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Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Consolidation
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Albany International Corp. and its subsidiaries (the Company, Albany, we, us, or our) after elimination of intercompany transactions.
A subsidiary within our Machine Clothing segment has held a 50 percent interest as partner in a joint venture (“JV”) that supplies paper machine clothing products to local papermakers in Russia. Our consolidated financial statements include our original investment in the entity, plus our share of undistributed earnings or losses, in the account “Other Assets.” In March 2022, we made the decision to cease doing business in Russia, including giving notice to our JV partner of our intent to exit the venture, resulting in our full write-off of the net book value of our investment.
The Company owns 90 percent of the common equity of Albany Safran Composites, LLC (ASC) which is reported within the Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment. Additional information regarding that entity is included in Note 10.
Estimates
Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in the accounting for, among others, revenue recognition, contract profitability, allowances for doubtful accounts, rebates and sales allowances, inventory allowances, financial instruments, including derivatives, pension and other postretirement benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies, income taxes, and other accruals. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions, which are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of any revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
In our Machine Clothing (MC) business segment, we recognize revenue at the point in time when we satisfy our performance obligations related to the manufacture and delivery of products. In our Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) business segment, revenue from most long-term contracts is recognized over time using an input method as the measure of progress. The classification of revenue in excess of progress billings on long-term contracts is included in Contract assets, net, which are rights to consideration that are conditional on something other than the passage of time, such as completion of remaining performance obligations.
We are required to limit our estimate of contract values to the period of the legally enforceable contract. While certain contracts are expected to be profitable over the course of the program life when including expected renewals, our estimate of contract revenues and costs is limited to the estimated value of enforceable rights and obligations, excluding anticipated renewals. This contract period may result in a loss contract provision at contract inception. Expected losses on projects include losses on contract options that are probable of exercise, excluding profitable options that often follow. 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.
Products and services provided under long-term contracts represent a significant portion of sales in the Albany Engineered Composites segment. We have a contract with a major customer for which revenue is recognized under a
cost-plus-fee agreement. We also have fixed price long-term contracts, for which we use the percentage of completion (incurred cost to total 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. The sum of net adjustments to the estimated profitability of long-term contracts increased AEC operating income by $0.5 million, $6.2 million and $9.9 million in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The favorable effects in 2021 and 2020 were largely due to changes in customer demand and to a lesser extent, efficiency improvements during the ramp-up of several programs, and the effects in 2022 were more muted.
Additional accounting policies related to revenue from contracts with customers are set forth in Note 2.
We limit the concentration of credit risk in receivables by closely monitoring credit and collection policies. We record allowances for sales returns as a deduction in the computation of net sales. Such provisions are recorded on the basis of written communication with customers and/or historical experience. Any value added taxes that are imposed on sales transactions are excluded from net sales.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold includes the cost of materials, provisions for obsolete inventories, labor and supplies, shipping and handling costs, depreciation of manufacturing facilities and equipment, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, and other expenses. Cost of goods sold also includes provisions for loss contracts and charges for the write-off of inventories that result from an exit activity.
Selling, General, Administrative, Technical, and Research Expenses
Selling, General, Administrative, Technical, and Research Expenses
Selling, general, administrative, and technical expenses are primarily comprised of wages, incentive compensation, benefits, travel, professional fees, revaluation of trade foreign currency balances, and other costs, and are expensed as incurred. Selling expense includes costs related to contract acquisition and provisions for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. Research expenses are charged to operations as incurred and consist primarily of compensation, supplies, and professional fees incurred in connection with intellectual property. Total company research expense was $31.4 million in 2022, $29.6 million in 2021, and $25.8 million in 2020.
The Albany Engineered Composites segment participates in both company-sponsored, and customer-funded research and development. Some customer-funded research and development may be on a cost-sharing basis and considered to be a collaborative arrangement, in which case both parties are active participants and are exposed to the risks and rewards dependent on the success of the activity. In such cases, amounts charged to the collaborating entity are credited against research and development expense. For customer-funded research and development in which we anticipate funding to exceed expenses, we include amounts charged to the customer in Net sales, while expenses are included in Cost of goods sold.
