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U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 8-K

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

Date of Report: April 24, 2003
(Date of earliest event reported)

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
  0-16214
(Commission
file number)
  14-0462060
(IRS employer
identification no.)


1373 Broadway, Albany, New York 12204
(518) 445-2200
(Address and telephone number of the registrant's principal executive offices)




Item 9.    Information Provided Under Item 12 (Results of Operations and Financial Condition)

        The following information is furnished pursuant to Item 12, "Disclosure of Results of Operations and Financial Condition."

        On April 24, 2003, Albany International issued a news release announcing its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2003. A copy of the news release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.



Signature

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

    ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.

 

 

By:

/s/  
MICHAEL C. NAHL      
Name:  Michael C. Nahl
Title:    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 24, 2003



Index to Exhibits

Exhibit Number

  Description of Document

99.1   News release, dated April 24, 2003 issued by Albany International Corp.



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Exhibit 99.1

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS FIRST-QUARTER 2003
EARNINGS OF 65 CENTS PER SHARE

First-Quarter Highlights

        Albany, New York, April 24, 2003—Albany International Corp. (NYSE/PCX/FWB: AIN) reported first-quarter net income per share of $0.65, which included a favorable adjustment of $0.16 per share related to the resolution of certain income tax matters. This compares to net income per share of $0.10 in the same period last year. Excluding the effect of the favorable adjustment to income tax expense in 2003 and the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in 2002, first-quarter earnings per share were $0.49 in 2003 and $0.28 in 2002. Net income per share for the first quarter of 2002 included a charge of $0.18 related to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."

        Net sales increased $18.6 million, or 9.7 percent compared to the same period last year. Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates, net sales increased 2.6 percent.

        Gross profit was 42.5 percent of net sales in the first quarter of 2003, compared to 42.0 percent in the first quarter of 2002.

        Selling, technical, general, and research expenses increased 6.3 percent compared to the same period last year, but decreased 1.2 percent excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates.

        Operating income was $27.7 million, an increase of $5.4 million, or 24.2 percent, over the first quarter of last year. The increase is due principally to higher sales and the impact of cost reduction initiatives. Changes in currency translation rates had a negligible effect on total operating income during the quarter.

        Other expense, net, was $1.2 million for the quarter, compared to $4.4 million in the first quarter of 2002. The decrease is due principally to the remeasurement of intercompany balances at operations that held amounts denominated in currencies other than their local currency.

        Income tax expense was $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2003, a decrease of $3.2 million from the first quarter of 2002. The decrease is due in part to a reduction of the estimated effective income tax rate from 35 percent in the first quarter of 2002 to 30 percent in the first quarter of 2003, a reduction that was anticipated as stated in the Company's previous earnings announcement. The lower tax rate had the effect of increasing earnings by $0.03 per share. In addition, the Company received notification of the final resolution regarding certain income tax matters, which resulted in a reduction to first-quarter 2003 tax expense of $5.2 million, or $0.16 per share.

Comments on Operations

        Chairman and CEO Frank Schmeler commented, "Although the markets we serve remained sluggish, the Company improved first-quarter results, largely due to the impact of our cost reduction efforts and favorable shifts in product mix, resulting in part from the introduction of the Albany Value



Concept. An early benefit of the Albany Value Concept, a business strategy designed to deliver economic value to our customers, is a clear shift to higher value Albany products and services.

        "Cash flow was strong in the first quarter of 2003. Net cash provided by operating activities was $32.3 million, compared to $7.8 million in the first quarter of 2002. The increase is due principally to higher net income, which included $5.2 million of a $6.1 million cash refund associated with the favorable resolution of certain tax matters. Accounts receivable decreased $0.6 million, and $4.5 million when changes in currency translation rate effects are excluded. Inventories increased $5.0 million, and $2.3 million excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates.

Engineered Fabrics

        "First-quarter 2003 net sales for the Engineered Fabrics segment increased 9.3 percent as compared to the same period last year. Excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates, net sales were 3.0 percent higher than the first quarter of 2002. On a global basis, paper and paperboard operating rates, one measure of industry trends, remained unchanged with only selected regional improvements. Sales improvements were due principally to shifts in product mix.

        "As paper and paperboard companies look to improve their operations, we are introducing new products that help our customers improve the efficiency of their operations and the quality of their products. By documenting improvements, we encourage customers to focus on their major cost drivers, which include fiber, energy, and chemicals, and to work with us to direct our new product development in meaningful ways.

