Albany International Reports Fourth-Quarter 2023 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Albany International Corp. (AIN) reported strong financial performance in 2023, with record revenues of $1.15 billion, up 11% from the previous year. Adjusted EPS increased by 4.9% to $4.06. The company generated free cash flow of $64 million, a significant increase from 2022. Fourth-quarter results were robust, with net revenues up 20.4% to $323.6 million. The company is well-positioned for continued growth in 2024.

Positive

• Record revenues of $1.15 billion in 2023, up 11% from the previous year.
• Adjusted EPS increased by 4.9% to $4.06.
• Free cash flow of $64 million in 2023, up significantly from 2022.
• Fourth-quarter net revenues grew by 20.4% to $323.6 million.
• Company is positioned for strong growth in 2024.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported financial results from Albany International Corp. indicate a robust performance with record revenues and an impressive increase in free cash flow. The revenue growth of 11% and the doubling of free cash flow are significant indicators of the company's operational efficiency and financial health. The integration of Heimbach and the expansion within the Engineered Composites segment are strategic moves that have contributed to this growth. As revenue is a critical metric for assessing a company's performance, the reported figures suggest that Albany International is managing to expand its market presence and improve its top-line growth.

From a financial perspective, the increase in GAAP EPS and Adjusted EPS reflects the company's ability to translate higher revenues into profitable growth. However, it is important to note that the Adjusted EPS growth rate is lower than the revenue growth rate, which could indicate rising costs or investments that have not yet fully translated into earnings. The effective tax rate reduction, a result of favorable discrete tax items and a shift in taxable income to lower-rate jurisdictions, is a positive for net income, but stakeholders should be aware of the sustainability of such tax strategies.

Looking ahead, the guidance for 2024 implies a continuation of revenue growth, although the projected increase in pension expense, depreciation and amortization and interest expenses will likely impact earnings. The expected capital expenditures of $90 to $95 million indicate that the company is continuing to invest in its growth, which could be beneficial in the long-term but may also affect short-term cash flows.

Market Research Analyst

The reported growth in both the Machine Clothing and Engineered Composites segments is indicative of Albany International's diversified business model and its adaptability to different market conditions. The Machine Clothing segment's revenue growth, despite soft business conditions in Europe, demonstrates the segment's resilience and the potential benefits of the Heimbach acquisition. The Engineered Composites segment's growth, driven by new program wins, suggests that the company is effectively capitalizing on opportunities in advanced material applications, which is a growing market.

It's also worth noting the company's international operations, as evidenced by the adjustments for currency translation. The ability to grow revenues in constant currency terms suggests that the underlying demand for Albany International's products is strong, independent of currency fluctuations. This is a positive sign for the company's global competitiveness and market position.

For investors and stakeholders, the company's performance in segments that cater to different industries could provide a degree of risk mitigation against sector-specific downturns. The continued investment in these segments, as indicated by the capital expenditure guidance, is likely to further enhance the company's competitive edge and market share.

Legal Expert

Albany International Corp's financial report includes non-GAAP measures such as Adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBITDA. These measures are often used by companies to provide a clearer picture of operational performance by excluding items that may be considered non-recurring or not indicative of future performance. However, it is important for stakeholders to understand the nature of these adjustments and to consider the GAAP measures in conjunction with the non-GAAP measures to get a full picture of the company's financial health.

The adjustments made to earnings, such as restructuring expenses, foreign currency revaluation gains/losses, CEO transition expenses, inventory step-up impacting cost of goods sold and acquisition/integration costs, are important for stakeholders to consider. These adjustments can provide insight into the company's operational and strategic decisions and their financial implications. It is also crucial for stakeholders to understand the tax implications of these adjustments, as they can significantly affect the net income attributable to the company.

Furthermore, the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their comparable GAAP measures is a regulatory requirement and provides transparency, allowing investors to make informed decisions based on standardized financial reporting. Stakeholders should also be aware of the legal and regulatory environment surrounding non-GAAP reporting to ensure compliance and to assess the quality of the company's financial disclosures.

ROCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Albany International Corp. (NYSE:AIN) today reported operating results for its full year and fourth quarter of 2023, which ended December 31, 2023.

"In 2023, our business remained focused on operational execution and delivered outstanding financial performance," said Gunnar Kleveland, President and Chief Executive Officer. "I am pleased to report record revenues of $1.15 billion in 2023, up 11% from last year. GAAP EPS grew in the mid-teens, and Adjusted EPS of $4.06, was up 4.9% from last year. Importantly the company delivered 2023 free cash flow of $64 million, up significantly from the $32 million generated in 2022.

"Fourth quarter results were particularly strong with outstanding contributions from both of our business segments," continued Kleveland. "Our first full quarter of Heimbach integration is complete, and we are on track to deliver on the promise of that acquisition. Meanwhile, our core Machine Clothing operations grew fourth quarter revenue and expanded profit margins despite soft business conditions in Europe. The Engineered Composites segment continues to grow. We have completed another year of growth on our commercial programs, and recent program wins were also important drivers of year-over-year revenue and profit growth in the business. We are well positioned for another strong year in 2024."

For the fourth-quarter ended December 31, 2023:

• Net revenues were $323.6 million, up 20.4%, or 19.6% after adjusting for currency translation, when compared to the prior year, primarily driven by Heimbach's contribution during the fourth quarter and growth in the Engineered Composites segment.
• Gross profit of $119.9 million was 23.5% higher than the $97.1 million reported for the same period of 2022, mainly due to higher net revenues from the Machine Clothing segment due to the addition of Heimbach and higher net revenues from new programs and commercial programs in the Engineered Composites segment.
• Selling, General, and Administrative expenses were $67.7 million, compared to $49.4 million in the same period of 2022. The increase was due to the addition of Heimbach.
• Operating income was $41.8 million, compared to $37.9 million in the prior year, an increase of 10.2%.
• The effective tax rate for the quarter was 22.6% compared to a 42.0% effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2022. Favorable discrete tax items in 2023 vs. unfavorable discrete tax items in 2022 and a shift in taxable income to lower-rate jurisdictions resulted in a lower effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2023.
• Net income attributable to the Company was $30.5 million ($0.97 per share), compared to $18.1 million ($0.58 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2022. Adjusted Diluted earnings per share (or Adjusted EPS, a non-GAAP measure) was $1.22 per share, compared to $0.75 per share for the same period of last year.
• Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) was $75.0 million, compared to $58.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, an increase of 28.5%.

Please see the tables below for a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to their comparable GAAP measures.

"We are on sound financial footing as we enter 2024," said Robert Starr, Chief Financial Officer. "Our businesses continue to deliver outstanding execution that will help sustain solid results and generate healthy cash flow this year. We will continue to invest thoughtfully to drive long-term growth."

Outlook for the Full-Year 2024

Albany International's initial financial guidance for the full-year 2024:

• Total company revenue between $1.26 and $1.33 billion;
• Effective income tax rate between 29% and 31%;
• Capital expenditures in the range of $90 to $95 million;
• Diluted earnings per share between $3.55 and $4.05.
  This includes:
  • Higher pension expense due to the expiration of the prior service cost benefit (approximately $0.09 per share);
  • Higher Depreciation and Amortization due to the recording of Heimbach-acquired assets at fair value (approximately $0.08 per share); and
  • Higher interest expense resulting from the termination of interest rate swaps in the fourth quarter of 2024 (approximately $0.06 per share, assuming the current interest rate environment).
• Total company Adjusted EBITDA between $260 to $290 million;
• Machine Clothing revenue between $760 to $790 million;
• Machine Clothing Adjusted EBITDA between $230 and $250 million;
• Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) revenue between $500 to $540 million; and
• Albany Engineered Composites Adjusted EBITDA between $97 to $107 million.

