Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Accounting Policies

1. Accounting Policies

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. We have a 50 percent interest in an entity in Russia. The consolidated financial statements include our original investment in the entity, plus our share of undistributed earnings or losses, in the account “Other Assets.”

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

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 accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, contract profitability, allowances for doubtful accounts, rebates and sales allowances, inventory allowances, pension benefits, goodwill and intangible assets, contingencies, income tax related balances, 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

For sales that are recognized at a point in time, we record sales when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has been transferred, the selling price is fixed, and collectability is reasonably assured. We include in revenue any amounts invoiced for shipping and handling. The timing of revenue recognition is dependent upon the contractual arrangement with customers. These arrangements, which may include provisions for transfer of title and guarantees of workmanship, are specific to each customer. Some of these contracts provide for a transfer of title upon delivery, or upon reaching a specific date, while other contracts provide for title transfer to occur upon consumption of the product.

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 a defined profit margin. We also have fixed price long-term contracts, for which we use the percentage of completion method (actual cost to estimated cost, or units of delivery). Accounting for long-term contracts 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. In the second quarter of 2017, we recorded a $15.8 million charge to Cost of goods sold related to revisions on estimated profitability of our BR 725 and A380 programs, which included the write-off of $4.0 million of program inventory costs and a reserve of $11.8 million for additional anticipated losses. Later in 2017, we amended a long-term agreement with a licensor for the A380 program that resulted in a reduction to Cost of goods sold of $4.9 million. In 2015, we recorded a $14.0 million charge on our BR 725 contract, which included the write-off of $10.9 million of deferred contract costs and a reserve of $3.1 million for additional anticipated losses. Changes in estimates on contracts other than the profitability changes noted above, decreased gross profit by $0.6 million in 2017, increased gross profit by $1.5 million in 2016, and increased gross profit by $0.4 million in 2015. The Company includes contractual change orders and claims in the estimated value of customer contracts when there is a legal basis for such items and recovery is probable. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the value of change orders and claims that was included in estimated contract value was not significant. For contracts with anticipated losses at completion, 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 that are treated as period expenses.

For programs in which we use the units of delivery method, there are generally two phases: a phase during which the production part is designed and tested, and a phase of supplying production parts. Certain costs are capitalized during the first phase, such as costs for engineering, equipment, and inventory, where recovery is probable. Revenue is recognized during the second phase, as parts are delivered. Accumulated capitalized costs are written off when those costs are determined to be unrecoverable.

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 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, and technical expenses are primarily comprised of wages, benefits, travel, professional fees, revaluation of trade foreign currency balances, and other costs, and are expensed as incurred. Selling expense includes provisions for bad debts and costs related to contract acquisition. 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 $30.7 million in 2017, $28.8 million in 2016, $31.7 million in 2015.

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 be considered 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 customer are credited against research and development expense. While no such arrangements existed during the last three years, we may enter into such arrangements in the future. 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

We may incur expenses related to 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. Employee termination costs include the 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

Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences 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.

Earnings Per Share

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 is equal to the basic earnings per share calculation.

Translation of Financial Statements

Assets and liabilities of non-U.S. operations are translated at year-end rates of exchange, and the income statements are translated at average exchange rates. Gains or losses resulting from translating non-U.S. currency financial statements 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 local currency. Gains or losses resulting from cash and short-term intercompany loans and balances denominated in a currency other than the entity’s local currency, and foreign currency options are generally included in Other expense/(income), net. Gains and losses on long-term intercompany loans not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future are recorded in other comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized in the income statement:

(in thousands)	2017	2016	2015
Losses/(gains) included in:
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	$4,127	($381)	(5,090)
Other expense/(income), net	4,634	(3,532)	1,496
Total transaction losses/(gains)	$8,761	($3,913)	($3,594)

The following table presents foreign currency gains and losses on long-term intercompany loans that were recognized in Other comprehensive income:

(in thousands)	2017	2016	2015
Gain/(loss) on long-term intercompany loans	$1,867	$3,515	($5,225)

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

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

(in thousands)	2017		2016
Trade and other accounts receivable	$152,375		$146,460
Bank promissory notes	20,255		15,759
Revenue in excess of progress billings	37,964		15,926
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(7,919	)	(6,952	)
Total accounts receivable	$202,675		$171,193

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.

The Company also has Contract receivables that are included in noncurrent assets, which represent revenue earned in 2017 and 2016. The Contract receivables will be invoiced to the customer, with 2 percent interest, over a 10 year period starting in 2020.

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 inventories for estimated obsolescence, and to the lower of cost or net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand or market conditions are less favorable than those projected by the Company, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Once established, the original cost of the inventory less the related write-down represents the new cost basis of such inventories. The AEC segment has long-term contracts under which we incur engineering and development costs that are allocable to parts that will be delivered over multiple years. These costs are included in Work in process in the table below.

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

(in thousands)	2017	2016
Raw materials	$42,215	$37,691
Work in process	65,448	58,715
Finished goods	28,856	37,500
Total inventories	$136,519	$133,906

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 amounted to $1.2 million in both 2017 and 2016.

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.

Goodwill, Intangibles, and Other Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. Our reportable segments are consistent with our operating segments. See additional information set forth under Note 12.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value and amortized to Cost of goods sold or Selling, general and administrative expenses over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We review amortizable intangible asset groups for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.

