ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP /DE/ - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
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, 2023 |
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
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
216 Airport Drive, Rochester, New Hampshire
(Address of principal executive offices) |
14-0462060
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
03867
(Zip Code) |
603-330-5850
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share | AIN | The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The registrant had 31.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of October 15, 2023.
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No. | ||||||||
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) – three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 | ||||||||
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues | $ | 281,106 | $ | 260,563 | $ | 824,325 | $ | 766,101 | |||||||||||||||
Cost of goods sold | 179,271 | 160,070 | 520,468 | 473,411 | |||||||||||||||||||
Gross profit | 101,835 | 100,493 | 303,857 | 292,690 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | 51,975 | 36,873 | 147,214 | 119,325 | |||||||||||||||||||
Technical and research expenses | 9,708 | 9,934 | 30,303 | 29,984 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | 82 | 42 | 227 | 268 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating income | 40,070 | 53,644 | 126,113 | 143,113 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense/(income), net | 3,653 | 3,794 | 10,049 | 11,336 | |||||||||||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | — | 49,128 | — | 49,128 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other (income)/expense, net | 56 | (6,918) | (4,910) | (17,891) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income before income taxes | 36,361 | 7,640 | 120,974 | 100,540 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense/(benefit) | 9,207 | (3,183) | 39,908 | 22,273 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 27,154 | 10,823 | 81,066 | 78,267 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 45 | 129 | 396 | 635 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to the Company | $ | 27,109 | $ | 10,694 | $ | 80,670 | $ | 77,632 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Basic | $ | 0.87 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 2.59 | $ | 2.47 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Diluted | $ | 0.87 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 2.58 | $ | 2.46 | |||||||||||||||
Shares of the Company used in computing earnings per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic | 31,185 | 31,111 | 31,163 | 31,416 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted | 31,283 | 31,223 | 31,256 | 31,518 | |||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared per Class A share | $ | 0.25 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.63 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
1
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 27,154 | $ | 10,823 | $ | 81,066 | $ | 78,267 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss), before tax: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | (15,131) | (38,971) | (4,509) | (79,841) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of loss on pension settlement | — | 42,657 | — | 42,657 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of pension liability adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Prior service credit | (1,031) | (1,123) | (3,092) | (3,368) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net actuarial loss | 349 | 967 | 1,042 | 2,905 | |||||||||||||||||||
Payments and amortization related to interest rate swaps included in earnings | (3,990) | (106) | (10,891) | 2,758 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | 996 | 8,492 | 4,533 | 23,529 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes related to items of other comprehensive income/(loss): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of loss on pension settlement | — | (16,459) | — | (16,459) | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | 315 | 344 | 946 | 1,031 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss | (107) | (296) | (319) | (889) | |||||||||||||||||||
Payments and amortization related to interest rate swaps included in earnings | 1,009 | (27) | 2,755 | (752) | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | (252) | (2,151) | (1,147) | (5,960) | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income | 9,312 | 4,150 | 70,384 | 43,878 | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | (99) | 73 | 669 | 544 | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company | $ | 9,411 | $ | 4,077 | $ | 69,715 | $ | 43,334 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
2
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 171,506 | $ | 291,776 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net | 270,487 | 200,018 | |||||||||
Contract assets, net | 165,833 | 148,695 | |||||||||
Inventories | 180,991 | 139,050 | |||||||||
Income taxes prepaid and receivable | 6,402 | 7,938 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 61,155 | 50,962 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 856,374 | 838,439 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 566,974 | 445,658 | |||||||||
Intangibles, net | 44,636 | 33,811 | |||||||||
Goodwill | 177,398 | 178,217 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 15,284 | 15,196 | |||||||||
Noncurrent receivables, net | 25,300 | 27,913 | |||||||||
Other assets | 104,284 | 103,021 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,790,250 | $ | 1,642,255 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 70,105 | $ | 69,707 | |||||||
Accrued liabilities | 135,343 | 126,385 | |||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | 27,246 | — | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | 10,103 | 15,224 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 242,797 | 211,316 | |||||||||
Long-term debt | 463,339 | 439,000 | |||||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 141,620 | 108,758 | |||||||||
Deferred taxes and other liabilities | 20,861 | 15,638 | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 868,617 | 774,712 | |||||||||
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 15) | |||||||||||
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; 40,856,910 issued in 2023 and 40,785,434 in 2022 | 41 | 41 | |||||||||
Additional paid in capital | 446,470 | 441,540 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 988,602 | 931,318 | |||||||||
Accumulated items of other comprehensive income: | |||||||||||
Translation adjustments | (151,177) | (146,851) | |||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | (17,389) | (15,783) | |||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | 12,957 | 17,707 | |||||||||
Treasury stock (Class A), at cost; 9,661,845 shares in 2023 and 9,674,542 in 2022 | (364,665) | (364,923) | |||||||||
Total Company shareholders' equity | 914,839 | 863,049 | |||||||||
Noncontrolling interest | 6,794 | 4,494 | |||||||||
Total equity | 921,633 | 867,543 | |||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 1,790,250 | $ | 1,642,255 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
3
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
Net income | $ | 81,066 | $ | 78,267 | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
Depreciation | 50,164 | 46,864 | |||||||||
Amortization | 4,614 | 5,044 | |||||||||
Change in deferred taxes and other liabilities | (1,264) | (15,582) | |||||||||
Impairment of property, plant, equipment, and inventory | 577 | 2,610 | |||||||||
Non-cash interest expense | 1,148 | 840 | |||||||||
Non-cash portion of pension settlement expense | — | 42,657 | |||||||||
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock | 5,189 | 3,282 | |||||||||
Provision for credit losses from uncollected receivables and contract assets | 641 | 885 | |||||||||
Foreign currency remeasurement (gain) on intercompany loans | (4,704) | (6,629) | |||||||||
Fair value adjustment on foreign currency options | 581 | (409) | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided/(used) cash, net of impact of business acquisition: | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable | (18,172) | (20,260) | |||||||||
Contract assets | (16,550) | (37,201) | |||||||||
Inventories | (293) | (24,895) | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (3,030) | (2,733) | |||||||||
Income taxes prepaid and receivable | 1,597 | (2,179) | |||||||||
Accounts payable | (6,661) | 5,081 | |||||||||
Accrued liabilities | (16,454) | (12,624) | |||||||||
Income taxes payable | (5,810) | 2,639 | |||||||||
Noncurrent receivables | 2,276 | 2,976 | |||||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | (3,602) | (5,960) | |||||||||
Other, net | 2,499 | 4,634 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 73,812 | 67,307 | |||||||||
INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired | (133,470) | — | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment | (48,850) | (50,948) | |||||||||
Purchased software | (276) | (1,884) | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (182,596) | (52,832) | |||||||||
FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings | 71,249 | 145,000 | |||||||||
Principal payments on debt | (51,479) | (48,000) | |||||||||
Principal payments on finance lease liabilities | — | (654) | |||||||||
Debt acquisition costs | (4,108) | — | |||||||||
Purchase of Treasury shares | — | (84,780) | |||||||||
Taxes paid in lieu of share issuance | (3,136) | (770) | |||||||||
Proceeds from options exercised | — | 17 | |||||||||
Dividends paid | (23,365) | (19,932) | |||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (10,839) | (9,119) | |||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (647) | (30,910) | |||||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (120,270) | (25,554) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 291,776 | 302,036 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 171,506 | $ | 276,482 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements
4
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", the "Registrant", the "Company", "we", "us", or "our") 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 the Company'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 Albany International Corp.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
2. Reportable Segments and Revenue Recognition
In accordance with applicable disclosure guidance for enterprise segments and related information, the internal organization that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing performance is used as the basis for our reportable segments.
Machine Clothing:
The Machine Clothing (“MC”) segment supplies permeable and impermeable belts used in the manufacture of paper, paperboard, tissue and towel, nonwovens, fiber cement and several other industrial applications. We sell our MC products directly to customer end-users in countries across the globe. Our products, manufacturing processes, and distribution channels for MC are substantially the same in each region of the world in which we operate.
We design, manufacture, and market paper machine clothing (used in the manufacturing of paper, paperboard, tissue and towel) for each section of the paper machine and for every grade of paper. Paper machine clothing products are customized, consumable products of technologically sophisticated design that utilize polymeric materials in a complex structure.
On August 31, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of Heimbach GmbH (“Heimbach”), a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing and technical textiles, as further described in Note 17. Business Combination. The financial results of the acquired company are included in the Machine Clothing reportable segment.
Albany Engineered Composites:
The Albany Engineered Composites (“AEC”) segment provides highly engineered, advanced composite structures to customers in the commercial and defense aerospace industries. The segment includes Albany Safran Composites, LLC (“ASC”), in which our customer, the SAFRAN Group (“SAFRAN”) owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest. AEC, through ASC, is the exclusive supplier to the LEAP program of advanced composite fan blades and fan cases under a long-term supply contract, where revenue is determined by a cost-plus-fee agreement. The LEAP engine is used on the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC 919 aircraft. AEC's largest aerospace customer is the SAFRAN Group and sales to SAFRAN (consisting primarily of fan blades and cases for CFM International's LEAP engine) accounted for approximately 16 percent of the Company's consolidated Net revenues in 2022.
AEC net sales to SAFRAN were $140.8 million and $125.4 million in the first nine months of 2023 and 2022, respectively. The total of Accounts receivable, Contract assets and Noncurrent receivables due from SAFRAN amounted to $90.0 million and $80.8 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Other significant programs by AEC include the Sikorsky CH-53K, F-35, JASSM, and Boeing 787 programs. AEC also supplies vacuum waste tanks for the Boeing 7-Series programs, and specialty components for the Rolls Royce lift fan on the F-35, as well as the fan case for the GE9X engine. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 46 percent of AEC revenues were related to U.S. government contracts or programs.
5
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) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Net revenues | ||||||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 166,588 | $ | 153,389 | $ | 479,027 | $ | 459,121 | ||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 114,518 | 107,174 | 345,298 | 306,980 | ||||||||||
Consolidated revenues | $ | 281,106 | $ | 260,563 | $ | 824,325 | $ | 766,101 | ||||||
Operating income/(loss) | ||||||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 50,710 | $ | 57,247 | $ | 153,400 | $ | 161,752 | ||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 9,374 | 9,958 | 27,460 | 20,688 | ||||||||||
Corporate expenses | (20,014) | (13,561) | (54,747) | (39,327) | ||||||||||
Consolidated Operating income | $ | 40,070 | $ | 53,644 | $ | 126,113 | $ | 143,113 | ||||||
Reconciling items: | ||||||||||||||
Interest income | (1,826) | (965) | (4,770) | (2,463) | ||||||||||
Interest expense | 5,479 | 4,759 | 14,819 | 13,799 | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | — | 49,128 | — | 49,128 | ||||||||||
Other (income)/expense, net | 56 | (6,918) | (4,910) | (17,891) | ||||||||||
Income before income taxes | $ | 36,361 | $ | 7,640 | $ | 120,974 | $ | 100,540 |
Third quarter results include newly acquired Heimbach for the period of ownership, which began September 1, 2023. Heimbach's impact on third quarter results is described in Note 17. Business Combination. This acquisition impacted MC third quarter results by increasing Net revenues by $15.6 million and reducing Operating income by $(0.5) million, which included depreciation expense on Property, plant, and equipment, net of $1.1 million, and amortization expense on Intangibles, net of $0.1 million.