        "In addition to the cost reduction efforts that positively impacted the first quarter, further efficiency improvements were initiated in the quarter, and future cost reduction remains a high priority.

Albany Door Systems

        "Results of our Albany Door Systems segment continue to be negatively affected by slow economies, leading to decreased capital spending by our customers in the U.S. and Europe. Net sales increased 14 percent as compared to the same period last year. However, net sales declined 2.2 percent excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates. Despite the economic slowdown, we had positive gains in manufacturing efficiencies and the elimination of low-margin products during the quarter. These gains should have a positive effect on our results when the economies strengthen.

Applied Technologies

        "In spite of the weak global business climate, net sales in the Applied Technologies segment during the quarter increased 7.6 percent, and 5.8 percent excluding the effect of changes in currency translation rates as compared to the same period last year. Improved sales and the effect of cost reduction initiatives positively impacted earnings in the first quarter.

        "Sales of PrimaLoft® synthetic down insulation for outerwear and home furnishings increased in the U.S. and Europe. Our European market penetration is increasing, as PrimaLoft production within Europe is now fully operational. In addition, the tannery and textile fabrics and Techniweave businesses reported sales gains."

Looking Ahead

        Mr. Schmeler continued, "Global economic uncertainties created a difficult operating environment in the quarter. While we see improvements in selected markets, we do not yet see sustained global improvement for our customers. As a result, we will continue to focus on areas within our control and prepare our businesses for eventual economic recovery.

        "Our employees are using the Albany Value Concept to match our products and services to our customers' needs. We believe this approach can favorably impact our customers' operational efficiency



and overall product quality, while ultimately improving their earnings. Helping our customers remain successful is essential to our future and should improve returns to our shareholders.

        "Improvements in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and new product development remain a high priority and contributed to our first-quarter results. The $30 million cost reduction initiative announced in January 2003 resulted in restructuring charges of approximately $0.8 million during the first quarter. We expect similar restructuring charges in the next quarter and substantially higher restructuring charges in the second half of 2003. The initiative will be completed by mid-year 2004 as anticipated.

        "We thank our employees for their contributions during the first quarter, as we strive to deliver greater value to our customers and shareholders."

        The Company plans a live webcast to discuss first-quarter 2003 earnings today at 1:00 p.m. EDT. For access, go to www.albint.com.

        Albany International is the world's largest producer of paper machine clothing and high-performance doors, with manufacturing plants in 15 countries and sales worldwide. Additional information about the Company's businesses and products is available at www.albint.com.

        This release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Such measures are provided because management believes that, when presented together with the GAAP items to which they relate, they can provide additional useful information to investors regarding the registrant's financial condition and results of operations.

        The effect of changes in currency translation rates is calculated by converting amounts reported in local currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of a prior period. That amount is then compared to the U.S. dollar amount reported in the current period.

        Forward-looking statements in this release or in the webcast, including statements about future sales, earnings, pricing, markets, cost reductions, new products and process improvements, paper industry consolidation and outlook, inventory and accounts receivable reduction, capital expenditures, tax rates, depreciation, and amortization, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic conditions affecting the paper industry and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the Company's 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

# # #




ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
(unaudited)


(in thousands except per share data)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2003
  2002
 
Net sales   $ 210,413   $ 191,786  
Cost of goods sold     120,919     111,327  
   
 
 
Gross profit     89,494     80,459  
  Selling, technical, general and research expenses     61,788     58,147  
   
 
 
Operating income     27,706     22,312  
  Interest expense, net     3,871     4,427  
  Other expense, net     1,209     4,353  
   
 
 
Income before income taxes     22,626     13,532  
  Income taxes     1,545     4,736  
   
 
 
Income before associated companies     21,081     8,796  
  Equity in (losses)/earnings of associated companies     (88 )   78  
   
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     20,993     8,874  

Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of taxes

 

 


 

 

(5,837

)
   
 
 
Net income     20,993     3,037  

Retained earnings, beginning of period

 

 

387,609

 

 

345,273

 
Dividends declared     (1,783 )   (1,587 )
   
 
 

Retained earnings, end of period

 

$

406,819

 

$

346,723

 
   
 
 
Earnings per share—basic:              
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ 0.65   $ 0.28  
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     0.00     (0.18 )
   
 
 
  Net income   $ 0.65   $ 0.10  
   
 
 

Earnings per share—diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ 0.64   $ 0.27  
  Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     0.00     (0.18 )
   
 
 
  Net income   $ 0.64   $ 0.09  
   
 
 

