when compared to quarters in which such items had a greater or lesser effect, or no effect. Restructuring expenses in the MC segment, while frequent in recent years, are reflective of significant reductions in manufacturing capacity and associated headcount in response to shifting markets, and not of the profitability of the business going forward as restructured. Net debt is, in the opinion of the Company, helpful to investors wishing to understand what the Company’s debt position would be if all available cash were applied to pay down indebtedness. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and net income per share, excluding adjustments, are performance measures that relate to the Company’s continuing operations.

 

Percent changes in net sales, excluding currency rate effects, are calculated by converting amounts reported in local currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of a prior period. That amount is then compared to the U.S. dollar amount reported in the current period. The Company calculates EBITDA by removing the following from Net income: Interest expense net, Income tax

44

 

 

expense, Depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by: adding to EBITDA costs associated with restructuring, inventory write-offs associated with discontinued businesses and pension settlement charges; adding (or subtracting) revaluation losses (or gains); subtracting (or adding) gains (or losses) from the sale of buildings or investments; subtracting insurance recovery gains in excess of previously recorded losses; subtracting (or adding) Income (or loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest in Albany Safran Composites (ASC); and adding expenses related to the Company’s acquisition of Harris Corporation’s composite aerostructures division. Adjusted EBITDA may also be presented as a percentage of net sales by dividing it by net sales. Net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments, is calculated by adding to (or subtracting from) net income attributable to the Company per share, on an after-tax basis: restructuring charges; inventory write-offs associated with discontinued businesses; discrete tax charges (or gains) and the effect of changes in the income tax rate; foreign currency revaluation losses (or gains); acquisition expenses; and losses (or gains) from the sale of investments.

 

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments, as defined by the Company, may not be similar to similarly named measures of other companies. Such measures are not considered measurements under GAAP, and should be considered in addition to, but not as substitutes for, the information contained in the Company’s statements of income.

 

 

The following tables show the calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2017
(in thousands) Machine Clothing Albany Engineered Composites Corporate expenses and other Total Company
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP) $42,674  ($9,301) ($11,070) $22,303 
Interest, taxes, other income/expense -  -  (7,083) (7,083)
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) 42,674  (9,301) (18,153) 15,220 
Interest expense, net -  -  4,429  4,429 
Income tax expense -  -  3,809  3,809 
Depreciation and amortization 8,380  8,591  1,159  18,130 
EBITDA (non-GAAP) 51,054  (710) (8,756) 41,588 
Restructuring expenses, net 96  5,407  -  5,503 
Foreign currency revaluation losses 1,114  137  266  1,517 
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line -  3,155  -  3,155 
Pretax loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in ASC -  136  -  136 
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) $52,264  $8,125  ($8,490) $51,899 

 

 

45

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016
(in thousands) Machine Clothing Albany Engineered Composites Corporate expenses and other Total Company
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP) $40,039  ($4,529) ($10,690) $24,820 
Interest, taxes, other income/expense -  -  (11,411) (11,411)
Net income/(loss)  (GAAP) 40,039  (4,529) (22,101) 13,409 
Interest expense, net -  -  3,681  3,681 
Income tax expense -  -  7,488  7,488 
Depreciation and amortization 9,032  8,027  1,386  18,445 
EBITDA (non-GAAP) 49,071  3,498  (9,546) 43,023 
Restructuring expenses, net (212) 640  (102) 326 
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses 86  -  (308) (222)
Pretax income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in ASC -  (428) -  (428)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) $48,945  $3,710  ($9,956) $42,699 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2017
(in thousands) Machine Clothing Albany Engineered Composites* Corporate expenses and other Total Company
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP) $119,352  ($32,242) ($33,523) $53,587 
Interest, taxes, other income/expense -  -  (26,160) (26,160)
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) 119,352  (32,242) (59,683) 27,427 
Interest expense, net -  -  13,042  13,042 
Income tax expense -  -  12,138  12,138 
Depreciation and amortization 25,098  24,613  3,545  53,256 
EBITDA (non-GAAP) 144,450  (7,629) (30,958) 105,863 
Restructuring expenses, net 1,012  9,208  -  10,220 
Foreign currency revaluation losses 4,427  171  2,318  6,916 
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line -  3,155  -  3,155 
Pretax income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in ASC -  (178) -  (178)
Adjusted EBITDA(non-GAAP) $149,889  $4,727  ($28,640) $125,976 

* Includes charge of $15.8 million related to revisions in the estimated profitability of two long-term contracts.