Revenue Recognition:
Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of revenues in the Albany Engineered Composites segment and we account for these contracts over time, primarily using the percentage of completion (actual cost to estimated cost) method. That method requires significant judgment and estimation, which could be considerably different if the underlying circumstances were to change. When adjustments in estimated contract revenues or costs are required, any changes from prior estimates are included in earnings in the period the change occurs. Changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts could be caused by increases or decreases in the contract value, revisions to customer delivery requirements, updated labor or overhead rates, factors affecting the supply chain, changes in the evaluation of contract risks and opportunities, or other factors. Changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased operating income by $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2023 and decreased operating income $4.1 million for the first nine months of 2023. Adjustments in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased operating income by $2.6 million and $2.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.
6
We disaggregate revenue earned from contracts with customers for each of our business segments and product groups based on the timing of revenue recognition, and groupings used for internal review purposes.
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended September 30, 2023:
Three months ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total | ||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 165,643 | $ | 945 | $ | 166,588 | |||||
Albany Engineered Composites: | |||||||||||
ASC | — | 46,654 | 46,654 | ||||||||
Other AEC | 4,955 | 62,909 | 67,864 | ||||||||
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 4,955 | 109,563 | 114,518 | ||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 170,598 | $ | 110,508 | $ | 281,106 |
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the three months ended September 30, 2022:
Three months ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total | ||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 152,490 | $ | 899 | $ | 153,389 | |||||
Albany Engineered Composites: | |||||||||||
ASC | — | 41,463 | 41,463 | ||||||||
Other AEC | 5,819 | 59,892 | 65,711 | ||||||||
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 5,819 | 101,355 | 107,174 | ||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 158,309 | $ | 102,254 | $ | 260,563 | |||||
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total | ||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 476,194 | $ | 2,833 | $ | 479,027 | |||||
Albany Engineered Composites: | |||||||||||
ASC | — | 138,603 | 138,603 | ||||||||
Other AEC | 14,259 | 192,436 | 206,695 | ||||||||
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 14,259 | 331,039 | 345,298 | ||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 490,453 | $ | 333,872 | $ | 824,325 | |||||
7
The following table disaggregates revenue for each product group by timing of revenue recognition for the nine months ended September 30, 2022:
Nine months ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | Point in Time Revenue Recognition | Over Time Revenue Recognition | Total | ||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 456,423 | $ | 2,698 | $ | 459,121 | |||||
Albany Engineered Composites: | |||||||||||
ASC | — | 122,836 | 122,836 | ||||||||
Other AEC | 14,750 | 169,394 | 184,144 | ||||||||
Total Albany Engineered Composites | 14,750 | 292,230 | 306,980 | ||||||||
Total revenues | $ | 471,173 | $ | 294,928 | $ | 766,101 | |||||
The following table disaggregates MC segment revenue by significant product groupings (paper machine clothing ("PMC") and engineered fabrics); and for PMC, the geographical region to which the paper machine clothing was sold:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Americas PMC | $ | 84,405 | $ | 83,124 | $ | 261,937 | $ | 240,173 | ||||||
Eurasia PMC | 64,493 | 49,828 | 164,771 | 157,751 | ||||||||||
Engineered Fabrics | 17,690 | 20,437 | 52,319 | 61,197 | ||||||||||
Total Machine Clothing Net revenues | $ | 166,588 | $ | 153,389 | $ | 479,027 | $ | 459,121 | ||||||
We do not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less. Contracts in the MC segment are generally for periods of less than a year and certain contracts in the AEC segment are relatively short duration firm-fixed-price orders. Remaining performance obligations on contracts that had an original duration of greater than one year totaled $759 million and $600 million as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and related primarily to firm fixed price contracts in the AEC segment. Of the remaining performance obligations as of September 30, 2023, we expect to recognize as revenue approximately $38 million during 2023, $146 million during 2024, $146 million during 2025, and the remainder thereafter.
8
3. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering certain U.S. and non-U.S. employees. The Company also provides certain postretirement benefits to retired employees in the U.S. and Canada. The Company accrues the cost of providing these benefits during the active service period of the employees.
The composition of the net periodic benefit cost/ (income) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, was as follows:
Pension plans | Other postretirement benefits | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Components of net periodic benefit cost/(income): | ||||||||||||||
Service cost | $ | 986 | $ | 1,061 | $ | 45 | $ | 86 | ||||||
Interest cost | 3,447 | 4,235 | 1,405 | 916 | ||||||||||
Expected return on assets | (3,063) | (5,099) | — | — | ||||||||||
Amortization of prior service cost/(income) | (24) | (2) | (3,068) | (3,366) | ||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 421 | 1,493 | 621 | 1,412 | ||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost/(credit) | $ | 1,767 | $ | 1,688 | $ | (997) | $ | (952) | ||||||
Settlement charge | — | 49,128 | — | — | ||||||||||
Net benefit cost/(credit) | $ | 1,767 | $ | 50,816 | $ | (997) | $ | (952) |
The amount of net benefit cost/(credit) is determined at the beginning of each year and generally only varies from quarter to quarter when a significant event occurs, such as a curtailment or a settlement. In the third quarter of 2022, we took actions to settle certain pension plan liabilities for a plan in the U.S., leading to charges totaling $49.1 million. No similar charges were incurred during the current year. The above reflects the acquisition of Heimbach, as further described in Note 17. Business Combination.
Service cost for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans are reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. Other components of net periodic benefit cost are included in the line item Other (income)/expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
4. Other (Income)/Expense, net
The components of Other (income)/expense, net are:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Currency transaction (gains)/losses | $ | 511 | $ | (6,636) | $ | (3,622) | $ | (17,660) | ||||||
Bank fees and amortization of debt issuance costs | 49 | 76 | 140 | 252 | ||||||||||
Components of net periodic pension and postretirement cost other than service cost | (15) | (138) | (260) | (411) | ||||||||||
Other | (489) | (220) | (1,168) | (72) | ||||||||||
Total other (income)/expense, net | $ | 56 | $ | (6,918) | $ | (4,910) | $ | (17,891) |
Other (income)/expense, net, included foreign currency related transactions which resulted in losses of $0.5 million and gains of $3.6 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively, as compared to gains of $6.6 million and $17.7 million in the same period last year. During 2023, the Mexican Peso weakened during the third quarter, but was overall stronger during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, driving the foreign currency gain in the period. During 2022, the Euro remained weaker for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, resulting in a more significant foreign currency gain during those periods.
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5. Income Taxes
The following table presents components of income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Income tax based on income from operations (1) | $ | 10,731 | $ | 2,208 | $ | 35,698 | $ | 28,315 | ||||||
Provision for change in estimated tax rate | (119) | 674 | 5 | 740 | ||||||||||
Income tax before discrete items | 10,612 | 2,882 | 35,703 | 29,055 | ||||||||||
Discrete tax expense: | ||||||||||||||
Exercise of U.S. stock options | — | (9) | — | (17) | ||||||||||
Impact of amended tax returns | — | — | — | (98) | ||||||||||
Reconciliation of prior year estimated taxes | (1,833) | (1,185) | (437) | (1,693) | ||||||||||
Enacted tax legislation and rate change | — | — | 313 | — | ||||||||||
Provision for/resolution of tax audits and contingencies, net | (602) | 24 | 176 | (116) | ||||||||||
Impact of long range tax planning | — | — | (443) | — | ||||||||||
Withholding tax related to internal restructuring | — | — | 3,026 | — | ||||||||||
US Pension Settlement - Release of Residual Tax Effect | — | (5,217) | — | (5,217) | ||||||||||
Impact of non-election of high tax exclusion under GILTI* | 1,155 | — | 1,617 | — | ||||||||||
Other | (125) | 322 | (47) | 359 | ||||||||||
Total income tax expense/(benefit) | $ | 9,207 | $ | (3,183) | $ | 39,908 | $ | 22,273 | ||||||
(1) Income tax is calculated at estimated annualized effective tax rate of 29.5% and 28.9% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. * Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income |
Income tax expense for the quarter was computed in accordance with ASC 740-270, Income Taxes – Interim Reporting. Under this method, loss jurisdictions which cannot recognize a tax benefit with regard to their generated losses are excluded from the annual effective tax rate calculation and their taxes will be recorded discretely in each quarter.
The Company's policy for releasing income tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income is the specific identification approach, whereas these items are released to income tax expense when the individual items are disposed of, terminated or extinguished.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act lowered the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% as of December 31, 2017, creating residual tax effects as a result of the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities originally established in other comprehensive income. As a result of the U.S. pension liability settlement (see Note 3, Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans), and consistent with the Company's policy, in the third quarter of 2022, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $5.2 million for the release of the residual tax effects within other comprehensive income related to the U.S. pension settlement.
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6. 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) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to the Company | $ | 27,109 | $ | 10,694 | $ | 80,670 | $ | 77,632 | ||||||
Weighted average number of shares: | ||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating basic net income per share | 31,185 | 31,111 | 31,163 | 31,416 | ||||||||||
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans: | ||||||||||||||
Restricted stock units and multi-year awards | 98 | 112 | 93 | 102 | ||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares used in calculating diluted net income per share | 31,283 | 31,223 | 31,256 | 31,518 | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to the Company per share: | ||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.87 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 2.59 | $ | 2.47 | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.87 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 2.58 | $ | 2.46 |
7. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI")
The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period from December 31, 2022 to September 30, 2023:
(in thousands) | Translation adjustments | Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | Derivative valuation adjustment | Total Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | $ | (146,851) | $ | (15,783) | $ | 17,707 | $ | (144,927) | ||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, net of tax | (4,326) | (183) | 3,386 | (1,123) | ||||||||||
Interest (expense)/income related to swaps reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | — | (8,136) | (8,136) | ||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | (1,423) | — | (1,423) | ||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income | (4,326) | (1,606) | (4,750) | (10,682) | ||||||||||
September 30, 2023 | $ | (151,177) | $ | (17,389) | $ | 12,957 | $ | (155,609) |
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The table below presents changes in the components of AOCI for the period from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022:
(in thousands) | Translation adjustments | Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | Derivative valuation adjustment | Total Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||
December 31, 2021 | $ | (105,880) | $ | (38,490) | $ | (1,614) | $ | (145,984) | ||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications, net of tax | (79,841) | — | 17,569 | (62,272) | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense, net of tax | — | 26,198 | — | 26,198 | ||||||||||
Interest (expense)/income related to swaps reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | — | 2,006 | 2,006 | ||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments reclassified to Consolidated Statements of Income, net of tax | — | (321) | — | (321) | ||||||||||
Net current period other comprehensive income | (79,841) | 25,877 | 19,575 | (34,389) | ||||||||||
September 30, 2022 | $ | (185,721) | $ | (12,613) | $ | 17,961 | $ | (180,373) |
The components of AOCI that are reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income relate to our pension and postretirement plans and interest rate swaps.
The table below presents the expense/(income) amounts reclassified from AOCI, and the line items of the Consolidated Statements of Income that were affected for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Pretax Derivative valuation reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: | ||||||||||||||
Other (income)/expense, net related to interest rate swaps included in Income before taxes | $ | (3,990) | $ | (106) | $ | (10,891) | $ | 2,758 | ||||||
Income tax effect | 1,009 | (27) | 2,755 | (752) | ||||||||||
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | $ | (2,981) | $ | (133) | $ | (8,136) | $ | 2,006 | ||||||
Pretax pension and postretirement liabilities reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income: | ||||||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | $ | — | $ | 42,657 | $ | — | $ | 42,657 | ||||||
Amortization of prior service credit | (1,031) | (1,123) | (3,092) | (3,368) | ||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial loss | 349 | 967 | 1,042 | 2,905 | ||||||||||
Total pretax amount reclassified (a) | (682) | 42,501 | (2,050) | 42,194 | ||||||||||
Income tax effect | 208 | (16,411) | 627 | (16,317) | ||||||||||
Effect on net income due to items reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | $ | (474) | $ | 26,090 | $ | (1,423) | $ | 25,877 |
(a)These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 3. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans).