Average number of shares used in basic earnings per share computations

 

 

32,438

 

 

31,608

 
Average number of shares used in diluted earnings per share computations     32,857     32,282  

Dividends per share

 

$

0.055

 

$

0.05

 

4



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

 
  March 31,
2003

  December 31,
2002

 
 
  (unaudited)

   
 
ASSETS
       
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 38,394   $ 18,799  
  Accounts receivable, net     134,711     135,339  
  Note receivable     22,709     20,075  
  Inventories:              
    Finished goods     90,570     90,766  
    Work in process     47,731     44,763  
    Raw material and supplies     30,800     28,534  
   
 
 
      169,101     164,063  
  Deferred taxes     33,558     43,439  
  Prepaid expenses     9,353     7,173  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     407,826     388,888  
  Property, plant and equipment, net     347,761     346,073  
  Investments in associated companies     4,867     4,849  
  Intangibles     16,304     16,274  
  Goodwill     140,886     137,146  
  Deferred taxes     66,661     65,574  
  Other assets     52,111     52,717  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 1,036,416   $ 1,011,521  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
       
  Notes and loans payable   $ 17,425   $ 12,224  
  Accounts payable     32,720     39,624  
  Accrued liabilities     98,134     101,510  
  Current maturities of long-term debt     1,064     1,914  
  Income taxes payable and deferred     32,030     31,222  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     181,373     186,494  
  Long-term debt     216,656     221,703  
  Other noncurrent liabilities     170,240     168,765  
  Deferred taxes and other credits     33,714     33,961  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     601,983     610,923  
   
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY              
  Preferred stock, par value $5.00 per share; authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued          
  Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 30,153,486 in 2003 and 28,983,057 in 2002     30     29  
  Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,552,293 in 2003 and 5,607,576 in 2002     5     6  
  Additional paid in capital     258,124     255,484  
  Retained earnings     406,819     387,609  
  Accumulated items of other comprehensive income:              
    Translation adjustments     (136,545 )   (147,400 )
    Derivative valuation adjustment     (12,462 )   (13,592 )
    Pension liability adjustment     (35,962 )   (35,962 )
   
 
 
      480,009     446,174  
  Less treasury stock (Class A), at cost (2,193,793 shares in 2003 and 2002)     45,576     45,576  
   
 
 
    Total shareholders' equity     434,433     400,598  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 1,036,416   $ 1,011,521  
   
 
 

5



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

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,

 
 
  2003
  2002
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES              
Net income   $ 20,993   $ 3,037  
Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by operating activities:              
  Equity in losses (earnings) of associated companies     88     (78 )
  Depreciation     12,517     11,482  
  Amortization     1,267     1,196  
  Provision for deferred income taxes, other credits and long-term liabilities     7,358     (467 )
  Provision for impairment of goodwill         5,837  
  Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance, net of premiums paid     (600 )   (660 )
  Unrealized currency transaction (gains)/losses     (1,117 )   2,119  
  (Gain)/Loss on disposition of assets     (831 )   3  
  Shares contributed to ESOP     2,589     1,812  
  Tax benefit of options exercised     8     885  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:              
  Accounts receivable     5,924     (1,238 )
  Sale of accounts receivable     (350 )   (547 )
  Note receivable     (2,635 )   1,041  
  Inventories     (2,308 )   (1,993 )
  Prepaid expenses     (2,180 )   (2,551 )
  Accounts payable     (6,904 )   (12,427 )
  Accrued liabilities     (3,375 )   (3,298 )
  Income taxes payable     808     1,151  
  Other, net     1,003     2,446  
   
 
 
  Net cash provided by operating activities     32,255     7,750  
   
 
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES              
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment     (9,410 )   (5,089 )
  Purchased software     (175 )   (58 )
  Proceeds from sale of assets     1,156      
   
 
 
  Net cash used in investing activities     (8,429 )   (5,147 )
   
 
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES              
  Proceeds from borrowings     17,424     19,344  
  Principal payments on debt     (18,424 )   (30,652 )
  Proceeds from options exercised     42     10,743  
  Dividends paid     (1,783 )   (1,587 )
   
 
 
  Net cash used in financing activities     (2,741 )   (2,152 )
   
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash flows     (1,490 )   2,683  
   
 
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents     19,595     3,134  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     18,799     6,153  
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 38,394   $ 9,287  
   
 
 

6




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ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS (unaudited) (in thousands except per share data)
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except share data)
ALBANY INTERNATIONAL CORP. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (in thousands)