46

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2016
(in thousands) Machine Clothing Albany Engineered Composites Corporate expenses
and other
Total Company
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP) $112,583  ($14,083) ($33,554) $64,946 
Interest, taxes, other income/expense -  -  (28,120) (28,120)
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) 112,583  (14,083) (61,674) 36,826 
Interest expense, net -  -  9,610  9,610 
Income tax expense -  -  20,613  20,613 
Depreciation and amortization 27,845  17,778  5,601  51,224 
EBITDA (non-GAAP) 140,428  3,695  (25,850) 118,273 
Restructuring expenses, net 5,921  1,787  (55) 7,653 
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses 1,646  5  (2,355) (704)
Acquisition expenses -  5,367  -  5,367 
Pretax loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest in ASC -  36  -  36 
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) $147,995  $10,890  ($28,260) $130,625 

 

The Company discloses certain income and expense items on a per-share basis. The Company believes that such disclosures provide important insight into underlying quarterly earnings and are financial performance metrics commonly used by investors. The Company calculates the quarterly per-share amount for items included in continuing operations by using the income tax rate based on income from continuing operations and the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for each period. Year-to-date earnings per-share effects are determined by adding the amounts calculated at each reporting period.

 

The following tables show the earnings per share effect of certain income and expense items:

 

Three months ended September 30, 2017 Pre tax Tax After tax Per Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts Effect Effect Effect
Restructuring expenses, net $5,503 $2,003 $3,500 $0.11
Foreign currency revaluation losses             1,517                552            965               0.03
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line             3,155             1,167         1,988               0.06
Unfavorable effect of change in income tax rate                      -                741            741               0.02
Net discrete income tax benefit                      -             3,866         3,866               0.12

 

Three months ended September 30, 2016 Pre tax Tax After tax Per Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts Effect Effect Effect
Restructuring expenses, net $326 $122 $204 $0.01
Foreign currency revaluation gains                222                  83           139 0.00
Favorable effect of change in income tax rate                      -                425           425               0.01
Net discrete income tax charge                      -                  74              74 0.00

 

47

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Pre tax Tax After tax Per Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts Effect Effect Effect
Restructuring expenses, net $10,220 $3,721 $6,499 $0.20
Foreign currency revaluation losses             6,916             2,516        4,400               0.14
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line             3,155             1,167        1,988               0.06
Net discrete income tax benefit                     -             2,281        2,281               0.07
Charge for revision to estimated profitability of AEC contracts          15,821             5,854        9,967               0.31

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2016 Pre tax Tax After tax Per Share
(in thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts Effect Effect Effect
Restructuring expenses, net $7,653 $2,965 $4,688 $0.15
Foreign currency revaluation gains                704                256            448               0.01
Acquisition expenses             5,367             1,933         3,434               0.11
Net discrete income tax benefit                     -                932            932               0.03

The following table contains the calculation of net income per share attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments:

 

  Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
Per share amounts (Basic) 2017 2016 2017* 2016
Net income attributable to the Company  (GAAP) $0.47  $0.41  $0.85  $1.15 
Adjustments:            
Restructuring expenses, net 0.11  0.01  0.20  0.15 
Discrete tax adjustments and effect of change in income tax rate (0.10) (0.01) (0.07) (0.03)
Foreign currency revaluation losses/(gains) 0.03  -  0.14  (0.01)
Write-off of inventory in a discontinued product line 0.06  -  0.06  - 
Acquisition expenses -  -  -  0.11 
Net income attributable to the Company, excluding adjustments  (non-GAAP) $0.57  $0.41  $1.18  $1.37 

* Includes charge of $0.31 per share for revisions in estimated profitability of two AEC contracts.

The following table contains the calculation of AEC Adjusted EBITDA margin:

 

                  For the three month periods ending:
(in thousands, except percentages)

September 30,

2017

June 30,
2017*

March 31,
2017

September 30,

2016

AEC Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) $8,125  ($8,586) $5,188  $3,710 
AEC Net sales (GAAP) 71,447  68,999  56,450  48,024 
AEC Adjusted EBITDA margin (non-GAAP) 11.4% -12.4% 9.2% 7.7%

* Includes charge of $15.8 million in Q2 2017 for revisions in estimated profitability of two AEC contracts.