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8. Noncontrolling Interests
Effective October 31, 2013, Safran S.A. (Safran) acquired a 10 percent equity interest in a new Albany subsidiary, Albany Safran Composites, LLC ("ASC").
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Heimbach, a privately held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany. In July 2021, Heimbach acquired 85% of Arcari, SRL (“Arcari”). Arcari is a manufacturer of textile and plastic industrial technical products and conveyor belts. On the date of the acquisition, the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in Arcari was $1.6 million. For the month ended September 30, 2023, the net income/(loss) attributable to Arcari’s noncontrolling interest was less than $0.1 million and the noncontrolling interest balance at September 30, 2023 was $1.6 million.
The table below presents a reconciliation of income attributable to the noncontrolling interest and noncontrolling equity in the Company’s subsidiaries:
ASC Noncontrolling Interest | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Net income of Albany Safran Composites (ASC) | $ | 4,929 | $ | 7,320 | ||||
Less: Return attributable to the Company's preferred holding | 974 | 974 | ||||||
Net income of ASC available for common ownership | $ | 3,955 | $ | 6,346 | ||||
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder | 10 | % | 10 | % | ||||
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | $ | 396 | $ | 635 | ||||
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year | $ | 4,494 | $ | 3,638 | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 396 | 635 | ||||||
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 317 | (91) | ||||||
ASC Noncontrolling interest, end of interim period | $ | 5,207 | $ | 4,182 | ||||
Arcari Noncontrolling Interest | ||||||||
Net income of Arcari available for common ownership | $ | 34 | $ | — | ||||
Ownership percentage of noncontrolling shareholder | 15 | % | — | |||||
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | $ | 5 | $ | — | ||||
Noncontrolling interest, beginning of year | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
Initial equity related to Noncontrolling interest in Arcari | 1,632 | — | ||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 5 | — | ||||||
Changes in other comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | (50) | — | ||||||
Arcari Noncontrolling interest, end of interim period | $ | 1,587 | $ | — | ||||
Total Noncontrolling interest, end of interim period | $ | 6,794 | $ | 4,182 | ||||
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9. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable, net includes Trade and other accounts receivable and Bank promissory notes, net of Allowance for expected credit losses. In connection with certain revenues in Asia, the Company accepts a bank promissory note as customer payment. The notes may be presented for payment at maturity, which is less than one year. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
Trade and other accounts receivable | $ | 256,852 | $ | 179,676 | ||||
Bank promissory notes | 19,286 | 23,439 | ||||||
Allowance for expected credit losses | (5,651) | (3,097) | ||||||
Accounts receivable, net | $ | 270,487 | $ | 200,018 |
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Heimbach, which resulted in an increase of $52.7 million to Accounts receivable, based on preliminary fair values at the date of acquisition.
The Company has Noncurrent receivables in the AEC segment that represent revenue earned, which has extended payment terms. The Noncurrent receivables will be invoiced to the customer over a 10-year period, which began in 2020. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Noncurrent receivables consisted of the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
Noncurrent receivables | $ | 25,427 | $ | 28,053 | ||||
Allowance for expected credit losses | (127) | (140) | ||||||
Noncurrent receivables, net | $ | 25,300 | $ | 27,913 |
10. Contract Assets and Liabilities
Contract assets include unbilled amounts typically resulting from revenues under contracts when the cost-to-cost method of revenue recognition is utilized, and revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. Contract assets are transferred to Accounts receivable, net when the entitlement to pay becomes unconditional and the customer is invoiced. Contract liabilities include advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. Contract liabilities are included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Contract assets and Contract liabilities are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in a net position on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Contract assets and Contract liabilities consisted of the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
Contract assets | $ | 166,666 | $ | 149,443 | ||||
Allowance for expected credit losses | (833) | (748) | ||||||
Contract assets, net | $ | 165,833 | $ | 148,695 | ||||
Contract liabilities | $ | 3,645 | $ | 15,176 |
Contract assets, net increased $17.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase in unbilled revenue related to the satisfaction of performance obligations, in excess of the amounts billed to customers for contracts that were in a contract asset position. There were no impairment losses related to our Contract assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022.
Contract liabilities decreased $11.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to revenue recognized from satisfied performance obligations exceeding amounts invoiced to customers that were in a
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contract liability position. Revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 that was included in the Contract liability balance at the beginning of the year was $14.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively.
11. Inventories
Costs included in inventories are raw materials, labor, supplies and allocable depreciation and overhead. Raw material inventories are valued on an average cost basis. Other inventory cost elements are valued at cost, using the first-in, first-out method. The Company writes down the inventories for estimated obsolescence and to lower of cost or net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the Company, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Once established, the original cost of the inventory less the related write-down represents the new cost basis of such inventories.
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Inventories consisted of the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
Raw materials | $ | 84,835 | $ | 74,631 | ||||
Work in process | 71,446 | 50,516 | ||||||
Finished goods | 24,710 | 13,903 | ||||||
Total inventories | $ | 180,991 | $ | 139,050 |
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Heimbach, which resulted in an increase of $41.5 million to Inventories, based on preliminary fair values at the date of acquisition.
12. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
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. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually.
In the second quarter of 2023, management applied the qualitative assessment approach in performing its annual evaluation of goodwill for the Company's Machine Clothing reporting unit and two AEC reporting units and concluded that each reporting unit’s fair value continued to exceed its carrying value. In addition, there were no amounts at risk due to the estimated excess between the fair and carrying values. Accordingly, no impairment charges were recorded.
When a quantitative assessment is performed, 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 revenue multiples. Under the income approach, we determine fair value based on the 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.
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired Heimbach. The assets acquired include intangible assets of $14.5 million consisting of the Heimbach trade name and developed technology. The preliminary fair value of the Heimbach trade name of $6.0 million is considered an indefinite-lived asset. The preliminary fair value of the developed technology of $8.5 million is being amortized over 9 years. There was no excess purchase price over the fair value and therefore, there was no goodwill reported as part of the acquisition. See Note 17. Business Combination for additional information.
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13. Financial Instruments
Debt principally consists of a revolving credit agreement and foreign bank debt assumed in the acquisition of Heimbach.
The following table represents the Company's outstanding debt:
(in thousands, except interest rates) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement(1) | $ | 461,000 | $ | 439,000 | |||||||
Foreign bank debt | 29,585 | — | |||||||||
Total bank debt | 490,585 | 439,000 | |||||||||
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt | 27,246 | — | |||||||||
Long-term debt | $ | 463,339 | $ | 439,000 | |||||||
(1) the credit facility matures in August 2028. At the end of the September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the interest rate in effect was 3.60% and 3.16%, respectively, including the effect of interest rate hedging transactions, as described below. |
Amended Credit Agreement
On August 16, 2023, we entered into a $800 million unsecured committed Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated the prior $700 million committed Four-Year Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, entered into on October 27, 2020 (the “Prior Agreement”). The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary terms, as well as affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default that are substantially comparable to those in the Prior Agreement. The Borrowings are guaranteed by certain of the Company's subsidiaries, including all significant U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions), as were borrowings under the Prior Agreement.
On June 23, 2023, we entered into the first Amendment to the Prior Agreement to replace the LIBOR-based reference interest rate option with a reference interest rate option based on the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Term SOFR") plus an applicable credit spread adjustment (subject to a minimum floor of 0.00%). The Amendment did not make any other material changes to the terms and conditions of the Prior Agreement, including the representations and warranties, events of default, affirmative and negative covenants. These amendments are also reflected in the Amended Credit Agreement.
The applicable interest rate for borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement is based on Term SOFR plus a spread, which is based on our leverage ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) at the time of a borrowing as follows:
Leverage Ratio | Commitment Fee | ABR Spread | Term Benchmark/ Daily Simple SOFR Spread | ||||||||
<1.00:1.00 | 0.275% | 0.500% | 1.500% | ||||||||
≥ 1.00:1.00 and < 2.00:1.00 | 0.300% | 0.625% | 1.625% | ||||||||
≥ 2.00:1.00 and < 3.00:1.00 | 0.325% | 0.750% | 1.750% | ||||||||
≥ 3.00:1.00 | 0.350% | 1.000% | 2.000% |
As of September 30, 2023, the applicable interest rate for borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement was based on one-month term SOFR plus the spread, which was 1.625%.
As of September 30, 2023, there was $461 million of borrowings outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement. As of September 30, 2023, we had borrowings available of $339 million, based on our maximum leverage ratio and our Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement).
The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary terms including affirmative covenants, negative covenants and events of default. Under the Amended Credit Agreement, we are required to maintain a leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of not greater than 3.75 to 1.00, or 4.25 to 1.00 after a significant acquisition. We are also required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of greater than 3.00 to 1.00.
As of September 30, 2023, our leverage ratio was 1.48 to 1.00 (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) and our interest coverage ratio was 13.95 to 1.00. If our leverage ratio exceeds 3.50 to 1.00, then we are restricted in
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paying dividends to a maximum amount of $40 million in a calendar year. As of September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants. We anticipate continued compliance in each of the next four quarters while continuing to monitor future compliance based on current and future economic conditions.
The borrowings are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. Our ability to borrow additional amounts under the Amended Credit Agreement is conditional upon the absence of any defaults, as well as the absence of any material adverse change (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement).
On June 14, 2021, we entered into interest rate swap agreements for the period October 17, 2022 through October 27, 2024. These transactions had the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $350 million of indebtedness, drawn under the Prior Agreement at the rate of 0.838% during the period. Under the terms of these transactions, we paid the fixed rate of 0.838% and the counterparties paid a floating rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate at each monthly calculation date. On June 29, 2023, the Company amended each Swap agreement, in accordance with the practical expedients included in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 848, Reference Rate Reform, to replace the LIBOR Benchmark with a Term SOFR Benchmark. As a result of the amendments, we will pay a fixed blended rate of 0.7683% (plus a credit spread adjustment as defined in the Swap Agreements) through October 27, 2024 on $350 million of borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement and the counterparties will pay a floating rate based on the one-month term SOFR at each monthly calculation date, which on September 18, 2023 was 5.33%. The effective date of the amended Swap agreements was July 17, 2023. As of September 18, 2023, the all-in-rate on the $350M of debt was 2.51%.
On October 17, 2022, our interest rate swap agreements that were in effect from December 18, 2017 terminated. These transactions had the effect of fixing the LIBOR portion of the effective interest rate (before addition of the spread) on $350 million of indebtedness drawn under the Credit Agreement at the rate of 2.11% during the period. Under the terms of those transactions, we paid the fixed rate of 2.11% and the counterparties paid a floating rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate at each monthly calculation date. The all-in-rate on the $350 million of debt was 3.735% at the time the swap agreements terminated.
The interest rate swaps are accounted for as a hedge of future cash flows, as further described in Note 14. Fair-Value Measurements. No cash collateral was received or pledged in relation to the swap agreements.
Indebtedness under the Amended Credit Agreement is ranked equally in right of payment to all unsecured senior debt.