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
	Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Net revenues	$	323,584			$	268,786			$	1,147,909			$	1,034,887
Cost of goods sold		203,723				171,694				724,191				645,105
Gross profit		119,861				97,092				423,718				389,782
Selling, general, and administrative expenses		67,701				49,388				214,915				168,713
Technical and research expenses		10,324				9,957				40,627				39,941
Restructuring expenses, net		55				(162	)			282				106
Operating income		41,781				37,909				167,894				181,022
Interest expense, net		3,552				2,664				13,601				14,000
Pension settlement expense		—				—				—				49,128
Other (income)/expense, net		(1,253	)			3,805				(6,163	)			(14,086	)
Income before income taxes		39,482				31,440				160,456				131,980
Income tax expense		8,938				13,199				48,846				35,472
Net income		30,544				18,241				111,610				96,508
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest		94				111				490				746
Net income attributable to the Company	$	30,450			$	18,130			$	111,120			$	95,762
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Basic	$	0.98			$	0.58			$	3.56			$	3.06
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Diluted	$	0.97			$	0.58			$	3.55			$	3.04
Shares of the Company used in computing earnings per share:
Basic		31,195				31,111				31,171				31,339
Diluted		31,332				31,267				31,276				31,455
Dividends declared per share, Class A	$	0.26			$	0.25			$	1.01			$	0.88

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share data) (unaudited)
	December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	173,420			$	291,776
Accounts receivable, net		287,781				200,018
Contract assets, net		182,281				148,695
Inventories		169,567				139,050
Income taxes prepaid and receivable		11,043				7,938
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		53,872				50,962
Total current assets	$	877,964			$	838,439
Property, plant and equipment, net		601,989				445,658
Intangibles, net		44,646				33,811
Goodwill		180,181				178,217
Deferred income taxes		22,941				15,196
Noncurrent receivables, net		4,392				27,913
Other assets		102,901				103,021
Total assets	$	1,835,014			$	1,642,255
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	87,104			$	69,707
Accrued liabilities		142,988				126,385
Current maturities of long-term debt		4,218				—
Income taxes payable		14,369				15,224
Total current liabilities		248,679				211,316
Long-term debt		452,667				439,000
Other noncurrent liabilities		139,385				108,758
Deferred taxes and other liabilities		26,963				15,638
Total liabilities		867,694				774,712
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		448,218				441,540
Retained earnings		1,010,942				931,318
Accumulated items of other comprehensive income:
Translation adjustments		(124,901	)			(146,851	)
Pension and postretirement liability adjustments		(17,346	)			(15,783	)
Derivative valuation adjustment		9,079				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		961,368				863,049
Noncontrolling interest		5,952				4,494
Total equity		967,320				867,543
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	1,835,014			$	1,642,255

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (unaudited)
		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
			2023				2022
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income		$	111,610			$	96,508
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation			70,374				62,480
Amortization			6,359				6,569
Change in deferred taxes and other liabilities			(2,046	)			(8,496	)
Impairment of property, plant, equipment, and inventory			1,773				1,808
Non-cash interest expense			1,404				1,118
Non-cash portion of pension settlement expense			—				42,657
Compensation and benefits paid or payable in Class A Common Stock			6,936				4,527
Provision/(recovery) for credit losses from uncollected receivables and contract assets			640				1,408
Foreign currency remeasurement (gain)/loss on intercompany loans			(2,831	)			(4,434	)
Fair value adjustment on foreign currency options			(139	)			(509	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities that provided/(used) cash, net of impact of business acquisition:
Accounts receivable			(11,038	)			(14,301	)
Contract assets			(32,156	)			(36,434	)
Inventories			15,093				(24,541	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			1,530				(4,134	)
Income taxes prepaid and receivable			(2,897	)			(6,005	)
Accounts payable			(5,672	)			8,572
Accrued liabilities			(10,441	)			3,226
Income taxes payable			(1,988	)			183
Noncurrent receivables			3,723				3,911
Other noncurrent liabilities			(9,783	)			(10,133	)
Other, net			7,605				4,234
Net cash provided by operating activities			148,056				128,214
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of business, net of cash acquired			(133,470	)			—
Purchases of property, plant and equipment			(83,560	)			(93,675	)
Purchased software			(869	)			(2,673	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(217,899	)			(96,348	)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from borrowings			78,040				162,000
Principal payments on debt			(92,274	)			(73,000	)
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			(31,163	)			(26,465	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(52,641	)			(23,652	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents			4,128				(18,474	)
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			(118,356	)			(10,260	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			291,776				302,036
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	173,420			$	291,776