Restructuring Expense
Restructuring Expense
We may incur expenses related to exiting a line of business or restructuring of our operations, which could include employee termination costs, costs to consolidate or close facilities, or costs to terminate contractual relationships. Restructuring expenses may also include impairment of Property, plant and equipment, as described below under “Property, Plant and Equipment”. Employee termination costs include severance pay and social costs for periods after employee service is completed. Termination costs related to an ongoing benefit arrangement are recognized when the amount becomes probable and estimable. Termination costs related to a one-time benefit arrangement are recognized at the communication date to employees. Costs related to contract termination, relocation of employees, outplacement and the consolidation or the closure of facilities, are recognized when incurred.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences and tax attributes by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable for future years to differences between existing assets and liabilities for financial reporting and income tax return purposes. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred taxes is recognized in
the income tax provision in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established, as needed, to reduce net deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. In the event it becomes more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset valuation allowances will not be needed, the valuation allowance will be adjusted.
In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have determined the amount of the tax benefit to be recognized by estimating the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties have also been recognized. We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
We have not elected to reclassify stranded tax effects from AOCI to retained earnings.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share
Basic net income or loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding during each year. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of all potentially dilutive securities. If we report a net loss from continuing operations, the diluted loss per share is equal to the basic earnings per share calculation.
Translation of Financial Statements
Translation of Financial Statements
Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations are translated at year-end rates of exchange, and the income statement accounts are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are recorded in other comprehensive income and accumulated in Shareholders’ equity in the caption “Translation adjustments”.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses include foreign currency gains and losses resulting from third party balances, such as receivables and payables, which are denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency. Gains or losses resulting from cash and short-term intercompany loans and balances denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency, and foreign currency options are generally included in Other expense, net. Gains and losses on long-term intercompany loans not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded in other comprehensive income.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable includes trade receivables and bank promissory notes. In connection with certain sales in Asia Pacific, 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.
Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 326, Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL), using the effective date (or modified retrospective) approach for transition. Under this transition method, periods prior to 2020 were not restated. The pre-tax cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard was an increase in credit loss reserves of $1.8 million, primarily for Accounts receivable and Contract assets. Including tax effects, Retained earnings was reduced by $1.4 million as a result of transitioning to the CECL standard.

The overarching purpose of the CECL standard is to provide greater transparency and understanding of the Company’s credit risk. This accounting update replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology under previous GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. Under this standard, the Company recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, such as Accounts receivable, Contract assets and Noncurrent receivables. The allowance is determined using a CECL model that is based on an historical average three-year loss rate and is measured by financial asset type on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist, at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses. The estimate reflects the risk of loss due to credit default, even when the risk is remote, and considers available relevant information about the collectability of cash flows, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable expected future economic conditions.
The Company also has Noncurrent receivables in the AEC segment that represent revenue earned which have extended payment terms. The Noncurrent receivables are invoiced to the customer, with 2% interest, over a 10-year period that started in 2020.
See additional information, including accounting policies related to our adoption of the CECL update, set forth in Notes 2 and 11.
Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities
Contract assets includes unbilled amounts typically resulting from sales 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 payment becomes unconditional. Contract liabilities include advance payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized. Contract liabilities are included in Accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Inventories
Inventories
Costs included in inventories are raw materials, labor, supplies and allocable depreciation and overhead. Raw materials inventory is 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. Write-downs of inventories are charged to Cost of goods sold. 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.
See additional information set forth in Notes 2 and 13.
Leases
Leases
We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. A contract is, or contains a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, we assess whether:
The contract involves the use of an identified asset. This may be specified explicitly or implicitly, and should be physically distinct or represent substantially all of the capacity of a physically distinct asset,
The lessee has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period of use, and
The lessee has the right to direct the use of the asset, which is demonstrated when the lessee has decision-making rights that are most relevant to changing how and for what purpose the asset is used.
Judgment is required in the determination of whether a contract contains a lease, the appropriate classification, allocation of consideration, and the determination of the discount rate for the lease. Key estimates and judgments include how the Company determines (1) the discount rate it uses to discount the unpaid lease payments to present value, (2) lease term and (3) lease payments.