Assumed Foreign Bank Debt
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired Heimbach. The Company assumed Heimbach’s bank debt in the amount of $32.7 million. The bank debt is held by several European financial institutions, with fixed interest rates ranging from 0.9% to 2.93% and maturity dates ranging from September 25, 2023 to June 30, 2031. Certain bank agreements allowed for the repayment of the debt upon demand by certain financial institutions in the event of a change in control. Some or all of the assumed bank debt could become due upon notification by any of the financial institutions before the maturity date of the bank agreements. At September 30, 2023, the foreign debt assumed was $29.6 million, of which $27.2 million was classified as Current maturities on long-term debt.
14. Fair-Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company uses a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires the Company to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
•Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
•Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
•Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
We had no Level 3 financial assets or liabilities at September 30, 2023 or at December 31, 2022.
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The following table presents the fair-value hierarchy for our Level 1 and Level 2 financial and non-financial assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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 | $ | 19,596 | $ | — | $ | 6,533 | $ | — | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency option contracts | — | 1,465 | — | 1,788 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock of unaffiliated foreign public company (a) | 623 | — | 602 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | — | 17,314 | — | 23,605 | |||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency forward contracts | — | (267) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
(a)Original cost basis $0.5 million.
Cash equivalents include short-term securities that are considered to be highly liquid and easily tradable. These securities are valued using inputs observable in active markets for identical securities.
The interest rate swaps are accounted for as hedges of future cash flows. The fair value of our interest rate swaps 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. Amounts determined to be due within one year are reclassified to Other current assets and/or Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Unrealized gains and losses on the interest rate swaps flow through the caption Derivative valuation adjustment in the Shareholders’ equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. On June 29, 2023, the Company amended each Swap agreement, in accordance with the practical expedients included in ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform, to replace the LIBOR Benchmark with a Term SOFR Benchmark (See Note 13. Financial Instruments for additional information). As of September 30, 2023, these interest rate swaps were determined to be highly effective hedges of interest rate cash flow risk. Amounts accumulated in Other comprehensive income are reclassified as interest expense/(income), net when the related interest payments (that is, the hedged forecasted transactions), affect earnings. Interest expense/(income) related to payments under the active swap agreements totaled $(10.9) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
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 (income)/expense, net.
When exercised, the foreign currency instruments are net-settled with the same financial institution that bought or sold them. For all positions, whether options or forward contracts, there is a risk from the possible inability of the financial institution to meet the terms of the contracts and the risk of unfavorable changes in interest and currency rates, which may reduce the value of the instruments. We seek to mitigate risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of counterparties and by monitoring the currency exchange and interest rate markets while reviewing the hedging risks and contracts to ensure compliance with our internal guidelines and policies.
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(Gains)/losses related to changes in fair value of derivative instruments that were recognized in Other (income)/expense, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income were as follows:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||
Foreign currency options (gains)/losses | $ | 704 | $ | (28) | $ | 581 | $ | (409) |
15. Commitments and Contingencies
Asbestos Litigation
Albany International Corp. is a defendant in suits brought in various courts in the United States by plaintiffs who allege that they have suffered personal injury as a result of exposure to asbestos-containing paper machine clothing synthetic dryer fabrics marketed during the period from 1967 to 1976 and used in certain paper mills. We were defending 3,604 claims as of September 30, 2023.
The following table sets forth the number of claims filed, the number of claims settled, dismissed or otherwise resolved, and the aggregate settlement amount during the periods presented:
(in thousands, except number of claims) | Opening Number of Claims | Claims Dismissed, Settled, or Resolved | New Claims | Closing Number of Claims | Amounts Paid to Settle or Resolve | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2022 | 3,609 | 43 | 32 | 3,598 | $ | 125 | |||||||||||
As of September 30, 2023 | 3,598 | 11 | 17 | 3,604 | $ | 74 |
We anticipate that additional claims will be filed against the Company and related companies in the future but are unable to predict the number and timing of such future claims. Due to the fact that information sufficient to meaningfully estimate a range of possible loss of a particular claim is typically not available until late in the discovery process, we do not believe a meaningful estimate can be made regarding the range of possible loss with respect to pending or future claims and therefore are unable to estimate a range of reasonably possible loss in excess of amounts already accrued for pending or future claims.
While we believe we have meritorious defenses to these claims, we have settled certain claims for amounts we consider reasonable given the facts and circumstances of each case. Our insurance carrier has defended each case and funded settlements under a standard reservation of rights. As of September 30, 2023, we had resolved, by means of settlement or dismissal, 38,035 claims at a total cost of $10.7 million. Of this amount, almost 100% was paid by our insurance carrier, who has confirmed that we have approximately $140 million of remaining coverage under primary and excess policies that should be available with respect to current and future asbestos claims.
The Company’s subsidiary, Brandon Drying Fabrics, Inc. (“Brandon”), is also a separate defendant in many of the asbestos cases in which Albany is named as a defendant, despite never having manufactured any fabrics containing asbestos. While Brandon was defending against 7,690 claims as of September 30, 2023, only twelve claims have been filed against Brandon since January 1, 2012, and only $15,000 in settlement costs have been incurred since 2001. Brandon was acquired by the Company in 1999 and has its own insurance policies covering periods prior to 1999. Since 2004, Brandon’s insurance carriers have covered 100% of indemnification and defense costs, subject to policy limits and a standard reservation of rights.
In some of these asbestos cases, the Company is named both as a direct defendant and as the “successor in interest” to Mount Vernon Mills (“Mount Vernon”). We acquired certain assets from Mount Vernon in 1993. Certain plaintiffs allege injury caused by asbestos-containing products alleged to have been sold by Mount Vernon many years prior to this acquisition. Mount Vernon is contractually obligated to indemnify the Company against any liability arising out of such products. We deny any liability for products sold by Mount Vernon prior to the acquisition of the Mount Vernon assets. Pursuant to its contractual indemnification obligations, Mount Vernon has assumed the defense of these claims. On this basis, we have successfully moved for dismissal in a number of actions.
We currently do not anticipate, based on currently available information, that the ultimate resolution of the aforementioned proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash
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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.
16. Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
The following table summarizes changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the period December 31, 2022 to September 30, 2023:
Class A Common Stock | Additional paid-in capital | Retained earnings | Accumulated items of other comprehensive income | Class A Treasury Stock | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | 40,785 | $ | 41 | $ | 441,540 | $ | 931,318 | $ | (144,927) | 9,675 | $ | (364,923) | $ | 4,494 | $ | 867,543 | |||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 26,889 | — | — | — | 197 | 27,086 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 58 | — | 378 | — | — | — | — | — | 378 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.25 per share | — | — | — | (7,792) | — | — | — | — | (7,792) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | 13,881 | — | — | 238 | 14,119 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | — | — | — | (916) | — | — | — | (916) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | — | — | — | (2,902) | — | — | — | (2,902) | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2023 | 40,842 | $ | 41 | $ | 441,917 | $ | 950,415 | $ | (134,864) | 9,675 | $ | (364,923) | $ | 4,929 | $ | 897,515 | |||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 26,672 | — | — | — | 154 | 26,826 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | — | — | 811 | — | — | — | — | — | 811 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued to Directors' | — | — | 828 | — | — | (12) | 258 | — | 1,086 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.25 per share | — | — | — | (7,795) | — | — | — | — | (7,795) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (2,568) | — | — | 179 | (2,389) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | — | — | — | (724) | — | — | — | (724) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 389 | — | — | — | 389 | ||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2023 | 40,842 | $ | 41 | $ | 443,556 | $ | 969,292 | $ | (137,767) | 9,663 | $ | (364,665) | $ | 5,262 | $ | 915,719 | |||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 27,109 | — | — | — | 45 | 27,154 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 15 | — | 2,914 | — | — | (1) | — | — | 2,914 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.25 per share | — | — | — | (7,799) | — | — | — | — | (7,799) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Initial equity related to Noncontrolling interest in Arcari | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1,632 | 1,632 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (15,639) | — | — | (145) | (15,784) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | — | — | — | 34 | — | — | — | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | — | — | — | (2,237) | — | — | — | (2,237) | ||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2023 | 40,857 | $ | 41 | $ | 446,470 | $ | 988,602 | $ | (155,609) | 9,662 | $ | (364,665) | $ | 6,794 | $ | 921,633 |
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The following table summarizes changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the period December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022:
Class A Common Stock | Additional paid-in capital | Retained earnings | Accumulated items of other comprehensive income | Class A Treasury Stock | Noncontrolling Interest | Total Shareholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 | 40,760 | $ | 41 | $ | 436,996 | $ | 863,057 | $ | (145,984) | 8,665 | $ | (280,143) | $ | 3,638 | $ | 877,605 | |||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 27,737 | — | — | — | 338 | 28,075 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 21 | — | 745 | — | — | — | — | — | 745 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Options exercised | — | — | 7 | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of Treasury shares (a) | — | — | — | — | — | 515 | (43,937) | — | (43,937) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.21 per share | — | — | — | (6,661) | — | — | — | — | (6,661) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (1,730) | — | — | 56 | (1,674) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | — | — | — | 74 | — | — | — | 74 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 10,018 | — | — | — | 10,018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
March 31, 2022 | 40,781 | $ | 41 | $ | 437,748 | $ | 884,133 | $ | (137,622) | 9,180 | $ | (324,080) | $ | 4,032 | $ | 864,252 | |||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 39,201 | — | — | — | 168 | 39,369 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | 4 | — | 902 | — | — | — | — | — | 902 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued to Directors' | — | — | 800 | — | — | (13) | 285 | — | 1,085 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of Treasury shares (a) | — | — | — | — | — | 508 | (41,128) | — | (41,128) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.21 per share | — | — | — | (6,529) | — | — | — | — | (6,529) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (39,661) | — | — | (91) | (39,752) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | — | — | — | 234 | — | — | — | 234 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 3,349 | — | — | — | 3,349 | ||||||||||||||||||||
June 30, 2022 | 40,785 | $ | 41 | $ | 439,450 | $ | 916,805 | $ | (173,700) | 9,675 | $ | (364,923) | $ | 4,109 | $ | 821,782 | |||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 10,694 | — | — | — | 129 | 10,823 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in shares | — | — | 835 | — | — | — | — | — | 835 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Options exercised | — | — | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared on Class A Common Stock, $0.21 per share | — | — | — | (6,533) | — | — | — | — | (6,533) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustments | — | — | — | — | (38,450) | — | — | (56) | (38,506) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments | — | — | — | — | (629) | — | — | — | (629) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Settlement of certain pension liabilities | — | — | — | — | 26,198 | — | — | — | 26,198 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative valuation adjustment | — | — | — | — | 6,208 | — | — | — | 6,208 | ||||||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2022 | 40,785 | $ | 41 | $ | 440,295 | $ | 920,966 | $ | (180,373) | 9,675 | $ | (364,923) | $ | 4,182 | $ | 820,188 |
(a)In October 2021, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase shares of up to $200 million through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and to determine the prices, times and amounts. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company repurchased 1,022,717 shares totaling $85.1 million. The Company did not repurchase shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
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17. Business Combination
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Heimbach, a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany. Heimbach is a global supplier of paper machine clothing for the production of all grades of paper and cardboard on all machine types as well as high-tech textile products used in a variety of sectors, such as the food processing, chemicals, construction materials and automotive industries. Heimbach is now a division under the MC segment. The Paper Machine Clothing ("PMC") industry has attractive dynamics and the acquisition of Heimbach provides increased scale and complementary technology that further drives the Machine Clothing segment's differentiated manufacturing, sales and service network.