Financial tables and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to comparable GAAP measures

The following tables present Net revenues and the effect of changes in currency translation rates:

(in thousands, except percentages)	Net revenues as reported, Q4 2023		Increase due to changes in currency translation rates			Q4 2023 revenues on same basis as Q4 2022 currency translation rates		Net revenues as reported, Q4 2022		% Change compared to Q4 2022, excluding currency rate effects
Machine Clothing	$	191,741	$	1,088		$	190,653	$	150,340	26.8	%
Albany Engineered Composites		131,843		896			130,947		118,446	10.6	%
Consolidated total	$	323,584	$	1,984		$	321,600	$	268,786	19.6	%
(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	$	670,768	$	(2,596	)	$	673,364	$	609,461	10.5	%
Albany Engineered Composites		477,141		1,747			475,394		425,426	11.7	%
Consolidated total	$	1,147,909	$	(849	)	$	1,148,758	$	1,034,887	11.0	%

The following tables present Gross profit and Gross profit margin:

(in thousands, except percentages)	Gross profit, Q4 2023		Gross profit margin, Q4 2023		Gross profit, Q4 2022		Gross profit margin, Q4 2022
Machine Clothing	$	93,527	48.8	%	$	74,851	49.8	%
Albany Engineered Composites		26,334	20.0	%		22,241	18.8	%
Consolidated total	$	119,861	37.0	%	$	97,092	36.1	%

(in thousands, except percentages)	Gross profit, YTD 2023		Gross profit margin, YTD 2023		Gross profit, YTD 2022		Gross profit margin, YTD 2022
Machine Clothing	$	331,558	49.4	%	$	312,285	51.2	%
Albany Engineered Composites		92,160	19.3	%		77,497	18.2	%
Consolidated total	$	423,718	36.9	%	$	389,782	37.7	%

A reconciliation from Net income/(loss) (GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) for the current-year and comparable prior-year periods has been calculated as follows:

Three months ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands)	Machine Clothing			Albany Engineered Composites			Corporate expenses and other			Total Company
Net income/(loss) (GAAP)	$	45,978		$	14,127		$	(29,561	)	$	30,544
Interest expense, net		—			—			3,552			3,552
Income tax expense		—			—			8,938			8,938
Depreciation and amortization expense		8,209			12,784			962			21,955
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		54,187			26,911			(16,109	)		64,989
Restructuring expenses, net		55			—			—			55
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		2,247			44			725			3,016
CEO transition expenses		—			—			667			667
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold		4,110			—			—			4,110
Acquisition/integration costs		984			268			1,124			2,376
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(24	)		(167	)		—			(191	)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	61,559		$	27,056		$	(13,593	)	$	75,022
Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by Net revenues) (non-GAAP)		32.1	%		20.5	%		—			23.2	%
Three months ended December 31, 2022
(in thousands)	Machine Clothing			Albany Engineered Composites			Corporate expenses and other			Total Company
Net income/(loss) (GAAP)	$	44,462		$	10,891		$	(37,112	)	$	18,241
Interest expense, net		—			—			2,664			2,664
Income tax expense		—			—			13,199			13,199
Depreciation and amortization expense		4,767			11,410			964			17,141
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		49,229			22,301			(20,285	)		51,245
Restructuring expenses, net		(163	)		—			1			(162	)
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		3,170			(83	)		7,663			10,750
Acquisition/integration costs		—			251			—			251
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia		(79	)		—			—			(79	)
IP address sales		—			—			(3,420	)		(3,420	)
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			(184	)		—			(184	)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	52,157		$	22,285		$	(16,041	)	$	58,401
Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by Net revenues) (non-GAAP)		34.7	%		18.8	%		—			21.7	%