We have certain lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For most of these leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component, in accordance with the practical expedient that is available for ongoing accounting. Additionally, for certain other leases, such as for vehicles, we apply a portfolio approach. Such new leases are classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. Expenses related to operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis, while those determined to be finance leases are recognized following a front-loaded expense profile, in which interest and amortization are presented separately in the income statement.
Operating lease ROU assets are included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, while finance lease ROU assets are included in Property, plant, and equipment, net. Lease liabilities for both operating and finance leases are included in Accrued liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
See additional information set forth in Note 20.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost, or if acquired as part of a business combination, at fair value. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets for financial reporting purposes. In some cases, accelerated methods are used for income tax purposes. Significant additions or improvements extending assets’ useful lives are capitalized; normal maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of fully depreciated assets remaining in use is included in the respective asset and accumulated depreciation accounts. When items are sold or retired, related gains or losses are included in net income.
Computer software purchased for internal use, at cost, is amortized on a straight-line basis over five to eight years, depending on the nature of the asset, after being placed into service, and is included in property, plant, and equipment. We capitalize internal and external costs incurred related to the software development stage. Capitalized salaries, travel, and consulting costs related to the software development were immaterial in 2022 and 2021.
We review the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition.
See additional information set forth in Note 14.
Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets
Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets
The assets and liabilities of acquired businesses are recorded under the acquisition method of accounting at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.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. Intangible assets from acquired businesses are recognized at fair value on the acquisition date and consist of customer relationships, customer contracts, technology, intellectual property and other intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually.
We perform an impairment test of our goodwill at least annually in the second quarter or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may be impaired. Such events or changes in circumstances may include a significant deterioration in overall economic conditions, changes in the business climate of our industry, a decline in our market capitalization, operating performance indicators, competition, reorganizations of our business, or the disposal of all or a portion of a reporting unit.
Our goodwill has been allocated to and is tested for impairment at a level referred to as the reporting unit, which is our business segment level or a level below the business segment. The level at which we test goodwill for impairment requires us to determine whether the operations below the business segment constitute a self-sustaining business for which discrete financial information is available and segment management regularly reviews the operating results.
We may use qualitative or quantitative approaches when testing goodwill for impairment. When we use the qualitative approach, we perform a qualitative evaluation of events and circumstances impacting the reporting unit to determine the likelihood of goodwill impairment. Based on that qualitative evaluation, if we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, no further evaluation is necessary. Otherwise, we perform a quantitative impairment test. To perform the quantitative impairment test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, a goodwill impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
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. 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. Under the income approach, we determine fair value based on estimated future cash flows of each reporting unit, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of a reporting unit and the rate of return an outside investor would expect to earn.

In the second quarter of 2022, 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.
Impairment assessments inherently involve management judgments regarding a number of assumptions such as those described above. Due to the many variables inherent in the estimation of a reporting unit’s fair value and the relative size of our recorded goodwill, differences in assumptions could have a material effect on the estimated fair value of one or more of our reporting units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period. See additional information set forth in Note 18.
For some AEC contracts, we perform pre-production or nonrecurring engineering services. These costs are normally considered a fulfillment activity, rather than a performance obligation. Fulfillment activities that create resources that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future, and are expected to be recovered, are capitalized to Other assets, which is classified as a noncurrent asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The capitalized costs are amortized into Cost of goods sold over the period over which the asset is expected to contribute to future cash flows, which includes anticipated renewal periods.
Included in Other assets is $16.2 million in 2022 and $32.5 million in 2021 for defined benefit pension plans where plan assets exceed the projected benefit obligations. Other assets also includes financial assets of $0.6 million in 2022 and $0.7 million in 2021. See additional information set forth in Note 18.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation
We have incentive compensation plans that authorize the issuance of stock-based awards for key employees, which are designed to reward short and long-term contributions and provide incentives for recipients to remain with the Company. We issue stock-based awards in the form of restricted stock units and performance stock units that generally vest between one and five years from the grant date and can be settled in cash or shares. Expenses associated with these awards are recognized over each respective vesting period. Liability based awards are settled in cash, while equity based awards are settled in stock. See additional information for stock-based compensation plans in Note 22.