The acquisition was funded using cash on-hand. The following table summarizes the total consideration paid, excluding debt assumed, for the acquisition of Heimbach:
(in thousands) | August 31, 2023 | |||||||
Cash consideration | $ | 145,816 | ||||||
Indemnity release | (1,750) | |||||||
Total consideration paid | $ | 144,066 | ||||||
The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations.
The assets acquired and the liabilities assumed were recorded based on their preliminary fair values at the date of acquisition as follows:
(in thousands) | August 31, 2023 | |||||||
Assets acquired: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 12,347 | ||||||
Accounts receivables | 52,704 | |||||||
Inventories | 41,538 | |||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 126,057 | |||||||
Other intangible assets | 14,464 | |||||||
Other current assets | 7,452 | |||||||
Other noncurrent assets | 6,694 | |||||||
Total assets acquired | $ | 261,256 | ||||||
Liabilities assumed: | ||||||||
Assumed debt | $ | 32,700 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 8,243 | |||||||
Accrued liabilities | 27,257 | |||||||
Other noncurrent liabilities | 36,313 | |||||||
Income taxes payable | 288 | |||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 10,757 | |||||||
Total liabilities assumed | $ | 115,558 | ||||||
Net assets acquired | $ | 145,698 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interest | $ | (1,632) | ||||||
Total consideration | $ | 144,066 | ||||||
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company incurred acquisition related costs of $1.6 million and $2 million, respectively. These costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated statements of income.
The preliminary fair values of the property, plant and equipment of $126.1 million were determined using the cost-approach and a market-approach because the selected approaches were appropriate for the valuation analysis and
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sufficient information was available for their use. The Company recorded $1.1 million of depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The preliminary fair values of the identifiable intangible assets totaling $14.5 million, consisting of the Heimbach trade name and developed technology, was determined using the income approach, specifically, a relief from royalty method. The fair value of the trade name was $6.0 million and is considered an indefinite-lived asset because of Heimbach's rich brand heritage and customer service to the paper machine clothing industry dating back to 1811. The fair value of the developed technology was $8.5 million and includes intellectual property-related technologies as well as know-how developed by Heimbach; and is being amortized over its economic period of benefit, which is 9 years. This amortization period represents the estimated useful life of the asset. The Company recorded $0.1 million of intangible amortization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The preliminary fair values of the assets acquired includes $3.2 million and $0.1 million of operating and finance lease right-of-use assets, respectively. The preliminary fair values of the liabilities assumed includes $3.2 million and $0.1 million of operating and finance lease liabilities, respectively, of which, $1.1 million and $0.1 million of operating and finance lease liabilities, respectively, are current liabilities.
Debt assumed included $32.7 million aggregate outstanding amount of bank debt with several European financial institutions with fixed interest rates ranging from 0.9% to 2.93% and maturity dates ranging from September 25, 2023 to June 30, 2031. Bank agreements allowed for the repayment of the debt upon demand by certain financial institutions in the event of a change in control. Some of the assumed bank debt may become due upon notification by
those financial institutions before the maturity date of the bank agreements. At September 30, 2023, the foreign debt assumed was $29.6 million, of which $27.2 million was classified as Current maturities on long-term debt.
The preliminary fair value of the liabilities assumed include $35.3 million of pension liabilities for various defined benefit plans.
Heimbach's results of operations have been included in the Company's financial statements for the period subsequent to the completion of the acquisition on August 31, 2023. Heimbach contributed $15.6 million of revenue and a $(0.5) million operating loss for the period ended September 30, 2023.
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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,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” "forecast," ”look for,” “will,” “should,” “guidance,” “guide” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Because forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, (including, without limitation, those set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or prior Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
There are a number of risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:
•Conditions in the industries in which our Machine Clothing and Albany Engineered Composites segments compete, along with the general risks associated with macroeconomic conditions, including higher interest rates, inflationary pressures, the effects of another COVID-19 outbreak, or other similar outbreaks, for an extended period of time;
•Across the entire Company, increasing labor, raw material, energy, and logistics costs due to supply chain constraints and inflationary pressures commodities have adversely impacted profit margins. These challenges have only increased as a result of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the escalating conflicts in regions of the Middle East;
•In the Machine Clothing segment, greater than anticipated declines in the demand for publication grades of paper, or lower than anticipated growth in other paper grades;
•In the Albany Engineered Composites segment, longer-than-expected timeframe for the aerospace industry to utilize existing inventories, unanticipated reductions in demand, including reductions driven by supply chain shortages on other aircraft components, delays, technical difficulties, and cancellations in aerospace programs that are expected to generate revenue and drive long-term growth;
•Slower to achieve or maintain anticipated profitable growth in our Albany Engineered Composites segment;
•Failure to adequately integrate Heimbach into our business systems and processes within the expected timeframe or, failure to or delayed realization of anticipated benefits of the acquisition could adversely impact the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, as further described in Item 1A. Risk Factors; and
•Other risks and uncertainties detailed in this report and other periodic reports.
Further information concerning important factors that could cause actual events or results to be materially different from the forward-looking statements can be found in “Business Environment Overview and Trends” sections of this quarterly report, as well as in Item 1A-“Risk Factors” section of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our other forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it is not possible to foresee or identify all factors that could have a material and negative impact on our future performance. The forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this report are made on the basis of our assumptions and analyses, as of the time the statements are made, in light of our experience and perception of historical conditions, expected future developments, and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances.
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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 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 it has been negatively impacted by declines in publication grades in the Company’s traditional markets, there has been some offsetting effect due to growth in 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 well-positioned in key markets, with high-quality, low-cost production in growth markets, substantially lower fixed costs in mature markets, and continued strength in new product development, technical product support, and manufacturing technology. Some of the markets in which our products are sold are expected to have low levels of growth and we face pricing pressures in all markets. Despite these market pressures on revenue, the MC business retains the potential for maintaining stable earnings in the future. MC 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 have achieved through continuous focus on cost-reduction initiatives, and competing vigorously by using our differentiated and technically superior products to reduce our customers’ total cost of operation and improve their paper quality. On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired Heimbach, a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany. See Note 17, Business Combination for additional information.
The AEC segment provides significant longer term growth potential for the Company. Our strategy is to grow by focusing our proprietary 3D-woven technology, as well as our non-3D technology capabilities, on high-value aerospace (both commercial 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 ("SAFRAN") and sales to SAFRAN, through ASC, (consisting primarily of fan blades and cases for CFM’s LEAP engine) accounted for approximately 16 percent of the Company’s consolidated Net revenues in 2022. AEC, through ASC, also supplies 3D-woven composite fan cases for the GE9X engine. AEC’s current portfolio of non-3D programs includes components for the CH-53K helicopter, components for the F-35 joint strike fighter, missile bodies for Lockheed Martin’s JASSM air-to-surface missiles, fuselage components for the Boeing 787, and vacuum waste tanks for Boeing 7-Series aircraft. AEC is actively engaged in research to develop new applications in both commercial, space, and defense aircraft engine and airframe markets. For the year ended December 31, 2022, approximately 46 percent of AEC revenues were related to U.S. government contracts or programs.
Consolidated Results of Operations
Net revenues
The following table summarizes our Net revenues by business segment:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | % Change | 2023 | 2022 | % Change | ||||||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 166,588 | $ | 153,389 | 8.6 | % | $ | 479,027 | $ | 459,121 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 114,518 | 107,174 | 6.9 | % | 345,298 | 306,980 | 12.5 | % | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 281,106 | $ | 260,563 | 7.9 | % | $ | 824,325 | $ | 766,101 | 7.6 | % |
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The following tables provide a comparison of 2023 Net revenues, excluding currency translation effects, to 2022 Net revenues:
(in thousands, except percentages) | Net revenues as reported, Q3 2023 | Increase due to changes in currency translation rates | Q3 2023 revenues on same basis as Q3 2022 currency translation rates | Net revenues as reported, Q3 2022 | % Change compared to Q3 2022, excluding currency rate effects | ||||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 166,588 | $ | 662 | $ | 165,926 | $ | 153,389 | 8.2 | % | |||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 114,518 | 1,275 | 113,243 | 107,174 | 5.7 | % | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 281,106 | $ | 1,937 | $ | 279,169 | $ | 260,563 | 7.1 | % |
(in thousands, except percentages) | Net revenues as reported, YTD 2023 | (Decrease)/ increase due to changes in currency translation rates | YTD 2023 revenues on same basis as 2022 currency translation rates | Net revenues as reported, YTD 2022 | % Change compared to 2022, excluding currency rate effects | ||||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 479,027 | $ | (3,684) | $ | 482,711 | $ | 459,121 | 5.1 | % | |||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 345,298 | 851 | 344,447 | 306,980 | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 824,325 | $ | (2,833) | $ | 827,158 | $ | 766,101 | 8.0 | % | |||||||
Net revenues increased 7.9% compared to the same period in 2022. Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing Net revenues $1.9 million. MC's Net revenues increased 8.6% compared to the third quarter of 2022, driven by Heimbach Net revenues of $15.6 million and, to a lesser extent, higher Net revenues in tissue and packaging grades, more than offset by lower Net revenues in pulp and engineered fabrics. AEC's Net revenues increased 6.9%, primarily driven by growth on LEAP programs, the Boeing Frames program and other commercial programs, offset by lower CH-53K sales.
Nine month comparison
Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of decreasing Net revenues by $2.8 million, driven by a weaker Renminbi as compared to 2022. Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates:
•Net revenues increased 8.0% compared to the same period in 2022.
•Net revenues in MC increased 5.1% compared to the first nine months of 2022, primarily due to the contribution of Heimbach Net revenues of $15.6 million and growth in revenues for packaging and tissue grades, partially offset by decreases in Engineered Fabrics.
•Net revenues in AEC increased 12.2%, primarily due to growth on LEAP 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) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 79,257 | $ | 79,232 | $ | 238,031 | $ | 237,434 | ||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 22,578 | 21,261 | 65,826 | 55,256 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 101,835 | $ | 100,493 | $ | 303,857 | $ | 292,690 | ||||||
% of Net revenues | 36.2 | % | 38.6 | % | 36.9 | % | 38.2 | % |
Three month comparison
The increase in 2023 Gross profit, as compared to the same period last year, was driven by higher sales in both segments. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues:
•MC's gross profit margin decreased from 51.7% in 2022 to 47.6% in 2023, driven by lower margins at Heimbach, in addition to higher input costs due to the inflationary environment and lower overhead absorption.
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•AEC's gross profit margin remained largely in line with the prior year, decreasing slightly from 19.8% in 2022 to 19.7% in 2023, driven by an unfavorable shift in program revenue mix. Favorable changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased operating income by $0.9 million in 2023; however, in 2022, favorable changes were more significant, increasing operating income by $2.6 million.
Nine month comparison
The increase in Gross profit during the first nine months of 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022, was driven by the following:
•MC's gross profit margin decreased from 51.7% in 2022 to 49.7% in 2023, driven by lower margins at Heimbach, in addition to increased input costs, mainly due to the inflationary environment, and lower overhead absorption.
•AEC's Gross profit increased $10.6 million and, as a percentage of revenues, increased from 18.0% in the prior year to 19.1% in 2023. The increase in gross profit was driven by growth in revenues during 2023, primarily on LEAP programs and other commercial programs, with improved overhead absorption and reductions in raw material reserves as compared to 2022. In addition, gross profit margin increased as a result of improved overhead absorption and the absence of a $2 million raw material reserve on damaged inventory, as compared to prior year.