Twelve months ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands)	Machine Clothing			Albany Engineered Composites			Corporate expenses and other			Total Company
Net income/(loss) (GAAP)	$	199,378		$	41,587		$	(129,355	)	$	111,610
Interest expense, net		—			—			13,601			13,601
Income tax expense		—			—			48,846			48,846
Depreciation and amortization expense		23,891			49,030			3,812			76,733
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		223,269			90,617			(63,096	)		250,790
Restructuring expenses, net		282			—			—			282
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		4,117			63			(2,884	)		1,296
CEO transition expenses		—			—			2,719			2,719
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold		5,480			—			—			5,480
Acquisition/integration costs		984			1,081			3,129			5,194
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(24	)		(641	)		—			(665	)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	234,108		$	91,120		$	(60,132	)	$	265,096
Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by Net revenues) (non-GAAP)		34.9	%		19.1	%		—			23.1	%
Twelve months ended December 31, 2022
(in thousands)	Machine Clothing			Albany Engineered Composites			Corporate expenses and other			Total Company
Net income/(loss) (GAAP)	$	206,214		$	31,579		$	(141,285	)	$	96,508
Interest expense, net		—			—			14,000			14,000
Income tax expense		—			—			35,472			35,472
Depreciation and amortization expense		19,483			46,202			3,364			69,049
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		225,697			77,781			(88,449	)		215,029
Restructuring expenses, net		92			—			14			106
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		(520	)		672			(9,981	)		(9,829	)
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia		1,494			—			781			2,275
Pension settlement expense		—			—			49,128			49,128
IP address sales		—			—			(3,420	)		(3,420	)
Acquisition/integration costs		—			1,057			—			1,057
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		—			(817	)		—			(817	)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	226,763		$	78,693		$	(51,927	)	$	253,529
Adjusted EBITDA margin (Adjusted EBITDA divided by Net revenues) (non-GAAP)		37.2	%		18.5	%		—			24.5	%

Per share impact of the adjustments to diluted earnings per share are as follows:

Three months ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands, except per share amounts)	Pre tax Amounts			Tax Effect			After tax Effect			Per share Effect
Restructuring expenses, net	$	55		$	13		$	42		$	0.00
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		3,016			933			2,083			0.07
CEO transition expenses		667			—			667			0.02
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold		4,110			908			3,202			0.10
Acquisition/integration costs		2,376			486			1,890			0.06
Three months ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands, except per share amounts)	Pre tax Amounts			Tax Effect			After tax Effect			Per share Effect
Restructuring expenses, net	$	(162	)	$	(41	)	$	(121	)	$	0.00
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		10,750			3,247			7,503			0.24
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia		(79	)		(9	)		(70	)		0.00
IP address sales		(3,420	)		(872	)		(2,548	)		(0.08	)
Acquisition/integration costs		251			75			176			0.01
Year ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands, except per share amounts)	Pre tax Amounts			Tax Effect			After tax Effect			Per share Effect
Restructuring expenses, net	$	282		$	70		$	212		$	0.01
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		1,296			416			880			0.03
CEO transition expenses		2,719			—			2,719			0.09
Withholding tax related to internal restructuring		—			(3,026	)		3,026			0.10
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold		5,480			1,211			4,269			0.14
Acquisition/integration costs		5,194			951			4,243			0.14
Year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands, except per share amounts)	Pre tax Amounts			Tax Effect			After tax Effect			Per share Effect
Restructuring expenses, net	$	106		$	34		$	72		$	0.01
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		(9,829	)		(2,582	)		(7,247	)		(0.23	)
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia		2,275			305			1,970			0.06
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	)
IP address sales		(3,420	)		(872	)		(2,548	)		(0.08	)
Acquisition/integration costs		1,057			316			741			0.04