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The following table contains the calculation of net debt:

 

(in thousands) September 30,
2017
June 30,
2017
March 31,
2017
December 31,
2016
Notes and loans payable $186 $249 $274 $312
Current maturities of long-term debt              51,765         51,732           51,699            51,666
Long-term debt            453,578       444,030         428,477          432,918
Total debt            505,529       496,011 $480,450          484,896
Cash and cash equivalents            153,465       138,792         143,333          181,742
Net debt $352,064 $357,219 $337,117 $303,154

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

For discussion of our exposure to market risk, refer to “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”, which is included as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q.

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 were not 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.

Remediation Plans for Material Weaknesses in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In the fourth quarter of 2016, and as previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as described below:

The Company did not establish effective reporting lines, appropriate authorities, responsibilities and monitoring activities for financial reporting processes and internal controls, as well as the assignment of banking signatory authorities, limits and responsibilities, at its subsidiary in Japan and certain other foreign locations. As a result, the Company lacked effective written entity and process level controls over initiation, authorization, processing and recording of transactions and safeguarding of assets managed by a third party service provider at the Japan location. In addition, the Company did not have effective management review controls over the assessment of a potential reserve for a loss contract due to a failure to understand and document the design requirements and operation of an effective management review control.

49

 

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016, we immediately commenced active steps towards remediating the material weaknesses. These efforts include:

(a)a review of financial reporting processes relating to the subsidiary in Japan, and enhancements and additions to the internal controls for that entity;

 

(b)increasing senior financial and accounting management monitoring of financial reporting at smaller Company locations, establishing effective reporting lines, and appropriate authorities, and responsibilities and monitoring for financial reporting activities, and assignment of banking signatory authorities, limits and responsibilities at such locations;

 

(c)Enhancing management review controls and procedures for the assessment of potential reserves for loss contracts and additional training regarding the required documentation of design and operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.

We are working to remediate the material weaknesses as quickly and efficiently as possible and believe that such efforts will effectively remediate the reported material weaknesses by the end of 2017. However, the material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until the remediated controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.

Notwithstanding the material weaknesses described above, our management has concluded that the financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q present fairly, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

(b)   

Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

 

There were no 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 quarter ended September 30, 2017 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth above under Note 16 in Item 1, “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes in risks since December 31, 2016. For discussion of risk factors, refer to Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

We made no share purchases during the third quarter of 2017. We remain authorized by the Board of Directors to purchase up to 2 million shares of our Class A Common Stock.

50

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.   Description 

 

31.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

31.2    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

32.1   

Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code).

 

99.1    Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risks as reported at September 30, 2017. 

 

101   

The following financial information from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, formatted in extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL), filed herewith: 

 

(i)Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

(ii)Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

(iii)Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

(iv)Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

(v)Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act or otherwise subject to liability under those sections. 

51

 

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 31, 2017

  By /s/ John B. Cozzolino
    John B. Cozzolino
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
    (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52

EXHIBIT (31.1)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13A-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Joseph G. Morone, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Albany International Corp.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: October 31, 2017

By /s/ Joseph G. Morone

Joseph G. Morone

President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

   

EXHIBIT (31.2)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13A-14 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, John B. Cozzolino, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Albany International Corp.;
2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: October 31, 2017

By /s/ John B. Cozzolino

John B. Cozzolino

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

   

EXHIBIT (32.1)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Albany International Corp. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the Report), Joseph G. Morone, President and Chief Executive Officer, and John B. Cozzolino, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 Dated: October 31, 2017

/s/ Joseph G. Morone

Joseph G. Morone

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

/s/ John B. Cozzolino

John B. Cozzolino

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

   

EXHIBIT (99.1)

MARKET RISK SENSITIVITY – AS OF September 30, 2017

 

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 $512.7 million. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates amounts to $51.3 million. Furthermore, related to foreign currency transactions, we have exposure to various nonfunctional currency balances totaling $109.4 million. This amount includes, on an absolute basis, exposures to assets and liabilities held in currencies other than our local entity’s functional currency. On a net basis, we had $80.2 million of foreign currency liabilities as of September 30, 2017. 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 $8.0 million. Actual results may differ.

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, 2017, we had the following variable rate debt:

       
(in thousands, except interest rates)      
Short-term debt      
Notes payable, end of period interest rate of 1.250% $186
Long-term debt      
Credit agreement with borrowings outstanding, net of fixed rate portion, at an end of period interest rate of 2.740% in 2017, due in 2021        140,000
       
       
Total     $140,186

 

Assuming borrowings were outstanding for an entire year, an increase of one percentage point in weighted average interest rates would increase interest expense by $1.4 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. (See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, which is incorporated herein by reference).