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) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 28,465 | $ | 21,941 | $ | 84,404 | $ | 75,427 | ||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 13,204 | 11,302 | 38,366 | 34,568 | ||||||||||
Corporate expenses | 20,014 | 13,564 | 54,747 | 39,314 | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 61,683 | $ | 46,807 | $ | 177,517 | $ | 149,309 | ||||||
% of Net revenues | 21.9 | % | 18.0 | % | 21.5 | % | 19.5 | % |
Three month comparison
Consolidated STG&R expenses increased 31.8% as compared to 2022, and as a percentage of revenues increased from 18.0% in 2022 to 21.9% in 2023.
•In MC, changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing STG&R by $2.3 million over the prior year. The addition of Heimbach, combined with increases in customer credit loss reserves, contributed to higher STG&R expenses as compared to 2022.
•In AEC, Selling and general expenses increased $1.9 million, primarily driven by increased incentive compensation and personnel-related costs.
•Corporate STG&R expenses increased $6.4 million, principally due to acquisition-related expenses, the vesting of retirement compensation costs for the former CEO, and higher personnel-related costs.
Nine month comparison
The overall increase in STG&R expenses in the first nine months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, was due to the net effect of the following:
•In MC, changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing STG&R by $5.6 million over the prior year. The addition of Heimbach, combined with increases in travel and related expenses, contributed to higher STG&R expenses as compared to 2022.
•In AEC, Selling and general expenses increased $2.2 million due to higher incentive compensation and personnel-related costs, and $0.5 million related to investments in business development, including increases in marketing and trade show activities.
•Corporate STG&R expenses increased $15.4 million principally due to higher professional fees, acquisition-related expenses, vesting of retirement compensation costs for the former CEO, and higher personnel-related costs.
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Restructuring Expense, net
In addition to the items discussed above affecting Gross profit and STG&R expenses, Operating income was affected by restructuring expense, net, of $0.1 million in the third quarter, and $0.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and was related primarily to the winding down of restructuring actions taken in prior periods.
Operating Income
The following table summarizes operating income/(loss) by business segment:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Machine Clothing | $ | 50,710 | $ | 57,247 | $ | 153,400 | $ | 161,752 | ||||||
Albany Engineered Composites | 9,374 | 9,958 | 27,460 | 20,688 | ||||||||||
Corporate expenses | (20,014) | (13,561) | (54,747) | (39,327) | ||||||||||
Total | $ | 40,070 | $ | 53,644 | $ | 126,113 | $ | 143,113 |
Other Earnings Items
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Interest expense, net | $ | 3,653 | $ | 3,794 | $ | 10,049 | $ | 11,336 | ||||||
Pension settlement expense | — | 49,128 | — | 49,128 | ||||||||||
Other (income)/expense, net | 56 | (6,918) | (4,910) | (17,891) | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | 9,207 | (3,183) | 39,908 | 22,273 | ||||||||||
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest | 45 | 129 | 396 | 635 |
Interest expense/(income), net
Interest expense/(income), net, decreased over the prior year as a result of higher interest earned on Cash and cash equivalents, in addition to decreased interest expense on finance leases. See the Working Capital, Liquidity and Capital Structure section for further discussion of borrowings and interest rates.
Pension settlement expense
In the third quarter of 2022, the Company took actions to settle certain pension plan liabilities in the U.S., leading to charges totaling $49.1 million. No similar charges were incurred in the current year.
Other (income)/expense, net
Other (income)/expense, net, included foreign currency related transactions which resulted in expense of $0.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to gains of $6.6 million in the same period last year, and resulted in gains of $3.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to gains of $17.7 million in the same period last year. During 2023, the Mexican Peso weakened during the third quarter, but was overall stronger during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, driving the foreign currency gain in the period. During 2022, the Euro remained weaker for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, resulting in a more significant foreign currency gain during those periods.
Income Tax expense/(benefit)
The Company has operations that constitute a taxable presence in 22 countries outside of the United States. The majority of these countries had income tax rates that were above the United States federal tax rate of 21 percent during the periods reported. The jurisdictional location of earnings is a significant component of our effective tax rate each year. The rate impact of this component is influenced by the specific location of non-U.S. earnings and the level of our total earnings. From period to period, the jurisdictional mix of earnings can vary as a result of operating fluctuations in the normal course of business, as well as the extent and location of other income and expense items, such as pension settlement and restructuring charges.
The tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as the income tax rate in the U.S. and non-U.S. jurisdictions and the mix of income earned in those jurisdictions. The tax rate is also affected by U.S. tax costs on foreign earnings, and by discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year. The Company’s effective
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tax rate for the third quarter of 2023 was 25.3%, higher compared to (41.6%) for the same period in 2022, mainly due to favorable discrete tax adjustments in the prior period. For the first nine months of 2023, the Company's effective tax rate was 33.0%, higher compared to 22.2% for the same period in 2022, mainly due to favorable discrete tax adjustments in the prior year. For more information, see Note 5. Income Taxes in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Segment Results of Operations
Machine Clothing Segment
Machine Clothing is our largest business segment and accounted for 58% of our consolidated revenues during the first nine months of 2023. MC products are purchased primarily by manufacturers of paper and paperboard. We believe we are 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, technical product support, and manufacturing technology. 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 selective business acquisitions, and to maintain and grow our manufacturing footprint to align with global demand, while we offset the effects of inflation through continuous productivity improvement. On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired Heimbach, a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany, which is expected to enhance the Company's scale and geographic footprint, provide complementary technology, and create a differentiated manufacturing, sales and service network.
Review of Operations
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Net revenues | $ | 166,588 | $ | 153,389 | $ | 479,027 | $ | 459,121 | ||||||
Gross profit | 79,257 | 79,232 | 238,031 | 237,434 | ||||||||||
% of Net revenues | 47.6 | % | 51.7 | % | 49.7 | % | 51.7 | % | ||||||
STG&R expenses | 28,465 | 21,941 | 84,404 | 75,427 | ||||||||||
Operating income | 50,710 | 57,247 | 153,400 | 161,752 |
Net Revenues
Three month comparison
Net revenues increased by 8.6%. Changes in currency translation rates, driven by a stronger Euro, offset in part by a weaker Renminbi, had the effect of increasing third quarter 2023 revenues by $0.7 million. Excluding the effect of changes in translation rates, Net revenues in MC increased 8.2% compared to the third quarter of 2022, driven by higher Net revenues in tissue and packaging grades and the contribution of $15.6 million of revenues from the Heimbach acquisition.
Nine month comparison
Net revenues increased by 4.3%. Changes in currency translation rates, driven by a weaker Renminbi, had the effect of decreasing 2023 revenues by $3.7 million compared to the same period in 2022. Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates, Net revenues in MC increased 5.1% compared to 2022, primarily due to growth in revenues for tissue and packaging grades and the contribution of $15.6 million of revenues from the Heimbach acquisition.
Gross Profit
MC delivered steady Gross profit in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, in line with prior year performance, though it experienced some reduction in gross margin on account of higher input costs and lower overhead absorption.
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Operating Income
Operating income decreased year-over-year, due to higher STG&R expenses. Changes in currency translation rates had the effect of increasing STG&R by $2.3 million and $5.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the prior year. The addition of Heimbach, combined with increases in customer credit loss reserves, contributed to higher STG&R expenses as compared to 2022.
The acquisition of Heimbach impacted MC's third quarter results by reducing Operating income $0.5 million, which included an incremental Cost of goods sold charge related to the acquisition step-up of inventory balances, and also included Depreciation expense on Property, plant, and equipment, net of $1.1 million, and amortization expense on Intangibles, net of $0.1 million.
Albany Engineered Composites ("AEC") Segment
The AEC segment provides highly engineered, advanced composite structures to customers in the commercial and defense aerospace industries. The segment includes Albany Safran Composites, LLC (“ASC”), in which our customer, SAFRAN Group, owns a 10 percent noncontrolling interest. AEC, through ASC, is the exclusive supplier to the LEAP program of advanced composite fan blades and fan cases under a long-term supply contract. The LEAP engine is used on the Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC 919 aircraft. Other significant programs by AEC include the Sikorsky CH-53K, F-35, JASSM, and Boeing 787 programs. AEC also supplies vacuum waste tanks for the Boeing 7-Series programs, and specialty components for the Rolls Royce lift fan on the F-35, as well as the fan case for the GE9X engine.
Review of Operations
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
(in thousands, except percentages) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Net revenues | $ | 114,518 | $ | 107,174 | $ | 345,298 | $ | 306,980 | ||||||
Gross profit | 22,578 | 21,261 | 65,826 | 55,256 | ||||||||||
% of Net revenues | 19.7 | % | 19.8 | % | 19.1 | % | 18.0 | % | ||||||
STG&R expenses | 13,204 | 11,302 | 38,366 | 34,568 | ||||||||||
Operating income | 9,374 | 9,958 | 27,460 | 20,688 |
Net Revenues
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, Net revenues increased 6.9% compared to the prior year, driven by growth on LEAP programs and other commercial programs. Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates, the increase in Net revenues was 5.7%.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Net revenues in AEC increased 12.5%, primarily due to growth on LEAP programs. Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates, the increase in Net revenues was 12.2%.
AEC has contracts with certain customers, including its contract for the LEAP program, where revenue is determined by a cost-plus-fee agreement. Revenue earned under these arrangements accounted for approximately 40 percent of segment revenue for the first nine months of 2023 and 2022.
In addition, AEC has long-term contracts in which the selling price is fixed. In accounting for those contracts, we estimate the profit margin expected at the completion of the contract and recognize a pro-rata share of that profit during the course of the contract using a cost-to-cost approach. Changes in estimated contract profitability will affect revenue and gross profit when the change occurs, which could have a significant favorable or unfavorable effect on revenue and gross profit in any reporting period. For contracts with anticipated losses, a provision for the entire amount of the estimated remaining loss is charged against income in the period in which the loss becomes known. Contract losses are determined considering all direct and indirect contract costs, exclusive of any selling, general or administrative cost allocations, which are treated as period expenses. Expected losses on projects include losses on contract options that are probable of exercise, excluding profitable options that often follow.
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Gross Profit
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, Gross profit increased $1.3 million as compared to the same period last year, and as a percentage of revenues decreased from 19.8% in 2022 to 19.7% in 2023, driven by an unfavorable shift in program revenue mix, coupled with $1.7 million of less favorable changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts as compared to the same period last year.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Gross profit increased $10.6 million and as a percentage of revenues increased from 18.0% in the prior year to 19.1% in 2023. The increase was driven by growth in revenues during 2023, primarily on LEAP programs and other commercial programs, with improved overhead absorption and reductions in raw material reserves as compared to 2022.
Operating Income
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, Operating income decreased $0.6 million, principally due to an increase in Selling, general, and research expenses, as described above.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Operating income increased $6.8 million, principally due to higher Net revenues and Gross profit, as described above, partially offset by higher STG&R expenses.
Changes in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased operating income by $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2023 and decreased operating income $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Adjustments in the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased operating income by $2.6 million and $2.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively.