The following table provides a reconciliation of Earnings per share to Adjusted Diluted Earnings per share:

	Three months ended December 31,						Twelve months ended December 31,
Per share amounts		2023			2022			2023			2022
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Basic (GAAP)	$	0.98		$	0.58		$	3.56		$	3.06
Effect of dilutive stock-based compensation plans		(0.01	)		—			(0.01	)		(0.02	)
Earnings per share attributable to Company shareholders - Diluted (GAAP)	$	0.97		$	0.58		$	3.55		$	3.04
Adjustments, after tax:
Restructuring expenses, net		—			—			0.01			0.01
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		0.07			0.24			0.03			(0.23	)
CEO transition expenses		0.02			—			0.09			—
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold		0.10			—			0.14			—
Dissolution of business relationships in Russia		—			—			—			0.06
Pension settlement charge		—			—			—			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	)
IP address sales		—			(0.08	)		—			(0.08	)
Acquisition/integration costs		0.06			0.01			0.14			0.04
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per share (non-GAAP)	$	1.22		$	0.75		$	4.06		$	3.87
(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.

The calculations of net debt are as follows:

(in thousands)	December 31, 2023		September 30, 2023		June 30, 2023		March 31, 2023		December 31, 2022
Current maturities of long-term debt	$	4,218	$	27,246	$	—	$	—	$	—
Long-term debt		452,667		463,339		487,000		491,000		439,000
Total debt		456,885		490,585		487,000		491,000		439,000
Cash and cash equivalents		173,420		171,506		300,916		304,258		291,776
Net debt (non GAAP)	$	283,465	$	319,079	$	186,084	$	186,742	$	147,224

The calculation of net leverage ratio as of December 31, 2023 is as follows:

Total Company
	Twelve months ended
(in thousands)	December 31, 2023
Net income/(loss) (GAAP)	$	111,610
Interest expense, net		13,601
Income tax expense		48,846
Depreciation and amortization expense		76,733
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		250,790
Restructuring expenses, net		282
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (a)		1,296
CEO transition expenses		2,719
Inventory step-up impacting Cost of goods sold		5,480
Acquisition/integration costs		5,194
Pre-tax (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest		(665	)
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	265,096

(in thousands, except for net leverage ratio)	December 31, 2023
Net debt (non-GAAP)	$	283,465
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)		265,096
Net leverage ratio (non-GAAP)		1.07

The tables below provide a reconciliation of initial outlook for the full-year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP measures) to the comparable GAAP measures:

Initial Outlook Full Year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA	Machine Clothing							AEC
(in millions)	Low			High				Low			High
Net income attributable to the Company (GAAP) (c)	$	200		$	215			$	47		$	52
Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest		—			—				(1	)		(1	)
Interest expense, net		—			—				—			—
Income tax expense		—			—				—			—
Depreciation and amortization		30			35				50			55
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		230			250				96			106
Restructuring expenses, net (c)		—			—				—			—
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (c)		—			—				—			—
Acquisition/integration costs (c)		—			—				—			—
Pre-tax (income)/loss attributable to non-controlling interest		—			—				1			1
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	230		$	250			$	97		$	107
(c) Interest, Other income/expense and Income taxes are not allocated to the business segments
Initial Outlook Full Year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA	Total Company
(in millions)	Low			High
Net income attributable to the Company (GAAP) (c)	$	111		$	126
Income attributable to the noncontrolling interest		(1	)		(1	)
Interest expense, net		17			18
Income tax expense		47			51
Depreciation and amortization		85			95
EBITDA (non-GAAP)		259			289
Restructuring expenses, net (d)		—			—
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (d)		—			—
Acquisition/integration costs (d)		—			—
Pre-tax (income)/loss attributable to non-controlling interest		1			1
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)	$	260		$	290
	Total Company
Forecast of Full Year 2024 Earnings per share (diluted) (e)	Low			High
Net income attributable to the Company (GAAP) (c)	$	3.55		$	4.05
Restructuring expenses, net (d)		—			—
Foreign currency revaluation (gains)/losses (d)		—			—
Acquisition/integration costs (d)		—			—
Adjusted Diluted Earnings per share (non-GAAP)	$	3.55		$	4.05
(d) Due to the uncertainty of these items, we are unable to forecast these items for 2024.
(e) Calculations based on estimated diluted shares outstanding of approximately 31.2 million.