Unexercised options generally terminate twenty years after the date of grant for all plans, and must be exercised within ten years of retirement. We recognized no stock option expense during 2022, 2021, or 2020 and there are currently no remaining unvested options for which stock-option compensation costs will be recognized in future periods. No stock options have been granted since 2002.
Derivatives
Derivatives
We use derivatives from time to time to reduce potentially large adverse effects from changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. We monitor our exposure to these risks and evaluate, on an ongoing basis, the risk of potentially large adverse effects versus the costs associated with hedging such risks.
We may use interest rate swaps in the management of interest rate exposures and foreign currency derivatives in the management of foreign currency exposure related to assets and liabilities (including net investments in subsidiaries located outside the U.S.) denominated in foreign currencies. When we enter into a derivative contract, we make a determination whether the transaction is deemed to be a hedge for accounting purposes. For those contracts deemed to be a hedge, we formally document the relationship between the derivative instrument and the risk being hedged. In this documentation, we specifically identify the asset, liability, forecasted transaction, cash flow, or net investment that has been designated as the hedged item, and evaluate whether the derivative instrument is expected to reduce the risks associated with the hedged item. To the extent these criteria are not met, we do not use hedge accounting for the derivative.
All derivative contracts are recorded at fair value, as a net asset or a net liability. Changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. For transactions that are designated as hedges, we perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge. We measure the effectiveness of hedging relationships both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The related gains and losses of derivative instruments, including those designated in hedge accounting relationships, are included as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
For derivatives that are designated and qualify as hedges of net investments in subsidiaries located outside the United States, changes in the fair value of derivatives are reported in other comprehensive income as part of Translation adjustments.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
As described in Note 4, we have pension and postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees. Our Pension Plus Plan in the United States was settled during the third quarter of 2022.This was a qualified defined benefit pension plan that was previously terminated in the third quarter of 2021, and prior to that point was closed to new participants and had frozen accrual of benefits.
We have liabilities for postretirement benefits in the U.S. and Canada. A majority of the liability relates to the U.S. plan. Effective January 2005, our postretirement benefit plan in the U.S. was closed to new participants, except for certain life insurance benefits. In September 2008, we changed the cost sharing arrangement under this program
such that increases in health care costs are the responsibility of plan participants and, in August 2013, we reduced the life insurance benefit for retirees and eliminated that benefit for active employees.
The pension plans are generally trusteed or insured, and accrued amounts are funded as required in accordance with governing laws and regulations. The annual expense and liabilities recognized for defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and expected return on plan assets, which are updated on an annual basis. We consider current market conditions, including changes in interest rates, in making these assumptions. Discount rate assumptions are based on the population of plan participants and a mixture of high-quality fixed-income investments with durations that match expected future payments. The assumption for expected return on plan assets is based on historical and expected returns on various categories of plan assets.
Government Grants
Government Grants
The Company recognizes government grants only when there is reasonable assurance that we will comply with the conditions attached to them and the grants will be received. Government grants are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a systematic basis over the periods in which we recognize as expenses the related costs for which the grants are intended to compensate. A government grant that becomes receivable as compensation for expenses or losses already incurred or for the purpose of giving immediate financial support with no future related costs is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income of the period in which it becomes receivable.
During the third quarter of 2021, the Company was awarded an Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program ("AMJP") grant of $5.8 million, under the American Rescue Plan of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The AMJP grant is an income related grant, the purpose of which is to provide payroll assistance to eligible U.S. aircraft manufacturing/repair businesses who were impacted due to the COVID-19 downturn during 2020. In order to receive the grant, AEC was required to make several commitments, including a commitment that the company would not involuntarily furlough or lay-off employees within this segment during the period the grant was intended to cover. All conditions were met and the Company recognized $5.8 million in its Consolidated Statements of Income for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Company received $2.9 million in cash during 2021 and the remainder during 2022 and reflected cash received as an operating activity within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows over the periods cash was received.
Subsequent Events
Subsequent Events
We review for subsequent events up through the date when our consolidated financial statements are available for issuance.