Working Capital, Liquidity and Capital Structure
Cash Flow Summary
Nine months ended September 30, | ||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 81,066 | $ | 78,267 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | 54,778 | 51,908 | ||||||
Changes in working capital (a) | (58,130) | (89,899) | ||||||
Changes in other noncurrent liabilities and deferred taxes | (4,866) | (21,542) | ||||||
Other operating items | 964 | 48,573 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 73,812 | 67,307 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (182,596) | (52,832) | ||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (10,839) | (9,119) | ||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (647) | (30,910) | ||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (120,270) | (25,554) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 291,776 | 302,036 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 171,506 | $ | 276,482 |
(a)Includes Accounts receivable, Contract assets, Inventories, Accounts payable, and Accrued liabilities.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $73.8 million in 2023, compared to $67.3 million in the same period last year. The increase was driven by improved levels of working capital at MC and lower cash outflows related to other liabilities. In the previous year, the Company made contributions of approximately $12.6 million to the U.S. Pension plan, in line with the Company's plan to reduce pension obligations over time. No similar payment was made during the current year.
We deploy our cash with a focus on investing in our business and new technologies to provide our customers with enhanced capabilities, increase shareholder value, and position ourselves to take advantage of new business opportunities as they arise. Based on such strategy, we have continued to invest in our business and technologies through capital expenditures, research and development, and when appropriate, selective business acquisitions. On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired Heimbach, a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany, for net cash of $133.5 million, funded using cash on hand. Net cash used in investing activities also included capital expenditures totaling $49.1 million and $52.8 million for the first nine months
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of 2023 and 2022, respectively, including investments to improve productivity and produce a meaningful impact on energy and resource efficiency.
Net cash used in financing activities during 2023 was $10.8 million as compared to $9.1 million in 2022. The increase was, in part, due to the absence of share repurchases in the current year, which resulted in lower borrowings from the revolving credit facility.
Liquidity and Capital Structure
We finance our business activities principally with cash generated from operations and borrowings, largely through our revolving credit agreement as discussed below. Our subsidiaries outside of the United States may also maintain working capital lines with local banks.
Under our $800 million unsecured committed Amended Credit Agreement, $461.0 million of borrowings were outstanding as of September 30, 2023, in addition we have borrowings outstanding at the newly acquired Heimbach subsidiary of $29.6 million, of which $27.2 million was considered current.
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $171.5 million and available borrowings under our Amended Credit Agreement of $339.0 million, for a total liquidity of approximately $510.5 million. We believe cash flows from operations and the availability of funds under our Amended Credit Agreement will be adequate to fund our operations and business needs over the next twelve months. For more information on credit agreements, see Note 13. Financial Instruments in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of September 30, 2023, $150.9 million of our total cash and cash equivalents were held by non-U.S. subsidiaries. The accumulated undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign operations not targeted for repatriation to the U.S. were in excess of $42 million as of September 30, 2023, and are intended to remain indefinitely invested in foreign operations. Our cash planning strategy includes repatriating current earnings in excess of working capital requirements from certain countries in which our subsidiaries operate. While we have been successful in such endeavors to date, there can be no assurance that we will be able to cost effectively repatriate funds in the future. Repatriating such cash from certain jurisdictions may also result in additional withholding taxes.
Bank debt at the Company's Heimbach subsidiary, assumed in the acquisition, is held by several European financial institutions. Certain bank agreements allow for the repayment of the debt upon demand by any of the financial institutions in the event of a change in control. Some or all of the assumed bank debt could become due upon notification by any of the financial institutions before the maturity date of the bank agreements. As a result, of the $29.6 million borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2023, we have classified $27.2 million as current maturity (see Note 17, Business Combination and Note 13, Financial Instruments, for additional information). In the event this debt becomes callable, we have sufficient liquidity to settle this debt.
We have also returned cash to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. During the first nine months of 2023, we paid $23.4 million in dividends and had no share repurchases.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company is party to certain off-balance sheet arrangements, including certain guarantees. The Company provides financial assurance, such as payment guarantee and letters of credit and surety bonds, primarily to support workers’ compensation programs and customs clearance, of less than $7 million. There were no material changes in the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements during 2023.
Non-GAAP Measures
This Form 10-Q contains certain non-GAAP measures that should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP measures. Such non-GAAP measures include Net revenues and percent change in Net revenues, excluding the impact of currency translation effects; EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin; Net debt; Net leverage ratio; and Adjusted earnings per share (or Adjusted EPS). Management believes that these non-GAAP measures provide additional useful information to investors regarding the Company’s operational performance.
Presenting Net revenues and change in Net revenues, after currency effects are excluded, provides management and investors insight into underlying revenues trends. Net revenues, or percent changes in Net revenues, excluding currency rate effects, are calculated by converting amounts reported in local currencies into U.S. dollars at the
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exchange rate of a prior period. These amounts are then compared to the U.S. dollar amount as reported in the current period.
EBITDA (calculated as net income excluding interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization), Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EPS are performance measures that relate to the Company’s continuing operations. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA excluding costs or benefits that are not reflective of the Company’s ongoing or expected future operational performance. Such excluded costs or benefits do not consist of normal, recurring cash items necessary to generate revenues or operate our business. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents Adjusted EBITDA expressed as a percentage of Net revenues.
The Company defines Adjusted EPS as basic earnings per share (GAAP), adjusted by the after tax per share amount of costs or benefits not reflective of the Company’s ongoing or expected future operational performance. The income tax effects are calculated using the applicable statutory income tax rate of the jurisdictions where such costs or benefits were incurred or the effective tax rate applicable to total company results.
The Company’s Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, and Adjusted EPS may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.
Net debt aids investors in understanding the Company’s debt position if all available cash were applied to pay down indebtedness.
Net leverage ratio informs the investors of the Company's financial leverage at the end of the reporting period, providing an indicator of the Company's ability to repay its debt.
We encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.
The following tables show the calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
Three months ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Machine Clothing | Albany Engineered Composites | Corporate expenses and other | Total Company | ||||||||||
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) | $ | 50,710 | $ | 9,374 | $ | (32,930) | $ | 27,154 | ||||||
Interest expense/(income), net | — | — | 3,653 | 3,653 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | 9,207 | 9,207 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 5,976 | 12,510 | 975 | 19,461 | ||||||||||
EBITDA (non-GAAP) | 56,686 | 21,884 | (19,095) | 59,475 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | 82 | — | — | 82 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (656) | 19 | 516 | (121) | ||||||||||
CEO transition expenses | — | — | 2,052 | 2,052 | ||||||||||
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold | 1,370 | — | — | 1,370 | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | — | 273 | 1,642 | 1,915 | ||||||||||
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | (73) | — | (73) | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 57,482 | $ | 22,103 | $ | (14,885) | $ | 64,700 |
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Three months ended September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Machine Clothing | Albany Engineered Composites | Corporate expenses and other | Total Company | ||||||||||
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) | $ | 57,247 | $ | 9,958 | $ | (56,382) | $ | 10,823 | ||||||
Interest expense/(income), net | — | — | 3,794 | 3,794 | ||||||||||
Income tax benefit | — | — | (3,183) | (3,183) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 4,913 | 11,303 | 818 | 17,034 | ||||||||||
EBITDA (non-GAAP) | 62,160 | 21,261 | (54,953) | 28,468 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | 42 | — | — | 42 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (2,931) | 122 | (6,633) | (9,442) | ||||||||||
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia | (214) | — | — | (214) | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | — | 0 | 49,128 | 49,128 | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | — | 255 | — | 255 | ||||||||||
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | (176) | — | (176) | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 59,057 | $ | 21,462 | $ | (12,458) | $ | 68,061 |
Nine months ended September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Machine Clothing | Albany Engineered Composites | Corporate expenses and other | Total Company | ||||||||||
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) | $ | 153,400 | $ | 27,460 | $ | (99,794) | $ | 81,066 | ||||||
Interest expense/(income), net | — | — | 10,049 | 10,049 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | 39,908 | 39,908 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 15,682 | 36,246 | 2,850 | 54,778 | ||||||||||
EBITDA (non-GAAP) | 169,082 | 63,706 | (46,987) | 185,801 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | 227 | 0 | 0 | 227 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | 1,870 | 19 | (3,609) | (1,720) | ||||||||||
CEO transition expenses | — | — | 2,052 | 2,052 | ||||||||||
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold | 1,370 | — | — | 1,370 | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | — | 813 | 2,005 | 2,818 | ||||||||||
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | (474) | — | (474) | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 172,549 | $ | 64,064 | $ | (46,539) | $ | 190,074 | ||||||
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Nine months ended September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Machine Clothing | Albany Engineered Composites | Corporate expenses and other | Total Company | ||||||||||
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) | $ | 161,752 | $ | 20,688 | $ | (104,173) | $ | 78,267 | ||||||
Interest expense/(income), net | — | — | 11,336 | 11,336 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | — | — | 22,273 | 22,273 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 14,716 | 34,792 | 2,400 | 51,908 | ||||||||||
EBITDA (non-GAAP) | 176,468 | 55,480 | (68,164) | 163,784 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | 255 | — | 13 | 268 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (3,690) | 755 | (17,644) | (20,579) | ||||||||||
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia | 1,573 | — | 781 | 2,354 | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | — | — | 49,128 | 49,128 | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | — | 806 | — | 806 | ||||||||||
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | (633) | — | (633) | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 174,606 | $ | 56,408 | $ | (35,886) | $ | 195,128 |
The Company discloses certain income and expense items on a per-share basis. The Company believes that such disclosures provide important insights into the 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 either the tax rates in specific countries or the estimated tax rate applied to total company results. The after-tax amount is then divided by 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, 2023 (in thousands, except per share amounts) | Pre tax Amounts | Tax Effect | After tax Effect | Per share Effect | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | $ | 82 | $ | 21 | $ | 61 | $ | 0.00 | ||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (121) | (35) | (86) | 0.00 | ||||||||||
CEO transition expenses | 2,052 | — | 2,052 | 0.07 | ||||||||||
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold | 1,370 | 411 | 959 | 0.03 | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | 1,915 | 476 | 1,439 | 0.05 |
Three months ended September 30, 2022 (in thousands, except per share amounts) | Pre tax Amounts | Tax Effect | After tax Effect | Per share Effect | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | $ | 42 | $ | 6 | $ | 36 | $ | 0.00 | ||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (9,442) | (2,694) | (6,748) | (0.22) | ||||||||||
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia | (214) | (18) | (196) | (0.01) | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | 49,128 | 11,947 | 37,181 | 1.20 | ||||||||||
Tax impact of stranded OCI benefit from Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) for pension liability (b) | — | 5,217 | (5,217) | (0.17) | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | 255 | 77 | 178 | 0.01 |
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Nine months ended September 30, 2023 (in thousands, except per share amounts) | Pre tax Amounts | Tax Effect | After tax Effect | Per share Effect | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | $ | 227 | $ | 68 | $ | 159 | $ | 0.01 | ||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (1,720) | (504) | (1,216) | (0.04) | ||||||||||
CEO transition expenses | 2,052 | — | 2,052 | 0.07 | ||||||||||
Withholding tax related to internal restructuring | — | (3,026) | 3,026 | 0.10 | ||||||||||
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold | 1,370 | 411 | 959 | 0.03 | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | 2,818 | 725 | 2,093 | 0.07 | ||||||||||
Nine months ended September 30, 2022 (in thousands, except per share amounts) | Pre tax Amounts | Tax Effect | After tax Effect | Per share Effect | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | $ | 268 | $ | 75 | $ | 193 | $ | 0.01 | ||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (20,579) | (5,829) | (14,750) | (0.47) | ||||||||||
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia | 2,354 | 314 | 2,040 | 0.06 | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | 49,128 | 11,947 | 37,181 | 1.20 | ||||||||||
Tax impact of stranded OCI benefit from TCJA for pension liability (b) | — | 5,217 | (5,217) | (0.17) | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | 806 | 241 | 565 | 0.03 | ||||||||||
The following table contains the calculation of Adjusted EPS:
Three months ended September 30, | Nine months ended September 30, | |||||||||||||
Per share amounts (Basic) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share (GAAP) | $ | 0.87 | $ | 0.34 | $ | 2.59 | $ | 2.47 | ||||||
Adjustments, after tax: | ||||||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | — | — | 0.01 | 0.01 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | — | (0.22) | (0.04) | (0.47) | ||||||||||
CEO transition expenses | 0.07 | — | 0.07 | — | ||||||||||
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold | 0.03 | — | 0.03 | — | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | 0.05 | 0.01 | 0.07 | 0.03 | ||||||||||
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia | — | (0.01) | — | 0.06 | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | — | 1.20 | — | 1.20 | ||||||||||
Withholding tax related to internal restructuring | — | — | 0.10 | — | ||||||||||
Tax impact of stranded OCI benefit from Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) for pension liability (b) | — | (0.17) | — | (0.17) | ||||||||||
Adjusted Earnings per share (non-GAAP) | $ | 1.02 | $ | 1.15 | $ | 2.83 | $ | 3.13 |
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. The Company calculates Net debt by subtracting Cash and cash equivalents from Total debt. Total debt is calculated by adding Long-term debt, Current maturities of long-term debt, and Notes and loans payable, if any.