We have an investment in a company in Russia that is accounted for under the equity method of accounting and is included in Other assets, amounting to $0.5 million in 2017 and $0.4 million in 2016. We perform regular reviews of the financial condition of the investee to determine if our investment is other than temporarily impaired. If the financial condition of the investee were to no longer support their valuation, we would record an impairment provision.

Included in Other assets is $16.2 million in 2017 and $7.8 million in 2016 for defined benefit pension plans where plan assets exceed the projected benefit obligations. Other assets also includes financial assets of $1.3 million in 2017 and $6.5 million in 2016 (see Note 15).

Stock-Based Compensation

We have stock-based compensation plans for key employees. Stock options are accounted for in accordance with applicable guidance for the modified prospective transition method of share-based payments. No options have been granted since 2002. See additional information set forth under Note 18.

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 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. For transactions that are designated as hedges, we perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of the hedge. To the extent that the hedge is effective, changes in the fair value of the hedge are recorded, net of tax, in other comprehensive income. We measure the effectiveness of hedging relationships both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The ineffective portion of a hedge, if any, and changes in the fair value of a derivative not deemed to be a hedge, are recorded in Other expense/(income), net.

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 the Cumulative translation adjustment.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans

As described in Note 4, we have pension and postretirement benefit plans covering substantially all employees. Our defined benefit pension plan in the United States was closed to new participants as of October 1998 and, as of February 2009, benefits accrued under this plan were frozen. We have liabilities for postretirement benefits in the U.S. and Canada. Substantially all 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 for 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, an accounting update was issued that replaces the existing revenue recognition framework regarding contracts with customers. We adopted the standard effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method for transition, under which, years prior to 2018 will not be restated. In our Machine Clothing segment, we currently record revenue for the sale of a product when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, title has been transferred, the selling price is fixed, and collectability is reasonably assured. In this segment, we often have contracts with customers whereby the Company satisfies its performance obligation related to the manufacture and delivery of a product before title has transferred to the customer. Under the new accounting standard, this will result in earlier recognition of revenue associated with these contracts. The selling price of products may include a performance obligation to provide certain support services for no additional cost. We have substantially completed our assessment as to how the new standard effects the Machine Clothing contracts. When we adopt the new standard, we expect to allocate a portion of the associated revenue to such services. We currently estimate less than 5% of revenue will be allocated to such services. While we currently expect that the timing of revenue recognition and the line-item description of Machine Clothing revenue will be affected by the new standard, we do not expect total annual Machine Clothing revenue to be significantly affected. We have also substantially completed our assessment as to how the new standard affects contracts in the Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) segment. Due to the complexity and variability of certain of our AEC contracts, the actual accounting treatment required under the new standard for these arrangements is dependent on contract-specific terms and therefore may vary. A significant change that we anticipate relates to our use of the units-of-delivery method for some long-term contracts, which is considered an output method. Under the new standard, we expect that revenue for most of these contracts will be recognized over time using an input method as the measure of progress, which is expected to result in earlier recognition of revenue. In addition, any expected losses on a project will be recorded in full in the period in which they become probable, which we expect will include losses on requirement contract options that are probable of exercise, excluding profitable options that often follow. Under the new standard, we will be required to limit our estimate of contract value to the period of the legally enforceable contract, which may be considerably shorter than the contract period used under the former standard. Some master contracts in this segment do not contain minimum order quantities and have fixed unit selling prices throughout the contract. Such arrangements could lead to lower profitability or losses in the early portion of the performance period. We are currently evaluating the full effect the new standard will have on our financial statements in order to quantify the cumulative effect of adopting the new standard. In Machine Clothing, we expect that the transition adjustment to the new standard will result in an increase to Accounts receivable, a decrease to Inventories, and an increase to Retained earnings. In AEC, we expect the transition adjustment will result in the reclassification of contract-related receivables from Accounts receivable to Contract assets (a new current asset), an increase to Accrued liabilities, and decreases to Inventories and Retained earnings. The new standard will also require some additional footnote disclosures, including footnote disclosure of 2018 results under the former standard. During 2017, the Company implemented controls designed to properly assess the impact of the new standard on existing customer contracts and, for 2018, we are implementing new controls and modifying other controls, to ensure accurate reporting under the new standard.

In January 2016, an accounting update was issued which requires entities to present separately in Other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk if the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.

In February 2016, an accounting update was issued which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. The update may significantly increase reported assets and liabilities. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact of this update on our financial statements.

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

-As a result of the change affecting cash payments of taxes in lieu of share issuance, operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were increased $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and financing cash flows were decreased by the same amount.

-As a result of the change affecting classification of excess tax benefits, operating cash flows were increased $0.1 million and financing cash flows were decreased by the same amount in the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

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

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

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

In January 2017, an accounting update was issued which simplifies the process for determining the amount of goodwill impairment. This accounting update is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. We are presently unable to determine the effect that the update will have on our financial statements.

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

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

In August 2017, an accounting update was issued that will make more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting. It also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. It is intended to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies, simplify the application of hedge accounting, and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedging programs. This accounting update is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this update to have a significant effect on our financial statements.