About Albany International Corp.

Albany International is a leading developer and manufacturer of engineered components, using advanced materials processing and automation capabilities, with two core businesses.

• Machine Clothing is the world’s leading producer of custom-designed, consumable belts essential for the manufacture of paper, paperboard, tissue and towel, pulp, non-wovens and a variety of other industrial applications.
• Albany Engineered Composites is a growing designer and manufacturer of advanced materials-based engineered components for demanding aerospace applications, supporting both commercial and military platforms.

Albany International is headquartered in Rochester, New Hampshire, operates 32 facilities in 14 countries, employs approximately 5,600 people worldwide, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Symbol AIN). Additional information about the Company and its products and services can be found at www.albint.com.

Non-GAAP Measures

This release, including the conference call commentary associated with this release, 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 Diluted 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 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 diluted 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain statements, estimates, guidance or projections that constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will,” “should,” “look for,” “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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q), actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this release or in the webcast include, without limitation, statements about macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary cost pressures, as well as global events, which include but are not limited to geopolitical events; paper-industry trends and conditions during 2023 and in future years; expectations in 2023 and in future periods of revenues, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA (both in dollars and as a percentage of net revenues), Adjusted EPS, income, gross profit, gross margin, cash flows and other financial items in each of the Company’s businesses, and for the Company as a whole; the timing and impact of production and development programs in the Company’s AEC business segment and the revenues growth potential of key AEC programs, as well as AEC as a whole; the amount and timing of capital expenditures, future tax rates and cash paid for taxes, depreciation and amortization; future debt and net debt levels and debt covenant ratios; and changes in currency rates and their impact on future revaluation gains and losses. Furthermore, a change in any one or more of the foregoing factors could have a material effect on the Company’s financial results in any period. Such statements are based on current expectations, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Statements expressing management’s assessments of the growth potential of its businesses, or referring to earlier assessments of such potential, are not intended as forecasts of actual future growth, and should not be relied on as such. While management believes such assessments to have a reasonable basis, such assessments are, by their nature, inherently uncertain. This release and earlier releases set forth a number of assumptions regarding these assessments, including historical results, independent forecasts regarding the markets in which these businesses operate, and the timing and magnitude of orders for our customers’ products. Historical growth rates are no guarantee of future growth, and such independent forecasts and assumptions could prove materially incorrect in some cases.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240226431606/en/

John Hobbs

603-330-5897

john.hobbs@albint.com

Source: Albany International Corp.

FAQ

What were Albany International Corp.'s (AIN) record revenues in 2023?

Albany International Corp. (AIN) reported record revenues of $1.15 billion in 2023, a remarkable 11% increase from the previous year.

How much did Adjusted EPS grow by in 2023 for Albany International Corp. (AIN)?

Adjusted EPS for Albany International Corp. (AIN) increased by 4.9% to $4.06 in 2023.

What was the free cash flow generated by Albany International Corp. (AIN) in 2023?

Albany International Corp. (AIN) generated free cash flow of $64 million in 2023, a significant increase from the previous year.

By what percentage did the net revenues of Albany International Corp. (AIN) grow in the fourth quarter of 2023?

In the fourth quarter of 2023, Albany International Corp. (AIN) experienced a substantial 20.4% growth in net revenues, reaching $323.6 million.

What is the outlook for Albany International Corp. (AIN) in 2024?

Albany International Corp. (AIN) anticipates total company revenue between $1.26 and $1.33 billion for the full year 2024, with various other financial projections for Machine Clothing and Albany Engineered Composites segments.