The following table contains the calculation of net debt:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | ||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt | $ | 27,246 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||
Long-term debt | 463,339 | 439,000 | 447,000 | ||||||||
Total debt | 490,585 | 439,000 | 447,000 | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 171,506 | 291,776 | 276,482 | ||||||||
Net debt (non GAAP) | $ | 319,079 | $ | 147,224 | $ | 170,518 |
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Net leverage ratio informs the investors of the Company's financial leverage at the end of the reporting period, providing an indicator of the Company's ability to repay its debt. The Company calculates net leverage ratio by subtracting cash and cash equivalents from total debt, and then dividing by trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA.
The calculation of net leverage ratio as of September 30, 2023 is as follows:
Total Company | ||||||||||||||
Twelve months ended | Nine months ended | Trailing twelve months ended | ||||||||||||
(in thousands) | December 31, 2022 | September 30, 2022 | September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2023 (non-GAAP) (c) | ||||||||||
Net income/(loss) (GAAP) | $ | 96,508 | $ | 78,267 | $ | 81,066 | $ | 99,307 | ||||||
Interest expense/(income), net | 14,000 | 11,336 | 10,049 | 12,713 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | 35,472 | 22,273 | 39,908 | 53,107 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization expense | 69,049 | 51,908 | 54,778 | 71,919 | ||||||||||
EBITDA (non-GAAP) | 215,029 | 163,784 | 185,801 | 237,046 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expenses, net | 106 | 268 | 227 | 65 | ||||||||||
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a) | (9,829) | (20,579) | (1,720) | 9,030 | ||||||||||
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia | 2,275 | 2,354 | — | (79) | ||||||||||
CEO transition expenses | — | — | 2,052 | 2,052 | ||||||||||
Pension settlement expense | 49,128 | 49,128 | — | — | ||||||||||
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold | — | — | 1,370 | 1,370 | ||||||||||
IP address sales | (3,420) | — | — | (3,420) | ||||||||||
Acquisition/integration costs | 1,057 | 806 | 2,818 | 3,069 | ||||||||||
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest | (817) | (633) | (474) | (658) | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $ | 253,529 | $ | 195,128 | $ | 190,074 | $ | 248,475 |
(in thousands, except for net leverage ratio) | September 30, 2023 | ||||
Net debt (non-GAAP) | 319,079 | ||||
Trailing twelve months Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | 248,475 | ||||
Net leverage ratio (non-GAAP) | 1.28 |
(a) Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses represent unrealized gains and losses arising from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in non-functional currencies on the balance sheet date. | ||||||||||||||
(b) Our Adjusted EPS excluded the benefit from the reclassification of stranded income tax effects caused by the TCJA associated with the US pension plan liability that was eliminated in September 2022, a one-time event that would not recur in the future. Such stranded income tax effect represented a one-time benefit that distorted the effective tax rate for the quarter and year-to-date ended September 30, 2022 , and would not be indicative of ongoing or expected future income tax rate at the Company. Management believes excluding pension settlement expense and its income tax impact, including the stranded income tax effects, from its Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS for the quarter and year-to-date ended September 30, 2022 would provide investors a transparent view and enhanced ability to better assess the Company’s ongoing operational and financial performance. | ||||||||||||||
(c) Calculated as amounts incurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, less those incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, plus those incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. |
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
We have market risk with respect to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in these rates as discussed below.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We have manufacturing plants and sales transactions worldwide and therefore are subject to foreign currency risk. This risk is composed of both potential losses from the translation of foreign currency financial statements and the remeasurement of foreign currency transactions. To manage this risk, we periodically enter into forward exchange contracts either to hedge the net assets of a foreign investment or to provide an economic hedge against future cash flows. The total net assets of non-U.S. operations and long-term intercompany loans denominated in nonfunctional currencies subject to potential loss amount to approximately $682.7 million. The potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates amounts to $68.3 million. Furthermore, related to foreign currency transactions, we have exposure to various nonfunctional currency balances totaling $98.6 million. This amount includes, on an absolute basis, exposures to assets and liabilities held in currencies other than our local entities’ functional currencies. On a net basis, we had $17.6 million of foreign currency assets as of September 30, 2023. 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 $1.8 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, 2023, we had the following variable rate debt:
(in thousands, except interest rates) | |||||
Long-term debt | |||||
Credit agreement with borrowings outstanding, net of fixed rate portion, at an end of period interest rate of 7.05% in 2023, due in 2028 | $ | 111,000 | |||
Total | $ | 111,000 |
Assuming borrowings were outstanding for an entire year, an increase of one percentage point in weighted average interest rates would increase interest expense by $1.1 million. To manage interest rate risk, we may periodically enter into interest rate swap agreements to effectively fix the interest rates on variable debt to a specific rate for a period of time. (See Note 13. Financial Instruments in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1, which is incorporated herein by reference).
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
a) Disclosure controls and procedures.
The principal executive officer and principal financial officer, based on their evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective for ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in filed or submitted reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.
On August 31, 2023, the Company acquired Heimbach, a privately-held manufacturer of paper machine clothing with headquarters in Düren, Germany. Management has begun integrating Heimbach into the MC segment's systems
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and processes; however, during the third quarter ending September 30, 2023, management has excluded Heimbach from its assessment of effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Other than the acquisition of Heimbach, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The information set forth above under Note 15. Commitments and Contingencies in Item 1, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, other than the addition of the risks below related to our acquisition of Heimbach. For all other risk factors, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Our acquisition of Heimbach involves inherent risks, and presents financial, managerial and operational challenges that may adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
Our growth strategy includes acquisitions. Acquisitions involve various inherent risks, such as our ability to assess accurately the value, strengths, weaknesses, internal controls, contingent and other liabilities and potential profitability of Heimbach.
Heimbach was a privately held company that only closed its books and records annually on December 31st. Interim financial information was limited and reproducing full historical financial records may be difficult. As the Company integrates Heimbach, management could encounter material differences between the accounting policies of the two companies or the financial results of Heimbach for the periods after the fiscal year 2022 audited financial statements, including additional liabilities or other financial information that was not available during due diligence or at or in the initial period after the closing of the acquisition that, had we known, could have resulted in changes to financial projections, assumptions and estimates used in the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, assessments used to determine the applicability of certain SEC disclosure requirements or the expected benefit of the transaction.
While we conducted financial and other due diligence in connection with this acquisition and we generally seek some form of limited protection, such as warranties from the seller, insurance coverage, and placing a portion of the purchase price in escrow to cover potential tax liabilities, Heimbach may have liabilities that are not accurately assessed or brought to our attention at the time of the acquisition. Further, indemnities, insurance or escrow arrangements may not fully cover such matters.
The acquisition may present financial, managerial and operational challenges, including:
•Increased foreign operations, often with unique issues relating to corporate culture, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and other challenges;
•Assumption of known and unknown liabilities, including environmental liabilities, and exposure to litigation;
•Increased levels of debt or dilution to existing stockholders;
•New and proposed regulations limiting the enforcement of noncompetition and nonsolicitation agreements;
•Production delays associated with consolidating acquired facilities and manufacturing operations;
•Potential cybersecurity risks, as acquired systems may not possess the appropriate security measures.
We cannot assure that all potential risks or liabilities are adequately discovered, disclosed, or understood in each instance. In addition, internal controls over financial reporting of acquired companies may not be compliant with required standards. Issues may exist that could rise to the level of significant deficiencies or, in some cases, material
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weaknesses, particularly with respect to foreign companies or non-public U.S. companies. Customer dissatisfaction or performance problems with an acquired business, technology, service or product could also have a material adverse effect on our reputation and business.
In connection with our acquisition, we may incur significant transaction costs. We are required to expense such transaction costs as incurred, which may have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
We may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Heimbach or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
We are devoting significant management attention to integrating the business practices and operations of Heimbach. We may experience disruptions to our business and, if implemented ineffectively, it could restrict the realization of the full expected benefits of the acquisition. The failure to meet the challenges involved in the integration process and to realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Heimbach could cause an interruption of, or loss of, momentum in our operations and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Difficulties in the integration of the acquired business may include consolidating the operations, processes and systems of the acquired business, retaining and motivating key management and employees, and integrating existing business relationships with suppliers and customers. Even if integration is successful, the financial and operational results may differ materially from our assumptions and forecasts due to unforeseen expenses, delays, conditions and liabilities. In addition, we may incur unanticipated costs or expenses following an acquisition, including post-closing asset impairment charges, expenses associated with eliminating duplicate facilities, and other liabilities.
Furthermore, the acquisition of Heimbach, may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, charges, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of customers and other business relationships, and diversion of management’s attention. Additional integration challenges may include difficulty in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects from the acquisition; difficulties in the integration of operations and systems, including pricing and marketing strategies; and difficulties in conforming standards, controls, procedures, financial reporting and accounting and other policies, business cultures and compensation structures.
Many of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, including restructuring charges, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We made no share purchases during the first nine months of 2023.
On October 25, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase shares of up to $200 million through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and to determine the prices, times and amounts. The program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be suspended or terminated at any time at the Company's discretion. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date. The timing and amount of any share repurchases will be based on the Company’s liquidity, general business and market conditions, debt covenant restrictions and other factors, including alternative investment opportunities and capital structure. In total, the Company has repurchased 1,308,003 shares for a total cost of $109.4M, of which 1,022,717 shares were repurchased in 2022 for $85.1 million and 285,286 shares were repurchased in 2021 for $24.3 million. We currently remain authorized to repurchase shares of up to $90.6 million.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not Applicable.
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Item 5. Other Information
Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, none of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of Albany International Corp. securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.”
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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit No. | Description | ||||
10.3 | |||||
10.4 | |||||
10(k)(xx) | |||||
31.1 | |||||
31.2 | |||||
32.1 | |||||
101.INS | XBRL Instance Document- the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||||
101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. | ||||
101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | ||||
101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. | ||||
101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. | ||||
101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | ||||
104 | Cover page formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101 |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. | ||||||||
(Registrant) | ||||||||
Date: November 6, 2023 | By | /s/ Robert D. Starr | ||||||
Robert D. Starr Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) |